Nightmare at 20 000 Feet( Horror Stories)[NIGHTMARE AT 20000 FEET][Paperback]

by RichardMatheson

Nightmare at 20 000 Feet( Horror Stories) <> Paperback <> RichardMatheson <> TorBooks

Genres: Horror

Paperback

Published January 31, 2002

Reviews

[Cristiana · Rating 3 out of 5]

In his introduction, Stephen King praises Matheson for having “regenerated a stagnant genre” in the 1950s. So far, so good, as most would agree. However, he goes on to write: “Matheson would never give ground. When you thought it had to be over, that your nerves couldn't stand any more, that was when Matheson turned on the afterburners and went into overdrive. He wouldn't quit. He was relentless”. I found it rather interesting that what King describes as Matheson’s greatest strength is exactly what I would describe as his greatest weakness: he goes on and on until you are so bored you feel like getting down on your knees to beg him to stop. In fact, his “relentlessness,” to quote King, often turns a good idea for a horror story into a snooze fest. Another aspect that weighs down these stories is Matheson’s pervasive misogyny that I’d already found particularly unpalatable in his well-known novel Hell House. It follows that, in theory, this collection would merit a one-star rating, but there is a “but”. Two stories are outstanding: the titular “Nightmare at 20,000 Feet” (later successfully adapted by George Miller in Twilight Zone: The Movie, 1983), and above all “The Children of Noah”, which is one of the most memorable horror stories I’ve ever read. For that reason, I arrive at a three-star average.

[Stephanie Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading this collection, I think I prefer Matheson's shorter stories compared to his longer works. Some of these short stories I've come across before, but most of them were new to me. And there are a lot of heavy hitters in this collection. Like with any collection, there are some stories I enjoy more than others, but overall it's clear to see why Matheson is considered a horror icon. I think I'd have to say that my favourite was "Disappearing Act", although the titular story was also fantastic.

[The Smoog · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some excellent stories here, but others which I just found confusing. A little more exposition on these would have improved them immensely imo.

Listened on Audible, and the narration was all solid, with some pleasantly-surprising appearances.

[Kevin Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a joy! Usually with horror short story collections you get a maybe 40-50% success rating. Here I'd highly recommend all but two of the stories. Matheson is more versatile than I expected, especially considering the original publishing date of these stories. Very creative and versatile.

[BAD BMW · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good for listening in the car.