On an Odd Note

The discovery of
piles of bones seeming to belong to a previously unknown species of
monster will help to unfold a macabre and grisly tale. – A lady is found
dead in her bed, the apparent victim of a murder the coroner proves
could not possibly have occurred. – A merman found by fishermen off the
coast of Brighton in 1745 will reveal the truth behind one of the most
terrible events of the 20th century. – A desperate man makes an
ill-advised bargain with a man in black – An extraordinarily horrible
dummy exercises a frightful control over his terrified ventriloquist – A
condemned murderer lives again through the eyes of an innocent child . .
.
These are the plots of just a few of the brilliant tales you
will find in this volume as you enter the bizarre world of master
storyteller Gerald Kersh. With a focus on Kersh's science fiction,
fantasy, and horror stories, On an Odd Note (1958) contains thirteen of his best.
CONTENTSSeed of Destruction 11
Frozen Beauty 19
Reflections in a Tablespoon 25
The Crewel Needle 39
The Sympathetic Souse 49
The Queen of Pig Island 57
Prophet Without Honor 71
The Beggars' Stone 89
The Brighton Monster 97
The Extraordinarily Horrible· Dummy 115
Fantasy of a Hunted Man 121
The Gentleman All in Black 127
The Eye 133