Alfred Hitchcock influenced the stories in the book greatly. His unique style of creating suspense was a major factor. He knew how to build tension bit by bit, like in his films, and this was carried over into the stories. For example, he might use ordinary settings but make them seem menacing.
I think 'Rear Window' is also a great short story. It's about a man who spies on his neighbors from his rear window and starts to suspect something sinister is going on. Hitchcock was brilliant in exploring the human psyche through such a simple concept.
The themes in Alfred Hitchcock short stories are quite diverse. Suspense, as we all know, is a big part of it. He builds up the tension so well that you can't help but keep reading. Then there's the theme of deception. Characters might be deceiving each other or themselves. There's also the theme of the macabre. Some of his stories touch on the darker and more grotesque aspects of human nature and situations, which adds to the overall allure of his short stories.
The characters are often complex. They're not just one - dimensional good or bad guys. In a story like 'The Manacled', the main character has a lot of layers. His actions are not always easy to predict, which makes the story more interesting. Also, the settings in these short stories are well - described. They add to the overall atmosphere, whether it's a dark alley or a seemingly normal suburban house.
For beginners, 'The Lodger' is a great start. It has the typical Hitchcock elements of mystery and suspense. It's about a lodger in a house and the suspicions that surround him, which is a simple yet engaging plot.
The episode 'The Birds' is quite memorable. It was so effective in creating a sense of unease and danger. The way Hitchcock built up the tension as the birds started to attack was brilliant.
In 'The Birds', there are the unnamed family members who are the central characters. They are just ordinary people living their lives until the strange behavior of the birds starts to disrupt everything. We see how they react to the increasing threat from the birds, which shows their different personalities - some are more panicked, while others try to be more rational.
One interesting short story from it could be 'The Manacled'. It has a great sense of suspense. Hitchcock was a master at creating tension, and this story is no exception.
The 'Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine' also features many great short stories. It has been a long - running source for mystery and suspense short stories, often with a touch of Hitchcockian intrigue. Many talented writers have contributed to it over the years.