Nerds That Geek Book Review: ‘The Haunting of Hill House’

Written by Scott Edwards

Very few times can you ever find what you are looking for, if you are looking for it. When you lose your keys, your wallet or matching socks, they are never there when you need them when you make a conscious effort to find them. They always turn up in the most unexpected places and appear out of nowhere when you have given up your search. 

Dr. Montague is looking for something to expand his career, a legitimate haunted house. He has stayed in several homes that have had this claim attached to them, but none of them have ever produced anything concrete. Hearing the stories and reading the articles about Hill House, Dr. Montague is more than intrigued. Sending out many letters to find a group of people that would be as interested in possibilities of the paranormal, along with having some kind of background dealing with the same thing, the Doctor receives three letters back saying they will accompany him on this journey.

Arriving at Hill House, Eleanor Vance is excited but frightened at the same time. She has just stolen her sister’s car to go on this expedition and was going to have no regrets until she had seen how the house was looking at her. It was cold, dark and did not seem to appreciate her looking in its general direction, or it could have been the rude greeting she received from Mr. Dudley manning the front gate. However, regardless of her feelings, she is still ready to enter the home and see what the legends could produce in her presence. Being joined by a second visitor, Theodora, Eleanor finds that she may have a friend that she can depend upon while they are in the spooky house.

The two ladies take a walk outside of the creepy old house and find that there is a brook nearby that they should go and visit during their stay. A picnic needs to be had, for it is beautiful outside of the old house and no daylight should be wasted while they are investigating. Looking back at the house, the two agree that it looks very eerie. Making their way back to the spooky location, they find that two more guests have made their way in. Luke Sanderson and Dr. Montague have arrived and are ready to get settled in as well. Mrs. Dudley, the caretaker in the old house is very strict in her ways and lets the group know her schedule and will not deviate from it one bit. Everyone agrees, Mrs. Dudley maybe a little out of whack, but find humor in her dedications to the schedule.

The group gets together to discuss their past and what they are going to be doing in Hill House. Dr. Montague wants everyone to write down what they find in this haunted house, and he also lets them know not to worry if they encounter a spirit, as ghosts cannot hurt the living. Everyone gives a laugh and retires for the evening. The first night goes well for everyone, nothing out of the ordinary happens and some feel as though they enjoyed their finest sleep in ages. But the second night is where things get a little different as Eleanor and Theodora hear a knocking sound coming down the hallway that stops at their room…and waits for them to acknowledge they are still in the room. The women get very upset, but when the good doctor returns to the room, they both seem to be strangely calm and go about their business, until they are not able to find the two men in the morning for breakfast.

The Haunting of Hill House is a spooky tale that follows a group of four individuals that have never met before, but have to depend on each other to keep their sanity. Dr. Montague is the leader of the group, trying to provide rational explanations about what is happening. Everyone feels safe within the house, including Eleanor who the house has its eyes set on as messages are scrolled upon the walls calling to her. Eleanor keeps her cool for the most part, but when it gets to be too much for her, she gives in and starts to succumb to the haunting. Trying to protect everyone, along with his inheritance, Luke seems to be the sanest, but he can only keep it together for so long before the strange happenings start to get to him as well. Hill House is looking for someone, or something to sooth its eighty year old rage and there may be just the right victim now inside of its walls.

In need of a classic haunted house book on your book shelves? The Haunting of Hill House is a great one to add to your collection. Shirley Jackson has written a great piece that continues to have people raving, years after it has hit the shelves, and it even became a Netflix TV series. The disturbing thought that someone in the afterlife could be stalking a living, breathing person and driving them a little crazy is one thing, but making sure that same person gets driven into madness without feeling bad about it is just scary. It may be a short novel, but it does not keep you wondering what anyone in the house, or the house wants in the long run as everyone gets their own brand of scares throughout the story. It is a fantastic read and something that should be added to any horror fan's collection. Stay Scared and Happy Reading.

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