Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu's novella, 'Laura Silver Bell', is a classic example of the literary genre known as 'ghostly tales'. This work has often been regarded as a masterpiece in its genre due to its ability to evoke a sense of terror and suspense through its supernatural elements. Using a combination of vivid imagery and psychologically complex characters, Le Fanu creates an uncanny atmosphere which serves to heighten the horror of the narrative.