As I'm currently reading "Great Expectations", one of Dickens' most famous works, I decided to take a look at one of his short stories, postponing my plans to read "A Christmas Carol" and instead focusing on this less popular story. I like Dickens' writing style a lot, but as I have to admit, it was somehow awkwardly applied here. Not only was the outcome of the story very predictable, but also did Dickens fail to raise the reader's interest for his protagonist's fate.

My servant's back was towards that door. While I was speaking to him, I saw it open, and a man look in, who very earnestly and mysteriously beckoned to me. [...]
The figure, having beckoned, drew back, and closed the door. With no longer pause than was made by my crossing the bedroom, I opened the dressing-room door, and looked in. [...]

So, we read what the protagonist experiences, but how does he feel about it? I'd rather read about whether or not the character is frightened or afraid or curious about the new developments instead of merely reading what happens. Maybe it was my fault, because I do enjoy Dickens' writing style in general, but I wasn't able to get into this story. ( )

I read this in a compilation.

Now this is a creepy little tale, I will never be able to serve jury duty the same again without looking around. I loved it. I think I considered this more a psychological thing than others have. ( )

A banker is disturbed by visions of a murdered man and his killer. Then he is called for jury duty. ( )

A banker is disturbed by visions of a murdered man and his killer. Then he is called for jury duty. ( )

A banker is disturbed by visions of a murdered man and his killer. Then he is called for jury duty. ( )