Review of The Indigo Room (The Shivers Collection, #2) by Stephen Graham Jones
There’s something undeniably appealing about diving into a new release, especially when the author is someone like Stephen Graham Jones, who has a knack for crafting tense, haunting narratives. As a long-time admirer of SGJ’s work, I was particularly excited to jump into The Indigo Room, the second entry in The Shivers Collection. Having already been swept away by Jo Hill’s Jackknife, I was eager to see how Jones would push the envelope in his own signature style. Spoiler alert: I am grateful I don’t work in an office!
At the heart of The Indigo Room lies a unique and unsettling exploration of "office horror." In just 36 nail-biting pages, SGJ brings his readers into a world where the mundane meets the grotesque. The story unfolds gradually, characteristic of his deliberate pacing, allowing tension to build until it erupts in breathtaking twists. The narrative centers on a group of office workers navigating their daily lives, with the creeping horror lurking just beneath the surface. The slow burn may not be for everyone, but if you appreciate tension that pays off, trust me—it’s worth every minute.
What stood out to me was the emotional undercurrent threading through the main characters. Their vulnerabilities and fears, especially in a setting notorious for its sterile conformity, made their descent into chaos all the more impactful. I found myself holding my breath as the story reached the crucial 60% mark—a twist that left my jaw on the floor. Just when I thought I knew where it was headed, SGJ deftly knocked me off my feet, showcasing his talent for delivering unforgettable moments.
Jones’s writing style remains as evocative as ever; his ability to intertwine the ordinary with the horrific kept me spellbound. The pace, while slow to start, cleverly accelerates once the horror kicks in, making it hard to put the book down. As a reader, you’ll likely find those moments where you involuntarily grimace or release a startled gasp—an indicator that you’re well and truly swept up in the narrative.
In terms of themes, The Indigo Room does touch upon the shadowy realities of office culture, such as isolation, stress, and the lingering threat of violence. The single trigger warning regarding office shootings might put some readers on notice, and I appreciate SGJ’s subtle approach in handling this sensitive material without glorifying it.
With a jaw-dropping conclusion that left me reeling and craving more, I would wholeheartedly give The Indigo Room a well-deserved 5/5 stars. The sheer creativity in SGJ’s treatment of horror makes me wonder how else he’ll surprise us in future installments of The Shivers Collection. Whether you’re an established fan or new to his work, I encourage you to take that plunge—it’s a thrilling ride you won’t soon forget.
In closing, if you revel in stories that tap into the lurking horrors of everyday life, The Indigo Room will be right up your alley. As someone who has spent years working in retail, then moving into sports media, this book brought a chilling authenticity to my everyday encounters—especially in our Zoom-obsessed world. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I’ll step away from the indigo room and see what kind of mischief The Blanks are planning next!
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