The Wickies and Other Macabre Tales

Two lighthouse keepers discover their hideous destiny. A boy has a love affair with an accursed pipe organ in the woods. A mysterious blizzard buries the world in snow . . . this collection of macabre fantasies are certain to induce sublime shivers, provoke the imagination, and altogether disturb a good night’s sleep. Twelve short stories, four gothic poems, and a concluding novella deliver terrors on the sea, a series of bizarre apocalypses, and the manifestation of weird pagan deities (whether these be saints or demons is speculative). What is beyond speculation, however, is that this collection transcends mere horror. James’ metaphorical ruminations, dark lyricism, and poetic flourishes express that unique darkness of the human soul.