I'm sorry, I haven't actually read the specific 'straub peter ghost story' so I can't tell you the details. Maybe you can look for it in the local library or some online bookstores.
The 'Peter Straub Ghost Story' is about a group of friends in a town that seems normal at first glance. However, they are haunted by a long - forgotten and terrifying incident from their past. As the story progresses, they are faced with strange and often terrifying phenomena. Ghosts seem to be a part of this, but it's more about the psychological impact of the past on their present lives. Straub weaves a complex tale of horror, mystery, and the power of secrets that have been buried for too long.
The 'Peter Kidney Ghost Story' is a mystery to me as it's not a widely known, mainstream ghost story. It might be a story passed down in a family, among friends or in a small town. Maybe Peter Kidney was a real person whose experiences after death (if it's that kind of ghost story) were so strange that they became a local legend. But again, without more details, I can't provide the full story.
Whether Peter Travers' ghost story is a classic depends on how well it stands the test of time. If it has influenced other ghost stories in terms of its style, themes, or characters, then it is more likely to be a classic. If it contains deep - seated fears that are universal, such as the fear of the unknown or the fear of death, and presents them in an engaging and spooky way, it could be considered a classic in the genre.
Not having read the 'straub peter ghost story', it's a bit of a guess. However, perhaps it has a very distinct narrative voice. Maybe the way Peter Straub describes the ghosts and the fear they evoke is different from other ghost stories. It could also have a complex plot that unfolds in an unexpected way, making it stand out among other stories in the genre.
Since I don't know the exact story, I can't say for sure. But usually, in a ghost story, key elements could be a spooky location like an abandoned building or a cemetery.
In 'Peter Straub Ghost Story', the main characters are a collection of individuals bound by a shared past. There are men who have lived in the town for a long time and have a history together. One character might be more of a leader type, trying to figure out what's going on and keep everyone calm. Another could be more of a doubter, always looking for a rational explanation. And there are also characters who are more vulnerable, and their reactions to the ghosts and strange happenings add to the overall atmosphere of the story. These characters, with their different personalities and attitudes, are what make the story so engaging as they face the horrors that unfold.