On an Odd Note

On an Odd Note is a 1958 collection of thirteen short stories by Gerald Kersh, published by Ballantine Books and later reissued by Valancourt Books in 2015. The stories span multiple genres and were originally published in various magazines between 1939 and 1957, including Esquire, The Saturday Evening Post, and The Strand. The collection features tales of crime, fantasy, and horror, some published under Kersh's pseudonym Waldo Keller. Each story presents unique characters and scenarios, from criminals and monsters to peculiar objects and supernatural encounters. The narratives blend elements of the fantastic with precise detail and Kersh's distinctive writing style. Critics note that while the genre mix is eclectic, the author's strong personality and vivid prose unite the collection into a cohesive work. This anthology stands as an exploration of human nature's darker aspects and the intersection between ordinary life and extraordinary circumstances. The stories examine themes of identity, perception, and the thin line between reality and the supernatural.

Limited reader reviews exist online for this lesser-known Kersh short story collection. The few available reviews focus on its bizarre tales and dark humor. Readers highlight: - Unique blend of horror and absurdist comedy - Memorable characters in peculiar situations - Story "The Brighton Monster" receives specific praise - Creative plot twists that subvert expectations Common criticisms: - Uneven quality between stories - Some plots feel rushed or underdeveloped - Obscure references that may confuse modern readers Review Sources: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (6 ratings, 2 reviews) Amazon: No current listings or reviews ISFDB: No reader reviews Notable reader quote: "Kersh writes about the strange and macabre with a matter-of-fact style that makes the stories more unsettling." - Goodreads user The book's rarity means few comprehensive reviews exist online, with most discussion appearing in forums about vintage weird fiction.

Dangerous Visions edited by Harlan Ellison The groundbreaking anthology combines dark themes and genre-bending tales with precise prose and unconventional narratives that cross boundaries between crime, horror, and speculative fiction.

The Dark Descent edited by David G. Hartwell This collection brings together stories that blend psychological horror with everyday settings, creating the same unsettling mix of mundane and supernatural found in Kersh's work.

Night Shift by Stephen King King's first short story collection presents tales of ordinary people confronting extraordinary circumstances, mixing crime, horror, and supernatural elements in urban settings.

The October Country by Ray Bradbury Bradbury's collection explores the darker aspects of human nature through stories that merge fantasy and reality with detailed observations of character and setting.

London Particular by Iain Sinclair The book combines crime narratives with supernatural elements in a London setting, reflecting Kersh's interest in the intersection between the criminal underworld and inexplicable events.

★ Gerald Kersh wrote many of these stories while working as a nightclub bouncer in London, drawing inspiration from the eccentric characters he encountered. ★ The collection's title story, "On an Odd Note," was voted one of the best fantasy stories of 1944 by readers of Weird Tales magazine. ★ Kersh served in the Coldstream Guards during WWII and incorporated his wartime experiences into several stories in this collection. ★ During his career, Kersh wrote over 1,000 short stories, yet faced constant financial struggles despite his prolific output. ★ Many of these stories were originally published in prestigious magazines like The Saturday Evening Post and Esquire, though Kersh's work has since become largely overlooked in modern literary circles.