Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review. A solid short story. Pretty prose with memorable quotes. A great little story but nothing that will probably stick with me for a long time. Has an eerie feeling but not my favorite Hill story out of the ones I’ve read. Not too much to say about this one due to how short it is. I do think it was perfect length for the story that it was. Predictable but fun ending.

Published by Amazon Original Stories on November 1, 2024

“Ushers” is a short story that Amazon is marketing to Kindle users. Non-Kindle readers might find it in an anthology at some point. With its supernatural focus, the story might fit broadly into the horror genre, although by that standard, the same might be said of the Bible. Unlike horror fiction of the slasher/monster variety, the story sends a message about life rather than encouraging readers to be frightened of death.

Martin Lorenson doesn’t see dead people, but his parents ran a hospice so he has seen many people die. Just before they die, he sees something else. The clue to what he sees is in the story’s title.

Marin has been fortunate to avoid his own death. In high school, he was home with diarrhea when a school shooter killed his classmates. At least, that’s the story he tells.

As the story begins, two police detectives want to know why Martin purchased a ticket for a passenger train that he didn’t board. The train derailed and killed a bunch of people. The detectives (Duvall and Oates, not to be confused with the 1970s singing duo who gained fame by performing insipid music) think Martin’s avoidance of death is suspicious, so they interview him.

Although the story is too short to permit much character development, Duvall is more interesting than your average fictional police detective. He has an adult daughter who, in the age of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, feels conflicted about being a Black woman whose father works in law enforcement. Duvall’s position is that cops can’t all be white or the nation would descend into apartheid. God knows there are Americans who would welcome that outcome.

Anyway, how is Martin so lucky that he twice avoided catastrophe? Joe Hill channels the creepy gene that he must have inherited from his father to provide an explanation that will appeal to fans of the supernatural.

The story’s ending has an unexpected twist, although its message — appreciate being alive while you still can — is far from original. As a short story (and this one is shorter than most of those in the Amazon Original Stories series), the story’s focus is tight, but Hill balances its focus on death with moments of humor and a message suggesting that something better awaits us on the other side. Religious readers (or those who believe in an afterlife for nonreligious reasons) might find the story comforting. I found it entertaining.

RECOMMENDED

This was an incredibly written short story written by the prince of horror. I loved the concept and genre bending style which at first seems to be a police procedural that begins to transform into something reminiscent of Final Destination meets City of Angels. A young man who has skirted disaster twice in his young life catches the eye of detectives working on a case of a train running off the rails and killing 28 people. When a woman comes forward stating that this young man told her not to board the train, the detectives hone in on him, trying to find a connection. Told in the format of police interviews, one formal and the second not so much, the pages practically turned themselves until the end which wasn’t so much of a surprise or a twist as I would have liked but was nevertheless satisfying. It is quite short at maybe 25 pages, but surprisingly works for this length. I would possibly like to see this theme explored in a novel form though later on down the line. It also gives off a lot of Doctor Sleep vibes which were fun to find running throughout and as that novel was my favorite read of 2024, certainly rewarded it some brownie points. All in all a wonderful shortie that packed a satisfying flavor punch that I wouldn’t mind revisiting.

4.5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. The characters were well-developed and the story kept me engaged from start to finish. If you’re a fan of Joe Hill, you will definitely enjoy this book. I absolutely recommend this book to others!

Great short story that sent chills. The writing and pacing was just perfect. (And a Wings of Desire reference, a favourite movie of mine!)

Great premise, great writing, great world-building. I really enjoyed this, but I would have loved to read more from this world.

This would be such an amazing collaboration between Joe Hill and Stephen King if they wrote more about the protagonist, I'd love to see more of him.

Thank you for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a super short novella, about two detectives interviewing a suspect after a train derailment. This is a quick read, if you are looking for something that will get you hooked from line one and leave you wanting more .

I would love a full novel about this story!!

Great story! Go in blind and enjoy yourself. It’s impossible to say anything that won’t spoil the story and it’s so worth a read. Joe Hill does a phenomenal job in 30 pages of sending the message, live life and enjoy it. Best summary: be a mammal.

Who doesn't love Joe Hill? Ushers was just as amazing as his other longer stories! Thank you, NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review!

I have a love hate relationship with short stories. Either nothing really happens OR the story ends too quickly leaving me wanting more. Ushers was perfect. I felt totally satisfied and melancholy and in wonder at the end. I could perfectly envision the "Ushers" and found the detectives and Martin to be believable characters. I think the purpose of short stories is to leave the reader with a specific feeling. That's kind of all there is room to do, and this story did just that. The last line was perfect. 5 stars!

Great short story! Very suspenseful and good twist for being 26 pages!! I loved this read, great for when you want something short and sweet and so creepy!!

That was a perfect little short story. Joe Hill consistently proves again and again that he has cemented a place in modern horror. Martin is an awesome dude and I loved the cyclical nature of the story. The supernatural entities in the story were well done and very creepy. While I love a good short story, I can’t wait for Hll’s next novel. This was dope.

Great short story by Joe Hill that I devoured in one sitting. I'm hoping it's a teaser for a collection to come! Very "Odd Thomas" by Dean Koontz, but I'm not mad about that AT ALL. Loved how creepy the "Ushers" were described to be. Yes to this!

This short story had great pacing. Enough detail and new ideas introduced that nothing felt rushed, but also plenty of time to develop a pattern— just in time for a twist! I really enjoyed the read, and I would recommend it!

A bite-sized thrill!

I absolutely loved this short story and I’m looking forward to reading more of Joe Hill’s work.

23 year old Martin finds himself at the centre of police interest after he narrowly avoids a train crash, years after also narrowly avoiding a school shooting. Investigators want to know what he knew in both instances that everyone else didn’t and if he’s guilty of any foul play. The truth is much more unexpected and will lead to an explosive finale.

I loved everything about this! The characters were clearly set out in limited words, you just know the kind of people they are. The dialogue feels natural. The author nails the dark and moody atmosphere. And the reveal is perfect.

Publishing date: 01.11.2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for the ARC. My opinions are my own.

Here we have a short story that feels complete, has a great plot twist, and is full of tension and mystery. It does exactly what it needs to do. Made want to go through Hill's other works. Since I can't say much without spoiling, we will keep it short.

Final ranking and star rating?
4 stars, A tier. This was great. Entertaining little read. Recommended to everyone who appreciates a short little story.

While being a short story, this was amazing. Cool concept. I don't want to give anything away, but it's great like Hills other works. He never disappoints.

This was my first time reading Hill and this definitely wasn’t bad. I think I’ll go through his backlist now because of this.

I am not always a fan of short stories. It is a me thing. But this one wowed me with that twist and that ending. I am definitely going to need to look up more of what Joe Hill has written. I guess writing is in the family.

12-6 update: Posted expanded review on TikTok.
This gem does exactly what a short story ought to do, delivering a full-bodied, unified effect that resonates.
A young man falls under suspicion after his second brush with death. A pair of agents assigned to the event interrogate him, and the results are unexpected.
Hill displays wit and whimsy in the interplay between the agents and the young man. He reveals character revelations with flawless time and precision, building to the meaningful climax.
I like that Ushers takes a classic trope and puts a fresh stamp on it. We learn just enough to understand the three men. The story keeps its steady, perfect pace right to the end.
This is a fast, stirring, and pithy read that leaves a good glow and ongoing speculation in its wake. I look forward to reading more stories by Joe Hill.
I recommend Ushers to readers of any genre. It's the kind of story that has a universal appeal.