After Midnight: Thirteen Tales for the Dark Hours - Daphne Du Maurier

From Daphne du Maurier, a writer of fearless originality (The Guardian), comes a collection of her thirteen most mesmerizing tales--including iconic stories such as The Birds and Don't Look Now--with an introduction by Stephen King. nDaphne du Maurier is best known for Rebecca, one of the most influential novels of the 20th century (Sarah Waters) and basis for Alfred Hitchcock's iconic film adaptation. More than thirty-five years after her death, du Maurier is celebrated for her gothic genius and stunning psychological insight by authors such as Ottessa Moshfegh, Maggie O'Farrell, Lucy Foley, Gillian Flynn, Jennifer Egan, and countless others, including Stephen King and Joe Hill. n nAfter Midnight brings together some of du Maurier's darkest, most haunting stories, ranging from sophisticated literary thriller to twisted love story. Alongside classics such as The Birds and Don't Look Now,--both of which inspired unforgettable films--are gems such as Monte Verità, a masterpiece about obsession, mysticism, and tragic love, and The Alibi, a chilling tale of an ordinary man's descent into lies, manipulation, and sinister fantasies that edge dangerously close to reality. In The Blue Lenses, a woman recovering from eye surgery finds she now perceives those around her as having animal heads corresponding to their true natures. Not After Midnight follows a schoolteacher on holiday in Crete who finds a foreboding message from the chalet's previous occupant who drowned while swimming at night. In The Breakthrough, a scientist conducts experiments to harness the power of death, blurring the line between genius and madness. n nEach story in this collection exemplifies du Maurier's exquisite writing and singular insight into human frailty, jealousy, and the macabre. She makes worlds in which people and even houses are mysterious and mutable; haunted rooms in which disembodied spirits dance at absolute liberty (Olivia Laing, author of Crudo). Daphne du Maurier is mistress of the sleight of hand and slow-burning menace, often imitated and never, ever surpassed. n nStories include: n -The Blue Lenses n -Don't Look Now n -The Alibi n -The Apple Tree n -The Birds n -Monte Verita n -The Pool n -The Doll n -Ganymede n -Leading Lady n -Not After Midnight n -Split Second n -The Breakthroughn