The shortlisted and winning entries in the 5th Crowvus Christmas Ghost Story Competition. 12 stories to share before the fireplace on a Christmas evening.

A cow is lowing in the byre and a misty shroud covers parts of the red dawn. They call to me to take note: this is the time of year when all bets are off - when the veil between worlds is sheer.

For those with a sense of it, these marvellous stories will sit well with you. They convey a real connection between worlds. They may bring you home with the conviction that there is more to this life than everything you can touch.

Five judges came to the conclusion that the ghostly tales printed here epitomise the belief that there is something else .

All the entries were read by two judges who sent twenty through to another two judges. Ten of those were chosen to be published and went to the final judge who chose the three winning entries.

Thanks and respect go to all who took part. It is a wonderful thing to be able to put thoughts into words. Congratulations to John and Simon who produced the three winning stories.

I hope all who sit down with this delightful book will be just a little bit haunted by it!