Side by side
Shirley Jackson vs Laird Barron
Shirley Jackson
11 positive (100%) · 0 mixed (0%) · 0 negative (0%)
Trust + time weighted: +100%
Top excerpts
Du Maurier and Shirley Jackson both nail that eerie cozy vibe.
Really, all of Shirley Jackson is wonderful to read.
I freaking love Shirley Jackson. “The Lovely House” lives in my heart rent free.
We’re already reading Poe, Shirley Jackson, and scary stories to tell in the dark.
Short story-wise, I’ve read and loved a lot of Shirley Jackson, Clive Barker and Harlan Ellison.
Laird Barron
16 positive (84%) · 1 mixed (5%) · 2 negative (11%)
Trust + time weighted: +75%
AI summary — not a quote
Laird Barron is widely considered a premier contemporary voice in cosmic and folk horror, frequently cited alongside authors like John Langan and Nathan Ballingrud. While his work shares DNA with Lovecraftian fiction, it is distinguished by a grittier, pulpier tone and protagonists who often possess a ruthless survival drive rather than the traditional sense of cosmic hopelessness.
Pros
- Phenomenal short story collections that are often considered superior to his novels
- Unique and gritty take on cosmic horror that 'pushes the envelope'
- Strong, survival-oriented protagonists that differ from typical genre tropes
- Successfully blends contemporary folk horror with cosmic themes
Cons
- Prose can be polarizing; some readers find it 'glitchy' or difficult to process
- Occasional criticism of specific works (e.g., 'The Jaws of Saturn') as being over-the-top
- May lack the specific 'hopelessness' vibe sought by Lovecraft purists
Top excerpts
I would also suggest Laird Barron for more similar stuff, but grittier.
As mentioned already, Laird Barron as he’s fully pushed the envelope on cosmic horror.
Can’t go wrong with Laird Barron
Barron is great, anything by John Langan is also a worthy read if you are looking for something Lovecraftian but with their own unique voices
I don't understand Laird Barron's hype. I read "The Jaws of Saturn" and was astounded at how over the top *bad* the writing was.