Review of 'Tales Of Mystery And The Macabre' on 'Goodreads'
3 stars
Really 3.5. Maybe even 3.75. 3.85?
This is, as with all short story collections, a mixed bag. Most are enjoyable; but the last four (starting with "The Ghost in the Garden Room") really dragged for me.
Overall, however, this is an enjoyable anthology of creepy stories. Many reviewers seem put out that there aren't a lot of ghosts in these stories. They're right; there aren't. However, the volume is titled Tales of Mystery and the Macabre, and to that end the stories contained are extremely effective: atmospheric, colorful, tightly plotted, with memorable and highly varied characters. Sometimes the "macabre" element is merely a misconception on the part of one character regarding another. Sometimes it is truly supernatural. Sometimes the story is simply a straight mystery. So, if you're looking for a collection of Victorian ghost stories, then this ain't it. But if you want a well-written bunch of spooky stories, …
Really 3.5. Maybe even 3.75. 3.85?
This is, as with all short story collections, a mixed bag. Most are enjoyable; but the last four (starting with "The Ghost in the Garden Room") really dragged for me.
Overall, however, this is an enjoyable anthology of creepy stories. Many reviewers seem put out that there aren't a lot of ghosts in these stories. They're right; there aren't. However, the volume is titled Tales of Mystery and the Macabre, and to that end the stories contained are extremely effective: atmospheric, colorful, tightly plotted, with memorable and highly varied characters. Sometimes the "macabre" element is merely a misconception on the part of one character regarding another. Sometimes it is truly supernatural. Sometimes the story is simply a straight mystery. So, if you're looking for a collection of Victorian ghost stories, then this ain't it. But if you want a well-written bunch of spooky stories, look no further.
This book is my introduction to Gaskell. I look forward to reading more.