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Something Came Through: And Other Stories
Fear is a place, and to get there it’s as easy as looking in the mirror.
Wall Street Journal bestselling author Joe Hart returns to the horror arena with his second collection of twisted and unsettling tales featuring monstrosities of both the occult and human nature. In “Down In The Valley” a young fire service member discovers the horrifying truth regarding the missing persons in the lonely state park his fire tower watches over. A man whose entire life has been haunted by a hideous childhood event gets a second chance to make things right in “You Can Never Go Back”. And a young woman’s tragic mistake while driving and texting literally comes back to haunt her in “More”. Written in Hart’s hypnotic and unnerving style, Something Came Through features ten new terrifying stories that peel back the surface of everyday life to expose the darkness waiting beneath.
Wall Street Journal bestselling author Joe Hart returns to the horror arena with his second collection of twisted and unsettling tales featuring monstrosities of both the occult and human nature. In “Down In The Valley” a young fire service member discovers the horrifying truth regarding the missing persons in the lonely state park his fire tower watches over. A man whose entire life has been haunted by a hideous childhood event gets a second chance to make things right in “You Can Never Go Back”. And a young woman’s tragic mistake while driving and texting literally comes back to haunt her in “More”. Written in Hart’s hypnotic and unnerving style, Something Came Through features ten new terrifying stories that peel back the surface of everyday life to expose the darkness waiting beneath.
266 pages, Paperback
Published October 7, 2019
About the author
Joe Hart
44 books1,442 followersJoe Hart is the Edgar Award-winning and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of seventeen novels including The River Is Dark, Obscura, The Last Girl, and Or Else. His work has been optioned for film and translated into eight languages. He lives with his family in Minnesota.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 18, 2022
…And Other Stories.
This book is something!
It contains ten stories and they are all interesting. But they are not all horrific. Some of the stories are very good, but somehow crazy.
Some of the horrific stories are terrific. They are the ones that make you hold your breath and breathe stagnated.
Over all it is a great book. Recommended.
Four stars. 💫
This book is something!
It contains ten stories and they are all interesting. But they are not all horrific. Some of the stories are very good, but somehow crazy.
Some of the horrific stories are terrific. They are the ones that make you hold your breath and breathe stagnated.
Over all it is a great book. Recommended.
Four stars. 💫
November 6, 2019
Another creepy bunch of short stories
I've read and enjoyed other full-length books and a book of short stories from author Hart.
I wasn't disappointed by this diverse collection of stories. Some were paranormal creepy and some were just based on the evil nature of man. But all eleven stories were enjoyable.
I don't know if I've ever read anything by Hart that I haven't liked. I don't think so.
I've read and enjoyed other full-length books and a book of short stories from author Hart.
I wasn't disappointed by this diverse collection of stories. Some were paranormal creepy and some were just based on the evil nature of man. But all eleven stories were enjoyable.
I don't know if I've ever read anything by Hart that I haven't liked. I don't think so.
October 25, 2019
This is my first time reading shorts from Joe Hart, and there are some real gems in this collection. My review is posted here ---> https://wp.me/p5t5Tf-1Rb
January 15, 2020
3.5
I’d read 2 Hart novels in the past resulting in varying degrees of “OKness” but I think he has found his niche in the short story format. Rare to read a collection without a handful of stinkers. The collection included consistent fair to good pieces with a smattering of gems.
1. Trestle - 4/5 (Giving the devil his dues)
2. The Red, Red Light That Comes Through the Trees - 3/5
3. More - 4/5 (The consequences of guilt)
4. Borneo - 2.5/5
5. Down in the Valley - 3/5
6. Something Came Through - 5/5 (One person’s insanity, is another person’s reality)
7. Faceless - 4/5 (The face of Death)
8. Untethered - 3/5
9. Everything Was Going To Be Okay - 3/5
10. You Can Never Go Back - 3/5
I’d read 2 Hart novels in the past resulting in varying degrees of “OKness” but I think he has found his niche in the short story format. Rare to read a collection without a handful of stinkers. The collection included consistent fair to good pieces with a smattering of gems.
1. Trestle - 4/5 (Giving the devil his dues)
2. The Red, Red Light That Comes Through the Trees - 3/5
3. More - 4/5 (The consequences of guilt)
4. Borneo - 2.5/5
5. Down in the Valley - 3/5
6. Something Came Through - 5/5 (One person’s insanity, is another person’s reality)
7. Faceless - 4/5 (The face of Death)
8. Untethered - 3/5
9. Everything Was Going To Be Okay - 3/5
10. You Can Never Go Back - 3/5
October 25, 2019
Something Came Through is a brilliant collection of ten short story‘s that will leave you sleeping with the lights on and staring into that dark corner wondering if the shape you see is just your imagination, or is something visiting you...
Joe Hart is able to create such a stellar horror atmosphere, even with settings and characters changing from new story to new story, everything flows with such ease that it all feels like it exists in the same nightmare world. From strange monsters, creepy state parks, and deep space, Hart has made sure to cover all the terrifying bases of what could be lurking in the dark. They sneak up on you and I definitely had to turn the lights on and make sure my doors were locked at one point.
Some strong contenders in this book for me were Untethered and Down in the Valley. I could have gotten lost for hours in those two. I also loved the extra focus on how the horrors of the world are not always strictly supernatural, and instead are purely human. It gives a nice, realistic touch to the stories.
Overall, this book was so fun and eerie. Joe Hart, you have made a fan of me.
*Thank you so much to the author for sending me a copy for review*
Joe Hart is able to create such a stellar horror atmosphere, even with settings and characters changing from new story to new story, everything flows with such ease that it all feels like it exists in the same nightmare world. From strange monsters, creepy state parks, and deep space, Hart has made sure to cover all the terrifying bases of what could be lurking in the dark. They sneak up on you and I definitely had to turn the lights on and make sure my doors were locked at one point.
Some strong contenders in this book for me were Untethered and Down in the Valley. I could have gotten lost for hours in those two. I also loved the extra focus on how the horrors of the world are not always strictly supernatural, and instead are purely human. It gives a nice, realistic touch to the stories.
Overall, this book was so fun and eerie. Joe Hart, you have made a fan of me.
*Thank you so much to the author for sending me a copy for review*
November 6, 2019
Another great Joe Hart book!!
A lot of great, diverse stories to keep you turning the pages. I love to hike and I live in Colorado but, after reading one of these stories, I’m not sure I’ll ever go into the woods again. Truly terrifying. Joe Hart is one of the best storytellers of our time!
A lot of great, diverse stories to keep you turning the pages. I love to hike and I live in Colorado but, after reading one of these stories, I’m not sure I’ll ever go into the woods again. Truly terrifying. Joe Hart is one of the best storytellers of our time!
November 25, 2019
Like reading a young Stephen King
Enjoyed this collection of short stories. It reminded me very much of my first introduction to a young Stephen King and his collection, Nightshift. This author isn't as long winded as Mr. King can be with descriptions. Yet, he was able to achieve a similar feeling. I couldn't stop reading the stories taking delight in each one.
Enjoyed this collection of short stories. It reminded me very much of my first introduction to a young Stephen King and his collection, Nightshift. This author isn't as long winded as Mr. King can be with descriptions. Yet, he was able to achieve a similar feeling. I couldn't stop reading the stories taking delight in each one.
January 26, 2020
Strong horror stories from Mr. Hart
The writing in Something Came Through is crisp and relentless, stories that build suspense even as they shock and frighten. Most of these tales fit into the genre of horror/supernatural, although there is one SF story, “Untethered.” I like the way this author puts twists into his plots, taking events in unexpected directions.
The writing in Something Came Through is crisp and relentless, stories that build suspense even as they shock and frighten. Most of these tales fit into the genre of horror/supernatural, although there is one SF story, “Untethered.” I like the way this author puts twists into his plots, taking events in unexpected directions.
November 2, 2019
Great collection
Joe Hart: A true storyteller of the weird, the macabre, the unimaginable, the unreal, and the things nightmares are made of. If you enjoy short and bizarre stories then this is the book for you.
Joe Hart: A true storyteller of the weird, the macabre, the unimaginable, the unreal, and the things nightmares are made of. If you enjoy short and bizarre stories then this is the book for you.
November 11, 2019
Very entertaining
All great stories with some genuinely creepy aspects. Good lengths for nighttime reading or holidays. Some, I could have happily read longer and could have made them into novels
All great stories with some genuinely creepy aspects. Good lengths for nighttime reading or holidays. Some, I could have happily read longer and could have made them into novels
January 13, 2020
Intriguing and Unique
Reading these well written short stories on a chilly afternoon is really an enjoyable experience. Editing, grammar and all is professionally done. 5 stars for pleasure of book.
Reading these well written short stories on a chilly afternoon is really an enjoyable experience. Editing, grammar and all is professionally done. 5 stars for pleasure of book.
November 26, 2019
Fun Book
Several well told tales. Original kinda freaky and keeps your attention. I hope to read more from this author soon.
Several well told tales. Original kinda freaky and keeps your attention. I hope to read more from this author soon.
December 23, 2019
Fun read. In a macabre sort of way
Not usually a fan of short stories. But this bunch was good. Some were predictable, others surprising. Basically a fun way to spend a few hours
Not usually a fan of short stories. But this bunch was good. Some were predictable, others surprising. Basically a fun way to spend a few hours
January 4, 2020
Great Selection of Stories
I loved this collection, I couldn't put it down. Hart is a trove of talent and the stories in this book prove it.
I loved this collection, I couldn't put it down. Hart is a trove of talent and the stories in this book prove it.
April 24, 2020
Best short story collection I have read for a long while
Don't know how I missed this author, having read a lot of thriller/horror fiction in recen.t years. He really knows how to develop characters, build a story, reate an atmosphere of fear and dreaf, suspense building all the time. I especially like the way he knows how to end a story, something at which so many authors fail. Some of the stories were gorier than I like, but it is horror fiction, so of course I was forewarned. Some were sad, and I felt all had a deeper meaning than just the shocks.
Now I must continue reading Mr. Hart. I hope his other works live up to this one. I was really impressed with the quality of this collection. Kudos to Mr. Hart!
Don't know how I missed this author, having read a lot of thriller/horror fiction in recen.t years. He really knows how to develop characters, build a story, reate an atmosphere of fear and dreaf, suspense building all the time. I especially like the way he knows how to end a story, something at which so many authors fail. Some of the stories were gorier than I like, but it is horror fiction, so of course I was forewarned. Some were sad, and I felt all had a deeper meaning than just the shocks.
Now I must continue reading Mr. Hart. I hope his other works live up to this one. I was really impressed with the quality of this collection. Kudos to Mr. Hart!
November 5, 2021
As a first read from this author, I will continue to follow him. This author has a touch of King in his style, just creepy enough to get your attention. And remind you not to read this alone at night, jumping at every sound in the house. A great variety of story lengths and plots. Each story could stand alone as a possible novelette.
July 10, 2020
Super scary!
I don't normally choose to read short stories or short story compilations. I'm very glad I read this one, though! These are heart pounding, SCARY stories and are very well done.
I don't normally choose to read short stories or short story compilations. I'm very glad I read this one, though! These are heart pounding, SCARY stories and are very well done.
April 16, 2020
Loved it!! This was a great read. Anyone who loves horror will love this book. Highly recommended. I'm on the lookout for other books by this author.
June 4, 2020
Some of the best short horror I’ve read recently.
September 2, 2020
Solid
This was my first time reading Joe Hart and I've got to admit I was fairly impressed. Well written and filled with quality stories. Recommended.
This was my first time reading Joe Hart and I've got to admit I was fairly impressed. Well written and filled with quality stories. Recommended.
February 17, 2022
To say that this is a twisted selection of short stories in an understatement. The plots are tight and a lot is packed into a short story, most of them pretty chilling.
March 1, 2020
These comments are for my own tracking, so plot spoilers below.
1. Trestle - 8/10 - A boy's dead father comes back as a monstrous evil and terrorizes some kids near a train bridge
2. The Red, Red Light That Comes Through the Trees - 8/10 - The apocalypse begins during a family's cabin vacation
3. More - 9/10 - A girl tries to deal with her guilt of killing someone while texting & driving
4. Borneo - 5/10 - Kind of hard to follow. Has elements of "Trestle" and "More" but not as good
5. Down in the Valley - 9/10 - A forest ranger and his dog search for missing persons but find something else. Really liked the potential apocalypse that's hinted at
6. Carved Eternal - 1/10 - Very short poem. I have no idea what's it's about
7. Something Came Through - 8/10 - A hole in bathroom drywall is a portal for a doppleganger
8. Faceless - 6/10 - Man meets death
9. Untethered - 7/10 - Female astronaut has a problem with spaceship computer, among other things
10. Everything Was Going To Be Okay - 8/10 - An irredeemable teen tries to save his ass and then gets it kicked
11. You Can Never Go Back - 5/10 - A man is inexplicably dropped into his past to revisit his abducted little sister
1. Trestle - 8/10 - A boy's dead father comes back as a monstrous evil and terrorizes some kids near a train bridge
2. The Red, Red Light That Comes Through the Trees - 8/10 - The apocalypse begins during a family's cabin vacation
3. More - 9/10 - A girl tries to deal with her guilt of killing someone while texting & driving
4. Borneo - 5/10 - Kind of hard to follow. Has elements of "Trestle" and "More" but not as good
5. Down in the Valley - 9/10 - A forest ranger and his dog search for missing persons but find something else. Really liked the potential apocalypse that's hinted at
6. Carved Eternal - 1/10 - Very short poem. I have no idea what's it's about
7. Something Came Through - 8/10 - A hole in bathroom drywall is a portal for a doppleganger
8. Faceless - 6/10 - Man meets death
9. Untethered - 7/10 - Female astronaut has a problem with spaceship computer, among other things
10. Everything Was Going To Be Okay - 8/10 - An irredeemable teen tries to save his ass and then gets it kicked
11. You Can Never Go Back - 5/10 - A man is inexplicably dropped into his past to revisit his abducted little sister
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2019
The storm and the guilt
These two elements are prominent throughout the whole book. Sometimes they are a subtext, sometimes they are clearly stated. But they are always there.
Joe Hart has managed to concoct ten creative and wildly different short tales (and a poem), all of of them enjoyable in their own ways. My favorite one is "Everything was going to be okay". The use of the simple past "was" instead of "is" is ironically a genius choice. Check it out by yourselves, it's worth it :)
The cover of the book is a piece of art and definitely an asset to understanding the mood of the book
I highly recommend this collection: the stories inside will entertain you on a rainy day while drinking your favorite beverage sitting on your favorite chair.
So, why only 4 stars? Because of the poem. It does not belong there. This experiment has been done before by Stephen King (Paranoid: A Chant, in the "Skeleton Crew" short stories collection). It did not work then, and it does not work now.
Aside from that, the book is a rare find in today's mess of so called "horror stories". Give it a chance and you won't be disappointed.
These two elements are prominent throughout the whole book. Sometimes they are a subtext, sometimes they are clearly stated. But they are always there.
Joe Hart has managed to concoct ten creative and wildly different short tales (and a poem), all of of them enjoyable in their own ways. My favorite one is "Everything was going to be okay". The use of the simple past "was" instead of "is" is ironically a genius choice. Check it out by yourselves, it's worth it :)
The cover of the book is a piece of art and definitely an asset to understanding the mood of the book
I highly recommend this collection: the stories inside will entertain you on a rainy day while drinking your favorite beverage sitting on your favorite chair.
So, why only 4 stars? Because of the poem. It does not belong there. This experiment has been done before by Stephen King (Paranoid: A Chant, in the "Skeleton Crew" short stories collection). It did not work then, and it does not work now.
Aside from that, the book is a rare find in today's mess of so called "horror stories". Give it a chance and you won't be disappointed.
March 27, 2020
I really dug this collection. Creepy and cool.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews