Horrorstör by Grady Hendrix

Author: Grady Hendrix
Publisher: Quirk Books
Genre: Horror, Comedy
Year of Publication: 2014
Date of Publication: September 23, 2014
Pages: 240
ISBN-10: 1594745269
ISBN-13: 978-1594745263

Summary

Horrorstör follows employees at a furniture store who begin experiencing strange occurrences after hours. 

Determined to uncover the mystery, they stay overnight, only to encounter a sinister force that turns their workplace into a nightmare.

The book captures the reality of both working and shopping in a store, highlighting its overwhelming size, which is designed to disorient customers and make them lose track of time.

Main Plot & Characters

The story centers on Amy and her co-workers at Orsk, a furniture superstore with a dark past.

As they attempt to survive a horrifying night, they discover the store’s haunting secrets and the terrifying force within.

Key Themes of Horrorstör

• Workplace Horror: The story explores the unsettling nature of modern corporate environments and their impact on employees.
• Capitalism and Consumerism: The novel critiques consumer culture, using the store as a metaphor.
• Isolation: The characters’ isolation within the store amplifies their vulnerability to supernatural threats.
• Humor in Horror: The blending of horror and humor adds a fresh take on traditional horror tropes.

Writing Style

Hendrix’s writing is witty and playful, mixing horror with dark comedy.

He creates a strong sense of being stuck alongside the characters, as if trapped in a never-ending loop.

The story moves quickly, with a solid premise and slightly gory scenes that add to the tension.

Hendrix’s writing style makes readers appreciate the characters, like Amy and the store manager, Basil.

Impact of Horrorstör

Horrorstör uses satire and humor to highlight the unsettling aspects of a retail environment, offering a unique twist on the horror genre.

The book’s design adds to its appeal, resembling an IKEA catalog with product illustrations and descriptions.

This creative design choice makes the story feel more authentic, even though the store itself is fictional.

What are your thoughts on this book? Have you had a chance to read it? Let us know in the comments!