Shadows At Midnight - The Maynard Sims Library Volume 1 presents the finest in traditional English ghost stories and unsettling tales of quiet fear.
Shadows At Midnight are ghost stories in the traditional English style. First published in hardback in 1979 from William Kimber & Co Limited of London who described the debut book as
"In this masterly collection of tales, the authors take us into that unquiet land, in the witching time of night, where malign presences seek to entwine the unwary in their web of evil. Their ghosts, or evil spirits, or gruesome influences no one expression sums them all up remain lingering in their chosen abodes, be it wardrobe, cradle or tomb, to threaten the existence of the innocent. But not all the spirits are terrifying. Some, like the laughing children of Border End, seek to enthral by cajolery, though their threat remains as great. The authors do not delve too far into explanations for their phantoms. Indeed how could they? For who can explain the midnight land?"
There were ten stories and they were enjoyed by those that read them.
"A really creepy collection, they conjure up gruesome influences to linger after the book is done." Southend & District Standard
"All the tales are totally intriguing whether they are about a boy visiting his aunt, or a man inheriting his aunts house, a house purchaser, a vicar, a brass rubbings enthusiast, or a mother and her babys cradle." Grimsby Evening Telegraph
"Ten ghost stories for lovers of the supernatural. A book that will haunt you." Manchester Evening News
"Present the uncanny in a civilised way."Yorkshire Evening Post
In 1999 the book was revised and enlarged and published by Sarob Press in a limited edition hardback.
The two authors have been writing together for more than twenty-five years, and produce some of the finest examples of supernatural fiction seen today. These stories can be described as coming from the same mould as the masters of the genre, James, Wakefield, and Benson. They are a fine collection of traditional ghost stories. Sarob Press
Readers agreed
"The authors have a grasp of craftsmanship which many a writer might envy, alongside an eye for detail and a knack for unobtrusive but telling characterisation."Zene
"Truly none should miss out on Border End. The authors affinity for the tumult of emotions that an adolescent experiences rivals the sympathetic hand of the great Robert Westall."
Bill Barnett , All Hallows journal of the Ghost Story Society
"This is another excellent book from Sarob. If ghost tales are your thing, get hold of this collection." David Howe, Shivers.
"There is nothing wrong with the writing here, and this book is to be thoroughly recommended." Paul Brazier, Interzone
"The stories are still all good examples of the understated." John Pelan, Midnight House
"Sarob Press must be congratulated in producing this fine limited edition hardback which would be a welcome addition to any collection." Steve Lockley, Horror Writers Association
A welcome re-issue. (Shadows At Midnight 1999). Steve Jones, Best New Horror, 2000