The Winter Spirits

Ghostly Tales for Frosty Nights

By: Bridget Collins, Imogen Hermes Gowar, Natasha Pulley, Jess Kidd, Andrew Michael Hurley, Elizabeth Macneal, Laura Purcell, Kiran Millwood Hargrave, Stuart Turton, Catriona Ward, Laura Shepherd-Robinson, Susan Stokes-Chapman

Narrated by: Mark Bonnar, Rona Morison, Sian Clifford, Tim McInnerny

FROM THE CREATORS OF THE HAUNTING SEASON COMES A DAZZLING COLLECTION OF NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN GHOSTLY TALES.

Featuring new and original stories from:

Bridget Collins, author of The Binding

Imogen Hermes Gowar, author of The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock

Kiran Millwood Hargrave, author of The Mercies

Andrew Michael Hurley, author of The Loney

Jess Kidd, author of Things in Jars

Natasha Pulley, author of The Watchmaker of Filigree Street

Elizabeth Macneal, author of The Doll Factory

Laura Purcell, author of The Silent Companions

Susan Stokes-Chapman, author of Pandora

Laura Shepherd-Robinson, author of The Square of Sevens

Stuart Turton, author of The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle

Catriona Ward, author of The Last House on Needless Street

The tradition of a haunted tale at Christmas has flourished across the centuries. These twelve stories - authored by some of today's most loved and lauded writers of historical and gothic fiction - are all centred around Christmas or Advent, boldly and playfully re-imagining a beloved tradition for a modern audience.

Taking you from a haunted Tuscan villa to a remote Scottish island with a dark secret,, these vibrant haunted stories are your ultimate companion for frosty nights.

So curl up, light a candle, and fall under the spell of winters past...

©2023 Bridget Collins, Imogen Hermes Gowar, Natasha Pulley, Jess Kidd, Andrew Michael Hurley, Elizabeth Macneal, Laura Purcell, Kiran Millwood Hargrave, Stuart Turton, Catriona Ward, Laura Shepherd-Robinson, Susan Stokes-Chapman (P)2023 Hachette Audio UK

Critic reviews

'I absolutely devoured The Winter Spirits. Every story is a gem' LAURA SHEPPERSON

'Another dazzling collection. Chilling, moving and incredibly satisfying' AMANDA MASON

'Eerily macabre, hauntingly propulsive' JOANNE BURN

Fantastic spooky Gothic Christmas tales

Great spooky Gothic Christmas vibes. The stories went together well. Enjoyed reading some of my favorite authors and looking forward to checking out more from the authors I haven't read before. Worth the purchase price, worth revisiting sometime.

Dark and Chilling Christmas Ghosts Stories

This collection of ghost stories set at Christmas is must read and spine-chilling. Each tale exudes a haunting atmosphere, especially for fans of classic horror. The dark moods throughout gives a sense of cold and despair, leaving you with an eerie feeling that lingers long after reading. The overall tone of the stories is perfectly suited for the coldest, darkest nights, making this a must-read for those who enjoy chilling, atmospheric tales.

Not for the holidays.

I expected more carefully written, thoughtful holiday ghost stories. These are disturbing gross tales that happen to occur in the Christmas season. No redemption, no lessons, no love, just macabre. I could not even finish it. Wish I could get a refund of my credit. Would recommend for the Halloween season, but not Christmas.

Spooky Christmas

Good collection of Christmasy stories. Some were a bit hard to follow but others were downright amazing.

Haunted by winter

There’s something deeply satisfying about a collection of ghost stories that feels intentionally cold — and this one delivers. Each tale in The Winter Spirits is steeped in frost, shadow, and quiet dread, the kind that settles in slowly and lingers long after you’ve finished listening or reading.

What I loved most is the consistency: every story stands on its own, yet none feel out of place. Each one carries its own brand of wintry fright — subtle, eerie, and unsettling rather than loud or gimmicky.

My favorite tales were a chilling mash-up of:
• “The Old Play” – A haunting rooted in tradition and memory, where the past refuses to stay buried. This story leans heavily on atmosphere and the unsettling idea that some performances are never truly over.
• “Master of the House” – A slow, creeping psychological ghost story centered on power, control, and the lingering presence of those who once ruled a space. Quietly disturbing in the best way.
• “Windows Walk” – The most classically spooky of the bunch. Isolation, watching eyes, and the terrifying notion that something is closer than it should be. This one genuinely gave me chills.

Together, these stories capture everything I want from winter horror: ghostly, restrained, and deeply atmospheric.

I’d absolutely recommend this collection if you’re feeling a little Scrooge-like, craving something darker for the season, or just want to lean into the cold and let it seep into your bones. It’s eerie, entertaining, and perfectly suited for frosty nights when the world feels a bit too quiet.