Joe Hill’s Heart-Shaped Box is widely praised for its chilling atmosphere, compelling character development, and homage to classic horror elements. Readers appreciate Hill's ability to build suspense and deliver genuine scares. However, some critics find the plot occasionally predictable and the pacing uneven. Overall, it’s a strong debut that offers a fresh yet familiar horror experience.

Fans of The Shining by Stephen King or The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty will relish Heart-Shaped Box. Readers who appreciate gothic horror, intense suspense, and complex characters will be drawn to this chilling novel, where a rock star's haunted past comes vividly and disturbingly to life.

In Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill, retired rock star Judas "Jude" Coyne and his girlfriend, Marybeth "Georgia" Kimball, are tormented by the ghost of the stepfather of Jude’s deceased ex-girlfriend, Florida, after purchasing a haunted suit. Their journey to escape and confront the vengeful spirit forces them to face their pasts and strengthens their bond. The novel includes discussions of anti-gay bias, sexual assault, suicide, and violence.

Dark / Unnerving / Suspenseful / Mysterious / Emotional

Joe Hill

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

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Before You Read Heart-Shaped Box | SuperSummary

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Overview

Get ready to explore Heart-Shaped Box and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Heart-Shaped Box Summary

Background

Heart-Shaped Box Background

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section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Black Dog”

Part 1, Chapters 1-12

Heart-Shaped Box Part 1, Chapters 1-12 Summary & Analysis

Part 1: “Black Dog”-Part 2: “Ride On”

Part 1, Chapter 13-Part 2, Chapter 22

Heart-Shaped Box Part 1, Chapter 13-Part 2, Chapter 22 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Ride On”

Part 2, Chapters 23-31

Heart-Shaped Box Part 2, Chapters 23-31 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Ride On”-Part 3: “Hurt”

Part 2, Chapter 32-Part 3, Chapter 41

Heart-Shaped Box Part 2, Chapter 32-Part 3, Chapter 41 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Hurt”-Part 4: “Alive”

Part 3, Chapter 42-Part 4

Heart-Shaped Box Part 3, Chapter 42-Part 4 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Heart-Shaped Box Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Heart-Shaped Box Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Heart-Shaped Box Symbols & Motifs

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citation

Important Quotes

Heart-Shaped Box Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Heart-Shaped Box Essay Topics

Heart-Shaped Box

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Heart-Shaped Box?

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Book Details