Hauntings; Supernatural Stories

Ostensibly about the same subject, these two collections are very different. Price's ten tales are all written by her, in a pleasing and accessible style. However, too many endings are predictable and, though characters and plots are entertaining, this is a flaw in stories of this type.

Mayne's collection is altogether more wide-ranging. Twenty-nine stories offer pre-twentieth-century literature and many contributions from other cultures. As a National Curriculum text, if nothing else, it represents the better deal.

Both collections are well worth owning, but if variety, value and unexpected twists are what you want, go for Mayne!