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Ushers
A young man who has improbably escaped death twice reveals his secret in a spine-tingling short story by New York Times bestselling author Joe Hill.
Martin Lorensen is a twenty-three-year-old counselor for disturbed teenagers. He’s bright, compassionate, attractive, and outgoing. He’s also—and this is the most interesting thing—not dead. Martin has improbably survived not one but two deadly disasters that claimed dozens of lives. The kid is riding one hell of a lucky streak. Two federal agents think there is something darker at play. Now that they’ve arranged to interview Martin, they want answers. Martin is ready to share everything he knows. One thing is for certain: when it comes to escaping death, luck doesn’t figure into it at all.
Martin Lorensen is a twenty-three-year-old counselor for disturbed teenagers. He’s bright, compassionate, attractive, and outgoing. He’s also—and this is the most interesting thing—not dead. Martin has improbably survived not one but two deadly disasters that claimed dozens of lives. The kid is riding one hell of a lucky streak. Two federal agents think there is something darker at play. Now that they’ve arranged to interview Martin, they want answers. Martin is ready to share everything he knows. One thing is for certain: when it comes to escaping death, luck doesn’t figure into it at all.
29 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2024
3,201 people are currently reading
7,905 people want to read
About the author
Joe Hill
490books28kfollowersJoe Hill's debut, Heart-Shaped Box, won the Bram Stoker Award for Best First Novel. His second, Horns, was made into a film freakfest starring Daniel Radcliffe. His other novels include NOS4A2, and his #1 New York Times Best-Seller, The Fireman... which was also the winner of a 2016 ŷ Choice Award for Best Horror Novel.
He writes short stories too. Some of them were gathered together in his prize-winning collection, 20th Century Ghosts.
He won the Eisner Award for Best Writer for his long running comic book series, Locke & Key, co-created with illustrator and art wizard Gabriel Rodriguez.
He lives in New Hampshire with a corgi named McMurtry after a certain beloved writer of cowboy tales. His next book, Strange Weather, a collection of novellas, storms into bookstores in October of 2017.
He writes short stories too. Some of them were gathered together in his prize-winning collection, 20th Century Ghosts.
He won the Eisner Award for Best Writer for his long running comic book series, Locke & Key, co-created with illustrator and art wizard Gabriel Rodriguez.
He lives in New Hampshire with a corgi named McMurtry after a certain beloved writer of cowboy tales. His next book, Strange Weather, a collection of novellas, storms into bookstores in October of 2017.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,156 reviews
November 5, 2024
Okay, so first of all can we talk about the cover to this story? Gorgeous. It makes the 80s kid in me incredibly happy. It is possibly the best book cover in the history of book covers, and this story could have consisted entirely of Joe Hill's grocery list and I still would have read it just because of the cover. So, yeah.
As for the story itself, there's not really a whole lot to it but it's entertaining. It's kind of Unbreakable meets Final Destination meets Dead Like Me meets Odd Thomas? Martin Lorensen is being interviewed by the police because he's been a part of some awful shit � or, more accurately, because he's managed to avoid being a part of some awful shit. It's mildly creepy at times but definitely not scary. Once you reach a certain point in the narrative, it also becomes a little predictable � I'd dare say that there are very few readers who won't guess the ending at least a page or two in advance. It's a tiny bit humorous and the characters are mostly likeable.
Honestly, this story is pretty great but it needs more � about 300 pages more if you get my drift, Mr. Hill. I'd be one of the first in line to buy a full-length novel about Martin and the otherworldly soot-covered ushers.
My overall rating: 4.25 stars, rounded down.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for providing me with a copy of this story to review. Its publication date was November 1, 2024.
As for the story itself, there's not really a whole lot to it but it's entertaining. It's kind of Unbreakable meets Final Destination meets Dead Like Me meets Odd Thomas? Martin Lorensen is being interviewed by the police because he's been a part of some awful shit � or, more accurately, because he's managed to avoid being a part of some awful shit. It's mildly creepy at times but definitely not scary. Once you reach a certain point in the narrative, it also becomes a little predictable � I'd dare say that there are very few readers who won't guess the ending at least a page or two in advance. It's a tiny bit humorous and the characters are mostly likeable.
Honestly, this story is pretty great but it needs more � about 300 pages more if you get my drift, Mr. Hill. I'd be one of the first in line to buy a full-length novel about Martin and the otherworldly soot-covered ushers.
My overall rating: 4.25 stars, rounded down.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for providing me with a copy of this story to review. Its publication date was November 1, 2024.
January 23, 2025
Excellent Thriller that was short but engrossing!
I highly enjoyed this little psychological thriller. Written expertly well, this novella immediately drew me in til the very last word. I would a thousand percent read more from this author.
If you like a little paranormal mixed with psychological thriller, this has just the right touch in a short one sit read!!!!!
I highly enjoyed this little psychological thriller. Written expertly well, this novella immediately drew me in til the very last word. I would a thousand percent read more from this author.
If you like a little paranormal mixed with psychological thriller, this has just the right touch in a short one sit read!!!!!
November 7, 2024
Death comes for us all and yet, despite it being a natural part of life, it is also one of our greatest fears. Veteran horror author Joe Hill has long mined the uncertainty around our certain demise for his horror and Ushers, his new short story, brings us face to face with death and how those who might survive it have their own hauntings to deal with. With plenty of humor to accompany the horror, such as the story featuring detective duo Duvall and Oates to add some fun texture to this story, Hill manages to extract a great deal of strangeness and unease from the two police interviews with a young man who has survived death but may hold a horrific secret that kept him alive while those around him perished in mass violence. Short but riveting as well as disquieting, Ushers is a great dose of horror that manages to feel as therapeutic as it is traumatic.
�You think there’s something suspicious about me because I wasn’t shot in a school shooting and I didn’t die in a train crash…better take a look around. You’re surrounded by people who didn’t die in school shootings and weren’t killed in train crashes. If that makes someone a criminal, you better call for backup.�
This was my first foray into Joe Hill and I have to say, I’d like to read more. He does an excellent job eeking out tension as an uneasy atmosphere seems destined to reach a boiling point and his playful banter and prose style is so easy to sink into and be swept along. It was just a nice little dose of horror joy to read. Not that the subject matter was joyful as two police investigate a young man who opted to not board a train that would later crash and kill everyone on board and is, at the start, denying that he insisted a young girl also not get on lest she will perish. It’s a short tale and what comes about is fascinating so I won’t spoil it, but this one takes quite the turn and is a wild little ride.
I really liked how for such a short story there was so much texture to this with a lot of really great characterizations that nudge towards a lot of various ideas all succinctly housed within the scary story. We have the Black cop who tries to rationalize his position on a police force that has a long history of racism by arguing �People are always going to want law, and if the only lawmen are white, then it isn’t law anymore. It’s apartheid.� There is also a rather comforting look at death as something to embrace instead of fear. �one of those fundamental human things,� the young suspect says, a lesson he learned growing up around a retirement home where death was a frequent customer, �reminds you you’re part of nature.� His advice: be a mammal. Enjoy life, accept death. It’s coming for us all either way.
Ushers is a great, chilling little tale that feels far greater than the sum of its scant few pages. A big thank you to Ashely’s review for inspiring me to check out this wonderful little read.
4.5/5
�It’s best to just…be a mammal. Eat as much fresh fruit as you can. Spend time with trees. Hug the people that you love. Accept that death is as natural as the rest of life. Dogs understand that. Cats understand that. Only humans have a hard time with it.�
�You think there’s something suspicious about me because I wasn’t shot in a school shooting and I didn’t die in a train crash…better take a look around. You’re surrounded by people who didn’t die in school shootings and weren’t killed in train crashes. If that makes someone a criminal, you better call for backup.�
This was my first foray into Joe Hill and I have to say, I’d like to read more. He does an excellent job eeking out tension as an uneasy atmosphere seems destined to reach a boiling point and his playful banter and prose style is so easy to sink into and be swept along. It was just a nice little dose of horror joy to read. Not that the subject matter was joyful as two police investigate a young man who opted to not board a train that would later crash and kill everyone on board and is, at the start, denying that he insisted a young girl also not get on lest she will perish. It’s a short tale and what comes about is fascinating so I won’t spoil it, but this one takes quite the turn and is a wild little ride.
I really liked how for such a short story there was so much texture to this with a lot of really great characterizations that nudge towards a lot of various ideas all succinctly housed within the scary story. We have the Black cop who tries to rationalize his position on a police force that has a long history of racism by arguing �People are always going to want law, and if the only lawmen are white, then it isn’t law anymore. It’s apartheid.� There is also a rather comforting look at death as something to embrace instead of fear. �one of those fundamental human things,� the young suspect says, a lesson he learned growing up around a retirement home where death was a frequent customer, �reminds you you’re part of nature.� His advice: be a mammal. Enjoy life, accept death. It’s coming for us all either way.
Ushers is a great, chilling little tale that feels far greater than the sum of its scant few pages. A big thank you to Ashely’s review for inspiring me to check out this wonderful little read.
4.5/5
�It’s best to just…be a mammal. Eat as much fresh fruit as you can. Spend time with trees. Hug the people that you love. Accept that death is as natural as the rest of life. Dogs understand that. Cats understand that. Only humans have a hard time with it.�
November 17, 2024
Premonition? A coincidence? Or perhaps� something darker.
Since this book is only 29 pages long, and if I say anything more I would spill the beans. So go in blind as I did and enjoy.
I’ve always wanted to read a novel by Joe Hill. But had been nervous to try as horror, well…scares me!🫣
But being as this was a short story I thought it was the perfect time to dip my toes into a quick sample of this author’s work.
And yes, I was a tiny bit unnerved but I’ll definitely be back for more.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories
Since this book is only 29 pages long, and if I say anything more I would spill the beans. So go in blind as I did and enjoy.
I’ve always wanted to read a novel by Joe Hill. But had been nervous to try as horror, well…scares me!🫣
But being as this was a short story I thought it was the perfect time to dip my toes into a quick sample of this author’s work.
And yes, I was a tiny bit unnerved but I’ll definitely be back for more.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories
October 11, 2024
“Hold on Tony, hold on, something wonderful is coming.�
Wait.... WHAT!?!? Boom. Holy shhhh…ut the front door. Stephen King’s mini me, I had no idea sir!! *bowing* Goosebumps. HELL YES. I gotta get my hands on more of your stuff you sexy beast! HELL YES.
Wait.... WHAT!?!? Boom. Holy shhhh…ut the front door. Stephen King’s mini me, I had no idea sir!! *bowing* Goosebumps. HELL YES. I gotta get my hands on more of your stuff you sexy beast! HELL YES.
March 14, 2025
"I think sometimes, once in a while, nearly dying brings a new clarity to a person’s life"
4.5 �'s
Initial Thoughts
When is the last time I read anything by Joe Hill? I can't even remember, which isn't unusual for me with getting into old age and all that. If I think really hard...and yes I can do that...I'm pretty sure it was that short story of his. The Pram. Which was supposed to keep me going until his next full novel came out. Only I'm still bloody waiting!
Well lucky for me Joe is back with another short story. Yes it's not quite a full novel. But you know what? I do love a good short story. And if the last one was anything to go by, I should be in for a treat. Like a night with Margot Robbie...fun, intense, but over far too quickly and leaving you wanting more.
Short stories though are a bit of an art. Difficult to get right as the author has limited time available to engage with the reader and make things as compelling as possible.But you know what? When they're done right I bloody love them!
They're great for a bit of a short hit between more demanding reads. And with this one only twenty-nine pages, it was an ideal choice for a short, engaging read. Sound good to you? Me too!
The Story
Ushers centres around two interviews, as Special Agents, Duvall and Oates, have some questions for a young man who failed to join a train that later crashed and killed twenty-six people. See Martin Lorensen has a history of avoiding life threatening situations after narrowly avoiding a school shooting. Coincidence, blind luck or is there something more sinister going down? That's what the two investigators are here to find out.
See Duvall and Oates are having a hard time swallowing that it's all random. And Hill ramps the tension up as Martin gets ready to share his story. There's plenty of twists and turns in this short, sharp psychological blitz. But did I enjoy it? Hell yes!
Final Thoughts
Here's the thing, Joe Hill gave me everything I want from a short-story. Well apart from Margot Robbie personally delivering it to me.
First of all, it got me hooked. The premise is intriguing and the pacing absolutely on the money. There's was just the right amount of tension to keep me engaged throughout.
Anything else? Oh yeah, you normally don't get a lot of character development in a short story. Or so they say. But Stephen King has a knack for being able to pull it off and guess what? So to does his son. Runs in the family you see. Please don't tell me you did not know that Joe Hill is Stephen King's son or I'm going to have to instantly de-friend you!
He got me invested in the characters in under thirty bloody pages. That's so hard to do in a short story but he pulled it off effortlessly.
Duvall is more interesting than your average fictional police detective, but Hill's main achievement is developing Martin Lorensen's character. He has a sense of humour that appealed to me but managed to maintain that air of tragic sadness that was essential for this story to work. I'd like to see more of him and not in a perverted way before you start!
But the focus is definitely the mystery of what's going on rather than the relationships between characters. As you'd expect. Hill perfectly portrays that feeling of something just beyond human understanding � always there, hinting at something supernatural at play. It's a great showcase of this author's storytelling powers.
In fact if anyone wants to give Joe Hill’s writing a try for the first time it would great place to start. So there's my recommendation. And for anyone else who's sick to the back teeth of waiting for that new novel, it will definitely hit the spot.
Thanks for reading and...cheers!
October 11, 2024
The Twilight Zone...
USHERS: A Short Story
By Joe Hill
No spoilers. 3 stars. Special Agents Duval and Oates sat in a bookstore cafe interviewing Martin Lorensen about...
The derailment of the Mohawk 118 train...
When the agents arrived at the cafe, Lorensen was reading a book, FOUR THOUSAND WEEKS (human lifespan)...
The young man had many other heavy reads. He had graduated from Boston College with a degree in cognitive science...
Lorensen had a first class train ticket to go to his brother Eric's bachelor party...
But...
Lorensen didn't get on the train. He told the agents he'd had a panic attack...
While still on the platform...
Lorensen warned another passenger and her daughter not to board the train or they would die...
The daughter was so upset by what Lorensen told them that she made her mother get off the train at the first stop...
It saved their lives...
The train derailed and overturned, killing 28 people...
The agents were probing for the reason Lorensen didn't get on the train. They also wanted to understand why...
... Lorensen stayed home from his high school years ago on the day half of his homeroom was gunned down by a school shooter...
The story Lorensen told them was one for the Twilight Zone...
This was a well-written short story that, for something written by a member of the King family, blissfully wasn't the usual doorstop of unnecessary words and pages.
This story was concise with very little going off an exit to the mundane and trite to achieve a word count, and for that, I was thankful.
My only problem with this story was that it wasn't very original, and I could see where it was going early on.
As short stories go, it wasn't bad, just a bit derivative.
USHERS: A Short Story
By Joe Hill
No spoilers. 3 stars. Special Agents Duval and Oates sat in a bookstore cafe interviewing Martin Lorensen about...
The derailment of the Mohawk 118 train...
When the agents arrived at the cafe, Lorensen was reading a book, FOUR THOUSAND WEEKS (human lifespan)...
The young man had many other heavy reads. He had graduated from Boston College with a degree in cognitive science...
Lorensen had a first class train ticket to go to his brother Eric's bachelor party...
But...
Lorensen didn't get on the train. He told the agents he'd had a panic attack...
While still on the platform...
Lorensen warned another passenger and her daughter not to board the train or they would die...
The daughter was so upset by what Lorensen told them that she made her mother get off the train at the first stop...
It saved their lives...
The train derailed and overturned, killing 28 people...
The agents were probing for the reason Lorensen didn't get on the train. They also wanted to understand why...
... Lorensen stayed home from his high school years ago on the day half of his homeroom was gunned down by a school shooter...
The story Lorensen told them was one for the Twilight Zone...
This was a well-written short story that, for something written by a member of the King family, blissfully wasn't the usual doorstop of unnecessary words and pages.
This story was concise with very little going off an exit to the mundane and trite to achieve a word count, and for that, I was thankful.
My only problem with this story was that it wasn't very original, and I could see where it was going early on.
As short stories go, it wasn't bad, just a bit derivative.
October 9, 2024
I’m going to try and read as many short horror stories/novellas for Spooky Season 👻🎃🖤 as horror is my favourite genre and this is my favourite time of the year!
Joe Hill’s Ushers is one of the Amazon First Reads options for October. So thought I’d start here�!
This was a well-written, tense, short story. The writing had me gripped throughout, I wish that it had been longer. You can easily tell where the storyline is going, and what the ending will be, but it is executed well.
How can Martin Lorensen have escaped death twice? Is it just by coincidence, or is there a way he can predict and avoid disasters before they happen? Two Federal Agents are determined to find out�
4 Stars
Joe Hill’s Ushers is one of the Amazon First Reads options for October. So thought I’d start here�!
This was a well-written, tense, short story. The writing had me gripped throughout, I wish that it had been longer. You can easily tell where the storyline is going, and what the ending will be, but it is executed well.
How can Martin Lorensen have escaped death twice? Is it just by coincidence, or is there a way he can predict and avoid disasters before they happen? Two Federal Agents are determined to find out�
4 Stars
November 6, 2024
My thanks to Amazon Original stories, Joe Hill and Netgalley.
I enjoyed this shorty. I usually pass on short stories and wait until its published with others. So when I saw this up for grabs on Netgalley, I took it!
I'll confess that I have a soft spot for Joe. How could I not? He's prolific as heck and I believe he can be "at times" just as good a writer as his father. They both know how to do characters and that's freaking important as anything else to me.
I ended up with tears in my eyes after reading this. Poor Martin.
Yeah, I kinda loved this one.
I enjoyed this shorty. I usually pass on short stories and wait until its published with others. So when I saw this up for grabs on Netgalley, I took it!
I'll confess that I have a soft spot for Joe. How could I not? He's prolific as heck and I believe he can be "at times" just as good a writer as his father. They both know how to do characters and that's freaking important as anything else to me.
I ended up with tears in my eyes after reading this. Poor Martin.
Yeah, I kinda loved this one.
May 5, 2025
Great paranormal story, it pulled me in right from the start! This is my first time reading Joe Hill's work but I definitely will check out more.
October 5, 2024
“Martin Lorensen was either an extraordinarily lucky young man or extraordinarily unlucky, depending on how you wanted to look at it. Or—just possibly—luck didn’t figure into it at all.�
A young man evades death inexplicably, not once but twice. Is it really luck? Or is something way more sinister at play?
So, it wouldn’t officially be Spooky Season for me if I didn’t get at least one spooky short story for free! So, I got Ushers as one of my free reads through First Reads for Amazon Prime members! And this is my first official read of anything by Joe Hill! � Yay!
Some thoughts:
� Ushers is a super quick and fun read!
� Read if you are into Angel of Death or Grim Reaper vibes.
� Though classified as a short story in the “horror� genre, I’d say it gives off more eerie/psychological vibes as it focuses on one of the biggest unknowns of our reality. The scariest part by far is the mention of a school shooting!
� Read to find out who the mysterious Ushers are!
� Honorable mention from the story: ♡♡ Wake-Up Wraps from Dunkin! My go-to on work mornings with iced coffee, of course!
� Unfortunately, the ending turned out to be super predictable during the first reveal in the second interview which definitely lowered my overall rating.
� I’ve learned that this short story is being made into a film by none other than Gary Dauberman himself who is also undertaking the production of a film adaptation for the horror PlayStation game Until Dawn! I can’t freaking wait for that! In fact, the remastered Until Dawn just released today just in time to really amp up for Spooky Season. I’ve already watched my hubby play the OG game, now it’s time for me to be released on my own to attempt to survive this one!! Wish me luck!
Overall Rating: 3.8 �
A young man evades death inexplicably, not once but twice. Is it really luck? Or is something way more sinister at play?
So, it wouldn’t officially be Spooky Season for me if I didn’t get at least one spooky short story for free! So, I got Ushers as one of my free reads through First Reads for Amazon Prime members! And this is my first official read of anything by Joe Hill! � Yay!
Some thoughts:
� Ushers is a super quick and fun read!
� Read if you are into Angel of Death or Grim Reaper vibes.
� Though classified as a short story in the “horror� genre, I’d say it gives off more eerie/psychological vibes as it focuses on one of the biggest unknowns of our reality. The scariest part by far is the mention of a school shooting!
� Read to find out who the mysterious Ushers are!
� Honorable mention from the story: ♡♡ Wake-Up Wraps from Dunkin! My go-to on work mornings with iced coffee, of course!
� Unfortunately, the ending turned out to be super predictable during the first reveal in the second interview which definitely lowered my overall rating.
� I’ve learned that this short story is being made into a film by none other than Gary Dauberman himself who is also undertaking the production of a film adaptation for the horror PlayStation game Until Dawn! I can’t freaking wait for that! In fact, the remastered Until Dawn just released today just in time to really amp up for Spooky Season. I’ve already watched my hubby play the OG game, now it’s time for me to be released on my own to attempt to survive this one!! Wish me luck!
Overall Rating: 3.8 �
December 16, 2024
Usher was awesome! I have always liked Hill’s writing but this story was superb. Just a morsel of never ending suspense. Clever, well written and the ending comes to soon.
November 3, 2024
This is how a short, horror story should be written. The opening scenes of two Federal Agents questioning a young man about how he has amazingly escaped death from not one but two disasters catch your attention immediately. Do they suspect him of causing the events somehow?
As the story proceeds the man confesses something extraordinary to one of the agents, but it is too out there to believe. And then comes the ending which has everything a short story should have especially one which claims to be horror. The whole is as near perfect as is possible. I loved it.
I found this on Amazon Originals. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
As the story proceeds the man confesses something extraordinary to one of the agents, but it is too out there to believe. And then comes the ending which has everything a short story should have especially one which claims to be horror. The whole is as near perfect as is possible. I loved it.
I found this on Amazon Originals. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
March 7, 2025
Good quick short story.,
I wanted to read a Joe hill book as I’m a fan of Stephen king and wanted to see if this was like his.
Tale about two police officers and a young man they think has done multiple murders.. he sees Ushers much like Angels that take away the people who are just about to die.
Good book
I wanted to read a Joe hill book as I’m a fan of Stephen king and wanted to see if this was like his.
Tale about two police officers and a young man they think has done multiple murders.. he sees Ushers much like Angels that take away the people who are just about to die.
Good book
December 20, 2024
Stephen King is better at the art of short stories than any author I know, including his son, Joe Hill. This story was good. It was a clever story. I'm glad I took the time to read it. But it could have been so much more.
3 stars for a solidly good story.
3 stars for a solidly good story.
October 24, 2024
I’ve actually never read Joe Hill before, but look forward to more after this one! This is a super short story, but was impactful nonetheless. It’s one of those stories that sits with you and you won’t soon forget. Death is the major theme here and therefore everyone can relate to it. At one point, I knew what was going to unfold, but it didn’t take away from the book. For being so short, I had all the sad feels! Definitely reccomend!
November 1, 2024
3.2 "cozy twilight zone vibes" stars !!
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and Amazon Original stories. This was released on November 1, 2024. I am providing an honest review.
This is my first read of Joe Hill and I rather liked and enjoyed this...a good reading experience. The prose is both folksy and tv-like with banter that is both expected and comfortably stereotypical. In a short story that was rather predictable Mr. Hill provides this reader with a bit of pleasant diversion.
No regrets in picking this up....a touch better than good but not quite very good...
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and Amazon Original stories. This was released on November 1, 2024. I am providing an honest review.
This is my first read of Joe Hill and I rather liked and enjoyed this...a good reading experience. The prose is both folksy and tv-like with banter that is both expected and comfortably stereotypical. In a short story that was rather predictable Mr. Hill provides this reader with a bit of pleasant diversion.
No regrets in picking this up....a touch better than good but not quite very good...
January 16, 2025
such a clever little short story, loved the way this played out with the subtle details and creepiness.
October 12, 2024
I'm not much of a fan of Joe Hill, but Ushers was an excellent short story & just as good as anythin his dad has written. It's short (obviously I suppose!), simple, straight to the point & not a word is wasted.
March 13, 2025
Bumping this up to a 4.75 stars out of five because I cannot stop thinking about it ~3/13/25
March 12, 2025 Review:
Wow! I wanted this book to be longer and it totally gave me Final Destination vibes! 3.75 out of 5 stars! I will be reading more books from this author!
🖤 Dark
🖤 Mystery/horror
🖤 Short read
🖤 Twisty
Content Warnings: death, violence and murder.
Note:
I had no idea before reading this novella that Joe Hill is Stephen King’s son!
March 12, 2025 Review:
Wow! I wanted this book to be longer and it totally gave me Final Destination vibes! 3.75 out of 5 stars! I will be reading more books from this author!
🖤 Dark
🖤 Mystery/horror
🖤 Short read
🖤 Twisty
Content Warnings: death, violence and murder.
Note:
I had no idea before reading this novella that Joe Hill is Stephen King’s son!
October 16, 2024
Good to Be Alive
Martin is an especially fortunate young man, or so it seems to the two agents there to interview him. He’s also a very nice young man, very charming and good natured and it seems odd to suspect him of a connection to multiple mass deaths.
Martin miraculously missed school on a day when his class got shot up, and did not take the trip for which he had a ticket on a train that derailed. Coincidence, or something more sinister?
This was a very well done short story that had just the right amount of everything. It’s listed under horror, but maybe death is just part of life?
Martin is an especially fortunate young man, or so it seems to the two agents there to interview him. He’s also a very nice young man, very charming and good natured and it seems odd to suspect him of a connection to multiple mass deaths.
Martin miraculously missed school on a day when his class got shot up, and did not take the trip for which he had a ticket on a train that derailed. Coincidence, or something more sinister?
This was a very well done short story that had just the right amount of everything. It’s listed under horror, but maybe death is just part of life?
October 3, 2024
It’s no surprise that Hill has given readers another creepy tale that is everything a short story should be. He has a wonderful gift for adding a splash of paranormal to everyday life. This style increases the scare factor ten fold because the story feels grounded in reality.
“I think sometimes, once in a while, nearly dying brings a new clarity to a person’s life.�
In The Ushers a young guy has an inexplicable ability to dodge death. However, in his latest brush with death circumstances bring him to the attention of federal agents.
“�.they had company when they got on board �. They weren’t alone.�
This isn’t “in your face� horror, instead I felt enveloped in a chilling unsettling vibe. The feeling of unease permeated the entire story. A perfect pick for those looking to add a little spookiness this autumn.
(First reads ARC)
“I think sometimes, once in a while, nearly dying brings a new clarity to a person’s life.�
In The Ushers a young guy has an inexplicable ability to dodge death. However, in his latest brush with death circumstances bring him to the attention of federal agents.
“�.they had company when they got on board �. They weren’t alone.�
This isn’t “in your face� horror, instead I felt enveloped in a chilling unsettling vibe. The feeling of unease permeated the entire story. A perfect pick for those looking to add a little spookiness this autumn.
(First reads ARC)
November 19, 2024
I rented this from Kindle Unlimited when I wanted something shorter as a break from Bridgerton and it definitely gave me the break I needed.
–ēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēē�
Martin Lorenson has survived two freak accidents that took the lives of many people: a school shooting when he was in high school and a train derailment that happened just recently. The police want to question him to see what he knows about both incidents and he is ready to tell them what he knows but will they believe him?
–ēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēē�
Knowing that the author of this short story is the son of Stephen King, I knew what to expect. I've read some of Joe's work before so I kept my mind open. I was not expecting the ending AT ALL, though I should have.
I can understand why Martin would be considered deranged by most people and having the story he does would make anyone question your sanity. I'm not sure even I would believe him if I heard it myself in real life.
Why do I feel bad for the cops, though, at the end? That wasn't necessarily uncalled for since they had to take someone but still. I feel kinda bad for the cops because they weren't expecting not to make it through to the end either. Dang. What an ending!
Would I recommend this book? Sure, if you want a short horror story that could keep you up at night if you aren't watching your back. I'll definitely be looking over my shoulder, that's for damned sure!
–ēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēē�
Martin Lorenson has survived two freak accidents that took the lives of many people: a school shooting when he was in high school and a train derailment that happened just recently. The police want to question him to see what he knows about both incidents and he is ready to tell them what he knows but will they believe him?
–ēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēēē�
Knowing that the author of this short story is the son of Stephen King, I knew what to expect. I've read some of Joe's work before so I kept my mind open. I was not expecting the ending AT ALL, though I should have.
I can understand why Martin would be considered deranged by most people and having the story he does would make anyone question your sanity. I'm not sure even I would believe him if I heard it myself in real life.
Why do I feel bad for the cops, though, at the end? That wasn't necessarily uncalled for since they had to take someone but still. I feel kinda bad for the cops because they weren't expecting not to make it through to the end either. Dang. What an ending!
Would I recommend this book? Sure, if you want a short horror story that could keep you up at night if you aren't watching your back. I'll definitely be looking over my shoulder, that's for damned sure!
October 11, 2024
Wonderfully chilling. Did I size up what was going to unfold pretty quick? Yes, but it's still a tale well told that sends a shiver down the spine.
November 13, 2024
Martin Lorensen has recently graduated from Boston college and is currently a councilor for disturbed children. This short story opens with Martin being interviewed by two detectives.
Martin has escaped death twice. Recently a derailed train that killed many people and injured even more. Also, when he was in high school when he survived a school shooting that claimed several lives. The detectives believe he is either very lucky or very guilty. Which will it be? You'll have to read this to find out.
Short stories aren't always my thing but I'll make the exception for Joe Hill. Though concise in its word count this still packed a decent punch. 4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for my complimentary copy.
Martin has escaped death twice. Recently a derailed train that killed many people and injured even more. Also, when he was in high school when he survived a school shooting that claimed several lives. The detectives believe he is either very lucky or very guilty. Which will it be? You'll have to read this to find out.
Short stories aren't always my thing but I'll make the exception for Joe Hill. Though concise in its word count this still packed a decent punch. 4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for my complimentary copy.
October 12, 2024
Joe Hill knows instinctively that horror and wonder are sides of the same coin. A simple idea here, but beautifully executed.
February 10, 2025
A short tale about 2 policemen investigating a train derailment. The young man they are interviewing also went to a high school where there was a school shooting, but he was conveniently out of school that day.
The thing is one of the other train passengers on that fateful day told the police that a young man warned her not to get on the train, or she and her companion would die. They got on anyway, but the man's statement bothered her so much, she and her friend deboarded at the next stop, thereby saving their lives.
How did this young man know what was going to happen? Did he have something to do with it?
You'll have to read this to find out!
Read 2.10.25. Removing reading dates so as yo not count this towards my reading goal.
The thing is one of the other train passengers on that fateful day told the police that a young man warned her not to get on the train, or she and her companion would die. They got on anyway, but the man's statement bothered her so much, she and her friend deboarded at the next stop, thereby saving their lives.
How did this young man know what was going to happen? Did he have something to do with it?
You'll have to read this to find out!
Read 2.10.25. Removing reading dates so as yo not count this towards my reading goal.
April 25, 2025
POIGNANT 🕊� DARK 🌒 INTROSPECTIVE 🧠 A short, chilling story told through a police interview with an unexplainable survivor of violent tragedies—one that slowly unravels into something eerier, sadder, and far more intimate than expected.
When short stories are done well, damn are they done well. It’s fascinating to me when someone (especially in under 100 pages) can craft characters you care about, a plot you can follow, themes that hit, dialogue that feels natural, and time shifts or sequences that make sense without pulling you out of the story. There’s real craft in that. And in Ushers, Joe Hill nailed it.
I won’t go too deep into the plot, because it’s short, sharp and better experienced with minimal info. But I will talk about how it made me feel.
You jump straight into two officers interviewing a kid about how he survived a string of horrific events. From the go, Hill does an incredible job with character development and reader engagement such a short span. You feel like you’re in the room, tucked away in the corner, just listening. It’s casual but serious, tense but also kind of quiet. I almost immediately had so many questions.
This story slides effortlessly into thrill and hovers there until the end. I had a gut feeling pretty early on about what was coming—probably from the title and cover—and I ended up being partly right... But it still hit. The end made me stop and think. It left me reflecting on the profound connections we share and the impermanence of those moments. About life as a whole. About knowing or not knowing, and all the what ifs.
This story is beautiful. It’s eerie, emotional, intense, and reflective. I truly wish it were longer—I would’ve read an entire novel pulling apart all the pieces that made this little story so good. Even knowing pieces of the final twist didn’t take anything away from me. I enjoyed the ride.
Definitely give this one a try. 🖤
When short stories are done well, damn are they done well. It’s fascinating to me when someone (especially in under 100 pages) can craft characters you care about, a plot you can follow, themes that hit, dialogue that feels natural, and time shifts or sequences that make sense without pulling you out of the story. There’s real craft in that. And in Ushers, Joe Hill nailed it.
I won’t go too deep into the plot, because it’s short, sharp and better experienced with minimal info. But I will talk about how it made me feel.
You jump straight into two officers interviewing a kid about how he survived a string of horrific events. From the go, Hill does an incredible job with character development and reader engagement such a short span. You feel like you’re in the room, tucked away in the corner, just listening. It’s casual but serious, tense but also kind of quiet. I almost immediately had so many questions.
This story slides effortlessly into thrill and hovers there until the end. I had a gut feeling pretty early on about what was coming—probably from the title and cover—and I ended up being partly right... But it still hit. The end made me stop and think. It left me reflecting on the profound connections we share and the impermanence of those moments. About life as a whole. About knowing or not knowing, and all the what ifs.
This story is beautiful. It’s eerie, emotional, intense, and reflective. I truly wish it were longer—I would’ve read an entire novel pulling apart all the pieces that made this little story so good. Even knowing pieces of the final twist didn’t take anything away from me. I enjoyed the ride.
Definitely give this one a try. 🖤
March 21, 2025
Considering this is only 28 pages long, each page punches well above its weight. I can't really delve into reviewing the story itself because of the length but can say that Joe Hill definitely hit the nail on the head with this one.
One to check out for sure.
One to check out for sure.
November 10, 2024
What a perfect story for Halloween! Just the right amount of creepy, but written with a poignancy that left this reader with goosebumps as I finished the final sentence of this short story. And although it may have been a bit predictable like some reviewers noted, this in no way detracted from how much I enjoyed it!! Highly recommend!
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