👻 Ghost Stories

On Dark Wings: Stories

✍️ Stephen Gregory
Reader Score
4.5
(1 review)
$16.99
In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days
📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A collection of fourteen tales by Stephen Gregory featuring ghost stories and avian-themed fiction.

This anthology features fourteen stories by Gregory, blending reprinted and new works. Key pieces include ghost tales like 'The Late Mr Lewis' and 'The Boys Who Wouldn't Wake Up'. The narrative 'The Cormorant' served as the basis for his novel of the same name. Other notable entries cover thefts in 'To Catch a Thief' and a musician's recovery in 'The Blackbird's Song'. The collection mixes supernatural and macabre elements, appealing to fans of Gregory's short fiction rather than those seeking only modern horror or non-fiction.

Key Themes
ghost stories avian themes supernatural fiction
Literary Context

Published by Valancourt Books in 2019, this collection represents a significant release for American readers. It brings together Stephen Gregory's short fiction, including new and previously unpublished works. The volume highlights his contributions to the horror and supernatural genres through fourteen distinct tales.

Difficulty
●● Medium
Recommended For Fans Of
M.R. James · Arthur Machen · Algernon Blackwood
👻
Ghost Stories
🏛 Valancourt Books 📅 2019 📖 134 pages 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781948405423

📝 Description: On Dark Wings: Stories

Stephen Gregory offers fourteen narratives in this Valancourt Books release. The volume contains reprinted pieces, four early tales never seen before, and two fresh stories created for this edition. It moves past standard horror to explore macabre and supernatural themes. Notable entries include ghost stories like 'The Late Mr Lewis' and 'The Boys Who Wouldn't Wake Up'. The tale 'The Cormorant' inspired Gregory's famous novel of the same title. Avian-focused stories such as 'To Catch a Thief' and 'The Blackbird's Song' are also included. This last story follows a flutist who finds music again after an accident. Fans of classic supernatural fiction will appreciate this collection. It may not suit those looking for modern horror or non-fiction. Readers preferring straightforward plots without supernatural elements might find the bird themes too narrow.

💎 Our verdict on On Dark Wings: Stories

“
🩸
Horror Reads editorial team
Horror desk
Gregory delivers a compelling mix of supernatural and macabre elements across fourteen narratives. The volume shines in its atmospheric ghost tales, particularly 'The Late Mr Lewis' and 'The Boys Who Wouldn't Wake Up', which capture the essence of classic horror. The inclusion of 'The Cormorant' highlights his ability to weave avian themes into haunting plots. While some readers might find the bird-centric focus narrow, the blend of reprinted gems and new stories offers richness for dedicated fans. It suits those who enjoy psychological depth and traditional ghost stories, though it may disappoint seekers of modern gore or non-fiction.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers seeking a departure from modern, visceral horror will find value in this anthology’s exploration of supernatural and macabre themes through Stephen Gregory’s distinct lens. The collection appeals specifically to those who appreciate the nuance of classic ghost stories and psychological tension over straightforward scares. By blending reprinted works with rare early tales and fresh compositions, Gregory offers a varied experience that rewards patience. Fans of avian-focused fiction will discover unique narratives, such as the story inspiring his novel 'The Cormorant'. It is ideal for audiences interested in the intersection of music, theft, and the paranormal, provided they are open to stories where the bird motif is central rather than incidental.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.5
Based on 1 reviews
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Horror Reads editorial team

Gregory delivers a compelling mix of supernatural and macabre elements across fourteen narratives. The volume shines in its atmospheric ghost tales, particularly 'The Late Mr Lewis' and 'The Boys Who Wouldn't Wake Up', which capture the essence of classic horror. The inclusion of 'The Cormorant' highlights his ability to weave avian themes into haunting plots. While some readers might find the bird-centric focus narrow, the blend of reprinted gems and new stories offers richness for dedicated fans. It suits those who enjoy psychological depth and traditional ghost stories, though it may disappoint seekers of modern gore or non-fiction.

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