If you are a lover of ghost stories, then you would certainly want to add Susan Hill's 1983 novel The Woman in Black to your reading list, assuming you have not already read this exceedingly well-written work.

Rather unusually for me, I watched the 2012 supernatural horror film of the same name before reading Hill's book. I have often found that books do not translate well to film, often leaving one rather disappointed. Often, though, this is due to poor handling of the adaptation to film by screenwriters, producers and directors. It is refreshing, therefore, to acknowledge that for me (at least) this second film rendering of Hill's book was exceptionally well crafted, adding substantially to the story. I will not speak more of film adaptations of the book here, except to state that the 2012 film, produced by Hammer Film Productions and others and starring Danielle Radcliffe in a first-rate performance, was marvellously atmospheric and full of nerve-tingling moments; indeed, several cuts from the original film were made and it still attracted a 12A certification!

I read the Vintage (Penguin Random House) 2016 reissued edition of Hill's book, with striking cover artwork by Jamie Clarke. At 200 pages, the book can be read in a day or two if you maintain focus and are left undisturbed. Do not let the compactness of this book deceive you, however, as it contains much! Hill's mastery of language conjures evocative images of the times, and takes the reader hand-in-hand with Arthur Kipps on an enthralling journey that builds to a crescendo at Eel Marsh House near the Edwardian English village of Crythin Gifford, and beyond.

A resounding thumbs-up, then, from me for The Woman in Black, a classic English ghost story!