We Have Always Lived in the Castle

So many story tropes that signal dread or unease are borne immaculately in Shirley Jackson novels. The distant family member with questionable motives. The uncle who went mad in the war. The haunted girl child, full of malice. An angry mob of townsfolk with pitchforks. Slow, soft, chilling unease and tension. A perfect book for any terrible woman.

Merricat, said Connie, would you like a cup of tea?

Oh no, said Merricat, you’ll poison me!