Martin has narrowly avoided death twice. Is he the cause of these events that have claimed so many lives or is there something more going on?

"It never seemed like dying was anything so terrible. Most of them just kind of quietly...went."

Ushers starts off as a mystery, which eventually devolves into horror. At first we wonder what is going on. Then we get hit with an incredible sense of doom that stays with us until the conclusion of Hill's tale.

While I would have liked to know more about what was going on exactly in this story, I think ending it where Hill does fits the vibe of Ushers perfectly. We don't get all the answers, but still get a sense of closure at the end.

This tale is perfect for readers that want a quick and satisfying horror story.

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...

"It's best to just... be a mammal."

Ushers - Joe Hill
★★★★☆

A horror short story unveiling the truth behind someone who's been cheating death twice. Divided by two chapters, the story told in a form of interview of Martin Lorensen by the special agent, Anthony Duvall. The story gives off this creepy vibes like you know there is something going on but you just can't seem to explain it like you're not an insane person. We're showed that what is actually behind death and how it's naturally inevitable. The conclusion is so good to the point i got chills and sated by what's the answer of the mystery from the beginning of the story. Good one-sit read, and you might want to read this in someone's company instead of alone!

An excellent, creepy short story with a touch of dark humor! Love everything Joe Hill writes!!
Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read this advanced copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Joe Hill’s short story Ushers is perfect. In writing, in execution, the plot. I only wish it were full length, I hated to see it end.

Oh this was fun! But I wanted more! Joe Hill always serves it up! Many thanks to the publisher and netgalley for this copy for read and review

I've been wanting to get into Joe Hill for a while but wasn't sure where the best place was to start. I soon as I read the description of this, I knew Ushers was the one and boy was I right. I really enjoyed this! Loved the ending. My only gripe is that it wasn't longer, and yes I knew this was a short story going into it but that doesn't stop me from wanting more! More Ushers please!

Short but enjoyable. This was a quick read short story. An interesting storyline kept the reader interested. This is a short story i would recommend to others.