In my opinion, the atmosphere she creates is the most terrifying part. She uses detailed descriptions of the setting, like old, creaky houses and fog - covered landscapes. This setting combined with the feeling of isolation gives a really spooky touch to the story.
The most terrifying element could be the ghost itself. Susan Hill has a way of describing the ghost in a very eerie manner. It might not be some over - the - top, grotesque figure, but rather a more subtle, almost human - like apparition that makes it all the more frightening because it seems so real.
I haven't read it yet, so I'm not sure about the exact plot.
The most famous one is probably 'The Woman in Black'. It's well - known because of its extremely spooky atmosphere. The story is set in a desolate and eerie landscape, which immediately sets a tone of dread. The titular woman in black is a truly terrifying figure, her appearance always heralding misfortune. It has also been adapted into various forms like plays and movies, which has increased its popularity and made it more well - known to a wider audience.
I don't know as I haven't read it.
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.
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.
She uses a slow - paced narrative. By gradually revealing details about the strange happenings, she keeps the readers on edge.
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.
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.
The most terrifying part is the strange whispers. Just the thought of an inanimate object like element l producing such spooky sounds is really frightening.
The most terrifying element could be a threat. For example, a note saying 'You're next' in a spooky, old - fashioned handwriting. It directly implies danger and makes the reader or the character in the story feel in immediate peril.