The Talisman(1999) is a tale of possession.
When a family moves into their new home, they
take little notice of a statue that proves to be the
focus for a supernatural entity that eventually be-
gins to manipulate their thoughts and influence
their actions. A Shadow on the Wall(2000) de-
scribes the aftermath of an exorcism, which unfor-
tunately leaves the possessing spirit disembodied
and very angry. A Garden Lost in Time(2004) is an-
other complex ghost story.
Aycliffe writes almost exclusively in the Gothic
tradition. There is more insinuation and suggestion
than overt horror in his novels, which rely heavily
on atmosphere, setting, and the psychological states
of his characters. His fiction is largely in the tradi-
tion of M. R. JAMESand other early British horror
writers, and his novels seduce readers gradually
rather than grab them from the opening page. A
short story, “Reiver’s Lament” (1995), is also quite
notable.Aycliffe, Jonathan 13