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Hell House  By  cover art

Hell House

By: Richard Matheson
Narrated by: Ray Porter
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Publisher's summary

Hell House is the scariest haunted house novel ever written. It looms over the rest the way the mountains loom over the foothills.” — Stephen King

From the author of
I Am Legend comes Hell House, the basis for the supernatural horror film starring Pamela Franklin, Roddy McDowall, Clive Revill.

For over twenty years, Belasco House has stood empty. Regarded as the Mount Everest of haunted houses, its shadowed walls have witnessed scenes of unimaginable horror and depravity. All previous attempts to probe its mysteries have ended in murder, suicide, or insanity. But now, a new investigation has been launched, bringing four strangers to Belasco House in search of the ultimate secrets of life and death. A wealthy publisher, brooding over his impending death, has paid a physicist and two mediums to establish the facts of life after death once and for all. For one night, they will investigate the Belasco House and learn exactly why the townsfolk refer to it as the Hell House.

Hell House, which inspired the 1973 film The Legend of Hell House, is Matheson’s most frightening and shocking book and an acknowledged classic of the genre.

©1999 Richard Matheson (P)2008 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Featured Article: The Haunting of Hill House—Book vs. Show


Shirley Jackson was inspired to write the novel after reading about a group of psychic researchers who spent time in a house believed to be haunted. In an essay, Jackson explained that she was less interested in the investigation itself and more intrigued by what could be learned about the people conducting the investigation. If you're a fan of the super creepy Netflix series, here's the lowdown on how the two chilling incarnations stack up.

What listeners say about Hell House

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4 out of 5 stars
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    2,484
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  • 3 Stars
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  • 2 Stars
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  • 1 Stars
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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Very good read!

this starts as a retelling oh The Haunting of Hill House but Mathison expands it, telling a story that could be the next generation at Hill House. this is more hefonistic, much more than Jackson would have been allowed?, and when it comes into its own, it takes the reader to another level. very good read.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

good

it got little drag out at the end but was still a good book.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Classic Horror

This book lived up to its title. It was a genuine classic horror story. They don't write them like this anymore. If you are a fan of ghost and haunted house stories, I highly recommend this book. Contains many adult themes. I was not really expecting some of the sexually graphic scenes.

I listened to this book while commuting to and from work. There were days when I wanted to stay in my car and finish the chapter before turning it off. Highly recommended.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

The best haunted house story ever

Great story. It also doesn't shy around adult themes of sex. I saw the movie version of this book, and I loved it. When I finely read the book, I fell in love with the concept all over again. Richard Masterson is a great writer. I loved his Twilight Zone stories. Great story.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Stellar Scare

Ray Porter is a force of vocal brilliance. His nuance with each character brings this tale by Richard Matheson to real life. One of my favorite books and my new favorite audio book. I must have listened to it a half dozen times!

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Just OK...

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Possibly...someone else might enjoy it more...but I found the overall story to be predictable & the ending weak.

What about Ray Porter’s performance did you like?

I enjoyed Ray Porter's narration of "14" - so I knew he'd deliver again

Any additional comments?

I downloaded the book in October thinking it would be a great read around Halloween and after seeing the positive reviews - unfortunately it did not live up to the hype!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A fun and creepy story that has an intense ending.

This story isn't really a new one, but it's still rather creepy and is capable of making your hairs stand straight. Ray Porter does a great job as always conveying the tale of Hell House.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

overall good read

not scary as i thought but im a true blue horror fan... but overall story line was good def kept me entertained

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Couldn’t put it down!

I came here after falling in love with the Netflix series Haunting of Hill House. I of course had to read that original book by Shirley, and this naturally came next. This book was exciting! It was perverted, but sexy. Narration was perfect and a beautiful dark finale satisfying to the bittersweet end.

Thanks!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Made me think.

I thought I had this book figured out about 2/3 the way through but I was wrong. Well written and carefully thought out to keep you guessing. The only reason I gave 4 stars for performance was the women voiced by a man. at times very cringe worthy. all in all I gave it 5

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