The Haunting of Hill House

by Shirley Jackson
The Haunting of Hill House cover
Good Books rating 3.83
Horror
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Paperback • £9.99–£10.99 Hardback • £16.99–£21.99
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  • ID: 991
  • Added: 2025-09-24
  • Updated: 2026-01-06
  • ISBN: 9780141927541
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2009-10-01
  • Formats: 64
  • Reviews: 4

Shirley Jackson's renowned novel, The Haunting of Hill House, is a seminal work in the horror genre that has left an indelible mark on popular culture. The story follows Eleanor, a lonely woman who joins a group of individuals invited to spend a summer in the infamous Hill House, known for its eerie and unsettling atmosphere. What begins as a light-hearted experiment quickly descends into a nightmarish exploration of their deepest fears, with potentially fatal consequences. The novel's slow-burning tension and psychological depth have earned it praise from literary giants like Neil Gaiman and Stephen King, cementing its status as a classic of the genre. /n/n The Haunting of Hill House is not just a story of supernatural terror but also a profound examination of the human psyche. Jackson's masterful storytelling and evocative prose create an atmosphere of dread that lingers long after the final page. The novel's influence can be seen in various adaptations, including two film versions and a critically acclaimed Netflix series, attesting to its enduring appeal and relevance. It remains a powerful work that continues to captivate and unsettle readers.

Reviews
Goodreads · 2025-12-18
enduring 4.50

The book is a favorite, often revisited and highly recommended for book clubs. It is described as a cup of stars and a must-read.

The reviewer has a deep affection for The Haunting of Hill House, describing it as their 'cup of stars' and a book they return to often. They even convinced their book club to read it so they could finally write a proper review. The book's impact is evident in the reviewer's enthusiasm, highlighting its enduring appeal and the joy it brings to readers. The reviewer's love for the book is palpable, making it a strong recommendation for anyone looking for a compelling read. The book's ability to captivate and engage readers is a testament to its quality and the reviewer's admiration for it.

Quick quotes

    Honestly, this book is my cup of stars and I have returned to it often.

    Did I just make my bookclub read this so I could finally write a proper review? YUP.

    The book's impact is evident in the reviewer's enthusiasm, highlighting its enduring appeal and the joy it brings to readers.

Fantasy Book Review · 2025-10-15
classic 3.00

The book is considered a classic worth reading, but it may not live up to modern expectations of a defining horror story. It is seen as more of a psychological study than a traditional horror novel.

The reviewer acknowledges that The Haunting of Hill House is a classic novel and worth reading for its historical significance. However, they suggest that readers should temper their expectations if they are looking for a traditional horror story. The novel is more of a psychological study, exploring the minds of its characters rather than relying on typical horror tropes. While it may not be as frightening as some modern horror novels, its impact on the genre is undeniable.

Quick quotes

    The Haunting of Hill House is worth reading as a classic novel, but expectations should be limited as to it being a defining horror story.

    The novel is more of a psychological study than a traditional horror novel.

    Jackson's exploration of the characters' minds is where the true horror lies.

Fantasy Book Review · 2025-09-24
Mixed 3.30

The book is a classic worth reading, but it may not meet expectations as a defining horror story. It has its strengths but falls short in certain aspects.

This reviewer sees the book as a classic that stands the test of time, but they caution that it might not live up to modern expectations of a horror story. They acknowledge its historical significance and literary merit, but also note that it lacks the intensity and scares that contemporary readers might expect. The atmosphere and writing style are praised, but the overall impact is seen as somewhat limited.

Quick quotes

    The Haunting of Hill House is worth reading as a classic novel, but expectations should be limited as to it being a defining horror story.

    It's a novel that has a lot of historical significance in the horror genre.

    The writing is excellent, but the scares are not as intense as modern readers might expect.

Tarvolon · 2024-02-29
terrifying 4.50

The book is praised for its ability to create a disorienting and terrifying atmosphere. The tension and psychological horror make it a standout in the genre.

The reviewer highlights how Shirley Jackson masterfully builds a sense of dread and unease throughout the novel. The disorienting and tense atmosphere is what makes this book a classic of psychological horror. They emphasize that the book's strength lies in its ability to unsettle readers, making it a must-read for fans of the genre. The characters' experiences are vividly portrayed, adding to the overall terrifying experience.

Quick quotes

    The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson is a classic of psychological horror for a reason--disorienting, tense, and terrifying.

    Jackson's writing is so effective that it lingers long after the last page is turned.

    The novel's power lies in its ability to make the ordinary feel sinister and the familiar feel alien.

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