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The Woman in Black and Other Ghost Stories
A stunning gift edition collecting together Susan Hill's spinechilling stories of murder, magic and mayhem.
'No one chills the blood like Susan Hill' Daily Telegraph
From the horrifying secret of Eel Marsh House in The Woman in Black to the supernatural terror unleashed by spiteful Leonora van Vorst in Dolly and the deadly danger posed by Professor Parmitter's painting of Venice in The Man in the Picture, Susan Hill's ghost stories never fail to raise the hairs on the back of your neck and keep you turning the pages long past midnight.
Here, collected together for the first time - and also including the bestselling Printers Devil Court and The Small Hand - are all of Susan Hill's spinechilling stories of murder, magic and mayhem.
Read on if you dare.
'No one chills the blood like Susan Hill' Daily Telegraph
From the horrifying secret of Eel Marsh House in The Woman in Black to the supernatural terror unleashed by spiteful Leonora van Vorst in Dolly and the deadly danger posed by Professor Parmitter's painting of Venice in The Man in the Picture, Susan Hill's ghost stories never fail to raise the hairs on the back of your neck and keep you turning the pages long past midnight.
Here, collected together for the first time - and also including the bestselling Printers Devil Court and The Small Hand - are all of Susan Hill's spinechilling stories of murder, magic and mayhem.
Read on if you dare.
416 pages, Hardcover
First published September 24, 2015
69 people are currently reading
1567 people want to read
About the author
Susan Hill
180 books2,265 followersSusan Hill was born in Scarborough, North Yorkshire in 1942. Her hometown was later referred to in her novel A Change for the Better (1969) and some short stories especially "Cockles and Mussels".
She attended Scarborough Convent School, where she became interested in theatre and literature. Her family left Scarborough in 1958 and moved to Coventry where her father worked in car and aircraft factories. Hill states that she attended a girls’ grammar school, Barr's Hill. Her fellow pupils included Jennifer Page, the first Chief Executive of the Millennium Dome. At Barrs Hill she took A levels in English, French, History and Latin, proceeding to an English degree at King's College London. By this time she had already written her first novel, The Enclosure which was published by Hutchinson in her first year at university. The novel was criticised by The Daily Mail for its sexual content, with the suggestion that writing in this style was unsuitable for a "schoolgirl".
Her next novel Gentleman and Ladies was published in 1968. This was followed in quick succession by A Change for the Better, I'm the King of the Castle, The Albatross and other stories, Strange Meeting, The Bird of Night, A Bit of Singing and Dancing and In the Springtime of Year, all written and published between 1968 and 1974.
In 1975 she married Shakespeare scholar Stanley Wells and they moved to Stratford upon Avon. Their first daughter, Jessica, was born in 1977 and their second daughter, Clemency, was born in 1985. Hill has recently founded her own publishing company, Long Barn Books, which has published one work of fiction per year.
Librarian's Note: There is more than one author by this name.
She attended Scarborough Convent School, where she became interested in theatre and literature. Her family left Scarborough in 1958 and moved to Coventry where her father worked in car and aircraft factories. Hill states that she attended a girls’ grammar school, Barr's Hill. Her fellow pupils included Jennifer Page, the first Chief Executive of the Millennium Dome. At Barrs Hill she took A levels in English, French, History and Latin, proceeding to an English degree at King's College London. By this time she had already written her first novel, The Enclosure which was published by Hutchinson in her first year at university. The novel was criticised by The Daily Mail for its sexual content, with the suggestion that writing in this style was unsuitable for a "schoolgirl".
Her next novel Gentleman and Ladies was published in 1968. This was followed in quick succession by A Change for the Better, I'm the King of the Castle, The Albatross and other stories, Strange Meeting, The Bird of Night, A Bit of Singing and Dancing and In the Springtime of Year, all written and published between 1968 and 1974.
In 1975 she married Shakespeare scholar Stanley Wells and they moved to Stratford upon Avon. Their first daughter, Jessica, was born in 1977 and their second daughter, Clemency, was born in 1985. Hill has recently founded her own publishing company, Long Barn Books, which has published one work of fiction per year.
Librarian's Note: There is more than one author by this name.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
January 15, 2023
Some fantastic stories in here - especially The Woman in Black, The Man in the Picture and The Small Hand. I really enjoyed this collection.
March 5, 2021
Pretty strong collection of ghost stories! Loved how atmospheric Hill’s writing is. Full review to come
September 17, 2022
The collection as a whole
4/5 stars
The cover has a quote from The Times: "Queen of the traditional ghost story". This is an apt quote indeed, because these tales all read like traditional ghost stories and follow the traditional formula: an ordinary man (all these stories are told by men, although 'The Man in the Picture' is partly narrated by two women) experiences something supernatural and very creepy, usually because he is at the wrong place at the wrong time. I think it probably works best not to binge this collection, but to spread them out over a longer time period; that way, you'll enjoy them to the fullest. I certainly enjoyed these! If you want a creepy story to read during a stormy night, you can definitely do a lot worse than read one of these tales.
Each tale reviewed individually
'The Woman in Black'
4/5 stars
Probably Hill's most famous ghost story. I've read it twice before. It remains a deliciously creepy story. If you have watched the film (which I also recommend), please be aware that the story on which it is based is quite different in some aspects, more traditional (the English sure do love a ghost story told during Christmas, don't they?).
'Dolly'
3/5 stars
IMO, this is the weakest story in the collection. Though it definitely has a lot of fun elements, I ultimately thought the ending pretty weak.
'The Man in the Picture'
4.5/5 stars
I think this must be my favourite from the whole collection, though that might be because I was already familiar with 'The Woman in Black'. The funny thing is that the ending is similar to 'Dolly', but here, it works. I think what may have helped is that this is the only story in the collection that offers multiple perspectives (including two female ones) on the supernatural events, which adds some depth.
'Printer's Devil Court'
4/5 stars
I had totally forgotten that I had read this one already (it's part of The Travelling Bag, which I read years ago). Whilst reading it, I did have a strong sense of déja vu, but I also have to admit I didn't remember how the story would go. Perhaps that means it isn't very memorable, but I did really enjoy reading it a second time, and that counts for something, too. I really enjoyed the haunting in this one.
'The Small Hand'
4/5 stars
I read this one two years ago, and I admit I didn't reread it this time, because I still remembered it quite well. It's a bit predictable, but then, some of the other stories are, too; that's what you get when you follow traditional formulas. Still, what matters with ghost stories is the journey rather than the destination, and I enjoyed the journey.
4/5 stars
The cover has a quote from The Times: "Queen of the traditional ghost story". This is an apt quote indeed, because these tales all read like traditional ghost stories and follow the traditional formula: an ordinary man (all these stories are told by men, although 'The Man in the Picture' is partly narrated by two women) experiences something supernatural and very creepy, usually because he is at the wrong place at the wrong time. I think it probably works best not to binge this collection, but to spread them out over a longer time period; that way, you'll enjoy them to the fullest. I certainly enjoyed these! If you want a creepy story to read during a stormy night, you can definitely do a lot worse than read one of these tales.
Each tale reviewed individually
'The Woman in Black'
4/5 stars
Probably Hill's most famous ghost story. I've read it twice before. It remains a deliciously creepy story. If you have watched the film (which I also recommend), please be aware that the story on which it is based is quite different in some aspects, more traditional (the English sure do love a ghost story told during Christmas, don't they?).
'Dolly'
3/5 stars
IMO, this is the weakest story in the collection. Though it definitely has a lot of fun elements, I ultimately thought the ending pretty weak.
'The Man in the Picture'
4.5/5 stars
I think this must be my favourite from the whole collection, though that might be because I was already familiar with 'The Woman in Black'. The funny thing is that the ending is similar to 'Dolly', but here, it works. I think what may have helped is that this is the only story in the collection that offers multiple perspectives (including two female ones) on the supernatural events, which adds some depth.
'Printer's Devil Court'
4/5 stars
I had totally forgotten that I had read this one already (it's part of The Travelling Bag, which I read years ago). Whilst reading it, I did have a strong sense of déja vu, but I also have to admit I didn't remember how the story would go. Perhaps that means it isn't very memorable, but I did really enjoy reading it a second time, and that counts for something, too. I really enjoyed the haunting in this one.
'The Small Hand'
4/5 stars
I read this one two years ago, and I admit I didn't reread it this time, because I still remembered it quite well. It's a bit predictable, but then, some of the other stories are, too; that's what you get when you follow traditional formulas. Still, what matters with ghost stories is the journey rather than the destination, and I enjoyed the journey.
March 26, 2024
One of the best ghost story collections I've read. Not a single poor entry. If anything, The Woman in Black was overshadowed by the strength of the other stories.
A true legend of the ghost story.
Loved it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A true legend of the ghost story.
Loved it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 8, 2022
3/5 Stars.
October 16, 2022
This collection was one of the most cohesive and well written short story collections I've read.
In my opinion, 'The Woman in Black' is Hill's strongest and most compelling piece of gothic fiction. I can't ever tire of reading it. 5/5 stars
'Dolly' was the weakest story in this collection. It is the only one that hasn't stayed in my memory. 2.5/5 stars
'The Man in the Picture' is probably the most terrifying short story in this collection and even after reading it a year ago, it will stay in my memory for a long time. 4.5/5 stars
'Printer's Devil Court' left my with definite feelings of unease. I wasn't a fan of the supernatural/fantastical nature of this story. It reminded me of Frankenstein, so if that's your jam, you may enjoy it much more than I did. 3/5 stars
'The Small Hand' was a story that I wasn't overly impressed with. I would rate it 3/5 stars.
In my opinion, 'The Woman in Black' is Hill's strongest and most compelling piece of gothic fiction. I can't ever tire of reading it. 5/5 stars
'Dolly' was the weakest story in this collection. It is the only one that hasn't stayed in my memory. 2.5/5 stars
'The Man in the Picture' is probably the most terrifying short story in this collection and even after reading it a year ago, it will stay in my memory for a long time. 4.5/5 stars
'Printer's Devil Court' left my with definite feelings of unease. I wasn't a fan of the supernatural/fantastical nature of this story. It reminded me of Frankenstein, so if that's your jam, you may enjoy it much more than I did. 3/5 stars
'The Small Hand' was a story that I wasn't overly impressed with. I would rate it 3/5 stars.
July 9, 2018
I've been dishing out too many stars lately, so I'll just mention that this is at the top of the end of the four star bracket. Now:
My initial thoughts here involve a typewriter, a provincial salesroom, and the ghost of M.R. James... Well, OK, that's a bit of a lie, my initial thoughts involved regret at watching part of the film before reading The Woman in Black, because nothing spoils a good story like a headful of superfluous images, but you don't need to know that... because there is more than a little of Montague Rhodes James about the first three of these stories - they are the kind of tale that relies on subtly building dread, expert pacing, and delicacy of touch, rather than blood all over the walls - good old-fashioned supernatural horror, in other words. If you're the kind of person to fall asleep in the middle of an M.R. James story (or, for that matter, are left with a morbid fear of soft-furnishings after reading one), Susan Hill may not be for you. If you like a classic ghost story, then she probably is... although as always, it's all down to taste. I should warn you that whilst James' spectres have some sense of fair-play, where innocence and good intentions count for something, Hill's blind malevolent forces manifestly don't.
That disposes of The Woman in Black, Dolly, and The Man in the Picture. For my money the best of the three is The Man in the Picture, and the weakest (possibly due to Daniel Radcliffe running around my head not doing any magic) is The Woman in Black. I would explain why, but I'd have to give away plot details, and no-one will thank me for that.
This leads me to the other two stories: Printer's Devil Court feels more like one of Conan-Doyle's supernatural efforts, or possibly Robert Louis Stevenson; The Small Hand is more modern in tone.
All of these stories are really quite brilliant, and if there's any justice then the only thing that separates them from classic ghost story status is time.
Now for the niggles, which are really quite minor and are the fault of the reader rather than the author.
There is the problem of time, for a start. Because of the style, because these are to an extent stories that could be set at any time, and because they are so self-sufficient in terms of events, my internal calendar set itself too early. I had to work through a sense of wrongness when somebody, say, switched on an electric light, or caught a particular train. I mean, I think The Woman in Black is set some time between the late twenties and the early thirties, just because the Sir Bedivere is running, there's no mention of either world war, and there's no hint of rationing, but I could be entirely wrong. I'm not really sure it matters, and that sense of timelessness means that it and its companion stories will age extremely well, it's just a little disconcerting.
Then there's the problem of arrangement. Here, too, it's not Susan Hill's fault that the first three stories are a comfortable match, nor that there's a jump in style between the third and fourth - they were published separately and that's probably the way to read them. It's just that I'm really bad at laying a book aside when I'm halfway through and... Well, it is a bit of a jump.
There is a slight hint in one or two of the stories that there may be one supernatural event too many. They don't outstay their welcome as such, they're just not quite as taut as they might be.
Finally, and I'm being ultra-picky, Dolly starts with a fairly extended chunk of first-person narrative, and I simply couldn't work out for several pages whether "I" was male or female... Well obviously I know I'm a boy, the beard gives it away but you know what I mean. Mind you, that's probably just me.
So: the title story is very good, and the rest are probably better.
Enjoy.
My initial thoughts here involve a typewriter, a provincial salesroom, and the ghost of M.R. James... Well, OK, that's a bit of a lie, my initial thoughts involved regret at watching part of the film before reading The Woman in Black, because nothing spoils a good story like a headful of superfluous images, but you don't need to know that... because there is more than a little of Montague Rhodes James about the first three of these stories - they are the kind of tale that relies on subtly building dread, expert pacing, and delicacy of touch, rather than blood all over the walls - good old-fashioned supernatural horror, in other words. If you're the kind of person to fall asleep in the middle of an M.R. James story (or, for that matter, are left with a morbid fear of soft-furnishings after reading one), Susan Hill may not be for you. If you like a classic ghost story, then she probably is... although as always, it's all down to taste. I should warn you that whilst James' spectres have some sense of fair-play, where innocence and good intentions count for something, Hill's blind malevolent forces manifestly don't.
That disposes of The Woman in Black, Dolly, and The Man in the Picture. For my money the best of the three is The Man in the Picture, and the weakest (possibly due to Daniel Radcliffe running around my head not doing any magic) is The Woman in Black. I would explain why, but I'd have to give away plot details, and no-one will thank me for that.
This leads me to the other two stories: Printer's Devil Court feels more like one of Conan-Doyle's supernatural efforts, or possibly Robert Louis Stevenson; The Small Hand is more modern in tone.
All of these stories are really quite brilliant, and if there's any justice then the only thing that separates them from classic ghost story status is time.
Now for the niggles, which are really quite minor and are the fault of the reader rather than the author.
There is the problem of time, for a start. Because of the style, because these are to an extent stories that could be set at any time, and because they are so self-sufficient in terms of events, my internal calendar set itself too early. I had to work through a sense of wrongness when somebody, say, switched on an electric light, or caught a particular train. I mean, I think The Woman in Black is set some time between the late twenties and the early thirties, just because the Sir Bedivere is running, there's no mention of either world war, and there's no hint of rationing, but I could be entirely wrong. I'm not really sure it matters, and that sense of timelessness means that it and its companion stories will age extremely well, it's just a little disconcerting.
Then there's the problem of arrangement. Here, too, it's not Susan Hill's fault that the first three stories are a comfortable match, nor that there's a jump in style between the third and fourth - they were published separately and that's probably the way to read them. It's just that I'm really bad at laying a book aside when I'm halfway through and... Well, it is a bit of a jump.
There is a slight hint in one or two of the stories that there may be one supernatural event too many. They don't outstay their welcome as such, they're just not quite as taut as they might be.
Finally, and I'm being ultra-picky, Dolly starts with a fairly extended chunk of first-person narrative, and I simply couldn't work out for several pages whether "I" was male or female... Well obviously I know I'm a boy, the beard gives it away but you know what I mean. Mind you, that's probably just me.
So: the title story is very good, and the rest are probably better.
Enjoy.
February 10, 2018
This is a collection of five novels (novellas?) by Susan Hill that all feature ghosts or hauntings of some description. The titles included are: The Woman in Black, Dolly, The Man in the Picture, Printer's Devil Court and The Small Hand.
Overall, this is a great collection. Hill writes in a pastiche-style of Victorian England that feels thoroughly convincing and the stories are genuinely creepy. You won’t find a literary-equivalent of the jump scare, but stories that are unsettling. This is the type of horror fiction that I like, often drawing on the past, and more atmospheric and creepy than terrifying, so I was completely happy.
Reading these over the course of one day does make me aware that there is a formulaic element to them – they are often recounted in first person, past tense by a male narrator who is frequently looking back on events of some years ago. This was something that I noted, but didn’t particularly feel was a major detraction from the piece. Despite this element, the stories are all unique and it’s interesting to see the ways in which Hill stretches the idea of a ghost.
Finally, I did feel that because The Woman in Black was such a strong, haunting story, the other stories in the collection were somewhat overshadowed by it. Again, I read these over the course of one day (though I was careful to take a break between stories), so that probably makes me more aware of this issue. It might have been a better idea to place The Woman in Black as the final story, rather than the first.
That said, the stories were all enjoyable, so I’m really just nitpicking here. 4.5 stars.
Overall, this is a great collection. Hill writes in a pastiche-style of Victorian England that feels thoroughly convincing and the stories are genuinely creepy. You won’t find a literary-equivalent of the jump scare, but stories that are unsettling. This is the type of horror fiction that I like, often drawing on the past, and more atmospheric and creepy than terrifying, so I was completely happy.
Reading these over the course of one day does make me aware that there is a formulaic element to them – they are often recounted in first person, past tense by a male narrator who is frequently looking back on events of some years ago. This was something that I noted, but didn’t particularly feel was a major detraction from the piece. Despite this element, the stories are all unique and it’s interesting to see the ways in which Hill stretches the idea of a ghost.
Finally, I did feel that because The Woman in Black was such a strong, haunting story, the other stories in the collection were somewhat overshadowed by it. Again, I read these over the course of one day (though I was careful to take a break between stories), so that probably makes me more aware of this issue. It might have been a better idea to place The Woman in Black as the final story, rather than the first.
That said, the stories were all enjoyable, so I’m really just nitpicking here. 4.5 stars.
February 25, 2024
beautiful language!
October 31, 2025
I read three of the stories; “The Woman in Black”, “Dolly”, and “The Man in the Picture”, each one disturbing in its own way. The last was so dramatic and drawn out much too long. I don’t think I can read any more of these stories, they are ultimately just too sad and heartbreaking. I need lighter reading material.
April 16, 2023
Overall
My overall thoughts on this book are that average at best all the stories fall the same into the same problem too much time is spent describing the things that don’t need that much detail which means less of the story is developed and because of the underdevelopment the stories feel very rushed at the ended almost as if Susan remembered she got a story to write. I do know that the other stories in this book have longer versions but to be honest I don't think they're worth checking out as I fear they will have the same problems that they have here.
The woman in black
The Woman in Black is a beautiful gothic quite short ghost story, that is an interesting spin on the typical ghost stories you see nowadays, I think this book has to be one of the most beautifully described books out there. Another thing is the book has this constant sense of melancholy and dread throughout the book that adds this sense of eeriness to it.
Dolly
Dolly is what I would classify as an unexplainable haunted object story that is entertaining at points but overall feels like more could have been done with it.
The man in the picture
This short story, while a fun read that had some great ideas if fleshed out more, was overall quite forgettable and boring compared to the other stories in this book.
Printer’s Devil court
This story feels like it has a bit of an identity crisis it can’t seem to figure out if it's a zombie/Frankenstein horror story or a ghost story, and with most of my complaints with this book that if Susan had sat down and fleshed out the story and made it a bit longer it could have been better.
The small hand
Yet again another story that would be better if more thought would be put into it, Susan spent I would say 40-50 pages describing the tiniest things instead of developing the story.
My overall thoughts on this book are that average at best all the stories fall the same into the same problem too much time is spent describing the things that don’t need that much detail which means less of the story is developed and because of the underdevelopment the stories feel very rushed at the ended almost as if Susan remembered she got a story to write. I do know that the other stories in this book have longer versions but to be honest I don't think they're worth checking out as I fear they will have the same problems that they have here.
The woman in black
The Woman in Black is a beautiful gothic quite short ghost story, that is an interesting spin on the typical ghost stories you see nowadays, I think this book has to be one of the most beautifully described books out there. Another thing is the book has this constant sense of melancholy and dread throughout the book that adds this sense of eeriness to it.
Dolly
Dolly is what I would classify as an unexplainable haunted object story that is entertaining at points but overall feels like more could have been done with it.
The man in the picture
This short story, while a fun read that had some great ideas if fleshed out more, was overall quite forgettable and boring compared to the other stories in this book.
Printer’s Devil court
This story feels like it has a bit of an identity crisis it can’t seem to figure out if it's a zombie/Frankenstein horror story or a ghost story, and with most of my complaints with this book that if Susan had sat down and fleshed out the story and made it a bit longer it could have been better.
The small hand
Yet again another story that would be better if more thought would be put into it, Susan spent I would say 40-50 pages describing the tiniest things instead of developing the story.
March 31, 2024
The stories are good, original, and they surprise you with plot twist and good writing.
But just like mysterious forces pull the characters towards the unexplained, this book pulled me *away* from it, lol.
It took me almost a month to finish it. I don't remember taking so long to finish a book as it took me with this one.
But just like mysterious forces pull the characters towards the unexplained, this book pulled me *away* from it, lol.
It took me almost a month to finish it. I don't remember taking so long to finish a book as it took me with this one.
March 26, 2025
If you enjoy 1% plot and 99% atmosphere, this is the one for you.
To quote the author herself "The prose gushed on and I skimmed some"
The Woman in Black is a solid 4 star, but the rest of the short stories were all a 2.
To quote the author herself "The prose gushed on and I skimmed some"
The Woman in Black is a solid 4 star, but the rest of the short stories were all a 2.
November 12, 2022
What a great collection of classic ghost stories!
January 21, 2025
Overall an interesting collection but I don't think Susan Hill is an author for me, I enjoy them well enough but always just end up wanting more.
October 1, 2025
One word, SUPERB! Susan Hill has pened some of the best ghost stories I have ever read! Not to mention that "Dolly" is definitely the best doll horror I have ever come across! seriously recommended!
Read
October 24, 2015I received a copy of this to review from Allen and Unwin New Zealand. I think I requested it through their website a few months ago because I'd seen the movie adaptation of The Woman in Black with Daniel Radcliffe and wanted to read the original story.
I think I'm going to write about the stories one at a time and then give my opinion on the book.
From what I can remember of The Woman in Black movie they changed it from the story. I think I remember Daniel's character at a train station at the end? I'm not sure. But that didn't happen in the book. The story was okay. I think my problem was I was judging it against the movie, which is why I try to read the book first. This ghost story wasn't scary but I did enjoy reading it.
The second story in the book is called Dolly. I'm not sure if I liked this one or not, it was
really weird. There are two dolls that have some kind of 'power,' I don't know, that affect children.. I don't know if the aunt had something to do with it but the story was pretty out there. For me this story seemed to drag on and on, especially when the guy went travelling after the will was read.
The Man in the Picture is the third book. I didn't get very far into this one, I think about 30 pages (and I was forcing myself to read them) before I just had to stop. This one is told in two different points of view and there was no helpful clue when you went from one character's 'voice' to the next so I got really confused. In most books there are obvious sign when a chapter changes 'voices' either with names at the top of the page or different fonts, or both.
By the time I got the third story I was forcing myself to keep reading, which is never a good. The last day I only read 20 pages and it put me into a horrible reading slump. I feel really bad for not finishing the book, especially because I requested it. I hate forcing myself to read a book if I'm not enjoying it.
I might try again one day though. But not this year. I can't really rate this because I didn't finish it. I got halfway before I just DNF'd it. This is my first ever DNF!
I think I'm going to write about the stories one at a time and then give my opinion on the book.
From what I can remember of The Woman in Black movie they changed it from the story. I think I remember Daniel's character at a train station at the end? I'm not sure. But that didn't happen in the book. The story was okay. I think my problem was I was judging it against the movie, which is why I try to read the book first. This ghost story wasn't scary but I did enjoy reading it.
The second story in the book is called Dolly. I'm not sure if I liked this one or not, it was
really weird. There are two dolls that have some kind of 'power,' I don't know, that affect children.. I don't know if the aunt had something to do with it but the story was pretty out there. For me this story seemed to drag on and on, especially when the guy went travelling after the will was read.
The Man in the Picture is the third book. I didn't get very far into this one, I think about 30 pages (and I was forcing myself to read them) before I just had to stop. This one is told in two different points of view and there was no helpful clue when you went from one character's 'voice' to the next so I got really confused. In most books there are obvious sign when a chapter changes 'voices' either with names at the top of the page or different fonts, or both.
By the time I got the third story I was forcing myself to keep reading, which is never a good. The last day I only read 20 pages and it put me into a horrible reading slump. I feel really bad for not finishing the book, especially because I requested it. I hate forcing myself to read a book if I'm not enjoying it.
I might try again one day though. But not this year. I can't really rate this because I didn't finish it. I got halfway before I just DNF'd it. This is my first ever DNF!
June 14, 2024
The Woman in Black . Excellent gothic vibes in this one. Eel Marsh House was instantly an iconic setting for horror happenings, and it didn't kill the dog - perfection.
Dolly. It was nice to see Leonora get her due via the inheritance, especially since her personality had not improved with age, though I don't know why all the punishment was heaped on her kid! Poor Edward though, what did he do to deserve that?
The Man in the Picture. This was suitably creepy, though I do feel like what happened to Oliver was kind of his wife's fault. If she hadn't known the story, okay, but Oliver told her, then she insisted on going to Venice anyway, then they went to the same carnival, and she disappeared. Even if you can't go tell your husband you're fine, you need to find someone who can because you know what he's going to think. The fact that she just waited until morning.... yeah, that's kinda your fault.
Printer Devil's Court. This was the weakest one of the bunch for me. It has a nice build-up but then a weak follow-up and resolution.
The Small Hand. I definitely figured either Hugo or Adam was responsible but having that picture come up so late in the story and finding out that they'd visited before well after the first happenings was great! I also really loved the locations in this one too, with the monks and the White House. Plus, considering how old the Woman in Black is (1947), it was crazy to get to the last story and have the same vibes and yet also be mentioning email. So cool.
Dolly. It was nice to see Leonora get her due via the inheritance, especially since her personality had not improved with age, though I don't know why all the punishment was heaped on her kid! Poor Edward though, what did he do to deserve that?
The Man in the Picture. This was suitably creepy, though I do feel like what happened to Oliver was kind of his wife's fault. If she hadn't known the story, okay, but Oliver told her, then she insisted on going to Venice anyway, then they went to the same carnival, and she disappeared. Even if you can't go tell your husband you're fine, you need to find someone who can because you know what he's going to think. The fact that she just waited until morning.... yeah, that's kinda your fault.
Printer Devil's Court. This was the weakest one of the bunch for me. It has a nice build-up but then a weak follow-up and resolution.
The Small Hand. I definitely figured either Hugo or Adam was responsible but having that picture come up so late in the story and finding out that they'd visited before well after the first happenings was great! I also really loved the locations in this one too, with the monks and the White House. Plus, considering how old the Woman in Black is (1947), it was crazy to get to the last story and have the same vibes and yet also be mentioning email. So cool.
September 28, 2024
Read this as part of a classic reading challenge. The Woman in Black is a cracking creepy story, where it’s not jumps and gores, it’s page turning suspense.
The other stories are ok, nothing amazing but nothing bad. Just plod along ok.
The other stories are ok, nothing amazing but nothing bad. Just plod along ok.
June 14, 2024
The titular story The Woman in Black saved this from being a two-star collection for me. I think I’ve discovered that Hill’s typical writing style doesn’t strike my fancy and most of her stories I find bland with almost no chill factor.
I personally would not recommend anything in here other than the lead story.
++++++++++++++++++++
INDIVIDUAL REVIEWS
++++++++++++++++++++
The Woman in Black - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
”I did not believe in ghosts.”
A creeping, atmospheric dread is lurking in the darkness of this novella, only for light to shine on something more terrifying: the woman in black.
When Arthur takes a job from his law office to sort through the papers of the recently deceased Mrs. Drablow, he approaches his first run-in with the woman in black with a healthy amount of skepticism that is delightful to watch unravel. I found myself dreading the appearance of the woman just as much as Arthur every time she would draw near.
My highest compliments go to how tightly packed and to the point this novella is without meandering too much into over-description (which can often be the downfall of a good ghost story).
At times heart-pounding and sweat-inducing, The Woman in Black is sure to rank high on your list of ghost stories.
”They asked for my story. I have told it. Enough.”
+++
Dolly - ⭐️⭐️⭐️
An unsettling tale that was less ghost story and more fable.
+++
The Man in the Picture - ⭐️⭐️
”It never lessened its hold on me, its presence was never anything but powerful, as if the ghosts of all those people in that weirdly lit, artificial scene were present with me, forever in the room.”
More like 2.5 stars. I wouldn’t say this tale was particularly spooky, but it was intriguing. I love a lady with a penchant for revenge.
Let’s also play a fun game of counting how many times Susan Hill can use the word ‘dread’ in this novella. X-X
+++
Printer’s Devil Court - ⭐️⭐️
“As to ghosts, my dear Clara, I do not believe in them for a moment and dead bodies I see in the hospital every day so why would either of those things frighten me?”
Ohoho, you have no idea, Hugh.
I think this story would appeal more to someone else. I won’t knock it, just say that I didn’t enjoy it very much. It was a bit bland and I didn’t feel any shiver bumps to make up for it.
+++
The Small Hand - ⭐️⭐️
“I wanted to know more. I wanted to see more. I wanted for some reason I did not understand to come herein the full light of day, to see everything, uncover what was concealed, reveal what had been hidden. Find out why.”
A ghost story from Hill that has some gorgeous descriptions but lacks overall depth or creep factor. The story setting moves around so much we never really settle anywhere long enough to be creeped out or mesmerized.
Overall, not her best but not awful. If ghost children give you the willies this one might still be for you.
I personally would not recommend anything in here other than the lead story.
++++++++++++++++++++
INDIVIDUAL REVIEWS
++++++++++++++++++++
The Woman in Black - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
”I did not believe in ghosts.”
A creeping, atmospheric dread is lurking in the darkness of this novella, only for light to shine on something more terrifying: the woman in black.
When Arthur takes a job from his law office to sort through the papers of the recently deceased Mrs. Drablow, he approaches his first run-in with the woman in black with a healthy amount of skepticism that is delightful to watch unravel. I found myself dreading the appearance of the woman just as much as Arthur every time she would draw near.
My highest compliments go to how tightly packed and to the point this novella is without meandering too much into over-description (which can often be the downfall of a good ghost story).
At times heart-pounding and sweat-inducing, The Woman in Black is sure to rank high on your list of ghost stories.
”They asked for my story. I have told it. Enough.”
+++
Dolly - ⭐️⭐️⭐️
An unsettling tale that was less ghost story and more fable.
+++
The Man in the Picture - ⭐️⭐️
”It never lessened its hold on me, its presence was never anything but powerful, as if the ghosts of all those people in that weirdly lit, artificial scene were present with me, forever in the room.”
More like 2.5 stars. I wouldn’t say this tale was particularly spooky, but it was intriguing. I love a lady with a penchant for revenge.
Let’s also play a fun game of counting how many times Susan Hill can use the word ‘dread’ in this novella. X-X
+++
Printer’s Devil Court - ⭐️⭐️
“As to ghosts, my dear Clara, I do not believe in them for a moment and dead bodies I see in the hospital every day so why would either of those things frighten me?”
Ohoho, you have no idea, Hugh.
I think this story would appeal more to someone else. I won’t knock it, just say that I didn’t enjoy it very much. It was a bit bland and I didn’t feel any shiver bumps to make up for it.
+++
The Small Hand - ⭐️⭐️
“I wanted to know more. I wanted to see more. I wanted for some reason I did not understand to come herein the full light of day, to see everything, uncover what was concealed, reveal what had been hidden. Find out why.”
A ghost story from Hill that has some gorgeous descriptions but lacks overall depth or creep factor. The story setting moves around so much we never really settle anywhere long enough to be creeped out or mesmerized.
Overall, not her best but not awful. If ghost children give you the willies this one might still be for you.
November 3, 2017
Well it's the end of October, AKA Halloween! The perfect time for some ghost stories, right? I have read 'The Woman In Black' a couple of times and loved it, so I decided to skip over that one and enjoy the other stories in this collection. After all, I was desperate to read more of Susan Hill's spooky tales and here was the chance to do just that! I have to say, many of these stories felt entirely original in their concept despite the fact that there is clearly a formula to Hill's ghost story-telling. I began to recognise a sort of 'pattern' to how the story would start, follow through, and then end. Similarities between say 'The Man In The Picture' and 'The Woman In Black' were clear. But I couldn't necessarily always guess each twist and I liked that about them.
Hill is an extraordinary writing talent. I do not spook easily when it comes to reading, but a couple of times I felt a chill at the words I was reading. Part of it comes from the real horror that these curses and vengeful spirits in the stories inflict. They are not afraid to hurt/affect children (as shown in 'The Woman In Black' itself, and in 'Dolly'), and even those spirits that aren't 'bad' can still be dangerous ('The Small Hand' is the perfect example of this). The rest of her talent lies in the building of atmosphere in each story. Be it the streets of London ('Printer's Devil Court'), Cambridge University ('The Man In The Picture') or the remote English Fens ('Dolly'). All are well-penned and able to switch from usual life to scary as heck in a matter of a few pages.
I thoroughly enjoyed every one of these stories, though I have to say that I assumed they'd all be set a century or so ago and was very surprised to see the mention of airports and casual mention of the word 'bro' in 'The Small Hand'. It's strange because Susan Hill's writing style is a little dated, so didn't really fit this setting. I enjoyed it all the same however. In fact, 'The Small Hand' was one of my favourite stories. I can't think of a single story that I disliked because they were all very spooky, well-written and that's just what I wanted from the collection.
Hill is an extraordinary writing talent. I do not spook easily when it comes to reading, but a couple of times I felt a chill at the words I was reading. Part of it comes from the real horror that these curses and vengeful spirits in the stories inflict. They are not afraid to hurt/affect children (as shown in 'The Woman In Black' itself, and in 'Dolly'), and even those spirits that aren't 'bad' can still be dangerous ('The Small Hand' is the perfect example of this). The rest of her talent lies in the building of atmosphere in each story. Be it the streets of London ('Printer's Devil Court'), Cambridge University ('The Man In The Picture') or the remote English Fens ('Dolly'). All are well-penned and able to switch from usual life to scary as heck in a matter of a few pages.
I thoroughly enjoyed every one of these stories, though I have to say that I assumed they'd all be set a century or so ago and was very surprised to see the mention of airports and casual mention of the word 'bro' in 'The Small Hand'. It's strange because Susan Hill's writing style is a little dated, so didn't really fit this setting. I enjoyed it all the same however. In fact, 'The Small Hand' was one of my favourite stories. I can't think of a single story that I disliked because they were all very spooky, well-written and that's just what I wanted from the collection.
October 27, 2022
This book is magnificent it’s a bind up edition collecting five gothic horror stories by the talented storyteller Susan Hill. The five stories inside this collectors edition contain the woman in black, the small hand, the man in the picture, dolly and printer’s devil court. If you love dark, gothic, spine chilling ghost stories than this book is definitely for you. This is a fantastic book to read on Halloween or a cold, dark winter’s night infront of a fireplace. I loved these five horror stories they were highly enjoyable books to read definitely recommend reading this book.
The woman in black- this is a great ghost story about a woman dressed in black who was tormented in life and lost her child to her sister, when her son Nathaniel died in a carriage accident she vowed revenge even after her death. If you see the woman in black your child will die, to feel the same pain she felt, dark, creepy, gothic haunting.
The small hand- a man who visits a hotel but experiences strange supernatural encounter including the sensation of a cold small hand slipping into his trying to draw him to the pond. Unbeknownst to him he has a personal connection to this hotel and the small ghost child, horrific dark secrets are revealed in this magnificent gothic, dark, creepy haunting.
Dolly- cousins forced to stay with a distant relative the girl gifted with a doll she learns a dark lesson in life that some dolls embody your sins.
The woman in black- this is a great ghost story about a woman dressed in black who was tormented in life and lost her child to her sister, when her son Nathaniel died in a carriage accident she vowed revenge even after her death. If you see the woman in black your child will die, to feel the same pain she felt, dark, creepy, gothic haunting.
The small hand- a man who visits a hotel but experiences strange supernatural encounter including the sensation of a cold small hand slipping into his trying to draw him to the pond. Unbeknownst to him he has a personal connection to this hotel and the small ghost child, horrific dark secrets are revealed in this magnificent gothic, dark, creepy haunting.
Dolly- cousins forced to stay with a distant relative the girl gifted with a doll she learns a dark lesson in life that some dolls embody your sins.
November 12, 2024
I've said it before and I'll say it again, my girl Susan knows how to write ghost stories!
I've read The Woman in Black more than once before (and have seen and been scared witless at the theatre show) and love it but thought I'd try out this collection which is :-
The Woman in Black
Dolly
The Man in the Picture
Printer's Devil Court
The Small Hand
Obviously The Woman in Black remains an utter favourite, a 5 star, atmospheric, haunting tale that genuinely gives me goosebumps each time I read it.
Dolly is great, again, atmospheric, brooding, a real sense of foreboding and impending doom.
The Man in the Picture reminds me of a Roald Dahl story I read years ago with a freakish turn of events ending in tragedy.
Printer's Devil Court is the weakest of the bunch I'd say. A short tale which didn't have much of an impact really, a bit too formulaic perhaps.
The Small Hand, again, a fabulous story with amazing tension and creeping dread throughout.
A brilliant 5 star collection of stories from my ghosty homegirl! This was a library loan but I think I'm gonna have to get a copy for myself for future reading.
I've read The Woman in Black more than once before (and have seen and been scared witless at the theatre show) and love it but thought I'd try out this collection which is :-
The Woman in Black
Dolly
The Man in the Picture
Printer's Devil Court
The Small Hand
Obviously The Woman in Black remains an utter favourite, a 5 star, atmospheric, haunting tale that genuinely gives me goosebumps each time I read it.
Dolly is great, again, atmospheric, brooding, a real sense of foreboding and impending doom.
The Man in the Picture reminds me of a Roald Dahl story I read years ago with a freakish turn of events ending in tragedy.
Printer's Devil Court is the weakest of the bunch I'd say. A short tale which didn't have much of an impact really, a bit too formulaic perhaps.
The Small Hand, again, a fabulous story with amazing tension and creeping dread throughout.
A brilliant 5 star collection of stories from my ghosty homegirl! This was a library loan but I think I'm gonna have to get a copy for myself for future reading.
October 24, 2025
I remember being underwhelmed by The Woman in Black when I read it years ago, but this time around, I was so captivated by it, I felt as though I'd been transported back in time.
When Arthur Kipps is asked by his stepchildren one Christmas Eve to tell a ghost story, he becomes very upset and absolutely refuses.
He then writes down a horrifying true story about the death of Alice Drablow and her empty house looming over the small town of Crythin Gifford. Kipps was a young solicitor given the task of travelling to the house and sorting through any papers left behind.
Upon his arrival, the locals are very tight-lipped about the house and about the lady who died. Kipps soon begins to experience chilling things, especially around the house.
It's very well written and a bit of a slow burn, but Hill describes the scene very vividly and the reader is along with Arthur for the ride.
The best part of the book for me though is the ending, and I'm disappointed that so much was changed for the 2012 film as this ending was much more impactful in my opinion.
This was a very good, suitably creepy ghost story, perfect for Halloween.
When Arthur Kipps is asked by his stepchildren one Christmas Eve to tell a ghost story, he becomes very upset and absolutely refuses.
He then writes down a horrifying true story about the death of Alice Drablow and her empty house looming over the small town of Crythin Gifford. Kipps was a young solicitor given the task of travelling to the house and sorting through any papers left behind.
Upon his arrival, the locals are very tight-lipped about the house and about the lady who died. Kipps soon begins to experience chilling things, especially around the house.
It's very well written and a bit of a slow burn, but Hill describes the scene very vividly and the reader is along with Arthur for the ride.
The best part of the book for me though is the ending, and I'm disappointed that so much was changed for the 2012 film as this ending was much more impactful in my opinion.
This was a very good, suitably creepy ghost story, perfect for Halloween.
March 1, 2025
This novel was recommended by an avid reader and published author so it had to be good.
It was EVENTUALLY.
Mor than 3/4 of the reading was made up of descriptions of various places , people, buildings and weather, which I get is all part of a ghost story but Crickey did it go on,, to the point that I thought “ carry on, it’s only a short tale.”
Which I did. To my surprise the final 1/4 of reading was very good.
I’m one for reading a story then move on to a film / series adaptation, it is my belief that in this occasion watching rather than reading may have been better.
If goodreads offered the opportunity to give half marks I would have rated it a 2 1/2 , but it doesn’t and so in my opinion only it was nearer 2 than 3.
Would I read it again…. No
Would I recommend it …. I don’t know !
🌟 🌟 rating
It was EVENTUALLY.
Mor than 3/4 of the reading was made up of descriptions of various places , people, buildings and weather, which I get is all part of a ghost story but Crickey did it go on,, to the point that I thought “ carry on, it’s only a short tale.”
Which I did. To my surprise the final 1/4 of reading was very good.
I’m one for reading a story then move on to a film / series adaptation, it is my belief that in this occasion watching rather than reading may have been better.
If goodreads offered the opportunity to give half marks I would have rated it a 2 1/2 , but it doesn’t and so in my opinion only it was nearer 2 than 3.
Would I read it again…. No
Would I recommend it …. I don’t know !
🌟 🌟 rating
December 31, 2023
The Woman in Black and Other Ghost Stories by Susan Hill is a solid collection of classic ghost stories. The spooky tales include an isolated house with a terrifying secret, an ill-omened doll, a mysterious painting with a haunting past, medical students experimenting with life after death, and a sinister presence out for revenge.
Susan Hill’s ghost stories are well-written, atmospheric, and creepy. I enjoyed all of the stories in this collection with The Woman in Black being my favorite.
The Woman in Black (5 stars)
Dolly (4 stars)
The Man in the Picture (4.5 stars)
Printer’s Devil Court (5 stars)
The Small Hand (5 stars)
I think readers who enjoy ghost stories with gothic vibes will enjoy this collection.
Susan Hill’s ghost stories are well-written, atmospheric, and creepy. I enjoyed all of the stories in this collection with The Woman in Black being my favorite.
The Woman in Black (5 stars)
Dolly (4 stars)
The Man in the Picture (4.5 stars)
Printer’s Devil Court (5 stars)
The Small Hand (5 stars)
I think readers who enjoy ghost stories with gothic vibes will enjoy this collection.
Read
March 15, 2024I first read The Woman in Black in English class at school and tracing it back, this was the story which got me into horror. Despite that, I had not read anything else written by Susan Hill until I picked up this book.
Here are some quick thoughts on the stories within:
The Woman in Black
Has probably my favourite closing lines of any book. I would recommend seeing the stage show if you get a chance too.
Dolly
Has a good ending, but overall not the best story in here.
The Man in the Picture
An intriguing ghost story that frequently took me by surprise with its stories within stories.
Printer's Devil Court
Very reminiscent of Frankenstein in content and themes, but made unique with its outside perspective.
The Small Hand
Took me a while to get into, eventually liked it well enough.
Here are some quick thoughts on the stories within:
The Woman in Black
Has probably my favourite closing lines of any book. I would recommend seeing the stage show if you get a chance too.
Dolly
Has a good ending, but overall not the best story in here.
The Man in the Picture
An intriguing ghost story that frequently took me by surprise with its stories within stories.
Printer's Devil Court
Very reminiscent of Frankenstein in content and themes, but made unique with its outside perspective.
The Small Hand
Took me a while to get into, eventually liked it well enough.
October 22, 2024
I devoured this in three days, it was super immersive and captivating. The second story was a little weird, I had some questions that were not answered in that book, but we managed to come up with our own explanation with my boyfriend xD
All of them super spooky, def recommend reading it with a spooky music in the background, some of them gave me goosebumps. Awesome collection of ghost stories. I had a great time reading it.
Also, thank you so much to Susan Hill, for making the main character of The Woman in Black not stupid like in every horror movie and realizing what was going on from early on.
All of them super spooky, def recommend reading it with a spooky music in the background, some of them gave me goosebumps. Awesome collection of ghost stories. I had a great time reading it.
Also, thank you so much to Susan Hill, for making the main character of The Woman in Black not stupid like in every horror movie and realizing what was going on from early on.
June 21, 2025
the writing was good, and i really did enjoy the woman in black! however, i found all of the short stories in this collection to be quite repetitive. i definitely understand the ‘if it ain’t broke don’t fix it’ mentality, but reading this collection started to feel a bit like a chore when you know basically exactly how everything is going to play out :/
take a shot every time the main character is a level headed man who didn’t believe in ghosts before the events of the story took place, and now the only way he can rid himself of the lingering feelings of fear and dread is to write down a detailed account of what happened to him…
take a shot every time the main character is a level headed man who didn’t believe in ghosts before the events of the story took place, and now the only way he can rid himself of the lingering feelings of fear and dread is to write down a detailed account of what happened to him…
November 14, 2018
Good classic ghost stories! Not scary by "modern" standards but literary - they were well-thought out instead of Hollywood garbage out for cheap thrills. Some stories were better than others but overall, a great introduction to Susan Hill, and highly recommend to those who love the Gothic genre. If you're a fan of fast-paced easy Hollywood thrills, this probably isn't the book for you.
Stories:
The Woman in Black 5/5
Dolly 3/5
The Man in the Picture 4/5
Devil's Printer Court 2/5
The Small Hand 4.5/5
Stories:
The Woman in Black 5/5
Dolly 3/5
The Man in the Picture 4/5
Devil's Printer Court 2/5
The Small Hand 4.5/5
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