Can you recommend a best horror short story for a beginner?

I would also recommend 'SOMA'. It has a thought - provoking story. Although it has some complex themes, the basic premise of exploring an underwater research facility and the strange things happening there is easy to grasp. The game also has a great sense of atmosphere and horror that can draw in new players to the horror genre.

I'd recommend 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson. It seems like a normal small - town story at first. The townspeople gather for an annual lottery. But as the story progresses, it becomes clear that this lottery is not what it seems, and the 'winner' is actually going to be stoned to death by the rest of the villagers. It's a great introduction to the idea that not everything is as it appears in horror stories.

For a beginner, 'The Monkey's Paw' is a great choice. It's a short story that shows how a simple wish - granting device can lead to horror. The family's desperation and the unexpected and dark outcomes are quite effective in creating a sense of dread.

A great beginner - friendly Hulu short horror story is 'The Mirror'. It's about a young woman who moves into a new apartment and there's an old mirror on the wall. She starts to notice that her reflection doesn't always match her movements. It builds suspense slowly and doesn't rely on extreme shock factors to be scary.

For a beginner, 'The Raft' is a great choice. It's about a group of friends on a raft in a lake and something terrifying in the water. It's a straightforward horror story. 'Mrs. Todd's Shortcut' is also quite interesting. It has a bit of a mystery element along with the horror as Mrs. Todd seems to be taking some very strange shortcuts. Another one could be 'The End of the Whole Mess' which has a unique take on the end of the world scenario.

For a beginner, 'The Shining' by Stephen King is a great choice. It's a well - known horror novel with a simple yet effective premise of a family in a haunted hotel. The characters are relatable and the build - up of horror is gradual. Another good one is 'Pet Sematary'. It's easy to get into and the concept of the cursed burial ground is both scary and fascinating.

For a beginner, 'Frankenstein' is a great choice. It's not only a horror story but also a philosophical exploration of creation and responsibility. The idea of a man - made monster and his struggle in a world that rejects him is both sad and terrifying. Also, 'Carmilla' can be a good pick. It has a female vampire, which is a bit different from the more common male vampires in horror stories, and it has a very gothic and spooky feel to it.

Richard Matheson's 'I Am Legend' could be a good choice too. It's about a man who believes he is the last human alive in a world filled with vampires. The loneliness and the constant threat from the undead create a great sense of horror and suspense.

Well, 'Xingu' is a great choice too for a beginner. It's short and humorous. You don't need a lot of prior knowledge to understand the satirical elements in it. It can be a fun and easy introduction to Wharton's work as it shows her ability to create engaging and thought - provoking stories in a concise way.

Sure. 'The Haunting of Hill House' by Shirley Jackson is a classic that still holds up today. It's a great starting point as it builds tension and unease in a very psychological way. You don't have to deal with extreme gore or violence, but it still gives you that creeping sense of horror.