Occlith
Well-Known Member
A Dark Regions Press review
They That Dwell in Dark Places and other Ghost Stories by Daniel McGachey is a collection of tales that describe the horrors one can experience when the seemingly normal shifts to an increasing unease and of the mundane that may quickly become menace. Most of the stories take place in the past, a time of horse-drawn carriages and of the telegraph with a couple taking place in contemporary or at least more modern times.
These stand-alone tales make reference to events, places, or characters mentioned in other stories and most have a story contained within a story such as in those featuring the recurring character of Dr. Lawrence, a folklorist whose interest of the supernatural brings him to the attention of those in need of having the uncanny explained or examined.
The author is a fan of the works by M. R. James and the influence shows throughout. In "The Crimson Picture", Dr. Lawrence is invited by an old school chum to visit his gallery and see an unusual painting. -
In "The Rags" a vacationing office clerk is the lone audience of storyteller who tells him of a Scottish well that offers healing to believers and a terrible fate to those who would disrespect its powers.
"A Ravelled Tress" creates a most unpleasant Christmas holiday at the Nightmane Lodge for the new owners and visitors.
In The Author's Notes McGachey tells of his inspiration and ideas for the stories.
I liked this collection for the most part. Some stories were better written than others and one was rather disappointing. "The Travelling Companion" started off really well (with the protagonist winning an auction of old books and a mysterious woman who tries to buy them from him) and continues to build momentum but it then stretched overly long and concluded as if the author didn't quite know how to end the story.
Overall, an enjoyable read.
They That Dwell in Dark Places and other Ghost Stories by Daniel McGachey is a collection of tales that describe the horrors one can experience when the seemingly normal shifts to an increasing unease and of the mundane that may quickly become menace. Most of the stories take place in the past, a time of horse-drawn carriages and of the telegraph with a couple taking place in contemporary or at least more modern times.
These stand-alone tales make reference to events, places, or characters mentioned in other stories and most have a story contained within a story such as in those featuring the recurring character of Dr. Lawrence, a folklorist whose interest of the supernatural brings him to the attention of those in need of having the uncanny explained or examined.
The author is a fan of the works by M. R. James and the influence shows throughout. In "The Crimson Picture", Dr. Lawrence is invited by an old school chum to visit his gallery and see an unusual painting. -
The artist allowed himself a wry smile a Drayton's carefully selected phrasing. But it was gone from his lips as the proprietor made a move to lift the covering silk from the painting. "Please leave it covered, I beg of you."
Nodding, Drayton allowed the silk to drop back, so that all Lawrence glimpsed of the canvas was the fleeting impression of a hand, clutching and veined, bathed in a glow of blood red intensity, the fingers contorted almost into claws. Despite being still in his overcoat and scarf, he found himself shivering as he pondered that if this mere corner of the piece was so powerful in its grotesquery, what dreadfulness must the rest of the painting possess?
"Shalt Thou Know My Name" is a variation on the golem legend in which a prank upon a plagiarist unwittingly calls a dangerous being into existence.Nodding, Drayton allowed the silk to drop back, so that all Lawrence glimpsed of the canvas was the fleeting impression of a hand, clutching and veined, bathed in a glow of blood red intensity, the fingers contorted almost into claws. Despite being still in his overcoat and scarf, he found himself shivering as he pondered that if this mere corner of the piece was so powerful in its grotesquery, what dreadfulness must the rest of the painting possess?
In "The Rags" a vacationing office clerk is the lone audience of storyteller who tells him of a Scottish well that offers healing to believers and a terrible fate to those who would disrespect its powers.
"A Ravelled Tress" creates a most unpleasant Christmas holiday at the Nightmane Lodge for the new owners and visitors.
In The Author's Notes McGachey tells of his inspiration and ideas for the stories.
I liked this collection for the most part. Some stories were better written than others and one was rather disappointing. "The Travelling Companion" started off really well (with the protagonist winning an auction of old books and a mysterious woman who tries to buy them from him) and continues to build momentum but it then stretched overly long and concluded as if the author didn't quite know how to end the story.
Overall, an enjoyable read.