I found this handsome hardcover - one of the "Stephen King Horror Library" editions, different cover than shown - at a local library book sale, and couldn't resist nabbing it. It's a classic of the haunted-house genre, and King's introduction includes some interesting commentary - though it also includes spoilers, so you should read the book first and save the introduction for later. [Among King's comments: he tackles the memorable opening paragraph of the novel and says "...let us analyze this paragraph a bit. I promise not to kill it or mount it, however... We'll just stun it for a moment or two and then let it fly on."]

The story itself is a marvel of psychological suspense, in which we doubt the perceptions of the characters while being convinced, as they are, that something is very, very wrong with Hill House. How this plays out, and its effects on the characters, form the bulk of the story; quietly chilling, and memorable.

[I also recommend Robert Wise's 1963 film version, The Haunting; it retains the psychological-horror edge, and the cast is marvelous. The newer remake goes overboard with special effects and loses the power.]

RELEASE NOTES:

I left this book propped up against the big iron gates at the north end of Valley Cemetery at about 1:15. (The green depths of the cemetery looked very cool and inviting on this hot day...) Hope the finder enjoys the book!

I found this book on my way home from the bus station and work. It was leaning on one of the gates to the Valley Street Cemetery in Manchester, NH. Upon finishing this book, I plan on releasing it in a yet unknown location. I would love to have it grow wings and be released overseas, but I have no such trip planned. The New England wilderness may have to suffice. Or downtown Boston, or the bus I commute on. Or mail it to family abroad for release in the foreign wild... To GoryDetails, thanks for this enjoyable book!