Kindle Unlimited
Unlimited reading. Over 4 million titles. Learn more
Read for Free
OR
Kindle Price: $1.99

Save $9.17 (82%)

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Read with our free app
You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions

Buy for others

Give as a gift or purchase for a team or group.
Learn more

Buying and sending eBooks to others

  1. Select quantity
  2. Buy and send eBooks
  3. Recipients can read on any device

These ebooks can only be redeemed by recipients in the US. Redemption links and eBooks cannot be resold.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Amazon book clubs early access
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Amazon book clubs early access

Join or create book clubs

Choose books together

Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Explore Amazon Book Clubs

Follow the author

David John Griffin
+ Follow
More books from this author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

The Unusual Possession of Alastair Stubb: A Gothic Tale Kindle Edition

by David John Griffin (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
3.9 3.9 out of 5 stars 28 ratings
See all formats and editions
It is the turn of the last century in the unusual village of Muchmarsh. Theodore Stubb is within the attic of his manor house, adding another specimen to his extensive collection of insects. As well as an entomologist, he is a master hypnotist.

Eleanor – taken from the sanatorium two months before – is still haunted, believing that her stillborn child Alastair lives and hides in the shadows. She becomes pregnant again by the hypnotic coercion and ravishment of her father-in-law Theodore.

The murder, mystery and intrigue which follow leave dreadful secrets to be uncovered; and thirteen years later, paranormal events causes the young Alastair to lose his identity…

A gothic terror heralds the climax of dream-like and hallucinatory events, secrets unfolding, both disturbing and astonishing.

"A beautifully described dark, Gothic tale..."

"Unpredicatable, creepy - and often very funny."

"Unusual and Gripping"
Read more Read less
Previous page
  1. Print length
    322 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  4. Publication date
    May 10, 2020
  5. File size
    3101 KB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  9. See all details
Next page
Add a debit or credit card to save time when you check out
Convenient and secure with 2 clicks. Add your card

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This plummy pastiche of traditional gothic fiction is chock-full of the set pieces that make such stories so delectably dark."  —Publishers Weekly, 7/4/2016

About the Author

David John Griffin is a writer, graphic designer and app designer.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B088GV59W5
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ (May 10, 2020)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 10, 2020
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3101 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 322 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    3.9 3.9 out of 5 stars 28 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
David John Griffin

David John Griffin

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

David John Griffin is a writer and graphic designer who lives with his wife Susan in Gravesend, Kent, UK.

His first novel, The Unusual Possession of Alastair Stubb (gothic/paranormal), was published in 2015 followed by the literary/psychological novel Infinite Rooms in 2016. His third book is a magical realism/paranormal novella with short stories called Two Dogs At The One Dog Inn And Other Stories (2017).

A science fiction time travel adventure called Abbie and the Portal was published in 2018, followed by Turquoise Traveller, a strange urban fantasy involving dreams in reality.

David's latest novel, When The Lover Lies (a psychological mystery), is currently represented by Exprimez Literary Agency. He is busy writing his seventh book, a psychological thriller.

David has stories published in at least eight anthologies/magazines, including The HG Wells Short Story competition 2012 anthology, Born of the Island and Other Stories anthology, Beyond Words magazine, Secret Attic anthology, The Reach magazine, and Stories for Homes book 2, amongst others.

Customer reviews

3.9 out of 5 stars
3.9 out of 5
28 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Kendra
4.0 out of 5 stars If you enjoy gothic tales, psychology and/or magical realism I’d recommend this novel.
Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2016
"The shuttered windows became blinkered, sorrowful eyes, the main canopy over its entrance a wet nose and the outer door that gaped open acquired two rows of fine, pointed teeth."

Ever since Eleanor and William lost their first child, who was to be named Alastair, Eleanor has longed for him. She calls his name, pretending he exists, and sees things which aren’t real. Or are they?

She becomes so disturbed by her visions that she ends up in a sanatorium, only being allowed out once she recants them. However, just because she’s recanted them doesn’t mean she doesn’t still see them. While Eleanor’s been away, William’s business has failed. He’s had to sell their house and move in with his aging, manipulative, insect-collecting father. Now that Eleanor’s returned, everyone must do their best to adapt to their changed family circumstances. The big question is, how they’ll manage to do so.

The Unusual Possession of Alastair Stubb is a magical realist story set in an alternate reality, nineteenth century English village. It’s told in two parts, with alternating third person viewpoints. As is usual with the genre, at times it’s hard to tell what’s really happening and what’s only in the minds of the characters. Griffin manages to separate them out nicely, thereby clarifying events for the reader, without becoming mired down in the details or losing the magical elements of the story.

Griffin’s prose is lucid and striking in this atmospheric, creepy and ultimately gothic tale dealing with issues of identity, disassociation, schizophrenia and ghosts. But although his novel’s themes may be heavy, Griffin underlies them with a sense of humour. One of my favourite things about this novel were the names of his characters. For example there is Dr. Snippet, the Reverend and Mrs. Musty, Mr. Fishcake and Mrs. Goodwithin, amongst others. His place names were equally clever and amusing, with The Bulldog Fish Tavern being easily my favourite.
3 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Miriam Smith
4.0 out of 5 stars A superbly crafted gothic tale!
Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2017
"The Unusual Possession of Alastair Stubb" written by the author of "Two Dogs at the One Dog Inn" is a very unusual read indeed, quirky, bizarre but also intriguing, entertaining and quite addictive!
This gothic tale set in the fictional village of Muchmarsh is so descriptively told, with some wonderfully unique characters all with such imaginative names e.g. Dr Snippet, Mr Nuckle, Colonel Midwitty, Mrs Musty and so on. This intriguing story is quite reminiscent of the works of Charles Dickens and could easily be compared with the classics of that time. I love this time period and feel very comfortable reading books set in this era. I believe the author has done a great job in creating the right atmosphere and authentic dialogue befitting the time.
Admittedly this book may not be to everyone's taste but if you enjoy quirky tales of secrets, murder, mystery and intrigue set in a gothic time period then it's definitely a one for you. Such a refreshing change to the many run of the mill mystery books.
I personally preferred the first half of the book but the second half set thirteen years later focuses on the 'possession' of Alastair and it's here that this rich story fully comes together.
All in all it's a fun read, at times creepy and surreal but highly enjoyable and I would happily recommend this book and the author David John Griffin.
On an extra note the book also has a fabulous design, I spent a long time studying the interesting gloss printed insects on the front cover - it really created the perfect ambience for the story.
Helpful
 Report
Jeanne Bufkin
3.0 out of 5 stars Interesting Read!
Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2016
**I received this through Netgalley in exchange for an Honest review**

I picked this book up on the suggestion of NetGalley and the publisher and I wasn't sure what to expect. The book is broken into two parts, and I'll admit, I enjoyed the second half much more than the first.

While the entire book is written in beautiful imagery and the prose lends itself to the readers imagination beautifully. I had no trouble picturing the characters throughout the entire book, and I really enjoyed how even the secondary characters were completely filled in with no large holes. The use of bugs and insects throughout the book tied both halves together in a most interesting way, and Queenie/Eleanor's character fascinated me.

Theodore's character disgusted me, but I'm pretty sure that was the entire point. The way he manipulated not only his son and daughter-in-law, but also his household staff was like a trainwreck I couldn't look away from.

I will say that my guess is the reason I liked the second half of this book better is that it gave closure of some sort to the actions in the first half. In it's weird "where are they now" way of completing the story, it gave itself to introducing plot twists that I had NOT seem coming.

I definitely liked this book and gave it a solid 3-3.5 rating. While it's not for everyone, I'm glad I stuck it out and would recommend it to anyone looking for an interesting, albeit a little off-beat, mystery and suspense novel. I'll definitely be reading more from the author!
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report

Top reviews from other countries

Catherine Lawrence
5.0 out of 5 stars Spooky
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 5, 2023
Verified Purchase
This is the second book of David's that I have read and thoroughly enjoyed it, had me gripped from the beginning and couldn't put it down, from the Sanitorium at the beginning to the experiments on the insects in the attic and the weird characters along the way reminds me of the unsavoury characters in a Dickens novel, and the policeman a bit like Dixon of Dock Green (some of you may remember the TV series). Funny in places with the two village idiots, creepy and gruesome, possession and the finale amazing. Photo I think before the cover was changed. I will be checking my pine wardrobe tonight for any death watch beetles that may decide to invade and listening for any scratching or buzzing before I go to sleep. Things that go bump in the night. Well done David, loved it⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Customer image
Catherine Lawrence
5.0 out of 5 stars Spooky
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 5, 2023
This is the second book of David's that I have read and thoroughly enjoyed it, had me gripped from the beginning and couldn't put it down, from the Sanitorium at the beginning to the experiments on the insects in the attic and the weird characters along the way reminds me of the unsavoury characters in a Dickens novel, and the policeman a bit like Dixon of Dock Green (some of you may remember the TV series). Funny in places with the two village idiots, creepy and gruesome, possession and the finale amazing. Photo I think before the cover was changed. I will be checking my pine wardrobe tonight for any death watch beetles that may decide to invade and listening for any scratching or buzzing before I go to sleep. Things that go bump in the night. Well done David, loved it⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Images in this review
Customer image
Customer image
Report
Mrs Average
4.0 out of 5 stars Unusual and Gripping
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 11, 2018
Verified Purchase
What a clever and slightly unnerving book... I didn't find it terrifying (which I'm glad about) but it is dark and brooding and some of the characters and situations are very uncomfortable. At the same time it isn't graphic or gruesome so it's an interesting story and powerful imagery that grips you. The book is in two halves, and the characters appear again, but the writing is clever and you don't immediately recognise them. There is a rising pace in the story and the increasing number of insects and increasing desperation of the main characters all build into a very tense finale. The book is well structured and you become immersed in this strange world - but I'm very glad it ended!
Report
Bilbob
3.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable Gothic melodrama
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 21, 2017
Verified Purchase
I enjoyed this book. The story is richly Gothic with gruesomely Dickensian characters inhabiting a village where obsessions and possessions abound. The plot is classically murderous and revengeful, with plenty of twists and a darkly ingenious comeuppance for the miscreants. Descriptions are rich but a little overwritten at times. Some more judicious use of the editor's pen would have come in handy to expel head-hopping, dialogue tags and hundreds of semi-colons.
One person found this helpful
 Report
The Islanders
5.0 out of 5 stars A beautifully described dark, Gothic tale...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 24, 2019
Verified Purchase
David is a master of description! An amazing setting of Chapter One shows a scene at the sanatorium, where two of the main characters are firmly planted in our mind by David's vivid description - the man and wife's goals entwined yet several obstacles could make them stray from their course - the opening certainly leaves you wanting to know more.

His use of names are beautifully descriptive and fitting for the dour yet eccentric characters (Mr. Fishcake, Badger, Nuckle, Pump) as are the place-names: Muchmarsh, Smudge, Grinding, StillStone, Snoringham and Thimriddy Fair. The description of Theodore Stubbs's collection of insects makes you feel as though they are in front of you, so complete is the imagery and this is the same throughout the whole book; it's like a beautiful painting that you can't stop peering at!

Most of the characters are objectionable people and there isn't one redeeming feature among them, so therefore, you don't particularly root for anyone to win their cause, but you sure as hell wonder 'who' will win, as each person is so intricately described.

I'm not going to give any plot spoilers away; this is the second time I've read it now, and I'm not disappointed, in fact, I see so much more now. As madness gives way to dark forces and mayhem, all the characters, be it through secrets, delusional thoughts or suspicion all affect one another, leaving one policeman to try and get to the bottom of what had transpired to make a young boy act as he does...and then there's the insects... it's Gothic at its best!
2 people found this helpful
 Report
Mr. R. A. Gregory
5.0 out of 5 stars Unpredicatable, creepy - and often very funny.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 17, 2017
Verified Purchase
This Gothic curiosity wriggles vividly in your mind's eye, unleashing a memorable torrent of eccentric characters on your senses. It begins with the protagonist's mother being released from psychiatric care after cunningly controlling her behaviour when the medical staff are present, and she is completely unaware that her husband's career and finances have taken a disasterous turn. The solution comes from her father, into whose manor they move, and a curious ambience develops, which can be pulled awry at any time by her father's (literally) mesmerising pocket watch and his devious skill with it. Theodore Stubb's superior hypnosis technique isn't only a party trick - a trick some guests prefer not to participate in - but it also sets in motion a disturbing chain of events that has unimaginable consequences.

Skilfully written and developed, this is not your average Gothic tale of possession - it is creepy, hilarious, tragic, and surreal in turn, and sometimes any combination of things. Refreshingly unpredictable, it is a throughly enjoyable read.
2 people found this helpful
 Report
Report an issue

Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report