The Amethyst Cross by Mary Fitt

World-renowned cartoonist Seth returns with three new ghost stories for 2024.

When Margaret finds a cottage to rent in the moorlands for her visiting Aunt Dorothea, she pays no mind to its rumored dark history. But when Dorothea goes missing only days after her arrival, a haunting tale of greed and murder soon comes to light.

Mary Fitt (1897-1959) was the pseudonym of Kathleen Freeman, a British classical scholar and prolific writer of mysteries and short stories.

Praise for Christmas Ghost Stories

"[This] series of Christmas ghost stories, miniature books chosen and illustrated by the cartoonist Seth ... [offers] chills-and charm."
-John Williams, New York Times Book Review

"Did you know there is an old tradition of telling ghost stories on Christmas Eve? For the past several years Canadian publisher Biblioasis has revived the tradition, one thin, tiny book at a time (illustrated by minimalistic, idiosyncratic cartoonist Seth). They've revived ghosts by Edith Wharton, Charles Dickens and others ... What is, after all, 'A Christmas Carol' but a ghost story, handed down, every holiday?"
-Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune

"I just bought my set of these and they ... are ... PERFECT. I hope they do these every year."
-Patton Oswalt

"Awesome pocket editions of forgotten horror stories, or mystery stories, from the past, in this perfect set . . . This 'Ghost Story for Christmas' series is some of the most delightful reading that I do all year."
-Christopher Hamelin, So Many Damn Books Podcast

"A perfectly sized collectible with Seth's signature illustrations throughout, this latest edition would make for a fine stocking stuffer. Just don't wait until Christmas morning to open it."
-Literary Review of Canada

"This year marks the 10th anniversary of Seth's Christmas Ghost Stories-a delightful series of compact little booklets illustrated by the Canadian cartoonist [Seth] . . . start a new/old Christmas tradition even more terrifying than fruit cake."
-Ron Charles, Washington Post Book Club newsletter

"For the 10th anniversary of the series, award-winning Guelph comics artist Seth has chosen three more vintage short tales . . . to decorate in his bold, evocative style, making these macabre madeleines the perfect stocking stuffers."
-Doug Brod, Toronto Star

"These slim books are tame compared to much contemporary horror . . . But there's power in that restraint. More goosebump-raising, less gag-inducing, the tales prioritize chilling atmospheres and psychological tension . . . With vivid prose and menacing illustrations, each story can add a delightful tinge of darkness to any booklover's stocking."
-Alexander Sallas, Literary Review of Canada's Bookworm

"Internationally celebrated Guelph cartoonist Seth dug deep into his archive of ghost stories to resurrect a Victorian tradition of reading one on Christmas Eve."
-Deb Dundas, Toronto Star

"It's become a favorite December tradition for me-reviewing the new set of Seth's Christmas Ghost Stories as delivered to my stocking each year by the fine folks at Biblioasis. This year's package contains tales of dread that will raise goosebumps on your arms faster than the coldest winter wind . . . These stocking-sized one-sit reads really are a great way to spend those quiet moments when you can find them among the holiday craziness."
-Blu Gilliand, Cemetery Dance

"This year's additions include The Amethyst Cross by Mary Fitt, Laurence Whistler's Captain Dalgety Returns and L.P. Hartley's Podolo . . . all featuring handsome and slightly creepy illustrations by Seth. They're the perfect size and length to read while cozied up next to the tree or under your blanket with a flashlight."
-Winnipeg Free Press

"[If] you are looking to add a little old world charm to your winter celebrations, this book series just may be for you. This year's batch in particular offers up some fantastic reads, accompanied once again by stark and unsettling (in the best way) illustrations by accomplished illustrator Seth."
-Lindsey Childs, Prairie Fire

"Illustrator Seth returns for the tenth year with a new batch of ghost stories originally written and published for the Christmas season . . . each story printed as a pocket-sized book taking about a half hour to hour to read, focusing on eerie and macabre (but never gory) tales of misadventure with bad spirits."
-Tom Bowden, Book Beat

"This year marks the 10th anniversary of these beautifully designed pocket-sized books that revive the Victorian tradition of sharing spooky tales on Christmas Eve . . . As someone who has collected these books for years, it's exciting to get three more of these pocket-sized treasures."
-Mark Frauenfelder, Boing Boing