39 pages • 1 hour read
Heart-Shaped Box
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Book Brief
400
Novel • Fiction
United States • Contemporary
2007
Adult
18+ years
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.
Dark
Unnerving
Suspenseful
Mysterious
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
152,072 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
152,072 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Marybeth “Georgia” Kimball
Marybeth “Georgia” Kimball
A former stripper from Georgia and Jude's current girlfriend, who confronts her past while supporting Jude through their supernatural challenges.
Anna “Florida” Price
Anna “Florida” Price
The stepdaughter of Craddock McDermott and former girlfriend of Jude, remembered for her questions and emotional complexity.
Craddock McDermott
Craddock McDermott
A hypnotist and antagonist, whose dark influence and manipulative behaviors present a significant threat to Jude and his loved ones.
400
Novel • Fiction
United States • Contemporary
2007
Adult
18+ years
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