Grant, Helen - Atmospheric Disturbances
Nicely chosen group of Grant’s supernatural stories, leaning toward the unexplained.
“Mrs. Velderkraust’s Lease” opens and provides one of the darkest tales in this. The house is goodly sized, and the rate more than reasonable. One stipulation, that the house be vacated for two days in December, is irksome. No excuses, no exceptions. She agrees, since December is months away. Time creeps ahead, however, as the weather gets colder.
Simon is a cautious opportunist. A thief, to be blunt. Scours the obituaries for estates, empty manors, than has a look-see before the arrival of agents or relatives. “50” is the vintage year of the dust covered bottle. 1950? 1850? Earlier? How would it taste? Curiosity can be so cruel.
She spots the private investigator straight away. Young, inexperienced, careless. Mélisande invites him into her apartment, permits him to search thoroughly. As she insists, her husband abandoned her. “Friday” is a satisfying read for those caught in an unhappy union.
An enchanting smile and a sheer garment that reveals hidden mysteries underneath. Nick, new homeowner, is agog. To the point he begins traipsing after her the lissom creature, even into what he soon realizes is “The Lost Maze.” Another of the darker tales, and, for asthmatic readers, you will enjoy an open car journey in bitter winter more than this. Not so? You’ll see.