Cumbrian Ghost Stories: Weird Tales from an Old Land

by Tony Walker

Sixteen supernatural stories set in the county of Cumbria. The collection includes classic ghost stories such as A West Cumberland Coal Mine; modern horror stories such as The Derwentwater Haunting, or the Highest Inn in England, stories based on local legends such as the Mallerstang Boggle and the Little Man of Carlisle, and some folk horror themed stories such as the Grizedale Wedding.

Genres: Horror

292 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 21, 2019

Reviews

[Andy Weston · Rating 3 out of 5]

There’s a real mixture here in terms of quality.
Some of the poorer stories are tales that could be situated anywhere, and just happen to have a Lake District village tagged to them, a bit like Tesco’s own baked beans.
As often with such collections the better ones are at the start of the book. Notably, The Woman of Wasdale and The Hitcher.
I’m critical perhaps because this is one genre and setting where I really think I could write well. I have made up, and told, so many ghost stories over the years, based here (where I live) in the Lake District, and other mountain areas. Granted, I had a captive audience; those youngsters on the many adventure trips I led.
I see ghosts everywhere. Or rather, I imagine I can see them, and would like to; whether it’s the 11th century Abbey down the road or the now flooded graveyards of the churches of Moesdale and Mardale, and our Corpse Road.
I’m pretty sure I could do better…

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a compilation of sixteen supernatural stories, set in the county of Cumbria.

Some of the tales are supernatural, whilst others are ghost stories like the ones you would read as a child and try to scare your friends with.

There were one or two stories that I didn’t like but for the most part I really enjoyed this book. I especially liked The Little Man of Carlisle and The Hitcher.

The perfect read for spooky Halloween nights.

[Bex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to the audiobook of this on long drives and really enjoyed the evocative atmosphere of the craggy fells and deep valleys. Some of the stories definitely caught my imagination more than others - like the dark fairytale of Gawain Fell, the sensual and mysterious man in the woods that really reminded me of Angela Carter's Erl King. An entertaining collection that will certainly add more relish to a place that I already enjoy exploring.

[David Boag · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting

Generally good.
Some stories excellent, some less gripping.
I'd read another to see how he develops as an author.
Definitely can see his influences in terms of M R James etc

[Joni · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some very decent stories with a sprinkling of local color, ranging from stories of old folklore to more modern ghost stories. I don't regret buying it and it was a nice listen while walking the dog late at night.

[Miss AJ Roe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spooky!

Unnerving stories which show the Lake District in a whole new light
Old fashioned ghost stories to read after dark

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scary, fun, and mysterious.

Loved all of the tails, but the one at the end made me think and made me lough. It is my favorite.

[Sarah Dunsbee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good ,this delightful chap who reads stories to us beautifully can write them just as fine,what talent...anyway a wide mix of tales,some could have been set anywhere but most had a good link. After one hearing the one that sticks with me best is not the most likable one ...but it is so vivid and would make a wonderful film....the Grisdale wedding....

[Philip Dawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ghostly Yarns!

These Cumbrian tales, are entertaining enough, although not quite as ghostly as I had imagined they might be, however, don't be put off reading these tales by my comments.

[Rick West · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, grab this book! Great stories at a GREAT price. If you like a little weird then you will love this collection of stories. Start with "The Highest Inn in England". This story was excellent. If you happen to have a teenage daughter or two you will swear Tony is writing about them!

[Gary Shield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very short tales but interesting.
A mix of stories from around the entire county of Cumbria.

[Louis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really really good, the first story was absolutely ghastly 10/10

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great anthology of ghost stories, my preference was towards the darker ones but they were all enjoyable to read, I will be reading more from this author in the future.

[Nicole Aka Grave doll · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed them a lot!

[Sarah Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this! It's a spooky collection of stories with a range of places across Cumbria mentioned, and a range of local legends are used to create jump scares and slow burns too.