The Franchise Game and Other Ghostly Tales

Name: The Franchise Game and Other Ghostly Tales
Price: 9.99 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9798223505761

✍️ Michael White

Reader Score

4.5

(1 review)

$9.99

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A humorous collection of ghost stories by Michael White blending scares with wit.

This anthology moves beyond standard frights by injecting comedy into supernatural scenarios. White structures the book around distinct narratives that challenge genre expectations. The stories range from cautionary tales about wishes to examinations of social isolation in modern care facilities. Each tale stands alone yet contributes to a broader theme of unexpected twists in the afterlife. The inclusion of a little girl at a midnight cemetery game adds a layer of mystery that contrasts with the adult themes found elsewhere. Readers will find that the tone shifts between spooky and satirical, keeping the experience fresh throughout.

Key Themes

rogue genie phantom hitchhiker midnight card game

Literary Context

Published in 2023 by Michael White, this work sits within the tradition of American ghost stories that prioritize wit over pure dread. It draws on classic tropes like the phantom hitchhiker and the midnight gathering, updating them for contemporary readers who enjoy supernatural fiction with a humorous edge.

Difficulty

● Easy

Recommended For Fans Of

Shirley Jackson · M.R. James · Terry Pratchett · Neil Gaiman

👻

Ghost Stories

🏛 Michael White 📅 2023 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9798223505761

📝 Description: The Franchise Game and Other Ghostly Tales

Michael White presents a collection of ghost stories that blend humor with traditional scares. The volume includes "Three Small Wishes," which explores the dangers of dealing with a rogue genie. In "The Franchise Game," the narrative subverts the classic phantom hitchhiker trope by showing that not all spirits fit the expected mold. "The Ghost Next Door" offers a look at the mechanics of ghost tours, while "The Artisan Cook's Tale" follows a woman willing to sacrifice everything for a dish intended for a king. The collection also features "An Unremarkable Man," which examines the isolation of a lonely elder in a care home with no visitors, revealing his true nature. "A Challenging Game of Crumble" describes a midnight card game in an old cemetery where participants are not what they seem, and a young gate-crasher holds her own secret. White qualifies as the author and publisher of this 2023 release. The book suits readers who appreciate dark comedy alongside supernatural fiction. It may not appeal to those seeking purely grim or serious horror without levity. The work is available in paperback and E-book formats. A sense of humor remains essential for enjoying these tales.

💎 Our verdict on The Franchise Game and Other Ghostly Tales

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🩸

Horror Reads editorial team

Horror desk

Michael White delivers a distinctive anthology that successfully merges wit with supernatural dread, offering a welcome departure from standard frights. By subverting classic tropes like the phantom hitchhiker and exploring themes of social isolation, the book keeps readers engaged through unpredictable twists. The tone shifts deftly between spooky and satirical, ensuring the experience remains fresh throughout. This collection is best suited for fans of dark comedy who appreciate clever narrative structures and humorous takes on the afterlife. While it may not satisfy those seeking purely grim horror, its blend of scares and satire provides a unique and enjoyable reading experience for the right audience.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers who appreciate a lighter touch in supernatural fiction will find this collection rewarding for its unique blend of humor and traditional scares. It is ideal for those seeking entertainment that challenges genre expectations without relying on grim seriousness. The anthology offers fresh perspectives on familiar tropes, such as phantom hitchhikers and rogue genies, making it accessible to fans of dark comedy. Those who enjoy satirical examinations of social isolation or cautionary tales about wishes will find engaging narratives here. It suits individuals looking for a refreshing alternative to purely terrifying horror, providing a sense of levity alongside the spooky atmosphere.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.5

Based on 1 reviews

Horror Reads editorial team

Michael White delivers a distinctive anthology that successfully merges wit with supernatural dread, offering a welcome departure from standard frights. By subverting classic tropes like the phantom hitchhiker and exploring themes of social isolation, the book keeps readers engaged through unpredictable twists. The tone shifts deftly between spooky and satirical, ensuring the experience remains fresh throughout. This collection is best suited for fans of dark comedy who appreciate clever narrative structures and humorous takes on the afterlife. While it may not satisfy those seeking purely grim horror, its blend of scares and satire provides a unique and enjoyable reading experience for the right audience.