Heart-Shaped Box
Joe Hill, , read by Stephen Lang. . Harper Audio, $39.95 (0pp) ISBN 978-0-06-123587-0
This first novel by Hill, the second son of Stephen King, provides the perfect raw material for Lang to create an auditory world so convincing that the listener will feel as if they have seen a film by the time they are through. The complex plot can be simply stated: as a lark, retired heavy metal star Judas Coyne buys a haunted suit online. The ghost turns out to be the very angry stepfather of an ex-groupie/lover of Coyne’s who killed herself after he sent her away. The relentless ghost is there to kill Judas and anyone who tries to help him. Lang’s superb narration is nearly hypnotic in its calm delivery, perfect as backdrop for the action and horror that surrounds it. His Coyne is reminiscent of John Goodman, deep and understated, with a foundation of confidence with a barely perceptible trace of a Southern accent. Each disk starts with a bit of Nine Inch Nails–ish heavy haunting electronica, an ideal tone setter for the journey. Simultaneous release with the Morrow hardcover (Reviews, Dec. 11). (Feb.)
Reviewed on: 04/30/2007
Genre: Audio
Downloadable Audio - 978-0-06-126240-1
Downloadable Audio - 978-0-06-126239-5
Hardcover - 978-0-06-123798-0
Hardcover - 384 pages - 978-0-06-114793-7
Mass Market Paperbound - 448 pages - 978-0-06-333684-1
Mass Market Paperbound - 488 pages - 978-84-663-2119-8
Mass Market Paperbound - 384 pages - 978-0-06-114794-4
Other - 448 pages - 978-0-06-179830-6
Paperback - 400 pages - 978-0-06-194489-5
Paperback - 402 pages - 978-0-06-215549-8
