Last year I learned about the history of ghost stories for Christmas and I read the ghost stories of M. R. James. I enjoyed them so much that I read Christmas Gothic Short Stories from Flame Tree Publications this year. The anthology includes over 400 pages of classic and new stories. In my last post I listed my favorites of the classic stories. This time I’ve listed my favorites of the new stories.
“Mr. Anders Meets a Stranger” (2022) by Marina Favila
A toymaker is asked to make something elaborate for a mysterious pale man. When it’s completed the man brings his son to see it. The toymaker figures out that he hasn’t been dealing with an ordinary father and son. I liked the gothic horror/folklore-like atmosphere.
“Aunt Hetty” by (2022) John Linwood Grant
After hearing a story about how a fire broke out in the family house during Christmas of 1857, a man learns a family secret. Moody and well done.
“The Unforgiven” (2022) by K. M. Hazel
An elderly man tells a story about what happened after a Christmas dinner from his childhood in which a mother’s act of kindness gets unwanted attention from the other side. Has a bit of a Dickens vibe with a punch.
“Time and Tide” (2019) by Clare Marsh
Two women are working at an island abbey on Christmas Eve. They keep track of when to return by using a tidal clock which lets them know when it’s safe to use the causeway. I liked the setting and how the history of the island ties into the ending.
“The Last Christmas Tree” (2022) by Jane Nightshade
Three orphans from England are sent to live in America and arrive at Christmas. Strange things happen when they arrive. This one has a real nice old school ghost story feel to it.
My top favorites:
“The Shallows” (2022) by Donna Cuttress
A woman staying at a seaside resort during the Christmas holiday sees a woman fall from a rock into the ocean. When she tells someone, she’s told that she saw a ghost of a woman who died years ago. She is warned not to go into the shallows again, but she keeps thinking about the woman. The writing and the atmosphere gave me a strong M.R. James vibe.
“Yule Cat” (2009) by JG Faherty
Two children spend Christmas with their grandparents in the Appalachians. When their grandfather tells stories from Scandinavia of the Yule Cat which searches for lazy humans to eat, the children scoff. Their grandmother warns them that children today have forgotten the old ways. Later that night they discover how right grandmother is. I really liked the folklore in this one and the story was a wild ride.
“Christmas at Trelwany” (2022) by E. E. King
A woman suffering from depression takes a trip to Trelwany Manor, the oldest estate in Cornwall. She plans on using the time to rest and finish a thesis she has been struggling with. While there she learns something about her mother and the area’s connection with witchcraft. I really liked the writing and the atmosphere in this one.
“Gray Christmas” (2022) by Templeton Moss
The people of a village call the disfigured old man that lives on the hill “The Gray One” and hide whenever he comes into town. One Christmas Eve a little girl sees him leaving his cottage and decides to follow him. I loved how this story commented on the passage of time and the forgotten dead.
“The Dark-Eyed Boy” (2020) by M.C. St. John
Twin boys are taken in by their uncle after their parents are killed. I liked how it was set up, how we learn the back story, and the introduction of Krampus folklore, and how everything ties together, all done in a few pages. Loved that ending.
“Snowman” (2022) by Lamont A. Turner
A family deals with an abusive father during Christmas. This one reminded me of stories from EC Comics. Excellent.
“And a Piece of Coal Where Her Heart Once Beat” (2021) by Suzanne J. Willis
Krampus, growing old, makes a decision about his future. Meanwhile a young girl decides she wants to meet Krampus. Short and dark with lyrical writing.
“Ashes at Midnight” (2022) by Cassondra Windwalker
After a young woman is rescued from a fire by her childhood friend, she’s haunted by a strange figure. She grows up to marry her rescuer and he also becomes haunted but in a different way. A great story based on Irish myths.
Between the classics and the new stories, Christmas Gothic Short Stories was a real fun read.
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