The Haunting of Hill House

by Shirley Jackson
The Haunting of Hill House cover
Good Books rating 3.4
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: 2025-11-29
  • ISBN: 9780141191447
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2009-10-01
  • Formats: 64
  • Reviews: 4

The Haunting of Hill House follows four individuals—Dr. Montague, an occult scholar, Theodora, his assistant, Luke, the heir to the estate, and Eleanor, a vulnerable young woman—who gather at the notorious Hill House to investigate its supernatural phenomena. As eerie and unsettling events unfold, the house begins to exert a malevolent influence over them, blurring the lines between reality and the paranormal. Shirley Jackson's masterful storytelling creates an atmosphere of dread and suspense, making Hill House a character in its own right. The novel explores themes of isolation, fear, and the human psyche, leaving readers questioning what is truly haunting the house and its inhabitants.

Reviews
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.

Horror Obsessive · 2023-01-08
Unimpressive 2.80

The book is significant in the horror genre but does not necessarily equate to excellence. It is more important for its influence than its execution.

This reviewer highlights the book's importance in the horror genre, noting that it is often considered the most famous haunted house story ever written. However, they argue that importance should not be confused with excellence. The book is seen as a product of its time, with some aspects feeling dated. The atmosphere and psychological elements are commended, but the overall execution is seen as somewhat unimpressive.

Quick quotes

    The Haunting of Hill House is the most famous haunted house story ever written, but importance shouldn't not be mistaken for excellence.

    The novel is a product of its time, and some aspects feel dated.

    The atmosphere and psychological elements are well-executed, but the overall impact is somewhat lacking.

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