“Horror is rooted in sympathy…. in understanding what it would be like to suffer the worst. “
-Joe Hill, Heart-Shaped Box
Aging rockstar, Jude Coyne, who lives with his 20 something girlfriend Georgia, buys a ghost online to add to his collection of the macabre. A few days later, a package arrives in the form of a black Heart-Shaped box containing a Johnny Cash style suit that appears to be a perfect fit for Jude. And commence the creepiness!
This ghost, an elderly gentleman with a penchant for hypnosis, has an agenda of his own. This involves terrorizing Jude and anyone involved with the rockstar.
As you may know, the author, Joe Hill, is the son of Stephen King. I think it would be unfair to compare them so I’ll just say a few things. Joe Hill has his own voice, a voice separate from that of his mastermind of a father, and it’s good! Do not go into any of his books looking for comparative writing. You will not find it, and I think that’s a positive point in his favor.
With that said, I found this book very spooky. There were a few times (yes, at night) in which I found myself looking around for my own personal ghost. And don’t get me started about being alone in a house with a cat at night while reading scary stories. I feel like my cat knew what she was doing, too!
I definitely think this is a good Halloween read! I rate it 4 out of 5 stars. Definitely a quick, fast-paced scary story that will give you the heebie jeebies.
My next read is Salem’s Lot by Stephen King. I did not plan on reading father and son back to back but so be it. So far I’m loving it!
Thanks for reading my review!
Happy Reading!!!
Book Oracle 