A Book of Ghosts

"A Book of Ghosts" by S. Baring-Gould is a compilation of chilling ghost stories that transports readers to the spectral realms of early 20th-century England and France. The collection masterfully interweaves eerie encounters with cultural and historical elements, delivering tales of the supernatural through a range of characters and their haunted experiences. Early in the book, the narrator visits Orléans for a biography of Joan of Arc but unexpectedly meets Jean Bouchon, a waiter who insists on being paid for coffee. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Bouchon is a ghost who's haunted the local café following his death in 1869 after being fired for taking tips. This blend of historical backdrop, mysterious happenings, and spirited characters, sets the stage for a collection full of curiosity and spine-chilling thrills.