Elliott O'Donnell (1872–1965)

The title made me assume this must be a non-fiction book, when in fact it’s a collection of thirteen short fiction stories.

I found this a mixed bag in terms of quality. About half the tales are engaging, while some are too slow-paced, and one was so rambling and boring that I didn’t finish it.

My favourite story was ‘The Head’. It’s about a headless woman who walks the same road on certain dark nights. You’ll hear the ‘tap, tap’ of shoes, which gradually grows louder, until the ghost materialises. The author does a great job with creating an eerie atmosphere.

Certainly worth a read.… (more)

Despite too many over-descriptive passages and moments of melodrama, this is at times an entertaining read, featuring some dark humour along the way.

My one big criticism is the ending. Some people might call it an open ending, but I call it unfinished. It’s as if the final page has been ripped out. It doesn’t make a great deal of sense, either. Also, the fates of three or four main characters are left untold.

Still, the whole idea of three paupers conjuring up demonic forces to make themselves rich makes for an decent story, albeit not a great one.… (more)