THINGS HAVE GOTTEN WORSE SINCE WE LAST SPOKE by Eric LaRocca
BOOK OF THE WEEK
Happy Monday cool people! Do you ever get reenergized when you find a new-to-you writer? Of course, the horror-powers-that-be are the actual discover artists, but I feel like I unearthed a brilliant new horror author, so I’m just going to run with it.
Eric LaRocca has become a new obsession of mine. First, I read A Bright Enchanted Suffering. I then moved onto Starving Ghosts in Every Thread and Fanged Dandelion. He’s just a phenomenal horror writer. Something about his stories get under my skin, with all being rather short, but filled to the brim with intensity.
Eric was kind enough to send me a copy of his latest book, Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke, which is being published by Weirdpunk Books. And yes, as a matter of fact, I did read it the minute it landed in my inbox. The first thing I noticed is the epistolary format, which I absolutely love if it’s done right. Boy oh boy does Eric know how to write! The format combined with his signature writing style, is sweet, dark perfection.
The correspondence between Zoe and Agnes starts off innocent enough, regarding an antique apple peeler that’s for sale, but soon things escalate to a sinister place. There is this rush of needing to read faster and faster as things get more intense. I don’t know how Eric did it, but he managed to include these random, demeaning tasks in order to prove one of the character’s love and commitment that made me audibly gasp.
All the stars in the sky are not enough for Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke. It’s been days and I’m still thinking about it. I’ve talked about it nonstop and recommended it to every person I saw at a party over the weekend (true story). And oh my goodness, have you seen the cover? The original painting is by Kim Jakobsson (https://kimjakobssonart.com) It was designed by Ira Rat from Filthy Loot and I can’t stop staring at it. Just GO BUY THIS BOOK.
Happy Tuesday! y’all! See you next week!
Janelle Janson @ She Reads with Cats
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