Review of "Jackknife" by Joe Hill
From the moment I learned that Joe Hill was kicking off Amazon’s exclusive The Shivers Collection with Jackknife, I knew I was in for a ride. After all, Hill has inherited his father’s knack for crafting tightly woven tales of suspense infused with emotional depth. As a fan of both horror and the peculiarities of life, I couldn’t resist the urge to dive into this hauntingly original short story.
At just 46 pages, Jackknife packs a surprisingly potent punch. It’s an exhilarating exploration of "tree horror," a sub-genre I hadn’t encountered before, and it left me with a new worldview on our leafy neighbors—no more vague facades of peace and stillness. Hill introduces us to Dennis, a character almost impossible to root for. His unnerving aura and morally questionable choices create a tension that kept me on the edge of my seat. Frankly, I loathed him. It’s a testament to Hill’s masterful character development; I found myself engrossed, eagerly anticipating the karmic retribution I was sure awaited him.
The writing style shines with Hill’s signature flair for vivid imagery and over-the-top twists. Early on, I chuckled at his nods to pop culture, especially the mention of Dunkin’ coffee. Fans of The Lord of the Rings will enjoy his clever references to Ents, which cleverly interweave into the eerie atmosphere of the story. Hill’s ability to blend the mundane with the monstrous kept me engaged, creating an unsettling backdrop against which the horror unfolded.
As for the themes, Jackknife delves into deeply unsettling territory, addressing grooming, drugs, and even the #MeToo movement. Hill tackles these provocative subjects with sensitivity and honesty, though I must remind readers of the heavy trigger warnings, including graphic depictions of dead animals and sexual abuse. This is not a light read, but it’s a necessary one for those ready to confront its darkness. There’s a rawness to the story that adds weight to the horror, making it all the more impactful.
The ending—a real drop-the-mic moment—left me breathless. I won’t spoil it, but it reminded me of the kind of twists that would have made Stephen King proud. I closed the book with a sense of satisfaction, a smile creeping across my face, feeling as if I’d just experienced a well-executed magic trick. Hill eases into his brilliance, reminding us just how much can be conveyed in a short form without losing any of the emotional weight.
Overall, I wholeheartedly give Jackknife a 5/5. This is not only an exhilarating introduction to The Shivers Collection but also a romp through innovative narrative terrain that many fans of horror will appreciate. If you enjoy tales that prompt self-reflection while making you wish you weren’t alone in the dark, this one’s for you. I’m genuinely excited to immerse myself in the rest of the collection—The Indigo Room by Stephen Graham Jones is calling my name!
So, grab a jackknife, maybe a warm cup of Dunkin’, and prepare yourself for a delightful romp. Just remember: next time you see a barren tree, you might think twice before approaching it. Happy reading!