by Angie E.

The Best of Richard Matheson is like taking a roller coaster ride through the wild and imaginative mind of a literary genius. Now, if you haven’t heard of Richard Matheson, let me tell you more. He’s behind some of the most spine-tingling tales that have ever graced a page. From the eerie darkness of I Am Legend (also a movie) to his episodes of the mind-bending brilliance of The Twilight Zone to the softer, more gentle (and beloved) Somewhere In Time , Matheson knows how to keep you on the edge of your seat. 

The Best of Richard Matheson reads like a greatest hits album for horror, sci-fi, and thriller enthusiasts. The tantalizing collection of his finest short stories, handpicked by author Victor LaValle, showcases his incredible range. It’s a treasure trove for anyone who craves a good dose of suspense, a dash of the supernatural, and a healthy serving of psychological twists. 

One of my favorites is “Button, Button,” a chilling tale that plays with morality and the consequences of our actions. It’s like a game of ethical roulette where you can’t help but question what you would do in the same situation. Matheson has a way of making you think long after you’ve turned the last page. 

“Duel” is another pulse-pounding story that’ll make you think twice before honking your horn at an aggressive driver on the highway. An intense battle of wits, it keeps you gripping the edge of your seat while giving you a newfound appreciation for the safety of your car. It’s also the basis for the 1971 movie of the same name, directed by Steven Spielberg. 

And let’s not forget the goosebumps-inducing classic “Nightmare at 20,000 Feet,” both a classic episode of The Twilight Zone and part of the 1983 film of the same name. If you’ve ever stepped onto a plane and felt a twinge of unease, this story takes that discomfort to a whole new level. Matheson takes a seemingly mundane situation and infuses it with a supernatural twist that leaves a lingering fear of air travel and, perhaps, a reassessment of William Shatner’s acting, if you watch the episode. 

I adore Matheson’s ability to create vivid characters that jump off the page. Whether it’s a desperate survivor battling hordes of vampires, an ordinary Joe facing off against his darkest fears, or a gentle, sad man searching for love in the past, you find yourself deeply invested in their journeys. Matheson has a knack for blending the extraordinary with the everyday, making it all the more relatable and thrilling. 

The Best of Richard Matheson is a delightful literary cocktail that’s equal parts creepy, mind-bending, and thought-provoking. It’s the kind of book you’ll find yourself devouring in one sitting, staying up late into the night with wide eyes and racing pulse. 

Angie is an Instructor & Research Specialist at Central Branch and is a co-facilitator for Reads of Acceptance, HCLS’ first LGBTQ-focused book club. Her ideal day is reading in her cozy armchair, with her cat Henry next to her.