We Have Always Lived in the Castle

We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson, 146 pages

Eighteen-year-old Mary Katherine (Merricat) Blackwood lives with her sister, Constance, and their senile uncle Julian. The trio has lived alone in a secluded mansion for six years, ever since the rest of their family died from arsenic poisoning during dinner. That event and the Blackwoods' subsequent agoraphobia has created animosity between most of the neighboring village's residents and Merricat, the only Blackwood who will leave their land. But when they're at home, Merricat, Constance, and Uncle Julian feel safe. Until their cousin Charles turns up, upsetting their world and leading to further catastrophe.

This is a moody, atmospheric tale that gets creepier and creepier as it goes. It's the first Jackson I've read, though it will certainly not be the last. She does such a wonderful job of creating a spooky story without any supernatural beings. No wonder she's referred to as a master of the genre!