Tales of Terror and Mystery by Arthur Conan Doyle

“Tales of Terror and Mystery”

is a collection of short stories by Arthur Conan Doyle, published in 1922. The stories are a departure from Conan Doyle’s usual detective fiction, instead focusing on horror and supernatural elements.

The collection includes twelve stories, each with its own unique and chilling premise. One of the most notable stories in the collection is “The Leather Funnel,” which tells the story of a man who discovers a strange leather funnel in an antique shop. The funnel has the power to transport its user through time and space, but its use comes at a great cost.

Another standout story in the collection is “The New Catacomb,” in which a man explores the Paris catacombs and discovers a mysterious underground city populated by the undead. The story is a masterful blend of horror and suspense, and it highlights Conan Doyle’s skill at creating vivid and chilling atmospheres.

Other stories in the collection include “The Terror of Blue John Gap,” in which a group of miners discover a terrifying creature deep within a cave system, and “The Horror of the Heights,” in which a pilot encounters bizarre and dangerous creatures while flying at high altitudes.

What sets “Tales of Terror and Mystery” apart from other horror collections is Conan Doyle’s emphasis on rationality and logic. Despite the supernatural elements in the stories, there is always a logical explanation for the events that occur. This approach to horror was a departure from the popular horror stories of the time, which often relied on purely supernatural elements.

Conan Doyle’s emphasis on rationality and logic can be seen in the character of Professor Challenger, who appears in several of the stories in the collection. Challenger is a brilliant scientist who approaches the supernatural with a scientific and analytical mind. His presence in the stories adds an element of intellectual curiosity to the horror and mystery.

Another notable aspect of the collection is its exploration of the human psyche. Many of the stories focus on the psychological and emotional effects of fear and horror. “Lot No. 249,” for example, tells the story of a college student who uses an ancient Egyptian mummy to exact revenge on his enemies. The story is a chilling exploration of the destructive power of jealousy and hatred.

Overall, “Tales of Terror and Mystery” is a masterful collection of horror and mystery stories. Conan Doyle’s emphasis on rationality and logic sets the collection apart from other horror works of the time, and his exploration of the human psyche adds depth and complexity to the stories. The collection is a must-read for fans of horror and mystery fiction, and it showcases Conan Doyle’s skill as a storyteller outside of the Sherlock Holmes canon.