I think it's the element of mystery. When you don't know what's coming next and there's a sense of lurking danger, that makes a book with scary short stories truly compelling. Good pacing and a creepy atmosphere help too.
The element of surprise and the ability to create a sense of dread. Good scary stories keep you on the edge of your seat and make your heart race.
A good scary night short story usually has a creepy setting, unexpected twists, and characters that you can relate to but also fear for.
A compelling scary dream short story often has unique and disturbing imagery. It might play with the reader's mind, making them question reality. Also, a gradual build-up of tension and a sudden climax can really draw you in.
The mystery. In the best pirate scary stories, like the ones about hidden treasures, there's always a sense of the unknown. We don't know exactly where the treasure is buried or what curses might be protecting it. It makes our imagination run wild.
The use of atmosphere. For example, in many stories, it's often a dark and isolated setting like an old abandoned house or a desolate forest. This immediately makes the reader feel uneasy.
The element of the unknown. For example, in many of the stories, there are unexplained noises or figures. We don't know what they are or what they want, and that scares us.
They keep you on the edge of your seat. The struggle and determination of characters to overcome impossible odds make them fascinating.
The use of the unknown. When the stories leave things to the imagination, it becomes really scary.
The unknown. In these stories, there are often elements that are not fully explained. For example, in 'The Slenderman', his origin and true nature are left ambiguous. This makes our minds fill in the blanks with the most terrifying possibilities.
Compelling short stories often have well - developed characters. The readers need to be able to relate to or at least understand the characters' motives. Also, the writing style matters. Vivid descriptions, like in Ernest Hemingway's short stories, can draw the reader in. And a good short story usually has a theme that makes the reader think, such as love, death, or the human condition.