Suspense Stories

Frank R. Stockton (1834–1902)

Frank R. Stockton was an American writer best known for his whimsical and satirical short stories. His works often contained elements of fantasy, humour, and social critique.

Notable Works:

• “The Lady, or the Tiger?” (1882) – His most famous short story, which leaves readers with an open-ended question about fate and human nature.
• “The Bee-Man of Orn” (1887) – A fantasy tale about transformation and self-discovery.
• “The Griffin and the Minor Canon” (1885) – A moral fable about friendship and kindness.

Charles W. Chesnutt (1858–1932)

Charles Waddell Chesnutt was an African American author, lawyer, and activist known for his works that explored race, identity, and social justice in post-Civil War America. He was one of the first Black writers to gain mainstream literary recognition in the U.S.

Notable Works:

• The Conjure Woman (1899) – A collection of short stories blending folklore and social critique, featuring tales narrated by an ex-slave.
• The Wife of His Youth and Other Stories of the Color Line (1899) – Stories addressing issues of racial identity and passing.
• The Marrow of Tradition (1901) – A powerful novel inspired by the Wilmington Massacre of 1898, tackling racial violence and injustice.

John Collier (1901–1980)

John Collier was a British writer and screenwriter known for his darkly humorous and often macabre short stories. His work is often compared to Edgar Allan Poe and Roald Dahl.

Notable Works:

• “Evening Primrose” (1940) – A haunting story about people who live secretly in a department store.
• “Thus I Refute Beelzy” (1940s) – A chilling tale of a child’s imaginary friend who may not be so imaginary.
• Fancies and Goodnights (1951) – A collection of eerie and ironic short stories that won the International Fantasy Award.