Book Review: What Immortal Hand
By Elizabeth Suggs
What Immortal Hand by Johnny Worthen is a gritty, immersive thriller that grips you from the very first page and doesn’t let go. The novel follows Michael Oswald, an insurance claim investigator, whose routine case searching for a missing truck spirals into a far deeper and more sinister reality. There’s mass murder, cults, a forgotten past, and more.
One of the things I loved most about this book is how seamlessly Worthen weaves together the story. Each clue Michael uncovers is like tugging at a thread that unravels an entire tapestry of dark secrets. The narrative starts off grounded, a bit mysterious, but as things progress, it turns into something much darker—both for Michael and for the reader. You can feel the weight of the unknown pressing down on him as he loses time and is called by strange names that aren’t his, and yet, somehow, they feel like they are.
Worthen’s portrayal of Michael’s journey is brilliantly done. The character’s progression from a man investigating a simple missing truck to someone questioning his very identity is captivating. You feel his confusion and fear as the truth slowly reveals itself—he’s investigating something far beyond his comprehension, yet it feels like he’s lived it before. This slow burn of realization, where the protagonist is just as lost as we are, kept me hooked the entire time.
What sets What Immortal Hand apart is the way it seamlessly blends elements of mystery, horror, and psychological thriller. The setting—isolated highways stretching across Nevada, Utah, and Northern California—adds to the sense of desolation and unease that pervades the story. It’s not just about the crimes Michael uncovers, but the eerie, almost forgotten parts of himself that resurface along the way.
The novel also touches on larger themes, such as the marriage of American culture and spirituality. There’s an underlying sense of questioning who we are and what we believe as Michael delves deeper into this strange world. It’s haunting and thought-provoking, making you wonder where the lines between sanity and madness, memory and identity, really lie.
There is some strong language and a few mature scenes, but they never feel out of place. Instead, they heighten the tension and serve the story’s darker tones.
Overall, What Immortal Hand is a riveting, chilling tale that will leave you questioning everything long after you finish. Worthen’s ability to combine a deeply personal psychological journey with a fast-paced thriller makes this a must-read for anyone who enjoys dark, intelligent fiction.
Here are my favorite quotes: