This anthology presents a collection of supernatural encounters where the boundary between the living and the dead is violently or subtly breached. The stories follow various protagonists who find themselves confronted by malevolent spirits, haunted architecture, or inexplicable phenomena that defy rational explanation. Each narrative operates within the constraints of the classic ghost story, utilizing atmosphere, isolation, and the slow erosion of reality to build tension. The collection employs a variety of perspectives, ranging from first-person accounts of terror to third-person observations of domestic hauntings.

This anthology is regarded as a significant entry in the long-running Fontana series, which served as a staple for horror enthusiasts during the late twentieth century. The collection draws praise for its curation, balancing well-known authors like Walter de la Mare and Marjorie Bowen with emerging voices of the period. Readers often highlight the variety of tone, noting that the stories shift effectively between gothic melancholy and modern, visceral terror. The inclusion of diverse settings ensures that the collection maintains a consistent level of engagement throughout its duration. The work remains a notable example of the mid-century British horror anthology tradition.