“Her Face” by Ramsey Campbell
The Mammoth Book of Halloween Stories (2018) edited by Stephen Jones
Readers unfamiliar with The Mammoth Book of Halloween Stories may prefer to read these notes only after reading the anthology.
Joe becomes obsessed with masks in the window of his local shop after the owner's death. Joe's troubles intensify when he gets a part-time job there after school
Setting: A corner shop and the surrounding streets, likely contemporary.
Characters: Joe, a teenage boy; June Dillard, the shop owner; Mrs. Dillard, June's deceased mother.
Halloween seen as: A time when the boundary between the living and the dead blurs, with a focus on grief and loss.
Style: Psychological horror, with a focus on the uncanny and the power of suggestion.
Point of view: Third person, limited to Joe's perspective.
Jay
The Mammoth book of Halloween stories edited by Stephen Jones?
I think it's worth borrowing from a library to read the stories, many of which are very good. The Campbell story and the Lansdale story called "The Folding Man" are superb. Unless you can find it at a discount, it is an expensive book though -- depending on what your book budget is. I got by with a free ebook. Best of luck to you.
Hi Jay, wondering if you thought this tome is a worthy purchase? I have always liked Ramsey’s stories as I think he brings something refreshing to the uncanny tale genre. Just wondering if there is enough quality in the other stories to warrant a purchase and I usually coincide with your fancies. Thanks again.