Category: Cosy Horror Suspense

#PubDay Book Review | “Congress of Secrets” by Stephanie Burgis by the author who wrote “Masks and Shadows”!

Posted Tuesday, 1 November, 2016 by jorielov , , , 0 Comments

Ruminations & Impressions Book Review Banner created by Jorie in Canva.

Acquired Book By: I am a reviewer for Prometheus Books and their imprints starting in [2016] as I contacted them through their Edelweiss catalogues and Twitter. I appreciated the diversity of titles across genre and literary explorations – especially focusing on Historical Fiction, Mystery, Science Fiction and Scientific Topics in Non-Fiction. I received a complimentary copy of “Congress of Secrets” direct from the publisher PYR (an imprint of Prometheus Books) in exchange for an honest review. I did not receive compensation for my opinions or thoughts shared herein.

How I came to learn about ‘Congress of Secrets’:

In April, I posted a #PubDay review for this author’s first novel with PYR which was “Masks and Shadows” – not your typical historical, as it held within it elements of Cosy Horror, Alternative History and Historical Fantasy; truly the niche in which the story fit was a work of it’s own, as I lamented the following on behalf of reading it:

One grace Burgis granted her new readers (such as I) is a framework of foundation rooted inside our known historical past! She’s taken bits and bobbles of real historical artifact and knitted it up inside an alternative historical setting to where you can juxtaposition the real and the fictional in seamless fashion! I loved this style of her word craft because it gave a dimensional of awareness of where we’re entreating inside as far as timescape and setting are concerned but also, a knowing level of ‘place’ as it’s a familiar side of Europe during the late 18th Century! How she found the beautiful balance between what is known and what can be imagined is truly remarkable!

I liked how she paced the narrative to the rhythm of a play – it was quite keenly illuminating all the dialogue and action, but to such a clever intuitive nodding of each of the characters in turn taking their cues and then exiting the scenes as necessary!

I was not at all surprised there were Cosy Horror elements underlining the narrative arc as this historical approach to telling a fantastical story reminded me of my readings of Silver Tongue by AshleyRose Sullivan (review) or even The Haunting of Springett Hall by E.B. Wheeler (review) as they mirror Masks and Shadows for bridging genre and bending it to the will of the author’s pen.

-quoted from my review of Masks and Shadows

Shortly after I posted my review, the publicist I work with at Prometheus mentioned Burgis’s next release and from that first glimpse of the premise, I became interested. I had a feeling there might be the same mixture of old world elements, magical intrigue with thrilling suspense and a historical backdrop (this time set in Vienna) I would appreciate drinking in as I moved through her story-line. She has such a unique voice in Historical Fiction, I simply wanted to read what she was going to create next!

I wasn’t surprised that in theory Congress of Secrets follows suit out of Masks and Shadows as you could see the leeway of how the scope of the first novel could be carried forward. Both are marked as one-offs, even though Congress of Secrets is only a scant 35 years later! I’ve learnt a lot about how series can be joined together through theme, setting or genre – and I believe this is one of those series where the characters switch-out but there are elements of connection knitting the series of stories together. They are not continuously sequenced by setting either but rather the way in which the story is told.

Fun Stuff for Your Blog via pureimaginationblog.com

Notation on Cover Art Design: I was quite surprised when I saw the photographs on the cover were stock images because in this particular instance the collage effect of having them all together gave me the impression they were specifically created for this cover! I love how the fusion of each photograph blends well with the synopsis and grants you a visual clue about where your heading once you open the novel itself. It is such a beautiful cover design – from the colours and the layout of it directly feeling like the niche Burgis has created.

#PubDay Book Review | “Congress of Secrets” by Stephanie Burgis by the author who wrote “Masks and Shadows”!Congress of Secrets
by Stephanie Burgis
Source: Direct from Publisher

In 1814, the Congress of Vienna has just begun. Diplomats battle over a new map of Europe, actors vie for a chance at glory, and aristocrats and royals from across the continent come together to celebrate the downfall of Napoleon…among them Lady Caroline Wyndham, a wealthy English widow. But Caroline has a secret: she was born Karolina Vogl, daughter of a radical Viennese printer. When her father was arrested by the secret police, Caroline’s childhood was stolen from her by dark alchemy.

Under a new name and nationality, she returns to Vienna determined to save her father even if she has to resort to the same alchemy that nearly broke her before. But she isn’t expecting to meet her father’s old apprentice, Michael Steinhüller, now a charming con man in the middle of his riskiest scheme ever.

The sinister forces that shattered Caroline’s childhood still rule Vienna behind a glittering façade of balls and salons, Michael’s plan is fraught with danger, and both of their disguises are more fragile than they realize. What price will they pay to the darkness if either of them is to survive?

Genres: Alternative History, Cosy Horror, Historical Fiction, Historical-Fantasy



Places to find the book:

Borrow from a Public Library

Add to LibraryThing

ISBN: 9781633881990

Also by this author: Masks and Shadows

Published by Pyr

on 1st November, 2016

Format: Paperback Edition

Pages: 347

Published By: Pyr (@Pyr_Books)

Available Formats: Trade Paperback and Ebook

Read the author’s blog about Congress of Secrets!

Converse via: #CongressOfSecrets

About Stephanie Burgis

Stephanie Burgis Photo Credit: Patrick Saphire

Stephanie Burgis was born in Michigan, but now lives in Wales with her husband, writer Patrick Samphire, and their children. Before becoming a fulltime writer, she studied music history as a Fulbright Scholar in Vienna, Austria, and worked as a website editor for a British opera company.

She has published over thirty short stories for adults. Kat, Incorrigible (US)/A Most Improper Magick (UK) won the Waverton Good Read Children’s Award in 2011 for Best Début Children’s Novel by a British writer. It was followed by Renegade Magic/A Tangle of Magicks and Stolen Magic/A Reckless Magick.

Photo Credit: Patrick Saphire

On alchemy and dark arts:

As soon as I saw Caroline being affected by the dark alchemy I recognised having been used in Masks and Shadows, I knew this new extension of the plot would thicken quite differently. It took so long to understand the darker elements which were undermining and crippling the characters in the last story – as the heart of the narrative had been a thrilling suspense, where you were meant to be kept in the dark for as long as possible in order to peel back the layers of the novel. In this instance, what was so interesting to me, is how early-on the disclosure is given that something quite alarmingly potent is being used against the will of the people. Setting the stage for a curious new perspective on how to overturn a foe who has sorted out the best advantage against everyone he or she wishes to overtake; not just mind control but a complete reduction in consciousness!

Read More

Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

  • 2016 Historical Fiction Reading Challenge
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Posted Tuesday, 1 November, 2016 by jorielov in #JorieLovesIndies, 19th Century, Alternative History, Blog Tour Host, Cosy Horror, Cosy Horror Suspense, Death, Sorrow, and Loss, Fantasy Fiction, Historical Fiction, Historical Mystery, Indie Author, Prometheus Books, Vulgarity in Literature

#PubDay Book Review | “Masks and Shadows” by Stephanie Burgis

Posted Tuesday, 12 April, 2016 by jorielov , , , 0 Comments

Ruminations & Impressions Book Review Banner created by Jorie in Canva. Photo Credit: Unsplash Public Domain Photographer Sergey Zolkin.

Acquired Book By: I am a reviewer for Prometheus Books and their imprints starting in [2016] as I contacted them through their Edelweiss catalogues and Twitter. I appreciated the diversity of titles across genre and literary explorations – especially focusing on Historical Fiction, Mystery, Science Fiction and Scientific Topics in Non-Fiction. I received a complimentary ARC copy of “Masks and Shadows” direct from the publisher PYR (an imprint of Prometheus Books) in exchange for an honest review. I did not receive compensation for my opinions or thoughts shared herein.

How I came to learn about ‘Masks and Shadows’:

For the fuller story behind my forthcoming reviews on behalf of Prometheus Books, kindly read my story about becoming a reviewer for them on my End of the Year Survey, 2015. I was quite delighted by receiving an email from the publicist I am working with at Prometheus Books, as before I had the proper chance to start my reviews, she instinctively knew how much I love reading Historical Fiction! This title stood out to me for several reasons: it’s the first adult novel by it’s author who has a penchant for writing Middle Grade stories; it’s set during the 18th Century one of my most beloved centuries to explore; there is a Musical Historical backdrop to the evolving story and it’s centred at court!

High society and life at Court are two of my favourite historical veins of interest – the court has a way of enlightening you inside a portion of the historical past where innuendo reigned supreme. I have read a few musical driven plots since I’ve become a book blogger and as I enter into my 3rd Year, I’m appreciating being able to re-examine certain styles of stories which I itch to read more of.

Fun Stuff for Your Blog via pureimaginationblog.com

Notation on Cover Art Design: On display in the cover art are all the key marks of the story: from the ethereal smoke snaking it’s way into view to the masquerade mask(s) and the setting for the folly itself: Eszterháza Palace. The colours themselves lend such an enriched cover palette but it’s the fullness of the cover design to evoke out a recognition of the story’s internal elements that struck me as being quite bang-on brilliant as you can foretell a bit from it’s artwork.

#PubDay Book Review | “Masks and Shadows” by Stephanie BurgisMasks and Shadows

The year is 1779, and Carlo Morelli, the most renowned castrato singer in Europe, has been invited as an honored guest to Eszterháza Palace. With Carlo in Prince Nikolaus Esterházy’s carriage, ride a Prussian spy and one of the most notorious alchemists in the Habsburg Empire. Already at Eszterháza is Charlotte von Steinbeck, the very proper sister of Prince Nikolaus’s mistress. Charlotte has retreated to the countryside to mourn her husband’s death. Now, she must overcome the ingrained rules of her society in order to uncover the dangerous secrets lurking within the palace’s golden walls. Music, magic, and blackmail mingle in a plot to assassinate the Habsburg Emperor and Empress—a plot that can only be stopped if Carlo and Charlotte can see through the masks worn by everyone they meet.


Places to find the book:

Borrow from a Public Library

Add to LibraryThing

ISBN: 9781633881327

on 12th April, 2016

Pages: 300

Published By: Pyr (@Pyr_Books)

Available Formats: Trade Paperback and Ebook

Read the back-story about Masks and Shadows!

Read about the author’s next novel Congress of Secrets publishing November 2016!

Converse via: #MasksAndShadows

About Stephanie Burgis

Stephanie Burgis Photo Credit: Patrick Saphire

Stephanie Burgis was born in Michigan, but now lives in Wales with her husband, writer Patrick Samphire, and their children. Before becoming a fulltime writer, she studied music history as a Fulbright Scholar in Vienna, Austria, and worked as a website editor for a British opera company.

She has published over thirty short stories for adults. Kat, Incorrigible (US)/A Most Improper Magick (UK) won the Waverton Good Read Children’s Award in 2011 for Best Début Children’s Novel by a British writer. It was followed by Renegade Magic/A Tangle of Magicks and Stolen Magic/A Reckless Magick.

Photo Credit: Patrick Saphire

My Review of Masks and Shadows:

Charlotte has decided to visit her younger sister Sophie whilst she’s ensconced in a decidedly different affair than her sister allocated at being proper but evenso, as sister’s go, Sophie has such a spirit about her to charm Charlotte into staying with her even if she’s troubled by the truth of what she’s found out. The differences are a bit great given their time of living, as Charlotte believed Sophie was attached to Court in a proper fashion not as the known mistress to a Prince, especially as she’s married yet her husband has carted off someplace Charlotte couldn’t help but wonder as to where. We enter their conversation as if we’re their long lost friends as they reveal a bit of their personalities whilst trying to sort each other out. Read More

Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

  • 2016 Historical Fiction Reading Challenge
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Posted Tuesday, 12 April, 2016 by jorielov in #JorieLovesIndies, 18th Century, Alternative History, ARC | Galley Copy, Blog Tour Host, Castles & Estates, Cosy Horror, Cosy Horror Suspense, Death, Sorrow, and Loss, Fantasy Fiction, Historical Fiction, Historical Mystery, Indie Author, Musical Fiction | Non-Fiction, Opera, Prometheus Books, Vulgarity in Literature

Blog Book Tour | “The Haunting of Springett Hall” by E.B. Wheeler For readers who love a dash of #CosyHorror to the undercurrent of their paranormal readings!

Posted Friday, 6 November, 2015 by jorielov , , , 0 Comments

Ruminations & Impressions Book Review Banner created by Jorie in Canva. Photo Credit: Unsplash Public Domain Photographer Sergey Zolkin.

Acquired Book By: I am a regular tour hostess for blog tours via Cedar Fort whereupon I am thankful to have such a diverse amount of novels and non-fiction titles to choose amongst to host. I received a complimentary copy of “The Haunting of Springett Hall” direct from the publisher Sweetwater Books (imprint of Cedar Fort, Inc) in exchange for an honest review. I did not receive compensation for my opinions or thoughts shared herein.

Why I love a wicked good ghost story:

#HistoricalFix in October had a wicked good topic of discussion as it was centered around paranormal historical fiction, ghost stories and our genuine love of the cosier side of horror! I felt honoured I was able to attend this quarterly chat for a conversation which truly excited me beyond what words could express! In attendance were Katherine Howe, Cat Winters and Lynn Carthage (the latter of whom I interviewed when her debut novel Haunted was released!). Curiously, I ended up walking away with a copy of Haunted at the end of the evening, as the author appreciated the fact my favourite childhood toy was my Gloworm of whom was my reading companion as a child!

During the conversation, as with previous #HistoricalFix’s the tweets are lightning quick, the chatter blissfully addictive, I started to notice that I am not the only one who is bemused by ghost stories! In fact, what did surprise me is how many of us appreciate the lighter side of the genre vs the horror-esque style of modern ghost stories! Not every contemporary author writes the horror into a ghost story, but imagine my jolly surprise in finding there were other writers and readers out there who liked the same versions I did!

I happily mentioned The Haunting of Springett Hall and I believe I remembered to mention my readings of Edith Wharton’s Ghost Stories from Halloween 2014, as they became singularly memorable due to how Wharton wrote the ghosts inside her tales! I have been wanting to read more ghost stories and more PNR in particular, however, the hours slip past me in the hourglass, and another year has come and gone! Imagine!? I am hopeful by October 2016, I will have lots of lovelies to talk about inside this suspenseful genre as I do get a heap of happiness out of reading about ghosts!

Mind you, I’m a bit more scared to admit The Barter is keeping my imagination on high alert as it’s a ghost story unlike any other I’ve attempted to read! This was a curious suggestion of a book to read for Halloween and I must say, I’m still working my way through it! It’s so chillingly haunting and quite fetchingly edgy, it’s remarkable how the author managed to keep the tone introspective as her character is trying to ‘think her way’ out of the horror of keeping company with a ghost!

The beauty for me is finding stories like The Haunting of Springett Hall as I had a feeling even before I picked it up to read, this might become a seasonal favourite to re-visit due to how Wheeler pulled her story together and gave me such a wicked sweet read! Gentle spirits, innocent ghosts, expansive estates and the historical past – what is not to love about soaking inside this kind of a world where a girl realises she’s a ghost but forgets how that’s possible?

Notation on the Cover Art: Quite happily, when I first soaked inside the first chapter, the image on the cover art started to percolate inside my mind’s eye as the young girl whose become the ghost of the hour is quite aptly described as the same ghost featured on the cover! So much so, you can almost feel her discomfort of wandering around an old Victorian estate home without so much as a clue as to why she’s there and what could possibly have caused this new ‘state’ of her life.

Blog Book Tour | “The Haunting of Springett Hall” by E.B. Wheeler For readers who love a dash of #CosyHorror to the undercurrent of their paranormal readings!The Haunting of Springett Hall
by E.B. Wheeler
Source: Direct from Publisher

I gasped and jerked my hand back, staring at it. Through it, really. Even when I covered my eyes, I could see the furniture on the other side of the room: a grandfather clock with its hands stopped, a mahogany side table and sofa, and a portrait draped in black.

Someone had died.

I turned my translucent hand back and forth. Yes. Someone had.

Eighteen-year-old Lucy can't remember how she became a ghost, but the more she discovers about her past, the more she wants to forget. With the help of a servant named Philip, the only living person who can see her, Lucy must find a way to erase the mistakes of her former life before it's too late.

This haunting romantic mystery takes you back in time to Victorian England. Filled with suspenseful scenes and thrilling twists - it's an impossible romance you won't be able to put down.


Places to find the book:

Borrow from a Public Library

Add to LibraryThing

Published by Sweetwater Books

on 14th July, 2015

Format: Paperback Edition

Pages: 256

Published By: Sweetwater Books (@SweetwaterBooks),
an imprint of Cedar Fort, Inc (@CedarFortBooks)

Available Formats: Paperback, Ebook

Converse via: #HauntingOfSpringettHall, #ghoststory, #paranormal,

#PNR or #paranormalrom

About E.B. Wheeler

E.B. Wheeler

E.B. Wheeler grew up in Georgia and California, where she became fascinated by stories of the places around her. She studied English and history at Brigham Young University and earned an MA and MLA from Utah State University.

After several years teaching and writing about history, she decided to pursue her other dream of writing fiction. “The Haunting of Springett Hall” is her first novel. She currently lives in northern Utah with her husband, daughters, various pets, and a garden full of antique roses.

Fun Stuff for Your Blog via pureimaginationblog.com Read More

Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

  • 2015 Historical Fiction Reading Challenge
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Posted Friday, 6 November, 2015 by jorielov in 19th Century, Bits & Bobbles of Jorie, Blog Tour Host, Bookish Discussions, Castles & Estates, Cedar Fort Publishing & Media, Cosy Horror, Cosy Horror Suspense, Debut Author, Debut Novel, Earthen Magic, Folklore and Mythology, Ghost Story, Ghosts & the Supernatural, Good vs. Evil, Gothic Literature, Gothic Mystery, Haunting & Ethereal, Historical Fiction, Historical Mystery, Historical Thriller Suspense, Indie Author, Life Shift, Paranormal Romance, Parapsychological Suspense, Psychological Suspense, Shapeshifters, Supernatural Creatures & Beings, the Victorian era

List | Psychological Suspense and/or Cosy Horror films selected to watch during Horror October {#OTBHorrorOctober}

Posted Monday, 20 October, 2014 by jorielov 0 Comments

Horror October 2014
Psychological Suspense and/or Cosy Horror films selected to watch during Horror October:

This is a selective list of what I may or may not watch & thus will be edited:

The Canterville Ghost (?) starring Patrick Stewart & Neve Campbell

The Woman in Black (?) starring Daniel Radcliffe

Dracula (?)

Ghost Town (2008) starring Grey Kinnear & Tea Leoni

The Ghost & Mrs. Muir

I am not quite certain how many of the films running during the fortnight on Turner Classic I will have the opportunity to watch, but the first one that aired on Tuesday was a Topper film, and as I grew up learning about the Topper tv series by way of my parent’s fond recollections, I wasn’t too sure if I wanted to jump straight into one of the film versions of the story itself. I considered it, but ultimately I decided to wait until I can watch the tv series and then gather the films in succession from that moment forward. The rest of the films are all of the selections TCM is airing between now and Halloween — therefore, if this list aides any participants in knowing which film is airing at which time of day and when, I am thankful I decided to post it! :)

Likewise, I am going to be tuning in and coming back to this post to journal my thoughts underneath each selection I am able to view! I want to keep a running total of the films I am watching throughout the fortnight and therefore, I started by mentioning the one I had seen before I even had the chance to get my posts onto my blog! I must admit, I never thought I’d come to love a ‘campy’ film, but the one I saw this week took me by surprise and gave me a good hour of a laugh! And, in the end, isn’t that just as important as becoming terrified!?

Schedule on Turner Classic Movies:

Thursday, 16th October:

The Ghost Breakers (1940) @ 8p

I positively loved this film! And, it had Bob Hope in the leading role alongside my very first “Zombie”!! I am not a Zombie girl at all when it comes to films or novels, but in this one particular case, I did not even know there was a Zombie in the film until I was already seated and enjoying the music, the old rambling house, and the mystery of how they projected the ghost rising and lowering himself into the ‘makeshift’ casket in the hallway! I loved the texture of the house itself, as much as the haunting ethereal elements of the setting! The fact that the house was as haunted as the cast feared themselves to being made it especially special! I would adore to see this film from the beginning rather than accidentally discovering it was on air towards the end! Hence my favourite part is when Bob Hope’s wife in the film came down the staircase in an elegant black dress and frightened the Zombie!

The Old Dark House (1963) @  9:30p

This is the ‘campy’ film I saw that simply had me smiling into smirks left, right, and otherwise! I never truly understood the idea behind a ‘campy film’, but cheekily this had all the benefit of “Clue” without the sync of plot! I loved Peter Bull the most; he played twins Jasper & Casper, and for me he completely stole the role of the hour! The most incredible part of this film is how the whole presence is how one family has to stay within the walls of a house in order to inherit the inheritance! I had memories of seeing “So, I Married an Axe Murderer” coming back to mind for the comic moments as much as pieces of “Clue” interweaving throughout the plot! The whole idea is absolutely rubbish, and I think it would have lost the ‘campy’ feel if they had made the Femm family GHOSTS! Now that would have been a more uniquely driven plot! Still,… it was an hour or so I can honestly say I thought of nothing but the absurd notion that there was someone killing off the family one person at a time!

Wednesday, 22nd October:

Topper Takes a Trip (1939) @ 4:45p *decided to ILL from my library

Thursday, 23rd October:

The Uninvited (1944) @ 10p

I loved this film!

The Woman in White (1948) @ midnight

Night of Dark Shadows (1971) @ 2a

Saturday, 25th October:

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (1982) @ 2p

The Haunting (1963) @ 8p

The Curse of Frankenstein (1957) @ 11:30p

Sunday, 26th October:

Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde (1941) @ 8p

Gaslight (1944) @ 4:15a

Tuesday, 28th October:

House of Dark Shadows (1970) @ 1p

Horror of Dracula (1958) @ 3p

Dracula, Prince of Darkness (1965) @ 4:30p

Dracula Has Risen from the Grave (1969) @6:15p

Dead of Night (1945) @ 8p

Twice-Told Tales (1963) @ 10p

Thursday, 30th of October:

House on Haunted Hill (1958) @ 8p

The Legend of Hell House (1973) @ 9:30p

13 Ghosts (1960) @ 11:15p

The Haunting (1963) @ 1a

Reader Interactive Question:

Which films are you hoping to watch between now & Halloween!? Do you have seasonal favourites you like to curl up by the tv and watch annually!? Are there light-hearted comedies intermixed with psychological suspense!? Family or animated movies? Modern vs Classic!? Have you seen any of the films listed on this page that you would recommend that I NOT miss if I can ‘catch’ it on TCM? Do we share a film in common!? Share your thoughts!

{SOURCES: Horror October banner provided by Oh! The Books for participants to promote the event on their book blogs; used with permission. #OTBHorrorOctober badge for Jorie created by Jorie in Canva. Tweets embedded due to codes provided by Twitter.}

Copyright © Jorie Loves A Story, 2014.

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Posted Monday, 20 October, 2014 by jorielov in #HorrorOctober, Cemeteries & Graveyards, Cosy Horror, Cosy Horror Suspense, Ghost Story, Ghosts & the Supernatural, Good vs. Evil, Gothic Mystery, Haunting & Ethereal, Horror, Horror-Lite, Mummification Practices, Parapsychological Suspense, Psychological Suspense, Superstitions & Old World Beliefs

List | Top Favourite Classic Horror Films {#OTBHorrorOctober}

Posted Sunday, 19 October, 2014 by jorielov , , , , , , , 2 Comments

Horror October 2014

List | Top Favourite Classic Horror Films

Selection One:

Dr. Jeykll & Mr. Hyde (1941) Original Film Trailer starring Spencer Tracy via TCM

The uncanny part of watching Tracy in this role is how well he absorbed himself into the role itself and conveyed such a primal transformation as to capture the pure horror and terror of being ‘other’ than himself within those seconds of where Hyde took over his life. I can still remember being glued to my seat whilst transfixed on his emotional conveyance of the character! Tracy had this uncanny ability to delve so deeply into his role as to bring out the raw connective tissues that stitched his essence into the heartbeat of Jekyll & Hyde; he was so tied into this role, the most chilling aspect for me was reminding myself *he!* was Spencer Tracy! The atmospheric intensity of the set decoration, the period costumes, and the elemental eerie effects of how they produced this particular version of the story solidified this as one of my favourite Tracy pictures! I also realised whilst watching this film how much I appreciate psychological suspense bordering on the horrific — as this short clip from Turner Classic demonstrates, there is quite a unique transmorphication to the Jekyll & Hyde story itself.

I can only watch this every so many Halloween’s due to the performance of Tracy and due to the intensity of how Jekyll & Hyde fit into the era in whence they lived. My goal is to read the novel and then watch the film; I had given the thought to doing this for the 2014 Horror October event but methinks it would be wiser to schedule that for 2015!

Adding to the joy for me was the inclusion of Ingrid Bergman, of whom, I had originally discovered in the film Intermezzo and lateron in Notorious & Gaslight. Her performances are golden as they are innocently natural with a gentleness of intelligence. I love watching her perform, she gave it a certain type of artistry that is also reflective and reminiscent of Spencer Tracy. For me, they were two equals who shared the screen and gave performances that never leave you!

Selection Two: 

The Haunting (1963) Original Film Trailer starring via TCM

I found this film quite by accident, as I had taken a fancy to watching Turner Classic on *Halloween!* for a few years as I wanted to expand my viewings of classic films set against the backdrop of the holiday itself! I knew this would involve Classic Horror, Film Noir, Psychological Suspense, & Gothic Lit entries, but that was part of the appeal for me! What I hadn’t expected is to become so fully entertained on Classic Horror films! With each startling discovery whilst I watched one film after another per each Halloween I had tuned in, I was fascinated by everything the film-makers had used to create the appeal of creating a suspenseful night of fright! In this one, *everything!* is simply perceived and unseen – the mind of the characters in the film have convinced themselves of what they fear the most, thus giving the plot the deadliest thread of narrative! I enjoyed watching each of their technique of how they brought their characters to life and even though there is a death in the story; it is how the death occurs & why it occurs that left me full of museful thoughts on the haunted and the hauntings themselves.

Selection Three: 

Mystery at the Wax Museum (1933):

I still remember being a bit creeped out about the entire premise surrounding the Wax Museum plot, but what drew me into the film itself was the original spin on it! I have this film on dvd and thus, it is one of the only Horror films I actually own! I have a small collection of Halloween & Classic Horror films on dvd, but this most definitely one of my favourites! The very nature of how the museum is curated with new ‘pieces of art’ is enough to make your hand stand on end and your stomach to flip into somersaults! There are some key comical moments, but not due to the vein of action or dialogue but due to the nature of how they filmed certain sequences — especially when they are say transporting a body? I caught myself in a near-fit of giggles, because the time of when this film was produced, they made a few gaffes as far as how they sorted out a few of the filming locations & scenes! Needless, it did not take long to feel the full breath of danger, horror, and intrigue! I nearly closed my eyes — I wasn’t sure how this one was going to end, and even though I braced myself for the worst, I admit it — I was a bit of a chicken! If Mum wasn’t watching this with me for the first time, I seriously doubt I would know the ENDING at all! Laughs. No, seriously,… I’d be in the dark! Yet. Yes. It is still a bonefide favourite!

Selection Four:

Gaslight (1944) Re-Issue Film Trailer starring Ingrid Bergman via TCM:

I hadn’t realised that Angela Lansbury had her start in motion pictures within this particular film, as I was keen on watching it after a dear friend of mine in California mentioned to me by letter how much I’d fall over the moon in LOVE with this film! She not only was quite right in that pre-assessment of my reaction, but it has become a beloved movie for me to watch around Halloween! I love everything about this film, most especially watching Ingrid Bergman’s character descend into madness & emerge out of the darkness of that plight into a stronger, braver, and very sane woman whose heart led her astray but her fortitude of strength gave her the courage to survive! I loved the details of this film, as it isn’t something you can understand completely the first time you see it; my second viewing was a full year after I had seen it originally, and I was still picking up subtle clues and little bits of foreshadowing strokes of genius! Not too many, mind you, this is a very tightly writ screenplay!

Hearing Lansbury’s cockney voice throughout the film was a pure delight for me, as I’ve been fascinated by how the words & rhymes sound out loud! You can tell even within this film the dexterity of performance Lansbury would use throughout her career! She was so young, yet held such a pose of presence as to belie her age! She would endear me years (decades, really!) lateron in her career with Murder, She Wrote as I grew up watching her sleuth her way through Cabot Cove! To go backwards in time, seeing the roots of her filmography knit together has been an absolute joy!

Selection Five:

Rear Window (1954) Re-Issue Film Trailer starring James Stewart via TCM

I wanted to focus on bonefide Horror films before shifting into straight-up Psychological Suspense films but in many ways I think the two merged together irregardless of my intentions! Hitch has been in my life for as long as I can remember, as there was something innately wicked about his films – he had this intricate way of telling a story through camera, performance, atmosphere, and that line between what is real and what is imagined real; he bridged the art of film-making with the art of story-telling with precision! Rear Window never fails to keep me on the edge of my seat, even though out of all his films, I have seen this repeatedly throughout my life! I cannot remember how old I was when I first watched an Alfred Hitchcock movie, but I believe I was at least in middle school at the time!?

James Stewart had already captured my heart from It’s A Wonderful Life (my joy of seeing a Capra film is intense!) yet in Hitchcock’s films, Stewart steps out of the warm & cosy settings of the family stories providing such a convicting performance as to make me wonder each & everytime I see this particular film if he will come out alright in the end! I kid you not, I’m always curious, will they solve this in time? Will there be enough evidence?! And, of course, I had to sort of resolve the fact the villain is Raymond Burr (my beloved Perry Mason!) of whom I wish was NOT cast in this role! Talk about giving you shivers! I never like seeing actors I appreciate in strong lead roles go ‘over to the dark side of the screen’ and this is one moment where I truly wished another actor could have played the part! I love the rest of the supporting cast, especially Thelma Ritter as Stella!

Selection Six:

Vertigo (1958) Movie Clip from the Opening Credits via TCM:

Out of all the films I could have picked as my second favourite Hitchcock, I went with Vertigo over The Lady Vanishes (1938) for the simple reason that I am never quite certain if I have sorted out the plot and by the time I realise that I know *exactly!* which way is up in this film, I find myself completely captured by the suspense of not knowing all over again! I love how I continue to watch this film in enough intervals of time as to forget half of it — which is unique considering I have a solid memory for films & books, but in this particular case, I nearly try to forget the pieces of the puzzle, because I want that ‘first  look’ experience where I was wholly captured by the gravity of truth as equally as Stewart’s character was himself! Not to mention the fact, I found it incredible how Kim Novak played her role as both Madeleine & Judy!

Selection Seven:

Cape Fear (1991)

I can honestly say after I saw this film, I purged it out of my memory, it was THAT terrifying! To this day, I cannot and will not watch it for a second time! Yet, the main reason I am placing it on this list is simply because it captured what I felt the genre of Horror Films would always contain; hence the reason I made the choice to stay within the fringes of horror rather than to crossover completely into it full throttle. To say this is a favourite of mine is not as accurate as saying it was one of the most mind-numbing films I ever survived watching! I cannot deny that whilst I watched the film, it not only held my nerves in suspense but it quite literally nearly choked me into a fit of nightmares! Oy vie!

This feature post is part of my participation in:

#OTBHorrorOctober badge created by Jorie in Canva

Reader Interactive Question:

Your turn! :) What are your Top Favourite Horror Films & why!? Do you lean towards psychological suspense, thriller, & the more atmospheric side of the Horror Film genre like me? OR are you a bonefide Horror lass or bloke, who is only entertained by the harder hitting films full-on with gore & violence? List the films that captured you & the film-makers and/or studios that hold your attention the most! All answers are acceptable – even if your interests do not run parallel to mine! Speak openly! :)

{SOURCES: Horror October banner provided by Oh! The Books for participants to promote the event on their book blogs; used with permission. #OTBHorrorOctober badge for Jorie created by Jorie in Canva. Film Trailers &/or Film Clips for Classic Movies embedded due to codes provided by Turner Classic Movies. Tweets embedded due to the codes provided by Twitter.}

Copyright © Jorie Loves A Story, 2014.

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Posted Sunday, 19 October, 2014 by jorielov in #HorrorOctober, Bookish Films, Classic Motion Pictures, Cosy Horror, Cosy Horror Suspense, Good vs. Evil, Gothic Mystery, Haunting & Ethereal, Horror, Horror-Lite, Motion Picture Inter-related to Bookish Topic, Psychological Suspense, Superstitions & Old World Beliefs, TV Serials & Motion Pictures