Book Review: Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill (My Honest Opinion)

I was truly spooked by this book. Some parts of Heart-Shaped Box made some of his father’s work seem like a kid's Fairy Tale.

Heart-Shaped Box Amazon Cover.Photo bythe author Amazon cover with PowerPoint design creation.

You can read my review of the classic Stephen King Fairy Tale here, with a true teen hero exploring an alternate universe.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. When you click on a link and buy the product, I make a small commission, which does not change your price.

Introduction

Heart-Shaped Box is a horror novel written by Joe Hill. The novel tells the story of an aging rockstar who purchases a ghost online, not realizing the terror he has invited into his life. In this review, I’ll explore the novel's essential arguments and examine how the author creates an atmosphere of horror and suspense.

Summary

The novel tells the story of an aging rockstar, Judas “Jude” Coyne, who purchases a ghost online, not realizing the terror he has invited into his life. The ghost, the stepfather of one of Coyne's former lovers, is seeking revenge because his stepdaughter killed herself.

The ghost, Craddock Martin, was a hypnotist in life and figured out how to bring himself back through the suit.

Jude and his girlfriend Georgia are soon thrust into a world of horror and violence. The novel explores revenge, regret, and redemption themes, as the characters struggle to survive in the face of supernatural terror.

Narration

The story is told from a third-person omniscient perspective, focusing on Judas Coyne's thoughts and actions.

Setting

The novel is set in modern-day America, primarily in New York and on the road South through Georgia and Florida. The setting drives the plot by creating a sense of isolation and unease, as the characters are often alone in rural areas.

Theme

The novel's primary theme is revenge, as the ghost seeks retribution for perceived wrongs done to his stepdaughter in life. The novel also explores themes of regret and redemption as the characters grapple with their past mistakes and try to make amends.

Genre

Heart-Shaped Box is a horror novel that explores supernatural themes. It is similar in tone to the works of Stephen King and Clive Barker.

About the Author

Joe Hill is a successful author who has published several works in the horror genre. He is the son of acclaimed author Stephen King, and his writing style is often compared to his father's. While Hill's works share some similarities with King's, he has also developed a unique voice and style that sets him apart.

Read my article, The Man No One Knew Was a King, for more in-depth information about Joe Hill.

Several of his works have been adapted for TV and movies, such as NOS4A2, In the Tall Grass, his comic book series Locke & Key, which won him an Eisner Award for Best Writer, Horns, and the Black Phone. NOS4A2, In the Tall Grass, and Locke & Key are available on Netflix.

Plot

Judas Coyne is an aging rockstar with a penchant for collecting macabre objects. When he purchases a ghost online, he thinks it's all a joke. But when the ghost, the vengeful spirit of his former lover's stepfather, begins to haunt him, Judas realizes his mistake. With the help of his girlfriend, Georgia, Judas sets out to find a way to defeat the ghost and end his reign of terror.

The novel is a fast-paced and suspenseful thriller with plenty of twists and turns along the way. The characters are well-developed (even Jude’s two dogs, Angus and Bon), and the supernatural elements of the story are handled with care and attention to detail.

My Opinion & Recommendation

Heart-Shaped Box is a gripping and terrifying novel that showcases Joe Hill's talent for crafting horror stories.

The novel explores themes of revenge, regret, and redemption, and the characters are well-drawn, but Jude and Georgia are not your average victims.

While Hill's work is often compared to his father's, he has developed a unique voice and style that sets him apart. If you're a fan of horror and suspense, Heart-Shaped Box is a must-read novel.

Joe Hill: Heart-Shaped Box interview

Buy the Book on Kindle

I’m unsure if this offer is still available, but I bought NOS4A2 and Heart-Shaped Box on Kindle for $2.99 each. Grab this deal now before it goes away.

As Joe said, the time is here.

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About the author

Stephen Dalton is a native of Old Town, ME, and a retired US Army First Sergeant with a degree in journalism from the University of Maryland. He is a Certified US English Chicago Manual of Style Editor. Top Writer in Travel, Food, Fiction, Transportation, VR, NFL, Design, Creativity, Short Story, and a NewsBreak Community Voice Pro.