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The Mistletoe Bride and Other Haunting Tales Hardcover – 24 Oct. 2013

4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 788 ratings

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The perfect winter story collection from the No.1 bestselling author of LABYRINTH, SEPULCHRE and CITADEL.

A wonderfully atmospheric collection of stories from one of our most captivating writers, inspired by ghost stories, traditional folk tales and country legends from England and France. These tales are richly populated by spirits and ghosts seeking revenge; by grief-stricken women and haunted men coming to terms with their destiny - all rooted deep in the elemental landscapes of Sussex, Brittany and the Languedoc.

The collection includes The Mistletoe Bride, La Fille de Melisande, Red Letter Day, The Lending Library, The House on the Hill...

Kindle Storyteller Award 2024
Check out this year's winner: 'Stateside' by J.D KIRK. Read more

Product description

Review

These eerie tales are perfect for stormy winter darkness (Eithne Farry DAILY MAIL)

Kate Mosse is also a master of the short form ... Her ability to blur the lines between eras is so fluid its testament to her writing ... the ancient and modern ghostly tales of Mosse's anthology left us fearful, but fulfilled (
STYLIST)

With Halloween and ghostly stuff creeping up on us once more, it's the perfect time to dip into this captivating collection of short stories and illustrations, inspired by classic British and French folk tales. Lovely stuff. (
STAR magazine)

Perfect for reading while snuggled up against the winter weather (
CANDIS MAGAZINE)

This collection is captivating ... once again fans of Mosse are in for a treat (
IRISH EXAMINER)

Mosse's love of history and of ghosts and legends mix in her new collection of short stories ... Mosse creates beautiful scenarios (
SUNDAY EXPRESS)

an atmospheric collection of short stories from one of Britain's most captivating writers (Sheila O'Reilly, Dulwich Books
ABSOLUTELY (LONDON) MAGAZINE)

Full of vengeful spirits, grieving women and haunted men, these are atmospheric stories that will linger long in the memory. (
GLAMOUR)

Book Description

The perfect winter story collection from the No.1 bestselling author of LABYRINTH, SEPULCHRE and CITADEL.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Orion; First Edition, First Impression. (24 Oct. 2013)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 304 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1409148041
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1409148043
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 16.1 x 3.1 x 23.6 cm
  • Customer reviews:
    4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 788 ratings

About the author

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Kate Mosse
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Kate Mosse is a No 1 international bestselling novelist, playwright and non fiction writer, best known for her multi-million Languedoc Trilogy - Labyrinth, Sepulchre and Citadel - and for her Gothic Fiction, including The Winter Ghosts and The Taxidermist’s Daughter, which she is adapting for film & stage. Her new novel The Burning Chambers - publishing May 2018 - is the first in an epic historical adventure series. Non fiction titles include The House: Behind the Scenes at the Royal Opera House and Chichester Festival Theatre at Fifty. Kate hosts the pre/post show interview series at CFT in Sussex and at the National Theatre in London, she is on the Executive Committee of Women of the World, the Founder Director of the Women’s Prize for Fiction and Deputy Chair of the Royal National Theatre.

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
788 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book engaging and easy to read. They appreciate the well-researched stories and the author's notes on inspiration. The writing style is described as rich and imaginative, making it a quick and easy read. Many readers find the stories interesting and exciting, with some finding them haunting or exhilarating. Overall, the collection of short stories is described as delightful and well-researchedon.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

95 customers mention ‘Readability’85 positive10 negative

Customers enjoy reading the book. They find it thought-provoking and a good choice for dip-in and out reading. Readers appreciate the author's notes on inspiration. Overall, they find the tales exciting and spellbinding.

"...refined enough for my tastes whilst still being exciting and spellbinding...." Read more

"...These stories provide a good read for the weeks between Halloween and Christmas. 4.5." Read more

"...A great book to dip in and out of when you want a good short story. Would love to see more. Highly recommended" Read more

"...Apart from that story they were a mixed bag - some good, some not so good...." Read more

68 customers mention ‘Story quality’64 positive4 negative

Customers enjoy the stories. They find the stories well-written with an understanding of the area. The introductions to each story are appreciated. Readers appreciate the range of folklore-inspired stories and plays, from coming to terms with loss to spooky. The storytelling is beautiful and keeps their attention. The historical aspects are interesting.

"A wonderful range of folklore inspired stories and plays, from stories of coming to terms with loss to spooky sightings on the moor...." Read more

"...Many of the stories were also rooted in real life history, for example the story of the Cathars which Kate Mosse has used in the Winter Ghosts and..." Read more

"...I particularly liked the introduction to each story where Kate explains why and how the story came to be...." Read more

"...MISTLETOE BRIDE AND OTHER HAUNTING TALES is a fantastic collection of short stories by Kate Mosse...." Read more

28 customers mention ‘Writing style’25 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy the writing style. They find the stories atmospheric and easy to read, with explanations of why they were written. Readers appreciate the author's imaginative storytelling and the subtle twists on folklore.

"...chilling to be honest I would read more of her books as she does write a good story but given the choice of ghost story writers I prefer m r James..." Read more

"...The writing style is so different from her novels that I'd never have guessed she was the author had I not known...." Read more

"Quite a good read stories good well written" Read more

"...There is no doubt that she is a brilliant writer and even her short stories have well rounded characters, what's more she is very careful with her..." Read more

18 customers mention ‘Interest’15 positive3 negative

Customers find the book interesting, chilling, and exciting. They describe the stories as gripping and easy to read, with clever writing that keeps you hooked. The cover is also appreciated.

"...but it was definitely refined enough for my tastes whilst still being exciting and spellbinding...." Read more

"...There is no doubt that she is a brilliant writer and even her short stories have well rounded characters, what's more she is very careful with her..." Read more

"Proper ghost stories. No blood and gore, just genuine clever, atmospheric writing writing that keeps you thinking and wondering...." Read more

"Another exciting and haunting book by Kate Mosse. which I found very enjoyable. I have read all her books and cant wait for her next one." Read more

7 customers mention ‘Book collection’7 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book collection. They find it easy to read and a nice collection to dip into, especially on winter nights. Readers love Kate Mosse's books and consider this an excellent ghostly anthology.

"...But I found this a wonderful collection." Read more

"...little bitesize stories that are quick and easy to read - love all Kate Mosse books and this is no exception." Read more

"A superb collection of stores, thoroughly enjoyable." Read more

"A great collection..." Read more

7 customers mention ‘Research quality’7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's research quality. They find the topics well-researched and written with care. The book is easy to read yet still contains a lot of detail. Readers also appreciate the added notes on sources or inspiration behind the stories. Overall, the book provides depth and understanding, making it an enjoyable read.

"...stories have well rounded characters, what's more she is very careful with her research." Read more

"...this author and this book and her other books well written and researched once you start reading the time goes by so fast you won't be able to put..." Read more

"...'s books and this one is written with the same care and research as her longer books." Read more

"...Also interesting were the added notes on sources of, or inspiration behind the stories." Read more

5 customers mention ‘Beauty’5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's beautiful imagery, cover, and descriptive stories set in beautiful locations.

"...Full of beautiful imagery as we have come to expect from this author, I can hardly think of a better book for those Autumn and Winter months." Read more

"...was my first sampling of Kate Mosse's writing style, the book is beautifully presented and certainly eloquently written...." Read more

"...It contains short, beautiful descriptive stories in beautiful locations and with rich visionary...." Read more

"Haunting and beautiful." Read more

41 customers mention ‘Ghost story’28 positive13 negative

Customers have different views on the ghost stories. Some find them haunting, spooky, and spine-tingling at times, while others find them not really scary at all, weird, or tired. The book has a slightly darker and mysterious tone, but overall it's not too scary.

"This is a great collection of ghostly tales, each of which has their origin in folk legends or is inspired by Kate Mosse’s own experiences, set..." Read more

"...Nothing gorey or horrific, the book is filled with winsome characters and haunted houses…buildings that hold secrets, and spirits that connect with..." Read more

"...The Mistletoe Bride was very sad and I loved the fact it was narrated by a ghost. I thought The Drowned Village was very creepy and unsettling...." Read more

"...The tales here are haunting but they are not overly scary. They don't need to be...." Read more

Not what it says…
2 out of 5 stars
Not what it says…
I got this for £1 from a charity shop after reading one of Kate’s other books (Ghost Ship). I’m approaching the end (reading one per day in the lead up to Halloween), but hardly any of them I’d consider “haunted” and a few have been truly awful, with quite a few typos in the hardback version. I’ve just finished Kate’s newest book, Map of Bones, which is so much better, although still with flaws.
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Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 7 November 2014
    A wonderful range of folklore inspired stories and plays, from stories of coming to terms with loss to spooky sightings on the moor. Just a couple of these had me quivering on my seat! However, I really admire Mosse's skill in creating a hair-raising story that is not so frightening as to scare the reader away or haunt you for days on end! Not being a massive fan of spooky stories, I was initially sceptical about the extent to which I'd like the book, but it was definitely refined enough for my tastes whilst still being exciting and spellbinding. Full of beautiful imagery as we have come to expect from this author, I can hardly think of a better book for those Autumn and Winter months.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 23 November 2014
    This is a great collection of ghostly tales, each of which has their origin in folk legends or is inspired by Kate Mosse’s own experiences, set mainly in either the English countryside or in France. The anthology comprises 14 stories and a short screenplay, each one accompanied by a short explanation as to Kate’s inspiration for the story. As with any collection, the reader will have a preference for some stories over others, and I found that I much preferred the English stories to the French ones. I found two of the French tales very macabre and did not like these much at all; The Ship of the Dead and the Drowned Village and neither did I like Duet very much as I found it confusing and rather bizarre. On the other hand, my favourite was The Yellow Scarf; inspired by the same folk tale as the eponymous story, this worked really well for me as I could ground my belief in it. I loved The Revenant and its central theme of someone returning to set the story straight and get their own back. St Therese had faint similarities with both these stories involving women displaying assertiveness and strength after many years of subjugation, one from beyond the grave. I found myself cheering for both these oppressed women. Many of the stories were also rooted in real life history, for example the story of the Cathars which Kate Mosse has used in the Winter Ghosts and other books. Lastly, The Princess Alice, whilst enjoying the story for what it was, has helped me illuminate the past of one of my own ancestors who also grew up in Deptford in the Victorian era so I was delighted to find this in the collection. These stories provide a good read for the weeks between Halloween and Christmas. 4.5.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 April 2021
    A fabulous collection of haunting tales. Kate wrote interesting well rounded characters who were put into situations that were inspired by places Kate had visited, personal experiences, and even other old folk tales and stories. I particularly liked the introduction to each story where Kate explains why and how the story came to be. A great book to dip in and out of when you want a good short story. Would love to see more. Highly recommended
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 9 September 2014
    I don't usually go for books full of short stories, but I was interested in what spin Kate Mosse would put on the Mistletoe Bride story (as several houses in England and further afield claim to have the original chest and be the setting for the story). Apart from that story they were a mixed bag - some good, some not so good. I particularly found the last one difficult to read, as it was a play and written in dialogue.

    Not my favourite book by Miss Mosse but glad I read it.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 8 December 2013
    THE MISTLETOE BRIDE AND OTHER HAUNTING TALES is a fantastic collection of short stories by Kate Mosse. As her introduction states, some of the tales have been printed elsewhere previously, and at the end of each tale she provides an insight into her inspiration for the tales. She also tracks how these short tales show how she would later develop into the writer of books such as LABYRINTH. Now, before going further, perhaps a word of caution; if you come to THE MISTLETOE BRIDE expecting and hoping for horror tales with obvious chills, you will be disappointed. The tales here are haunting but they are not overly scary. They don't need to be. A tale which haunts the reader stays with them long after they have finished its pages, swirling around in your mind, pushing at your imagination.

    As with all collections of short stories, there are some which I preferred to others. My personal favourites were "The Mistletoe Bride", "The Drowned Village", "On Harting Hill" and "The Ship of the Dead". However, all tales have something different to offer and something pleasing to find within them.

    I would strongly recommend this book to others.
    26 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 20 April 2017
    Haunting, as in lingering like shadows when you’ve finished the book entirely, The Mistletoe Bride and Other Haunting Tales by Kate Mosse is a lovely read. Nothing gorey or horrific, the book is filled with winsome characters and haunted houses…buildings that hold secrets, and spirits that connect with the living. The author, who takes her inspiration for these stories from English and French legend and folklore, has also included notes on each story, and one play, which gives the reader some insight. A delightful collection to dip in and out of, especially on a winter night, with candles casting shadows and the wind tapping at your window…
  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 10 February 2014
    I really enjoyed this book. Purchased as the first title for my Kindle I decided to get something with short stories to get into how the Kindle works.

    Some were considerably longer than others, but I can safely say I enjoyed every single story from this collection and was often left thinking about the events told.
    I particularly liked reading the Author's notes to see where she got the inspiration from and how they relate to other myths or memories of her own experiences. I may have to look into some of the myths they stem from as they are so interesting.

    There is a strong theme of loss and grief, and a sense of people and historical events living on in the foundations of the place they belonged in. But despite this I wouldn't say it was a scary read, it's just some are slightly darker and more mysterious than others. However, if you enjoyed Mosse's other books I would reccomend this.
    3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • HoneyBadger
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful ghost stories ... any time of year!
    Reviewed in the United States on 23 March 2020
    A UK friend had given me the hardcover, signed by Mosse, when it first published. The stories are so good, so deliciously eerie, that I decided I needed the softcover for everyday carrying!
  • AvidJosh
    5.0 out of 5 stars Read it now
    Reviewed in Canada on 15 December 2018
    I love this author. Was surprised I missed this book until now. Very happy with it. 16 great stories.
  • Navin
    5.0 out of 5 stars Haunting sensation felt in a serene background....
    Reviewed in India on 8 October 2015
    What a book...!! What temperance of the author to bring ambiance & create a haunting sensation for the reader. Next Taxidermist's Daughter
  • patti
    5.0 out of 5 stars A recommended book
    Reviewed in Australia on 20 March 2015
    Hauntingly beautiful. .. well crafted writing. ..I must admit I am a big fan of Kate Mosse
  • Farida Mustafa
    4.0 out of 5 stars Nice
    Reviewed in India on 8 October 2019
    Nice short stories though some a just predictable and some repititive, but over all nice read to spend winter evenings.