Ghost of a Smile

First edition. 8vo. 288pp. Grey, faux marbled paper boards; black endpapers. B/w illustrations by Takatsugu Torii. Dustjacket cover art of "Hell Courtesan" (Jigoku dayu) by Kyosai Kawanabe (1831–89).

Inspired by Japanese tales collected by folklorist Lafcadio Hearn, this collection of eight short stories, three of novella length, and set in modern-day Tokyo, contains some of the best variations of the classic ghost, werewolf, and vampire tales. "[T]he old, familiar ghost stories with an added kick, an extra shot of 21st century attitude and pizzazz." –Cedric Yamanaka, Hawaii Herald