As with all of Eric LaRocca‘s work, Wretch isn’t for the faint of heart. He has the amazing ability feel uneasy by blending the grotesque and disturbing with moments of raw emotion. The author crafts another tale that will make you squeamish and unexpectedly moved with Wretch: or, The Unbecoming of Porcelain Khaw.
After his husband dies, Simeon Link finds himself overcome by grief and seeking comfort in an unusual support group called The Wretches, who offer an addictive and dangerous source of relief. They introduce Simeon to a curious figure known as Porcelain Khaw—a man with the ability to let those who are grieving have one last intimate moment with their beloved…for a price.
Hallucinatory, fiendish, and destructively beautiful, Wretch transports us to a world where not everything is as it seems, and those we love may be the ones who haunt us most.
Wretch is one of those LaRocca novels that makes you continually uncomfortable in the most amazing way possible. It’s not a story you simply read, but one that you experience. I absolutely could not put this book down. It gripped me and refused to let go. When I finished, I felt like I needed a cigarette, if you know what I mean. This story doesn’t end when you close the book, it lingers with you long after the final page. Wretch truly stays with you.
At its core the story is about grief, obsession, trauma, and suffering, all told through outstanding writing. LaRocca added unconventional elements such as message-board posts, chat logs, and inner monologue to give the book a different feel. This unique storytelling added to the unease and emotional gut-punch we feel in the brilliant ending.
LaRocca is definitely a polarizing author to say the least, but there is no denying the heart and soul poured into every page. He holds nothing back, pulls no punches, and continues to push the boundaries of the horror genre with each and every new story. Wretch proves this. LaRocca is something special and even though he has a number of books already, I feel he is only getting started.
Wretch by Eric LaRocca is a terrifying psychological horror that never lets you feel comfortable. A story of grief, loneliness, obsession, and suffering that is yet another win for the author. Eric has the keen ability to craft stories that are unique and you can feel screamed from his poetic voice. Wretch is truly a must-read horror story, even though I might need a moment before I can catch my breath.
Wretch: or, The Unbecoming of Porcelain Khaw hits bookstores everywhere on March 24, 2026 from Saga Press. The audiobook is available for preorder via Libro.fm!
