Ghosts by Gaslight: Stories of Steampunk and Supernatural Suspense

Devotees of M.R. James, H.P. Lovecraft, and Algernon Blackwood will relish this superior anthology of original stories reflecting what the editors call the "paradox of Victorian superstition-amidst-enlightenment." From the haunting opening of James Morrow's "The Iron Shroud" to the grim conclusion of Jeffrey Ford's "The Summer Palace," seductive, evocative writing demonstrates that the tradition of literate horror is alive and well. Laird Barron's "Blackwood's Baby" perfectly balances suggestion and revelation. John Langan's "The Unbearable Proximity of Mr. Dunn's Balloons" is both Lovecraftian and impressively original. Margo Lanagan's "The Proving of Smollett Standforth" delicately touches on the classic Victorian themes of class differences and family love. It seems almost unfair to single out individual works when all 17 are superb and will be cherished by steampunk and horror fans alike. (Sept.)