Do You Prefer Gay, Lone, Or Bold? Satan, Ghost, or Phantom?

We haven't done a mystery/puzzle post in a while, and the brain seems to be cooperating this week, so let's try something a little different.

We've got two stories today - very different from each other, and yet - they're identical in a way. Reading through these two short tales (six pages each), can you spot the strange similarity they share?

I'll give you a day to ponder the problem. (And, no worries. I know what i've been like lately, so tomorrow's post is already in the queue)

credits tomorrow, but, Hey! George Tuska!