Ketchup On Everything - Nathan Robinson 5/5 stars

                                                     


     Okay, first things first. This is not a horror novel, at least it doesn't appear to be in the traditional sense. The only real horror comes toward the end of the novella, and that's where you have the obligatory: "Well, I didn't see that coming!" It's a huge moment, but up until that point, the only horror is the loss Elliot and his wife feel when their son disappears out of thin air. If anything, this is a sad, depressing book that you simply can't stop reading. How does a kid just vanish? Will they ever find him? If you're overly sensitive to missing kids, or know one who has recently gone missing, well, you should stop reading right away. Seriously, just don't even attempt reading this novella. Put it down and pick up something else.

     Ketchup is going to disappoint horror fans, but if you're a fan of well written books, this is a must read. Robinson taps into real grief so you know exactly how Elliot and his wife feel. They each go through their own coping mechanisms which makes you feel even closer to them. If you're a parent you can't help but wonder what you would do in a situation like this. It's the connection to the characters that really pull you in. They act as any parent would, and as depressing, and slow as the story moves, it's still well written. Just when you think you have it all figured out, Nathan throws a curve ball and shatters everything. As slow, and depressing as it is, it's got one hell of a reason to keep reading, and Ketchup On Everything is a must read novel.

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