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Algernon Blackwood: The Empty House

The Empty House is a chilling narrative by Algernon Blackwood, first published in 1906. The narrative examines the terror that arises from a seemingly innocuous location, yet one that is burdened with a sinister history. Jim Shorthouse accompanies his aunt, Julia, a paranormal enthusiast, on an investigation conducted at night within a house that has been the subject of rumour and speculation regarding its supposed curse. Despite the dwelling’s unremarkable appearance, those who visit it report an inexplicable sense of dread. As the couple progresses in their investigation, the atmosphere becomes increasingly oppressive, and the phenomena they encounter not only challenge their understanding but also threaten to erode their resolve.

Algernon Blackwood: The Doll

‘The Doll,’ a short story by Algernon Blackwood published in 1946, tells the story of Colonel Hymbers Masters, a retired Indian Army officer. One night, a man brings a package to the Colonel’s house with the express instruction that it is to be delivered only to him. Several days later, the Colonel discovers that the package contains a doll and orders it to be destroyed. The cook, however, disregards the instruction and gives it to Monica, the Colonel’s daughter, who immediately takes a liking to the doll and makes it her companion. From that moment on, mysterious events disrupt life at the Masters’ residence.

Bram Stoker: The Judge’s House. Summary and analysis

In “The Judge’s House” by Bram Stoker, Malcolm Malcolmson, a student seeking solitude to study, rents an old, abandoned mansion in a small town, ignoring local warnings about its dark past. The House once belonged to a notorious judge known for his harshness, and strange occurrences soon disturb Malcolmson’s peace, particularly the eerie presence of rats. As Malcolmson delves deeper into his studies, he is haunted by a giant rat with unsettling, human-like eyes that seem linked to the Judge’s malevolent spirit. Despite his rational outlook, Malcolmson is gradually drawn into the House’s sinister history, culminating in a terrifying confrontation with the ghost of the Judge, leading to his tragic demise.

Saki: The Open Window. Summary and analysis

In The Open Window by Saki, Framton Nuttel, a nervous man seeking rest in the countryside, visits Mrs. Sappleton’s home with a letter of introduction. While waiting, her teenage niece, Vera, tells him a tragic story about how her aunt’s husband and brothers disappeared during a hunting trip and never returned, leading Mrs. Sappleton to leave the window open in hopes of their return. When the supposedly dead hunters unexpectedly appear, Framton panics and flees, believing Vera’s story. After his departure, it is revealed that Vera fabricated the entire tale for her amusement, showcasing her talent for deception and leaving the reader to question the line between reality and fiction.

Arthur Machen: The Happy Children

The Happy Children is a haunting story by Arthur Machen, published in 1920. After Christmas 1915, a journalist stops in Banwick, a town steeped in medieval atmosphere. Fascinated by the beauty of the place, he wanders through the narrow, winding streets, where he is surprised to find numerous children laughing, singing, and dancing merrily. His bewilderment increases as he finds that even as night falls and darkness envelops the village, children are still on the streets. While exploring this enigmatic setting, the journalist witnesses a strange procession heading to an ancient church on the hill. This experience will be far more disturbing than he ever imagined.

H. G. Wells: The Crystal Egg

The Crystal Egg is a science fiction story by H. G. Wells published in The New Review in May 1897. It tells the story of Mr. Cave, an antique dealer who owns a small, dilapidated store in London. Among the strange objects he sells is a mysterious crystal sphere, which attracts the interest of two curious customers. However, Cave seems reluctant to sell it, which generates tensions with his family and arouses suspicion. As the story progresses, we discover that Cave has made an astonishing discovery related to this sphere and is keeping it a secret. Fascinated by what he sees through the crystal, Cave immerses himself in a series of reality-defying observations, leading him further away from his everyday life.