Mr. George and Other Odd Persons (1963) by August Derleth

Seventeen weird tales as by “Stephen Grendon”

Readers unfamiliar with Mr. George and Other Odd Persons may wish to read my notes only after reading the collection.

The tales in this book were written all in one month twenty years ago specifically to swell the log of Weird Tales.

Seventeen stories in a month, at the rate of one per night before bed? Circa 1944? That is the noteworthy story the introduction tells.

Derleth was obviously efficient and well-organized, and the stories collected in Mr. George and Other Odd Persons are mid-century fruits of that ethic.

“Mr. George” (1947)

She had evolved a plan for what must be Priscilla’s fatal accident. It was not original. She had observed that the child was in the habit of running along the upper hall and down the stairs, despite their steepness. It should be a very simple matter to fix a thin wire across the head of the stairs, half a foot or so from the floor; Priscilla could not possibly avoid tripping over it. The tumble down the stairs might not kill her, but the chances were good that it would….

Wealthy orphan plotted-against by guardians. Will a ghost provide deliverance?

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“Parrington's Pool” (1947)

Fly-fishing at a – perhaps – site of homicide. Derleth does well with the outdoor elements and the science of angling. The gruesome climax is well calculated, if expected.