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Mortifier

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Mort has spent his life dreaming of becoming a clown, just like his famous cousin Arthur. He’s convinced that his destiny is written in his bloodline and the legacy of his late father’s successful traveling circus. However, with his mother now in control, 45-year-old Mort feels his chances and fantasies of possessing his dream career have been thwarted. Her constant disapproval and claim that he’s too intimidating for children stand in his way.

During a twilight stroll, Mort finds an injured skunk and names him Bulbous. Nursing the skunk back to health, Mort forms a deep bond, vowing never to be separated. On his birthday, he is devastated when his mother orders him to abandon both his dreams and his beloved pet. This rejection plunges Mort into a psychological spiral, leading him to hear Bulbous’s sinister voice in his head.

Join Mort and Bulbous on a darkly comedic journey through madness, self-discovery, and unexpected violence. Are you ready to be Mortified?

86 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 14, 2024

4 people are currently reading
89 people want to read

About the author

Sarah DeRosa

20 books50 followers
Sarah DeRosa can be found deep within the Michigan forests, where she was raised. Her fascination with horror was ignited by the chilling tales of the Goosebumps series as well as the forbidden thrill of watching the Nightmare on Elm Street franchise at a very impressionable age. When she is not weaving dark tales or delving into the depraved worlds of other writers, she prefers to get lost wandering the haunting wooded trails with her husky, Big Pollo. She has an affinity for indulging in the sinister delight of poutine and loves playing in the rain.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for WTF did I just Read Reviews.
182 reviews27 followers
October 10, 2024
A descent into depravity and madness with Mort and Bulbous is just what I needed today.
No one is safe when you cross paths with Mort in the top of a breakdown with his smelly sidekick ready for anyone who may be in their way.
I will never see a skunk the same again or a clown for that matter.
I actually felt for Mort in a way and Bulbous too, a tiny piece of me wanting them to get to wherever their nasty hearts were taking them.
Profile Image for Phrique.
Author 11 books116 followers
December 9, 2024
Before I begin to gush about Mortifier, can we all pause to just appreciate this cover in all its splendor? It’s so good that I bought the book cover tee (available on her site) so that I can proudly wear it around town and tell random passersby to go read this nasty little book & get one for themselves. Now, more about this nasty little adorable, whimsically bloody book.

Quick Synopsis:
Mort is a bit down on his luck. A struggling clown in a world that won’t give him the time to even get to his punchline. His only “support” is his dead-behind-the-eyes mother who thinks he should give up his day job and her Dbag boyfriend is no help. So when a contemplative midnight stroll makes him cross paths with a malodorous little scamp who needs his help, he finds a new purpose in life. This fuzzy new addition to his life reinvigorates his lust for life and makes him see it’s time to reprioritize who he should keep around or not. Hell hath no fury like a determined clown looking to burn bridges and his striped sidekick with an infinite supply of matches.

I won’t lie, this story caught me off guard at first. It was genuinely heartfelt and dare I say cute? I was likeeee is Ms. DeRosa going soft on us? I didn’t even get to finish the thought when the scathing description of the reprehensible Mother and her bf came into play. Then 👏 I 👏 KNEW. How dare I ever doubt Sarah’s range, never again. The story does take a sharp turn, but then the reader sees that wasn’t a lane change, this was the intended itinerary. What started out cute and cuddly turns into a foaming, snarling, bloodbath leaving behind a trail of mangled victims. Think the movie Falling Down but with big floppy clown shoes and a cute lil guy who can’t help but steal the show. Highly recommend this one for a glimpse into just some of the talent that Sarah DeRosa can bring to a story, and she’s only just begun!
Profile Image for R.J. Daly.
Author 10 books58 followers
September 30, 2024
DeRosa definitely delivered with this novella. Mort’s miserable existence really makes you feel for the guy as he slowly descends into madness with the help of his friend, Bulbous the skunk. With her descriptive writing style in full flow it doesn’t take long for things to take a turn for the worst… and Mort and his buddy soon take matters into their own hands, dishing out a signature style of stinky comeuppance! This one was an absolute hoot!! A joy to read that I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Aiden Messer.
Author 30 books126 followers
February 23, 2025
That was a fun one. Brutal and bloody. Don't eff with Bulbous!
Profile Image for Chelle Shepherd.
4 reviews1 follower
February 18, 2025
Fun!

I enjoyed this so much! I’m hoping for more in the future! (Maybe a novel this time?) 🤞 I love the quirky characters 🥰
Profile Image for Brian Bowyer.
Author 62 books273 followers
October 9, 2024
Brutal Fun!

I had a blast with this one. DeRosa's writing keeps getting better, and I'm always eager to read anything she releases. If you haven't read her fiction, you're missing out on one of the rising stars in the genre. Highly recommended for fans of the extreme!
Profile Image for Paige Ray.
1,116 reviews68 followers
September 23, 2024
I adored this story so much!! I felt sad in certain parts, angry in others and happy in some as well. A rollercoaster of emotions were had throughout this read. Sarah is such a talented writer and each story continues to blow me away as she releases the next. She writes descriptions of extremely violent scenes so vividly and never misses a detail. The words she uses to describe gore in the detail that she does is truly impressive.

Mortifier follows a 45 year old man named, Mort, as he navigates his pitiful life having been raised as a carnie. The circus is all his family has ever known. However, his family that he has left are some of the cruelest and undeserving people out there. He isn’t the brightest bulb in the bunch but he doesn’t deserve to be treated the way he does in spite of it either. Poor Mort.

One evening Mort stumbles upon an injured skunk and nurses him back to health. He’s grown rather fond of the little critter and has decided that his name is Bulbous. When his mother forces Mort to get rid of his newly found furry companion, he gets really upset and then learns that his little buddy can also talk to him. It’s from this point going forward that Bulbous drives Mort into acting on these “intrusive thoughts.”

I always make it a point to read the afterward at the end of stories because I hope to see what inspired the story there and to also learn more about the author as well. I love that Sarah drew inspiration from the “Terrifier” films and she did a damn good job with this dark and violent comedy. It went from 0 to 100 real fucking quick.

Thank you, Sarah, for this ARC. I can’t wait for your next story!
Profile Image for Jamie Young.
242 reviews17 followers
November 30, 2024
📚This was the Splatter Chatter discord’s book club pick for November.

IT IS SO GOOD.

DeRosa is a such a bad ass writer! Knocked it outta the park again with this book. The way you can fall in love with a duo like Morty and Bulbie in less than a 100 pages is magnificent!

Mort has spent a lot of his life being picked on for his size, his style, his personality, his intelligence and the list goes on. He doesn’t have many people looking out for him, not even his family. He wants to be a contributing member of the circus but he doesn’t cut it as a clown, in his mother’s eyes. This is why when Mort finds Bulbous the skunk, half dead and needing help.. he falls right in love and has a new best friend. When events in Mort’s life take a turn, he starts to hear Bulbie’s little skunk voice in his head, guiding him to start getting revenge. How is it going to turn out for the pair? You’ll have to read and see. You don’t eff with Bulbous and you don’t eff with Mort!

Anyone who reads this absolutely will want a pet skunk when they are done. These two misfits stole my heart, they’ll steal yours too. Mortifier sets a nice tone with equal parts gore and humor with a nice little sprinkle of the story of a budding friendship. Even when the pair is up to no good, you’ll still find yourself cheering them on.

Hoping for a trilogy, maybe?!

🤡🖤🦨
Profile Image for Veronica ☠️.
407 reviews38 followers
September 22, 2024
Mort is a 45 year old carney who just wants to be the clown he was destined to be! He wants to be as great as his cousin Arthur, but he's not quite like Arther. He gets made fun of a lot. His own mother and stepfather take jabs at him. But Mort is determined to be a clown!

One day, while he's on a stroll he comes across an injured skunk. Mort does everything he can for the skunk to stay alive. When some patience, the macaroni noodle shaped skunk, finally gets comfortable with him. Mort names him Bulbous. On Morts' birthday, he's called to his mom's trailer. Instead of saying Happy Birthday, his mother says awful things to him. This causes Mort to snap, and a little voice in his head is guiding him to his revenge

I love a good carnival setting, and this did the job! You really feel for Mort and root for him despite his killing ways. Him and Bulbie make the perfect duo! This is full of revenge, carnage, friendship, and self-discovery. The taxi scene, I can still smell it! Theres some lovable characters, and some who deserve what they got! I highly suggest this duo!
Profile Image for Eve L. Fell.
Author 11 books77 followers
October 23, 2024
4/5 ⭐️
1/1 🦨

Mort and Bulbous were the two best friends that anyone ever had! But seriously. Mort is a crazy delusional man who should have been locked up in a psychiatric ward a long time ago. He is the famous Art’s cousin and all he’s ever wanted is to live up to him.

His mom SUCKS. His mom’s bf SUCKS. They treat Mort like crap and act so shocked when he retaliates and snaps. After he finds his friend Bulbie all hell breaks loose as his new striped friend becomes the devil on his shoulder.

He runs through the city causing mayhem everywhere him and Bulbous go. Leaving a trail of blood behind them. I enjoyed their dynamic in the beginning, it was exactly how you feel when you get a new friend and love spending time with them.

By the end Bulbous is the bad guy encouraging his friend to do horrendous things. By now mort doesn’t question it and fully embraces his new crazy, bulbous.
Profile Image for Spooky Little Book Nerd.
150 reviews50 followers
May 16, 2025
Is it weird to say this story was cute and heartfelt? Maybe. Because it was also depraved and gory. I loved it! What a wild combination! Mort and Bulbous are one of my new favorite duos…just two misfits sticking together and causing chaos. I couldn’t help but love both of them.

The author did an excellent job of giving the characters their own voices and personalities. I loved reading about the inspiration behind the story at the end. This definitely won’t be my last Sarah Derosa book!

I couldn’t get enough Mort and Bulbous’ adventures and could have read a full-length novel. Seriously, I need more! Haha. Mort definitely let his intrusive thoughts win and I’m here for it! Highly recommend if you’re into extreme horror.
Profile Image for Ashley Palmer.
45 reviews11 followers
November 21, 2024
Sheeeeesh. This is written beautifully. I loved the characters, the connections between them (Mort and Bulbie specifically), and the writing. But what else can one expect from Sarah? Highly recommend this one. This is definitely on my list of favorites for 2024.
Profile Image for Ryan Rains.
79 reviews2 followers
November 23, 2024
After learning that this book was influenced by Terrifier, I had high hopes for it, which were eventually crushed. In my opinion, the first half of the novelette was too frivolous for horror and dull. The kills were unimpressive and inefficient. Also, the ending was lackluster and left much to be desired.
Profile Image for Danielle Yvonne.
306 reviews32 followers
October 1, 2024
“They were both misfits, and misfits stuck together.”

I’m really excited to wrap up my September reviews with this one!! I love all of Sarah’s books, but not gonna lie, this is my favorite one so far! 🤩 I had an absolute blast reading this!!

DeRosa knows how to start a story and reel me in with absolutely beautiful language… then about 30% in she start whacking me with the gag inducing details along with the real depravity that starts. 😅 And honestly, it’s one of my favorite parts about her writing. 🤌🏼

Mort and his pal Bulbous are absolutely two of my new fav characters in this genre. 😂🤡🦨
(We don’t deserve animals.🥹)

DeRosa SERVES cover to cover per always and delivered a hell of a story packed into just under 100 pages. (I will say, I could’ve EASILY done 400 more pages, because damn this woman can write.. I really can’t emphasize that part enough!) 👏🏼 I have been honored to be able to see the growth of DeRosa within this community. She a beacon of light. Someone who supports beyond measures and has now flourished into an author that I rank amongst my favorite. We’re all lucky to have such a presence around here. 🫶🏼
Profile Image for Kimberly Spookybookwurm.
142 reviews4 followers
June 27, 2025
The perfect duo

I love the cover, it is beautiful! I appreciated the different points of views taken, that made it more interesting to me. I also appreciated how detailed everything was, especially all the nature aspects, it made the story very easy to visualize.
I could see myself picking up Bulbie just like Mort did and I would’ve probably been like the cat food giant too. I thought Bulbie sounded adorable, I felt sad for him in the beginning, When I read parts about his movements that he made it made me smile, especially the last scene that happens in Mort’s trailer. Although Mort and Bulbus stir up quite a commotion I loved both of their characters. I felt like the treatment that Mort got was cruel, but I think it was inspiring that he kept going after the abuse that he has to go through.
I didn’t want this story to end. I hope we get to hear more about these two.
Profile Image for Ryan Danley.
Author 3 books4 followers
December 27, 2024
It's such a fun read. Mort is a challenged adult who wants to be a clown in his family's traveling circus. No one wants him to be a clown. Mort finds a wounded skunk. Much to the chagrin of everyone around him, the skunk Bulbous and Mort become quick besties. When the preasure mounts for Mort to get rid of the skunk..so does issues with Mort.

This falls underneath the greater Splatterpunk banner stylistically but brings more to the table than just another gore novel. Not that there's anything wrong with gore novels... this just has a bit more heart. You care for Mort and really dislike the antagonists. There is great and savage violence in this novella... but it is also lighter than other similar books.

It's aahirt fast oaved read that you can bust out in a sitting if you're that sort of reader. I look forward to reading more by the author
Profile Image for Karen Oldman.
98 reviews21 followers
November 18, 2024
One, day Mort, an intellectually disabled man, working as a carnie, goes for a walk and meets Bulbous, a traumatized skunk, and the two bond almost instantly.
As Bulbous sees how terribly Mort is treated by his mother and soon to be step father, the two begin to communicate, almost telepathically, and what ensues is a 'good for him' spree of murder and carnage. If you've missed Sarah's writing, you've missed a treat.
Profile Image for Cody Walters.
87 reviews1 follower
December 18, 2024
Just finished Mortifier by Sarah DeRosa this was a cute read in my opinion, I love the subtle nods to pro wrestling in the book and also the inspiration this one took from the terrifier movies, one thing I loved about this was that it didn't feel like a complete parody of terrifier it has its own Identity and I can see this only took inspiration and not the whole story, Sarah DeRosa did a fantastic job with this one. Also Sarah I love your logo. 4/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐ really enjoyed this!
Profile Image for Lilly Wisely.
44 reviews3 followers
December 20, 2024
I absolutely devoured this book! Sara delivered so many feelings towards Mort and Boulbs! I was enchanted by her poetic writing style and the way she made blood and gore look glamorous! Praise for everyone whose dream is to be something their parents dismiss! Keep thriving and pushing to be whoever you want!
Profile Image for Michael Abbott.
29 reviews11 followers
October 12, 2025
wow this book was very good about Stunk that been abused and a circus person named Mort who wants to be a clown. highly recommend checking this novel out . If you looking for a clown book that kinda makes you feel bad for the killer this is your book. I think this novel can be a made easy into a movie .
Profile Image for Tim Nudd.
9 reviews1 follower
November 5, 2024
Mortifier truly is a love story, but none like you have ever read before! A fast paced story about a man and his skunk, match made in hell as a killing team! Oh and Bulbous is awesome! This is the first book I have read by Sarah DeRosa, but will not be the last
Profile Image for Heather Tarkington.
20 reviews3 followers
August 3, 2025
Fantastic!!
Story about Mort, who is constantly degraded by everyone, until he befriends a skunk, Bulbous. The two make a lovely pair…..although slightly destructive. If people would treat them with respect, everything would be ok…..”Don’t eff with Bulbous”
Profile Image for Asia Guerrero.
Author 10 books103 followers
February 5, 2025
🦨🦨🦨🦨🦨/5 🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡/5

I loved this almost tribute-like novella to Terrifier. It still had such a unique story of its own and was perfect!
Profile Image for Jessie Raven.
331 reviews20 followers
September 23, 2024
Oh I loved this little story. Terrifier in Sarah’s beautiful writing style. I knew she was special from her short in shocking sojourns but this blew my mind! Mort is quite a character and I felt so bad for him as his mum wasn’t really interested in him and quickly replaced his deceased father. We begin in the eyes of a skunk yes a skunk! Mort and the skunk become best of friends which is super heartwarming! Their bond is so sweet 🥹 but they are also a “killer” duo. Sarah takes us on a journey full of blood and guts alongside a heartfelt bond between animal and man. Did I mention the twist at the end? This leads way perfectly for more of Mort! Which would be absolutely amazing and I’m sure you will agree once you read it!
73 reviews2 followers
November 30, 2024
I was mortified, that's for sure. I hate clowns and skunks, but somehow, for some absurd reason, Sarah made me fall in love with Mort and Bulbous. They're my newest heroes, that's for sure.

Mort's life has tugged way too much on my heartstrings and I felt like I just wanted to keep him safe and tucked away from the evils of the world. Bulbous, on the other hand, makes me want to follow him to the ends of the earth, just to watch what he'll do next. Heck, I'll even help Mort with the tasks Bulbous gives him, just to keep them both safe.
179 reviews14 followers
October 8, 2024
Sarah DeRosa I absolutely loved it. I must say I was a little worried at the beginning, cause you know. But it truly was a beautiful story of friendship and love. Brutal but beautiful.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Sarah is amazing and coming up fast. If you don’t already know about her, you better fix that.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

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