A Journey into the Dark with "Jackknife" by Joe Hill
As a lifelong fan of horror, I’m always on the lookout for a story that can both terrify and linger in my mind long after the last page. So, when I heard that Joe Hill was kicking off “The Shivers Collection” with his latest short story, Jackknife, I knew I had to dive in. Hill is well-known for his knack for weaving suspense and supernatural elements into our everyday lives, and in just 46 pages, he does not disappoint.
At the heart of Jackknife is Dennis, a character who, let’s be honest, is hard to like—maybe even impossible. Hill’s ability to create such a loathsome protagonist is nothing short of masterful. Every page had me hoping for some intense karmic retribution, which made the reading experience all the more entrancing. The themes of grooming, the complexities of age and manipulation, and the looming shadow of the #MeToo movement contribute to the unsettling atmosphere that Hill crafts so well. You can really feel how personal and relevant these topics are today—even under the veil of terrifying fiction.
What struck me most was Hill’s unique twist on “tree horror.” I mean, how often do you come across a story that transforms something as familiar as trees into an object of terror? His over-the-top yet captivating writing style invites readers into a realm where every rustle of leaves and barren branch feels menacing. As a coffee lover, I especially enjoyed the nods to Dunkin’ and the playful references to The Lord of the Rings—because who knew tree horror could elicit both thrills and chuckles?
The pacing throughout Jackknife is tight, each chapter drawing you deeper into an abyss of horror. The backstory Hill provides is compelling; it evokes not just dread but a sense of fascination akin to a cinematic experience, reminiscent of The Conjuring universe—holding that blend of the supernatural with stark human flaws. And the ending? My goodness! I won’t spoil it, but let’s just say it left me grinning from ear to ear, a “drop-the-mic” moment that solidifies why Hill is a powerhouse in the horror genre.
As this is only the first entry in The Shivers Collection, I find myself eagerly anticipating what lies ahead. With authors like Stephen Graham Jones and Grady Hendrix lined up next, I have no doubt that this series will be a treasure trove of chilling tales.
For anyone who enjoys spine-tingling narratives that provoke thought while delivering horror, Jackknife is a must-read. And it’s quite possible that after you close the book, you might never look at a barren tree the same way again.
So, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve found a jackknife, and it’s time to explore the indigo room. Happy reading, fellow horror aficionados!