The narrative follows Jerry Foster, a down-and-out man grappling with loneliness and financial troubles. After a series of poor choices, including abandoning a girlfriend, he finds solace in a juke-box at a bar. This juke-box seems to possess a mysterious power, providing him with unexpected financial luck and inspiration for songwriting. As Foster's fortunes begin to change, he becomes increasingly reliant on the juke-box, which appears to guide him creatively and emotionally. However, the juke-box's influence takes a darker turn when Foster learns of a man who previously obsessed over it and suffered dire consequences. The story escalates as Foster confronts the possibility that the juke-box is not merely a machine but a sentient being with its own motives. As he navigates his newfound success and the complexities of his relationship with a secretary named Lois, he grapples with the juke-box's enigmatic nature and its potential connection to otherworldly forces. Ultimately, the tale explores themes of dependency, the search for love, and the intersection of technology and humanity, culminating in a tense confrontation that challenges Foster's understanding of reality and his own desires.
By C.J. Moore · First published 1956 · Genre: Fiction, Contemporary, Romance