Which Alfred Hitchcock novel should I start with?

Alfred Hitchcock influenced the stories in the book greatly. His unique style of creating suspense was a major factor. He knew how to build tension bit by bit, like in his films, and this was carried over into the stories. For example, he might use ordinary settings but make them seem menacing.

He probably looked for stories with strong characters. Characters that could be developed further in the adaptation.

The 'Rebecca' by Alfred Hitchcock is also quite famous. It tells a complex story of a young woman who marries a wealthy widower. The mystery and psychological drama in the novel are very engaging. Hitchcock was able to bring out the unease and mystery in the story very well when he adapted it into a movie.

Alfred Hitchcock's life story is one of cinematic genius. He was a pioneer in the art of filmmaking. His upbringing in England influenced his early works which had a distinct British flavor. As he transitioned to Hollywood, he blended his European sensibilities with American filmmaking. In 'North by Northwest', he created a high - octane thriller with Cary Grant. Hitchcock's ability to build suspense gradually, like in the famous shower scene in 'Psycho', made him stand out. His body of work not only entertained but also made people think about the darker aspects of human nature.

Another work that might be considered among his best in terms of the associated story is 'Vertigo'. The complex relationship and the mystery in the story, which was masterfully translated to the screen, made it a classic. It had elements of obsession, mystery and psychological depth.

One of the well - known Alfred Hitchcock detective novels is 'Strangers on a Train'.

I think 'Rear Window' is also a great short story. It's about a man who spies on his neighbors from his rear window and starts to suspect something sinister is going on. Hitchcock was brilliant in exploring the human psyche through such a simple concept.

In 'The Birds', there are the unnamed family members who are the central characters. They are just ordinary people living their lives until the strange behavior of the birds starts to disrupt everything. We see how they react to the increasing threat from the birds, which shows their different personalities - some are more panicked, while others try to be more rational.

The themes in Alfred Hitchcock short stories are quite diverse. Suspense, as we all know, is a big part of it. He builds up the tension so well that you can't help but keep reading. Then there's the theme of deception. Characters might be deceiving each other or themselves. There's also the theme of the macabre. Some of his stories touch on the darker and more grotesque aspects of human nature and situations, which adds to the overall allure of his short stories.

I'm not entirely sure about all the main actors specifically for the 'Ghost Stories' part of 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents'. But Hitchcock often worked with a variety of talented actors. Some well - known ones might be involved.