Haunted Houses

This collection features two novels by Charlotte Riddell that cleverly redefine the haunted house genre, blending humor and supernatural elements.

From the once-popular yet unfairly neglected Victorian writer Charlotte Riddell comes a pair of novels that cleverly upholster the familiar furniture of the haunted house story. In Haunted Houses, the first tale, 'An Uninhabited House', presents hauntings through the eyes of solicitors managing the property deed. This narrative offers a shrewd comedic critique of the various scriveners and clerks involved, while also realistically addressing the challenges of renting out a haunted property. As the story unfolds, the characters find themselves increasingly confronted by the supernatural, blending the mundane world of commerce with the eerie elements of the unknown.

The second story, 'Fairy Water', continues Riddell's exploration of haunted themes, this time introducing a more complex moral character for the haunting spirit. The narrative invites readers to reconsider their preconceived notions about ghosts and the nature of hauntings. Riddell's writing style is both succinct and witty, making the stories engaging and accessible, despite their Victorian roots. The balance of humor and horror provides a fresh perspective on the haunted house trope.

Overall, Haunted Houses showcases Charlotte Riddell's unique ability to weave humor into the supernatural, offering a delightful reading experience that challenges traditional ghost story conventions. Her work remains a testament to the creativity and depth of Victorian literature, inviting modern readers to discover the charm of her storytelling.