The Master of the Macabre by Russell Thorndike

Syn, Russell Thorndike (1885-1972) in The Master of the Macabre (1947) delivers an irresistible mix of horror, adventure, and black humour that is sure to please fans of classic ghost stories and supernatural fiction. Best known for his series of novels featuring the smuggler Dr. But the terrors are not confined to Hogarth's tales: the monastery is haunted by the evil spirit of an apostate monk and besieged by more corporeal foes, who will stop at nothing to get their hands on one of the Master's treasures.

As Kent's ankle heals, Hogarth entertains him with fine food, brandy, and a series of gruesome stories connected with an odd assortment of old relics on display in a curio cabinet. Instead, he finds things may have gone from bad to worse when he crashes his car, breaks his ankle, and is forced to take refuge at a medieval monastery now inhabited by the eccentric Charles Hogarth, known as The Master of the Macabre. Yorkshire Evening Press Tayler Kent flees London in a blinding snowstorm, hoping to escape the ghosts that haunt his home. Winnipeg Tribune This book is strange, thrilling and certainly macabre. Glasgow Evening News Master of the Macabre is certainly macabre and provides just what you want, if you enjoy reading of 'ghosts and ghoulies, long leggity beasties and things that go bump in the night.' The Star (Sheffield) It is all very good reading for a windy night, alone in front of an open fireplace.

Sydney Morning Herald These tales of terror and violence are quite nightmarish in their exciting conception. Some of the strange stories are horrible and not for the squeamish. Syn's creator cannot but write interestingly.

The Master of the Macabre by Russell Thorndike