The familiarity of one's own house being turned into a place of horror is terrifying. It's a place that should be safe, but in a horror novel, it becomes a source of danger. For example, in 'The Shining', the hotel which is like a big house, has a malevolent presence that drives the main character crazy. The fact that the main character's family is also in the house makes it even scarier.
The psychological aspect of it. The characters' descent into madness as they try to figure out the mysteries of the house is quite disturbing. It makes you question your own perception of reality, which is a very frightening idea.
The way it plays with the concept of space and reality. It makes you question what you see and experience, which is truly scary.
Well, it's also about the psychological aspect. The characters' inner demons and the way they are explored in the show can be really unsettling. It makes the viewers question the sanity of the characters and, in a way, their own sanity too. It delves deep into the human psyche, showing the darkest corners of human nature, which is quite terrifying.
The unexpected jumpscares make it terrifying. Just when you think it's safe, something really scary pops up.
The unknown elements in 'my little horror story' are what make it terrifying. For example, in a horror story, when you don't know what is making that strange noise or what the shadowy figure is, it scares you because your mind starts to imagine the worst possibilities.
The sense of the unknown. When you don't know what lies in the abyss, it scares you. It's like a black hole of fear that your mind can't fully grasp.
The grotesque descriptions of bones might be one factor. Maybe it vividly depicts the bones in a very eerie way, like they are somehow alive or carry some sort of malevolent force.
The unknown in the car. Maybe there are some unseen and dangerous things lurking in it, like a malevolent spirit that haunts the vehicle.
The power dynamic. Physicians are supposed to heal, but in these novels, they often use their knowledge for evil. For example, in 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', Dr. Jekyll's position as a respected doctor makes his transformation into the evil Mr. Hyde even more shocking.
The atmosphere. It probably has a really dark and spooky setting, like an old, abandoned house or a fog - covered forest. The descriptions of these places make you feel like you're there, and it's scary.