The Shining
Stephen King · 1977 · Best haunted-place horror
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Our take
Read it if you like horror that builds. Skip it if you want a fast plot; the first third is slow on purpose.
Where to buy
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View on AmazonAbout the book
A family snowed into a mountain hotel for the winter. King spends a long time making you care about them, which is why the second half hurts. It differs from the film in ways that matter, so read it even if you know the movie.
What works
- + Strong, human characters
- + Dread builds slowly
What doesn’t
- – Slow opening
- – Long