Edward Frederic Benson (1867-1940) was an English novelist, biographer, memoirist, archaeologist, and short story writer, best known for his evocative and beautifully narrated ghost stories.

The House with the Brick Kiln is one of E. F. Benson's most sinister ghost stories, and tells the tale of the manor of Trevor Major. The narrator and his friend, Jack Singleton, rent it for a month one summer for the excellent dry fly fishing available nearby. Initially they are charmed by the house and the ruined brick kiln nearby, as well as the intriguing watercolour paintings on the walls of one of the sitting rooms.

But they soon discover that the house harbours sinister secrets and before long terrifying events prompt them to flee the property forever.