As Halloween approaches, the anticipation for eerie tales and spine-chilling narratives grows. In a captivating discussion, Gilbert Cruz engages with the esteemed Book Review editors, Tina Jordan and Sadie Stein, as they delve into their personal choices for the most haunting books to read during this spooky season.
Tina Jordan, one of the brilliant minds behind the Book Review, shares her fascination with “The Haunting of Hill House” by Shirley Jackson. Known for its psychological suspense, this classic novel explores the dark secrets hidden within the walls of an enigmatic mansion. Jordan praises Jackson’s ability to craft an atmosphere of dread that seeps into every page, keeping readers on tenterhooks until the final spine-tingling revelation.
Stein, a connoisseur of macabre literature, revels in the unsettling world created by Thomas Harris in “The Silence of the Lambs.” This gripping thriller takes readers deep into the psyche of the notorious cannibalistic serial killer, Dr. Hannibal Lecter, as he assists young FBI trainee Clarice Starling in capturing another deranged murderer. Stein commends Harris’ masterful storytelling, combining elements of horror, crime, and psychology to create a pervasive sense of unease that lingers long after the book is closed.
Moving beyond the classics, Jordan recommends “Mexican Gothic” by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. Set in 1950s Mexico, the novel follows socialite Noemà Taboada as she investigates the mysterious circumstances surrounding her cousin’s marriage to an enigmatic Englishman. Jordan finds herself captivated by Moreno-Garcia’s skillful blend of Gothic horror and social commentary, creating a bewitching narrative that defies genre conventions.
Meanwhile, Stein ventures into the realm of non-fiction with Erik Larson’s “The Devil in the White City.” This chilling historical account juxtaposes the construction of the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago with the sinister activities of serial killer H.H. Holmes. Stein applauds Larson’s meticulous research and his ability to seamlessly weave together the grandeur of an international exhibition with the horrors lurking in the shadows.
The conversation takes a delightful turn as Cruz prompts the editors to share their thoughts on the enduring appeal of spooky literature. They both agree that the allure lies in the thrill of experiencing fear within the safe confines of a book. Through skillful storytelling, these writers can tap into our deepest anxieties, allowing us to confront and explore our own fears from a place of detachment.
As the days grow shorter and the nights become longer, the desire for a chilling read intensifies. Whether it be the atmospheric terror of “The Haunting of Hill House,” the psychological depths of “The Silence of the Lambs,” the Gothic charm of “Mexican Gothic,” or the historical horrors of “The Devil in the White City,” there is a wealth of haunting literature waiting to ensnare readers’ imaginations this Halloween season.
