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The World's Favorite Ghost Stories: 13 Creepy Tales
A world of horror—bewitching tales of ghosts, spirits, and spooks
Gather 'round for ominous tales of the paranormal that’ll have you looking over your shoulder to make sure you’re actually alone. The World’s Favorite Ghost Stories is a carefully curated collection of hair-raising ghost stories from around the world meant to thrill and ensnare you.
Crack open this book for unsettling ghost stories that’ll get under your skin. These peculiar tales from different corners of the world (including the United Kingdom, India, and the United States) are so vivid that they almost feel real. But they couldn’t be—could they?...
In The World’s Favorite Ghost Stories you’ll
Eerie artwork—This artfully illustrated anthology is packed with ghoulish images that will haunt your dreams long after you’ve put it down.Ghosts around the globe—Get spooked with creepy ghost stories about the jikininki from Japan, sinister specters from South Africa, the ominous silence in Russia, and many more.Spine-chilling stories—These ghastly tales will leave spooky-story connoisseurs white as a ghost...and wanting more.Curl up and creep out with The World’s Favorite Ghost Stories—you’ll have a scary-good time!
Gather 'round for ominous tales of the paranormal that’ll have you looking over your shoulder to make sure you’re actually alone. The World’s Favorite Ghost Stories is a carefully curated collection of hair-raising ghost stories from around the world meant to thrill and ensnare you.
Crack open this book for unsettling ghost stories that’ll get under your skin. These peculiar tales from different corners of the world (including the United Kingdom, India, and the United States) are so vivid that they almost feel real. But they couldn’t be—could they?...
In The World’s Favorite Ghost Stories you’ll
Eerie artwork—This artfully illustrated anthology is packed with ghoulish images that will haunt your dreams long after you’ve put it down.Ghosts around the globe—Get spooked with creepy ghost stories about the jikininki from Japan, sinister specters from South Africa, the ominous silence in Russia, and many more.Spine-chilling stories—These ghastly tales will leave spooky-story connoisseurs white as a ghost...and wanting more.Curl up and creep out with The World’s Favorite Ghost Stories—you’ll have a scary-good time!
184 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 29, 2019
76 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
Tony Brueski
3 books21 followersTony Brueski is heard every day, around the world in thousands of homes, cars and offices through his incredibly popular podcast “Real Ghost Stories Online” (http://www.realghoststoriesonline.com) along with his co-host Jenny Brueski. You can subscribe to the show on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify or almost any podcast service. The show is an exciting and often chilling mix of real ghost stories as re-counted by the people who experienced them. The show is often referred to as “group therapy for the paranormally affected,” as thousands find comfort in support of the like-minded community that has discovered their show. Tony lives in the Ozark Mountains with his wife, two girls, and thankfully no ghosts haunting their home, just the stories sent into them every day.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
November 29, 2024
Release Date: 20th August 2024
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 as a whole, I would say the stories range from a 3 up to 4.5 for me.
This is a collection of 13 ghost stories from around the world, some are really creepy and unnerving.
These are old tales and some are quite short punchy stories while others are longer and written in old English, so you need to tune yourself into the different types of language of each story.
One wonderful thing about the book, is that there will be a story in here for everyone (maybe even several). A great collection of spooky tales for those who enjoy a good scary story.
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC.
Reviews also published on:
Instagram || Threads || BSky || Coffee and Kindle Blog || The StoryGraph || Amazon || Bookmarks
Happy to make friends on all socials
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 as a whole, I would say the stories range from a 3 up to 4.5 for me.
This is a collection of 13 ghost stories from around the world, some are really creepy and unnerving.
These are old tales and some are quite short punchy stories while others are longer and written in old English, so you need to tune yourself into the different types of language of each story.
One wonderful thing about the book, is that there will be a story in here for everyone (maybe even several). A great collection of spooky tales for those who enjoy a good scary story.
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC.
Reviews also published on:
Instagram || Threads || BSky || Coffee and Kindle Blog || The StoryGraph || Amazon || Bookmarks
Happy to make friends on all socials
September 25, 2021
The title on this is a little deceptive, because most of these “World’s Favorite” ghost stories were new to me. With the exception of “The Yellow Wallpaper” and “What Was It?” (and maybe the story by M. R. James, although I didn’t remember it) I hadn’t even heard of the stories or their authors. This is highly recommended, especially if you like old-timey spooks.
July 12, 2024
This was such a wonderful read. Full of ghost & spooky stories. Some I’ve heard of before and others were brand new to me. Only a dream was a favorite of mine but all of them brought all the spooky vibes!!
For years people of all ages have enjoyed ghost stories. I loved the drawings/artwork throughout the book, very chilling ….
If you are a ghost story fan I highly recommend this book.
Thanks to Netgalley and Callisto Publishing, for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
For years people of all ages have enjoyed ghost stories. I loved the drawings/artwork throughout the book, very chilling ….
If you are a ghost story fan I highly recommend this book.
Thanks to Netgalley and Callisto Publishing, for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
November 2, 2024
I really enjoyed this! Some of these stories I've read before but there were a few that were new to me. My favorites are 'The Yellow Wallpaper' and 'What Was It'. If you enjoy ghost stories, I would recommend this! Special Thank You to Tony Brueski, Callisto Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 8, 2024
Reading this book reminds me of when I did the Ghostly Walk Tours here in Victoria. The stories are told in a way that feels like the authors are reading to you.
Favourites:
▫️Only A Dream
▫️Jikininki
▫️The Yellow Wallpaper
▫️What Was It
▫️The Shell Of Sense
▫️Lost Hearts
My thanks to @callistopublishing for this gifted copy. The World's Favorite Ghost Stories is out now!
Favourites:
▫️Only A Dream
▫️Jikininki
▫️The Yellow Wallpaper
▫️What Was It
▫️The Shell Of Sense
▫️Lost Hearts
My thanks to @callistopublishing for this gifted copy. The World's Favorite Ghost Stories is out now!
January 12, 2020
This was a book that exceeded my expectations in many ways. I am one that loves all things creepy and GHOST STORIES? Very much my shit.
There are many stories in this that I’ve never read before such as Jikininki, a japanese ghost story which was one of my favorites.
Another well known one is the Yellow Wallpaper which could be a ghost story but also a woman’s descent into madness.
This was a fun read, a haunting look at the world’s outlook on specters and ghouls. No need to leave your room or even your bed when you can crack open the pages of this book and see what creeps around the corners internationally.
Thank you very much to Netgalley and the publisher for this copy of my Arc. All opinions are my own.
There are many stories in this that I’ve never read before such as Jikininki, a japanese ghost story which was one of my favorites.
Another well known one is the Yellow Wallpaper which could be a ghost story but also a woman’s descent into madness.
This was a fun read, a haunting look at the world’s outlook on specters and ghouls. No need to leave your room or even your bed when you can crack open the pages of this book and see what creeps around the corners internationally.
Thank you very much to Netgalley and the publisher for this copy of my Arc. All opinions are my own.
May 8, 2020
I enjoyed the first story, but after that I was mostly bored. Halfway through, I set the book down and left it there for months, finally forcing myself to finish the stories just to get the book off my side table.
These are all very old stories, which is fine, but they're not by any stretch stories I'd label as the "world's favorite." While some might have been creepy 150 years ago, they're not creepy now. Many of the stories didn't seem to have a point or didn't really go anywhere at all.
None of these lived up to stories by rivals such as Poe and Lovecraft.
*I received a review copy.*
These are all very old stories, which is fine, but they're not by any stretch stories I'd label as the "world's favorite." While some might have been creepy 150 years ago, they're not creepy now. Many of the stories didn't seem to have a point or didn't really go anywhere at all.
None of these lived up to stories by rivals such as Poe and Lovecraft.
*I received a review copy.*
February 10, 2025
3.5 stars
The World's Favorite Ghost Stories (compiled by Tony Brueski) is an anthology of 13 ghost stories.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Callisto Publishing, and the authors, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
My Synopsis and Opinions:
These 13 tales are from different times and different countries. As always, I will rate the books individually. Here goes:
The Listener by Algernon Blackwood - England (1907) A man rents a new apartment, but finds it may already be inhabited. Interesting. 4 stars
Only a Dream by H. Rider Haggard - England (1920) The night before a man is to marry for the second time, he is visited by his first dead wife. 4 stars
The Moonlit Road by Ambrose Bierce - USA (1907) The death of a woman is remembered by the husband, and the woman herself. Loved this one! 5 stars
Jikininki by Lafcadio Hearn - Japan (1904) A priest grows weary in his travels, and is directed to a village by a man who could not help him. The villagers let him sleep there, but would not remain themselves, as a death had just occurred, and they all feared what would happen in the night. Really good. 5 stars
The Specter Lovers by J.S. Le Fanu - Ireland (1851) A 20 year old man who lives with his grandmother, has a night out. After a night of drinking, he sees the ghosts of an Army passing through town. Seemed really long. 3 stars
His Dead Wife's Photograph by S. Mukerji - India (1971) The image of a man's dead wife appears in a new photograph. Not the first time I have readd this - just okay. 3 stars
The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman - - US (1892) A physician and his wife rent a mansion outside of town. The woman reacts to the wallpaper in the bedroom. Good premise, but way too long. 3 stars
The Grateful Ghost by Im Bang - Korea (date unknown) A scholar, on his way to take a test, finds a skull buried around a root. He cleaned it, and that night, dreamt the answers to the test. Short & sweet. 4 stars
What Was it by Fitz-James O'Brien - US (1859) A group of young men rent a supposedly haunted house and discover a creature. Really boring. 2 stars
The Marble Arch by Pu Songling - Im Bang - China (date unknown) Two couples, both fleeing the insurrection of their city meet. But one of the men is after more than a fresh start. He wants the other's wife. Really quite good, even though the translation to English is horrendous. 5 stars
The Shell of Sense by Olivia Howard Dunbar - US (1908) A woman dies, and tries to interfere with the relationship between her husband and her sister. It was okay. 3 stars.
Silence by Leonid Andreyev - Russia (1900) Neither wife nor daughter confide in their rather tyrannical husband/father. Then it is too late. Not really a fan. 2 stars
Lost Hearts by M.R. James - England (1904) An 11 year old orphan is invited to live with his strange uncle. He is not the first child to live in this house. Although predictable, this was good. 4 stars
So, overall:
First, I hate when an author calls something "World's Favorite...." Definitely a matter of opinion, and I don't like anyone, especially an author, that deems to know what MY favorite story would be.
Yes, they were ghost stories, but certainly none of them were scary.
That being said, I was pleasantly surprised by how many of these stories I actually enjoyed!
However, it looks like this book has been re-published....not a fan of this. If it's not good enough the first time around, don't bother.
For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, as well as author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
The World's Favorite Ghost Stories (compiled by Tony Brueski) is an anthology of 13 ghost stories.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Callisto Publishing, and the authors, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
My Synopsis and Opinions:
These 13 tales are from different times and different countries. As always, I will rate the books individually. Here goes:
The Listener by Algernon Blackwood - England (1907) A man rents a new apartment, but finds it may already be inhabited. Interesting. 4 stars
Only a Dream by H. Rider Haggard - England (1920) The night before a man is to marry for the second time, he is visited by his first dead wife. 4 stars
The Moonlit Road by Ambrose Bierce - USA (1907) The death of a woman is remembered by the husband, and the woman herself. Loved this one! 5 stars
Jikininki by Lafcadio Hearn - Japan (1904) A priest grows weary in his travels, and is directed to a village by a man who could not help him. The villagers let him sleep there, but would not remain themselves, as a death had just occurred, and they all feared what would happen in the night. Really good. 5 stars
The Specter Lovers by J.S. Le Fanu - Ireland (1851) A 20 year old man who lives with his grandmother, has a night out. After a night of drinking, he sees the ghosts of an Army passing through town. Seemed really long. 3 stars
His Dead Wife's Photograph by S. Mukerji - India (1971) The image of a man's dead wife appears in a new photograph. Not the first time I have readd this - just okay. 3 stars
The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman - - US (1892) A physician and his wife rent a mansion outside of town. The woman reacts to the wallpaper in the bedroom. Good premise, but way too long. 3 stars
The Grateful Ghost by Im Bang - Korea (date unknown) A scholar, on his way to take a test, finds a skull buried around a root. He cleaned it, and that night, dreamt the answers to the test. Short & sweet. 4 stars
What Was it by Fitz-James O'Brien - US (1859) A group of young men rent a supposedly haunted house and discover a creature. Really boring. 2 stars
The Marble Arch by Pu Songling - Im Bang - China (date unknown) Two couples, both fleeing the insurrection of their city meet. But one of the men is after more than a fresh start. He wants the other's wife. Really quite good, even though the translation to English is horrendous. 5 stars
The Shell of Sense by Olivia Howard Dunbar - US (1908) A woman dies, and tries to interfere with the relationship between her husband and her sister. It was okay. 3 stars.
Silence by Leonid Andreyev - Russia (1900) Neither wife nor daughter confide in their rather tyrannical husband/father. Then it is too late. Not really a fan. 2 stars
Lost Hearts by M.R. James - England (1904) An 11 year old orphan is invited to live with his strange uncle. He is not the first child to live in this house. Although predictable, this was good. 4 stars
So, overall:
First, I hate when an author calls something "World's Favorite...." Definitely a matter of opinion, and I don't like anyone, especially an author, that deems to know what MY favorite story would be.
Yes, they were ghost stories, but certainly none of them were scary.
That being said, I was pleasantly surprised by how many of these stories I actually enjoyed!
However, it looks like this book has been re-published....not a fan of this. If it's not good enough the first time around, don't bother.
For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, as well as author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
November 3, 2019
Reading "The World's Favorite Ghost Stories: 13 Creepy Tales" is going back in time to look at what earlier people thought was creepy and what editor, Tony Brueski, thinks is still creepy today. All the stories are indeed creepy; my audience I agreed as I read them outloud, one each night as a countdown to Halloween 2019.
However, one of the 13 tales, "The Marble Arch" by Pu Songling, was 100% not a ghost story. Three other stories we decided were also not really ghost stories because the "ghosts" seemed more mental and emotional issues than spirits of the deceased. It is this fact that led me to rate this 4 and not 5 stars.
I was happy to see non-EuroAmerican stories in this collection. But for readers of a similar background to my household, some of the authors included may be familiar such as Algernon Blackwood, H. Rider Haggard, Ambrose Bierce, or Charlotte Perkins Gilman. I do wish the book had brief introductions to each story to tell us more about the author or the time period.
This collection could appeal to not just ghost story lovers or horror lovers but also people interested in the history of such stories.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in the hopes that I would write a fair and honest review of it.
However, one of the 13 tales, "The Marble Arch" by Pu Songling, was 100% not a ghost story. Three other stories we decided were also not really ghost stories because the "ghosts" seemed more mental and emotional issues than spirits of the deceased. It is this fact that led me to rate this 4 and not 5 stars.
I was happy to see non-EuroAmerican stories in this collection. But for readers of a similar background to my household, some of the authors included may be familiar such as Algernon Blackwood, H. Rider Haggard, Ambrose Bierce, or Charlotte Perkins Gilman. I do wish the book had brief introductions to each story to tell us more about the author or the time period.
This collection could appeal to not just ghost story lovers or horror lovers but also people interested in the history of such stories.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in the hopes that I would write a fair and honest review of it.
December 10, 2019
I was given a copy of The World’s Favorite Ghost Stories compiled by Tony Brueski in exchange for an honest review from Netgalley.
I love ghost stories. I grew up with the Jeffrey Ghost stories, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark and Are You Afraid of the Dark. I know it is December but I wasn’t ready to give up on the spooky vibes from Halloween just yet. So I asked for a copy of this book. And… I enjoyed it for the most part. Being a collection, the nature of the game says that the reader will really enjoy some stories and others not so much. I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered that most of the stories take place in the late/early 19th/20th centuries. Being one of my favorite time periods, I was happy to see that I was familiar with two of the tales. The Yellow Wallpaper and Lost Hearts. I really enjoyed some of these stories. Favorites for me were Lost Hearts, Jikininki, and Only a Dream. They gave me a great spooky vibes. I also enjoyed The Marble Arch but don’t really know why it would be a ‘ghost’ stories. I found myself giving most of these stories 3 stars but a couple were 4. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants historical scary stories.
I love ghost stories. I grew up with the Jeffrey Ghost stories, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark and Are You Afraid of the Dark. I know it is December but I wasn’t ready to give up on the spooky vibes from Halloween just yet. So I asked for a copy of this book. And… I enjoyed it for the most part. Being a collection, the nature of the game says that the reader will really enjoy some stories and others not so much. I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered that most of the stories take place in the late/early 19th/20th centuries. Being one of my favorite time periods, I was happy to see that I was familiar with two of the tales. The Yellow Wallpaper and Lost Hearts. I really enjoyed some of these stories. Favorites for me were Lost Hearts, Jikininki, and Only a Dream. They gave me a great spooky vibes. I also enjoyed The Marble Arch but don’t really know why it would be a ‘ghost’ stories. I found myself giving most of these stories 3 stars but a couple were 4. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants historical scary stories.
October 30, 2019
I love this little book! There are 13 short stories from around the world that are based in the 1800s to early 1900s. It’s interesting to see the perspective of people from various parts of the world as they tell their story. In some sense, by knowing where the story originated it better helps to understand why these stories are ghost stories in the first place (there were one or two stories that I’m not sure I completely understood as a result). I have been reading one story each night before I go to sleep and I have found myself thinking about them the next day. If you’re looking for tales of zombies or modern day scare tactics, then this book may not be for you. It’s definitely old-school and at times is absolutely terrifying. All of the stories are written in such a manner that they appear to be true. Fun!
September 3, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Castillo Media for a complimentary copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.
2.5 stars rounded to 3
I would consider this an anthology. There are 13 ghost stories that were crafted based off legends in different cultures/countries. I found some of these difficult to follow - the writing style didn't mesh well with my brain. Some of them were really good. The last story was really good and it was a great choice to end the book with a bang (this one actually creeped me out). You have stories that are in the ghost's POV, you have stories in the POV of those being haunted and a lot of them have underlying themes of being haunted by grief and not necessarily ghosts.
I don't think this was a bad book, I think I was just expecting something different and it didn't deliver.
2.5 stars rounded to 3
I would consider this an anthology. There are 13 ghost stories that were crafted based off legends in different cultures/countries. I found some of these difficult to follow - the writing style didn't mesh well with my brain. Some of them were really good. The last story was really good and it was a great choice to end the book with a bang (this one actually creeped me out). You have stories that are in the ghost's POV, you have stories in the POV of those being haunted and a lot of them have underlying themes of being haunted by grief and not necessarily ghosts.
I don't think this was a bad book, I think I was just expecting something different and it didn't deliver.
October 16, 2025
I didn’t enjoy the anthology as much as I was hoping I would and I know why. The collection of stories were all written a hundred plus years ago when people spoke and wrote differently than we do today making it challenging to understand the subtleness of the needed imagery for each story. I had to have Chat GPT explain most of the stories to help with my understanding of what I just read. Because of that, I have an appreciation for the style of story telling each story had and applaud this books uniqueness compared to its contemporary counterparts. I would recommend this for anyone who enjoys and appreciates older writing styles.
A few stand out stories include:
The Yellow Wallpaper
What Was It?
The Marble Arch
Silence
A few stand out stories include:
The Yellow Wallpaper
What Was It?
The Marble Arch
Silence
September 1, 2024
Princess Fuzzypants here: If you are a fan of classic ghost stories, you will enjoy this compilation of stories from around the world. They were all written between the mice 1800s and the early 1900s. The writing reflects the times and provides a delightful and spooky trip to the past. Some of them are more scary than others but compared to modern horror, they will only give a slight chill.
I am fond of anthologies as a means of a quick escape without having to keep story threads straight. So the book can be approached in intervals or all at once. Four purrs and two paws up.
I am fond of anthologies as a means of a quick escape without having to keep story threads straight. So the book can be approached in intervals or all at once. Four purrs and two paws up.
December 9, 2019
Tony Brueski has delved into the history of ghosts, spirits and all things that go bump in the night into this tight collection.
While some of the stories are 'questionable' if they contain ghosts or not, they are all...cautionary tales, one could say. Like the fairy tales from our childhood there is some sort of lesson to be learned by these stories and looking for into our history.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
While some of the stories are 'questionable' if they contain ghosts or not, they are all...cautionary tales, one could say. Like the fairy tales from our childhood there is some sort of lesson to be learned by these stories and looking for into our history.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
December 27, 2024
DNF. This book was gifted to me by my husband for Christmas and none of them held my attention. The first read and then scanned through the others... not scary and dull. Definitely not World's Favorite.
February 15, 2025
This just didn't do this for me. I've read about half of these, and only The Jikininki would I count among a "favorite." Rashomon would not exist without the Moonlit Road, but other than that, these are just all kind of meh especially considering the other stories the author's have written.
June 10, 2020
Great book, looking for more from author
April 19, 2021
Começou muito bom! Mas depois foi ficando fraquinho. Até história de amor tem no meio 😂
October 25, 2024
Ghost Stories
This was a nice little book of stories from around the world. Young teen readers should find this book delightfully chilling.
This was a nice little book of stories from around the world. Young teen readers should find this book delightfully chilling.
November 11, 2024
A collection of short stories about ghosts. Each story was interesting. It would be great to read for Halloween.
October 6, 2024
I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook. I have listened to the author for years when he first started his podcast for ghost stories. I was very excited to receive this novel! I enjoyed the stories. They are perfect for the Halloween season! Recommend highly for ghost story lovers out there!
September 25, 2024
How are these literary stories the "World's Favorite." I have only heard of one and it's not even a ghost story! The Yellow Wallpaper is a semi-autobiographical story about how women's physical and mental health were ignored or given the least of care. Come on son! (Psych fan in the house!)
None of the stories could be considered modern. But there are some good stories, especially the story that closes the book. (I gave a short review of each story as I read them.)
I wouldn't suggest this book to my friends.
None of the stories could be considered modern. But there are some good stories, especially the story that closes the book. (I gave a short review of each story as I read them.)
I wouldn't suggest this book to my friends.
August 30, 2024
If you're anything like me, and in the mood for a good scare, this collection of 13 ghost stories from around the world is the perfect for you!!!!
I found each tale has its own unique style, some are short and sharp, others are longer and wrapped in the rich language of old English. But no matter the style, every story is carefully chosen to take you on a thrilling journey into the paranormal.
What I especially loved about this book was the variety. Some capture the eerie and the terrifying, while others, reflect the diversity & traditions of ghostly lore from various places around the world
This collection has something for everyone. Whether you're after a quick jolt of fear or a slow-building sense of dread, you'll find it in these pages.
I would recommend to anyone who enjoys a good ghost story.
thank you to NetGalley and Callisto Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC. It's definitely one to read with the lights off—if you dare 📚👻
I found each tale has its own unique style, some are short and sharp, others are longer and wrapped in the rich language of old English. But no matter the style, every story is carefully chosen to take you on a thrilling journey into the paranormal.
What I especially loved about this book was the variety. Some capture the eerie and the terrifying, while others, reflect the diversity & traditions of ghostly lore from various places around the world
This collection has something for everyone. Whether you're after a quick jolt of fear or a slow-building sense of dread, you'll find it in these pages.
I would recommend to anyone who enjoys a good ghost story.
thank you to NetGalley and Callisto Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC. It's definitely one to read with the lights off—if you dare 📚👻
December 6, 2019
This is an interesting collection of primarily ghost stories. I have no way of judging that these are necessarily the world's favorites, but they do represent ghost stories in North America, Europe, and Asia provided one doesn't mind that these are all pretty old (like early 1900s and before) and easy to pull together for a collection such as this. This collection is worthwhile simply because it includes The Yellow Wallpaper, a story I've never thought of as a ghost story but rather what happens to a Victorian woman whose well-meaning (or is he?) but controlling husband keeps her confined to a room with hideous yellow wallpaper. The other stories do relate ghostly tales including at least one that includes the point of view of the ghost. There are malicious spirits and benign spirits and all sorts of ideas of what may lurk beyond the mortal coil. This will not appeal to those without the patience to read the way authors wrote in the 1800s and early 1900s. For those who don't mind archaic writing, this is a rewarding collection illustrated black and white drawings which add a nice touch. I rate this at 4 stars because I enjoyed most of the stories, but a couple of them did drag for me.
September 1, 2024
A collection of short but sweet ghost stories 😊
I liked that these varied in theme although my favourite two had a similar theme of a widower and his plan to move on!!
These were written by a range of different authors in the late 1800s to early 1900s so tone was formal and 'proper English ' which reminded me of my uni days 🤣 I didn't find these to be scary ghost stories but more thought provoking and intriguing due to the cultural differences in the stories and authors. A good read before bedtime!!
I liked that these varied in theme although my favourite two had a similar theme of a widower and his plan to move on!!
These were written by a range of different authors in the late 1800s to early 1900s so tone was formal and 'proper English ' which reminded me of my uni days 🤣 I didn't find these to be scary ghost stories but more thought provoking and intriguing due to the cultural differences in the stories and authors. A good read before bedtime!!
November 2, 2019
"The World's Favorite Ghost Stories: 13 Creepy Tales from Around the Globe", from author Tony Brueski, features supernatural storytelling from London, England; South Africa; Nashville, TN; Japan; Ireland; India; USA; Korea; New York City; China; New England; Russia; and Lincolnshire, England. Each eerie story is a blend of fact and historical fiction, with superstition, religion, and cultural and regional influences all shaping the terrifying twists and turns. You'll find "The Listener"; "The Moonlit Road"; "The Specter Lovers"; "The Yellow Wallpaper"; "The Grateful Ghost"; "The Marble Arch"; and "The Shell of Sense". Dare to turn these pages and you will also encounter "Only a Dream"; "Jikininki"; "His Dead Wife's Photograph"; "What Was It?"; "The Marble Arch"; "Silence"; and "Lost Hearts". Whether or not "you do believe in spooks", you will find much to intrigue your imagination in "The World's Favorite Ghost Stories".
Book Copy Gratis Callisto Publishers
Book Copy Gratis Callisto Publishers
August 31, 2024
Thank you for the opportunity to preview The World’s Favorite Ghost Stories. I was just not too scared
Good stories just not scary as I like. These are really good old school stories that are well written
3 stars
Good stories just not scary as I like. These are really good old school stories that are well written
3 stars
August 23, 2024
Every generation has at least one uncle who was responsible for scaring the "children" with ghosts stories. The reponsibility was passed on to those children as they grew and built memories for their children. Ghost Stories are a piece of most adults' rite of passage and so it's a welcome thought to know that even social media has adopted these stories into the fabric of the many podcasts available to us. Tony Brueski is the moderator on the Real Ghost Stories Online podcast where everyday people share their stories. Brueski has assembled stories from around the globe to entertain and maybe scare us just a little. 13 stories that I found spooky enough to share with my circle of uncles to use on their unwitting, but very willing, victims. 5 easy stars.
July 2, 2024
📖📖 Book Review 📖📖 Tony Brueski delivers absolutely beautiful multicultural ghost stories in his new novel, The World’s Favorite Ghost Stories. For centuries, people of all ages and all cultures from around the world have been fascinated with specters that, depending on your beliefs, share our world with us. In a departure from traditional jump scare ghost stories, Brueski shares traditional and timeless stories passed down through generations, across cultures that honor humanity’s fascination with the afterlife and the need to explain what happens to us when we die.
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