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.
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.
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 his well - regarded novels is 'True Crime'. It's a gripping story that combines elements of mystery and psychological exploration. The characters are well - drawn, and the plot keeps you on the edge of your seat.
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.
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.
One popular Andrew Klavan novel is 'True Crime'. It offers a gripping story with complex characters and a thrilling plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
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.
If you like crime - based stories, you could start with 'True Crime'. It's a good introduction to Klavan's style of writing, with a strong plot and interesting characters.
Essays on short stories may take an approach of highlighting the singularity of the experience. They can focus on that one moment or idea that the short story conveys so powerfully. When it comes to novels, essays usually need to take an approach that encompasses the whole journey. This means looking at how the story progresses from the beginning to the end, how characters change over time, and how different plotlines interact. It's like comparing a snapshot (short story) to a long - form video (novel).