Nightmare at 20,000 Feet

Horror Stories

By: Stephen King - introduction, Richard Matheson

Narrated by: Julia Campbell, Richard Powers, Malcolm Hillgartner, Arte Johnson, Jay Karnes, Ray Porter, Yuri Rasovsky, Lorna Raver

One of the finest and most influential horror writers of the 20th century, Richard Matheson (I Am Legend, The Incredible Shrinking Man, Somewhere in Time) has left his stamp on the collective imagination. Here are more than 20 of Matheson's most memorable tales of fear and paranoia, personally selected by the author. Many of these stories have already entered into popular culture, including the title story, which became a landmark episode of The Twilight Zone, and "Duel", the nail-biting tale of man versus machine that inspired Steven Spielberg's first film.

Other stories include "First Anniversary", "Dress of White Silk", "Witch War", "Dance of the Dead", "Mad House", "Prey", "Blood Son", "Crickets", "Wet Straw", "The Children of Noah", "Through Channels", "Old Haunts", "Disappearing Act", "The Holiday Man", "Legion of Plotters", "The Distributor", "Long Distance Call", "Slaughter House", and "The Likeness of Julie".

Find out why Stephen King (who wrote the introduction) has called Matheson one of his favorite writers.

Narrated by Richard Powers, Malcolm Hillgartner, Arte Johnson, Jay Karnes, Ray Porter, Lawrence Pressman, Yuri Rasovsky, Lorna Raver, Ned Schmidtke, Conrad John Schuck, and Christine Williams.

©2002 RXR, Inc. (P)2009 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"The well-known title tale about a nervous air traveler is a showcase for the author's trademark less-is-more prose style, which suspensefully delineates a psychological tug-of-war between man and a monster that may be purely imagined. Timeless in their simplicity, [Matheson's] stories are also relentless in their approach to basic fears." (Publishers Weekly)

Short and Terryfying

I listened to this book mostly at work and on the bus and it kept me constantly entertained. The stories here are all by Matheson [the man behind I Am Legend] so they are well written and the narration is fantastic, emotive, and captivating. The stories range in length and scope covering most of the realms of horror. From ghosts to monsters within and without all fans of horror will find something to satisfy their most carnal cravings here! As an added bonus each of Matheson's tales can be enjoyed on many levels, each one with its own messages about life, humanity, and society.

If you want entertaining classic horror fiction that is well written, well read, and engrossing pick this book up!

Stephen King's Idol

I can see how King was influenced to write his greatest works. Matheson is the true OG of Horror and I love it! A lot of his stories left you where you stood. I'd be in such shock and awe, that I would have to replay certain parts of the stories to make sure I understood what just happen! I didn't want it to end! But I also had to take breaks because sometimes it was a little much. Just enough to get my grip back on reality. Awesome read(s)!

Great book!

I loved the collection of stories, as if I was listening to episodes of the twilight zone. Some stories were great other just left you puzzled. Great one to add to your collection. This book introduced me to many more. Very Pleased! Definitely suggest others as well. Stir of echoes, is another good book by Matheson.

Some Horror Classics by a Master

Real gems here including stories you've seen on Twilight Zone and Trilogy of Terror.

The OG Master of Horror

You simply can’t get better than Richard Matheson. I’m glad King recognizes what an influence he was on his own work, because the similarities between “The Distributor” and “Needful Things” are so profound that one can’t help but wonder if Matheson’s estate shouldn’t get a cut of every copy of NT that King sells.

The stories are brilliant, obviously, and the narrators are perfectly chosen. This is my favorite Audible purchase ever, in so many downloads I can’t begin to count them. If you’re wondering if you’ll be entertained, just stop wondering. But be wary if you’re home alone, on a dark night. Sleep might not come easily after these tales!