Richard Henry MaldenBesprekingen

Of all the ghost stories described as "M.R. Jamesesque" that I've read so far, these are the closest to James' style and tone. They're not quite as good, but some of them do come close, and I really enjoyed them. "The Dining-Room Fireplace," The Blank Leaves" and "The Thirteenth Tree" were my favorites, and as with James, I wish we had more of Malden's stories to read!

This little horror collection is a gem. R. H. Malden was an Englishman who wrote rather in the style of M.R. James. These stories have a lot of atmosphere, and an understated, subtle creepiness that I enjoyed. They are not scare-the-socks-off-you, in-your-face scary. But they were creepy enough to be a poor choice for an insomniac to read in the wee dark hours. Indeed, they were eerie enough that, when I finished, I put the book out of the room, in the hall -- then found myself not wanting to look out toward the hall! (Silly of me, yes.) I especially liked that a lot of these stories were set in and around old English churches and churchyards/graveyards, and/or involved clergy. Several of Malden's other books would indicate that old churches were a special interest/expertise of his, and his descriptions of the fascinating old buildings and the atmosphere thus invoked really added to my enjoyment of the book.

These stories were written between 1909 and 1942 by R.H. Malden,who knew M.R. James. They clearly owe much to 'The Master' in style,and the protagonists,many of whom are academics,follow some dangerous and it has to be said some foolish courses.All of the tales are excellent,but I can particularily recommend ' Stivinghoe Bank', 'The Blank Leaves,'The Coxwain of the Lifeboat' and 'The Priest's Brass'.