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nonesensed's review
3.0
Sir Hugh Ockram lies dying with a smile on his lips. His son and niece watch over him, alongside ancient nurse Macdonald, who saw Sir Hugh's father into the world before him and now is ready to see him out of it. Sir Hugh holds a secret. This secret he will take this his grave, but his smile may just linger after he is gone.
The first two thirds of this story is what I like best about it. I think I should have enjoyed it even more if it had stopped there, or if no answer had been given when Sir Hugh's son goes through with his compulsion. I love how the people Sir Hugh have left behind can't stop smiling and can't stop thinking of his corpse! The secret remained wonderfully eerie and would have been clear enough through subtext without a reveal at the end. Old nurse Macdonald also had a wonderfully creepy air about her, even if she didn't seem to have ill intent herself. An interesting read, if you like classic ghost tales with a touch of the weird.
The first two thirds of this story is what I like best about it. I think I should have enjoyed it even more if it had stopped there, or if no answer had been given when Sir Hugh's son goes through with his compulsion. I love how the people Sir Hugh have left behind can't stop smiling and can't stop thinking of his corpse! The secret remained wonderfully eerie and would have been clear enough through subtext without a reveal at the end. Old nurse Macdonald also had a wonderfully creepy air about her, even if she didn't seem to have ill intent herself. An interesting read, if you like classic ghost tales with a touch of the weird.
ces's review
4.0
4.5 Stars
Listened as an audio presentation.
Maybe not such a twist today as I figured it out as I listened but I still enjoyed this.
Listened as an audio presentation.
Maybe not such a twist today as I figured it out as I listened but I still enjoyed this.
connieischill's review
Listened to the Dead Meat Podcast where Chelsea read this out! Really enjoyed listening to her narration, very creepy, although I did guess the twist almost immediately because F. Marion Crawford has never heard of small hints.
Quotes:
Can't remember specifics, but the descriptor of 'toad' was used a lot. Evelyn was also described as 'small' so often I'm convinced she was actually a child and everyone just ignored the blatant issues with that, alongside the.... well, you know if you've read/listened to it.
Quotes:
Can't remember specifics, but the descriptor of 'toad' was used a lot. Evelyn was also described as 'small' so often I'm convinced she was actually a child and everyone just ignored the blatant issues with that, alongside the.... well, you know if you've read/listened to it.
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