A present contains a monstrous secret.An uninvited guest haunts a Christmas party.A shadow slips across the floor by firelight.A festive entertainment ends in darkness and screams.Who knows what haunts the night at the dark point of the year? This collection of seasonal chillers looks beneath Christmas cheer to a world of ghosts and horrors, mixing terrifying modern fiction with classic stories by masters of the macabre. From Neil Gaiman and M. R. James to Muri...

A third selection of vintage Victorian and Edwardian ghost and horror stories by masters of the genre. Set during the Christmas period, these are perfect festive reading for long winter nights...

Twenty ghostly tales from the supernatural masters of the Victorian age.Wimbourne Books presents the second in a series of rare or out-of-print ghost stories from Victorian authors. With an introduction by author Alastair Gunn, Volume 2 in the series spans the years 1836 to 1899, contains ghost stories set at or around Christmas, and includes stories from a wide range of authors including Charles Dickens, Amelia B. Edwards and Louisa May Alcott. Readers new to thi...

The fourth in a new series of classic detective stories from the vaults of HarperCollins involves a tragic accident during a shooting party. As the story switches between Paris and Hampshire, the possibility of it not being an accident seems to grow more likely.“The Detective Story Club”, launched by Collins in 1929, was a clearing house for the best and most ingenious crime stories of the age, chosen by a select committee of experts. Now, almost 90 years later, these books are the...

Bernard Capes was celebrated as one of the most prolific authors of the late Victorian period, producing dozens of short stories, articles, and more than forty novels across multiple genres, culminating in the first original crime novel published by Collins, The Skeleton Key.Bernard Capes was celebrated as one of the most prolific authors of the late Victorian period, producing dozens of short stories, articles, and more than forty novels across multiple genres, culminating in the ...

"Where England Sets Her Feet," Capes likely presents a romantic narrative set against a backdrop of historical or geographical significance. The title suggests that the novel may explore themes of patriotism, adventure, and love intertwined with a sense of national identity.The story may follow the lives of characters who are caught up in the currents of history, perhaps during a time of colonial expansion or political upheaval. As they navigate their personal relationships and aspirations...

Throughout the long centuries of human history is the want, and the need, to share information, to exchange ideas and for that knowledge and experience, for curiosity and learning, to be the basis of a civil society.In literature the ambition is much narrower. In order to be known, to be popular, you had to be published. And for that people had to know you existed and your ideas worth reading. Obviously for most of humanity’s time people couldn’t read and texts couldn’t be publishe...

Unfortunately, specific details regarding the plot of "The Mill of Silence" are not readily available. However, Capes was recognized for his ability to create eerie atmospheres and intriguing plots within his stories, often incorporating elements of mystery, suspense, and the supernatural.The title itself suggests a setting or motif associated with silence, possibly hinting at a remote or isolated location such as a mill, where mysterious or unsettling events might take place. Capes' works...

In "The Secret in the Hill," Bernard Capes weaves a compelling narrative that blends elements of mystery and psychological drama against a backdrop of early 20th-century English countryside. The novel is characterized by its richly descriptive prose and intricate character development, effectively drawing readers into a world where the landscape holds both beauty and dark secrets. Capes skillfully employs an atmosphere filled with tension, using both the physical hill and the secrets it co...

"Our Lady of Darkness" is a chilling tale set in the English countryside, where a series of mysterious and disturbing events unfold. The story centers around the inhabitants of a small village, who find themselves plagued by unexplained occurrences and strange sightings that seem to defy rational explanation.As the plot unfolds, the villagers become increasingly unsettled and fearful, as rumors spread of a malevolent presence haunting the nearby woods. Among the villagers is a young woman ...

Bag and Baggage by Bernard Capes is an engaging work of fiction that combines humor, adventure, and keen social observation in a story filled with unexpected encounters and memorable characters. Known for his versatility as a storyteller, Capes crafts a lively narrative that explores the journeys people undertake—both physical and personal—as they navigate changing circumstances and unforeseen challenges. The novel follows characters whose paths intersect through travel, coincidence, and t...

Protagonist: Jack Ritherdon is the central character, an Englishman whose adventures and romantic pursuits drive the narrative. His character is marked by bravery, curiosity, and a sense of justice.Setting: The novel is set in Italy during a tumultuous period, likely the 19th century when Italy was undergoing significant political changes. The Italian landscape, culture, and the political climate are vividly depicted, providing a rich backdrop for the story.Romance and Adventure: The plot ...