The Face in the Mirror.

by Denys Val Baker

This story collection contains: The Inheritance; The Anniversary; Voice from the Past; Passenger to Liverpool; The Trees; A Woman of Talent; Cruise of the Morwenna; A Tall Tale; Old Man of the Towans; The Tune; The Last Laugh; and The Face in the Mirror.

Genres: Horror

113 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1971

About the author

aka David Eames

Denys Val Baker was a Cornish writer, specialising in short stories, novels, and autobiographical novels. He was also known for his activities as an editor, and promotion of the arts in Cornwall.

Reviews

[Vultural · Rating 4 out of 5]

Baker, Denys Val - The Face In The Mirror

Collection of twelve short stories, probably from the 1960’s and earlier.
A few, such as the title story and “Passenger To Liverpool,” are more anxiety building into terror.
Although most are set in the Cornish region, atmosphere and descriptions are limited, possibly because these are all brief.
“The Anniversary” is a melancholy tale of the frozen time and place that appears once a year. The audience for whom this would most resonate have mostly died by now.
Most of the hauntings are gentle in this. “The Last Laugh” is an exception, dealing with an arrogant bully and his “victims” drawing a slice of revenge.

This is a classic Arkham House book that I must have first read forty years ago.
I always see it available online and for reasonable prices.

[Ben · Rating 3 out of 5]

Denys Val Baker spent much of his life immersed in the lore and myth of Cornwall, so it's no surprise that the best moments in this book are related to that topic. When he writes about the Cornish landscape, it is evocative and engaging, and elevates what is otherwise a rather minor addition to the Arkham House canon. The title story is a strong opener, similar to Joseph Payne Breannans excellent tale 'The Hunt', a protaganist inexplicably and relentlessly pursued by a malevolent stranger. Next up is 'The Inheritance', an absolutely excellent, chilling story about a young girl taking possession of an old house in the wilds of Bodmin moor. As a book, a few weak tales (Voice From the Past especially) let it down, but overall this is an enjoyable, if rather slim, collection.