In December 1975, George and Kathleen Lutz moved into what seemed like their dream home in suburban Long Island. Despite knowing that, just a year earlier, Ronald DeFeo Jr. had brutally murdered his parents and siblings in the house, they couldn’t resist the allure of the property—boathouse, swimming pool, and an irresistible price.

But just twenty-eight days later, they fled in terror.

What followed was a chilling account of paranormal disturbances—strange noises, unexplained odors, ghostly apparitions, demonic entities, and an overwhelming sense of malevolence permeating the house. Jay Anson’s book presents these events as a true story, recounting the Lutz family’s supernatural ordeal and their ultimate decision to abandon their home.

If you’re looking for a truly spine-chilling horror novel, The Amityville Horror may not fully satisfy, as it follows a well-worn formula that has been explored extensively in films and literature. However, if you believe that ghosts and supernatural occurrences are purely fictional, this so-called “true story” may challenge your skepticism.

That said, the writing style (matter-of-fact style) leans more toward a documentary-like retelling than an engaging narrative, making it feel somewhat flat and lacking in immersive storytelling. While the premise is undeniably eerie, the execution leaves much to be desired.

While this detached, journalistic tone lends credibility to the “true story” claim, it also reduces the emotional impact. 

Unlike horror novels that build suspense through character development and atmospheric descriptions, The Amityville Horror presents a series of events without deeply exploring the psychological toll on the characters.

However, the pacing is effective, and the book moves quickly, making it an easy read despite its stylistic limitations.

One of the biggest debates surrounding The Amityville Horror is its authenticity. The Lutz family claimed the events were real, but numerous inconsistencies have been pointed out over the years:

Despite these doubts, believers argue that supernatural experiences are difficult to prove and that the Lutz family had no reason to abandon their house suddenly if something terrifying hadn’t occurred.

Regardless of its authenticity, The Amityville Horror left a lasting impact on horror literature and cinema. It inspired numerous films, documentaries, and books about haunted houses, influencing later works like The Conjuring series.

The book’s success paved the way for other “true haunting” accounts, such as The Exorcism of Emily Rose and The Entity, which mixed real-life claims with supernatural horror storytelling.

The Amityville case remains a key reference point in ghost hunting and paranormal research, even if many experts dismiss it as a hoax.

Who should watch it?

- Readers intrigued by “true horror” accounts.

Who might not enjoy it?

- Those looking for deeply psychological or literary horror (The Shining, House of Leaves).