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Season Of Ghosts
It is said that if the smell of the Himalayas creeps into a man's blood, he will return to the hills again and again, and will strive to live amongst them always. Ruskin Bond, master storyteller and connoisseur of the mysterious and macabre, shows how this love may persist to death and beyond. The stories in this collection are set amidst the mists and mellow magic of Bond's beloved mountains. The agents of the supernatural may be gentle like the fairy folk in 'On Fairy Hill', or malevolent like the well-dressed diners of 'The Prize'; humorous like the very proper witch, Miss Bellows, in 'The Black Cat', or tragic like the haunting Gulabi in 'Wilson's Bridge'. 'The Rakshasas' harks back to traditional hill spirits, while 'The Night of the Millennium' poises us tantalizingly on the brink of the future. Bond aficionados will meet familiar faces in 'Reunion at the Regal'. Rounding off this collection is a gripping mystery, 'Who Killed the Rani?', which is evocative of life in hill stations some twenty years ago. And over all the stories looms the benevolent or brooding presence of the Himalayas, described with Bond's inimitable lyricism.
224 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2000
75 people are currently reading
936 people want to read
About the author
Ruskin Bond
680 books3,561 followersRuskin Bond is an Indian author of British descent. He is considered to be an icon among Indian writers and children's authors and a top novelist. He wrote his first novel, The Room on the Roof, when he was seventeen which won John Llewellyn Rhys Memorial Prize in 1957. Since then he has written several novellas, over 500 short stories, as well as various essays and poems, all of which have established him as one of the best-loved and most admired chroniclers of contemporary India. In 1992 he received the Sahitya Akademi award for English writing, for his short stories collection, "Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra", by the Sahitya Akademi, India's National Academy of Letters in India. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1999 for contributions to children's literature. He now lives with his adopted family in Landour near Mussoorie.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
February 4, 2019
Sweet little tales of bleak horror. I can read it over and over and over and yet again.
.
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My Favorites:
Whistling in the dark - For the lurking horror
The Rakshasas - For sheer storytelling
Who killed the Rani? - For the unsolved mystery
.
.
.
Brimming with the richness of Bond's narrative diction, this collection of stories will win over any reader's heart. This exciting collection, animated by the brooding presence of the Himalayas, establishes Bond as a connoisseur of the mysterious and macabre.
.
.
My Favorites:
Whistling in the dark - For the lurking horror
The Rakshasas - For sheer storytelling
Who killed the Rani? - For the unsolved mystery
.
.
.
Brimming with the richness of Bond's narrative diction, this collection of stories will win over any reader's heart. This exciting collection, animated by the brooding presence of the Himalayas, establishes Bond as a connoisseur of the mysterious and macabre.
April 4, 2017
When I was starting with this book, I knew that I was gearing to step into another world, similar to what I witnessed 10 years ago when I had been to Mussoorie, I did not find it creepy or spooky back then, the beauty of hills enthralled me, I can't describe the joy I felt by watching the clouds just a few feet away from me. The feel of my benumbed hands and the smell of hot tea still gives me immense pleasure.
But until I read this magical book by Mr. Ruskin Bond, I had not wished to experience a chilling breeze which brings more to the conscious than just the sensation of cold, it made me nostalgic. I am as scared of ghosts and spirits as anyone, thanks to the horror movies and horror shows, but i promise, had I read only this book, I would have wanted to experience something unearthly at least once for sure.
The demonstration of the splendor of mountains in this book is entrancing, the illustration of the lives of hill people is very detailed and as a bonus, the author also takes us into the nitty-gritty of the English people who liked and lived in India.
The first 9 stories actually do have a bit of ghostly and fairy semblance to them, my favorites are 'Whistling in the Dark', 'The Black Cat' and 'Night of the Millennium', I have never felt anything affable about ghosts but Mr. Bond in his book revealed a less violent aspect of the mythical beings.
His description of the cat's obsession and Miss Bellow's poise and humor in 'The Black Cat' is extraordinary, the friendliness of Michael's ghost in 'Whistling in the Dark' is very poignant. The demise of Pasand by the bloodsucking huntress in 'Night of the Millennium' did not make me sad despite of his wailing, Mr. Bond instilled a sense of contempt in me towards him, perhaps his oppressive thoughts deserved an end as cruel as this, I cant resist writing down a piece of his narration:
"'Patience, my children, patience,' crooned the woman, 'there is more than enough for all of you'.
They feasted.
Down in the ravine, the jackals started howling again, awaiting their turn. The bones would be theirs. Only the cellphone would be rejected."
'Night in the Millennium' is more a satire which left a sneer on my face.
The last story 'Who killed the Rani' for a change, is a thrilling mystery, aided with the spook naturally linked with the hillside. I enjoyed it as much as I did others, just to add that depiction of characters in this story felt the most real and fascinating to me.
I am absolutely fixated with the charm of these stories and I'm quite sure that like a school kid I'll read this book time and again to cater to my fantasies.
But until I read this magical book by Mr. Ruskin Bond, I had not wished to experience a chilling breeze which brings more to the conscious than just the sensation of cold, it made me nostalgic. I am as scared of ghosts and spirits as anyone, thanks to the horror movies and horror shows, but i promise, had I read only this book, I would have wanted to experience something unearthly at least once for sure.
The demonstration of the splendor of mountains in this book is entrancing, the illustration of the lives of hill people is very detailed and as a bonus, the author also takes us into the nitty-gritty of the English people who liked and lived in India.
The first 9 stories actually do have a bit of ghostly and fairy semblance to them, my favorites are 'Whistling in the Dark', 'The Black Cat' and 'Night of the Millennium', I have never felt anything affable about ghosts but Mr. Bond in his book revealed a less violent aspect of the mythical beings.
His description of the cat's obsession and Miss Bellow's poise and humor in 'The Black Cat' is extraordinary, the friendliness of Michael's ghost in 'Whistling in the Dark' is very poignant. The demise of Pasand by the bloodsucking huntress in 'Night of the Millennium' did not make me sad despite of his wailing, Mr. Bond instilled a sense of contempt in me towards him, perhaps his oppressive thoughts deserved an end as cruel as this, I cant resist writing down a piece of his narration:
"'Patience, my children, patience,' crooned the woman, 'there is more than enough for all of you'.
They feasted.
Down in the ravine, the jackals started howling again, awaiting their turn. The bones would be theirs. Only the cellphone would be rejected."
'Night in the Millennium' is more a satire which left a sneer on my face.
The last story 'Who killed the Rani' for a change, is a thrilling mystery, aided with the spook naturally linked with the hillside. I enjoyed it as much as I did others, just to add that depiction of characters in this story felt the most real and fascinating to me.
I am absolutely fixated with the charm of these stories and I'm quite sure that like a school kid I'll read this book time and again to cater to my fantasies.
February 9, 2016
I am scared of ghosts like you wouldn't believe. I usually stay away from ghost stories/movies. Ruskin Bond, however has a different approach to the whole supernatural world. His ghosts are not menacing, blood thirsty creatures from hell who are an embodiment of evil. Instead, they sort of co-exist with us humans and he meets some of them along the way. It is a sweet and beautiful approach to spirits. Just like all the Bond books, when I finish, I am left with a feeling of warmth and happiness. Not to mention, I want to settle in Mussorie now.
October 5, 2024
A collection of ten short stories which are really easy to read, 9 of them really short.
TW for SA and abuse towards women & young girls which are really difficult to read.
I will not recommend this collection to young readers and beginners as I find two of the stories quite traumatising to read because of the assaults.
Otherwise the rest of the stories have a touch of surprise and paranormal elements.
I was expecting a bit of horror elements which I would say was missing in most of them. Sadly.
A short weekend/ after-work kind of read. Perfect for adults who are looking for short books and short story collections.
TW for SA and abuse towards women & young girls which are really difficult to read.
I will not recommend this collection to young readers and beginners as I find two of the stories quite traumatising to read because of the assaults.
Otherwise the rest of the stories have a touch of surprise and paranormal elements.
I was expecting a bit of horror elements which I would say was missing in most of them. Sadly.
A short weekend/ after-work kind of read. Perfect for adults who are looking for short books and short story collections.
May 2, 2024
I am kind of tempted to give this book a 1 star because of the sheer amount of sexualization of women (of almost every age) went through in this book. I will make it clear but buckle up because this is going to be a WILD ride.
This book is an okay collection of stories even by Ruskin Bond standards. I have enjoyed his other books especially The Whistling Schoolboy and Other Stories of School Life I love his cozy Indian hill station and slightly spooky vibes.
This collection felt weak to me. I had read one story before but keeping that one aside, the rest were also underwhelming. But then, 'Who Killed the Rani' story began and I was SO excited. I thought- Yes! THIS IS PEAK RUSKIN BOND.
BUT, the absolute horror show of this man drooling over every beautiful woman he laid his eyes on (much like Hastings) went on. I ignored it for the most part like maybe Bond was trying to maintain a stereotype of the Indian police inspector or something but then some scenes had me reeling-
1- "Her small mouth looked as though it would taste very sweet" and "but she had long smooth arms, and her breasts were just beginning to form" THIS IS SAID ABOUT A CHILD. She is a random wee lass that he saw on the road one day. What shocked me was that there was no reason in this world that Bond needed to include these things unless again he wanted to perpetuate a stereotype.
2- "Out of long habit, Rahul's hand automatically reached out for the nearest breast..." My lord, I ask LONG HABIT OF WHAT???? Is this guy a always-horny booktube dominant alpha guy? Long habit of what?
3- "his eyes comforted by Mrs. Kapoor's soothing outline, Keemat concluded that at least this interview would not be unpleasant." Brother, why are you so thirsty?
And these are only a few examples. Anyways, on a plus point, I really liked the story Night of the Millenium.
This book is an okay collection of stories even by Ruskin Bond standards. I have enjoyed his other books especially The Whistling Schoolboy and Other Stories of School Life I love his cozy Indian hill station and slightly spooky vibes.
This collection felt weak to me. I had read one story before but keeping that one aside, the rest were also underwhelming. But then, 'Who Killed the Rani' story began and I was SO excited. I thought- Yes! THIS IS PEAK RUSKIN BOND.
BUT, the absolute horror show of this man drooling over every beautiful woman he laid his eyes on (much like Hastings) went on. I ignored it for the most part like maybe Bond was trying to maintain a stereotype of the Indian police inspector or something but then some scenes had me reeling-
1- "Her small mouth looked as though it would taste very sweet" and "but she had long smooth arms, and her breasts were just beginning to form" THIS IS SAID ABOUT A CHILD. She is a random wee lass that he saw on the road one day. What shocked me was that there was no reason in this world that Bond needed to include these things unless again he wanted to perpetuate a stereotype.
2- "Out of long habit, Rahul's hand automatically reached out for the nearest breast..." My lord, I ask LONG HABIT OF WHAT???? Is this guy a always-horny booktube dominant alpha guy? Long habit of what?
3- "his eyes comforted by Mrs. Kapoor's soothing outline, Keemat concluded that at least this interview would not be unpleasant." Brother, why are you so thirsty?
And these are only a few examples. Anyways, on a plus point, I really liked the story Night of the Millenium.
December 26, 2013
A lovely book full of creepy, spine-chilling and eerie ghost stories that took me to the mysterious woods of Mussoorie that is called home by Ruskin Bond's ghosts. I would love to read it again and again and pass it on to my future generations.
December 10, 2024
From Landour With Love
It won’t be incorrect to say that I have never met a booklover in my life who dislikes Ruskin Bond. The John Llewellyn Rhys Prize-winner has produced such an extensive body of work in over six decades of a writing life, that at least some section of it has managed to impress nearly everyone.
His stories about the young boy Rusty and his growing up years in an idyllic pre-independent town in the foothills of the Himalayas can become any young person’s perfect literary companion. Lone Fox Dancing, his autobiography, is one of the most poignant, enchanting memoirs one can read about a writer’s life and times. But what I always return to, whether on sultry summer afternoons or chilly December nights, are his uncanny yet lyrical ghost stories.
Equal parts charming and eerie, most of the stories in the anthology titled A Season of Ghosts are delightfully entertaining. In these pieces, one can virtually feel the misty mountain air, experience the stillness inside a cottage at the edge of a forest, or spot a mysterious face in the crowd as one keeps turning the pages. The stories are deceitfully simple – there’s even a mythical tale on rakshasas – but even at their playful best they manage to inform us about the human condition.
Imagine sitting around a campfire with your friends, or on your terrace surrounded by your favourite cousins on a night when the power has gone out. What do all of them have in common?
Even those who identify as scaredy-cats won’t refuse to listen to a memorable ghost story at that hour. And once you run out of those you’ve heard or experienced, there’s this book. There are these handful of haunting tales. Even if they don’t make any of you jump in your seats, one thing is guaranteed. The whistling dead boy, the ancient Lovecraftian monster from the deep, the mischievous witch and her black cat, they’ll all make a place in the deepest recesses of your heart and come back to you when you’re least expecting them. Long after the light has come back, or morning has broken.
It won’t be incorrect to say that I have never met a booklover in my life who dislikes Ruskin Bond. The John Llewellyn Rhys Prize-winner has produced such an extensive body of work in over six decades of a writing life, that at least some section of it has managed to impress nearly everyone.
His stories about the young boy Rusty and his growing up years in an idyllic pre-independent town in the foothills of the Himalayas can become any young person’s perfect literary companion. Lone Fox Dancing, his autobiography, is one of the most poignant, enchanting memoirs one can read about a writer’s life and times. But what I always return to, whether on sultry summer afternoons or chilly December nights, are his uncanny yet lyrical ghost stories.
Equal parts charming and eerie, most of the stories in the anthology titled A Season of Ghosts are delightfully entertaining. In these pieces, one can virtually feel the misty mountain air, experience the stillness inside a cottage at the edge of a forest, or spot a mysterious face in the crowd as one keeps turning the pages. The stories are deceitfully simple – there’s even a mythical tale on rakshasas – but even at their playful best they manage to inform us about the human condition.
Imagine sitting around a campfire with your friends, or on your terrace surrounded by your favourite cousins on a night when the power has gone out. What do all of them have in common?
Even those who identify as scaredy-cats won’t refuse to listen to a memorable ghost story at that hour. And once you run out of those you’ve heard or experienced, there’s this book. There are these handful of haunting tales. Even if they don’t make any of you jump in your seats, one thing is guaranteed. The whistling dead boy, the ancient Lovecraftian monster from the deep, the mischievous witch and her black cat, they’ll all make a place in the deepest recesses of your heart and come back to you when you’re least expecting them. Long after the light has come back, or morning has broken.
December 9, 2021
I remember picking a torn, dog-eared book with missing cover from a small corner table in the library of my school in the quiet hazy summer of 2012, starting to read and being completely immersed in the story, forgetting my immediate surroundings and time, flowing into this trance-like joyful state, overwhelmed with what can only be described vaguely as humanistic love, for perhaps the first time in my life then. I finished the entire book in one sitting. A sixth grader back then, I had no idea this moment would bear witness to the birth of my deep reverence and love for fiction. I vividly remember the flowing descriptions of Himalayan region as it is almost a character unto itself and yearning to visit the hills. The display of Ruskin Bond's brilliance is visible in how organic his stories feel, almost dreamy in their texture. His characters are simple, not as in simple-minded, but as in regular people, and are incredibly real. Having read this recently again, I found it as magical as it was back then. In the collection of 9 short stories, "Who Killed the Rani?" is the most remarkable one, an evocative mystery brimming with specific vibe of colonial times in India. The other stories range from mythical to poignant to suspenseful. The warm impression from the quiet lives and silent horrors in "A Season of Ghosts" escapes the usual parameters of what is considered horror but nonetheless, it is rewarding. All his stories, more than being horrific, explore the depths of human notoriety and how extraordinary situations compel people to take drastic measures. And over all the stories looms the benevolent or brooding presence of the Himalayas, described with Bond's inimitable lyricism. Marked with immense personal meaning and a heart-aching nostalgia for a time that perhaps would forever be imprinted in memory as pristine, yesterday in the quiet melancholy of the night, reading on a screen, one disenchanted reader once again discovered the euphoric joys of reading, of art, of creation.
November 14, 2018
It is said that if the smell of the Himalayas creeps into a man's blood, he will return to the hills again and again, and will strive to live amongst them always. Ruskin Bond, master storyteller and connoisseur of the mysterious and macabre, shows how this love may persist to death and beyond. The stories in this collection are set amidst the mists and mellow magic of Bond's beloved mountains. The agents of the supernatural may be gentle like the fairy folk in 'On Fairy Hill', or malevolent like the well-dressed diners of 'The Prize'; humorous like the very proper witch, Miss Bellows, in 'The Black Cat', or tragic like the haunting Gulabi in 'Wilson's Bridge'. 'The Rakshasas' harks back to traditional hill spirits, while 'The Night of the Millennium' poises us tantalizingly on the brink of the future. Bond aficionados will meet familiar faces in 'Reunion at the Regal'. Rounding off this collection is a gripping mystery, 'Who Killed the Rani?', which is evocative of life in hill stations some twenty years ago. And over all the stories looms the benevolent or brooding presence of the Himalayas, described with Bond's inimitable lyricism.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2020
A Season Of Ghosts by Ruskin Bond is a collection of horror short stories set in Himalayas and hills of Mussoorie, each story talks about life beyond death and ghosts.
I personally liked the story of "The Black Cat" in this book. All the stories are mysterious, and dark. The book is surely going to take into a different world, so be ready for that. It's full of suspence and spook.
The way Ruskin Bond has projected the cat is quite different and Mysterious, with subtle humour. It's going to at some points make you fall more in love and less in fear with these mythical creatures.
I personally liked the story of "The Black Cat" in this book. All the stories are mysterious, and dark. The book is surely going to take into a different world, so be ready for that. It's full of suspence and spook.
The way Ruskin Bond has projected the cat is quite different and Mysterious, with subtle humour. It's going to at some points make you fall more in love and less in fear with these mythical creatures.
October 30, 2020
t's a collection of nine short stories based upon supernatural agents and one gripping murder mystery, Who Killed The Rani.
Each story is 7-8 pages long and feature tales weaved around elves, ghosts, witches, murder and rakshasas. I was more amused by the stories than scared. There was tinge of humour in the writing of all the stories. The murder mystery Who Killed The Rani, which could be a novella was my favourite out of all. This was one of my first murder mystery by RB and I was impressed. Beautifully written and each and every detail was covered well.
I wasn't able to enjoy the ghost stories as much as the murder mystery. Frankly, I expected more from the book.
Each story is 7-8 pages long and feature tales weaved around elves, ghosts, witches, murder and rakshasas. I was more amused by the stories than scared. There was tinge of humour in the writing of all the stories. The murder mystery Who Killed The Rani, which could be a novella was my favourite out of all. This was one of my first murder mystery by RB and I was impressed. Beautifully written and each and every detail was covered well.
I wasn't able to enjoy the ghost stories as much as the murder mystery. Frankly, I expected more from the book.
October 7, 2025
the last story Who Killed the Rani? was the entire second half of the book and in reading that story i forgot the previous nine stories before it! i guess I get to read it again now!
I'm not kidding I'm looking at the index and i seriously cannot recall anything that happened in these stories, does that make me a bad reader?
I'm not kidding I'm looking at the index and i seriously cannot recall anything that happened in these stories, does that make me a bad reader?
May 28, 2021
‘’Before the cat came, of course there had to be a broomstick. ‘’
A season of ghosts, by Ruskin Bond is a compilation of nine ghost stories written by him during the 1990s which he calls as superstitious period of his life. The collection is a mix of phantoms, witches, demons, Churels, mischievous bhuts and Prets, terryfing Raakshas all wrapped in one. All the tales have an element of surprise, tinge of spookiness and the perfect ending for a ghost story.
His ghost stories always have a room for compassion for the ghosts. He treats them as just another living being and they too deserve to wander the roads of earth. Our heart will always be for the schoolboy riding on a bicycle in whistling in the dark, for Wilson’s bride frequently visiting the dark Wilson’s bridge in the night time.
Some stories ended happily with narrator watching merrily as the witch with his broom flies away to the moon in the The Black Cat or when the author experienced the love of blue pixies in his much famous story On Fairy Hill. Some stories like The Prize and Night of the millennium really were terrifying like the gore of the 80s coming alive in his books. Well, that’s the purpose of a ghost story, to make us feel that we are not the only dominant forces living. The dead with their neglected and harsh past may be able to overtake us in the dark.
One plus point for this novel is the setting that Bond created with the words around the characters. Chilly, yet so satisfying they are a treat for the young readers reading ghost stories of Indian hills.
Though he has not personally seen a single ghost in real life, he can hear and feel their presence. All his life he has lived in a very old cottage (in Mussoorie) and his bedroom is joined by a small sitting room, where none sleeps at night. But in the middle of the night, he can hear people talking - though can't make out what they say. Funnily he adds - "I get up, switch on the light and see nobody there. Then I switch off the lights and go back to sleep. Then I see someone tucking up my blanket - a very motherly and maternal kind of ghost.
Ghosts are not out to scare or harm people and one gets frightened by them because they are not like us. The ghosts that we otherwise read about in literature, Western ghosts or British ghosts, who the British brought to India and left behind in our hill stations and dak bungalows, they are what you'd call revenants. Someone from the dead reappearing physically, but not quite physically.
Also included in this book is a Novella, a detective story ‘’Who killed the Rani?’’ which is set in the hills which will get you a glimpse of Bonds detective skills.
Ruskin Bonds ghost stories also came to life with web series titled "Parchayee - Ghost Stories by Ruskin Bond" airing on an over-the-top (OTT) platform ZEE5. Don’t miss out on this one.
A season of ghosts, by Ruskin Bond is a compilation of nine ghost stories written by him during the 1990s which he calls as superstitious period of his life. The collection is a mix of phantoms, witches, demons, Churels, mischievous bhuts and Prets, terryfing Raakshas all wrapped in one. All the tales have an element of surprise, tinge of spookiness and the perfect ending for a ghost story.
His ghost stories always have a room for compassion for the ghosts. He treats them as just another living being and they too deserve to wander the roads of earth. Our heart will always be for the schoolboy riding on a bicycle in whistling in the dark, for Wilson’s bride frequently visiting the dark Wilson’s bridge in the night time.
Some stories ended happily with narrator watching merrily as the witch with his broom flies away to the moon in the The Black Cat or when the author experienced the love of blue pixies in his much famous story On Fairy Hill. Some stories like The Prize and Night of the millennium really were terrifying like the gore of the 80s coming alive in his books. Well, that’s the purpose of a ghost story, to make us feel that we are not the only dominant forces living. The dead with their neglected and harsh past may be able to overtake us in the dark.
One plus point for this novel is the setting that Bond created with the words around the characters. Chilly, yet so satisfying they are a treat for the young readers reading ghost stories of Indian hills.
Though he has not personally seen a single ghost in real life, he can hear and feel their presence. All his life he has lived in a very old cottage (in Mussoorie) and his bedroom is joined by a small sitting room, where none sleeps at night. But in the middle of the night, he can hear people talking - though can't make out what they say. Funnily he adds - "I get up, switch on the light and see nobody there. Then I switch off the lights and go back to sleep. Then I see someone tucking up my blanket - a very motherly and maternal kind of ghost.
Ghosts are not out to scare or harm people and one gets frightened by them because they are not like us. The ghosts that we otherwise read about in literature, Western ghosts or British ghosts, who the British brought to India and left behind in our hill stations and dak bungalows, they are what you'd call revenants. Someone from the dead reappearing physically, but not quite physically.
Also included in this book is a Novella, a detective story ‘’Who killed the Rani?’’ which is set in the hills which will get you a glimpse of Bonds detective skills.
Ruskin Bonds ghost stories also came to life with web series titled "Parchayee - Ghost Stories by Ruskin Bond" airing on an over-the-top (OTT) platform ZEE5. Don’t miss out on this one.
December 7, 2020
"Seeing they say is believing but I'm not so sure. You can see a magician or conjurer cut a man in half, but you will believe what you see only if he faila to put the two halves together."
Starting with the above quoted lines from the book "A season of Ghosts" by Ruskin Bond is a collection of 9 ghost stories & one murder mystery. Author claims to have written these stories during what he calls às " his dark/supernatural" period.
All the stories are set in the backdrops of Himalayas and the hills of mussoorie, a collection of ghost stories starting with "Whistling in the dark" which is story about Ruskin Bonds encounter with the ghost of a 15 year old boy named Michael Dutta.
A story about the " Wilson's bridge", which is another encounter of Ruskin Bond with a ghost named Gulabi. "On a fairy hill is a story about Ruskin Bonds encounter with what he thinks is fairies."The black cat as the same suggests is Ruskin Bonds unusual encounter with a black cat an old woman.
"Reunion at the Regal is an encounter of meeting the ghost of his old friend Kishen. "Something in the water" is his scary encounter of experiencing and later witnessing the murder of a man by a creature.
And many other interesting short stories along with a novella called "who killed the Rani?" Which happens to be the tenth story in the book, the author calls it as a "light hearted attempt at writing a detective story", I call it a murder mystery which is a thriller ofcourse with an emotional touch. It is a very good book, worth reading especially if you are a fan of ghost, phantoms, witches, demons and creatures of the night!
"Down in the ravine, the jackals started howling again awaiting their turn. The bones would be theirs. Only the cell phone would be rejected."
Starting with the above quoted lines from the book "A season of Ghosts" by Ruskin Bond is a collection of 9 ghost stories & one murder mystery. Author claims to have written these stories during what he calls às " his dark/supernatural" period.
All the stories are set in the backdrops of Himalayas and the hills of mussoorie, a collection of ghost stories starting with "Whistling in the dark" which is story about Ruskin Bonds encounter with the ghost of a 15 year old boy named Michael Dutta.
A story about the " Wilson's bridge", which is another encounter of Ruskin Bond with a ghost named Gulabi. "On a fairy hill is a story about Ruskin Bonds encounter with what he thinks is fairies."The black cat as the same suggests is Ruskin Bonds unusual encounter with a black cat an old woman.
"Reunion at the Regal is an encounter of meeting the ghost of his old friend Kishen. "Something in the water" is his scary encounter of experiencing and later witnessing the murder of a man by a creature.
And many other interesting short stories along with a novella called "who killed the Rani?" Which happens to be the tenth story in the book, the author calls it as a "light hearted attempt at writing a detective story", I call it a murder mystery which is a thriller ofcourse with an emotional touch. It is a very good book, worth reading especially if you are a fan of ghost, phantoms, witches, demons and creatures of the night!
"Down in the ravine, the jackals started howling again awaiting their turn. The bones would be theirs. Only the cell phone would be rejected."
April 5, 2018
After a long time, I picked up Ruskin Bond again, and was doused in Nostalgia of reading the familiar style of Bond, and the magical way that he describes the mountains. The picture that Bond paints in your head when you read it, is far better than the reality itself.
As far as the book goes, the stories are short, and refreshing. These are absolute bedtime grandma stories, and are not on the scary side. Bond's relationship with ghosts/spirits/paranormal is a curious feeling, and it doesn't create any fear, but leaves a warm snug after effect.
As far as the book goes, the stories are short, and refreshing. These are absolute bedtime grandma stories, and are not on the scary side. Bond's relationship with ghosts/spirits/paranormal is a curious feeling, and it doesn't create any fear, but leaves a warm snug after effect.
June 5, 2021
Some of the stories were entertaining. The last one which was a great story was far from a ghost story but I enjoyed it nevertheless
August 20, 2024
I've never been a fan of horror stories. They don't really scare me or interest me. I like these, though. Ruskin Bond's stories remind me a little of the kind of stories you share with other kids your age when there's no electricity, pondering whether it's all true or not.
July 21, 2019
Books indeed find you and just at the nick of time :-)
I had bought this years ago but the book saw a different pair of hands (probably more) before it fell into mine. It's power to enchant minds never stops no matter how many times it's used. Remarkable! Well this might be way too romantic a sentiment but what can I do? I just read a Ruskin Bond novel on the tales of Mussoorie!! Ah! The illustrations for that's what the description is like literally transported me from the midst of traffic clogged smoke filled streets to the wet slopes of Mussoorie with its Rani and Rakshas.
The imagery is simply fantastic. The first half is a collection of uber short stories on mythical creatures of Indian folk-lore. The second half is an extended suspense story which leaves you feeling warm and smiling- yay humanity isn't all dead!
If you are stressed out or have forgotten what it means to be alive this is the medicine I recommend. For best results read it just before bedtime :-)
I had bought this years ago but the book saw a different pair of hands (probably more) before it fell into mine. It's power to enchant minds never stops no matter how many times it's used. Remarkable! Well this might be way too romantic a sentiment but what can I do? I just read a Ruskin Bond novel on the tales of Mussoorie!! Ah! The illustrations for that's what the description is like literally transported me from the midst of traffic clogged smoke filled streets to the wet slopes of Mussoorie with its Rani and Rakshas.
The imagery is simply fantastic. The first half is a collection of uber short stories on mythical creatures of Indian folk-lore. The second half is an extended suspense story which leaves you feeling warm and smiling- yay humanity isn't all dead!
If you are stressed out or have forgotten what it means to be alive this is the medicine I recommend. For best results read it just before bedtime :-)
August 22, 2017
I wanted to read some simple yet fascinating story so I picked this book. The title and cover page makes it look more interesting. Ruskin Bond, the master story teller again came with a compilation of various ghost stories hailing from his hometown.
Please read full review on my blog http://www.haloofbooks.com/a-season-o...
This book includes 10 ghost stories which belong to Mussoorie, a popular hill station in India. Ruskin Bond effectively draws the beautiful picture of the hill station with interesting words. The reader can get swept away with the flow of the stories. The stories are set in the context of mist, chill, rainy atmosphere when there were no vehicles and technology available at the hill station.
Each story is beautifully written, ‘Whistling in the Dark’ is a story where he met with a strange spirit who kept whistling in the tranquil chilled night. ‘Wilson’s Bridge’ is where one can see the spirit of a woman jumping from it. ‘The Black Cat’ is a story weaved around the witch.
‘On Fairy Hill’ is the story where the author met Lilliput fairies. Each story gives a different taste to the reader. ‘Reunion at the Regal’ is a story where the author gets to glance at his dead friend.
‘Something In The Water’ is a typical kind of story where the unknown creature in the water kills humans. ‘The Prize’ is a story of a drunkard writer who meets a ghost at a very uncertain place and time. ‘Night At The Millennium’ reminds me the episode of Aahat.
‘The Rakshasas’ is a folklore story, which you must have read or heard before in different context.
Please read full review on my blog http://www.haloofbooks.com/a-season-o...
This book includes 10 ghost stories which belong to Mussoorie, a popular hill station in India. Ruskin Bond effectively draws the beautiful picture of the hill station with interesting words. The reader can get swept away with the flow of the stories. The stories are set in the context of mist, chill, rainy atmosphere when there were no vehicles and technology available at the hill station.
Each story is beautifully written, ‘Whistling in the Dark’ is a story where he met with a strange spirit who kept whistling in the tranquil chilled night. ‘Wilson’s Bridge’ is where one can see the spirit of a woman jumping from it. ‘The Black Cat’ is a story weaved around the witch.
‘On Fairy Hill’ is the story where the author met Lilliput fairies. Each story gives a different taste to the reader. ‘Reunion at the Regal’ is a story where the author gets to glance at his dead friend.
‘Something In The Water’ is a typical kind of story where the unknown creature in the water kills humans. ‘The Prize’ is a story of a drunkard writer who meets a ghost at a very uncertain place and time. ‘Night At The Millennium’ reminds me the episode of Aahat.
‘The Rakshasas’ is a folklore story, which you must have read or heard before in different context.
August 10, 2016
This book is a collection of 9 short stories and a novella. Novella is not a ghost story but a mystery. I really enjoyed the novella. It is not so much about solving the crime or it is not that typical "Butler did it" story. Talks about how extraordinary situations compel people to take drastic measures. And delineates the fact that heroes need not always be James Bonds.
And the short stories range from mythical to poignant. Ghost stories and poignancy - only Ruskin Bond can pull it off!
And the short stories range from mythical to poignant. Ghost stories and poignancy - only Ruskin Bond can pull it off!
June 14, 2013
I read this as a child, and it still remains one of my favorite re-reads. I especially loved the story featuring Ms Bellows and her black cat. Even now I can recollect the verse she chanted as she whirred away on her broomstick:
'With the darkness around me growing,
And the wind behind my hat;
You will soon have trouble knowing,
Which is witch and witch's cat!'
Absolutely delightful read! :D
'With the darkness around me growing,
And the wind behind my hat;
You will soon have trouble knowing,
Which is witch and witch's cat!'
Absolutely delightful read! :D
December 25, 2012
Not the scary ghosts stories that give you nightmares for nights on end but written beautifully these stories and their characters do leave an impression. Quiet lives and silent horrors sometimes even beat the gore of more traditional ghost stories.
October 15, 2013
The effect that sir Ruskin Bond's work create is something that can be felt in ones own life. reading the book has brought me too close to it's characters. I felt as if I myself felt the experiences.
February 4, 2012
Spooky but, Not-your-usual kind of ghost stories set in the rolling hills of North India. A must read for Ruskin Bond lovers!
May 24, 2016
Another masterpiece by Mr. Bond !!
June 5, 2021
Nice read
Loved the writing style. Nice stories. Really liked the novella at the end. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to read ghost stories.
Loved the writing style. Nice stories. Really liked the novella at the end. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to read ghost stories.
July 14, 2025
This book is collection of short stories. From myths of the region to haunted places, from old history moment to accidental fire and haunted places and some horror lf unknown and shape shifter to murder and some ghost that are good and care for passerby to witches who roam around area on a broomstick to Rakshas who killed people by luring them with greed. This book has 10 stories from Mussoorie, uttarakhand , Shimla, dehradun, shahpur and Delhi . Ruskin bond gives some beautiful short stories you will find interesting and you feel like visiting that places
Whistling in the Dark
A school guy died in accident on Phantom bicycle and now he is seen by people whistling while crossing and he helped them cross the way and ensure they are safe.
Wilson’s Bridge
A bridge build by a British who want to own a girl name gulabi. The stories say they hear the voice of horse tapping and someone jumping into the river as they events happened in the past. Narrator said he saw gulabi too but no one believes him
On Fairy Hill
A girl went to fairy hill and she find herself in the pond to enjoy but when she came out her clothes were gone and she feared up not to go pari tibba. But soon she got courage and want her to place of perfection she visited in summer last time
The Black Cat
The cat appeared to a house and the man was enjoying with cat and they were playing and enjoying . After sometime Miss bellows came to claim her cat and boy give it back to her , while she left, boy was curious to know if what people said about her that she is witch is real and found out that she went on broom to her house with her cat.
Reunion at the Regal
A cinema hall that is haunted and friends decided to meet as they lost track of each other . Manju came down 5 years to rekindle friends. And she met Rusty and got bad news that Kishen died few years ago and when she about to enter a hall someone called her name and it was Kishen but he disappeared just in thin air and she felt he was there for a wish that he will meet her once again.
Something in the Water
A girl used to swim in a swimming pool and the only pool she doesn't conquer in her life. She left the place and came back 10 years later and found that pool is now someone's property at school and they are clearing out the pool. Because recently 2 senior children died mysterious with broken bones and there body, and then suddenly while Kapoor and thr girl talking and labours were went out for lunch, they saw a slimy creature came out and killed that labours and sucked his fluid and they both decide to seal the pool for good and never to use it for people safety.
The Prize
Few friends went to party and they were enjoying themselves and they were their for fun. While enjoying there author friend said that his book is nominated for a prestigious prize but they were not interested and he went inside and sleep on the billiards table and soon someone came and with people delegation and about to devour him as he was looking like a pig meat and he woke out of nightmare all of sudden and found out he passed away in sleep.
Night of the Millennium
A guy who doesn't fear anything and had a power to abuse , he want to spend his one night stand with someone to show his dominance and find a girl , he decided to do it and he tore her open and was about to dominate but she bite him and she was a shapeshifter of jackals who killed the guy along with her cubs on new year's eve.
The Rakshasas
A rakshas put a price to build a particular gold ornaments and goldsmith got killed one by one in 6 days. And 7th saved himself. And rakhshasi went after him but when she doesn't catched him. She was taken by king and she started killing his family. Oe boon from Lord Shiva a prince survived and he was end of queen. But she was clever , she send him away to get him killed but he came back with killing her family and soon he disclosed the truth of queen rakshashi to king and saved the day all who killed by her came to life and except for Raja all were happy.
Who Killed the Rani?
A writer came to Keemat lal to know a thrilling story and he told a tale from his past in Mussoorie, when a Lady name Rani was killed . Case have several suspects and murderer is saved by community of close knit people who have common dislike for Rani. Keemat solved the case as he reached the murderer but he can't do anything. Because in order to get justice he have to put a victim of another crime to come forward and her life will be ruined afterwards for the murder she done was out of self defence and not for revenge or compassion and the real culprit For the cycle to start went to jail for his crime in business and lost everything while being there.
Whistling in the Dark
A school guy died in accident on Phantom bicycle and now he is seen by people whistling while crossing and he helped them cross the way and ensure they are safe.
Wilson’s Bridge
A bridge build by a British who want to own a girl name gulabi. The stories say they hear the voice of horse tapping and someone jumping into the river as they events happened in the past. Narrator said he saw gulabi too but no one believes him
On Fairy Hill
A girl went to fairy hill and she find herself in the pond to enjoy but when she came out her clothes were gone and she feared up not to go pari tibba. But soon she got courage and want her to place of perfection she visited in summer last time
The Black Cat
The cat appeared to a house and the man was enjoying with cat and they were playing and enjoying . After sometime Miss bellows came to claim her cat and boy give it back to her , while she left, boy was curious to know if what people said about her that she is witch is real and found out that she went on broom to her house with her cat.
Reunion at the Regal
A cinema hall that is haunted and friends decided to meet as they lost track of each other . Manju came down 5 years to rekindle friends. And she met Rusty and got bad news that Kishen died few years ago and when she about to enter a hall someone called her name and it was Kishen but he disappeared just in thin air and she felt he was there for a wish that he will meet her once again.
Something in the Water
A girl used to swim in a swimming pool and the only pool she doesn't conquer in her life. She left the place and came back 10 years later and found that pool is now someone's property at school and they are clearing out the pool. Because recently 2 senior children died mysterious with broken bones and there body, and then suddenly while Kapoor and thr girl talking and labours were went out for lunch, they saw a slimy creature came out and killed that labours and sucked his fluid and they both decide to seal the pool for good and never to use it for people safety.
The Prize
Few friends went to party and they were enjoying themselves and they were their for fun. While enjoying there author friend said that his book is nominated for a prestigious prize but they were not interested and he went inside and sleep on the billiards table and soon someone came and with people delegation and about to devour him as he was looking like a pig meat and he woke out of nightmare all of sudden and found out he passed away in sleep.
Night of the Millennium
A guy who doesn't fear anything and had a power to abuse , he want to spend his one night stand with someone to show his dominance and find a girl , he decided to do it and he tore her open and was about to dominate but she bite him and she was a shapeshifter of jackals who killed the guy along with her cubs on new year's eve.
The Rakshasas
A rakshas put a price to build a particular gold ornaments and goldsmith got killed one by one in 6 days. And 7th saved himself. And rakhshasi went after him but when she doesn't catched him. She was taken by king and she started killing his family. Oe boon from Lord Shiva a prince survived and he was end of queen. But she was clever , she send him away to get him killed but he came back with killing her family and soon he disclosed the truth of queen rakshashi to king and saved the day all who killed by her came to life and except for Raja all were happy.
Who Killed the Rani?
A writer came to Keemat lal to know a thrilling story and he told a tale from his past in Mussoorie, when a Lady name Rani was killed . Case have several suspects and murderer is saved by community of close knit people who have common dislike for Rani. Keemat solved the case as he reached the murderer but he can't do anything. Because in order to get justice he have to put a victim of another crime to come forward and her life will be ruined afterwards for the murder she done was out of self defence and not for revenge or compassion and the real culprit For the cycle to start went to jail for his crime in business and lost everything while being there.
July 26, 2025
I picked up Season of Ghosts at the 2002 Kolkata Book Fair—back when book fairs still felt like treasure hunts and bonding over a "boi mela"-bought paperback could start lifelong friendships. The sky was grey, the crowds loud, and there was a vague chill in the air—perfect weather to stumble upon ghosts, no?
This collection is Bond in his shadowy best—subtle, suggestive, and always more eerie than horrifying. The ghosts in these stories don't always rattle chains or slam doors. Some just linger—inaudible incidences, uncompleted thoughts, griefs too longstanding to name.
Whether it's the furtive woman on the train, the danger of a lost friend, or the mysterious footsteps on an empty stair—Bond uses the supernatural not to terrify, but to make us feel time's weight.
Reading it in my Calcutta room, under a yellow bulb and beside a creaking fan, I recall feeling watched—but in a way that made me sentimental, not afraid. Bond’s ghosts weren’t strangers—they were memories wearing fog.
What struck me most was how Bond used the paranormal as emotional shorthand. His ghosts are love that couldn’t let go, guilt that outlived the guilty, and silences that echoed too long. And anywhere, they reminded me of old letters, missed calls, and things I’d left unspoken.
This collection is Bond in his shadowy best—subtle, suggestive, and always more eerie than horrifying. The ghosts in these stories don't always rattle chains or slam doors. Some just linger—inaudible incidences, uncompleted thoughts, griefs too longstanding to name.
Whether it's the furtive woman on the train, the danger of a lost friend, or the mysterious footsteps on an empty stair—Bond uses the supernatural not to terrify, but to make us feel time's weight.
Reading it in my Calcutta room, under a yellow bulb and beside a creaking fan, I recall feeling watched—but in a way that made me sentimental, not afraid. Bond’s ghosts weren’t strangers—they were memories wearing fog.
What struck me most was how Bond used the paranormal as emotional shorthand. His ghosts are love that couldn’t let go, guilt that outlived the guilty, and silences that echoed too long. And anywhere, they reminded me of old letters, missed calls, and things I’d left unspoken.
April 7, 2022
Why we read Ruskin Bond?
Because he transports us to a world which is fictional, yet very real. Whenever I feel sad/depressed/dejected in life, I submit myself to Ruskin Bond. His simplicity makes every problem a puff of smoke, yet prepares me for the uncertainties & fickleness of life.
I have heard numerous Bengalis (being one myself) say similar things about Rabindranath Tagore. I had a similar feeling while reading Bibhutibhusan Bandyopadhyay.
It's funny, but that may be the reason why I sometimes find Mr. Bond's stories almost "Bengali"ish. Don't know why I find him very close to our roots.
Coming to this book, one or two stories in this collection are "different", a testimony that the writer is challenging himself to experiment with his genre. Maybe, because of that or maybe because of something else, those stories have not quite blossomed as well as others.
But, who cares !!! when you can write like that...
And yes, last but not least, I figured out the whodunnit one-third into the story. The rest just confirmed by beleifs. But I went on & finished the story...
Yes, right.. Who cares ??
Because he transports us to a world which is fictional, yet very real. Whenever I feel sad/depressed/dejected in life, I submit myself to Ruskin Bond. His simplicity makes every problem a puff of smoke, yet prepares me for the uncertainties & fickleness of life.
I have heard numerous Bengalis (being one myself) say similar things about Rabindranath Tagore. I had a similar feeling while reading Bibhutibhusan Bandyopadhyay.
It's funny, but that may be the reason why I sometimes find Mr. Bond's stories almost "Bengali"ish. Don't know why I find him very close to our roots.
Coming to this book, one or two stories in this collection are "different", a testimony that the writer is challenging himself to experiment with his genre. Maybe, because of that or maybe because of something else, those stories have not quite blossomed as well as others.
But, who cares !!! when you can write like that...
And yes, last but not least, I figured out the whodunnit one-third into the story. The rest just confirmed by beleifs. But I went on & finished the story...
Yes, right.. Who cares ??
October 25, 2021
This book is an anthology of short stories and a novella. As the title of the book suggests all the included stories possess a supernatural streak in them. The short stories were good but I felt that they were too short for me to become emotionally invested in the characters and their travails. The novella, "Who killed the Rani?" was an interesting and compelling read. The story, "The Rakshasas" have a Thakumar Jhuli-esque vibe. It's a variant of a popular Indian folklore because I remember reading/hearing a similar story elsewhere. The stories had not much to offer but the writing is very elegant and that's what compelled me to finish reading the book in no time.
It's a nice, short read; and I will recommend it to anyone looking for a light read. Though, one will be disappointed if one is looking for spine chilling tales of the supernatural world.
My Rating: 3 ⭐
It's a nice, short read; and I will recommend it to anyone looking for a light read. Though, one will be disappointed if one is looking for spine chilling tales of the supernatural world.
My Rating: 3 ⭐
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