Epeolatry Book Review: Tales of the Gothic, ed. Christopher Stagg
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Title: Tales of the Gothic
Author: Various, ed. Christopher Stagg
Genre: gothic horror
Publisher: Red Cape Publishing
Publication Date: 5th July, 2024
Synopsis: Christopher Stagg and Red Cape Publishing invite you to experience the terror of Tales of the Gothic, an anthology of British horror. Featuring ten macabre stories of hauntings, mystery, and secrets, this collection is certain to satisfy connoisseurs of gothic and traditional storytelling.
Includes stories by Victoria Dowd, Peter Stead, Mark R. Brandon, Christopher Stagg, Dale Parnell, Lucy Foster, R. P. Serin, Alyson Faye, J. W. Allen, and Deborah Tapper.
Gothic tales of ghosts, vampires, and other such monsters are right up my alley. I’m especially fond of ghosts, so I was thrilled that there are so many old school ghost stories in this collection.
“Catacomb” by Victoria Dowd starts us off with a lady ghost who haunts the—that’s right, the catacombs. The mystery of her death haunts her librarian descendant. Yup, a librarian. Perfect occupation for a character in a gothic ghost story.
“When We Fall” by Peter Stead is a vampire story with a twist. You have to read it to find out.
“Her Last Text” by Mark R. Brandon puts me in mind of Poe. Anyone who had a crazy mother can definitely relate to this one!
“The Black Coffin” by Christopher Stagg… Hmmm, something scratching from within a coffin? Really should check that out, right?
“The Poet” by Dale Parnell is an excellent tale about something all writers can relate to. A mediocre poet is so desperate to become famous that he resorts to dark magic. This tale is beautifully written and full of twists. I couldn’t put it down.
“Lovely Girl” by Lucy Foster—this tale spoke to me. Just put the bowl in the dishwasher already!
“Words Once Spoken” by R.P. Serin—kid ghosts, my favorite!
“‘Twas a Dark and Stormy Night” by Alyson Faye—Faye writes the best ghost stories, and this one does not disappoint. “The Lady of the Moors” theme is another classic. Ravens, an arranged marriage… so much going on in this tale.
“Hamilton’s Gospel” by J.W. Allen brings us a complicated story about a priest. Is the confessing parishioner really the evil one?
“The Keeper” by Deborah Tapper takes place in a stormy lighthouse. What happened to the previous crew? Also, why would anyone want to work in a lighthouse? They are always haunted!
I loved this collection. Anyone who is fond of the gothic will love it.
/5
Available from Amazon.
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Thank you so much for the review, so glad you enjoyed the anthology