Rotten Ground

Chris Balch writes Rotten Ground, a horror novel set in Wilton, New Hampshire. The story follows Sam Frye, who organizes a Halloween camping trip for his brother Rob’s two sons to revive a childhood tradition. The narrative begins with the group enjoying their time outdoors, but the tone shifts when Sam suspects an ancient darkness has returned with them from their excursion. He soon confirms this suspicion, forcing the characters to confront a supernatural threat rooted in local legends of First Nation’s People. The book draws on indigenous folklore and regional history to build its atmosphere. Balch structures the plot around the escalating tension between the campers and the unseen entity they have inadvertently summoned. The setting plays a crucial role, with the New Hampshire landscape serving as both a backdrop and a source of dread. The author uses detailed descriptions of the scenery and character interactions to ground the supernatural elements in reality. This approach creates a sense of immediacy and fear that lingers after the final page. Readers who enjoy campfire tales and stories involving ancestral curses will find this work engaging. It suits those who appreciate slow-burn horror driven by atmosphere rather than gore. The narrative does not rely on complex twists or scientific explanations, focusing instead on primal fear and family dynamics. Those seeking fast-paced action or urban settings may find the rural pace less appealing. The story remains effective because it taps into universal fears of the unknown and the past refusing to stay buried.