A Fit of Shivers

Ten tales of tingling terror - well, some tingles and some terror. Most entail ghosts or their manifestations, with people driven mad or to their deaths. One, involving a friendly ghost-mouse, is sweet and funny; in another, a snide art critic grows antlers and dies of a hemorrhage. (A warning? Liked the book, honest). In one there are no real ghosts, just sibling rivalry extending into the next generation. All are propelled by Aiken's well honed writing and ability to ring imaginative changes on the bizarre and slightly nasty. The stories may read better separately than together, since some motifs recur (four begin with the purchase of a house); sometimes the point is only things that go bump in the night. Still, in most, ancient wrongs are righted or an emotional puzzle is solved for a satisfying resolution or expiation. In all: a slightly uneven but entertaining collection. (Kirkus Reviews)