Classic Horror Lovers discussion

Hi All,
I have been meaning to read this book for ages and I've never gotten to it. I decided that opening up a discussion would be the way to light a fire under me. Though not a horror novel per se, it does fall under the umbrella of the Victorian Sensation novel or Supernatural/Fantastic literature.

I hope that we can have a great time reading this book together and discussing it. Spoilers are ok because even if we haven't read it before most of us are familiar with the story from the numerous movie and television adaptations.

Since I just started the book today (1/31/12), it's going to take me a couple of days before I can write anything but I am looking forward to what all of you have to say.

Happy Reading!

I bought the Sherlock Holmes stories in a 2 volume set. I fell in love with the stories and of course, Holmes himself. I'm bereaved that both were destroyed due to water damage. The Hound is the one that is best known and most mentioned. It's a very well put together who-done-it story. It's a ghost story of sorts but you should never expect anything but a logical ending with Holmes on the case. It has one of the best settings of all of the books, and Doyle really sets the stage for the horror element. It's usually problem, clues (ones only Holmes noticed) and solution. Not with this story. You also get a lot more Watson, on his own. It's not all about Holmes. It's probably why the story is the best known. Most of the others have a bit less atmosphere, and people really flock to paranormal stories.

So sorry to hear about your water damage. It is deadly to books. Even worse than fire (which usually results in water damage).

Yep lost at least 100 books. They would have been fine if I had put a lid on the tubs. But left them open in an old house I hadn't been to in a year and there was a pinhole leak from a rusted nail in the roofing which made the drywall fall off and it was a really rainy year. So sad to have lost them all. I still have some of the more expensive ones that I took with me. I had a friend living there for free to. You think he would have said or done something, but no.

Valerie, you really have my sympathy; that was a real tragedy! I know how I'd feel if anything like that ever happened to my books, so my heart goes out to you.

I've read this book, I think, at least three times; my Goodreads review of it isn't one of my longer ones, but I thought I'd post a link in case it's of any interest: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/... .

Valerie, I too am sorry for your loss. It is horrible to lose beloved books. I hope you are able to replace your collection without too much fuss and expense.


I read this a few years ago, and I loved the gothic elements. I admit I didn't like the reveal as much.