This collection contains 11 short stories, some of which are quite long. As is often the case with short story collections - some stories are better than others. However I do often find that short stories written in the 19th century or early 20th century (not sure when these were actually written) are much more enjoyable than modern short stories. Characters are fully developed, their pasts and family antecedents fully explored. We have many rather duplicitous characters, moral lessons to be learned and spooky goings on, in particular in the Old Nurse's Story - a great one to huddle under the bed clothes with. I really enjoyed the title story and The Crooked Branch best. Overall though all the stories are a really good read. I have always liked Elizabeth Gaskell - and these stories were new ones for me. ( )