Drums at Cullen

'Science is all about the factors which make the improbable occur, the particularities. You see, the earth here is rich with a particular strain of mineral which is excellent at preservation. And the wood of those sticks you hold are cut from Acer Henryi, a particular tree known to create a particular resonance when hit upon a particular drum in a particular fashion. The human nervous system – even if impaired – is known to react to its vibrations. Not always, but it is known. If this is done at a particular time on a particular night when the weather and the polarity and the moon are all in their own particular... ah!' He fell silent, a white puff of air left him as he held his breath, listening.

I have a new ghost story, ‘Drums at Cullen’, in The Longest Night: Five Curious Tales. You can buy a copy here.