👻 Ghost Stories

Can Such Things Be: Tales of the Supernatural

✍️ M J Penny
Reader Score
4.5
(1 review)
$13.00
In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days
📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A collection of atmospheric supernatural tales focusing on mood and slow-burn dread.

M J Penny’s work distinguishes itself by rejecting complex plotting in favor of pure atmosphere. The text relies on traditional ghost story techniques to build tension through subtle unease. This method prioritizes the sensory experience of the uncanny over character development. The result is a steady pace that sustains discomfort rather than providing relief through action. It appeals to readers who value the psychological aspects of horror fiction. The collection offers unadorned narratives where the central theme remains the unknown. This approach aligns with classic genre expectations for supernatural tales.

Key Themes
supernatural fiction atmosphere and mood slow-burn fear
Literary Context

Published in 2013 by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform, this paperback volume sits within the tradition of classic ghost story writing. It draws on established genre expectations for supernatural tales that prioritize eerie dread and psychological tension over modern plot complexity.

Difficulty
● Easy
Recommended For Fans Of
M.R. James · Algernon Blackwood · Shirley Jackson · Daphne du Maurier
👻
Ghost Stories
🏛 Createspace Independent Publishing Platform 📅 2013 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781484127674

📝 Description: Can Such Things Be: Tales of the Supernatural

M J Penny presents a collection of supernatural fiction in Can Such Things Be that emphasizes atmosphere over plot. The author focuses on creating eerie dread through subtle unease rather than abrupt shocks. This approach aligns with traditional ghost story writing, where tension builds slowly to sustain a lingering sense of discomfort. Readers seeking unadorned tales will find the unknown remains central to every narrative. The stories prioritize the sensory experience of the uncanny. Complex character development and intricate plotting take a back seat to mood. The pacing is steady, designed to keep readers in a state of psychological tension throughout. This format allows for an accessible engagement with unsettling narratives without distraction. It offers a direct path into genre expectations that value mood above all else. This volume suits fans who appreciate slow-burn fear and the classic style of supernatural fiction. Those looking for fast-paced action or detailed character arcs may find it lacking. The book delivers the specific type of dread associated with traditional tales. It stands as a straightforward entry point for those who enjoy the sensory aspects of the uncanny.

💎 Our verdict on Can Such Things Be: Tales of the Supernatural

“
🩸
Horror Reads editorial team
Horror desk
M J Penny delivers a collection that successfully rejects complex plotting in favor of pure atmosphere. By focusing on eerie dread through subtle unease rather than abrupt shocks, the author creates a steady pace designed to keep readers in a state of psychological tension. This approach aligns with traditional ghost story writing, where tension builds slowly to sustain a lingering sense of discomfort. The book suits fans who appreciate slow-burn fear and the classic style of supernatural fiction. While those seeking fast-paced action or detailed character arcs may find it lacking, it offers an accessible engagement with unsettling narratives. It is a strong choice for readers valuing mood and the sensory aspects of the uncanny.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers who appreciate the psychological aspects of horror fiction will find this collection deeply rewarding. M J Penny offers unadorned narratives that prioritize the sensory experience of the uncanny over complex plotting or character development. This book is ideal for those seeking slow-burn fear and a steady pace that sustains discomfort rather than providing relief through action. It appeals to enthusiasts of atmospheric supernatural tales who value mood above all else. Those looking for a direct path into genre expectations that focus on subtle unease will find this volume accessible and engaging. It stands as a straightforward entry point for fans of traditional ghost stories who enjoy the lingering sense of dread associated with the unknown, offering an immersive experience defined by tension rather than spectacle.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.5
Based on 1 reviews
5
0
4
1
3
0
2
0
1
0
H
Horror Reads editorial team

M J Penny delivers a collection that successfully rejects complex plotting in favor of pure atmosphere. By focusing on eerie dread through subtle unease rather than abrupt shocks, the author creates a steady pace designed to keep readers in a state of psychological tension. This approach aligns with traditional ghost story writing, where tension builds slowly to sustain a lingering sense of discomfort. The book suits fans who appreciate slow-burn fear and the classic style of supernatural fiction. While those seeking fast-paced action or detailed character arcs may find it lacking, it offers an accessible engagement with unsettling narratives. It is a strong choice for readers valuing mood and the sensory aspects of the uncanny.

🏛 Books from this publisher Createspace Independent Publishing Platform

Memento Mori
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Paul Holbrook
Memento Mori
$13.94
78
Read →
Mona Livelong: Paranormal Detective II: The Case of The Powerless Witch
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Quinton Veal
Mona Livelong: Paranormal Detective II: The Case of The Powerless Witch
$12.00
78
Read →
The Manitou
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Jessie Cox
The Manitou
$10.50
78
Read →
The Phantom of the Opera
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Alexander Teixeira De Mattos
The Phantom of the Opera
$17.00
81
Read →
The Trial
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
David Wyllie
The Trial
$10.25
81
Read →
Prey Until Dawn
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Daryn Guarino
Prey Until Dawn
$50.00
78
Read →

You might also like

See more →
Little Dark Girl: The corner piece of The Grand Puzzle ✨ New
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
L J Gomez
Little Dark Girl: The corner piece of The Grand Puzzle
$13.00
86
Read →
Refugio de Moribundos ✨ New
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Kassfinol
Refugio de Moribundos
$13.00
86
Read →
The Ultimate Friday the 13th Trivia Book ✨ New
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Kazare Joynes
The Ultimate Friday the 13th Trivia Book
$13.00
86
Read →
Mary Shelley, Frankenstein: or, Modern Prometheus 🏆 Bestseller -45%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Mary Shelley
Mary Shelley, Frankenstein: or, Modern Prometheus
$13.00 $24.00
86
Read →
Nightmare Magazine, October 2014 (Women Destroy Horror! special issue) ✨ New
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Wendy N Wagner
Nightmare Magazine, October 2014 (Women Destroy Horror! special issue)
$12.99
86
Read →
Nightmare Magazine, October 2015 (Queers Destroy Horror! special issue) ✨ New
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Lucy a Snyder
Nightmare Magazine, October 2015 (Queers Destroy Horror! special issue)
$12.99
86
Read →

Have a question about this item?

Ask about the edition, condition, delivery or anything else — we reply by email or phone, usually within a day.

Home Genres
Cart
Wishlist