Bric-a-Brac: A Haunting and Fantastical Collection of Bittersweet Supernatural Tales

by J.T. Croft

Immerse yourself in a world of Gothic fantasy and gentle ghost stories, where perplexing riddles and unearthly visitors, combine with all the chill, charm and timelessness of classic ghost tales.Bric-a-Brac is a poignant short story and novella collection set within deeply memorable backdrops of supernatural happenings where everyday people explore our shared innermost human desires and struggles.In the war-torn streets of London, a haunting romance unfolds, where love at first sight conceals hidden secrets. Journey to the Isles of Scilly where a grieving widow finds closure in a remarkable superstition. Witness a young woman, come of age, struggling to leave behind her childhood and something even more precious and innocent. Wander the sacred halls of a medieval monastery, where inquisitive scribes unearth forbidden truths. Accompany an Edwardian detective on an unorthodox pursuit of justice for a resurrected actress. And in a Wiltshire curiosity shop, a lonely shop owner discovers the transformative magic of friendship…and more.With wit and enchantment, hallmarks of the author’s immersive and emotive writing style, these unforgettable stories interweave the natural with the supernatural, making them ideal for readers of Ray Bradbury, Neil Gaiman and Edith Nesbit.Stories ∞ The Exchange ∞ Glow ∞ Reflections ∞ Nightingale ∞ The Cresset Square ∞ Sleep now, Adelard ∞ Bric-a-Brac ∞Are you ready to uncover this hauntingly beautiful collection? Then scroll up and grab your copy now!

287 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 17, 2023

About the author

J. T. Croft is a Gothic and speculative fiction author with a passion for tales both fantastical and supernatural.

An avid fan of Gothic fantasy and ghost stories, J. T. imbues his work with strong emotional themes designed to tug readers’ hearts and make them think. His stories roam between good and evil, exploring the grey area between with a melancholy, bittersweet, and strangely charming feel.

J. T. Croft is enchanted by the works of Edwardian ghostwriters such as M. R. James, E. Nesbit, and E. F. Benson, as much as the Gothic works of Laura Purcell, Susan Hill, and Daphne du Maurier.

When not writing, he enjoys listening to podcasts, drinking coffee, and spending time with his partner and their grey tabby in Worcestershire, UK.

Website - www.jtcroft.com
Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/jtcroftauthor/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jtcroftauthor
Twitter - https://twitter.com/jtcroftauthor
BookBub - https://www.bookbub.com/authors/j-t-c...

Reviews

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bric-a-Brac by J. T. Croft is a captivating collection of short stories and novellas that explore the themes of life, death, love, loss, and the supernatural. Justin skillfully blends the elements of Gothic fantasy, mystery, and horror to create stories that are both haunting and fantastical. The stories are set in different times and places, from Victorian London to modern-day Ireland, but they all share a common thread of human emotions and experiences. The characters are well-developed and relatable, facing dilemmas and challenges that really resonated with me. Justin also uses vivid descriptions and imagery to create atmospheric and immersive settings that drew me into the stories.

Bric-a-Brac is a book that will appeal to fans of Ray Bradbury, Neil Gaiman, and Edith Nesbit, as well as those who enjoy the bittersweet and supernatural. Justin has a unique and enchanting voice that absolutely kept me hooked and entertained. I highly recommend for anyone who loves reading stories that are both imaginative and emotional.

5 Stars.

[Richard Brulotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Croft’s writing is captivating in many ways. I have never picked up one of his books that I did not feel compelled to finish in one sitting. His originality is refreshing and his characters insightful in every way. He weaves the paranormal into his books unobtrusively enticing the readers to fall in love and become invested in each and every character. The romantic nature of his storytelling is both enticing and inspiring. This collection of short stories is i decidedly one of his best. I definitely fell in love with Inspector Perry and undertaker Rooks and hope the author has plans to revisit them again in the future either as another short story or a full blown novel. Readers — if you have not explored J.T.’s work and are picking this book up, you are in for a treat and hope you don’t have anything pressing to attend to as you will not put this book down til you have finished devouring it! Enjoy!

[Audrey Stars in Her Eye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bric-a-Brac is yet another brilliant collection from the ineffable writings of J.T. Croft. Like its name, this book collects a variety of stories most with supernatural elements. They each catch some part of the human experience from grief to youth.

The flagship of this collection is The Exchange set during World War II. The story delves into love, sacrifice, and the desire to protect those around us. Giving a supernatural twist to the war effort was unique and satisfying. The rest are almost as good and have strong hearts. Even what would be the weakest link defies expectation and Croft infuses human emotions and the supernatural together in a touching story that would lessen in anyone else's hands.

My personal favorite is Reflections. I was brought to tears reading this story about imaginary friends and child friendships. It was touching and one of the best examples of men writing a female character correctly.

I would absolutely encourage any one to pick up this collections

I received an ARC for review; I am a part of The Muses, Croft's Advanced Readers Team; all opinions are my own.

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming and creative eclectic collection, as advertised! Each story is set in a different setting and era, which is fascinating. Each starts from a scenario we've seen in plenty of other spots, and just as you're thinking it's a trope Croft takes a unique direction.

Not the strongest of the other Croft works I've read thus far, but nonetheless very much worth the read! Closer to 4 stars than to 3 for sure.

My favourite was certainly "Adelard", followed by "Bric-a-Brac". In "Cresset" and "Adelard" I really enjoyed the additional inner descriptions of the oppressive feelings, for example, and other all-sensory experiences.

"Nightingale" is the longest and novella-length; as a departure into the detective thriller, it stands aside most from the other works. The end-notes mention Croft contemplates adding more to it, whether as sequel or expansion, so I'd suggest having it as a standalone.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a collection of Gothic Fantasy and Ghost Stories to make this something not to be missed. Absolutely brilliant.