The 'the witching hour novel' could be centered around the unique atmosphere and superstitions associated with the witching hour. It might tell stories of characters who are affected by the strange energy of this time. It could include elements such as curses that are more potent during this hour, or secrets that are revealed only then. There could be a protagonist who is either a part of the witching world or someone who stumbles upon it during this fateful hour.
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.
It's possible that the main characters include a group of people who are all affected by the witching hour in different ways. One could be a skeptic who doesn't believe in the superstitions until they are thrust into the strange happenings. Another could be a victim of a curse that is related to the witching hour, and they are trying to break free. And there could be a mysterious figure who seems to control the events that take place during this hour, and the other characters are trying to figure out who this figure is and what their motives are.
It could be about various things. Maybe it's about supernatural events that occur during the so - called 'witching hour', which is often considered a time when the veil between the living and the supernatural is thin. It might feature witches, ghosts, or other spooky elements.
In 'The Landlady', one of the key aspects is the sense of unease. The landlady seems overly friendly at first, which immediately sets an off - putting tone. Dahl is masterful at creating this kind of subtly creepy atmosphere.
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.
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.
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.
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.