Review: The Ghost Coach and Other Supernatural Stories by Amelia B. Edwards

Review of the book “The Ghost Carriage and Other Supernatural Stories” by Amelia B. Edwards.

“The Ghost Coach and Other Supernatural Stories” is a collection of 19th-century short stories by British writer Amelia B. Edwards, originally published in 1885. The collection contains seven supernatural tales that explore the mysteries of the afterlife and the connection between worlds. of the living and the dead.

In this post I would like to talk to you about a book that has greatly impressed me: The Ghost Carriage and Other Supernatural Stories, by Amelia B. Edwards. It is a collection of seven horror and mystery stories written by a 19th century English author who was greatly admired by Charles Dickens and who also dedicated herself to Egyptology.

The Ghost Carriage and Other Supernatural Stories was published in 2017 by the publishing house La Biblioteca de Carfax, specialized in Gothic and fantastic literature. The book has an excellent translation by Alberto Chessa and illustrations by Rafael Martín Coronel that recreate the dark and overwhelming atmosphere of the stories.

The stories that make up the book are the following:

– The ghost carriage: the most famous and accomplished in the collection. It tells the experience of a young hunter who gets lost in the snowy moors of northern England and finds refuge in the cabin of an elderly scholar who tells him about paranormal phenomena. When the storm subsides, the young man goes out in search of a carriage to take him to his destination, but what he finds is something much more terrifying.

– A night on the edge of the Black Forest: a story set in Germany that tells the story of a newly married couple who stays at an inn where strange events occur. The husband discovers that his wife has a connection with the place’s past and with a curse that weighs on him.

– Inside the confessional: a story that mixes horror and black humor. A Catholic priest is forced to listen to the confession of a dying man who reveals to him a heinous crime he committed years ago. The priest faces a moral dilemma and a supernatural threat.

– A dangerous mission: a story of adventure and intrigue that takes place in Italy during the time of the Risorgimento. An English spy must infiltrate a fortress where a secret treasure is hidden, but he encounters a series of obstacles and dangers that test his courage and ingenuity.

– The Quarter Past Four Express: a classic ghost story set on a night train. A lonely traveler shares a compartment with a strange character who tells him a chilling story about a train accident that occurred years ago.

– The story of Salome: a story inspired by the biblical myth of Salome and John the Baptist. A young dancer becomes obsessed with the severed head of a prophet that is displayed in a museum. Her fascination leads her to commit a macabre act that will have fatal consequences.

– El Paso Nuevo: the last and longest story in the book. It tells the adventures of a group of travelers who venture through the Swiss Alps in search of an unknown route. On their way they encounter impressive landscapes, but also natural and supernatural threats.

The Ghost Carriage and Other Supernatural Stories is a book that I recommend to all lovers of the gothic and fantasy genre. Amelia B. Edwards demonstrates a great ability to create immersive atmospheres, interesting characters and original plots. His stories are a sample of the best Victorian horror and mystery literature.

The title of the collection is derived from the first story, “The Ghost Carriage,” a ghost story that tells the story of a man who encounters a ghost carriage on a dark and stormy night. The story is disturbing and chilling, and is a perfect introduction to the tone and style of the tales that follow.

Each of the stories is notable for its attention to detail and its ability to create a haunting and mysterious atmosphere. In “The Knight with the White Hand,” for example, Edwards uses the image of a spectral hand to create a sense of terror and bewilderment, while in “Miss Jeromette and the Cleric,” the story focuses on a strange incident. in an old mansion.

Edwards writes in a classical style that is evocative and rich in detail. His vivid and detailed descriptions of landscapes and environments create an atmosphere of unease and tension in each of the stories. Additionally, the author has an exceptional ability to create interesting and complex characters who are often in an internal struggle with their own emotions and perceptions.

Overall, “The Ghost Coach and Other Supernatural Stories” is an outstanding collection of supernatural tales that demonstrate Amelia B. Edwards’ talent as a writer. Her stories are captivating and her characters are well-developed, creating an unforgettable reading experience. The collection is a testament to the author’s ability to create an atmosphere of mystery and terror that captures the reader’s imagination and transports them to another world.