Let's talk about a book that's been gathering dust for over a century but still feels surprisingly fresh. Julian Hawthorne's The Laughing Mill, and Other Stories is a collection of tales from the shadowy edge of the 19th century, where the supernatural brushes up against everyday life.

The Story

The book is a mix of stories, but the one that gives it its name is the standout. A man named Oliver comes into possession of a watermill that hasn't operated in decades. The reason? A terrible accident, or maybe something worse, that left the mill 'cursed.' The villagers avoid it, speaking of a ghostly, laughing sound that echoes from its walls. Oliver, a practical man of his time, scoffs at the superstition and sets out to restore the mill to working order. But as he digs deeper, the mill seems to resist. Machinery fails mysteriously, strange sounds increase at night, and Oliver starts to feel a presence that watches him. The story becomes a battle of wills between a man trying to impose order and a place that refuses to let go of its chaotic, tragic past.

Why You Should Read It

What grabbed me wasn't just the spooky stuff—it's Hawthorne's focus on psychology. The real horror often lives in the characters' minds. Is the mill truly haunted, or is Oliver's own ambition and guilt manifesting in the silence of the woods? Hawthorne leaves room for you to wonder. He writes with a clear, descriptive style that paints a vivid picture of these isolated settings—the damp mill, a lonely manor house, a quiet studio. You can feel the chill and the solitude. It's also fascinating to see the son of the great Nathaniel Hawthorne working in a similar gothic vein but with his own voice, less allegorical and more focused on these eerie, personal encounters with the unknown.

Final Verdict

This book is a hidden gem for readers who love classic ghost stories but want something a bit off the beaten path. If you enjoy the moody atmosphere of M.R. James or the quiet unease in some of Edith Wharton's ghost stories, you'll find a lot to love here. It's also perfect for anyone curious about literary history and seeing how a famous father's legacy played out in his son's work. Don't expect fast-paced action; instead, settle in for a slow-burn, atmospheric read that builds a wonderfully creepy vibe. It's the kind of book that makes you glance over your shoulder on a quiet evening.