
A Haunting on the Hill is a gothic horror that returns to the world of Shirley Jackson's Hill House. A Haunting on the Hill offers a slower and gradual buildup of horror elements that creates a deep sense of foreboding as soon as Hill House is within view. The characters and the play help create the tension that Hill House feeds off of. There are many parallels between the characters in Witching Night and the characters staying at Hill House, women who have been burdened with the blame of misfortune and are paying the price publicly. Hill House doesn't create a haunting in a typical way with ghosts and scary sounds or strange movements, but seems to play up the character's flaws and subconscious worries. Holly's intense need for success creates a sense of necessity for Hill House and it's ambiance, Nisa's covetous nature creates a need for her to explore every nook and cranny of Hill House, Stevie's addiction issues cause him to become obsessed with parts of the house and Amanda's need for a positive comeback makes her ignore all of the warning signs of danger. The horror aspects ramped up in the end for a satisfying ending.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.