What if there was a monster in the woods, but the only way to conquer this monster was to embrace it wholly, and completely? This is where we find ourselves with Morsel.
Carter Keane is a new author to me, and Morsel is their debut novella.
This does not read like a debut. It was one part polished writing, and one part gritty reality, all rolled into one delicious novella. it's an excellent way for readers who are interested in horror to dip a toe in without committing to something more involved. Readers will get a story that feels relatable on various levels, the grisly gore of horror, as well as a surprisingly satisfying ending.
So honestly, Carter Keane, I was prepare to not like this. Appalachian/mountain horror is considered "hot" right now - especially on Tik Tok where videos of deserted towns and haunted hollows are hugely popular. I enjoy those videos also, but with a bit of reservation, as I grew up in the world of "hollers" and valleys and some deep dark woods. And the place is a wild, weird and wonderful as it is touted to be... but it's also a difficult place to live, and as my own mother said, kinda boring day to day. The video's sort of use the people and places as props to support whatever it is they are selling, and that never quite feels genuine for me. So I was a bit skeptical as I requested the book. I was wrong! I really enjoyed this fast paced ride through Southern Ohio.
This novella was the real deal. I felt the strong feeling of nostalgia hit me square in the face as the cicadas began singing in the first few page and I was hooked.
I'm gonna try to give a spoiler free summary here:
Lou is our main character. Lou grew up in poverty but she's done everything "right" found a way to go to college, and got an office job that pays better than what her Mother makes. She isn't a fan of the job, but she's taking care of her mother, and like it or not, there is a corporate ladder to climb. Lou doesn't fit in well, and when she is offered an opportunity to work independently - taking some appraisal photos in a rural part of the state, she's all for it. Her friend Emma isn't so sure, but Lou wants to support her Mom, and to please her boss.
Once she and her trusted dog Ripley, start on this project, she quickly realizes that something isn't right out here. She uses all of her skills to try to right this situation, but it becomes more dire and bizarre as time passes. I had several moments wondering who was going to be our final girl as the situation devolves from just creepy to downright dangerous. Monsterous creatures are a foot, and no all of them are human. Lou, who has spent a lot of the novel seeking guidance/reassurance that she's doing what's expected of her from every person in her life, finally makes a choice that seems right, and owns her situation, reclaiming herself in the process.
For me it was delicious. From start to finish. Is this for everyone? Probably not. Readers who have enjoyed Steven Graham Jones, and CJ Leede will likely find this as satisfying as I did. It is also perfect for those readers who want to explore the horror genre, but are a bit concerned about their reaction. This does contain some slasher type horror, as well as body horror, but it is also a novella, so if it becomes a problem, it's a short problem!
Many Thanks To Macmillan Audio for the advanced Listening copy. Narrated by Lindsey Dorcus, a smooth reading was provided, with excellent timing and cadence - she was able to switch between snark and serious situations flawlessly. I fully enjoyed the audio and felt that it was not distracting from the narrative.
STATS
First Published 4/14/26
Pages: 264
Available as an Audio Book : ~ 7 hrs
Trigger Warnings: violence, blood, body injury, body horror, sexism, animal harm, motor vehicle harm, wild animals, angry leadership cult leaders, poverty, death of parent.
(this is not a full list, read responsibly)
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