4 Of The Best Books By Shirley Jackson That Aren't The Haunting Of Hill House

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Decades after its publication in 1959, Shirley Jackson's "The Haunting of Hill House" remains a beloved haunted house tale. The gothic horror novel is known for its unsettling atmosphere and psychological chills, considered both a modern classic and a great entry point into the horror genre. Still, the highly-rated title isn't the only Jackson book that's worth picking up.

While "The Haunting of Hill House" landed on the list of popular Netflix shows you didn't know were based on books, it's been reimagined and adapted several times over. Alongside Mike Flanagan's loosely-based series, the gothic title was adapted into "The Haunting" in 1963 and transformed for the stage by F. Andrew Leslie the following year. Then, Catherine Zeta-Jones headlined another movie adaptation in 1999.

Not only has the California-born author published another novel that easily slots into the best spooky horror books for your fall TBR and which has received its own adaptation, but she's also dabbled in chilling short story collections and engaging memoirs. So, whether you're in search of another classic or wanting to fill out your October reading list, Jackson has a number of titles to check out.

Readers who appreciate the gothic energy of "The Haunting of Hill House" will likely enjoy Shirley Jackson's "We Have Always Lived in the Castle." The 1962 publication is another psychological tale, this time centering around a girl named Merricat and her isolated family. Rumors of murder have swirled around the Blackwoods since her sister Constance was accused of poisoning several family members, but it's a visit from their cousin Charles that really puts Merricat on the defensive. 

The novel is largely regarded as another modern classic from Jackson, with everyday readers echoing the positive sentiments surrounding the title. The gothic novel has an average rating of 3.9 stars on Goodreads, being praised for its sharp storytelling and odd, compelling characters. "So creepy, so strange, so ghostly and ghastly," booktuber Emmie said of the title. "Merricat and Constance just make up this duo that's, like, so unsettling." 

"We Have Always Lived in the Castle" received its own adaptation in 2018. The movie, which stars Taissa Farmiga, Alexandra Daddario, and Sebastian Stan, received mostly favorable reviews from critics. So, readers looking to have a gothic double feature for the fall season can pick up this Jackson title and follow it up with a watch party. 

Next, "The Lottery and Other Stories" is an anthology from Shirley Jackson, with the titular piece being a true standout from the author's overall catalogue. The brief tale is about a small American town's mandatory lottery, an annual recurrence that has all the residents on edge the morning of. "There's a scariness around small towns and really close-knit communities that this story perfectly exemplifies," YouTube creator The Book Leo said. "It is about mindlessly following traditions [and] not questioning certain standards, certain norms."

"The Lottery" made quite the impact when it was originally published in The New Yorker, going on to become one of the most-known short stories from American literature. Its legacy is partially reflected in its adaptation treatment, being reinterpreted for the stage, radio, and film in the years since its publication. While none of these adaptations have been quite as popular as reimaginings of some of her other works, they still make for a great companion to the collection.

The well-known piece was published alongside 24 other stories from the author in 1949, with the accompanying pieces offering more of Jackson's signature creepiness. Altogether, the anthology has an average rating of 4.02 stars on Goodreads, making it a great collection for lovers of spooky literature to check out after "The Haunting of Hill House."

"The Sundial" is another eerie novel that fans of Shirley Jackson need to know about. The 1958 publication is all about the wealthy Halloran family and a prediction regarding the world's end. When Aunt Fanny reports a vision of the impending apocalypse, the clan experiences increasing terror and madness as they prepare to be among the few survivors.

As of writing, the gothic title boasts an average rating of 3.79 stars on Goodreads. Though it's not as highly regarded as some of the author's more famous publications, it includes recognizable elements like an aging house and strange characters. "It combined the whimsy of a Wes Anderson film with Shirley Jackson's usual tone of horror and macabre and suspense," said content creator Malissa on YouTube. "It is absurd, but there's also an affecting message here."

Though it's been adapted into a stage play, "The Sundial" hasn't made it to the big screen. While they won't be quite as spooky as Jackson-based works, there are the classic books getting a fresh on-screen adaptation in 2026 to watch in the meantime.

Lastly, Shirley Jackson's "Life Among the Savages" is distinctly different from the majority of her bibliography, but that just means the title comes with its own set of appeals. Published in 1953, the memoir chronicles the author's life as a mother in rural Vermont. She catalogues her family's everyday adventures, which includes a naughty imaginary friend, unreliable furnace, and oblivious husband, with notable wit and humor.

While a departure from her gothic thrills, "Life Among the Savages" has still courted the favor of critics and everyday readers alike. The nonfiction title has a 3.95 star rating on Goodreads, with users asserting that Jackson's adept writing makes her motherly vignettes enjoyable for all. The combination of this strong, humorous writing and the absurd shenanigans of her young children translates to a standout domestic memoir that doubles as a great breather from the author's darker works.

Jackson also released a follow-up to this memoir in 1957, sharing even more hilarious and heartfelt stories in "Raising Demons." With all this in mind, readers who enjoyed the best memoirs from fan-favorite female comedians should definitely consider picking up this humorous nonfiction.

This list of standout books from Shirley Jackson was crafted using a combination of Goodreads ratings, Booktube reviews, and literary consensus, aiming to highlight titles that readers could pick up after "The Haunting of Hill House." We considered average star ratings alongside long-term literary impact in selecting titles, while using specific reviews to hone recommendations. Given that Jackson's bibliography features books of various tones and genres, this list also aimed to provide readers a varied look into the author's catalogue.