Do you like creepy Twilight Zone episodes? Then I can pretty much guarantee you’ll like this story about a man who has suspiciously escaped death.

Joe Hill has previously proven he is very adept at writing very scary short stories. If you don’t believe me try his Twitter story Twittering from the Circus of the Dead. 😳

Ushers is another example of how talented he is at characterization and pacing. Perfectly drawn characters in a tight plot that slowly builds into a macabre conclusion. Loved it!

Imaginative and fast read, maybe a little creepy, maybe a bit thought provoking, and definitely worth the time.

Wow! Fantastic short story, so much detail in such a short package. Kind of reminded me of Odd Thomas by Koontz. Wish it was a full book.

**Thanks to Amazon for the e-arc I received via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.**

I don't think of this as Horror, not really anyways. Just about beings of the supernatural nature that take
people to where they need to be after they die... or just before. Are they Angels or big pigeons maybe...
who knows. We don't know! This was a pretty good short story but of course like all short stories do...
make more questions then answer them.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6972925795

Joe Hill has a knack for creating an unsettling narrative, and with Ushers, he's packing a punch in under 30 pages. The premise is enticing, and I’d love to read a full-length novel by the author. I found Ushers to be quite heavy on the dialogue, which makes sense, as the story primarily unfolds through interviews. However, I wonder how much more the story would creep under my skin with a little less dialogue, or perhaps a few more pages featuring descriptive scenery, observations, or backstory. Regardless, Ushers is a great read for a short story you can finish in one sitting.

A brand new short-story that packs an vicious punch in its brief 30 pages, by one of modern-horrors juggernauts. Our narrative opens with a detective duo investigating a tragic train accident that cost dozens of lives. One of their eye-witnesses stands out from the crowd; a young man who was supposed to be on board the train, but decided to disembark on the final second. And this isn’t the first time this young man has been seconds away from disaster… Is this kid extremely lucky, somehow involved in these accidents, or is something even darker at play here?
Ushers did everything I want a short-story to do: it hooked me, got me invested in its characters despite its short run-time, and somehow set-up ánd delivered on a satisfying mystery.
My feelings upon reading the final sentence were that perfect mix of being 100% satisfied, whilst also desperately craving more. It sparked my imagination and left me thinking about the world this author created for days after finishing it, wishing there was a full novel set in it. Yet ultimately; the ending was perfect and sent a shiver up my spine.
Hats off to Joe Hill for this lightly cosmic, lightly gothic, all atmospheric piece of short-fiction.

Many thanks to Amazon Originals for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Martin Lorensen, a 23-year-old counselor for disturbed teenagers, has survived two deadly disasters, claiming dozens of lives. Two federal agents are interviewing him to understand if there's something darker at play, but Martin believes luck doesn't play a role.

I, first, saw this title come up on Amazon Prime First Reads and was intrigued by the author, the cover, and the synopsis. While this is only 29 page (or 56 minutes of listening on 1x speed), this short story horror packed a bone-chilling punch! How does Martin survive two deadly disasters you may ask...well, he can see the ushers. When you're going to die, you're never alone. Like theater ushers, guiding you to your seat in the dark, the ushers will be there to guide you to death.

Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for the opportunity to read an Advanced Reader's Copy (ARC), as well as listen to an Advanced Listener's Copy (ALC), in exchange for my honest opinion and review.

Martin Lorenson is a likeable enough chap. A councillor for troubled teens, the twenty three year old has had a bit of a lucky life, managing to avoid being mixed up in the carnage of two tragedies. But is there more to Martin than meets the eye? Federal Agents Oates and Duvall interview him to find out.

A great little story, well written and spooky without the blood and guts.

Hill is a great writer, must be in his genes 😉.

Thank you NetGalley, Amazon Original Stories.

Loved this short story told as interviews between suspect and police partners. Fabulous little horror novella without the gore. Martin has managed to escape *two* life-or-death situations. Can anyone be that lucky? A tense little story that had me gripped.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for the review copy of this ebook.

Joe Hill is such a talented writer. Some writers can do books, and some can do short stories. I’m always impressed by those who can write both. This particular story involves a police investigation into a train wreck. Is the suspect innocent or guilty? Is he just insanely lucky? Or is there something else going on…something more sinister?

Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for the eARC. All opinions are mine alone.

In Ushers, Martin has escaped death twice making him either the luckiest guy alive or possibly something else? Two investigators are wondering if it is the latter, but they are not sure what that other thing is but it seems ominous. When they get the chance to interview him Martin is willing to share it all, but what is the truth? And will they believe it when they hear it?

For a book that is only 26 pages long, there was so much story and plot development. It was such an enjoyable short read. I honestly would have been happy to read an entire book about Martin. I loved this short story and the mystery that is Martin.

I loved this book! It was my first Joe Hill book and considering that his writing and story-telling had me completely enthralled from beginning to end, I now want to read other novels by him. This story is short, but contains so much story. It is not a scary/horror book, but more of a moody sprinting thriller. I will definitely be recommending this to all of my fellow book readers!

I've struggled with Joe Hill books in the past and had basically accepted that I was going to be an outlier for him since his books are seemingly universally loved and highly recommended. I gave this short story a chance to see if I felt any differently about newer material from him, and was pleasantly surprised. Though the story is pretty derivative and easily predicted within the first few pages, I actually ended the read wishing for more... and I think I would have enjoyed a full-length novel.
If nothing else, this might inspire me to give Hill another shot in hopes I've grown into a reader who appreciates his work.

Thank you to Joe Hill, Amazon Original Stories and NetGalley for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

This was my first story by Joe Hill and I absolutely LOVED it! I recently read a book with a similar premise (bird/angel like creatures being a premonition of death) and it is such an interesting idea!

This story was incredibly short (less than 30 pages) but the detail and connection to the characters was very well done! My husband is a huge Hall and Oates fan so this was a fun little extra that made the book memorable for me.

Okay, let’s talk about this super amazing short story! So, there’s this young guy who has totally dodged death not once, but like, twice! It’s kinda wild, right? He’s a counselor for troubled teens, and while he seems all sweet and charming, there’s a darker vibe going on. Two federal agents are, like, super suspicious and want to know his secret.

Honestly, the writing is totally gripping, and I was hooked the whole time! The execution is just absolute perfection! It’s not your typical horror story; it’s more of this eerie psychological thriller that makes you think about life and death and all that deep stuff. The atmosphere is so unsettling, and the ending is a total kicker!

I LOVED it and wish it was longer because I wanted more! Seriously, if you’re into spooky stories, this one is a must-read. So, five stars for sure!

Big thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion! 🎉📚

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