The Haunting of Hill House

by Shirley Jackson
The Haunting of Hill House cover
Good Books rating 3.53
Horror
Technical:
  • ID: 991
  • Added: 2025-09-24
  • Updated: 2025-10-11
  • Published: 1959-01-01
  • Formats: 63
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99 Hardback • £16.99–£21.99

In 'The Haunting of Hill House,' an anthropologist embarks on an unusual research project within a house infamous for its paranormal activity. The house, with its eerie history and unsettling atmosphere, becomes the stage for a terrifying exploration of fear and the unknown. As the anthropologist and a group of companions spend more time in the house, they begin to experience strange and inexplicable phenomena that challenge their understanding of reality. The novel masterfully blends psychological tension with classic horror elements, creating a gripping narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The book is celebrated for its atmospheric storytelling and the way it plays with the reader's perceptions. The author's detailed descriptions and the slow buildup of tension make 'The Haunting of Hill House' a timeless classic in the horror genre. It's a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good scare and a deep dive into the psychology of fear.

Reviews
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.

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.

I've Read This · 2020-02-06
Scary 4.50

The book is incredibly scary due to its expertly crafted atmosphere. The characters and setting create a sense of dread that is hard to shake.

This reviewer was genuinely scared by the book, primarily due to the creepy atmosphere that the author masterfully creates. The characters are well-developed and the setting is so vivid that it adds to the overall sense of dread. The psychological horror elements are particularly effective, making it a standout in the genre. The reviewer appreciates the novel's ability to unsettle readers without relying on cheap scares.

Quick quotes

    I was scared silly by this book, mainly because of the creepy atmosphere the author so expertly nails.

    The characters are expecting some strange occurrences, and the author delivers on that promise.

    The psychological horror elements are particularly effective and make the book a standout in the genre.

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