Rotten Tommy: A Horror Novel

David Sodergren returns with Rotten Tommy, a horror novel that explores the lingering trauma of unresolved loss. The narrative centers on Becky Sharp, whose mother disappeared forty years ago without explanation. Becky’s life shifts when she discovers three unmarked videotapes hidden within the walls of her childhood home. These tapes serve as the catalyst for a terrifying revelation, drawing her into a mystery far larger than her personal grief. As Becky watches the recordings, she unwittingly summons Rotten Tommy, a long-forgotten nightmare creature. This entity threatens the sanity and lives of everyone in her vicinity. The story unfolds through a grisly and bizarre lens, characteristic of Sodergren’s previous works like The Haar and Maggie's Grave. The novel explores supernatural horror traditions where past secrets manifest as physical threats. It appeals to readers who enjoy psychological dread mixed with visceral terror. Those seeking lighthearted entertainment or traditional ghost stories may find the tone too intense. The book contains mature themes that require careful consideration before reading. Sodergren structures the plot around the gradual unraveling of Becky’s reality through the video evidence. The pacing relies on the slow accumulation of dread rather than immediate action. This approach allows the horror to feel invasive and inescapable. The narrative does not offer easy resolutions or comforting endings. Readers will find the creature’s bloodlust central to the conflict. The story concludes with the ongoing threat of Rotten Tommy, leaving no room for safety.