A review by syinhui
You've Lost a Lot of Blood by Eric LaRocca

dark mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

5.0

I love that this short horror book allows for multiple readings and interpretations. I don’t quite understand the complaints on this having ‘no plot’, ‘no point’, or ‘no concrete ending’, because what it’s about should be quite clear from the start - in A Note from the Editor. The collection of texts, recordings, and the novella within the novella - which takes up a large portion of the book - serve only as gateways into the killer’s psyche, mere glimpses into the complex and damaged mind of such an individual. And in the end, you’ll realize, even that little understanding is in fact taken away from you. It’s not meant to give an entire life story or a deep dive into one.

Calling this book "unique" feels a bit ironic, as so much of it feels like a reference (which in part, it is) or a version of something I’ve already seen in movies and TV series. The novella within this novella, which is also titled, You’ve Lost a Lot of Blood feels more like watching a  trippy, nightmarish, horror/sci-fi film where the unsettling atmosphere takes precedence over the plot. In parts - the VR game concept and the story of Martyr and Ambrose - it’s really nothing new but then it comes together and it makes for something special, strange, and truly horrifying as well as thought-provoking. It’s one of those books that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page. 

The fragmented narrative structure worked well for me. It’s refreshing and unusual, the sense of disconnect adding more to the dread and suspense. The ambiguity also leaves room for readers to come away with their own speculations and that’s something I enjoy a lot in my books. 

Five stars because this packed a punch despite being short. Finished it quickly and kept me on my toes the whole time.  Short is perfect for these type of tense and disturbing stories. 

Excited to read more from this author.