Want to experience a new form of storytelling? Check out Hooked, an app that tells its tales in text-message format, taking advantage of the suspense inherent in waiting for that next message.
The anticipation is what powers the story—whether it’s a suspenseful mystery, a flirty romance, or a trippy sci-fi thriller.
The effect is a uniquely intimate experience; you feel like you’re eavesdropping on the characters’ innermost thoughts and secrets. (Which you usually are.)
Hooked stories are short, easy reads that can begin and end in just a few minutes—the timing depends on how fast you tap when you’re desperately waiting for a serious (or frightening, or flirty) response. Heads up, parents: Some Hooked stories are scary and/or steamy enough to warrant the 17-and-older age rating.
When you start, the app will prompt you for the kind of story you’d like, and you can choose from mystery, horror, sci-fi, and comedy. But a good place to start is a mini-master class in suspense called “Where Is She?!” Tap to let the dark mystery unfold—or use the listening option (indicated with an Audio button) to hear it played out with voice actors.
Hooked will bait you with a free sample, but once you tap through a certain portion of the story, you may encounter a 15-minute waiting period. To unlock the full library (and some of the content in each story), sign up for a weekly subscription.