The Duchess at Prayer

Description

World-renowned cartoonist Seth returns with three new ghost stories for 2026.Reading a ghost story on Christmas Eve was once as much a part of traditional Christmas celebrations as turkey, eggnog, and Santa Claus. World-famous cartoonist Seth selects and beautifully illustrates each book for this beloved series in his own inimitable way, bringing back these classic Christmas ghost stories for readers across North America.Neglected by her absent husband, the beautiful Duchess Violante turns to prayer, and, seemingly, the company of the dukes cousin. Suspicious of his wife, the duke returns unexpectedly one day and an argument breaks out which takes a dark turnand leaves the memory of that day immortalized in the haunting face of a stone statue.Praise for SethsChristmas Ghost Stories[This] series of Christmas ghost stories, miniature books chosen and illustrated by the cartoonist Seth . . . [offers] chillsand charm.John Williams,New York Times Book ReviewAn addicting revival of the Victorian-born tradition of reading scary stories at holidays.Chicago TribuneDid you know there is an old tradition of telling ghost stories on Christmas Eve? For the past several years Canadian publisher has revived the tradition, one thin, tiny book at a time (illustrated by minimalistic, idiosyncratic cartoonist Seth). Theyve revived ghosts by Edith Wharton, Charles Dickens and others . . . What is, after all, A Christmas Carol but a ghost story, handed down, every holiday?Christopher Borrelli,Chicago TribuneI just bought my set of these and they . . . are . . . PERFECT. I hope they do these every year.Patton OswaltEach of these tiny books . . . is cleverly illustrated by the cartoonist known as Seth. Even smaller than a Christmas card, they make fun literary stocking stuffers.Ron Charles,Washington PostTales of dread that will raise goosebumps on your arms faster than the coldest winter wind . . . These stocking-sized one-sit reads really are a great way to spend those quiet moments when you can find them among the holiday craziness.Blu Gilliand,Cemetery DanceEach story, from cover to inside decorations (Seths term for what the rest of us might call illustrations), sets the scene and mood, while never giving anything away: Theyre the creaky door that invites you inside, the things bumped into in the night.Tom Bowden,Book Beat