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The Jam: A dark page turning modern horror full of twists
It's just another day on a busy highway until everything comes to a screeching halt. The jam tails back forever. But there's no cause for concern, no reason to panic. It's a traffic jam, that's all. Everything will get back to normal soon enough.
While people get out of their cars and pass the time with fellow travellers, fourteen-year-old Max sits in the back of his family's campervan, with a knife hidden in his pocket. Those outside wonder about what's causing the blockage up ahead. Max worries about why his dad sprung the road trip on them and wishes his mother would do more than stare at her feet. There's some bitching on the road about being late, others hope no one was hurt. At least, they do until the screaming begins, and then the monster inside Max's van isn't the only thing for him to be scared of in The Jam.
A tense and claustrophobic story akin to King's 'The Mist' and Barker's 'The Hellbound Heart', The Jam will take you on a thrilling horror ride where nothing and no one are as they seem.
Reader guidance: This book contains themes of domestic abuse, scenes of violence and gore, moderately coarse language, and mild sexual references.
While people get out of their cars and pass the time with fellow travellers, fourteen-year-old Max sits in the back of his family's campervan, with a knife hidden in his pocket. Those outside wonder about what's causing the blockage up ahead. Max worries about why his dad sprung the road trip on them and wishes his mother would do more than stare at her feet. There's some bitching on the road about being late, others hope no one was hurt. At least, they do until the screaming begins, and then the monster inside Max's van isn't the only thing for him to be scared of in The Jam.
A tense and claustrophobic story akin to King's 'The Mist' and Barker's 'The Hellbound Heart', The Jam will take you on a thrilling horror ride where nothing and no one are as they seem.
Reader guidance: This book contains themes of domestic abuse, scenes of violence and gore, moderately coarse language, and mild sexual references.
- GenresHorrorSupernatural
218 pages, Hardcover
Published December 1, 2021
64 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
About the author
Dan Soule
23 books56 followersDan is a horror author, who was born and raised in Nottinghamshire, England, growing up in a small cathedral town called Southwell. He moved to Glasgow, Scotland aged 19 and met his now wife, a Northern Irish girl. Hence, Dan now lives in Northern Ireland on the beautiful Antrim Coast, with his wife and two children, Cassie the cat and Jessie the dog. His author website with a bonus book is www.dansoule.com
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 27, 2022
** Edited as review is now live on Kendall Reviews! **
Back when I was just a little guy, we’re talking 8 or 9, I read my first Stephen King book. I was hooked. Over the next few years, I devoured everything my neighbor had and would lend to me.
One story stood out more than the others – ‘The Mist.’ It wrecked me so much when I was a little kid, that I still have a massive fear of really dense fog.
When this was announced, I initially passed. I didn’t know if I could give this a fair shake, knowing I’d compare it to that story, one that I think about every few days and one that I’ve not been able to bring myself to read ever since.
But, at the same time, Kendall Reviews works really hard to read and support as many authors as KR can, so when it was offered up for review again recently, I said ‘sure.’ I’ve read almost all of Soule’s work previous to this one, so I decided to give it a shot and see where it went.
What I liked: The plot is pretty straightforward to start with. A bunch of seemingly random people are driving on the freeway when suddenly traffic snarls to a stop and nobody is moving.
From here, we learn a bit more about each of the main groups featured; the family with the abusive father, the celebrity, the woman who makes money however she can, etc etc. They band together to help those who’ve been injured in this crash that has stopped traffic, when suddenly a storm arrives and the rain burns.
From here, Soule does a good job of riffing on the expected ‘creatures in the clouds/fog’ idea, and relates it back to some of the characters really well. It was a different take on the typical standard fair from previous entries into these worlds.
What I didn’t like: Soule’s ‘The Ash’ was a stunning book, a book about something randomly occurring and things arriving. I think having read that book before, combined with my love for ‘The Mist’ this one didn’t have the same tension for me personally as his previous releases.
Additionally, the ‘twist’ (apologies I don’t have a better word for this) about what the creatures are related to or are from, didn’t really grab me.
Why you should buy this: The story hums along, the chapters are short and snappy, and the characters give us some intrigue.
Ultimately, I think if this synopsis grabs you and makes you want to read it, I think you’ll be in for a treat. For me, personally, I think my own prejudices towards my love of previous stories similar to this one (including Dan’s own ‘The Ash’) dampened my enjoyment more than I expected.
Overall, a fun story, if not pushing the imagination envelope like Soule typically does.
Back when I was just a little guy, we’re talking 8 or 9, I read my first Stephen King book. I was hooked. Over the next few years, I devoured everything my neighbor had and would lend to me.
One story stood out more than the others – ‘The Mist.’ It wrecked me so much when I was a little kid, that I still have a massive fear of really dense fog.
When this was announced, I initially passed. I didn’t know if I could give this a fair shake, knowing I’d compare it to that story, one that I think about every few days and one that I’ve not been able to bring myself to read ever since.
But, at the same time, Kendall Reviews works really hard to read and support as many authors as KR can, so when it was offered up for review again recently, I said ‘sure.’ I’ve read almost all of Soule’s work previous to this one, so I decided to give it a shot and see where it went.
What I liked: The plot is pretty straightforward to start with. A bunch of seemingly random people are driving on the freeway when suddenly traffic snarls to a stop and nobody is moving.
From here, we learn a bit more about each of the main groups featured; the family with the abusive father, the celebrity, the woman who makes money however she can, etc etc. They band together to help those who’ve been injured in this crash that has stopped traffic, when suddenly a storm arrives and the rain burns.
From here, Soule does a good job of riffing on the expected ‘creatures in the clouds/fog’ idea, and relates it back to some of the characters really well. It was a different take on the typical standard fair from previous entries into these worlds.
What I didn’t like: Soule’s ‘The Ash’ was a stunning book, a book about something randomly occurring and things arriving. I think having read that book before, combined with my love for ‘The Mist’ this one didn’t have the same tension for me personally as his previous releases.
Additionally, the ‘twist’ (apologies I don’t have a better word for this) about what the creatures are related to or are from, didn’t really grab me.
Why you should buy this: The story hums along, the chapters are short and snappy, and the characters give us some intrigue.
Ultimately, I think if this synopsis grabs you and makes you want to read it, I think you’ll be in for a treat. For me, personally, I think my own prejudices towards my love of previous stories similar to this one (including Dan’s own ‘The Ash’) dampened my enjoyment more than I expected.
Overall, a fun story, if not pushing the imagination envelope like Soule typically does.
September 9, 2022
I enjoyed this offering from Dan - and I’ve read a lot of his work, this one for me although gripping and with some exceptional scenes and visceral images of horror (which I loved) - I feel the story suffered with its comparisons in the blurb to Stephen King’s ‘The Mist’ and the similar content of the story (although Dan brings his own monsters to that in an original way).
The problem for me is that I’m such a huge fan of Stephen King’s ‘The Mist’ that anything remotely similar in tone and theme is going to suffer from the benchmark of what that book is for me for that particular trope - it’s not Dan’s fault - he wrote a great book, a book with pace and dread - but my reading of it was tainted by on of King’s masterpieces.
Dan’s other works that I’ve really enjoyed were ‘Neolithica’ and ‘Savage’ - so if like me you’ve got huge love for ‘The Mist’ I’d highly recommend those other two books if you want to see what a great original storyteller Dan Soule is!
The problem for me is that I’m such a huge fan of Stephen King’s ‘The Mist’ that anything remotely similar in tone and theme is going to suffer from the benchmark of what that book is for me for that particular trope - it’s not Dan’s fault - he wrote a great book, a book with pace and dread - but my reading of it was tainted by on of King’s masterpieces.
Dan’s other works that I’ve really enjoyed were ‘Neolithica’ and ‘Savage’ - so if like me you’ve got huge love for ‘The Mist’ I’d highly recommend those other two books if you want to see what a great original storyteller Dan Soule is!
May 17, 2022
As I just stated on Twit*er, this was one crazy ride! Fast paced (which is kind of funny bc of the title), scary af, and some golden nuggets of my kind of poetic justice.
I wish I had a better grasp of the English language to praise it like it deserves. But I will go with what I know and say: GO GET IT!
I wish I had a better grasp of the English language to praise it like it deserves. But I will go with what I know and say: GO GET IT!
July 14, 2023
Made an atheist cry...
This was a well-written book with lots of gory violence and a heart. You see, as a unbeliever, I don't normally tolerate religion, but
Soule`s tale of heavenly and hellish discord was fun, thought-provoking, and almost redemptive (in a good way, of course). I will certainly be reading more by this talented author.
This was a well-written book with lots of gory violence and a heart. You see, as a unbeliever, I don't normally tolerate religion, but
Soule`s tale of heavenly and hellish discord was fun, thought-provoking, and almost redemptive (in a good way, of course). I will certainly be reading more by this talented author.
February 26, 2022
once again
I have come to think that Dan Soule is pulling a great switcheroo. I start reading one of his tales and it appears he's following the traditional horror story tropes when there's a sudden hairpin curve and he takes us a different direction that is original and unexpected and interesting.
I have come to think that Dan Soule is pulling a great switcheroo. I start reading one of his tales and it appears he's following the traditional horror story tropes when there's a sudden hairpin curve and he takes us a different direction that is original and unexpected and interesting.
July 29, 2023
Plenty of Satisfying Twists
This is not my first Dan Soule novel, and it certainly won't be my last. The Jam has a large cast of characters for such a swift novel, and Dan makes sure each one is fully fleshed and integral to the story.
Each time I thought I knew what was happening, the story took another savage twist and I was left amazed, excited and desperate to read on. Reminiscent of Barker and Herbert, this is a treat for any horror lover.
This is not my first Dan Soule novel, and it certainly won't be my last. The Jam has a large cast of characters for such a swift novel, and Dan makes sure each one is fully fleshed and integral to the story.
Each time I thought I knew what was happening, the story took another savage twist and I was left amazed, excited and desperate to read on. Reminiscent of Barker and Herbert, this is a treat for any horror lover.
July 17, 2023
Hang on for the ride!
Just when I thought I had it figured out, I was wrong. There was a WIDE range of characters, some utterly detestable and others conflicted. Ending was not as I expected. Left me wanting more, in a good way.
Just when I thought I had it figured out, I was wrong. There was a WIDE range of characters, some utterly detestable and others conflicted. Ending was not as I expected. Left me wanting more, in a good way.
August 15, 2023
The Jam
I originally reviewed this book as a beta reader and the changes and improvements that Dan has implemented have increased the potential of this story.
I still haven’t figured out definitively how or why the car alarms continue to work when all other electronic systems and devices no longer do so but I suspect that it is more to do with the nature of the story and its setting then any fault or mistake on the part of the author as that is a solution that makes a macabre sense. They are the accompanying soundtrack to the horror that is taking place.
Dan’s use of the dichotomy of Jay being both a Paramedic and a sociopathic serial killer. The story also delves into the nurture or nature argument and examines how people are affected by their past and experiences.
Be warned! I reread this in one late sitting, this being a book that gets its hooks into very deeply and doesn’t let go even after the final page.
I originally reviewed this book as a beta reader and the changes and improvements that Dan has implemented have increased the potential of this story.
I still haven’t figured out definitively how or why the car alarms continue to work when all other electronic systems and devices no longer do so but I suspect that it is more to do with the nature of the story and its setting then any fault or mistake on the part of the author as that is a solution that makes a macabre sense. They are the accompanying soundtrack to the horror that is taking place.
Dan’s use of the dichotomy of Jay being both a Paramedic and a sociopathic serial killer. The story also delves into the nurture or nature argument and examines how people are affected by their past and experiences.
Be warned! I reread this in one late sitting, this being a book that gets its hooks into very deeply and doesn’t let go even after the final page.
March 11, 2022
Another fantastic read!
Once again couldn't put this book down. Dan Soule is most definitely my favourite atm and I'm racing through all of his books very quickly indeed!! Highly recommend them all! 😱
Once again couldn't put this book down. Dan Soule is most definitely my favourite atm and I'm racing through all of his books very quickly indeed!! Highly recommend them all! 😱
January 10, 2022
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
May 2, 2022
Good vs Evil
Dan Soule's horror stories are not for the faint of heart. The thing that sets them apart, in my mind, are the characters.
Dan Soule's horror stories are not for the faint of heart. The thing that sets them apart, in my mind, are the characters.
November 22, 2021
The Jam centers on a group of disparate people, all traveling on an English motorway, who get caught in a traffic jam. There’s the internet guru, the professional soccer player, a couple and their teenage son, and an elderly retired doctor who kindly offers a lift to a working girl he meets at a service station.
Sitting in stopped traffic for hours is a nightmare at the best of times, but when weird things start happening, you will want to scream at the characters in the book “Run, run away while you still can!”
Dan Soule seems to be going from strength to strength. This novella is a strong follow up to his spectacular Savage, released earlier this year. The writing is smooth and fast paced, and the story is full of his trademark complex, flawed characters. However, I was disappointed that there were no dogs in this book, as I particularly love the canine characters in his previous novels.
Comparisons could be drawn to King’s ‘The Mist’, but Soule has taken a similar set up and developed a very different story. I found following English characters in such a setting highly entertaining.
Unfortunately, Soule includes a trope that I am not a fan of, which dampened my enjoyment of the novella, but as the plotting is so tight and the characters are so compelling, it would be unfair to remove more than one star because of my personal dislike of this trope.
Props to the wonderful cover art, which creates a suitably creepy atmosphere for what lies within.
Full of imagination, tense scenes and characters you will get invested in, this is a strong addition to Soule’s catalogue.
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Sitting in stopped traffic for hours is a nightmare at the best of times, but when weird things start happening, you will want to scream at the characters in the book “Run, run away while you still can!”
Dan Soule seems to be going from strength to strength. This novella is a strong follow up to his spectacular Savage, released earlier this year. The writing is smooth and fast paced, and the story is full of his trademark complex, flawed characters. However, I was disappointed that there were no dogs in this book, as I particularly love the canine characters in his previous novels.
Comparisons could be drawn to King’s ‘The Mist’, but Soule has taken a similar set up and developed a very different story. I found following English characters in such a setting highly entertaining.
Unfortunately, Soule includes a trope that I am not a fan of, which dampened my enjoyment of the novella, but as the plotting is so tight and the characters are so compelling, it would be unfair to remove more than one star because of my personal dislike of this trope.
Props to the wonderful cover art, which creates a suitably creepy atmosphere for what lies within.
Full of imagination, tense scenes and characters you will get invested in, this is a strong addition to Soule’s catalogue.
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
November 23, 2021
One of the most extraordinary traffic jams, I have read about. Believe me you certainly would not like to experience this one. This jam is never ending. People are trapped and savaged by otherworldly creatures in their vehicles and even out of it. There is no escape from a gruesome death. I liked the plot for its originality and graphic depiction of the bizarre.
November 23, 2021
People headed to various places are caught in a traffic jam. A ominous cloud rolls closer. Things get more dangerous as the rain starts. Mind blowing read full of unexpected twists. Amazing characters. Will anyone survive the jam?
February 21, 2022
I don’t believe there is a single person in this world who enjoys traffic jams. I’d even go as far to say the majority of people despise them. So imagine a story set during an aforementioned jam. How can that possibly work?
Well Dan Soule has managed it with this delightful little horror tale. There was none of the monotony of tailbacks, just engaging, thrilling, and occasional gore-encrusted carnage.
The story begins by introducing a group of characters who soon become entrenched in this motorway holdup. The cast is just the right size without making the story too world-buildy or confusing by giving you too many names and backstories to remember.
We have a kid with an abusive father and a (supposedly) submission mother, a Premier League footballer with the world at his feet and a heart of gold (but why?), an internet motivational guru who’s quite a bit of a shit, and a, let’s just say ‘working girl’.
All seemingly unrelated, but all only moments away from destruction.
Once the traffic comes to a standstill the people in their cars do the usual thing of getting out to try and see what’s causing the problem. They begin to talk and complain and offer explanations; you know, the normal kind of behaviour. But then the rain comes.
This isn’t the usual and dull British rain, though, this stuff burns. Soon after those poor souls caught outside are assaulted by the burning rain, the motorists and their families are attacked by ravenous monsters swooping from above, ripping them apart with plenty of blood-stained descriptions.
The story powers along, always leaving you guessing at what exactly is going on. I resisted the urge to try and predict what would happen and just let the tale take me along for the ride. Things certainly take a dark turn.
Some of the survivors of these beasts know a little more than they let people believe. And that is all I will say. There’s so much more I haven’t even touched upon. This story was great fun, with cosmic horror and real-life terrors; all of which were more frightening than an actual traffic jam, which is mightily impressive.
Well Dan Soule has managed it with this delightful little horror tale. There was none of the monotony of tailbacks, just engaging, thrilling, and occasional gore-encrusted carnage.
The story begins by introducing a group of characters who soon become entrenched in this motorway holdup. The cast is just the right size without making the story too world-buildy or confusing by giving you too many names and backstories to remember.
We have a kid with an abusive father and a (supposedly) submission mother, a Premier League footballer with the world at his feet and a heart of gold (but why?), an internet motivational guru who’s quite a bit of a shit, and a, let’s just say ‘working girl’.
All seemingly unrelated, but all only moments away from destruction.
Once the traffic comes to a standstill the people in their cars do the usual thing of getting out to try and see what’s causing the problem. They begin to talk and complain and offer explanations; you know, the normal kind of behaviour. But then the rain comes.
This isn’t the usual and dull British rain, though, this stuff burns. Soon after those poor souls caught outside are assaulted by the burning rain, the motorists and their families are attacked by ravenous monsters swooping from above, ripping them apart with plenty of blood-stained descriptions.
The story powers along, always leaving you guessing at what exactly is going on. I resisted the urge to try and predict what would happen and just let the tale take me along for the ride. Things certainly take a dark turn.
Some of the survivors of these beasts know a little more than they let people believe. And that is all I will say. There’s so much more I haven’t even touched upon. This story was great fun, with cosmic horror and real-life terrors; all of which were more frightening than an actual traffic jam, which is mightily impressive.
September 6, 2023
Nope
I purchased this one based on what I read about it on Amazon. Curiously, I could not find any one or two star reviews. I see there are some but I couldn't pull them up. Anyway, to me was just an exercise in going from gross description of torture to gross description of torture. I couldn't figure out which characters were good and which were bad. Not the main characters, but the other worldly ones. Kudos to me for finishing the book, but if I was given a do over, I wouldn't do it. It seemed confusing and silly with only all bad characters or all pure characters. I didn't like it.
I purchased this one based on what I read about it on Amazon. Curiously, I could not find any one or two star reviews. I see there are some but I couldn't pull them up. Anyway, to me was just an exercise in going from gross description of torture to gross description of torture. I couldn't figure out which characters were good and which were bad. Not the main characters, but the other worldly ones. Kudos to me for finishing the book, but if I was given a do over, I wouldn't do it. It seemed confusing and silly with only all bad characters or all pure characters. I didn't like it.
January 28, 2024
Quick read and grabbed my attention for awhile. The further into the book I got though, the less interested I became. Not really my genre, less horror more fantasy/sci-fi horror. I am planning on reading Mr. Soule's other books, though. Even though I wasn't a fan of this book, I did enjoy his writing style.
December 7, 2021
This was ok I mean I liked it.
September 17, 2023
Not bad
Certainly was interesting. Characters find themselves in an impossible situation. Not sure I completely understood how things turned out, but an engaging yarn.
Certainly was interesting. Characters find themselves in an impossible situation. Not sure I completely understood how things turned out, but an engaging yarn.
March 5, 2023
We’ll this book had a few surprises. It starts out exactly as I like, a normal day, then a bad accident and then comes the weird. Mist!!! Hurty rain!! There is more and nasty things happen. Characters, yep it’s got them, some nice (Max) and then there is Jay (what a dink). Much more to this than just creature attacks (which are great on their own). Touches on some sad and tragic domestic situations. Well worth the read.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews