Heart-Shaped Box
by Joe Hill
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Book Reviews of Heart-Shaped Box
Book Review: C for Effort
Summary: 2 Stars
I picked up this book with a great anticipation of getting lost in a good
ghost story, but I was soon disappointed. The author has an aging rock star named "Jude" buy a suit that was worn by a dead man. It comes in a black, heart-shaped box. Okay, fine, but then Jude finds another heart-shaped box from his childhood. For me, that was too many heart-shaped boxes for one story.
Also, and more importantly, the reader is introduced to the ghost too soon. The story needed more set work. Very early in the story the rock star walks right past the ghost, who is sitting in a chair. Jude tries to ignore him. That's too close, too soon, and it just didn't work for me.
I'm reminded of the sequel to the "Amityville Horror." I liked that story, but in the sequel, the woman is levitating on the second page, or so it seemed. No build up.
Lastly, I didn't find one character that I cared about. Believe it or not, that's important in a story. In Steven King's "Duma Key," I cared about the main character, and that kept me reading.
Joe Hill's novel may grab some readers, but I have to agree with the
other negative reviews.
Book Review: scary, creepy and intense
Summary: 5 Stars
Famous musician Judas Coyne collects rare and grotesque items. He lives with his current goth girlfriend, Georgia a.k.a. Marybeth, and his pet dogs Angus and Bon. When his personal assistant, Danny, tells him there is a ghost for sale on the Internet, Jude buys it for $1000.00. The package arrives at his door, it is a black heart-shaped box, inside is a suit belonging to a dead man. Jude just puts the box away in his closet and forgets about it until one day he sees an old man in his home, wearing the suit.
I really enjoyed this book, Joe Hill, is the son of none other than Stephen King. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. This read was scary, creepy and intense. It has lots of twists and turns, and is full of some unexpected surprises. I liked the main character, Jude and his girlfriend, Georgia. You want them to figure out a way to get rid of this ghost, yet it seems impossible for them. Craddock is insane and he's very scary.
It's been a while since I've read a book that scared me. This read was long overdue. I think the last book that spooked me like this one was Salem's Lot.
Book Review: A great, debut thriller
Summary: 4 Stars
Hard rock star Judas Coyne enjoys collecting bizarre artifacts, so when he finds a dead man's suit that is supposed to come with a ghost for sale on an online auction site, he can't resist buying it. When he receives it is is surprised to learn that the ghost is real and has been sent to him by the vengeful family of a former girlfriend.Soon Judas is off on a road trip to try and find a way to rid himself of the ghost before it kills him and anyone he cares about.
Joe Hill is Stephen King's son, and I could see a lot of similaries in the style. Heart-Shaped Box felt a lot like an early King novel to me with a simple, direct plot and lots of references to pop culture and rock music. Since I have usually enjoyed King's books, I don't see the similarities as a negative. The book nicely built up the suspense throughout, and kept me interested until the end. My only real issue with it is that some of the revelations about the family that sent the ghost seem to be a little over-the-top. I enjoyed the book quite a bit and will definitely be looking for future books by Joe Hill.
Book Review: Extraordinary first novel.
Summary: 4 Stars
I must admit I only picked up this book because I'd read that Joe Hill is Stephen King's son, and I'm a long-time King fan. Perhaps that wasn't fair to Hill, so I'll avoid comparisons with his father's work.
Hill has written a dark tale about an aging rocker, Jude, and his girlfriend, Georgia, who are pursued by a ghost seeking revenge. This sounds like pretty standard horror-genre fare, but Hill avoids the usual cliches in both plot and prose. His characters are complex and interesting, his dialogue natural yet compelling, and the pacing is just about perfect. His flashbacks provide necessary background without being intrusive or taking over the story. His use of language is impressive; it's easy to read, yet bold, subtle and textured, with none of the awkwardness you often see in a new writer's work. In fact, it's hard to believe this is Hill's first novel, his writing is so confident, yet so well-crafted.
I read this novel because it was written by Stephen King's son. I'll read his next novel because it's written by Joe Hill.
Book Review: Horror is back!
Summary: 5 Stars
I absolutely loved this book. It has been quite a while since I have been able to curl up on the couch with a book that made me think I was hearing things in my own house. Joe Hill has written a winner and I hope he keeps them coming.
Jude Coyne is a surly, middle-aged rock star that is bored with his life. He has settled in to staying up late, sleeping in late and chasing women young enough to be his daughter. This all changes when his assistant calls to him one day to come look at an ad on the internet. The ad reads, "Buy my stepfather's ghost." Jude can't resist. He has been collecting macabre items for a while now. Naturally, he buys the ghost and a few days later he gets (you guessed it)a heart shaped box and in the box is the dead man's suit. Jude gets a whole lot more than just an old suit as you will find out as the story unfolds.
This is a rollercoaster ride you won't want to miss. Mr. Hill has a lot of talent and I hope he sticks around sharing it with the rest of us for a long time to come.