Title: Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke
Author: Eric LaRocca
Published: 2021
Genre: Horror, Psychological, Novella
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
You can grab a copy of Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke on Amazon. Here is the link – https://amzn.to/48COsg0
Disturbing and Unforgettable
Eric LaRocca’s novella Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke is one of those rare horror stories that burrow under your skin and stay there.
Told almost entirely through instant messages between two women, this short work manages to deliver a level of intimacy and unease that feels alarmingly real.
It’s gross, gut-wrenching, and haunting — the kind of story you can’t stop reading even when you want to look away.
Why I Picked It Up
I’ve been exploring darker corners of horror fiction and came across this title often.
Many readers called it shocking or disturbing, while others dismissed it as too extreme. With such mixed reviews, I had to see for myself.
At under 100 pages, it felt like a quick but risky experiment in psychological horror.
Plot (Spoiler-Free)
The book is structured as a series of online conversations between two women who meet in a chatroom.
What begins as a seemingly innocent interaction soon becomes obsessive and dangerous.
The relationship grows darker, with themes of manipulation, intimacy, and control at its core. The format — plain, direct, and intimate — makes the horror all the more effective.
My Reading Experience
What worked for me:
- The instant message format felt believable and unsettling.
- The psychological horror hit harder than most visual horror films.
- Despite being short, the story made me uncomfortable in the best way.
What didn’t work for me:
- The story ended too quickly; I wanted more depth in the characters’ descent.
- Some parts left me curious rather than fully satisfied.
Writing Style
LaRocca’s choice of format is bold. By telling the story through chat transcripts, he creates an intimate, voyeuristic experience.
The simplicity of the writing makes it easy to read but also amplifies the creep factor. However, the brevity means the psychological layers aren’t explored as deeply as they could have been.
Themes
The novella dives into themes of obsession, vulnerability, and how online relationships can spiral into dangerous territory.
It also examines how intimacy can be manipulated when trust is misplaced. These themes feel especially relevant in today’s digital age, where personal boundaries blur easily.
Comparisons
The disturbing nature of this book reminded me of unsettling internet horror stories and creepypasta tales, though more polished.
Compared to novels like We Used to Live Here or Hidden Pictures, this is far shorter and more experimental, but equally impactful in terms of psychological unease.
Who Might Like This Book
This novella is for readers who enjoy disturbing, boundary-pushing horror. If you want something quick, unsettling, and experimental, this will deliver.
But if you prefer traditional horror novels with more buildup and length, you might find it too abrupt or extreme.
Final Thoughts
Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke is not an easy read, but it is an unforgettable one.
Disturbing, intimate, and deeply uncomfortable, it left me thinking about it long after I finished. For me, it was a strong 4-star read — brief but powerful.
Disclaimer: This review reflects my personal reading experience and opinions. The Amazon link above is an affiliate link — if you purchase through it, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.