13 Ghost Stories from Whitby

by Michael Francis Wray

Collected together in these pages you will find Whitby ghost stories, old and new, told or retold by Michael Wray. The stories are complemented with fine wood cut prints by noted artist Anne Marshall. Some of these stories can be heard on the Original Ghost Walk, others are whispered in dark corners of the ancient inns of the town some none dare speak of at all!Apparitions both before and after death are, of course not infrequent in Whitby. Many a valuable house has stood untenanted for years on the suspicion of its being haunted, the last residents having experienced considerable alarm and anxiety; the bed clothes torn off, the china broke, and furniture demolished. Strange traditions exist of certain yards, lanes and alleys; of some terrible homicide there of departed spirits which have there walked for several nights successively, deprived of their rest, desirous of being addressed by someone, but none daring. The Whitby Repository, 1828.

Genres: Gothic, Horror, Short Stories, Mythology

56 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1999

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just read this because I miss Whitby. Don't judge me!

[Daisy Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down the best book I have ever read in my life, and I have read over 27 books. Very funny, very spooky, all books by this author should be much more popular than they are so that at least two of his children can have a generous inheritance. Similarly the illustrator is an artistic genius and should be more internationally recognised so that her children never need work a day in their lives.

[Rhiannon · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was fine? I really enjoyed the woodcut illustrations in this and some of the stories definitely had an interesting concept and barebones, but I didn't find myself enjoying the writing style. When it comes to ghost stories, I want something a little more atmospheric and eerie, rather than the somewhat humorous tone used here.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun little pamphlet that takes you on a virtual ghost walk round Whitby town centre telling some tall tales en route. I read it in my local coffee shop and was frequently to be found sniggering over certain turns of phrase or recollection - 'old gravel arse' comes to mind. I'm heading to Whitby next week and will be doing a loose walking trail taking in several pubs with the help of this book - though I am a bit spooked out to find out that the street we are staying on was the scene of a pretty horrific accident. Mind, it also has bones raining down from above from St Mary's Churchyard. A short sharp guide to the folklore of Whitby, and cheap at the price. Just don't expect great amounts of detail - and it did lose a star because I would have like clearer dates on some of the stories.

[James · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can only liken the telling of the Ghost stories in this book to when someone hears a comedian tell a great joke and tries to retell it but lacks the timing, forgets the exact wording and it becomes a factual but unhumorous retelling of the joke that just doesn't work. Like you get it but there is no emotional reaction to the joke. It's just not funny any more.

No suspense is built, there is no sense of the spooky or of bringing the stories to life in any way. Frankly, it was boring. Which is definitely not what you want to say about a collection of Ghost stories.

It regains a star purely based on my love of Whitby and the amount of time I spent there as a kid so reading about the places and supposed events in the town held some interest and the woodcut prints of the town in the book.

[sharon Wilkinson Whitehead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great short stories

Whilst enjoying a short break in Whitby I purchased this book. It was interesting visiting the areas mentioned in the book. The stories are short and great for a quick read. There's even a map of Whitby in the book with numbers next to the areas the stories relate too.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

After attending the Original Whitby Ghost Walk we knew we needed to search out this book. It was only mentioned 7 or 8 times on the tour! (Author Michael Wray is the tour guide) It's fab if you enjoy local tales and especially good if you can imagine it being read in the voice of the tour guide. Good fun!

[John Naylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this.
A ghost walk (and swim) around Whitby. Quiet poetic in places but gross in others. Would make good reading using torchlight at Stoupe Cross Farm.
I miss Whitby. Not just the place but also my own childhood that was spent there.

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great collection from the Cædmon Storytellers. I've spent a lot of time I spent a lot of time in Whitby through childhood to adulthood and this stuff never gets old, plus it brings back memories of the many Ghost Walks and stories of the town.

[Tash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant! I recommend for anyone who enjoys a little spook or even a little more than that, whether you know Whitby well or not.

This is made even better by how firmly Whitby is planted in the world of horror. Some great easter eggs in there for horror fans!

10/10

[Adrian · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quaint little collection of historic Whitby tales and legends which help guide you to key spots and sights in the city.

[Charlie Siringo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good to read in the town itself, it's fun to imagine the stories taking place in the areas that are so familiar. Other than that I wouldn't really bother.

[Kevin Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some good stories about local legends, myths and ghostly going ons.

[Jemma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this in Whitby today and read it in one sitting. Such a fun, easy, and interesting book to read while visiting here!