There's not enough information given to know exactly who Mr James is. He could be the author of the story, in which case he might be a writer known for his spooky tales. Or he could be a character within the story, perhaps the protagonist who experiences the Christmas - themed ghostly encounters.
His use of the unknown and the unexplained. He doesn't give away too much about the ghosts or the supernatural elements. This makes the readers' imagination run wild. In 'Oh, Whistle, and I'll Come to You, My Lad', we are left to wonder about the true nature of the entity that comes after the whistle is blown. There are many such instances in his stories that keep the readers on edge.
Another great story is 'The Mezzotint'. In this story, a mezzotint engraving reveals a strange and increasingly disturbing scene that unfolds in a haunted - like manner, which is quite characteristic of Mr James' Christmas Ghost Stories.
I'm not sure which specific 'Mr James' Christmas Ghost Story' you are referring to. There could be many stories with that title or similar. However, generally, in a Christmas ghost story, it might involve elements like a spooky apparition appearing during the Christmas season, perhaps to teach a moral lesson or to right some wrongs from the past. It could be set in an old English manor or a small village during Christmas time, with the cold and the festive atmosphere creating a contrast to the scary elements.
Well, 'Lost Hearts' is another great one. It has elements of the supernatural combined with a sense of loss and mystery. The idea of the two children's spirits seeking their lost hearts is both tragic and terrifying. Mr James creates a sense of unease throughout the story with his descriptions of the old house and the strange events taking place within it.
Mr James' ghost stories are some of the best in the genre. His use of atmosphere and slow - building suspense is masterful. For example, in 'Oh, Whistle, and I'll Come to You, My Lad', the desolate beach setting and the eerie whistle create a sense of dread that stays with the reader long after finishing the story.
Maybe he was just interested in the supernatural. Some people are really fascinated by ghosts and the unknown, and collecting ghost stories is a way to explore that world.