Most ghost stories (and people) assume that, if ghosts are real, they are the spirits of the dead. Occasionally you’ll get another take–ghosts are psychic residue, reflections of emotional energy, or demons playing odd games. Blackwood introduced a new theory–one that I wish was better known.
The story is about a writer who is enormously sensitive to otherworldly influences, so much so that he needs a room devoid of even the suggestion of ghosts to be at peace.
After finding a room that seemed suitable, he was psychically assaulted from hundreds of mental whispers.
The reveal is an original explanation for ghosts but the story hinges on it being a surprise. I can’t write much more without giving it away.
“The Whisperers” is only ten pages long but is very slow paced. That builds the suspenseful atmosphere that Blackwood is famous for but might be too much for some readers.
The story relies on not being spoiled so I’m going to cut this short. Fans of old horror should seek this out. Readers will remember the source of the whispers for ages. However, the slow pacing may turn off people used to quicker reads.
The New Rambler 
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