Who Would Like This Book:
If you're a fan of bizarre horror with surreal twists, buckets of blood, and a strong dash of dark humor, 'Rotten Tommy' is right up your alley. The character of Becky is refreshingly real and offers nuanced autistic representation, making her easy to root for as she tackles VHS-fueled mysteries and deadly supernatural threats. Readers who love offbeat horror, creepy kids' show nostalgia gone wrong, and slasher vibes will devour this book, especially if you appreciate original monsters and indie horror creativity.
Who May Not Like This Book:
If you crave in-depth worldbuilding and lots of backstory, this book might feel a bit too fast and loose. Some found the violence senseless and wished for more explanation about Rumplejack and its lore. The story leans into surrealism and leaves several questions unanswered, which can be frustrating if you like everything neatly wrapped up. Traditional horror fans who prefer logic over chaos or who want emotional depth over gore may want to look elsewhere.
About:
Rotten Tommy by David Sodergren follows Becky, a woman battling personal struggles, such as her mother's long disappearance and a recent autism diagnosis. As she discovers eerie old VHS tapes of a bizarre children's show called Rumplejack, her investigation leads to nightmarish encounters with a monstrous being named Rotten Tommy. The plot intertwines horror with elements of dark comedy, showcasing Becky's journey as she grapples with reality and horrors that unfold around her.
The writing style is engaging and fast-paced, capturing the essence of slasher horror with unique twists. Sodergren’s talent shines through in his character development and ability to evoke empathy, especially with Becky as a relatable lead. While the story dives into absurdity and violence reminiscent of classic horror tropes, readers often feel a desire for deeper exploration and explanation in certain aspects of the plot. Overall, it's a bizarre and memorable horror novel that pushes boundaries while entertaining its audience.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
The book contains graphic violence, body horror, and themes of psychological distress, making it a high-content warning read.
From The Publisher:
"Keep the door locked night and day…"
It's been forty years since Becky Sharp's mother vanished without a trace. Becky has given up all hope of finding her, until she makes a strange discovery that may hold the key to solving her mother's disappearance.
Three unmarked videotapes, hidden in the wall of her childhood home. And as Becky watches the tapes, she finds herself drawn into a horrific mystery far greater than she could possibly have imagined.
For Becky has unwittingly summoned a long-forgotten nightmare - a creature that threatens the lives and sanity of all around her. Rotten Tommy has come to play… and nothing on Earth can sate his diabolical bloodlust.
A grisly and bizarre horror fever dream, Rotten Tommy is the latest disturbing shocker from David Sodergren, author of The Haar and Maggie's Grave.
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