The Haunting of Hill House

Bookseller recommendation

“Shirley Jackson writes in a way that you know exactly how the scene is set and it builds up to this huge, unexpected climax. The characters have so much depth, and you can really sense the anxiety and constant second guessing of the main character, Nell, opposite the personality of Theodora. In the end she finally does something for herself for once, but not the way you’d expect.”

— Otillia • Page 1 Books

Bookseller recommendation

“So spooky and mind-bending!”

— Jessica • The Open Book Warrenton

Bookseller recommendation

“The Haunting of Hill House is a classic piece of horror literature. Imagine Hill House, this looming home full of mysteries reminiscent of the Winchester House, as its own character. Envision its emotions, its actions, how it may twist the minds of people staying within its walls. This book is riddled with humor, queer subtext, and set in a beautifully gothic setting; what more could you want? I know I, for one, have been yearning for my own cup of stars after this read, and I’m sure you will too. If you watched the show, be prepared to have a very different experience reading. The two stories are quite different, and I promise you that though the show has its own merits, the book is well worth the read (and if you ask me, better!)”

— Vern • Quail Ridge Books

Bookseller recommendation

““This book takes your breath away. A horror novel everyone can get something out of, unsettling in its detailing of one character’s descent into madness, but not overly gory or violent. The characters and world are flawed, vibrant, hard to root for but impossible not to. I recommend this book to everyone - horror fans, those who loved the show, and those who have never read horror alike!””

— Maggie • All Good Books

Bookseller recommendation

“This book kicked off my complete obsession with Shirley Jackson. Her writing is as hilarious as it is unnerving. She speaks directly to that weird little girl you used to be, who was forced to grow up and lose her sense of whimsy to the constricting, unrelenting world of adulthood.”

— Sydney • Book Soup

Bookseller recommendation

“The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson is THE book to read if you want to feel like you're losing it bit by bit with every page you turn. Eleanor is a fantastically unreliable narrator and I loved how Hill House served as both the villain and the love interest.”

— Emma • Quail Ridge Books

Bookseller recommendation

“The Haunting of Hill House is unlike any haunted house book that I have read. There are no monsters, no gore and no in your face horror. The horror of this book is psychological, with the realization that there is no hope. The house will have its way. Dr. Montague, an occult scholar, arranges for three people to spend a weekend at Hill House as part of an experiment. The house seems to have a malevolent effect on Eleanor and her descent into madness is slow and deliberate, leaving the others helpless to save her. Chilling and disturbing, The Haunting of Hill House is a must read for any horror fan. ”

— Suzanne • The Underground Bookshop