The narrative follows a man who, after achieving wealth from humble beginnings, becomes the owner of Goresthorpe Grange, a grand but ghostless mansion. He is deeply interested in the supernatural and longs for a ghost to inhabit his home, believing it to be a necessary element of its character. His obsession with acquiring a ghost leads him to consult his wife’s cousin, Jack Brocket, who claims he can procure one. Brocket's search for a ghost leads him to a dubious character named Mr. Abrahams, a self-proclaimed ghost dealer. Abrahams arrives at the Grange, full of eccentricity and confidence, claiming he can summon spirits. He prepares for a séance, instructing the protagonist to drink a potion called the essence of Lucoptolycus, which he claims will allow them to see the spirits. As the séance begins, the protagonist experiences a series of bizarre and terrifying apparitions, each presenting themselves with unique characteristics and demands. The first is an intangible entity that claims to be an "invisible nonentity," followed by a grotesque old woman, a noble cavalier, a ghastly creature, and a beautiful but tragic young woman. Each ghost offers to haunt the Grange, but the protagonist is horrified by their appearances and the nature of their proposals. In a moment of weakness, he chooses the beautiful young woman, but as he steps outside the protective circle drawn by Abrahams, he is abruptly awakened from his trance. He finds himself on the floor, realizing that he has been robbed during the séance. The ghost dealer has vanished, taking with him the valuable silver plate that was to be the pride of his estate. The protagonist reflects on the events, concluding that Abrahams was likely a burglar rather than a genuine ghost conjurer. He learns that the potion he consumed was actually a strong sedative, leading to his hallucinations. The experience ultimately cures him of his obsession with the supernatural, and he resigns himself to a more mundane existence, leaving behind the dreams of ghosts and grandeur.
By Sir Arthur Conan Doyle · First published 1926 · Genre: Fantasy, Humor, Gothic Fiction