Dr. Montague, an investigator of psychic disturbances, extends an invitation to three young people to join him at Hill House, whose tragic history has made it unfit for human habitation, and where perhaps they can intensify the forces at work. Eleanor Vance, who had spent eleven years in caring for an invalid mother, is now alone in the world and unwanted- and she has had a poltergeist experience; Theodora is telepathic; and Luke Sanderson is the nephew of the present owner. During the days and nights to follow there are doors that close; drafts that chill; banging and scurrying noises- and writing on the walls. Mrs. Montague arrives- eager to launch a session with planchette and hoping for further materializations beyond these "decided manifestations". But Eleanor becomes increasingly disturbed and distraught; her hoped for close friendship with Theodora is brushed aside- as Theodora goes off alone with Luke; she is the most susceptible to the dark history of this house and attempts to imitate a tragedy in the past; and the story which begins as a spritely tour of the spirit world, ends on a note of real disequilibrium..... A tantalizing, suggestive reconnaissance where the phantasma of other worlds- and private worlds- reveal a disconcerting similarity, and Shirley Jackson's special following will find pause to wonder and admire.
