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The Cloud Brothers Short Stories #6
The Bell Tower Suite
Is the bell tower suite haunted? Colonel Mortimer doesn't think so, he doesn't believes in ghosts. His club associates dare him to spend a night. Sibyl, the mansion's housekeeper, fears for the colonel's sanity. Alf and Bert, the security guards, can't resist the temptation to give him a solid fright. Nobody expects the outcome.
- GenresShort StoriesFiction
128 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 25, 2014
14 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
James Field
27 books138 followersHello, fellow book lovers,
I’m James Field — reader, writer, and lifelong lover of stories.
I write soft science fiction and fantasy, usually with a touch of humour, and I’m always more interested in ideas, people, and curiosity than in strict genre boundaries. I also share a free short story collection, What on Earth, with readers who choose to join my newsletter.
Born and bred in England, I spent much of my working life in automation engineering before life took an unexpected — and very welcome — turn north. I married a Norwegian lass and have lived for the past thirty-five years in Norway, much of that time in the Arctic regions, whose landscapes and light have quietly worked their way into my imagination.
Now that I’m a pensioner, I finally have the time to read widely and write steadily. Alongside science fiction and fantasy, I’m increasingly drawn to books that explore the human condition — philosophical, spiritual, and occasionally uncomfortable ones included.
One author who has always fascinated me is Roald Dahl — his adult stories are mischievous, imaginative, and far darker than he’s often given credit for. That mixture of playfulness and edge has stayed with me.
On Goodreads, I’m here first and foremost as a reader. I enjoy thoughtful discussion, honest reviews, and the slow discovery of books I’d never have found on my own. If that sounds like your sort of thing, I’m glad we’ve crossed paths.
Warm wishes,
James
I’m James Field — reader, writer, and lifelong lover of stories.
I write soft science fiction and fantasy, usually with a touch of humour, and I’m always more interested in ideas, people, and curiosity than in strict genre boundaries. I also share a free short story collection, What on Earth, with readers who choose to join my newsletter.
Born and bred in England, I spent much of my working life in automation engineering before life took an unexpected — and very welcome — turn north. I married a Norwegian lass and have lived for the past thirty-five years in Norway, much of that time in the Arctic regions, whose landscapes and light have quietly worked their way into my imagination.
Now that I’m a pensioner, I finally have the time to read widely and write steadily. Alongside science fiction and fantasy, I’m increasingly drawn to books that explore the human condition — philosophical, spiritual, and occasionally uncomfortable ones included.
One author who has always fascinated me is Roald Dahl — his adult stories are mischievous, imaginative, and far darker than he’s often given credit for. That mixture of playfulness and edge has stayed with me.
On Goodreads, I’m here first and foremost as a reader. I enjoy thoughtful discussion, honest reviews, and the slow discovery of books I’d never have found on my own. If that sounds like your sort of thing, I’m glad we’ve crossed paths.
Warm wishes,
James
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 17, 2024
Short story by James Field that quickly pulls you into its atmosphere and leaves you seeking more. Good fun!
Currently reading
June 24, 2025Updated by James, the authur, for the 2025 edition
Some stories linger long after they’re written. The Bell Tower Suite is one of those for me.
This revised edition goes deeper into the shadows—both within the characters and the crumbling walls of the old mansion. Mortimer faces more than just a haunted room. Alf hears things no one should. And Sibyl… she knows exactly what’s coming, though she’d rather not say.
If you like gothic stories where the past won’t stay buried, and silence can be more terrifying than screams, you might enjoy a night in the suite.
Some stories linger long after they’re written. The Bell Tower Suite is one of those for me.
This revised edition goes deeper into the shadows—both within the characters and the crumbling walls of the old mansion. Mortimer faces more than just a haunted room. Alf hears things no one should. And Sibyl… she knows exactly what’s coming, though she’d rather not say.
If you like gothic stories where the past won’t stay buried, and silence can be more terrifying than screams, you might enjoy a night in the suite.
March 15, 2015
The Bell Tower Suite by James Field is a paranormal short story about a retired army officer who takes a dare and spends a ghost-filled night in a haunted house.
Retired Colonel Mortimer pays a visit to Sibyl, the housekeeper of a mansion with a ghostly reputation, and the two resident security guards Alf and Bert. His friends at the club dared the colonel to spend a night in the Bell Tower Suite. The colonel’s grandfather was a judge who stayed in the suite, and met his unfortunate end there by a revengeful convict.
The no-nonsense Sibyl changes the bed linens, and instructs Alf and Bert to lock the colonel in the bell tower suite for the night. During a nasty thunderstorm at midnight, the ghosts walk, and the outcome is nothing like what anyone expected.
The Bell Tower Suite is a delightful little story that paints vivid characters in a short time. It tells a spooky story within a story, and wraps it together in a gothic-fused package. James Field uses an expert touch and mixes in fun surprises concerning a cellar rat, and the security guards’ practical jokes.
Readers who love gothic ghost stories would enjoy The Bell Tower Suite. This story is best read at night with a thunderstorm crashing outside. Be sure to lock the door, and watch out for the cellar rat.
Retired Colonel Mortimer pays a visit to Sibyl, the housekeeper of a mansion with a ghostly reputation, and the two resident security guards Alf and Bert. His friends at the club dared the colonel to spend a night in the Bell Tower Suite. The colonel’s grandfather was a judge who stayed in the suite, and met his unfortunate end there by a revengeful convict.
The no-nonsense Sibyl changes the bed linens, and instructs Alf and Bert to lock the colonel in the bell tower suite for the night. During a nasty thunderstorm at midnight, the ghosts walk, and the outcome is nothing like what anyone expected.
The Bell Tower Suite is a delightful little story that paints vivid characters in a short time. It tells a spooky story within a story, and wraps it together in a gothic-fused package. James Field uses an expert touch and mixes in fun surprises concerning a cellar rat, and the security guards’ practical jokes.
Readers who love gothic ghost stories would enjoy The Bell Tower Suite. This story is best read at night with a thunderstorm crashing outside. Be sure to lock the door, and watch out for the cellar rat.
December 2, 2014
While reading this chiller and I was reminded of being a young lad again, sitting around a campfire, wondering what lurked in the darkness, while James Field told his ghoulish tale. It’s a classic ghost story with a knockout twist. Even though the characters come from the Cloud Brothers series, it comfortably stands alone. Read it if you want a decent scare. Read it if you want a good laugh. There’s plenty of both on offer.
November 25, 2016
This ghostly short story was a Kindle freebie so I thought I'd give it a whirl. I find shorts are good when I'm a Book slump or as a gap filler.
I thought the plot started out quite interesting and some of the descriptiveness in scenes were good. It did let me down by not being at all spooky really and I found the ending a bit watery. It seemed to be really building up, I was hoping for a shocker of a finale.
An okay read, 3 stars for this short ghostly tale. I might check out more from this author.
I thought the plot started out quite interesting and some of the descriptiveness in scenes were good. It did let me down by not being at all spooky really and I found the ending a bit watery. It seemed to be really building up, I was hoping for a shocker of a finale.
An okay read, 3 stars for this short ghostly tale. I might check out more from this author.
December 26, 2015
This story threw me for a loop. It drew me in with the promise of ghosts and delivered spectacularly. I definitely recommend it for a slight fright and a bit of a laugh to boot.
Reviewed on Just Another Girl and Her Books blog.
http://www.justanothergirlandherbooks...
Reviewed on Just Another Girl and Her Books blog.
http://www.justanothergirlandherbooks...
February 25, 2015
A man pays to stay in a haunted room, giving some people the chance to play a few pranks, but who will end up scared stiff?
I thought this was a good story, very much in the tradition of ghoulish tales told on wintry evenings (or equivalent), with a satisfying plot twist at the end.
I thought this was a good story, very much in the tradition of ghoulish tales told on wintry evenings (or equivalent), with a satisfying plot twist at the end.
December 27, 2014
An entertaining and enjoyable addition to the series.
December 23, 2016
Not usually a fan of ghost stories. This short story was tense, scary and fun all in the right doses.
June 19, 2025
Awesome Horror
In The Bell Tower Suite, James Field delivers 128 pages of classic horror, complete with ghosts, witches and mysterious visitors. The character development is excellent for a novella. The tension is constant from the beginning and makes for fun reading. If you enjoy brutal ghost stories, you will love this book and its eccentric characters. I can't wait to read another!
In The Bell Tower Suite, James Field delivers 128 pages of classic horror, complete with ghosts, witches and mysterious visitors. The character development is excellent for a novella. The tension is constant from the beginning and makes for fun reading. If you enjoy brutal ghost stories, you will love this book and its eccentric characters. I can't wait to read another!
May 14, 2025
Great Short Story
The classic haunted house tale with a twist almost one you wouldn't see coming All in all it was an enjoyable read. I sat down and started reading this book last night slept for a while and had to finish it it was a pretty good book I'd recommend it to my friends and family. Especially if you like haunted houses ghost s and adventure.
The classic haunted house tale with a twist almost one you wouldn't see coming All in all it was an enjoyable read. I sat down and started reading this book last night slept for a while and had to finish it it was a pretty good book I'd recommend it to my friends and family. Especially if you like haunted houses ghost s and adventure.
March 27, 2019
....🤷🏼♀️
September 4, 2015
Interesting
A ghost story? Yes, indeed. When a strange man shows up wanting to stay in the bell tower, where is grandfather had been murdered 100 years earlier, the caretaker, thinks he's off his rocker, knowing the room is haunted by ghosts? But really who is this man and is his reason for being there only to sit in the room to celebrate the 100 year passing of his grandfather? The answer is no. There is much more to the story.
A ghost story? Yes, indeed. When a strange man shows up wanting to stay in the bell tower, where is grandfather had been murdered 100 years earlier, the caretaker, thinks he's off his rocker, knowing the room is haunted by ghosts? But really who is this man and is his reason for being there only to sit in the room to celebrate the 100 year passing of his grandfather? The answer is no. There is much more to the story.
April 9, 2016
Short spooky story reminiscent of Tales to Tremble By.
May 26, 2016
Entertaining and enjoyable; I'd like to know more about the characters, especially the creepy Colonel who appeared out of nowhere, demanding to stay the night in a suite he knew was haunted.
April 21, 2017
Not a bad little paranormal tale. It's very short, yet still entertaining. The ending has a unique twist that most readers might not see coming. A good,surprising read.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews