Richard Thomas’s Reviews > Dark Tales > Status Update

HOME (1965)

This is a classic contemporary ghost story, and it does its job aptly. A protagonist with an oversized ego, uneasy townsfolk, and some mysterious hitchhikers combine to deliver a spooky tale that actually feels too short. 5/5

The Man in the Woods (2014)

Another one that feels frustratingly unfinished. There a lot of cool pagan/witchy elements being represented here, but they just don't go anywhere. The story gets progressively scarier and more unsettling but we never really get a full plot development or resolution. So far, this one is my favorite in terms of theme, and it's disappointing it never got the full treatment it deserved. 3/5

THE GOOD WIFE (1996)

This one feels a little unfinished, as if the author had the idea for the theme, but hadn't fully fleshed it out yet. Not surprising that this prototype wasn't published on its own. It's got the twist, but it doesn't have the run-up. 2.5/5

A VISIT (aka "The Lovely House) (1950)

Definitely the standout piece of this collection, the main event. By far the longest story in this book, this is a Shirley Jackson short story, but written by the Gothic Novel adept Shirley Jackson. The lines between reality and imagination are thoroughly blurred here, and the dream-like quality will have the reader piqued throughout the story. 4.5/5

FAMILY TREASURES (2015)

This one has the same vibes as The Possibility of Evil: a voluntary recluse moves invisibly and maliciously through society, leaving a wake of destruction. It's definitely the lesser of the two though, without the biting self-indictment of Evil. It seems as if Jackson wasn't finished exploring this theme, but this particular venture was not deemed worthy of solo publication. 3/5

THE BUS (1967)

This is a pretty trippy story that brings to mind the scariest thing I've personally ever experienced, sleep paralysis. It will have the reader questioning where exactly the line between reality and dreams lies, or if there is a solid line at all. High strangeness and off-putting dialog could be used for an episode of X-Files. 5/5.

WHAT A THOUGHT (1996)

A quick review for a very quick story: if you have ever been surprised by and afraid of your own intrusive thoughts, this one will probably freak you out. 5/5

ALL SHE SAID WAS YES (1962)

A change of pace from Jackson's usual brooding, uncomfortable atmosphere, this is a darkly humorous story with a warning about blissful ignorance of incomprehensible dangers. Published during the author's lifetime, unlike many stories in this book, the reader can empathize with Jackson's gleeful bashing and abasement of unlikeable people who can't see past the tip of their own nose. 5/5

THE BEAUTIFUL STRANGER (1968)

This minor work feels kind of slapped together, just a "weird for the sake of weird" story that doesn't really have any sort of beginning or end and serves as a nothing more than a brief glimpse into the psyche of yet another "reality questioning" protagonist. Probably a relatively niche audience: some people might find it relatable, but I found it just drab. 2/5

JACK THE RIPPER (1996)

Another obscure quick one. The anonymous, everyday characters and vague setting help to convey the mood of cold, calculated malevolence passing unnoticed throughout the world. It's as sharp and concise as a knife; if it had been published within Jackson's lifetime, it probably would hold an esteemed post in her gallery. 5/5