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    Scots selling counterfeit goods less likely to face prosecution as conviction rate plummets

    Scots selling counterfeit goods less likely to face prosecution as conviction rate plummets

    Librarian cuts at Glasgow schools will ‘rob kids of opportunities’ as SNP Government urged to intervene

    Librarian cuts at Glasgow schools will ‘rob kids of opportunities’ as SNP Government urged to intervene

    Nicola Sturgeon agrees to TV special as ex-SNP leader to be grilled on ‘striking revelations’ in new book

    Nicola Sturgeon agrees to TV special as ex-SNP leader to be grilled on ‘striking revelations’ in new book

    Donald Trump diary reveals exact time he will arrive in Scotland

    Donald Trump diary reveals exact time he will arrive in Scotland

    Scots ‘forced to wait years’ for hernia operations as NHS struggles to meet demand

    Scots ‘forced to wait years’ for hernia operations as NHS struggles to meet demand

    System must work to protect public as report finds chances missed with Southport killer

    System must work to protect public as report finds chances missed with Southport killer

    NHS in Scotland ‘stuck in analogue age’ as health boards shell out millions on pagers

    NHS in Scotland ‘stuck in analogue age’ as health boards shell out millions on pagers

    Scottish Labour MP to vote against welfare reforms despite Keir Starmer climbdown

    Scottish Labour MP to vote against welfare reforms despite Keir Starmer climbdown

    Buy British buses to save 400 Scottish jobs at Alexander Dennis, says MP

    Buy British buses to save 400 Scottish jobs at Alexander Dennis, says MP

    Scots fear crime is rising in their local area as SNP Government accused of ‘hollowing out’ police

    Scots fear crime is rising in their local area as SNP Government accused of ‘hollowing out’ police

    Senior member of Anas Sarwar’s shadow cabinet ‘opposed’ to Labour welfare cuts bill

    Senior member of Anas Sarwar’s shadow cabinet ‘opposed’ to Labour welfare cuts bill

    How the Scottish MPs voted in the assisted dying debate

    How the Scottish MPs voted in the assisted dying debate

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      What is a virtual office and why you need one in Central London – Your Company Formations Ltd

      Inflation rises again to new 40-year high

      Inflation rises again to new 40-year high

      Bank of England hikes interest rates to 1.25%

      Bank of England hikes interest rates to 1.25%

      Hiring activity in Scotland slows amid steep decline in staff availability

      Hiring activity in Scotland slows amid steep decline in staff availability

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      Scottish retail footfall growth ‘worst in UK compared to pre-pandemic’

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      Lyall Cameron slammed for ‘disrespect’ as Rangers new boy comes under fire for Dundee ‘jibes’

      Lyall Cameron slammed for ‘disrespect’ as Rangers new boy comes under fire for Dundee ‘jibes’

      Celtic risk blowing £1.6m transfer windfall as defensive duo head out on loan – Parkhead news bulletin

      Celtic risk blowing £1.6m transfer windfall as defensive duo head out on loan – Parkhead news bulletin

      Prince William’s firm five-word statement to Chloe Kelly about Euros goal uncovered by lip reader

      Prince William’s firm five-word statement to Chloe Kelly about Euros goal uncovered by lip reader

      Kieran Tierney genius exposes ‘sloppy’ Ajax as Celtic earn rival acclaim despite Como Cup hammering

      Kieran Tierney genius exposes ‘sloppy’ Ajax as Celtic earn rival acclaim despite Como Cup hammering

      Andrej Bacanin makes Celtic transfer intentions clear amid Rangers claim as direct link with Lennon Miller emerges

      Andrej Bacanin makes Celtic transfer intentions clear amid Rangers claim as direct link with Lennon Miller emerges

      Rangers strongest XI for Panathinaikos as Thelo Aasgaard injury blow opens door for Euro history-maker

      Rangers strongest XI for Panathinaikos as Thelo Aasgaard injury blow opens door for Euro history-maker

      Celtic could ‘renew interest’ in Evan Ferguson as transfer hijack follows Yamada hint and Ambrosino U turn

      Celtic could ‘renew interest’ in Evan Ferguson as transfer hijack follows Yamada hint and Ambrosino U turn

      Exact cost of Rangers injury crisis revealed as payments to crocked stars double that of Celtic

      Exact cost of Rangers injury crisis revealed as payments to crocked stars double that of Celtic

      Conor Coady in Diogo Jota tribute as old Wolves pal celebrates an ‘incredible person’

      Conor Coady in Diogo Jota tribute as old Wolves pal celebrates an ‘incredible person’

      Brendan Rodgers described me as huge Celtic coup after 24 clubs wanted me – now I have retired aged just 28

      Brendan Rodgers described me as huge Celtic coup after 24 clubs wanted me – now I have retired aged just 28

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      Ange Postecoglou to LAFC has direct Celtic link as MLS heavy hitters plot ambitious manager move

      The Rangers transfers Russell Martin needs revealed as AEK set Dessers deadline and Shankland a no-brainer

      The Rangers transfers Russell Martin needs revealed as AEK set Dessers deadline and Shankland a no-brainer

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        Tech fans rush to buy £30 Acer Chromebook tablet that is ‘perfect for work and play’

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        Apple fans rush to buy MacBook for only £99 after 54% price slash

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        Lego Game Boy unveiled with pre-orders now live – but some point out ‘disappointing’ flaw

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        Panasonic dishes out £100 takeaway vouchers and 15% off ‘first class’ OLED TVs

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        ‘Classy’ smartwatch that ‘performs as well as expensive brands’ now £50 in Amazon Prime deal

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        Nicotine pouches packaged like kid’s sweets sold in Glasgow shop

        Tesco recalls popular beauty and skincare product over nasty infection risk

        Tesco recalls popular beauty and skincare product over nasty infection risk

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        ‘I used old-fashioned method to lose 4stone after microwave incident’

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        Donald Trump medical condition diagnosed as US President suffers swollen legs

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        Clinical microbiologist issues warning over hidden ‘droppings’ in bed sheets

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        Sainsbury’s ‘gorgeous’ £25 jacket shoppers say is ‘good for all weather’

        Sainsbury’s ‘gorgeous’ £25 jacket shoppers say is ‘good for all weather’

        Tesco shoppers ‘run’ to stores for ‘gorgeous’ £29.50 cardigan

        Tesco shoppers ‘run’ to stores for ‘gorgeous’ £29.50 cardigan

        Former DWP employee urges all parents to claim Child Benefit to boost State Pension payments

        Former DWP employee urges all parents to claim Child Benefit to boost State Pension payments

        DWP boss defends welfare reform changes after PIP plans put on hold

        DWP boss defends welfare reform changes after PIP plans put on hold

        People on highest PIP could see payments rise to nearly £800 each month from next April

        People on highest PIP could see payments rise to nearly £800 each month from next April

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        Of the 67 paramedics trained in Wales this year, only 20 have been given jobs

        Of the 67 paramedics trained in Wales this year, only 20 have been given jobs

        Schoolgirl achieved something incredible and made everyone proud

        Schoolgirl achieved something incredible and made everyone proud

        Fury as Welsh Government rejects recommended 4.8% pay rise for teachers

        Fury as Welsh Government rejects recommended 4.8% pay rise for teachers

        Vocational skills to be offered at new secondary school in Swansea

        Vocational skills to be offered at new secondary school in Swansea

        Lecturer struck off after falling asleep, playing on his phone and describing students as ‘d*** heads’

        Lecturer struck off after falling asleep, playing on his phone and describing students as ‘d*** heads’

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        Scots selling counterfeit goods less likely to face prosecution as conviction rate plummets

        Scots selling counterfeit goods less likely to face prosecution as conviction rate plummets

        Librarian cuts at Glasgow schools will ‘rob kids of opportunities’ as SNP Government urged to intervene

        Librarian cuts at Glasgow schools will ‘rob kids of opportunities’ as SNP Government urged to intervene

        Nicola Sturgeon agrees to TV special as ex-SNP leader to be grilled on ‘striking revelations’ in new book

        Nicola Sturgeon agrees to TV special as ex-SNP leader to be grilled on ‘striking revelations’ in new book

        Donald Trump diary reveals exact time he will arrive in Scotland

        Donald Trump diary reveals exact time he will arrive in Scotland

        Scots ‘forced to wait years’ for hernia operations as NHS struggles to meet demand

        Scots ‘forced to wait years’ for hernia operations as NHS struggles to meet demand

        System must work to protect public as report finds chances missed with Southport killer

        System must work to protect public as report finds chances missed with Southport killer

        NHS in Scotland ‘stuck in analogue age’ as health boards shell out millions on pagers

        NHS in Scotland ‘stuck in analogue age’ as health boards shell out millions on pagers

        Scottish Labour MP to vote against welfare reforms despite Keir Starmer climbdown

        Scottish Labour MP to vote against welfare reforms despite Keir Starmer climbdown

        Buy British buses to save 400 Scottish jobs at Alexander Dennis, says MP

        Buy British buses to save 400 Scottish jobs at Alexander Dennis, says MP

        Scots fear crime is rising in their local area as SNP Government accused of ‘hollowing out’ police

        Scots fear crime is rising in their local area as SNP Government accused of ‘hollowing out’ police

        Senior member of Anas Sarwar’s shadow cabinet ‘opposed’ to Labour welfare cuts bill

        Senior member of Anas Sarwar’s shadow cabinet ‘opposed’ to Labour welfare cuts bill

        How the Scottish MPs voted in the assisted dying debate

        How the Scottish MPs voted in the assisted dying debate

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        • Business

          Salesforce boss Marc Benioff joins Weev.

          What is a virtual office and why you need one in Central London – Your Company Formations Ltd

          What is a virtual office and why you need one in Central London – Your Company Formations Ltd

          Inflation rises again to new 40-year high

          Inflation rises again to new 40-year high

          Bank of England hikes interest rates to 1.25%

          Bank of England hikes interest rates to 1.25%

          Hiring activity in Scotland slows amid steep decline in staff availability

          Hiring activity in Scotland slows amid steep decline in staff availability

          Scottish retail footfall growth ‘worst in UK compared to pre-pandemic’

          Scottish retail footfall growth ‘worst in UK compared to pre-pandemic’

        • Sports
          Lyall Cameron slammed for ‘disrespect’ as Rangers new boy comes under fire for Dundee ‘jibes’

          Lyall Cameron slammed for ‘disrespect’ as Rangers new boy comes under fire for Dundee ‘jibes’

          Celtic risk blowing £1.6m transfer windfall as defensive duo head out on loan – Parkhead news bulletin

          Celtic risk blowing £1.6m transfer windfall as defensive duo head out on loan – Parkhead news bulletin

          Prince William’s firm five-word statement to Chloe Kelly about Euros goal uncovered by lip reader

          Prince William’s firm five-word statement to Chloe Kelly about Euros goal uncovered by lip reader

          Kieran Tierney genius exposes ‘sloppy’ Ajax as Celtic earn rival acclaim despite Como Cup hammering

          Kieran Tierney genius exposes ‘sloppy’ Ajax as Celtic earn rival acclaim despite Como Cup hammering

          Andrej Bacanin makes Celtic transfer intentions clear amid Rangers claim as direct link with Lennon Miller emerges

          Andrej Bacanin makes Celtic transfer intentions clear amid Rangers claim as direct link with Lennon Miller emerges

          Rangers strongest XI for Panathinaikos as Thelo Aasgaard injury blow opens door for Euro history-maker

          Rangers strongest XI for Panathinaikos as Thelo Aasgaard injury blow opens door for Euro history-maker

          Celtic could ‘renew interest’ in Evan Ferguson as transfer hijack follows Yamada hint and Ambrosino U turn

          Celtic could ‘renew interest’ in Evan Ferguson as transfer hijack follows Yamada hint and Ambrosino U turn

          Exact cost of Rangers injury crisis revealed as payments to crocked stars double that of Celtic

          Exact cost of Rangers injury crisis revealed as payments to crocked stars double that of Celtic

          Conor Coady in Diogo Jota tribute as old Wolves pal celebrates an ‘incredible person’

          Conor Coady in Diogo Jota tribute as old Wolves pal celebrates an ‘incredible person’

          Brendan Rodgers described me as huge Celtic coup after 24 clubs wanted me – now I have retired aged just 28

          Brendan Rodgers described me as huge Celtic coup after 24 clubs wanted me – now I have retired aged just 28

          Ange Postecoglou to LAFC has direct Celtic link as MLS heavy hitters plot ambitious manager move

          Ange Postecoglou to LAFC has direct Celtic link as MLS heavy hitters plot ambitious manager move

          The Rangers transfers Russell Martin needs revealed as AEK set Dessers deadline and Shankland a no-brainer

          The Rangers transfers Russell Martin needs revealed as AEK set Dessers deadline and Shankland a no-brainer

          Trending Tags

          • Technology
            Tech fans rush to buy £30 Acer Chromebook tablet that is ‘perfect for work and play’

            Tech fans rush to buy £30 Acer Chromebook tablet that is ‘perfect for work and play’

            Apple fans rush to buy MacBook for only £99 after 54% price slash

            Apple fans rush to buy MacBook for only £99 after 54% price slash

            Lego Game Boy unveiled with pre-orders now live – but some point out ‘disappointing’ flaw

            Lego Game Boy unveiled with pre-orders now live – but some point out ‘disappointing’ flaw

            Panasonic dishes out £100 takeaway vouchers and 15% off ‘first class’ OLED TVs

            Panasonic dishes out £100 takeaway vouchers and 15% off ‘first class’ OLED TVs

            ‘Classy’ smartwatch that ‘performs as well as expensive brands’ now £50 in Amazon Prime deal

            ‘Classy’ smartwatch that ‘performs as well as expensive brands’ now £50 in Amazon Prime deal

          • Health
            Nicotine pouches packaged like kid’s sweets sold in Glasgow shop

            Nicotine pouches packaged like kid’s sweets sold in Glasgow shop

            Tesco recalls popular beauty and skincare product over nasty infection risk

            Tesco recalls popular beauty and skincare product over nasty infection risk

            ‘I used old-fashioned method to lose 4stone after microwave incident’

            ‘I used old-fashioned method to lose 4stone after microwave incident’

            Donald Trump medical condition diagnosed as US President suffers swollen legs

            Donald Trump medical condition diagnosed as US President suffers swollen legs

            Clinical microbiologist issues warning over hidden ‘droppings’ in bed sheets

            Clinical microbiologist issues warning over hidden ‘droppings’ in bed sheets

          • Entertainment
            Sainsbury’s ‘gorgeous’ £25 jacket shoppers say is ‘good for all weather’

            Sainsbury’s ‘gorgeous’ £25 jacket shoppers say is ‘good for all weather’

            Tesco shoppers ‘run’ to stores for ‘gorgeous’ £29.50 cardigan

            Tesco shoppers ‘run’ to stores for ‘gorgeous’ £29.50 cardigan

            Former DWP employee urges all parents to claim Child Benefit to boost State Pension payments

            Former DWP employee urges all parents to claim Child Benefit to boost State Pension payments

            DWP boss defends welfare reform changes after PIP plans put on hold

            DWP boss defends welfare reform changes after PIP plans put on hold

            People on highest PIP could see payments rise to nearly £800 each month from next April

            People on highest PIP could see payments rise to nearly £800 each month from next April

          • Life Style
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            Of the 67 paramedics trained in Wales this year, only 20 have been given jobs

            Of the 67 paramedics trained in Wales this year, only 20 have been given jobs

            Schoolgirl achieved something incredible and made everyone proud

            Schoolgirl achieved something incredible and made everyone proud

            Fury as Welsh Government rejects recommended 4.8% pay rise for teachers

            Fury as Welsh Government rejects recommended 4.8% pay rise for teachers

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            Vocational skills to be offered at new secondary school in Swansea

            Lecturer struck off after falling asleep, playing on his phone and describing students as ‘d*** heads’

            Lecturer struck off after falling asleep, playing on his phone and describing students as ‘d*** heads’

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          From a scream to a whisper – ‘quiet horror’ novels are making a comeback

          by BP Author
          October 29, 2024
          in World
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          Ever since its inception with Horace Walpole’s novel The Castle of Otranto (1764), a delirious mixture of violent death and familial conspiracy, gothic literature has been a restless cultural form, constantly mutating and assuming new guises but always exploring the darker side of life. Sometimes, its fashions are those of the historical moment. Sometimes they are initiated by a book enjoying unprecedented commercial success.

          One of these was Thomas Harris’s The Silence of the Lambs (1988). After the film adaptation scooped five Oscars in 1991, the deviant genius became the villain of choice for gothic films and novels. For a time, the violent merging of the crime thriller with the “body horror” of 1980s cinema ensured that the genre was dominated by such characters. Usually (though not always) men with high IQs, elevated artistic taste and ingenious ways of torturing and killing their fellow human beings, Hannibal Lecter and his ilk became modern icons.

          In the wake of such influences, crime novels (and films) got bloodier and horror novels grew longer. John Connolly’s first novel, EveryDeadThing (1999), for example, spent 470 pages documenting the murderous activities of a serial killer who mutilated his victims in the style of Renaissance anatomical drawings.

          In recent years however, there has been a reaction against these excesses. So-called “quiet horror” has become increasingly popular on both sides of the Atlantic. Perhaps taking its name from a 1965 collection of short stories by Stanley Ellin, which was literally called “quiet horror”, this is a genre that prizes suspense and subtlety over graphic bodily violence.

          The novelist Selena Chambers characterises quiet horror as exploring “the unexplained, the suppressed, the supernal [otherworldly], the material, the cosmic, and the secular … everything we cannot see, or verbalise and fail to feel concretely”. As she implies, suggestion is crucial.

          Readers need to be patient and imaginative, sensitive to the nuances and implications of language and willing to respond to spooky ambiguities rather than being startled by jump scares or “gross out” imagery.

          Slasher movies usually treat their characters as no more than fodder for the next brutal killing. Quiet horror, by contrast, takes character development far more seriously and imbues its stories with greater psychological depth. This in turn can enhance readers’ involvement. Put simply, those who dislike “splatter fiction” are more likely to care what happens to a well-rounded, sympathetic character than a stereotypical US teenager about to be put under a steam hammer.

          Women and quiet horror

          Female novelists have been at the forefront of this style of writing since the Victorian period. Elizabeth Gaskell’s tales, including The Old Nurse’s Story (1852), a chilling tale of a family curse, are foundational works.

          A long line of women writers have explored how the familiar, the domestic, the marital and the homely can be imbued with subtle terrors, from loneliness and isolation to paranoia, alienation, captivity and psychological trauma.

          Black and white photo of Elizabeth Gaskell in 1860.
          Elizabeth Gaskell in 1860.
          Wiki Commons

          The haunted house does not need to contain a typical ghost. From Elizabeth Bowen’s The Demon Lover (1945) to Shirley Jackson’s The Haunting of Hill House (1959), to Sarah Waters’ The Little Stranger (2009) and beyond, the complex and fraught relationships between a dwelling and its occupants have frequently engaged women writers’ imaginations.

          The continuing success of Susan Hill’s The Woman in Black (1983) in its literary, theatrical and cinematic incarnations has helped ensure that quiet horror, particularly tales which recall the golden age of the ghost story a century or so ago, are once again much in vogue. This can be seen in the bestselling novels of Michelle Paver, such as Dark Matter (2010) and in anthologies such as The Haunting Season (2021).

          At the same time, readers are increasingly rediscovering forgotten practitioners of the genre. One such figure is Elizabeth Walter (1927-2006). As a writer (and the editor of Collins Crime Club for 30 years from the mid-1960s) Walter recoiled from sadistic violence, cardboard characterisation and haphazard plotting.

          Black and white photo of Shirley Jackson

          Shirley Jackson was a master of ‘quiet horror’.
          Wiki Commons, CC BY

          After five collections of stories, beginning with Snowfall and Other Chilling Events (1965), she retired from writing supernatural fiction in the mid-1970s as the traits she didn’t like were becoming dominant within Anglo-American gothic. Many of her stories are set in the border country between England and Wales and draw upon folklore and a sensitivity to landscape to create creepily unnerving works such as The Sin Eater (1967) and Telling the Bees (1975).

          I edited a collection of Walter’s writing titled Let a Sleeping Witch Lie (2024). Spanning the ten years from Snowfall to her final collection, Dead Woman and Other Haunting Experiences (1975), the stories within anticipate some elements of Phil Rickman’s Merrily Watkins novels which also involve Welsh border settings, supernatural elements, and police procedural, though they lack Rickman’s religious dimension.

          There is no sense of providence at work in Walter’s borderlands, only ancient and mysterious menace. Marriages tend to be unhappy, families harbour terrible secrets, and the old ways continue to overshadow the present. Fifty years since her final collection, Walter’s work might be more relevant than ever before.

          Quiet horror has never really been away, but it seems to finding a new audience, one which both looks to its past and relishes its present.


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