Edith Wharton's "Mr. Jones" is a ghost story that's spooky, mysterious and perfect for Christmas. The story makes rich reading from a modern feminist perspective; though Wharton did not herself identify as a feminist, her work often discussed women's roles, and this story is no exception. We open with Lady Jane Lynke, who inherits an old country manor called The Bells and decides to move there, even though its owners haven't lived there for generations.

As she moves in and gets settled she becomes more and more aware of Mr. Jones, whom she is told is an elderly servant, too ill to meet her. In spite of this, there is something eerie or even malevolent about his presence. Lady Lynke and her writer friend, Stramer, take it upon themselves to investigate the mysteries about the house and Mr. Jones, and how they may be linked.

I can see how some readers could find the ending a bit abrupt or unsatisfying but it worked for me, especially if you want to feel a bit spooked coming out of reading a good ghost story.