Forget everything you think you know about ghost stories. Herbert Russell Wakefield’s collection, 'They Return at Evening,' isn't interested in crumbling ruins or foggy moors. Instead, he plants his horrors in the most unsettling soil of all: everyday life. The stories feature ordinary people—a man taking a walk, a couple moving into a new house, a group of friends on a country holiday—who stumble into pockets of pure, inexplicable dread. The ghosts here are often personal, vengeful, and tied to very modern settings, making their appearances feel all the more possible and violating.

Why You Should Read It

Wakefield is a genius of atmosphere. He builds tension so quietly you barely notice the room getting colder until it's too late. His characters are believably rational, which makes their eventual terror completely contagious. What I love most is his range. One story might be a classic, chilling revenge tale, while the next is a bizarre, almost surreal nightmare. He explores the idea that the past—especially a violent or traumatic past—is never really buried, and it can erupt into the present when you least expect it.

Final Verdict

This book is perfect for readers who find creeping dread scarier than gore, and who prefer a lingering unease to a simple shock. If you love the quiet horror of M.R. James but wish it sometimes wore a contemporary suit instead of an academic's robe, Wakefield is your author. It’s a must-read for any fan of classic supernatural fiction who wants stories that stick with you, making you glance twice at a shadow in your own hallway.