Horror Aficionados discussion

Hi All,

I haven't read a really good Horror novel in a while. I loved The Passage by Justin Cronin, Relic by Douglas Preston, and Pet Semetery by King. I've never read a ghost story so I'm wondering if I'll like Heart-Shaped box. Is it truly scary or just more on the creepy side? I'm afraid to read many reviews because of possible spoilers.

Thanks in advance for your opinions.

Definitely creepy. But scary is so individual, hard to say what will scare you. I did not find it scary, but I read horror most of the time. So, you may have a very different experience. I will say it is a good ghost story and enjoyable whether or not you find it particularly scary. It does have its moments.

I agree with Isaac, it's creepy rather than scary.

I don't remember it being scary at all. I liked it but it's my least favorite Hill book; but it's still better than a lot of horror I've read over the years. Which lets you know just how good a writer Hill is.

I didn't find it scary at all. Hill has style. He has talent. And I like him. But, no, I wouldn't call it scary. If you go into the book expecting Stephen King Jr. you'll be disappointed.

Elisse I have just finished and enjoyed, a link to my review:
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

Thanks everyone! I've been yearning for one of those books that almost makes you afraid to turn the page for fear of what's going to happen next. (Those are rare and few between for me) That being said, I'm on page 18 now so I think I'll give it a chance. I'll let you know what I think when I'm finished!

Creepy huh? It has been sitting on my kindle, along with Horns, I just haven't found time to read them. Hill is an amazing writer though, 20th Century Ghost Stories is epic, so I was inclined to give them a try. Guess they are next on my list.

Horns is a fantastic read that has some beautiful moments in it. It's not all about the horror in that one.

This one gave me chills and had me read with the lights on. But ghosts scare me. =)

I'm only on page 68 now but I agree, it's definitely creepy and I'm enjoying it so far. Randolph, like Isaac said earlier, scary is so individual. I've read a few books that were REALLY scary. Creatures seem to scare me more than ghosts or anything else, provided the book is well written. I was actually afraid to turn the page at times when I read Relic by Preston and Child years ago.

I literally just bought this book before checking good reads lol

I thought it was boring, but it just turned out it wasn't my kind of book. The only stories I actually find scary are Lovecraft's, I was genuinely freaked out by Necronomicon

I though Heart-shaped box was a bit mediocre, but I loved the concept. I think you're in good hands with Pet Semetary. I liked If You Could See Me Now by Straub.

I liked it and thought it was sufficiently creepy. It was entertaining which is what I want in a book of this kind.

I finished it. I thought it was well written but I just wasn't crazy about it. I discovered I'm not into ghosts. I'm going to start The Strain trilogy by Del Toro and Hogan now.

It's my very favorite Joe Hill book. It's extremely creepy. It's not gross or some of the other things you might expect in horror. It's a "make the hair on the back of your neck stand up" kind of book. I loved it. It's one of my very favorite books ever.

One part of the book made me put it down for a moment, stand up, walk around, and come back. If I can get one of those moments, I'm happy...

I thought the subject matter was very predictable and over used. I also thought the ghost character wasn't consistent enough throughout. However, I really enjoyed his style of writing and certain elements were very cool. So I was mixed, but really don't see why people rave about this book. I may read the Strain trilogy or House of Leaves next.

Never heard of it except the Nirvana song...

LOL. I think of this song lyric when I think of the book.

Just heard the song on the radio yesterday and made that connection. Don't know why it took me so long.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Recommended it to everyone who loves a good ghost story.

Not a big fan of HSB, but enjoyed Horns. Neither are scary.

I read Heart-Shaped Box recently and love it. It had some of the most genuinely creepy moments I have read in quite some time. I'm really looking forward to reading Hill's other stuff.

I agree with everyone who said it was creepy. The premise was what drew me in and I really enjoyed it.

I really liked HSB but I didn't find it scary. I have never ever in my life been scared when reading a book. Creeped out sometimes, but never scared.

It was most definitely CREEPY, and I was scared to go to my bathroom at night for fear of seeing Craddock waiting for me in the kitchen, haha. Also, it gave me the worst nightmare I have had in YEARS, possibly ever. I woke up in a panic.

It's one I definitely had to read with the lights on, so to me it was scary. Regardless, read it! It is an awesomeee book!

Oh and I felt like I was THERE the entire time, I could visualize EVERYTHING. Tremendous attention to detail.

I'm about halfway through HSB, and find myself disappointed with the scare level. It IS creepy but not scary. But then, it takes a lot to scare me. HSB is my first Hill read.

I didn't find it scary. I did enjoy it though. It was well written, great attention to detail, and definitely creepy.

Scary? No. It was a really creepy story. It was a really well told story too. Hope you enjoy it!

Like others have said, it isn't scary, just downright creepy. That being said, I highly recommend it as it flows well, piques your interest and doesn't get bogged down in unnecessary details like some famous horror authors.

For me the book was more about memories and how our past can haunt us. It was a different sort of haunting to me.

I about shot when the old man was wearing the suit and sitting in the hallway!

Much like Traci said previously, Heart Shaped Box was a uniquely haunting book. Yes, the premise at first seemed slightly hokey. I mean, a haunted suit, really? But, damn! As it got rolling (and it didn't take long) Hill's story really surprised me. Was it scary? I would say it could possibly scare some readers. To me, though, it was all about the nebulous sense of dread Hill conveyed. I would rate it as one of the top ten books I read in 2009.

There were a few moments that sent genuine chills down my spine, which hasn't happened to me since reading House of Leaves and IT. So yes, it's pretty scary.

Heart Shaped Box terrified me. Scary, chilling and unforgettable.