Terror Tales of Cornwall

Name: Terror Tales of Cornwall
Price: 18.99 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9781845831219

✍️ Paul Finch

Reader Score

4.6

(1 review)

$18.99

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A collection of supernatural short stories set in Cornwall's dark folklore.

This anthology gathers works by multiple award-winning masters of the macabre, including Reggie Oliver and Sarah Singleton. Paul Finch curates these pieces to reflect the wild nature of Cornwall. The stories draw on pagan history, mermaid myths, and pixie lore. Specific tales include the screaming demon of Land's End and the ritual slaughter at Crantock. The book does not offer a single narrative but rather a series of distinct horror vignettes. Each story connects to a specific location or legend within the county. Readers find descriptions of windswept moors and rugged cliffs serving as backdrops for supernatural events. The collection emphasizes the ancient and overgrown aspects of the landscape.

Key Themes

mermaid myths pixie lore fanged beasts

Literary Context

The book draws on Cornwall's history of smugglers, wreckers, and pagan past. It utilizes local legends regarding hidden coves, henges, and ancient lanes to create a sense of dread rooted in the region's specific geography and folklore.

Difficulty

●● Medium

Recommended For Fans Of

M.R. James · Daphne du Maurier · Ramsey Campbell · Algernon Blackwood

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Horror Fiction

🏛 Telos Publishing Limited 📅 2017 📖 288 pages 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781845831219

📝 Description: Terror Tales of Cornwall

Cornwall offers windswept moors and rugged cliffs, but its history holds darker secrets. Paul Finch compiles a collection of supernatural fiction that draws on the region's pagan past, mermaid myths, and lore regarding pixies. The volume features stories by award-winning authors such as Mark Morris, Ray Cluley, Reggie Oliver, Sarah Singleton, Mark Samuels, and Thana Niveau. These writers explore the macabre through specific local legends and eerie settings. The anthology includes tales like the serpent woman of Pengersick, the screaming demon of Land's End, and the nightmare masquerade at Padstow. Readers encounter the feathered horror of Mawnan, the terrible voice at St. Agnes, and the ritual slaughter at Crantock. The text also presents the hoof-footed fetch of Bodmin Moor alongside other chilling narratives. This collection suits fans of gothic atmosphere and regional folklore who appreciate short fiction rooted in specific English landscapes. It may not appeal to those seeking long-form novels or modern urban horror settings. The book relies on the traditions of smugglers, wreckers, and fanged beasts that stalk ancient lanes. Finch organizes these works to highlight the wild, foaming seas and hidden coves where such horrors once thrived. The contributors use these elements to create a sense of dread grounded in the physical geography of the county.

💎 Our verdict on Terror Tales of Cornwall

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Horror Reads editorial team

Horror desk

This volume successfully captures the wild, foaming essence of Cornwall through a series of distinct supernatural vignettes. Paul Finch curates works that emphasize the ancient and overgrown aspects of the landscape, creating a palpable sense of dread. The collection excels in its atmospheric descriptions of rugged cliffs and hidden coves where horrors once thrived. It appeals strongly to fans of gothic fiction and those interested in English regional folklore. While it may not satisfy readers seeking long-form novels or contemporary urban horror, it stands as a solid entry for connoisseurs of macabre short stories. The reliance on smugglers' history and fanged beasts adds a unique, chilling texture to the narratives.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

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Why this book is worth reading

Readers who appreciate atmospheric short fiction rooted in specific geographic locations will find this collection compelling. It offers a deep dive into Cornish legend, featuring tales of mermaids, pixies, and ancient demons. The anthology is ideal for those who enjoy gothic tones and the eerie beauty of windswept moors. It provides distinct vignettes rather than a continuous narrative, allowing for varied reading experiences. Fans of regional folklore and psychological horror will appreciate the focus on local history and pagan lore. The book suits individuals seeking dread grounded in physical geography rather than modern urban settings.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.6

Based on 1 reviews

Horror Reads editorial team

This volume successfully captures the wild, foaming essence of Cornwall through a series of distinct supernatural vignettes. Paul Finch curates works that emphasize the ancient and overgrown aspects of the landscape, creating a palpable sense of dread. The collection excels in its atmospheric descriptions of rugged cliffs and hidden coves where horrors once thrived. It appeals strongly to fans of gothic fiction and those interested in English regional folklore. While it may not satisfy readers seeking long-form novels or contemporary urban horror, it stands as a solid entry for connoisseurs of macabre short stories. The reliance on smugglers' history and fanged beasts adds a unique, chilling texture to the narratives.