🩸 Horror Fiction

The Parasite and Other Tales of Terror

✍️ Arthur Conan Doyle
Reader Score
4.6
(1 review)
$14.99
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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A collection of supernatural tales by the creator of Sherlock Holmes.

This volume offers a distinct perspective on Arthur Conan Doyle’s range as a writer. While he is celebrated for logical deduction, this book highlights his capacity for crafting atmospheric dread. The stories vary in setting, from the psychological tension in The Parasite to the exotic mystery of The Ring of Thoth. Each tale stands alone, yet together they demonstrate a consistent interest in the uncanny. The inclusion of The Captain of the Pole-Star suggests a fascination with isolation and survival. Readers looking for a shift from his famous detective work will find this collection provides a different kind of intellectual engagement through fear.

Key Themes
supernatural dread scientific horror maritime terror
Literary Context

This collection is published by Poisoned Pen Press in 2021. It presents classic short stories written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The Horror Writers Association presents these works, connecting them to the broader tradition of American and British horror literature.

Difficulty
●● Medium
Recommended For Fans Of
Mary Shelley · H.G. Wells · Bram Stoker · M.R. James
🩸
Horror Fiction
🏛 Poisoned Pen Press 📅 2021 📖 240 pages 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781492699804

📝 Description: The Parasite and Other Tales of Terror

Arthur Conan Doyle, best known for creating Sherlock Holmes, presents a collection of horror stories in The Parasite and Other Tales of Terror. This volume gathers classic narratives that explore supernatural dread and psychological unease. The text includes titles such as The Parasite, which likely examines parasitic themes, and The Mystery of Sasassa Valley, suggesting an exploration of hidden dangers within specific landscapes. Readers will encounter J. Habakuk Jephson's Statement and The Captain of the Pole-Star, indicating a focus on maritime or exploratory terror. The collection also features The Great Keinplatz Experiment, pointing to scientific horror elements, alongside The Ring of Thoth, which invokes ancient Egyptian mythology. Other stories like The Bully of Brocas Court and Selecting a Ghost address social dynamics and spectral encounters. How it Happened rounds out the selection with another narrative of terror. These tales draw on gothic and supernatural traditions, offering a variety of frightening scenarios from different periods. The book suits readers interested in Doyle's lesser-known work beyond his detective fiction. It may not appeal to those seeking only modern jump scares or non-fiction accounts. The stories are presented by the Horror Writers Association, ensuring a curated selection of terror. This edition provides a direct look into the author's ability to craft fear through diverse settings and characters.

💎 Our verdict on The Parasite and Other Tales of Terror

“
🩸
Horror Reads editorial team
Horror desk
Doyle successfully shifts from logical puzzles to atmospheric terror in this curated collection. The stories vary significantly, offering everything from scientific horror in 'The Great Keinplatz Experiment' to exotic mysteries in 'The Ring of Thoth'. The inclusion of maritime tales like 'J. Habakuk Jephson's Statement' highlights his skill in depicting isolation and psychological strain. The Horror Writers Association ensures a strong selection, making this a vital resource for understanding Doyle’s range. It suits readers who enjoy intellectual horror and Gothic traditions over modern jump scares. While not for those seeking non-fiction, it provides a compelling look at the creator of Holmes exploring the darker corners of human experience and supernatural dread with consistent thematic interest.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers seeking to understand the full breadth of Arthur Conan Doyle’s literary legacy will find this volume essential. While famous for logical deduction, Doyle demonstrates a profound capacity for atmospheric dread and psychological tension here. This collection appeals to those interested in the intersection of science and the supernatural, offering tales that range from maritime isolation to ancient Egyptian mythology. It is ideal for fans of cosmic horror and gothic fiction who appreciate intellectual engagement through fear rather than simple shock. By exploring his lesser-known work beyond detective fiction, readers gain insight into the author’s fascination with the uncanny and the unknown, providing a unique perspective on the evolution of horror literature during his period.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.6
Based on 1 reviews
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Horror Reads editorial team

Doyle successfully shifts from logical puzzles to atmospheric terror in this curated collection. The stories vary significantly, offering everything from scientific horror in 'The Great Keinplatz Experiment' to exotic mysteries in 'The Ring of Thoth'. The inclusion of maritime tales like 'J. Habakuk Jephson's Statement' highlights his skill in depicting isolation and psychological strain. The Horror Writers Association ensures a strong selection, making this a vital resource for understanding Doyle’s range. It suits readers who enjoy intellectual horror and Gothic traditions over modern jump scares. While not for those seeking non-fiction, it provides a compelling look at the creator of Holmes exploring the darker corners of human experience and supernatural dread with consistent thematic interest.

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