Ruskin Bond - The Laughing Skull

Perfect for readers, who:
• Are curious about gentle supernatural and ghostly tales set in Indian hill-stations
• Enjoy a mix of humour and mild suspense rather than full-on horror
• Appreciate short-story collections where the familiar comfort of the author’s style meets a twist of the uncanny

Why You’ll Love It:
✅ Ruskin Bond’s trademark warmth meets mischievous spirits — ghost stories with a wink rather than a scream. 
✅ A collection of short stories (including the title tale “The Laughing Skull”) makes it perfect for episodic reading or stocking on a kids’ bookshelf. 
✅ Evocative settings in the Himalayan foothills, mysterious houses and odd encounters make the ordinary feel magical and just a little spooky. 

Also consider the below aspects before you select:
❌ The spooky element is quite mild — if you expect full-blown horror or jump scares, this might feel more nostalgic than terror-filled. 
❌ The Indian hill-station and local ghost/folk culture references (jinns, prets, old British bungalow settings) may need a little explanation for non-Indian or younger readers. 

Verdict:
A cozy, slightly eerie collection of tales that lift off from the ordinary into the ghostly fringes of childhood wonder — perfect for young readers ready to dip their toes into the supernatural through Ruskin Bond’s gentle, atmospheric lens.