They're effective because they're concise. For example, 'Dead End'. It immediately creates a sense of finality and possible danger. There's no way out and who knows what's waiting there.
Empty House. There's something spooky about an empty house. It stands there, quiet and desolate, and you can't help but wonder what happened inside or if there are unseen presences.
Silent. House. Footstep. In a silent house, the sound of a single footstep can be spine - chilling. You expect the house to be empty, but then there's that unexpected noise. It could be an intruder, or something more supernatural. You freeze in fear, not knowing what's coming next.