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A review by robynbookworm
My Heart Is a Chainsaw by Stephen Graham Jones
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
My Heart is a Chainsaw is so good I read it twice -and it got even better the second time around! The story captures you immediately, opening with a classic slasher scene. From there, you are introduced to horror-aficionado Jade Daniels, as she begins to see clues that a real-life slasher may be taking place in her small town.
Interspersed throughout the story are Jade's essays explaining the rules, themes, and metaphors of slasher lore. Fans of classic horror films will find themselves grinning in recognition as they read. As the story progresses, the pace and the gore both pick up. The novel itself begins to feel like an action-packed thriller, yet somehow finds time to dive deep beyond the surface and unpack some very serious subjects.
Stephen Graham Jones is an amazing writer and upon re-reading it, I felt compelled to highlight and underline some of my favorite lines, in part because there are so many good ones, but also to capture some of the moments that have so much more meaning than they first appear. Yet, by the final chapters I found I couldn't slow down enough to pick up my pen, despite already knowing how it ends. If you love horror novels and horror films, this is a must-read!
Interspersed throughout the story are Jade's essays explaining the rules, themes, and metaphors of slasher lore. Fans of classic horror films will find themselves grinning in recognition as they read. As the story progresses, the pace and the gore both pick up. The novel itself begins to feel like an action-packed thriller, yet somehow finds time to dive deep beyond the surface and unpack some very serious subjects.
Stephen Graham Jones is an amazing writer and upon re-reading it, I felt compelled to highlight and underline some of my favorite lines, in part because there are so many good ones, but also to capture some of the moments that have so much more meaning than they first appear. Yet, by the final chapters I found I couldn't slow down enough to pick up my pen, despite already knowing how it ends. If you love horror novels and horror films, this is a must-read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Suicide attempt, Sexual assault, Alcohol, and Blood