Carole's Sunday Review: Short stories

Author: Robert Louis Stevenson

Title: Markheim

Genre: Short Stories, Classic, and Horror

Pages: 48

First Published: 1885

Where I Got It: On my shelf (Been on my shelf so long - its collected dust...I can't remember)

At Christmastime, Markheim, the protagonist, comes to a dealer’s shop, pretending that he is looking for a present for a lady. His real plan, however, is to murder the dealer so he can steal his merchandise and money. 

A horror story set during Christmas time? Yes! Perfect for everyone. 

Now, this short story was not to horror-y. It was much more thought-provoking and creepy. Markheim is not a nice man, but he is very charming and handsome, but he gets a true glimpse at his soul through a mirror that the dealer shares with him. 

At first I was very confused by what was going on and why Markheim decides to kill the dealer, but it all made sense after the introduction of the "devil".

This was good overall. I stamp this with 4 stars.

Author: Robert Louis Stevenson

Title: The Body Snatcher

Genre: Short Stories, Classic, and Horror

Pages: 22

First Published: 1884

Where I Got It: On my shelf (Been on my shelf so long - its collected dust...I can't remember)

A young man studying medicine in Edinburgh is asked by his professor to be responsible for receiving the cadavers to be dissected by the school's students. Though he knows many are stolen from graves, he keeps his silence. Then one night he recognizes one of the cadavers as the victim of murder. Instead of turning in the culprit, he allows himself to be drawn deeper into the gruesome intrigue. But justice has the last laugh when the evidence of the man's crimes -- evidence he thought long since dissected and disposed of -- mysteriously resurfaces to his everlasting horror.

Now...now this was creepy and horrifying! At first I was okay with the story. Kinda grossed out with these fellas and then it quickly and suddenly turned scary! I wanted more...I wanted to story to continue. I really feel that the author could have done more with the story. Maybe I am just being spoiled? But the story was good and the concept was intriguing. 

There is for sure a lesson to be learned with this story....leave dead bodies alone dammit. Bad things happen

This was very good and I recommend it if you are looking for a quick, creepy, horrifying, Halloween read. I stamp this with 5 stars.