The Survivor

A brilliant yet ruthless physician, James Marshall has earned renown for his efforts in fighting epidemics in every corner of the world, yet at home he is feared and despised by all, including his brother and sister, who have long been tormented by his diabolical perversity and sadistic cruelty. When he finally succumbs to the one outbreak he is unable to conquer, everyone is relieved to be rid of him. But when his niece Olive begins to exhibit strange mannerisms and behaviors reminiscent of her uncle, is it merely a peculiar way of grieving—or could the soul of the wicked dead man actually be trying to take possession of her body? As her family struggles to save her from a terrible fate, the chilling suspense builds towards a harrowing and unthinkable conclusion . . . 


Dennis Parry (1912-1955) was the author of ten critically acclaimed novels but fell into an undeserved obscurity after his untimely death in a car accident at age 42. His third novel, The Survivor (1940), a classic story of the supernatural, earned rave reviews from critics, who ranked it alongside Henry James’s The Turn of the Screw and the works of Algernon Blackwood. This first-ever republication of Parry’s novel features a new introduction by Mark Valentine.


“Mr. Parry brings it off brilliantly. It starts like a comedy, ends like a tragedy and runs like a nightmare from beginning to end.” – New York Times


“One of the few first-rate horror tales since The Hound of the Baskervilles was a pup.” – Newsweek


“Unconventional, witty, and well told, this strange and modern ghost story will appeal to those who like their literature on the different side.” – Philadelphia Inquirer


“One is carried along on a wave of admiring belief and enchantment to the last page . . . a fine piece of writing in a genre that requires unusual talent.” – New York Herald Tribune


“A strangely fascinating tale.” – Kirkus Reviews (starred review)


“For ghost stories, this one is tops.” – Detroit Free Press