39 pages 1 hour read

Joe Hill

Heart-Shaped Box

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2007

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill, retired rock star Judas "Jude" Coyne and his girlfriend, Marybeth "Georgia" Kimball, are tormented by the ghost of the stepfather of Jude’s deceased ex-girlfriend, Florida, after purchasing a haunted suit. Their journey to escape and confront the vengeful spirit forces them to face their pasts and strengthens their bond. The novel includes discussions of anti-gay bias, sexual assault, suicide, and violence.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Joe Hill’s Heart-Shaped Box is widely praised for its chilling atmosphere, compelling character development, and homage to classic horror elements. Readers appreciate Hill's ability to build suspense and deliver genuine scares. However, some critics find the plot occasionally predictable and the pacing uneven. Overall, it’s a strong debut that offers a fresh yet familiar horror experience.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Heart-Shaped Box?

Fans of The Shining by Stephen King or The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty will relish Heart-Shaped Box. Readers who appreciate gothic horror, intense suspense, and complex characters will be drawn to this chilling novel, where a rock star's haunted past comes vividly and disturbingly to life.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction

Fantasy

Mystery / Crime Fiction

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Fear

Emotions/Behavior: Guilt

Emotions/Behavior: Love

Topics

Religion / Spirituality