Collected Ghost Stories

by Charlotte Riddell

The Collected Ghost Stories of Mrs. J.H. Riddell in Hardcover.

Genres: Horror, Gothic, Ghost Stories, Fiction, Short Stories

354 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1977

About the author

See J.H. Riddell

Charlotte Riddell aka Mrs J.H. Riddell was a one of the most popular and influential writers of the Victorian period. The author of 56 books, novels and short stories, she was also part owner and editor of the St. James's Magazine, one of the most prestigious literary magazines of the 1860s.

Reviews

[Jon Ring · Rating 4 out of 5]

I overall enjoyed this book. The stories were all well written, with Mrs. Riddell's Victorian rolling prose and little deviations into major character development. The only complaint I would have is that the selection of her work for this volume seemed to have an overabundance of haunted house stories, sometimes with similar plots and resolutions. This being the only volume I have read of her work, I do not know if that is simply a common motif she used, or was simply an editorial oversight. Haunted mansions are a customary stable for Gothic writers, so I imagine the former. Still, the depth and proficiency of the author was enough to overcome any shortfalls in variety.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.92⭐

Mrs. Riddell, Mid-Victorian Ghosts, and Christmas Annuals • Everett F. Bleiler 5⭐
Nut Bush Farm • (1882) 4.25⭐
The Open Door • (1882) 5⭐
The Last of Squire Ennismore • (1888) 3.5⭐
A Strange Christmas Game • (1868) 4.5⭐
The Old House in Vauxhall Walk • (1882) 4.25⭐
Sandy the Tinker • (1882) 4.25⭐
Forewarned, Forearmed • (1874) 3.25⭐
Hertford O'Donnell's Warning • (1867) 3⭐

Walnut-Tree House • (1882) 4.5⭐
When Edgar Stainton inherits the eponymous house in London, he hears rumors of its being haunted but is not prepared to take the matter seriously; then he comes face to face with a ghost, that of a sad young boy who seems to be searching for something. He eventually learns
the full grim truth behind the apparition and brings peace to the child, but not in any way that he could have foreseen.

Old Mrs. Jones • (1882) 3.5⭐
Why Dr. Cray Left Southam • (1889) 3⭐

Conn Kilrea • (1899) 2.5⭐
Dr. Cray relates the events that led to him leaving his medical practice under circumstances that seemed detrimental to his character and his abilities; the supernatural element is peripheral but still relevant to Cray’s perception of what is happening.

Diarmid Chittock's Story • (1899) 4⭐
This is an absorbing and atmospheric story revolving around Blackstone Castle, which is owned by the absent Diarmid Chittock and where his friend Cyril Danson is temporarily living. There is a missing man, Captain Rosterne, whose daughter Oona is the woman who Chittock wishes to wed.
Naturally, rumors abound as to the Captain’s supposed murder. Strange and disturbing sounds are heard in one particular room where a hidden door is found; what lies behind that door changes
the lives of all those involved.

300 • A Terrible Vengeance • (1889) 4⭐
A nasty tale of a murdered woman (Lucy Heath) who seeks spectral vengeance with the wet footprints of a child ghost who follow its murderer (Paul Murray) everywhere and drives him to death. Told very effectively through the personality of a servant (Davis) who watches his master decay.