Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke And Other Misfortunes is a short collection of three horror stories that explores dark themes of death, obsession, sadomasochism, and transformation, for better or for worse. Two lonely women in the early 2000s meet on an Internet chat and slowly succumb to their dark desires. A couple move to a remote island to escape the aftermath of their son’s death, only to meet a mysterious stranger. A man confronts his neighbor in a strange and dangerous game, right in his own backyard. The premises themselves are enticing if not slightly juvenile, at least in theory.

Knowing that the main short story was actually published previously under a smaller imprint, I deliberately stayed away from any previous information about the original publication, as I didn’t want that to color my reading experience. However, I will say that one of my bigger qualms with this read was that the collection did not feel cohesive, and it seemed very obvious that it had not always been a collection and did not truly stand alone as one.

To its credit, there are lot of good ideas here. There is a lot of good writing here, too. Many, many absolutely gorgeous phrases are scattered throughout this work, hitting you almost to the effect of a freight train with how well they pack a punch, and how viscerally they turn an image. This is a smooth read at least in its language, one that demands one sitting. I don’t want to discount any of the things this collection does have going for it, as it does have its merits.

However, to me, this felt like it was relying on these good phrases and good-yet-fragmented ideas to carry the work. I didn’t feel like the pieces were cohesive with one another, or that many of the themes the author attempted to convey throughout really resonated beyond their actual technical inclusion in the narratives. There were definitely repeated themes, but their repetition felt more like a vague semblance of connectivity, rather than really adding to the narrative or the understanding of it in any way. I’m not sure that these pieces were slow-burn enough to achieve what they attempted to achieve, and yet didn’t pack the punch that a good psych-horror short story typically does, either.

I also had mixed feelings on the way the author chose to approach the very abusive/manipulative lesbian relationship in the first story. While I certainly don’t think authors should stick to writing only about their specific demographic, this felt like a man writing lesbian trauma porn for his own shock factor, rather than contributing to the narrative with the choice to write these characters the way he did. (It’s worth noting that the author uses he/they pronouns, but identified as a cis male at the time this story was first written and released, and this is what comes through so uncomfortably in this particular story.) The characters in this story have no other identity outside of their combined visceral trauma and manipulation, and though it is a short story, I would expect some kind of development in such similar cases.

I also think the choice to tell the first story as a “true crime”-esque tale, with email and IM messages carrying the narrative, made it even more disjointed from the other two stories, and further prevented there being any substance to the characters aside from their shared trauma and joint manipulation. There are definitely stories in this genre and with this narrative structure that I do enjoy, but I feel that the choice to represent a specifically lesbian relationship in such an abusive and violent way without any of the actual character development or attention to the characters within the narrative as anything other than devices to move the plot was a bad move on the author’s part, not because fiction necessarily needs to reflect reality but because this portrayal specifically exaggerates the trauma and violence without backing it up with any true substance.

Overall, it’s obvious that the writer is both talented and incredibly creative, and I did write down quite a few truly beautiful quotes from the work; however, I can’t say that I enjoyed the collection as a whole or the narrative choices the author made throughout. I almost feel that short story form was not what these pieces needed to truly thrive, and wonder if they would be more impactful in long-form. I am, despite this, grateful for the opportunity to read an ARC of this work as provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The afterword of Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke and Other Misfortunes describes these three very different tales as being all connected by the exceedingly fundamental feeling of human connection. What is the human condition if not a deep need for some sort of connection on whatever kind of level that may be? Eric LaRocca uses vivid imagery throughout three stories to set grim scenes that lead their characters on different searches for connection whether it be for love, faith, or the need to be in the good graces of others regardless of the cost.

LaRocca made a name for themself with the original Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke, which I thoroughly enjoyed, so I was extremely excited to get some additional tales tacked on to an already stomach turning story. What they manage to give us is, in my opinion, a newer type of horror that’s completely unnerving and gag worthy in the best way possible. The Enchanment’s use of religious imagery in a horror setting truly shows that Eric LaRoccq is bringing something special to the horror genre.

With hints of The Shining and The Twilight Zone, LaRocca delivers on the unsettling as well as the downright confusing and thought provoking type of horror that leaves you wanting more by the end. You’ll Find It’s Like That All Over takes the cake for me with it’s Twilight Zone tone and Rod Sterling-esque message.

I really think the addition of these new stories amps up what already was a twisted and fresh story. If you’re a fan of Eric LaRocca or horror in general, I recommend checking out Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke and Other Misfortunes. Thanks to NetGalley for this Arc!

This was my first time reading a novel by Eric LaRocca and he did not disappoint. Composed of three macabre tales, the book explores different aspects of life all interconnected by religion. This common theme will make sense when you read the author’s afterword where he explains his troubled relationship with the concepts of an afterlife and a higher power.
The first story was nostalgic for me (and will be for those of us who grew up in the days of dial up) and I enjoyed the format switching from email exchanges to instant messages between the characters. The scene was set perfectly and the fast pace had me wishing this was an entire novel on its own.
The next story felt very “classic” horror, that while not entirely unique, was engrossing. Focused primarily on grief and asking the age old question, “what comes next?”
I will say the final story was not as dark as the first two, but still just as impactful. It was an interesting look at how far a person will go to be deemed socially acceptable and polite.
I love books that can continue a larger discussion after you’ve read them and that’s what you will discover from reading this. It’s so much more than just another scary story compilation.
If you are in search of a spooky read (Halloween is just around the corner) this is it! I’m happy to have an author on my radar that can deliver all the uneasy and eerie vibes I look for when picking up a horror book.

I hadn’t had the pleasure of reading anything written by LaRocca prior to ‘Things Have Gotten Worst Since We Last Spoke and Other Misfortunes’, but I had been eyeing off their work simply due to the essence of their books covers. Overall, I found this book to be enjoyable. The book contains three separate stories, which the author discloses at the end; all of which centre on the idea of the human need to connect to someone else, or something else. When I think back on this collection, since reading it I definitely think the first story had the most impact / resonance with me as it is the one I think of immediately when I think back on this novel. Not to say the remaining two stories aren’t as good, I just personally think the imagery and way LaRocca expresses the narrative in this first story invited me to visualise more of the stories unsettling components due to its epistolary-esque style. Also, some parts of this first story were just horrific and gross, and this alone draws me back to this story as I still struggle to get the imagery out of my mind!

Overall, I think LaRocca is very gifted in being able to craft scenarios that evoke haunting and unsettling imagery. Often the stories mentioned within the individual tales left me at the edge of my seat, visualising and piecing together how the tales would possibly progress as they unfolded.

If you would like a short, horror based novel to pick up in the second half of 2022, I definitely recommend picking this up. LaRocca transported me within each of these stories and I felt viscerally aware of the events in each haunting tale as they unfolded, each unsettling me to my core... which is a unique experience to say the least.

Thank you Netgalley and Titan Books for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

thanks to netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

i have been wanting to read this forever. when it went out of print it deflated me, and i continued to search. so i was really happy when i got an arc of the re-issue.

Things have gotten worse is a collection of 3 horror stories with an overarching theme (which i won't tell you about, you'll just have to read it)
it's definitely an interesting take.

the stories themselves are well-written, well thought out and unique.
the first story was my favorite.

#1: 2 women meet on a lgbtqa+ forum and develop a weird relationship.

-i read this story like i was eating chocolate cake. i couldn't stop, i was like that one kid from matilda, ya know? i inhaled it, it was so good. it made me squirm in just the right way, and i'm a sucker for stories that take place online. easily my favorite.

#2: a family is battling the news that theres no afterlife, their son still being devout to god, when tragedy ensues.

-this one felt long, i still enjoyed it but it confused me in some places. still well-written and the characters were really fleshed out. this one didn't really make me squirm, it left me suspended in the fantasy of the premise.

#3: a man finally talks to his outcast neighbor who is weirder than he thought

-this one.. i was slightly unimpressed. yeah i still liked it but it felt almost like an afterthought to me. i loved the idea of the story but i felt like it was somewhat slow, and compared to the first story that blew my damn socks off, it just wasn't as appealing or interesting.

overall, my initial thought was 3.5 out of 5 stars but i upped it to 4 due to longing for that first story. it was so radical, so out there, almost veering towards extreme horror (which i love) that it's been gnawing at my mind.
will definitely be checking out future releases by LaRocca.

highly recommend this book.

This book is magnificent! An absolute must if you're a horror reader.

Gross, shocking and perfect, this is one of the most original horror collections I have read in a long time.

This collection was just very meh. None of the stories resonated with me or really made much sense. It didn't feel like much of a horror collection. It seemed more suspenseful than horror other than the gore. I wasn't scared or even very uncomfortable while reading. I also am not a big fan of the writing style. I can see why someone might like it but it's very much not for me.

So this is a pretty short and quick horror short stories collection but it did leave a punch. First things first, writing is solid. The first story is told in emails/instant message and the formatting was slightly weird on my kindle, but beyond that, the story about two women entering a demented dom/sub relationship is downright creepy. Some scenes gave me a visceral reaction, including the scenes of animal cruelty. I loved this first story.

The second story is written in a more traditional format and the opening chapter is extremely foreboding, but I didn’t love the rest of it.

This is the first I’ve read of LaRocca and I definitely would pick up more. When his plot is solid, he is absolutely phenomenal!

OK, Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke was the 2nd strangest story I've ever read (only second to Woom, iykyk). The whole concept and progression is so uncomfortable and disturbing.
The Enchantment was a strange premise. It was well written but the main character drove me absolutely insane, which she was probably supposed to to some degree!
You'll Find It's Like That All Over had me at the edge of my seat. This idea of how far we'll go to remain polite to others, just because of the way we're conditioned as young people is so interesting to me.

Overall I enjoyed all 3 of these weird little stories in this book.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book. I was looking forward to a creepy atmospheric horror book, but this just did not do it for me. The first short story started off great and a unique format, but I did not like the ending.

The first story, 'Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke' was an absolute page-turner.
As incredibly easy as it was to fly through emails and text messages, I found my levels of discomfort and horror growing every second. Of course, you know where things are going. It's a "horror story" after all. But beyond the absolutely disgusting ways of people's influence on each other there was always something vile and supernatural lurking in the background.
It felt to me that the other two stories, 'The Enchantment’ and 'You’ll Find It’s Like That All Over' were - although somehow less visceral - but connected nicely to each other in an eerie, mystical way.

This is something you read if you're a fan of horror and want to retreat for just a bit from the world that's feeding you the sugarcoated message of "we're constantly working on ourselves and improving every day".

Oh my so weird. So gross. But isn’t that what we want from horror? Loved the length! Would have liked a more clear ending.

4/5 stars. This was a deliciously horrific set of horror novellas/stories. Creative to a degree I've not read in quite a while, and all deeply unsettling. As someone who loves to read unsettling, unnerving, creepy tales, I appreciate voices I've not yet found. While I'm of the opinion that horror does not need animal murder/gruesome animal deaths, and generally avoid those authors, the moments of yuck related to that in these tales were momentary enough for me to skim past. (But seriously, why do we have to have this in horror books, just bc Stephen King loves a beloved pet murder? Let's change that, please and thank you!) Apart from some yuck, the creepy vibes had me consuming this book in a couple of hours in one sitting. I will definilty be seeing what else this author has written.

[3.75]

Though ‘Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke And Other Misfortunes’ was my first LaRocca experience, I was still aware of the titular works viral notoriety, and this collection did not disappoint!

LaRocca’s compilation of dark, almost nihilistic stories spotlight the authors flair and diversity. From an unhinged relationship told through instant messaging threads, to a family navigating grief while relocating to a remote island, each story features connecting threads of human interaction, religion, desperation, and appropriately, misfortune.

My personal highlight was the titular title, ‘Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke’, with a close second being ‘The Enchantment’. I still enjoyed the collections closing story, through it was unfortunately overshadowed by the previous instalments.

Just want to say a big thank you to the publisher, author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this collection early! Excited to explore more of LaRocca’s work in the future!

I rarely read two books by the same author back to back—so many books, so little time. The last time it happened it was S.A. Cosby’s Blacktop Wasteland and Razorblade Tears, an audacious one-two punch.

Well, it’s happening again. Just as I finished Eric LaRocca’s stunning masterpiece of grotesque horror, We Can Never Leave This Place, NetGalley gifted me with Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke and Other Misfortunes, and I moved it right to the top of my TBR pile.

This new edition includes the notorious title novella, along with two new short stories. Taken together, this is a devastating, unnerving collection that burrows into the shiver center of your brain. When it comes to contemporary horror writers, I said it about Gabino Iglesias, and I’ll say it here: Eric LaRocca does not fuck around.

I mentioned above that the previously published “Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke” is notorious, and I meant it. Structured as an email and chat room conversation between two women, this story lurches quickly into a dark place, then digs so much deeper, and gets so much more disturbing. I found myself thinking, more than once, LaRocca is fearless. He is absolutely uncompromising in his vision, and has the writing chops to bring it to glorious, subversive life.

The other two stories are just as strong, and showcase the breath of LaRocca’s macabre imagination. There are echoes here of writers as varied as Clive Barker, Poppy Z. Brite, Stephen Graham Jones, and Roald Dahl (a knowing nod to his classic short story “Man From the South”), but LaRocca has a fiercely original voice that’s all his own.

Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke and Other Misfortunes will be available September 6th. If you’re a fan of unapologetic horror, do not miss this collection.

Thank you Netgalley and Titan Books for an arc of this title to read and review honestly.

I finished this title in one evening the book comprised of three short horror stories each completely different yet thought provoking and disturbing in their own ways.

The first story follows an exchange between two women Zoe and Agnes which leads to a contract with one woman becoming a sponsor and the other woman a drudge who has to do everything the sponsor says in return for love and money.

The second story follows a couple who have moved to an isolated island during winter season while mourning the loss of their son. While on this island they meet a man who's become stranded and needs help.

The third and final story follows an old man who finds a bone in his yard with his neighbours initials on it. He reaches out to the neighbour and gets involved in a game of betting that gets more sordid per bet.

Overall each story was disturbing in its own way and kept me reading wanting to see how it ended.

These short stories were really well crafted and perfectly encapsulated the horror genre each for different reasons.

Some of themes left me feeling uncomfortable and disturbed which was exactly what the author was intending I believe.

I would recommend this title for fellow horror fans who want a book of short stories they can get through quickly within a day.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for an advance review copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Available September 6, 2022.

3.5 / 5 stars

This short story collection basically has every trigger warning possible, so please look them up before picking this collection.

This is such a weird review because I loved and hated it at the same time? It’s been a long time that I’ve read a horror that’s actually horrific, and honestly the fact that I was so grossed out speaks to the skill of Eric LaRocca’s writing.

1. Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke - 4 stars

A story of two women who meet online and form a very strange bond. Absolutely visceral. This story is such a fast read that you literally can’t put it down but it also made me feel nauseous several times. I’ll be thinking about this for a long time.

2. The Enchantment - 3 stars

This follows a couple who have moved to an isolated island after the death of their son. Such a bizarre little story of grief and insanity. Somehow I saw the ending coming but was still so enthralled and honestly I’m still not sure how it really ended because I feel like I was part of that insanity.

3. You’ll Find It’s Like That All Over - 2 stars

A man enters some high stakes bets with his neighbour. I found that this one was just way too short to make an impactful statement. It seemed to start and end all at once and I wish it was a little more fleshed out.

Overall, lots of themes of religion, desperation for human connection and grief. A really fast read, and worth it for a creepy fall read.

This is a macabre collection of the previously published titular novella along with two new short stories that are tied together with the theme of human connection and insecurity. While the first is the most impactful (along with the most bizarre and disturbing), the others also immediately drew me in and provided a lot to ponder long after finishing them. Certainly interesting, but not quite my cup of tea.

Netgalley and the publisher provided this book for review consideration, but all opinions are my own.

This collection includes three stories. Overall I enjoyed them, but they were all very short--the first one is barely a novella, and the other two are short stories.

Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke: Definitely the best of the bunch, and I always enjoy a story in email/text format, but I wish we had more character development. Things happened quickly and I didn't feel like I really knew the characters. Great ending.

The Enchantment: I liked the elements of religious horror, but again felt it was too short/not enough character development.

You'll Find It's Like That All Over: A fragment. Enjoyable, but just a few pages long.

I received this review copy from the publisher on NetGalley. Thanks for the opportunity to read and review; I appreciate it!

Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last
Spoke And Other Misfortunes by Eric LaRocca is a collection of three short stories. Included are Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke, The Enchantment, and You'll Find it's Like that all Over. I'm not going to write a synopsis because I highly recommend going into this completely blind. Also, I truly feel like I couldn't write a fair enough blurb without spoiling anything for readers.

Without giving anything away I will say that all three stories have a reoccurring theme but each story is unique in its own style which shows the author has a lot of range. This is my first read by the author and I am very impressed by his writing. I loved how each story evoked a strong emotion in me and I loved how each story was vastly different. The author managed to keep my interest piqued and had me dying to learn what would happen next.

This book will not be for everyone. It’s very dark and at times gruesome with no happy endings. I'm not a big fan of gore and I honestly felt as if some of those elements could have been removed and it wouldn't have taken away from the overall story. Since it contains a ton of things that could be triggering, I will only recommend it to only seasoned horror readers.

Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last
Spoke And Other Misfortunes by Eric LaRocca will be available on September 6. Many thanks to Netgalley and Titan Books for the arc in exchange for an honest review.