検索キーワード： 著者 "John McCormick" すべてのカテゴリー

"Carmilla" by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu is a Gothic novella about a young woman named Laura who befriends a mysterious and beautiful guest, Carmilla. As their bond deepens, Laura becomes increasingly ill and haunted by strange dreams. Eventually, it's revealed that Carmilla is a vampire preying on young women. Her true identity—Mircalla, Countess Karnstein—is uncovered, leading to her destruction. The story explores themes of seduction, supernatural terror, and repressed desires, and is a precursor to later vampire fiction like Dracula.

The Castle stood above the quiet little town for as long as folks remembered: barren, deserted, lonely and frightening to the townsfolk. Until one day, smoke began to ascend from the dunjon. They were warned not to go near, and when intrepid souls dared to venture to uncover the mystery of the ruined castle, they learned firsthand what supernatural terrors await inside The Castle of the Carpathians. Summary by Joseph DeNoia.

This is a collection of ghost stories in which the antagonists are various animals. Divided up into chapters of ghost sightings by each group of animals, you will hear of hauntings by dogs, cats, birds, jungle animals, etc. (Summary by Allyson Hester)

The Door of the Unreal by Gerald Biss is a chilling early 20th-century horror novel blending mystery with supernatural terror. Set in the English countryside, a series of gruesome murders shocks the region—each marked by strange, wolf-like tracks. As the investigation unfolds, suspicions of a werewolf emerge. The story follows characters caught in a web of fear, secrets, and inexplicable phenomena. With atmospheric tension and gothic undertones, Biss explores the thin line between reality and the supernatural, making this a gripping tale of suspense and the unknown. Summary by John McCormick

When this was written, literary traditions still decreed beauty to be the outward sign of inner saintliness, whereas evil characters tended to be “ugly as sin.” Jean Briggerland defies these expectations by being every bit as angelically beautiful as she is sociopathic. So lovely that all around her are blinded to her guilt no matter how blatant her crimes, only Jack Glover, best friend and lawyer of her most recent victim, is aware of her true nature. Can he stop her crime spree and bring her to justice before she murders her way to wealth and happiness? He really, really shouldn’t ...

This 1914 book gives a picture of the British Army structure and life in the early hours of World War I. Summary by david wales

This book contains verse for young and old. It is full of fantastic stories, breathtaking images, and brilliant rhymes. Including classics from "The Duel" to "The Delectable Ballad of Walter Lot," the author, a devout Christian, keeps his religious overtones to a minimum. When listening, please keep in mind that the text was originally written in the 1800s. -- Summary by Squid Varilekova

The life and accomplishments of England's sole title holder of "The Great." King Alfred defended England from Viking invasions and ushered in an era of learning and progress for the British Isles. Summary by Ryan Cherrick.

The unconventional Scotland Yard detective Angel Esquire is no fool to be hoodwinked by the murder of the old crook Reale as he anticipates the coup that follows. Jimmy is unconventional too but at the other side of the law and what follows is the nail-biting adventure. - Summary by Yoganandh T

"“Who is he?” I asked.“The worst man in London,” Holmes answered, as he sat down and stretched his legs before the fire." And so begins this Sherlock Holmes adventure with the most morally corrupt and vile man in London. A man whom Sherlock must accept into his home and treat with professional courtesy despite intense personal disgust and animosity. What power does this man hold over Holmes and the other people he forces into terrible situations? - Summary by phil c

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas follows Edmond Dantès, a young sailor falsely imprisoned for treason. After 14 years in the Château d'If, he escapes and discovers a vast treasure on the island of Monte Cristo. Disguised as the Count, he returns to Paris to exact revenge on those who betrayed him—Danglars, Fernand, Villefort, and Caderousse. As he punishes the guilty, Dantès also rewards those who remained loyal. Through justice, mercy, and transformation, he learns that vengeance alone cannot bring peace, and he ultimately finds redemption and hope.

Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson is a thrilling adventure novel about young Jim Hawkins who discovers a pirate’s treasure map. He joins a voyage to the mysterious island aboard the Hispaniola, led by the cunning Long John Silver, who secretly plans a mutiny. As danger and betrayal unfold, Jim shows courage, outwits the pirates, and ultimately helps secure the treasure. Themes of loyalty, bravery, and the lure of riches drive the story. Packed with suspense and action, Treasure Island captures the essence of classic pirate tales and remains a beloved work of adventure fiction for all...

The American Rivals of Sherlock Holmes is a collection showcasing clever U.S. detectives who mirror Sherlock Holmes' brilliance. Though not written by Mark Twain, it features stories by various authors from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These detectives solve crimes with wit, logic, and unique American flair, offering an alternative to Holmes’ British methods. Full of charm, humor, and suspense, the anthology highlights how American authors contributed to the detective fiction genre, proving Holmes wasn’t alone in his intellectual mastery across the Atlantic. Summary by John ...

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain is a classic tale set in the American South, following the mischievous and imaginative Tom Sawyer. Alongside his best friend, Huckleberry Finn, Tom embarks on thrilling adventures—witnessing a murder, searching for hidden treasure, and getting lost in a cave. Through playful pranks, daring escapades, and heartfelt moments, Tom navigates childhood with wit and charm. Twain’s novel captures the spirit of youth, the beauty of Mississippi River life, and the timeless struggle between freedom and responsibility. It remains a beloved piece of American ...

Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë is a haunting tale of love, revenge, and the supernatural, set on the bleak Yorkshire moors. The story follows the intense and tragic romance between Heathcliff, a brooding orphan, and Catherine Earnshaw, whose choices set off a chain of suffering across generations. Their obsessive bond defies social norms and even death itself. Narrated through multiple perspectives, the novel explores themes of passion, cruelty, and the destructive power of unresolved emotions. With its dark atmosphere and unforgettable characters, Wuthering Heights remains a powerful and ...

Published by Beaver Publishing Company, Toronto, and subtitled "Full and authentic account of the murder by Henry Wainwright of his mistress, Harriet Lane, and an extended account of the Whitechapel murders by the infamous Jack the Ripper."

Love animal rescues, dogs. lambs, miniature horses, miniature donkeys, pet emus, and more? How about Punxsutawney Phil and Groundhog Day? If so, then this is the book for you. Highland Ranch was our decade-long adventure playing with lambs, rescuing miniature donkeys and horses, raising rare sheep for petting zoos, operating an organic orchard and garden, along with caring for our many, many dogs.

Dumas's 'Celebrated Crimes' was not written for children. The novelist has spared no language--has minced no words--to describe the violent scenes of a violent time.In some instances facts appear distorted out of their true perspective, and in others the author makes unwarranted charges. The careful, mature reader, for whom the books are intended, will recognize, and allow for, this fact. Summary from publishers note.

Follow the Manchester Evening News 'special correspondent' and his guide - recently back from a 'seven stretch' - as they take you on a tour through the dimly lit quarters of late 19th-century criminal Manchester.- Summary by Phil Benson

When financial executive Bob Vanags takes a job at ominous Turaida Bank in Latvia, he hopes to learn of his heritage and to fight economic fraud in Eastern Europe. Instead, Bob finds himself pulled into a world of political intrigue, blackmail, and murder. Aided by his son David, his beautiful colleague Agnese, and a fearless Latvian journalist named Santa Ezeriņa, Bob begins to unravel his employer’s darkest secrets, discovering their sins and conspiracies beyond his wildest fears. Secrets that Turaida wants to keep hidden, even at the cost of Bob’s life.