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joecam79's review against another edition
5.0
The website Shadows at the Door is a digital platform where horror writers are given the opportunity to publish their supernatural tales. Curator [a:Mark Nixon|1155898|Mark Nixon|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] himself a writer of ghost stories, took this concept to another level with the publication of an anthology featuring authors associated with the website. Launched just a few weeks back following Kickstarter crowd-funding, the book is a joy to hold and behold – a high-quality hardback printed on glossy paper, with beautifully atmospheric black and white illustrations by [a:Barney Bodoano|15745160|Barney Bodoano|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png]
But what about the collection itself? Shadows at the Door prefers its horrors subtle and favours stories with an old-fashioned touch. The thirteen tales in this anthology are mostly in the tradition of [a:M.R. James|2995925|M.R. James|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1254798756p2/2995925.jpg] and other purveyors of the “classic ghost story” – [a:K.B. Goddard|8514985|K.B. Goddard|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1435754617p2/8514985.jpg] in particular (represented by A Macabre Melody) even manages to evoke the language beloved of late-Victorian authors. This is not to say that there are no grisly moments or sudden eruptions of violence (for instance in Mark Nixon’s own contribution Quem Infra Nos or in [a:J.C. Michael|7123940|J.C. Michael|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1379602203p2/7123940.jpg]’s Gytrash), but the emphasis is on atmospheric storytelling, where the horrors are implied rather than crudely spelt out. The types of haunting portrayed are varied – whilst some of the tales are clearly ghost stories (including one of my favourites – [a:Caitlin Marceau|8279607|Caitlin Marceau|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1477245792p2/8279607.jpg]’s moving Run) others touch upon dark fantasy ([a:Christopher Long|8154410|Christopher Long|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png]’s The Gallow Glass), fairytale (Deep by [a:M. Regan|14738|M. Regan|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png]) or folk horror ([a:Pete Alex Harris|14085938|Pete Alex Harris|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1439971080p2/14085938.jpg]’s Under Shiel Croft). Most of the stories have a strong sense of place. Indeed, the various settings range from English towns to the Scottish Highlands, New York and Melbourne and provide not just the backdrop to the action but, in some cases, a folk legend or tradition which serves as a germ of inspiration.
I’m looking forward to the soon-to-be-issued audiobook version with its specially commissioned soundtrack but, in the meantime, will be heading to the Shadows at the Door website to read some of the latest posts.
But what about the collection itself? Shadows at the Door prefers its horrors subtle and favours stories with an old-fashioned touch. The thirteen tales in this anthology are mostly in the tradition of [a:M.R. James|2995925|M.R. James|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1254798756p2/2995925.jpg] and other purveyors of the “classic ghost story” – [a:K.B. Goddard|8514985|K.B. Goddard|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1435754617p2/8514985.jpg] in particular (represented by A Macabre Melody) even manages to evoke the language beloved of late-Victorian authors. This is not to say that there are no grisly moments or sudden eruptions of violence (for instance in Mark Nixon’s own contribution Quem Infra Nos or in [a:J.C. Michael|7123940|J.C. Michael|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1379602203p2/7123940.jpg]’s Gytrash), but the emphasis is on atmospheric storytelling, where the horrors are implied rather than crudely spelt out. The types of haunting portrayed are varied – whilst some of the tales are clearly ghost stories (including one of my favourites – [a:Caitlin Marceau|8279607|Caitlin Marceau|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1477245792p2/8279607.jpg]’s moving Run) others touch upon dark fantasy ([a:Christopher Long|8154410|Christopher Long|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png]’s The Gallow Glass), fairytale (Deep by [a:M. Regan|14738|M. Regan|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png]) or folk horror ([a:Pete Alex Harris|14085938|Pete Alex Harris|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1439971080p2/14085938.jpg]’s Under Shiel Croft). Most of the stories have a strong sense of place. Indeed, the various settings range from English towns to the Scottish Highlands, New York and Melbourne and provide not just the backdrop to the action but, in some cases, a folk legend or tradition which serves as a germ of inspiration.
I’m looking forward to the soon-to-be-issued audiobook version with its specially commissioned soundtrack but, in the meantime, will be heading to the Shadows at the Door website to read some of the latest posts.
jdhacker's review
dark
emotional
funny
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
First things first, this books is *heavy*. As in physically heavy, especially considering its not monumental 282 pages. High quality, heavy, glossy stock was used for the pages in this hardback volume, which really make the creepy, minimalist black and white pencil or ink style drawings pop. Similar art graces the thick, sturdy dust jacket.
For those unfamiliar, Shadows at the Door is also a horror fiction podcast, and a number of the authors in this volume will be familiar to regular listeners, including the delightful M. Regan ('Deep') who was the initial reason I ordered this anthology beyond the simple desire to help support Shadows at the Door more broadly.
The podcast and anthology curators are British, and self-admittedly lean more towards a British sensibility in the sort of horror/ghost-stories they favor (think 'The Watchman' or the works of M.R. James). I think they've done an excellent job here selecting stories that retain the feel of those classic British ghost stories but coloured by a modern sensibility (Nixon's 'Quem Infra Nos', Holt's 'Black Shuck', Janes 'Nor Gloom of Night'). Though I have it shelved as 'weird fiction', largely because in many cases we have unexplained endings, they feel more like the twist or unexplained endings of those ghost stories of yesteryear or The Twilight Zone than what either purists or the Vandermeers might consider 'The Weird'. Some, like Cameron Trost's 'The Sorrowful Wife' even have what one might consider a happy ending.
For those unfamiliar, Shadows at the Door is also a horror fiction podcast, and a number of the authors in this volume will be familiar to regular listeners, including the delightful M. Regan ('Deep') who was the initial reason I ordered this anthology beyond the simple desire to help support Shadows at the Door more broadly.
The podcast and anthology curators are British, and self-admittedly lean more towards a British sensibility in the sort of horror/ghost-stories they favor (think 'The Watchman' or the works of M.R. James). I think they've done an excellent job here selecting stories that retain the feel of those classic British ghost stories but coloured by a modern sensibility (Nixon's 'Quem Infra Nos', Holt's 'Black Shuck', Janes 'Nor Gloom of Night'). Though I have it shelved as 'weird fiction', largely because in many cases we have unexplained endings, they feel more like the twist or unexplained endings of those ghost stories of yesteryear or The Twilight Zone than what either purists or the Vandermeers might consider 'The Weird'. Some, like Cameron Trost's 'The Sorrowful Wife' even have what one might consider a happy ending.
motherhorror's review
4.0
This anthology is special. It's for horror fans that like a little extra. It's for horror fans that enjoy short stories, themed anthologies and beautiful, special editions to grace their bookshelves.
This is a hardcover book with an eye catching dust jacket...a strange, ghostly being in an eerie evening setting with those long, unsettling fingers.
The stories are selected by Mark Nixon who also writes a lovely introduction. I learned that Shadows at the Door is a website complete with a podcast and a plethora of talented contributors. Of which some are represented in this anthology!
Each story has a full page illustration by Barney Bodoano. All of the illustrations were absolutely perfect and suited each story with the appropriate scene depicted in shades of black and grey.
The pages are glossy giving the whole reading experience a very expensive, treasured feel.
I would have been really disappointed if the stories didn't come up against the book's design so I'm quite pleased that there are some real ringers in here!
I think this collection is actually quite attractive to people who love listening to podcasts like, LORE--that atmospheric, quiet horror that explores the sub genres of a gone by era told in a very urban-legend style or campfire tale.
Also fans of Valancourt Publishers, who buy the rights to out of print books and publish them for a new audience, will appreciate the timeless style (almost Victorian/Gothic) of these stories.
Of particular note were these stories:
"THE WATCHMAKER" by Helen Grant--captivating storytelling with delicious suspense.
"RUN" by Caitlin Marceau. A tug on my emotions with its real world subject matter but also so entertaining because of the ghosty bits.
"THE COMMISSION" by Mark Cassell--a dark story with a creepy edge to it. A sweet slow-build.
I recommend it for collectors who enjoy anthologies, have a special place on their shelves for awesome book design and enjoy stories with very little violence & gore but are heavy on mood and setting. Perfect for a cup of tea and a rainy day.
This is a hardcover book with an eye catching dust jacket...a strange, ghostly being in an eerie evening setting with those long, unsettling fingers.
The stories are selected by Mark Nixon who also writes a lovely introduction. I learned that Shadows at the Door is a website complete with a podcast and a plethora of talented contributors. Of which some are represented in this anthology!
Each story has a full page illustration by Barney Bodoano. All of the illustrations were absolutely perfect and suited each story with the appropriate scene depicted in shades of black and grey.
The pages are glossy giving the whole reading experience a very expensive, treasured feel.
I would have been really disappointed if the stories didn't come up against the book's design so I'm quite pleased that there are some real ringers in here!
I think this collection is actually quite attractive to people who love listening to podcasts like, LORE--that atmospheric, quiet horror that explores the sub genres of a gone by era told in a very urban-legend style or campfire tale.
Also fans of Valancourt Publishers, who buy the rights to out of print books and publish them for a new audience, will appreciate the timeless style (almost Victorian/Gothic) of these stories.
Of particular note were these stories:
"THE WATCHMAKER" by Helen Grant--captivating storytelling with delicious suspense.
"RUN" by Caitlin Marceau. A tug on my emotions with its real world subject matter but also so entertaining because of the ghosty bits.
"THE COMMISSION" by Mark Cassell--a dark story with a creepy edge to it. A sweet slow-build.
I recommend it for collectors who enjoy anthologies, have a special place on their shelves for awesome book design and enjoy stories with very little violence & gore but are heavy on mood and setting. Perfect for a cup of tea and a rainy day.
joecam79's review
5.0
The website Shadows at the Door is a digital platform where horror writers are given the opportunity to publish their supernatural tales. Curator [a:Mark Nixon|1155898|Mark Nixon|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] himself a writer of ghost stories, took this concept to another level with the publication of an anthology featuring authors associated with the website. Launched just a few weeks back following Kickstarter crowd-funding, the book is a joy to hold and behold – a high-quality hardback printed on glossy paper, with beautifully atmospheric black and white illustrations by [a:Barney Bodoano|15745160|Barney Bodoano|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png]
But what about the collection itself? Shadows at the Door prefers its horrors subtle and favours stories with an old-fashioned touch. The thirteen tales in this anthology are mostly in the tradition of [a:M.R. James|2995925|M.R. James|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1254798756p2/2995925.jpg] and other purveyors of the “classic ghost story” – [a:K.B. Goddard|8514985|K.B. Goddard|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1435754617p2/8514985.jpg] in particular (represented by A Macabre Melody) even manages to evoke the language beloved of late-Victorian authors. This is not to say that there are no grisly moments or sudden eruptions of violence (for instance in Mark Nixon’s own contribution Quem Infra Nos or in [a:J.C. Michael|7123940|J.C. Michael|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1379602203p2/7123940.jpg]’s Gytrash), but the emphasis is on atmospheric storytelling, where the horrors are implied rather than crudely spelt out. The types of haunting portrayed are varied – whilst some of the tales are clearly ghost stories (including one of my favourites – [a:Caitlin Marceau|8279607|Caitlin Marceau|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1477245792p2/8279607.jpg]’s moving Run) others touch upon dark fantasy ([a:Christopher Long|8154410|Christopher Long|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png]’s The Gallow Glass), fairytale (Deep by [a:M. Regan|14738|M. Regan|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png]) or folk horror ([a:Pete Alex Harris|14085938|Pete Alex Harris|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1439971080p2/14085938.jpg]’s Under Shiel Croft). Most of the stories have a strong sense of place. Indeed, the various settings range from English towns to the Scottish Highlands, New York and Melbourne and provide not just the backdrop to the action but, in some cases, a folk legend or tradition which serves as a germ of inspiration.
I’m looking forward to the soon-to-be-issued audiobook version with its specially commissioned soundtrack but, in the meantime, will be heading to the Shadows at the Door website to read some of the latest posts.
But what about the collection itself? Shadows at the Door prefers its horrors subtle and favours stories with an old-fashioned touch. The thirteen tales in this anthology are mostly in the tradition of [a:M.R. James|2995925|M.R. James|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1254798756p2/2995925.jpg] and other purveyors of the “classic ghost story” – [a:K.B. Goddard|8514985|K.B. Goddard|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1435754617p2/8514985.jpg] in particular (represented by A Macabre Melody) even manages to evoke the language beloved of late-Victorian authors. This is not to say that there are no grisly moments or sudden eruptions of violence (for instance in Mark Nixon’s own contribution Quem Infra Nos or in [a:J.C. Michael|7123940|J.C. Michael|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1379602203p2/7123940.jpg]’s Gytrash), but the emphasis is on atmospheric storytelling, where the horrors are implied rather than crudely spelt out. The types of haunting portrayed are varied – whilst some of the tales are clearly ghost stories (including one of my favourites – [a:Caitlin Marceau|8279607|Caitlin Marceau|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1477245792p2/8279607.jpg]’s moving Run) others touch upon dark fantasy ([a:Christopher Long|8154410|Christopher Long|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png]’s The Gallow Glass), fairytale (Deep by [a:M. Regan|14738|M. Regan|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png]) or folk horror ([a:Pete Alex Harris|14085938|Pete Alex Harris|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1439971080p2/14085938.jpg]’s Under Shiel Croft). Most of the stories have a strong sense of place. Indeed, the various settings range from English towns to the Scottish Highlands, New York and Melbourne and provide not just the backdrop to the action but, in some cases, a folk legend or tradition which serves as a germ of inspiration.
I’m looking forward to the soon-to-be-issued audiobook version with its specially commissioned soundtrack but, in the meantime, will be heading to the Shadows at the Door website to read some of the latest posts.
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