Ghost Stories: Stephen Fry's Definitive Collection by Stephen Fry


The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving

Easily one of my favorite stories of the spooky tradition. And yes, it IS superior to the movies, with the minor exception of a certain dog named Snoopy.



Lost Hearts by M.R. James

No matter the age, the old always seem to want to consume the young. :)



Was It an Illusion? By Amelia B. Edwards

I know this is a classic, having read it many times in many anthologies, but it still holds up for the most part. The whole seeing visions, uncovering secrets, is seriously old-school. Just like this tale.



The Body Snatcher by Robert Louis Stevenson

This is an old-time favorite for me. Robert Louis Stevenson really rocks a good story, novel, anything. Of course, when it comes to this particular profession, I LOVE the turnabout. :)


The Empty House by Algernon Blackwood

Little old ladies challenging a grown damn man to a battle of nerves. :) Muahahahaha



William Wilson by Edgar Allan Poe

I'm a big fan of the doppelganger story, so this was a (repeated) treat for me. No spoilers, but if you haven't heard of Poe yet... shame on you.


The Open Door by Charlotte Riddell

The mystery takes the front row seat on this one. It has decent atmosphere, even if it doesn't reach the heights of the others in this collection, but I have to admit that Poltergeist spoiled me.


The Judge’s House by Bram Stoker

Fantastically creepy. Don't be fooled with Bram Stoker. He ain't no one-hit wonder. That rope... so delicious. Don't -- or can't -- sleep on this one. :)



I admit it, I re-read all of these primarily because Fry read them to me. But after getting through them all again, I'm just as happy to revisit all these classics. Totally worth it.



Personal note:
If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to DM requests. I think it's about time I get some eyes on them.

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