Not Exactly Ghosts

This volume brings together two collections of classic supernatural stories by Sir Andrew Caldecott, "Not Exactly Ghosts" and "Fires Burn Blue," originally published in the 1940s. With 305 pages of unsettling narratives, these tales are inspired by the master of the ghost story, M.R. James, focusing on psychological unease rather than explicit gore. Caldecott excels at making everyday situations and objects subtly terrifying, creating a pervasive sense of dread. Ideal for older elementary and middle school readers who enjoy a good, sophisticated scare, this collection offers a unique blend of vintage charm and timeless horror. Parents should be aware that while not gory, the stories are designed to be genuinely disturbing and may be too intense for very sensitive children.

Here together for the first time in one volume are the twenty five spooky stories created by Sir Andrew Caldecott in two collections the 1940s: Not Exactly Ghosts and Fires Burn Blue.Caldecott, who only turned to fiction after retiring from the civil service, allowed his lifelong fascination with the supernatural full reign in these simple yet remarkably disturbing stories. Taking his inspiration from the master of the ghost story, M. R. James, who chilled by implication rather than by gory description, Caldecott created believable but unsettling scenarios which effectively produce a sense of unease in the reader. The mundane becomes horrific; the everyday is unnerving; and the commonplace is frightening. At last these rare forgotten gems are available once more to stir the imagination and chill the blood.