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Hell House (1971)

by Richard Matheson

Other authors: See the other authors section.

MembersReviewsPopularityAverage ratingMentions
2,3631026,543 (3.52)160
For over twenty years, Belasco House has stood empty. Its shadowed walls have witnessed scenes of almost unimaginable horror and depravity. Two previous expeditions to investigate its secrets met with disaster, the participants destroyed by murder, suicide or insanity. Now a new investigation brings four strangers to the forbidding mansion who are determined to probe Belasco House for the ultimate secrets of life and death. Each has his or her own reason for daring the unknown torments and temptations of the mansion, but can any soul survive what lurks within the most haunted house on Earth?… (more)
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» See also 160 mentions

English (98)  Spanish (1)  Italian (1)  Finnish (1)  French (1)  All languages (102)
Showing 1-5 of 98 (next | show all)
At best, 2.5 stars. Not very engaging, and chock full of female stereotypes from the period that are common in horror, sci fi and fantasy of the period that makes it hard to finish. ( )
  sawcat | Apr 8, 2024 |
Reread. I still love this book. ( )
  everettroberts | Oct 20, 2023 |
Read for a Haunted House graduate seminar at CU Boulder.

It's a haunted house story - in which the author seems to satiate every weird sexual fantasy he could possibly have imagined in his life. Consider this an EXTREME trigger warning. As for the rest, nothing at all worth mentioning.

Except - does it creep anyone else out that a novel with so many rapes would be dedicated to the author's DAUGHTERS? That might be the creepiest part of all. ( )
  BreePye | Oct 6, 2023 |
I didn't find this book particularly scary, creepy, or disturbing. I actually laughed a few times. I realized that I've never read a book that flat out scared me. I've been creeped out by books (looking at you Clive Barker!), but never scared. I've read other novels/short stories by Matheson so I'm familiar with his writing style. I guess I just expected something different. All I knew about the story was that it's a haunted house. I have never seen the movie based on this book. It was well written, but didn't live up to the hype. ( )
  LynnMPK | Jul 1, 2023 |
"What's that?" Barret asked.
"One of their menus, dated March 27, 1928. Shrimp bisque. Sweetbreads in gravy. Stewed capon. Bread sauce in gravy. Creamed cauliflower. For dessert, amandes en crème: crushed almonds in whipped egg whites and heavy cream."
Barrett chuckled. "His guests must have all had heartburn."
"The food wasn't aimed at their hearts," said Fischer, taking a box of candles from the drawer. ( )
  Jon_Hansen | Jun 9, 2023 |
Showing 1-5 of 98 (next | show all)
I haven't got a clue how to rate this book. There are too many things I found either funny or plain bad. I even waited for a day or so to think about it. On the one hand, I like haunted house theme (half a star for the theme). On the other, there are tons of things which I really didn't like. First, it isn't scary. At all. Sure, there are a few moments that should have been scary, but for me they were plain flat - as if I was watching from above.
Second, I didn't like the characters or how they were presented. Barret, the self appointed unofficial leader of the group of people who were hired to spend a few days in that house, is the worst with his constant patronizing chuckle and calmness.
Simply put: I didn't like this story. The ending is hilarious. I think this story might probably be better as a film. I really thought I'd like this book more.
added by aethercowboy | editbursa lowongan kerja
 

» Add other authors (12 possible)

Author nameRoleType of authorWork?Status
Richard Mathesonprimary authorall editionscalculated
Deas, MichaelCover artistsecondary authorsome editionsconfirmed
Deas, RichCover designersecondary authorsome editionsconfirmed
Porter, RayNarratorsecondary authorsome editionsconfirmed
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With love, for my daughters Bettina and Alison who have haunted my life so sweetly
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It had been raining hard since five o'clock that morning.
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(Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)
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For over twenty years, Belasco House has stood empty. Its shadowed walls have witnessed scenes of almost unimaginable horror and depravity. Two previous expeditions to investigate its secrets met with disaster, the participants destroyed by murder, suicide or insanity. Now a new investigation brings four strangers to the forbidding mansion who are determined to probe Belasco House for the ultimate secrets of life and death. Each has his or her own reason for daring the unknown torments and temptations of the mansion, but can any soul survive what lurks within the most haunted house on Earth?

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