ALLINGHAM, Margery Louise (1904-1966). Crime novelist.
Autograph Letter Signed to [Robert Thurston] Hopkins (d. 1958, author), 3 pages 8vo, D'Arcy House, Tolleshunt D'Arcy, Maldon, Essex, 30 October 1952. Declining to write for a collection of ghost stories, suggesting that 'someone more serious and informed' would be a better choice, and telling Hopkins that he is better known than he thinks ('Neighbours are nothing to go by!').

'... I feel that a shady (forgive me) subject like ghosts should not be introduced by a writer on a downright disreputable subject like detective stories. It seems to me that ghosts should be believed to be enjoyed and Heaven knows no one believes a word I write - or I hope not! ... '

Hopkins was the author of Bedside Book of Ghosts (1950), World's Strangest Ghost Stories (1955), and Cavalcade of Ghosts amongst other books. He listed his recreation as 'ghost hunting' in his Who's Who entry.
[No: 8028]