With thanks of the author, publishers Swift Press, and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

A nice little collection of short stories for the scary season! The mix of stories is a good one, and each stands on its own as an original concept that is well executed and an enjoyable read.

A collection of stories that will have you turn on the lights, hiding under blankets, and wondering how the world can be so cruel. Some of the stories left slightly uneasy and scared 🥲. An author to follow and read more.

I actually enjoyed all of these thrilling/chilling short stories. A fantastic 9 story collection inspired by some well known work. It is especially perfect to read in Autumn/Winter time when you just want to curl up cosy with a book.

Make sure you read the Authors note as it adds to the character of this book.

Book Review: Haunted Tales by Adam Macqueen

Rating: 4 Stars

I recently had the pleasure of reviewing Haunted Tales by Adam Macqueen, and let me tell you, it's the perfect companion for a chilly evening by the fire. This collection of ghost stories is not just any ordinary compilation; it’s a heartfelt tradition that Macqueen has been sharing with his family instead of the usual Christmas card for over twenty years. Talk about a unique way to keep the spirit of the season alive!

The book launches with some truly intriguing tales, starting with an eerie voice interrupting the very first radio broadcast in 1908. From there, we journey through a myriad of haunting scenarios — like a son who can't seem to let go, even from beyond the grave, bombarding his family with Facebook messages long after his death. There’s also a chilling frozen forest where sinister elf-kin lurk under the snow, and an island in Scotland where locals ensure their elders are cared for during harsh winters. Each story is rich in atmosphere, and whether it’s rooted in ghostly appearances or the supernatural, every tale feels steeped in folklore that whispers of ages past.

What I loved most about Haunted Tales is how Macqueen artfully weaves different emotions into each story — they’re not just creepy for the sake of being creepy. Instead, they delve into themes of love, loss, and longing, making the supernatural elements all the more poignant. It’s fascinating how he manages to simultaneously send shivers down your spine while tugging at your heartstrings.

Some stories will leave you wondering which elements are purely ghostly and which ones have their roots in time-honored folk tales. It creates an engaging puzzle that kept me turning pages late into the night. Honestly, I devoured this collection in just one day; it was that captivating.

Overall, Haunted Tales is a fabulous read for anyone who enjoys a touch of the macabre mixed with rich storytelling. It’s clear that Macqueen has a knack for crafting tales that resonate deeply and linger in your mind long after you've finished reading. If you're looking for something to get you into the spirit of winter (or just to freak you out a little), I highly recommend diving into this collection. You might just find yourself looking over your shoulder as you cozy up by the fire!

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

Absolutely captivating. I honestly couldn't put this book down, I devoured it in 3 nights, reading long past everyone falling asleep. McQueen's writing is so gripping, I felt a little spooked at times reading these short stories. I am a big fan of modern horror/thriller, and these stories definitely fit, they're subtle but chilling, think American Horror Stories as a book. A strangely cozy little book to snuggle up with on long cold nights in the run up to Christmas.

A great collection of 9 haunting short stories, which are perfect for spooky season. Ranging from the macabre to the strange there are stories in here I'm sure everyone will love, especially fans of horror, to get creeped out by.

I can see this being a wonderful gift from Halloween through to Christmas for fans of creepy short stories. I can't wait to read more from Macqueen.

Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC.

At last! A collection of short stories that (mostly) do "exactly what it says on the tin". Nine short stories in the tradition of Christmas ghost stories which give the reader a chill.

1. The Wrong Teletubby - strange title but excellent story. A grieving father receives a Facebook message from his dead son. 4 stars

2. Come Quick, Danger - on the ever radio transmission, the engineer's wife hears a spectral warning that sends her dashing to his rescue. 3.5 stars

3. The Old Folk - teenager Ishbel has to deliver a box of food to a lonely cottage way out at Black Lake. 4 stars

4. Panic Room - intruders break into their house again & a mum & her young daughter flee into the panic room. 5 stars

5. The Hawthorn Tree - family move to the countryside but the dad suddenly disappears. 3 stars

6. Multiple Occupation - man moves into a new flat & has never seen his upstairs neighbours but hears strange noises in the early hours. 3 stars

7. The Elf-Kin - a hunter's family prepares for winter. 2.5 stars

8. The Lily-White Boy - empty nesters decide to look into their family tree & get more than they bargained for. 4 stars

9. The Grift that Keeps on Giving - mother will do anything to save her ill daughter. Anything. 2.5 stars

The standout stories to me were 'The Wrong Teletubby', 'The Old Folk', & 'Panic Room'. Each of these had a killer twist at the end. This is probably the only collection of short stories I've really enjoyed reading recently, as normally I find short stories a little disappointing. I recommend this is you like stories that send a chill down your spine. 3.5 stars (rounded up)

My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Swift Press, for the opportunity to read an ARC.

This book is a great collection of spooky tales from the same author. Although it is being released in time for Halloween, there is a common theme of Christmas throughout. This is due to the author writing these haunted tales to include with Christmas correspondence.

I really enjoyed the fairy/fae themed stories, The Hawthorn Tree and Elf-kin. The Hawthorn Tree was set in modern times where a man disappears after chopping down the ancient tree. Elf-kin was set in more of a historical fairytale setting and had lots of spooky vibes.

I also really loved Multiple Occupation. I lived in a house with a similar layout to the one in the story when I graduated from uni. I dealt with a noisy couple that lived above me that I felt were nocturnal, similar to the main character. This story is about ghosts, demons and never ending staircases.

I recommend this book if you are into folk horror, there are definitely many references to all the great fantasy and horror authors. It's a short book, but the stories have depth. Perfect for those long winter nights.

Thank you to NetGalley and Swift Press for allowing me to read this ARC. It is out now from all good bookstores.

Anyone who knows me knows that I am not normally a fan of ghost or horror stories but occasionally I will go out of my comfort zone and so this collection of short stories by Adam Macqueen was a good place to start. Some have a ghostly presence, some the supernatural and some seem based in folk tales passed down through the generations. Which are which you will discover as you go along.
There were a couple of stories that stood out for me, the first being The Wrong Teletubby that delves into the grief felt by a father who loses his son in a tragic accident and how his obsession to try to stay connected to him leads to some very mysterious communications that will have you wondering who or what is behind them. I also loved the Elf-Kin that looks at old tales with a very spooky ending. There was part of me that would have loved this one to be a bit longer to explore the folk tale further.
Throughout these stories the author deals with a variety of emotions that feed the events that take place adding to the overall atmosphere of the book. What I loved was Afterlife where the author explains why he started writing the stores which made me smile but also glad I am not on his Christmas card list. We also find out about the authors who inspired him and how their stories fed the ones in this book.
If you are looking for a book as a Christmas present for those who love a spooky tale or even just for yourself then you may enjoy Haunted Tales

What a great collection of short stories, super for the spooky season. Each one is different but just as satisfying as the last. I enjoyed the story behind their writing too !

I’m usually hard to please with short stories, there’s a lacking of depth and detail that I tend to like about longer works but this collection was truly wonderful. A perfect spooky season/winter read. Every single story was completely original and well fleshed out, leaving just the right amount of questions unanswered. The characters drew me into their tales instantly and at one point I even shed some tears. I loved the idea of the authors friends and family receiving one of these stories on Christmas Eve, what a wonderful tradition. I will be eagerly anticipating any new work this author releases. Thank you net galley for the ARC.

This was a really quick, very spooky read and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Just don't read it before bed if you're easily scared or a little nervous at night time. I enjoyed it even more after reading the author's note because I love the fact these were originally written for friends and family members as a Christmas tradition.

📚 Book Review 📚

This is a great collection of ghost stories; tales of the macabre and strange which are perfect for this time of year 🎃

Each story is the right length and each one is different to the last and I loved reading that the author started writing these ghost stories, to send to friends and family as gifts at Christmas. Sounds like my kind of gift!

A really worthwhile collection of ghostly tales from an author I haven’t read before, but intend to read again.

I’d like to thank Swift Press, NetGalley and the author for the arc and the fantastic opportunity, in exchange for my honest feedback 😊

Book released on 24th October 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is an awesome collection I flew through in just a few days: I loved how each story had its unique twist. All the stories were a great length, perfect if you don’t want to commit to a ton at once. Plus, I loved how the author started writing these as a creepy alternative to Christmas cards—such a fun idea! With a diverse mix of horror subgenres, these nine stories keep every horror fan hooked. The writing is simple and smooth, making it an easy, fast read. I didn’t love all the stories (just a personal preference), but some hit the mark and instantly grabbed my attention. It’s worth having this book on your shelf!

Adam Macqueen has written an amazingly spooky collection of short tales, guaranteed to creep you out.
They are quick and easy to read all while keeping you captivated and wanting more.
My favourite story was The Wrong Teletubby, and choosing to open with it was a great choice.
Overall, an excellent read and definitely an author to follow.

3.5 stars.

Some creepy stories. The perfect read for anyone who enjoys horror and short reads.

2-3 stories I just did not get!

What a wonderfully weird and unsettling collection of short stories this is!

I do enjoy a book like this between larger books. A lexicological palate cleanser but in the genre I adore. And the 9 stories within Haunted Tales by Adam Macqueen hit the needs and styles I love and clear speak to the influences in Adma’s writing.

One that was a stand out to me, unusually so, was set in the 1900s in a lighthouse on a stormy night where two enthusiasts set about sending the first radio transmission on Christmas Eve. The atmospheric build is almost claustrophobic. Brilliant write with an excellent payoff.

The stories take you to various places in multiple times and each one is so very different from the last. I real joy to read – especially for the people who have a low attention span – because they’re a short read.

What I love about the collection is that Macqueen originally gifted the stories at Christmas to his family. They were crafted with love for the recipients as well as for the genre.

A truly enjoyable read. Thank you to Swift Press and Adam Macqueen for the read!

Book review! 🤍📚🩷

Book - Haunted Tales
Author - Adam McQueen
Publication date - 24 Oct 2024

This is a fabulous collection of short, creepy stories which I devoured in a couple of days. I've not read anything by this author before but found these stories chilling and unsettling in just the right amount, all with their own unique twist! My favourite of all is The Wrong Teletubby, about a son who won't stop messaging his father, even after his death. Having said that, I enjoyed each story and felt they were the perfect length for those of us who don't want to read a whole lot of short stories in one sitting.

I loved how the author shared that he started writing these stories a few years ago, sending them to friends and family instead of Christmas cards. What a great way to creep-out the people you love. I can't recommend this book enough
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

This promises to be a good collection 🙂I've read the first story and while it took me a few pages to get into it, it wrapped up really well.

I like Adam Macqueen's writing style and I look forward to reading more of his stories.

Thank you to Netgalley and the author for the ARC

Grateful to netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC due to be published on 24/10/2024

It's a great collection of ghost stories. Plenty of quirky and ghostly goings on with disappearing people and a disappearing house! Was intrigued as to how a Teletubby could be factored in to a ghost story 🤔 you'll have to read if you want to know more 😂

I liked the twists at the end of some of these as well as them ending in a way that didn't always give a reason as to why things have happened they way they have. All leaves it to your own twisted minds to fill in the gaps 😜

Also liked that these are set in Britain so there's a lot of references to things we encounter day to day. Makes the stories more relatable and leaves a little opening for you to wonder if they have some truth...even if the truth is stretched a little for effect.

These were a good easy read and escape for my lazy afternoon 😀