Stephen King has a knack for creating very physical and tangible ghosts. They can interact with the physical world in violent and disturbing ways. His writing style is often fast - paced and energetic, which suits his approach to ghost stories. In contrast, Susan Hill's ghosts are more ethereal and elusive. Her writing is more elegant and refined, and she builds suspense slowly. In her stories, the ghosts are often more of a psychological presence that slowly drives the characters to the brink of madness.
Stephen King's unique feature in writing ghost stories is his ability to blend the ordinary with the extraordinary. He often sets his ghostly tales in familiar, everyday settings like small towns, which makes the appearance of ghosts all the more terrifying. For example, in 'Salem's Lot', the vampire - like ghosts invade a normal town. Susan Hill, on the other hand, is good at creating a sense of melancholy in her ghost stories. Her settings are often old, decaying places that add to the overall mood of the story.
Well, Stephen King's ghost stories can be action - packed at times. There are often a lot of events and encounters with the supernatural entities that keep the readers on the edge of their seats. Susan Hill, however, might take a more subdued approach. Her stories may unfold at a slower pace, but they are equally chilling. The horror in her ghost stories lies in the anticipation and the slow revelation of the nature of the ghosts.
I think 'The Mist in the Mirror' is also excellent. It tells a story full of mystery and horror. Susan Hill has a way of creating a spooky mood with her descriptions. For example, the way she describes the old, dilapidated houses and the strange noises at night really makes the story come alive.
One of the notable features is the ambiguity. Hill doesn't always clearly explain the nature of the ghosts or the reasons behind their hauntings. This leaves a lot to the reader's imagination and makes the stories even more haunting.
The past coming back to haunt the present is another theme. In her stories, events from the past, such as old tragedies or secrets, resurface in a ghostly form. This is seen in 'The Small Hand' where the apparition of the small hand might be related to some past event that the main character is unknowingly linked to.
In Andrew Klavan's ghost stories, the characters might be more proactive in dealing with the ghostly elements. They could be trying to solve a mystery related to the ghost. Susan Hill's characters are often more passive, at least at the start. They are usually just living their lives when the supernatural intrudes. Also, Klavan may use a more direct writing style, while Hill's is more about creating an overall spooky ambiance through her detailed descriptions.
Susan Hill's ghost stories are often characterized by a sense of creeping dread. Her use of atmosphere is masterful, with descriptions that draw you into the spooky settings. For example, in 'The Woman in Black', the desolate and fog - covered landscape adds to the overall sense of unease. The ghosts in her stories are not just simple apparitions but often carry a deep sense of melancholy or a tragic backstory, which makes them more than just spooky figures. They can be seen as symbols of unresolved pasts or traumas that haunt not only the physical spaces but also the characters' psyches.
Stephen King's romance novels often have a sense of the unexpected. His characters might fall in love in the most unusual circumstances. His writing style, which is so vivid in horror, also brings out the passion and conflict in relationships. The settings in which the romances occur are often as important as the characters themselves, creating a unique backdrop for the love stories.
Andrew Klavan's ghost stories could potentially have elements of his other writing styles, such as his penchant for complex characters. This means that the ghosts in his stories might be more than just spooky apparitions but have deeper backstories or motives. Susan Hill is great at making the reader feel as if they are in the same haunted space as the characters. Her descriptions are so vivid that you can almost feel the cold draft of the ghostly presence passing by.
Well, without knowing the exact content, it could be the way she writes the characters' reactions to the ghosts. Maybe they are more realistic than in other ghost stories.
Sure. 'The Woman in Black' is very good. It has been made into a movie too. The story revolves around a haunted house and a vengeful ghost. It's super scary.