Horror Mansion

by J.N. Williamson

Randy Roberts returns to Minnifield mansion, where his parents were driven to their deaths by malevolent ghosts

Genres: Horror

Paperback

First published January 1, 1982

About the author

Gerald Neal Williamson (April 17, 1932 - December 8, 2005) wrote and edited horror stories under the name J. N. Williamson. He also wrote under the name Julian Shock.

Born in Indianapolis, IN he graduated from Shortridge High School. He studied journalism at Butler University. He published his first novel in 1979 and went on to publish more than 40 novels and 150 short stories. In 2003 he received a lifetime achievement award from the Horror Writers of America. He edited the critically acclaimed How to Write Tales of Horror, Fantasy & Science Fiction (1987) which covered the themes of such writing and cited the writings of such writers as Robert Bloch, Lee Prosser, Richard Matheson, Ray Bradbury, H. P. Lovecraft, August Derleth, William F. Nolan, and Stephen King. Many important writers in the genre contributed to the book. Williamson edited the popular anthology series, Masques. Some of his novels include The Ritual (1979), Playmates (1982), Noonspell (1991), The Haunt (1999), among others.

He was also a well known Sherlockian and received his investiture (The Illustrious Client) in the Baker Street Irregulars in 1950.

Source: Wikipedia

Reviews

[Phil · Rating 3 out of 5]

A clever haunted house story by Williamson published by Zebra in 1982. Our main protagonist, Randy, is a sophomore at Indiana University, but he has been plagued by a nightmare, the same one, over and over until he can barely sleep and cannot concentrate on his studies. Suspended toward the end of the spring semester, he returns to his grandfather's house with his tail between his legs. Randy has little memory of what happened to his parents; they 'died' when he was a child and he was basically raised by his grandfather. Yet, his recurring nightmare has something to do with them and a strange house...

His grandfather upon his return, and hearing about his nightmare, for the first time tells him about his parents and their demise. Randy's grandfather is a very religious man who does not believe in ghosts, but that belief was challenged by what happened to his daughter and son in law. While he does not go into much detail, he does give Randy a key to the mansion his parents bought for a song and were restoring at the time of their death. 'Horror Mansion' is in Indianapolis, and Randy sets off to see whats what. He is followed shortly thereafter by his wife, a student in psychology, also at I.U. They immediately start encountering all kinds of strange, spectral things; making something like the Amityville haunting seem tame by comparison...

This is really over the top horror and definitely a product of the 70s/80s horror boom. Williamson, however, takes it to another level, and seemingly gleefully so! Each chapter and section is prefaced by a quote from non-fiction texts describing some aspect of ghosts and/or hauntings. Randy and his wife Cindy soon become trapped in the house after one of their houseguests at a party is brutally killed and the cops tell them to stick around as they are suspects. It soon becomes apparent that something in the house wants Randy and will do just about anything to make him her own. Solid, or should I say a ghostly three stars!!!

[Scott · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book at a thrift store and it looked like a book published in the early 1980-late 70's genre of horror. If you liked The Sentinel, The Witching, Baal by Robert McCammon, etc...this book will hold all of those "campy-occult-ectoplasm-scantily-clad-sex-appeal" entities required for a good read at that time. I still love that era in horror. They remind me of Italian horror films, which are still in rotation every now and then for a good fright night.

This novel was established amidst the legacy of a mansion riddled with three ghosts who are ruthless in their appeal and murderous ways. The mansion itself is a family heirloom and of course, hosts a gateway to hell. Sexier and more sinister than Amityville.

[DAISY READS HORROR · Rating 3 out of 5]

Never a judge a book by it's cover! When I picked this one up from one of my shelves I was a bit hesitant. The cover was old and I saw that it was written in the early 80's. I was not very sure that it would be scary and I was a bit worried that it would be cheesy because of the title. However, I am happy to report it was a pleasant surprse. I liked the story and there were some horror parts that made me shiver.! Great read for October!

[Shelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found this book in a used book pile and read it on a whim. It was the first J.N. Williamson book I've come across, but I really enjoyed in more than I thought I would! I find that the author is very good at creating a spooky atmosphere, although he is somewhat long winded. As a fan of 80's horror, I'm going to look for more Williamson books, and GoodReads shows he has a lot more.

[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

The cover blew me away. What a haunting feeling it evoked by looking at it. But what about the story itself? Well the author isn't the best storyteller the world has seen. He uses many good horror motifs (e.g. haunted mansion, haunted family) but he often loses the plot, becomes tedious or so illogical that you almost quit. LuAnn Minniefield is one of the most evil female characters. Williamson could have done more with her and her siblings. Randy and Cindy are a bit too thin overall. The back story is weak too. The denouement is ridiculous and pale. Or take the appearance of Randy's father. C'mon, even for the 80s the book sucked at many parts. Only LuAnn and some explicit scenes made it ok for me. Don't expect too much here. Be warned. The cover is superb though (as many of Williamson's covers), a true collectible!

[zudie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this at a used book store and I had no idea it was a sequel. so I already felt like I was missing out on some of the story. it felt pretty slow...like nothing really happened. and all these characters were also pretty stupid. like, get out. go live with your grandpa. AND STOP INVITING PEOPLE TO YOUR HOUSE 😭😭😭

[Scott Oliver · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t know this was a sequel when I started it so will have to try and get the first book.

I quite enjoyed it but can’t say it was very “horrifying “

A bit heavy on metaphysical themes