Dahl uses vivid descriptions. For example, in some stories, he describes the settings in great detail. Dark, creaky old houses with strange noises and shadows are common. This immediately sets a spooky mood.
He also plays with the unknown. By leaving some things unexplained, like the true nature of certain apparitions or strange events, he makes the reader feel uneasy. In 'The Landlady', we're not sure exactly what the landlady's intentions are at first, and that mystery creates a sense of fear. Also, his characters' reactions to the strange events add to the spookiness. When the characters are frightened, it makes the reader feel the same way.
Roald Dahl often uses the element of the unexpected. He sets up normal situations at first and then suddenly throws in something strange. Like in some stories, the characters seem ordinary but then they do or experience something completely out of the ordinary, which makes the atmosphere spooky.
He often uses unexpected twists. For example, in some stories, he starts with a seemingly ordinary situation like a person traveling and then suddenly something very strange happens.
Dahl may use the local animals in his descriptions. The presence of wild animals like lions or elephants can add to the atmosphere. Their behaviors and the threat they pose can create a feeling of unease or excitement. He might also describe the sounds and smells of Africa, which all contribute to the overall atmosphere.
Dahl creates suspense through the situation itself. A man lying in bed with a supposed poisonous snake on his chest is a very tense scenario. The reader is immediately drawn into the danger and the unknown of whether the snake will move or bite.
His writing style is very vivid. For example, in many stories, he describes characters and settings in great detail, making them come alive in the reader's mind.
They appeal through unique concepts. For example, in 'The Witches', the concept of witches being real and having a sinister plan is very engaging. It plays on our childhood fears of the unknown and things that go bump in the night.
In my opinion, 'The Witches' is quite scary. The idea of witches secretly living among us, plotting to turn children into mice, is terrifying. The grand high witch is a particularly menacing character, with her plans for mass transformation of children.
Roald Dahl often gives his characters very distinct quirks. For example, in 'The Landlady', the landlady has this overly friendly yet very creepy demeanor. Her fixation on taxidermy and her strange behavior towards her guests make her a unique and memorable character.
I think 'Lamb to the Slaughter' is very popular. It has been widely read and studied due to its clever plot and unexpected twists. The main character's actions are both shocking and yet somehow understandable in the context of the story.
Well, 'Charlie's Great - Great - Grandfather' from 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' has some ghostly elements too. When Mr. Wonka is telling Charlie about his family history, the story of Charlie's great - great - grandfather who worked for Mr. Wonka and then disappeared in mysterious circumstances. There are rumors of him being involved with the Oompa - Loompas in a way that has a bit of a ghostly or at least a very mysterious feel to it. This part of the story adds an extra layer of intrigue to the overall magical world of the chocolate factory.