World-renowned cartoonist Seth returns with three new ghost stories for 2021.

After attending a séance at an acquaintance’s home, a man receives an unexpected job offer from another guest: resident doctor at the prison he directs. But when a prisoner begs to have his cell moved, terrified of what’s behind the next door, the young doctor starts to question his luck.

Bernard Capes' profile page

Seth is the cartoonist behind the comic-book series Palookaville, which started in the stone age as a pamphlet and is now a semi-annual hardcover. His comics have appeared in the New York Times Magazine, Best American Comics, and McSweeney’s Quarterly. His illustrations have appeared in numerous publications including the cover of the New Yorker, The Walrus, and Canadian Notes & Queries. He is the subject of a recent documentary from the National Film Board of Canada, Seth’s Dominion. Seth lives in Guelph, Ontario, with his wife Tania and their two cats in an old house he has named “Inkwell’s End.”

Seth's profile page

Praise for Seth's Christmas Ghost Stories

“[This] series of Christmas ghost stories, miniature books chosen and illustrated by the cartoonist Seth … [offers] chills—and charm.”—John Williams, New York Times Book Review

“I just bought my set of these and they … are … PERFECT. I hope they do these every year.”—Patton Oswalt

"Each of these tiny books—20 volumes now—is cleverly illustrated by the cartoonist known as Seth. Even smaller than a Christmas card, they make fun literary stocking stuffers."—Ron Charles, Washington Post

"As good as the story selection is, the design of each book is the star. Seth’s evocative covers and black-and-white interior illustrations provide the perfect accompaniment to the stories. His clean style elicits a ton of atmosphere without being hyper-detailed. In his work I see the brilliant use of shadow a la’ Mike Mignola, combined with the dark whimsey of Tim Burton ... Highly recommended for the horror lovers looking for something special in this post-Halloween season."—Blu Gilliand, Cemetery Dance

"The Biblioasis editions are handsome objects with embossed covers, double-page spreads that act like a cinematic establishing shot, and the artist’s thematic spot illustrations ... The Seth editions are harbingers of a Christmas ghost story revival."—Nathalie Atkinson, Zoomer

"Seth’s illustrations help cement the feeling of 'something is very much wrong here' ... [T]hese books are a great addition to a holiday tradition, or, as any time of the year reading."—Lindsey Childs, Prairie Fire

"Seth’s design and illustrations are alone worth the price of admission, capturing and interpreting the mood of each story."—Tom Bowden, Book Beat

"Seth’s books—petite and illustrated with gorgeous minimalist designs—feel somehow like a more mature version of my childhood traditions. In reality, Seth’s Christmas Ghost Stories are a tradition everyone, young and old, can make a part of their holidays. With these beautifully illustrated books, it seems in this case one really can judge a book by its cover."—The Charlatan

“The great thing about each passing season is the chance to discover something new that may go on to become a new favourite. That old, and largely forgotten tradition of Christmas ghost stories is fertile ground for anyone digging for a spooky festive treat from a bygone time.”—Brian Earl, Christmas Past Podcast

“These books are just delightful ... and the illustrations are just—shall I say delightful again?”—Jack Ford, Total Christmas Podcast

“These are beautiful little books … [My family’s] been reading them at home, and we’ve actually put them away so we can re-read them on Christmas Eve.” —Matt Galloway, CBC’s Metro Morning

“For Seth, this is really a labour of love.” —Peter Robb, Ottawa Citizen