Having read Mark’s novels, Perilaus II and Con, I was keen to see what this collection might have to offer. I was not disappointed. The variety is wide-ranging from the darkest and most murderous to the lightest and most laugh-out-loud humour. I read this under a hot sun in Greece, but could feel the damp, chill, windy, autumn and winter weather of the Peak District through Mark’s vivid descriptions.

He is careful to avoid personal comment on the underlying superstitions, occult, and religious beliefs that undoubtedly inform the majority of these often ancient tales. There are some stories here that, in common with most folklore and local reports, seem to defy any attempt at a rational cause or source. But, of course, when the true nature of imagination, the known disparities of accounts from various ‘witnesses’ of events, and the simple fact that there may be influences and even genetic memories of which we currently have no proper understanding are all taken into account, I think we can more readily discount the actual existence of ghosts, headless horse riders, and other spectral beings.

But whatever the true cause of events ‘witnessed’ by individuals and even groups, the retelling of such tales is an essential and inescapable part of our cultural heritage. We have, after all, been telling such stories from our earliest days sitting around the protective fire in the mouth of the cave, as unknown fierce beasts roamed and threatened our very existence.

Here, Mark has done the job of retelling so well that readers will be delighted, shocked, frightened and amused in equal measure.

The bibliography is extensive and illustrates the author’s deep level of research into the tales recounted.

And I urge you to read the appendices, where you’ll find more examples of these fascinating stories our history, environment, and culture have given us.

[Any review is a personal opinion. No reviewer can represent the view of anyone else. The best we can manage is an honest reaction to any given book.]

The Book will be launched on 22nd October, when there is also a presentation on YouTube, which you can enjoy live from 14:00 BST.