

“The Fall of the House of Usher” is Poe in full spooky-season glory: a creepy old mansion, a weirdly intense friendship, and an atmosphere so thick you could slice it with a letter opener. It’s short, sharp, and dripping with gothic vibes—think fog, dread, and the feeling that the wallpaper is judging you. You should read it if you like stories that get under your skin without relying on jump scares. Plus, Poe’s writing is deliciously dramatic in the best way—like horror poetry with excellent interior design (terrible for your mental health, though).