In Joe Hill’s latest short story “Ushers,” we meet Martin Lorensen, a seemingly ordinary 23-year-old counselor working at a mental health facility for troubled teens. But there’s something extraordinary about Martin – he has managed to escape death not once, but twice. This peculiar luck catches the attention of two FBI agents, Special Agent Anthony Duvall and his partner John Oates, who suspect there might be something sinister behind Martin’s miraculous survivals.
The Dance of Death and Dark Humor
Hill masterfully weaves dark humor throughout this otherwise haunting tale. The running gag about the agents’ names resembling the famous musical duo Hall & Oates provides welcome moments of levity that make the story’s darker elements even more impactful. It’s this balance of wit and horror that has become one of Hill’s literary signatures, reminiscent of his work in collections like Full Throttle and 20th Century Ghosts.
Crafting Tension Through Structure
The story’s two-part structure (“First Interview” and “Second Interview”) works brilliantly to build tension. The first section establishes the mystery while maintaining a lighter tone, with Martin as the seemingly carefree youngster trading quips with federal agents. The second section peels back these layers to reveal something far more unsettling beneath the surface.
Character Development & Dynamics
Hill shows his strength in character development even within the constraints of a short story:
- Martin Lorensen: A complex character who initially comes across as a cheerful, somewhat cocky young man, but gradually reveals deeper layers of trauma and supernatural burden. His philosophical musings about death and nature (“It’s better to just be a mammal”) are both profound and unsettling.
- Agent Duvall: The story’s emotional anchor, whose personal life – his relationship with his daughter Malia, his divorce – humanizes the investigation and adds depth to the narrative.
- Agent Oates: Serves as both comic relief and a darker element, his personal frustrations ultimately playing a crucial role in the story’s climax.
Themes & Symbolism
Hill explores several compelling themes:
- The Nature of Death: The story presents death not as something to fear, but as a natural transition, complete with supernatural “ushers” to guide the way.
- Choice and Consequence: Martin’s attempts to save lives result in others being taken instead, raising moral questions about interfering with fate.
- The Price of Knowledge: Martin’s ability to see the ushers is both a gift and a curse, much like the burden of prophecy in classical mythology.
Writing Style & Atmosphere
Hill’s prose is lean and effective, with a cinematic quality that’s become his trademark. The description of the ushers – with their pigeon-like wings and copper-penny eyes – is particularly vivid and unsettling. The way he builds atmosphere through seemingly mundane details (the rain, the Texas Roadhouse setting, the Cactus Blossom appetizer) creates a sense of impending doom that pays off brilliantly in the story’s final moments.
Criticisms & Shortcomings
While “Ushers” is a strong addition to Joe Hill’s body of work, it’s not without its flaws:
- The story’s premise bears some similarity to Final Destination and other “cheating death” narratives, though Hill’s take is more philosophical than horror-focused.
- The resolution feels somewhat abrupt, leaving several questions unanswered about the nature and origins of the ushers.
- Some readers might find the Hall & Oates running joke a bit forced, though it serves its purpose in lightening the mood.
Impact & Resonance
What makes “Ushers” by Joe Hill particularly effective is how it taps into universal fears while offering a unique perspective on death. The story suggests that even in our final moments, we’re not alone – though whether that’s comforting or terrifying depends entirely on the reader’s perspective.
Literary Context
Joe Hill continues to prove himself as more than just Stephen King’s son, crafting his own unique voice in the horror genre. “Ushers” shares DNA with his other works like NOS4A2 and Heart-Shaped Box in its blend of supernatural elements with deeply human stories, but feels more intimate and contained.
Final Verdict
“Ushers” is a compelling addition to Joe Hill’s bibliography that showcases his ability to craft engaging characters and unsettling situations. While it may not reach the heights of his best work, it successfully blends humor, horror, and humanity into a memorable tale about death and the price of seeing too much.
Similar Works & Recommendations
For readers who enjoyed “Ushers,” consider:
- The Black Phone by Joe Hill
- 20th Century Ghosts by Joe Hill
- The Hellbound Heart by Clive Barker
- Final Destination (film series)
- Wings of Desire directed by Wim Wenders (referenced in the story)
Author Background
Joe Hill has established himself as a formidable voice in horror fiction, winning the Bram Stoker Award and publishing successful novels like The Fireman and NOS4A2. His work often explores supernatural themes while remaining grounded in human relationships and emotions. “Ushers” continues this tradition while pushing into new territorial both thematically and stylistically.
Reading Experience
The story is best consumed in one sitting, preferably on a rainy night, much like the story’s setting. At roughly 40 pages, it’s the perfect length for a single-session read that will leave you thinking long after you’ve finished.