The Waxwork

by A.M. Burrage

Genres: Short Stories, Horror, Fiction, Read For School, Classics

11 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 1931

About the author

Alfred McLelland Burrage (1889-1956) was a British writer. He was noted in his time as an author of fiction for boys which he published under the pseudonym Frank Lelland, including a popular series called "Tufty". Burrage is now remembered mainly for his horror fiction.

Source: Wikipedia

Reviews

[Satyabrata Mishra · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a psychology buff, I loved this story. Paranoia, delusion and phobia wrapped in a creative bundle. 5 on 5.

[Katrina (rusticpages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

My rating: 4.5/5

[Doctor Sax · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Waxwork” (1931) – A freelance journalist stays overnight alone in a wax museum’s ‘Murderers’ Den’ to write an article about the experience. He believes he’ll be fine, as he’s not superstitious. The night proves an eventful one. The effigy of a French mass murderer Dr. Bourdette begins to speak to him. Bourdette was never found but was believed dead. Bourdette was said to be a master mesmerist who could use those abilities to paralyze his victims while cutting their throat with a shaving blade.

Alfred McLelland Burrage was born in 1889, in Middlesex, England. His father and uncle were both successful writers, which may account for his early writing skill. He published his first story at the age 15

[King Reinhardt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember reading this one in a high school literature class and absolutely loving it. Now, as an adult, I'm pleased to say that I still love it! Hewson is such a jumpy fella, but I suppose I would be, too, if I had to spend a night in a creepy wax museum! And I love that he's doing it to make money to support his family, and not just out of foolhardiness. It adds to the tragedy of the ending!

Favorite quote: "Please don't think that what you're asking for is anything new."

[Sommer T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I warn you that you are in for a very uncomfortable night."

Struggling freelance reporter Raymond Hewson sets out to spend the night in a waxwork museum's Den of Murders exhibit. Hewson plans to write a story describing his experience and make some quick money. However, once in the Den with the notorious figures staring at him, Hewson can't be entirely sure they're wax figures at all. And he could swear he just saw one move.

This short little story was excellent and appropriately terrifying. I was quite surprised by the ending—poor man. This is precisely the type of situation I face in my nightmares.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

“His clothes, which had been good when new and which were still carefully brushed and pressed, were beginning to show signs of their owner’s losing battle with the world.” I think if something is deemed as horror, it could be written off as not worthy of great composition. I find this short story to be really well written and well told. From this early on sentence, it told me so much about the character. And that was just one of several good nuggets.

I was creeped out by this story. It’s rare for a book/story to make me feel scared. (I think I’m a little desensitized from movies-or that visuals are more impactful now.?) I think one reason it felt scary because it feels like it could possibly happen. I think another reason is that we can relate to the character in multiple ways. He’s trying to make ends meet for his family. He’s prideful and doesn’t want to let others know he’s spooked. He’s creeped out by the environment.

Although it was published almost 100 years ago, it felt current. I could’ve done with a little longer version of this short story, although I like that it was an effective use of the pages it had.

And a little spoilery here…

I loved the ambiguous ending. It made it even more creepy.

[Susan Molloy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpected Waxiness.

🖋️ Was it murder, or was it fear in the wax museum?

જ⁀🔵 The audio version can be found at Internet Archive.

📺 1959 “Alfred Hitchcock Presents” television episode version. (Sir Alfred Hitchcock, British film producer, film director, actor, and writer.)
༺ ༅ ✬ ༅ ༻ ༺ ༅ ✬ ༅ ༻

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A journalist finds himself at a waxwork figure display in a hotel. Wanting to stay in the same room as a long dead murderer had stayed, he thought the ambience would give him inspiration. Oh, he was inspired alright but not in any way he’d expected! Maybe I’m naive but I was shocked when he, himself, had become a waxwork too!

[Kristall Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember reading this one in a high school literature class and absolutely loving it. Now, as an adult, I'm pleased to say that I still love it! Hewson is such a jumpy fella, but I suppose I would be, too, if I had to spend a night in a creepy wax museum! And I love that he's doing it to make money to support his family, and not just out of foolhardiness. It adds to the tragedy of the ending!

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining mystery listening
A will written mystery murder short story by A. M. Burrage about a serial killer and a writer for a paper meeting at the waxworks. I read this a part of the Classic Tales of Horror - 500+ Stories. Enjoy the adventure of reading

[Walter · Rating 3 out of 5]

not bad for a short horror story

[Dusti Falgoust · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love LOVE love. I'm not a huge fan of short stories, but this one managed to have me invested. I love psychological thrillers and this kind of felt like if you had to hurry and get through one in 5 minutes. I loved it!

5/5 stars.

[Madi (acottonsock) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the concept of a journalist locking themself in a wax museum filled with creepy statues of wax figures. Was a quick and chilling read.

[Tim Pendry · Rating 3 out of 5]

A 'waxwork' shocker that manages to maintain its creepy air of 'grand guignol' horror to the end.

[Dannie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun little short story that I enjoyed.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

what an interesting piece of work

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was originally published
in 1931.

It was re-published in 1957
in Alfred Hitchcock's Stories
they wouldn't let me do on TV.

Very well written. Incredibly unique
and creative and different plot.
I very rarely read ghost/horror
stories, but I really think this is
in the top 5 for ghost/horror stories.

[Forked Radish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ceraceous.