Bone-chilling!

Haunted tales is a collection of short stories, originally written as presents, with guaranteed spooks!

The build-ups to each story are meticulously crafted and leave you hungry for more, but some of the endings don't quite give that same feeling which is a shame.

Definitely an author to watch!!

This is a collection of 9 tales all of which have a dark theme perfect for Halloween and the wintery months!

The first story 'The Wrong Teletubby' was my personal favourite and left me feeling a little chilled!

The stories are maybe a 10-20 minute read, perfect for reading alone or perhaps sharing around campfires to really create a creek vibe!

Some stories I found a little hard to get into but overall I enjoyed this dark and twisty read!

My thanks to NetGalley, author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an advance copy.

There are 9 haunting and captivating stories in this collection.
Most of them are compelling and cater to different tastes and interests.
It was a wise choice to start this book with The Wrong Teletubby story. It was short, quick and effective.
4/5

Reading the nine short stories contained within Haunted Tales, each of which was originally given away as a Christmas present, it's clear that Adam Macqueen is a horror fan.

Whether it's Lovecraft, James, Aickman, King, folk horror or just the simple ghost story there's an example here. Maybe the prose is at times disjointed and some of the endings don't quite hit home, but they're always entertaining.

It's probably a bit early to be thinking about the 'C' word, but I suspect this is a book many horror fans would be happy to find in their stocking come Christmas morning.

Thanks to NetGalley, Swift Press and the author for an advance copy.

“Haunted Tales” by Adam MacQueen

Rating: 3,5⭐️

I have to be honest, I’ve never been a mystery/horror reader but I really wanted to try to read new genres and pop on this one and I think that this was the perfect book to begin with!

Review:

Adam MacQueen’s "Haunted Tales" is a delightful collection of ghost stories that effortlessly blends the traditional elements of the genre with contemporary twists. Each tale in this anthology is carefully made to provide a spine-chilling experience, making it a perfect read for fans of horror and supernatural fiction!

The characters in "Haunted Tales" are vividly portrayed, making their fears and reactions palpable. MacQueen has a knack for developing relatable characters who find themselves in extraordinary, often terrifying, situations. This connection with the characters enhances the reader’s immersion, making the supernatural occurrences all the more frightening.

“Haunted Tales” explores a variety of themes, including grief, guilt, and the unknown. MacQueen delves into the psychological aspects of fear, making his ghost stories not just about the supernatural, but also about the human condition and I think that’s what made me enjoy his work so much.

MacQueen's storytelling shines through his ability to create a diverse range of haunting scenarios. From haunted houses and spectral apparitions to psychological terrors and unexplained phenomena, each story is unique yet maintains a consistent eerie atmosphere. The plots are well-constructed, with enough suspense and unexpected turns to keep readers on edge.

MacQueen has for sure a great ability to build tension and deliver satisfying climaxes. The prose is both engaging and evocative. His descriptive language brings settings to life, from creaky old mansions to mist-shrouded graveyards.

Overall, "Haunted Tales" by Adam MacQueen is a captivating read for anyone who enjoys ghost stories with depth and originality and for the ones, like me, who want to face for the first time this fascinating genre!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a honest review

This is an interesting collection of short stories, each tale being spooky or creepy or strange. Some stories reminded me of fiction I had read before - and at the end, Macqueen states how he was influenced by various writers. Many of the stories pay tribute to such writers and it is interesting to know this.

I like the background to the stories - how Macqueen sent them out to people at certain times of the year in lieu of cards. Much more meaningful - and much more memorable! There is a real mix of stories here, from creepy tales about a missing husband, to strange noises in an otherwise empty house. I like the genre, therefore I like these stories. My only criticisms are that some transitions (such as from one time to another, or one event to the next) are quite 'clunky' - perhaps some tighter editing could have helped with this. Also, some stories have either endings that are too abrupt or perhaps are a little over-written. I will leave it up to other readers to make the decision as to what stories this applies to - if at all, as interpretations are very subjective.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book.

Macqueen has written an enjoyably chilling selection of ghost and other horror inflected stories. With varied styles and approaches it’s an interesting mix - some old-fashioned and very much in the style of MR James, others more modern, or inspired by folk horror and myth. I’d thoroughly recommend these stories - and encouragingly they stand up well to reading for a second or third time (I’ve read all but one in the past on his website around Christmas).
These stories are pleasing terrors indeed, and I hope for a new collection in the future.