Horror Aficionados discussion

Hay folks. So I'm a big fan of Matheson and King and have heard both of them were influenced by Shirley Jackson's work so figured I should give her a short and was wondering where people think I should start? I have heard great things about her short stories in particular The Lottery and wonder if that would be a good introduction but then I have also heard great things about The Haunting of Hill House.

The Lottery and We Have Always Lived In The Castles are pretty good. Sorry I cant link em, I'm using the app right now

The Haunting of Hill House is my favorite, though you can't go wrong with either of Shari-amor's suggestions.
I think the opening paragraphs of Hill House are among the best in all of literature. :)

The first page :p

House was my first of hers and its still my favorite.

I havent read Haunting of Hill House yet myself. I should probably get on that lol

Kasia wrote: "The first page :p

House was my first of hers and its still my favorite."

*high five* :)

The Haunting of Hill House
We Have Always Lived in the Castle
The Lottery and Other Stories
These are her best books.

Justin wrote: "The Haunting of Hill House
We Have Always Lived in the Castle
The Lottery and Other Stories
These are her best books."

I agree.

Thanks for all the suggestions I really want to get a start on her stuff soon.

Just finished reading The Lottery and Other Stories. It was pretty good I can see how King and Matheson took inspiration from her.

Start with The Lottery and Other Stories, they are more immediately accessible, then perhaps The Haunting of Hill House, which is my personal favourite and on from there.

She's the best. Nothing makes me shiver like The Haunting of Hill House, and if you want a great analysis of it, you have to check out King's Danse Macabre

Margaret wrote: "She's the best. Nothing makes me shiver like The Haunting of Hill House, and if you want a great analysis of it, you have to check out King's Danse Macabre"


Ohhhh thanks for the recommendation I had never actually heard of Danse Macabre before but looked it up and it sounds great :D

Justin wrote: "The Haunting of Hill House
We Have Always Lived in the Castle
The Lottery and Other Stories
These are her best books."

I would heartily agree, and would read these in this order!

"The Haunting of Hill House" also was made into a movie. Although many people today eschew the B&W movies, I still believe that "The Haunting" is one of the scariest horror movies ever! (And that despite the lack of special effects!)

I couldn't agree more. The film is a masterpiece, and in my opinion is as good as the book. And we all know how rare that phenomenon is.

I really, really need to get around to We Have Always Lived in the Castle. It taunts me every time I'm at the book store.

Karen wrote: ""The Haunting of Hill House" also was made into a movie. Although many people today eschew the B&W movies, I still believe that "The Haunting" is one of the scariest horror movies ever! (And that d..."

Well said!

Read the lot. She wasn't prolific and her works are not that long, so just dive in. Having said that, her short stories are works of art - not a wasted word. Read The Haunting of Hill House during evenings when you're alone. I guarantee you'll be looking over your shoulder every five minutes.