The Haunting Scent of Poppies

By: Victoria Williamson

Narrated by: Frits Zernike

A spine-chilling winter ghost story set in the months after the Great War. Perfect for lovers of MR James and Susan Hill.

The War is over, but for petty criminal Charlie his darkest days are only just beginning. Charlie Briggs is never off-duty, even when a botched job means he's forced to lay low in a sleepy Hampshire town for the holiday season. Always searching for his next unwitting victim, or a shiny trinket he can pilfer, he can't believe his luck when he happens upon a rare book so valuable it will set him up for life. All he needs to do is sit tight until Boxing Day. But there's a desperate story that bleeds beyond the pages; something far more dangerous than London's mobsters is lurking in the shadows.

Could the book be cursed? Why is he haunted by the horrors of war? Can he put things right before he's suffocated by his own greed?

©2023 Victoria Williamson (P)2024 Victoria Williamson

i like the narrator's tone of voice that goes perfectly with this book.

Too short. The haunting Poppies could have been a bit longer. But overall, it is excellent.

Absolutely loved it

Loved the storyline and the characters. The story was told very well, and I highly recommend it. I'm looking forward to reading Eerie Exhibits.

Poetic Vintage Atmosphere

A morality horror tale with a charming victorian feel. The plot is a nice balance of surreal and vintage. This is comfort food with a soothing old world feel and harnessing well worn tropes for a familiar but effective vibe; not unlike Charles Dickens with a stronger sense of dread and some weird imagery. The tang of mustard... the great war references were visceral and a highlight. The narrator does well with this tone having a slight polite accent. It's a novella length presentation that doesn't overstay.

Nice short story

Really enjoyed this haunting story about a mysterious rare book. Very well written. Grabbed my attention from the start. The narration was excellent as well.

A lot of haunting fun

The Haunting Scent of Poppies has an excellent narrator, an engaging story, and plenty of twists to keep you listening until the end. I highly recommend it.