Title: Usher’s
Author: Joe Hill
Published: 2005 (short story)
Genre: Horror, Short Fiction
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
You can grab a copy of Usher’s on Amazon here https://amzn.to/485oJwE
A Short Glimpse into Joe Hill’s Style
Usher’s is my first time reading Joe Hill, the son of legendary horror author Stephen King. While this is only a very short work—about two chapters—it offers a quick glimpse into his storytelling style and his ability to pull off a twist ending.
Why I Picked It Up
I was curious to finally try Joe Hill’s writing after hearing about his reputation and connection to Stephen King. When I came across this short story, I figured it was a good way to sample his work without committing to a full-length novel.
Plot (Spoiler-Free)
The story involves a premonition-like setup, with events that feel slightly familiar to other horror tales. The final pages deliver a neat twist, the kind of reveal that fans of Stephen King will instantly recognize as a family trait in writing.
My Reading Experience
What Worked for Me
- The short length makes it easy to finish in one sitting.
- The ending twist was clever and satisfying.
- A good introduction to Joe Hill’s tone and storytelling voice.
What Didn’t Work for Me
- The premise felt familiar, as though I’d read something like it before.
- Too short to leave a lasting impact.
Writing Style
Joe Hill’s writing is straightforward and sharp. Even in such a brief piece, he builds atmosphere and delivers an effective twist. However, the brevity doesn’t give him much room to develop characters or tension.
Themes
Like much of horror fiction, Usher’s touches on fate, premonition, and the consequences of unseen forces. But due to its length, the themes are more hinted at than deeply explored.
Comparisons
This short piece feels like a quick echo of Stephen King’s shorter works, especially those found in his collections like Night Shift. It shows promise, but also why Hill’s longer works might be more impactful.
Who Might Like This Book
This story is for readers who want a quick taste of Joe Hill’s writing without committing to a full-length novel. If you enjoy twist endings and short horror fiction, it’s worth a look.
Final Thoughts
Usher’s is too short to stand out as a memorable horror story, but it works as a small introduction to Joe Hill’s writing. The twist was fun, but it left me wanting more. I’ll definitely try one of his longer novels to get a fuller sense of his style.
Disclaimer: This review reflects my personal reading experience and opinions. The Amazon link above is an affiliate link — if you purchase through it, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.