Tag Archives: The Mammoth Book of Ghost Stories by Women

The Lost Ghost by Mary E. Wilkins-Freeman

Book Review, , ,
Overview
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Title: The Lost Ghost
Author: Mary E. Wilkins-Freeman
In: The Mammoth Book of Ghost Stories by Women (Marie O’Regan)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Ghosts, Horror
Dates read: 3rd November 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 1903
5th sentence, 74th page: “I never eard anything like it in my life,” said Mrs Emerson, staring at the other woman with awestruck eyes.

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Synopsis

Two old gossips talk about the old house that finally has some new occupants. And the little, lost girl who used to spend her time there…

Thoughts

I’m not sure why, but there is always something a little bit extra creepy about children ghosts. They give me the absolute heebie geebies. Kind of like porcelain dolls. So any short story that features the creepy little demon children, I’m going to get the horrible goosebumps. Alright, this wasn’t the most horrifying story which features child ghosts in this collection, but it was still pretty damn creepy.

Although the ending to this short story was still pretty creepy, it was also kind of cute. And sweet. Or I’m just one seriously messed up woman. After all, the lost ghost leads another lost soul off into the sunset, and it feels like neither one is so lonely anymore.

This is most definitely a short story that I’m going to read again! It was everything that a ghost story should be. But with a less tragic ending.

<- The Madam of the Narrow HousesThe Ninth Witch ->

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The Madam of the Narrow Houses by Caitlin R. Kiernan

Book Review, , ,
Overview
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Title: The Madam of the Narrow Houses
Author: Caitlin R. Kiernan
In: The Mammoth Book of Ghost Stories by Women (Marie O’Regan)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Ghosts, Horror
Dates read: 2nd November 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: That both Mr Wells and Mrs hunt died in November has always seemed significant, and sometimes this sempstress who is not a medium imagines it a portent of some sort, conceivably that she herself will perish on a chill November day, only after the crisper delights of October have finished, and that thought bestows a certain solace.

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Synopsis

She lives in a narrow house, one that is filled with mystery, grief and death.

Thoughts

This story was one of those that is beautiful and ethereal and on my read again pile. But, unlike most stories that I find like that, I’m not entirely sure what was actually happening. I’m getting used to that with Kiernan’s stories. They all seem to be impossible to put down, but impossible to describe. I love it.

There is so much symbolism and so many hidden layers throughout this story. It furthers my desire to reread this at a future point in time. I love stories which are heavy with symbolism – they’re the type that no matter how many times you read them, you find something new to engage and captivate.

Although I can’t quite describe what went on in this story, it is one that most definitely feels hauntings. There are amazing feelings of death and hauntings throughout. And an overwhelming feeling of loneliness.

<- The Shadow in the CornerThe Lost Ghost ->

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The Shadow in the Corner by Mary Elizabeth Braddon

Book Review, , ,
Overview
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Title: The Shadow in the Corner
Author: Mary Elizabeth Braddon
In: The Mammoth Book of Ghost Stories by Women (Marie O’Regan)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Ghosts, Horror
Dates read: 1st November 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 1879
5th sentence, 74th page: “I hope she’s respectable,” said Michael.

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Synopsis

It’s an old house with a horrible, haunting past. Maybe you shouldn’t ignore the horrors of the past in the present.

Thoughts

This short story is a reminder that you really shouldn’t mess with ghosts and hauntings. That you shouldn’t ignore people when they tell you that they’re scared. The price of ignoring the horribleness of this house at the end of this tale? A really bad tragedy that kind of broke my heart.

It felt like this story was the beginning of a really horrible repetition. That this story was going to repeat again and again, no matter what people did. Unless people start to believe in the haunting.

This story was really eerie and melancholy, leaving me looking at the shadows in the corners and letting my imagination run wild. Something that I know I shouldn’t do… but I did anyway.

<- Dead Flowers by a RoadsideThe Madam of the Narrow Houses ->

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Dead Flowers by a Roadside by Kelley Armstrong

Book Review, , ,
Overview
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Title: Dead Flowers by a Roadside
Author: Kelley Armstrong
In: The Mammoth Book of Ghost Stories by Women (Marie O’Regan)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Ghosts, Paranormal fantasy
Dates read: 20th October 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: “Can I help you?”

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Synopsis

One small mistake can cost you everything…

Thoughts

This was actually a really sad short story. I was a little surprised at how much it plucked at the heart strings to be honest. Although, I really shouldn’t have been. Armstrong generally seems to have a slightly darker side to her stories than what I expect…

Although this is a bit sad and most definitely tragic, it is also a story that features love. That forever kind of love where you just can’t imagine taking another breath without the other person. It may have tragic consequences in this case, but I still found it beautiful and impossible to look away from. The perfect ghost story.

After finishing this short story, I kind of just… sat. And stared. And thought. It was a wonderful ghost story. Most definitely haunting, and not one I’m likely to forget anytime soon.

<- Collect CallThe Shadow in the Corner ->

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Collect Call by Sarah Pinborough

Book Review, , ,
Overview
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Title: Collect Call
Author: Sarah Pinborough
In: The Mammoth Book of Ghost Stories by Women (Marie O’Regan)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Family, Ghosts
Dates read: 29th September 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: “I’ll be there before it gets dark.”

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Synopsis

When you die, who will pick up your collect call? This short story is a great reminder to be kind and remember those that you love.

Thoughts

I actually seriously enjoyed this ghost story. And I loved the premise that it created for the afterlife. It’s such a great feeling – that those who are loved and cherished in life will have someone “pick up”. But if you’ve kinda been an arse… well, good luck!

Not only was this a great reminder of loving and karma, but it was also a cute story that was all about being reunited with family. We’ve all said goodbye to loved ones. So it was really nice to have a story that kind of focused on the fact that we’ll eventually see each other again. Whether it’s your father, your wife, your sister… whoever… they’ll pick up and be there when that final curtain call occurs.

Most ghost stories tend to leave you with goose bumps (which, I feel, is kind of the point). But this one didn’t. It left me feeling comfortable, safe and not scared of the future. That lasted all of about thirty seconds before reality crashed back in. But it was a nice feeling all the same.

<- Field of the DeadDead Flowers by a Roadside ->

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Field of the Dead by Kim Lakin-Smith

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
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Title: Field of the Dead
Author: Kim Lakin-Smith
In: The Mammoth Book of Ghost Stories by Women (Marie O’Regan)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Ghosts, Horror, Humour, Paranormal fantasy
Dates read: 30th June 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: Once, mind, and then no more will be said on it.

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Synopsis

The church is being haunted in a world that doesn’t like to acknowledge the presence of ghosts. This is not only a battle of wills and power… but one of faith.

Thoughts

I absolutely adored the combination of the Church, the supernatural and faith in this ghostly short story. It’s a good beginning to a collection of ghost stories, just enough creepiness, without being overwhelmingly scary. I think I need to ease into the truly terrifying things-that-go-bump-in-the-night stories. It’s been a little while since I tried to read any…

This story was seriously layered in its symbolism, themes and moments. It was one of those that will leave you contemplating the story long after you’ve turned that final page. The plethora of characters, character histories and faiths had me rereading multiple passages. It was just so beautifully constructed.

This is one of those great stories that completely pulled me in, but I can’t actually remember completely what the storyline was even about. There was just something… whispy and ethereal about the story. Which most definitely suits the ghost story theme. I look forward to rereading this in the future and picking up more nuances that I previously missed.

<- The Mammoth Book of Ghost Stories by WomenCollect Call ->

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