The Dark: New Ghost Stories

Ghosts are among us. On the other side of death, the spirits of departed souls have been part of human myths and beliefs as long as anyone can recall. Some of the most powerful and affecting images in fiction are of ghosts, spirits, visitations from beyond the veil of death.

Ellen Datlow, an editor whose stellar career has garnered her World Fantasy Awards, a Stoker Award, and a Hugo Award, has long been fascinated by ghosts. Now she has brought together an array of all-new, original ghost stories for the shivering delight of readers who are ready to be frightened.

And that's no idle threat. These are not friendly ghost stories. This book is called The Dark because the editor asked her favorite authors specifically for stories that would provoke fear or disquietude, tales that would cause shivers down the spine and make readers want to keep a light on when they retire to bed for the night. The authors who answered her call compose an all-star cast of brilliant storytellers. Each has penned a unique tale unlike any of the others. All have cast dark spells that are sure to inspire fear or unease in the hardiest of readers.

“Introduction” Ellen Datlow
“The Trentino Kid” Jeffrey Ford
“The Ghost of the Clock” Tanith Lee
“One Thing About the Night” Terry Dowling
“The Silence of the Falling Stars” Mike O'driscoll
“The Dead Ghost” Gahan Wilson
“Seven Sisters” Jack Cady
“Subway” Joyce Carol Oates
“Doctor Hood” Stephen Gallagher
“An Amicable Divorce” Daniel Abraham
“Feeling Remains” Ramsey Campbell
“The Gallows Necklace” Sharyn Mccrumb
“Brownie, And Me” Charles L. Grant
“Velocity” Kathe Koja
“Limbo” Lucius Shepard
“The Hortlak” Kelly Link
“Dancing Men” Glen Hirshberg