Stories to be Read with the Lights On 1 [antikvár]

IntroductionGood morning.I say good morning instead of my customary good evening by way of warning. These stories should be read at night only if you are an incurable insomniac and cannot fall asleep any-way. Of course, if you work during the day then you have no choice, unless your employer is remarkably tolerant. In any event, you may read them whenever you can spare the time and yearn for relaxation.Correction. I do not wish to mislead you. The contents of this volume are hardly relaxing. Startling, horrifying perhaps, eertainly entertaining. I know because I am considered an expert. With a characteristic lack of modesty I have allowed myself to be billed as a Master of Suspense. The description is indeed accurate, and you must admit, fully justified.As with ail so-called experts my counsel is often solicited by interviewers seeking définitions. Just what is this business of suspense, they inquire. Well, years ago I consuhed one of those massive unabridged dictionaries one lifts only with the aid of a derrick. It defined suspense as uncertainty accompanied by appréhension.Fair enough. In my films I try to intensify this appréhension to a point where it becomes unbearable. That is the name of the game. And I believe the authors in this collection have achieved a similar resuit with notable success. All of them are practised craftsmen in this sinister profession and here is a heady sampling of their dark art.A word of caution. Before turning the next page, please check with your cardiologist. I accept no responsibility. The risk is yours. After all, you must like this sort of thing or you would not be here in the first place.