← Reviews

The Haunted Dolls' House

M.R. James

Reviewed by Lorenzo Princi
The Haunted Dolls' House by M.R. James
Cover Concept by Lorenzo Princi, 31 March 2012

Short stories are not my favourite, I find them very hit and miss, either brilliant when delivering a great premise but a lack of character or plot development can often leave the reader unsatisfied, bored or unsympathetic. The Haunted Dolls' House however, was both enjoyable and curious. Subtle descriptions leave the reader filling in the gabs left out by the short story and this sends the horror straight into reader's mind.

A model doll house which acts as the stage for a re-enactment of a past drama is assured by an enthusiastic collector who once woken to view the show quickly becomes eager to rid himself of the item and find out more about the mystery behind it. A clever story which highlights James' ability to elicit terror from house hold items and mundane situations.

If you enjoy Edgar Allen Poe and like a twist of the supernatural with your mysteries, this gothic horror story is for you.

||||