Haunted Tales: Ghostly Stories for the Darkest Nights

by Adam Macqueen

Originally written as annual stories sent to friends instead of Christmas cards, this is a collection in the grand tradition of ghost stories – to be read by the fire in the depths of winter.

Genres: Horror, Short Stories, Fiction, Christmas, Paranormal, Ghosts, Mystery

164 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 24, 2024

Reviews

[Rina | Worldsbetweenpages · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Wrong Teletubby 4,25/5
- child death
- grief in times of social media
- Facebook messages

Come Quick, Danger 3/5
- radio invention
- witching hour superstitions
- looming danger

The Old Folk 4,5/5
- small island
- sacrifices
- secret traditions

Panic Room 4/5
- haunted house
- realtor
- crime scene

🥈The Hawthorn Tree 5/5
- missing husband
- old ways
- cottage setting

🥇Multiple Occupation 5/5
- haunted house
- endless staircase
- neighbors to lovers

🥉The Elf-Kin 4,5/5
- folklore superstitions
- wicked elves
- historic northern village

The Lily-White Boy 3,75/5
- family history research
- WWI letters
- haunting soldier

The Gift that Keeps On Giving 4,25/5
- deal with the devil
- sacrifices
- love to hate

Will I buy a physical copy: I got it for Christmas last year!
Will I read more books by the author: I’ll look other books up.
Where would I place it on my bookshelf: The short story section, next to The Witching Hour.

[Neil · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an excellent collection of spooky stories! Just perfect to make for a Creepy Christmas! Nothing under 3⭐️ here. My faves were ‘the gift that keeps on giving’, ‘multiple occupation’, and ‘old folk’.

[Karen]

Review to follow

[Mildred · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprised to be weeping as I write this. I wanted some wintry ghost stories to see me through December and that's exactly what this delivered. Some of them were genuinely quite scary, one was really enjoyable to read but then confused me at the end and left me feeling dissatisfied, and then the final story ('The gift that keeps on giving') is an absolute gut punch to the emotions.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before reading this, I hadn't read anything by MacQueen before. When you also consider that collections of short stories can be a little hit or miss, I wasn't sure what to expect. Now that I have finished this collection, I'm not sure that I got exactly what I was expecting, but actually I think that was no bad thing.

Haunted Tales contains nine short tales. If you come to this thinking that you are going to get full throttle horror, you will more than likely be sorely disappointed. The horror here, the ways that these tales are haunted, is a little more subtle, and complex than that. These are tales which do not give you all of the answers; the sense of horror or unease may start to grip you, and then just as a story would normally develop and the full horrors would be exposed, they come to an end. And it is because of this that these stories leave you feeling more uneasy, more haunted, than if they had shown you all that you were anticipating. These are stories which will haunt you, they will linger with you.

My favourites from the collection were:
The Wrong Teletubby
Panic Room
The Hawthorn Tree
The Elf-Kin
The Lily-White Boy
The Gift that Keeps on Giving

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found myself wrapping more blankets round me as I read this one because man, it was CHILLING.

A collection of dark and unsettling folk horror, ghostly tales and mend bending mysteries. There are endearing characters and a sense of charm woven in, which lures you into a false sense of security as the effect intensifies the horror that ensues.

There are several stories I could have read a whole novel’s worth of and if I had to choose, I’d say The Old Folk, The Hawthorn Tree and The Lily-White Boy were my favourites.

[Jo_Scho_Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Back in 2005, instead of sending Christmas cards to friends and family, the author decided to write a haunted tale to send instead. And kept doing it. And this is the result; a collection of finely crafted spooky short stories. Now as a rule I don’t usually get on that well with short stories, as they’re too, err, short? Anyone else find that? But this lot well and truly knocked my socks off.

I enjoyed pretty much every one of them and some I absolutely loved. From the devoted wife attempting to get a message to her husband through the freezing snow in Come Quick, Danger, to the eerie never ending stairs in Multiple Occupation, to a lonely bike ride heading to a remote cottage in The Old Folk, this collection is full of fear and unease. Each story draws you in pretty much instantly, the writing is relaxed and informal (yet wonderfully descriptive and vivid) and every one of them is intriguing, chilling and clever. I’ve dipped in and out of this all through December and now I’ve finished I can confirm that this is genuinely is one of the best short story collections I’ve ever read.

So while the nights are still dark, I can’t recommend this enough and a note to the author, can you please continue with this tradition, they definitely beat a Christmas card!

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This collection of stories is indeed haunting as there's a chilly undertone to each tale. Perfect for curling up with on a dark wintery night.

[Ashleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm usually hard to please with short stories, there's a lacking of depth and detail that I tend to like about longer works but this collection was truly wonderful. A perfect spooky season/winter read. Every single story was completely original and well fleshed out. The characters drew me into their tales instantly and at one point I even shed some tears. I loved the idea of the authors friends and family receiving one of these stories on Christmas eve, what a wonderful tradition. I will be eagerly anticipating any new work this author releases. Thank you to net galley for the ARC.

[Jazzy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly, it was alright. Not sure what I was expecting but it was exactly what it said it was. A collection of short horror stories. Naturally, with these it's too short a time to express a story properly so usually there is some form of a gimmick to hook the reader with a twist at the end. Either hit or miss but mostly just experimental.

The stories were mostly forgettable, except 3 that really stood out to me 'Panic Room' especially which I vividly remember almost a month after reading it, 'multiple occupation' and 'The gift that keeps on giving'. Panic room was by far my favourite. Perfectly told story through and through.

I think those three make make the book a worthwhile read, just don't go expecting anything amazing. Also, a fairly quick read at 200 pages so you have nothing to lose.

[Ellie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm sorry but I absolutely hated this. I didn't find the stories fit a good winter setting, the writing was so lacking in both prose and plot that each story left so much to be desired. I didn't find this spooking, haunting or even engaging enough to enjoy.

[Manic Booksy Dreamgirl · Rating 1 out of 5]

I feel really misled by this book, I was expecting something Gothic and winter. This was amateurish in the extreme, very disappointing. Would not recommend.

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: Haunted Tales by Adam Macqueen

Rating: 4 Stars

I recently had the pleasure of reviewing Haunted Tales by Adam Macqueen, and let me tell you, it's the perfect companion for a chilly evening by the fire. This collection of ghost stories is not just any ordinary compilation; it’s a heartfelt tradition that Macqueen has been sharing with his family instead of the usual Christmas card for over twenty years. Talk about a unique way to keep the spirit of the season alive!

The book launches with some truly intriguing tales, starting with an eerie voice interrupting the very first radio broadcast in 1908. From there, we journey through a myriad of haunting scenarios — like a son who can't seem to let go, even from beyond the grave, bombarding his family with Facebook messages long after his death. There’s also a chilling frozen forest where sinister elf-kin lurk under the snow, and an island in Scotland where locals ensure their elders are cared for during harsh winters. Each story is rich in atmosphere, and whether it’s rooted in ghostly appearances or the supernatural, every tale feels steeped in folklore that whispers of ages past.

What I loved most about Haunted Tales is how Macqueen artfully weaves different emotions into each story — they’re not just creepy for the sake of being creepy. Instead, they delve into themes of love, loss, and longing, making the supernatural elements all the more poignant. It’s fascinating how he manages to simultaneously send shivers down your spine while tugging at your heartstrings.

Some stories will leave you wondering which elements are purely ghostly and which ones have their roots in time-honored folk tales. It creates an engaging puzzle that kept me turning pages late into the night. Honestly, I devoured this collection in just one day; it was that captivating.

Overall, Haunted Tales is a fabulous read for anyone who enjoys a touch of the macabre mixed with rich storytelling. It’s clear that Macqueen has a knack for crafting tales that resonate deeply and linger in your mind long after you've finished reading. If you're looking for something to get you into the spirit of winter (or just to freak you out a little), I highly recommend diving into this collection. You might just find yourself looking over your shoulder as you cozy up by the fire!

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Haunted Tales” by Adam MacQueen

Rating: 3,5⭐️

I have to be honest, I’ve never been a mystery/horror reader but I really wanted to try to read new genres and pop on this one and I think that this was the perfect book to begin with!

Review:

Adam MacQueen’s "Haunted Tales" is a delightful collection of ghost stories that effortlessly blends the traditional elements of the genre with contemporary twists. Each tale in this anthology is carefully made to provide a spine-chilling experience, making it a perfect read for fans of horror and supernatural fiction!

The characters in "Haunted Tales" are vividly portrayed, making their fears and reactions palpable. MacQueen has a knack for developing relatable characters who find themselves in extraordinary, often terrifying, situations. This connection with the characters enhances the reader’s immersion, making the supernatural occurrences all the more frightening.

“Haunted Tales” explores a variety of themes, including grief, guilt, and the unknown. MacQueen delves into the psychological aspects of fear, making his ghost stories not just about the supernatural, but also about the human condition and I think that’s what made me enjoy his work so much.

MacQueen's storytelling shines through his ability to create a diverse range of haunting scenarios. From haunted houses and spectral apparitions to psychological terrors and unexplained phenomena, each story is unique yet maintains a consistent eerie atmosphere. The plots are well-constructed, with enough suspense and unexpected turns to keep readers on edge.

MacQueen has for sure a great ability to build tension and deliver satisfying climaxes. The prose is both engaging and evocative. His descriptive language brings settings to life, from creaky old mansions to mist-shrouded graveyards.

Overall, "Haunted Tales" by Adam MacQueen is a captivating read for anyone who enjoys ghost stories with depth and originality and for the ones, like me, who want to face for the first time this fascinating genre!

[Gayle (OutsmartYourShelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

At last! A collection of short stories that (mostly) do "exactly what it says on the tin". Nine short stories in the tradition of Christmas ghost stories which give the reader a chill.

1. The Wrong Teletubby - strange title but excellent story. A grieving father receives a Facebook message from his dead son. 4 stars

2. Come Quick, Danger - on the ever radio transmission, the engineer's wife hears a spectral warning that sends her dashing to his rescue. 3.5 stars

3. The Old Folk - teenager Ishbel has to deliver a box of food to a lonely cottage way out at Black Lake. 4 stars

4. Panic Room - intruders break into their house again & a mum & her young daughter flee into the panic room. 5 stars

5. The Hawthorn Tree - family move to the countryside but the dad suddenly disappears. 3 stars

6. Multiple Occupation - man moves into a new flat & has never seen his upstairs neighbours but hears strange noises in the early hours. 3 stars

7. The Elf-Kin - a hunter's family prepares for winter. 2.5 stars

8. The Lily-White Boy - empty nesters decide to look into their family tree & get more than they bargained for. 4 stars

9. The Grift that Keeps on Giving - mother will do anything to save her ill daughter. Anything. 2.5 stars

The standout stories to me were 'The Wrong Teletubby', 'The Old Folk', & 'Panic Room'. Each of these had a killer twist at the end. This is probably the only collection of short stories I've really enjoyed reading recently, as normally I find short stories a little disappointing. I recommend this is you like stories that send a chill down your spine. 3.5 stars (rounded up)

My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Swift Press, for the opportunity to read an ARC.

[Ends of the Word · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came across a beautiful hardback edition of this volume while browsing the shelves of Waterstones at Tottenham Court Road during a December weekend break in London. Having just read a glowing review, I thought it would be a great souvenir to take back home for Christmas. The stories in this collection were originally written as a “festive gift” for friends and relatives in lieu of Christmas cards – hence the subtitle “Ghostly Stories for the Darkest Nights”. The very concept of telling ghost stories at Christmas is a well-established tradition, and Macqueen has no qualms about admitting that he is heavily indebted to “tradition” in his ghost stories. In the book’s afterword he presents a whole list of authors who have influenced his work, and part of the fun in reading this volume is trying to guess Macqueen’s sources of inspiration – ranging from Shirley Jackson’s The-Lottery-style folk-horror (“The Old Folk”, “The Hawthorn Tree”) to fairy-tale fantasy (“The Elf-kin”) to ghostly historical fiction (“Come quick, danger”).

The stories are, perhaps, not terribly original nor do they purport to be. But they’re very well written and often manage to effectively transpose traditional tropes into the 21st Century (as in the case of the haunted Facebook messages in “The Wrong Teletubby”).

https://endsoftheword.blogspot.com/20...

[Mandie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone who knows me knows that I am not normally a fan of ghost or horror stories but occasionally I will go out of my comfort zone and so this collection of short stories by Adam Macqueen was a good place to start. Some have a ghostly presence, some the supernatural and some seem based in folk tales passed down through the generations. Which are which you will discover as you go along.
There were a couple of stories that stood out for me, the first being The Wrong Teletubby that delves into the grief felt by a father who loses his son in a tragic accident and how his obsession to try to stay connected to him leads to some very mysterious communications that will have you wondering who or what is behind them. I also loved the Elf-Kin that looks at old tales with a very spooky ending. There was part of me that would have loved this one to be a bit longer to explore the folk tale further.
Throughout these stories the author deals with a variety of emotions that feed the events that take place adding to the overall atmosphere of the book. What I loved was Afterlife where the author explains why he started writing the stores which made me smile but also glad I am not on his Christmas card list. We also find out about the authors who inspired him and how their stories fed the ones in this book.
If you are looking for a book as a Christmas present for those who love a spooky tale or even just for yourself then you may enjoy Haunted Tales

[Mr Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

This software is hopeless. I spent ages writing a review of this wonderful collection only to find it had disappeared into the ether. So many times this has happened on this site. The place needs a complete overhaul as I feel there are more bugs in it that in a termite nest.
Anyway, briefly, this is great. A fine collection of creepy stories that for the most part stick with you after they’ve finished. Quite a few them leave you asking uncomfortable questions and the ambiguity of their endings really works in their favour.
I was disappointed to see that these types of stories are not usually within the writer’s wheelhouse, which is a shame because he is good. Very, very good.
I would recommend this with no hesitation. I whizzed through the entire collection in just over 24 hours, propped up with a glass or two of Baileys and some Stollen cake. Outside frost is crushing the quiet country lane that crawls past the house, and this book has been the perfect accompaniment to the seasonal chill.
So, yes. Treat yourself. If you like stories that dabble with your imagination and leave you glancing at the dark windows then this is for you.
Hopefully, one day, this excellent writer will bring out another selection of similar tales.
Highly enjoyable

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written originally as Yuletide gifts for friends, these stories contain some good ideas and a few genuinely creepy moments. However, a number of them feel very similar - there's a recurrent focus on couples whose child leaves for university which makes me wonder if Macqueen's friends are all of an age. There's also a tendency to be diffuse, cluttering stories with needless details or over-extending promising ideas. Macqueen is refreshingly open about his influences in the book's afterword (and cites many of my favourite writers) but obvious nods only reinforce the sense that this is a fun, personal project which has been lucky enough to pick up a publisher. I quite liked most of the tales he tells, but the only one that really impressed me was the folk horror set in Scotland. Again, it got a bit caught in digression, but it did have a superb final twist. Four stars for that one, three for most, two for the Nordic elves.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up "Haunted Tales: Ghostly Stories for the Darkest Nights" hoping for something fun and atmospheric to get me in the mood for spooky season. I don’t usually read horror or ghost story collections, but I do love a good thriller, so I figured I’d give this a try.

The writing itself is solid; Adam McQueen clearly knows how to set a scene and create an eerie tone, but I never quite connected with the stories. I kept waiting for that feeling of suspense or a twist that would really hook me, and it didn’t quite happen. Since I haven’t read many short story collections, I think I’m still learning what works for me in that format; maybe that’s why I struggled to fully connect with this one.

I wouldn’t say it’s a bad book at all, it just wasn’t a perfect fit for my tastes. If you enjoy bite-sized ghost stories or like dipping into spooky anthologies, you might get more out of it than I did. For me, it was a 3-star “fine, but not for me” kind of read.

[Tuesday Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mini Review: A collection of short stories that will stay with you long after you finish reading – For best results, read in a low-lit room!

Plot Summary
This book features a collection of short stories, centred around Christmas ghosts! This selection will be sure to keep you spooked and wanting more.

Review
This was one of the rare occasions where every short story was intriguing and there were some I wished were longer – I could read a whole book based around these little tales! My favourites were The Panic Room and The Gift That Keeps On Giving, but all of them had a special charm to them.

Even with the short length, they each encapsulated the characters perfectly and set the scene beautifully. And each left me feeling like WTF, and coming up with my own conclusions of what the entity could have been or what happened next.

It’s hard to write a full review because so much was covered, and I wouldn’t want to ruin any of these beautifully written stories, but if you enjoy horror and ghost stories then I would recommend adding this to your TBR.

[Mary Polzella · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fabulous collection of short, creepy stories which I devoured in a couple of days. I've not read anything by this author before but found these stories chilling and unsettling in just the right amount, all have their own unique twist! My favourite of all is The Wrong Teletubby, about a son who won't stop messaging his father, even after his death. Having said that, I enjoyed each story and felt they were the perfect length for those of us who don't want to read a whole lot of short stories in one sitting.

I loved how the author shared that he started writing these stories a few years ago, sending them to friends and family instead of Christmas cards. What a great way to creep-out the people you love.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great collection of spooky tales from the same author. Although it is being released in time for Halloween, there is a common theme of Christmas throughout. This is due to the author writing these haunted tales to include with Christmas correspondence.

I really enjoyed the fairy/fae themed stories, The Hawthorn Tree and Elf-kin. The Hawthorn Tree was set in modern times where a man disappears after chopping down the ancient tree. Elf-kin was set in more of a historical fairytale setting and had lots of spooky vibes.

I also really loved Multiple Occupation. I lived in a house with a similar layout to the one in the story when I graduated from uni. I dealt with a noisy couple that lived above me that I felt were nocturnal, similar to the main character. This story is about ghosts, demons and never ending staircases.

I recommend this book if you are into folk horror, there are definitely many references to all the great fantasy and horror authors. It's a short book, but the stories have depth. Perfect for those long winter nights.

Thank you to NetGalley and Swift Press for allowing me to read this ARC. It is out now from all good bookstores.

[Liam Ostermann · Rating 3 out of 5]

A perfectly good collection of weird/horror tales which I have enjoyed but I can't say they have inspired me to go read anything else by this author. Maybe it is a question of age, if am going to read this sort of fiction I am more likely to turn to old favorites like the old Stephen Jones 'Best Horror' anthologies or works by authors of my generation like Christopher Fowler or if I want comfort reading I'd go back to the great-grand-daddy M.R. James. It is not that Adam Macqueen isn't readable only that, for me, there was an element of ersatz. Also I find so much current fiction in attempting to be up-to-date with mentions of brand-names etc. ends up dating all the quicker.

I am sure many will love this but I can't give it more then three uncertain stars.

[Emma Murch · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚 Book Review 📚

This is a great collection of ghost stories; tales of the macabre and strange which are perfect for this time of year 🎃

Each story is the right length and each one is different to the last and I loved reading that the author started writing these ghost stories, to send to friends and family as gifts at Christmas. Sounds like my kind of gift!

A really worthwhile collection of ghostly tales from an author I haven’t read before, but intend to read again.

I’d like to thank Swift Press, NetGalley and the author for the arc and the fantastic opportunity, in exchange for my honest feedback 😊

Book released on 24th October 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[mrsbookburnee Niamh Burnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I need one of my family members to step up and start sending me ghost stories instead of Christmas cards, what a great idea.

Everytime I read one story, I was like ‘that’s my favourite’. Normally with short stories, I don’t always enjoy each story, however I loved all of these.

Each story had a different impact on me, from the saddles of ‘The Wrong Teletubby’ , the jaw dropping ‘voice’ in ‘Come quick, danger’ to the intriguing ‘The Lily-white boy’ ultimately they all had dark undertones.

I highly recommend this and it’s a perfect read for Halloween.

#hauntedtales #adammacqueen #ghoststories #spookyreads #scary #bookbloggers #mrsbookburnee

[one.too.many.books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haunted Tales are a collection of short stories with a chilling and spooky edge. I enjoyed reading this 200 page book with a variety of chapters, each being a self-contained tale. They are definitely perfect for spooky season or dark nights, though I much preferred reading them during daylight hours 🫣 a few of them gave me proper shivers!

My favourite story was The Old Folk but there is something spooky for everyone’s taste. The book can be read in one go or one story at a time. This would probably make a great Christmas present for someone who likes a ghost tale.

I would recommend! The paperback has stunning silver foiling details and is wonderfully sparkly.

[Onceuponaplace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an awesome collection I flew through in just a few days: I loved how each story had its unique twist. All the stories were a great length, perfect if you don’t want to commit to a ton at once. Plus, I loved how the author started writing these as a creepy alternative to Christmas cards—such a fun idea! With a diverse mix of horror subgenres, these nine stories keep every horror fan hooked. The writing is simple and smooth, making it an easy, fast read. I didn’t love all the stories (just a personal preference), but some hit the mark and instantly grabbed my attention. It’s worth having this book on your shelf!

[Brian Stabler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading the nine short stories contained within Haunted Tales, each of which was originally given away as a Christmas present, it's clear that Adam Macqueen is a horror fan.

Whether it's Lovecraft, James, Aickman, King, folk horror or just the simple ghost story there's an example here. Maybe the prose is at times disjointed and some of the endings don't quite hit home, but they're always entertaining.

It's probably a bit early to be thinking about the 'C' word, but I suspect this is a book many horror fans would be happy to find in their stocking come Christmas morning.

Thanks to NetGalley, Swift Press and the author for an advance copy.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really quick, very spooky read and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Just don't read it before bed if you're easily scared or a little nervous at night time. I enjoyed it even more after reading the author's note because I love the fact these were originally written for friends and family members as a Christmas tradition.

Thank you Swift Press for the chance to read the ARC of Haunted Tales