This short horror novel was made into a movie a few years back, with none other than Dan Radcliffe in the primary role. It was based on this book, Susan Hill's 1983 novel which tells the story of a disturbing apparition whose sighting seems to precipitate the death of a child. A young solicitor, Arthur Kipp, travels to a remote English village to set in order the affairs of an old widow woman, Alice Drablow. The deceased seems to have been a recluse in the village, living at a remote manor at the end of a long causeway, known as Eel Marsh House, not surprisingly located on a desolate stretch of marshland.
Upon arrival, the villagers are distant and even disturbed at any mention of either the house or its former owner. Arthur decides to stay at the remote manor house for a few days to go through the deceased's papers and documents, before the sale of the house, despite the vague warnings of the townspeople with whom he has interacted. He immediately begins to experience odd occurrences at the house, followed by noises and odd sightings. At Alice's funeral, he first notices a skeletal figure in black funerary garb. The locals then appear horrified at his report that this figure had been sighted, and refuse to divulge any additional information about the mysterious Woman in Black.
Don't want to provide too many spoilers (other than the ending is quite different in the 2012 movie than in the novel), but this is a very capable ghost story. The writing is very engaging and descriptive, definitely reminiscent of a Victorian ghost story. Highly recommended for this time of year, if you're looking for a short and entertaining read.
Upon arrival, the villagers are distant and even disturbed at any mention of either the house or its former owner. Arthur decides to stay at the remote manor house for a few days to go through the deceased's papers and documents, before the sale of the house, despite the vague warnings of the townspeople with whom he has interacted. He immediately begins to experience odd occurrences at the house, followed by noises and odd sightings. At Alice's funeral, he first notices a skeletal figure in black funerary garb. The locals then appear horrified at his report that this figure had been sighted, and refuse to divulge any additional information about the mysterious Woman in Black.
Don't want to provide too many spoilers (other than the ending is quite different in the 2012 movie than in the novel), but this is a very capable ghost story. The writing is very engaging and descriptive, definitely reminiscent of a Victorian ghost story. Highly recommended for this time of year, if you're looking for a short and entertaining read.
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