Fatso: A Splatterpunk Novella

by John Monsees

Priscilla Dobbs weighs over 400 pounds and has spent her entire life being invisible—until she decides to become unforgettable.

Working the graveyard shift at a loading dock and caring for her paranoid schizophrenic aunt, Priscilla's world consists of frozen dinners, late-night television, and the daily humiliation of existing in a society that treats her like a walking punchline. Grocery store clerks sneer at her food stamps. Coworkers make cruel jokes. Strangers film her for social media mockery. Even well-meaning social workers and family members see her as a problem to be solved rather than a human being.

But when a teenage cashier pushes her too far during a routine shopping trip, Priscilla discovers that revenge tastes better than any meal she's ever had. But appetites, once awakened, are never easily satisfied.

What starts as a single moment of violence becomes a grotesque odyssey of carnage as Priscilla works her way through everyone who has ever made her feel less than human.

FATSO is an unflinching splatterpunk nightmare that asks uncomfortable questions about who society chooses to see—and who it decides doesn't matter. Part psychological horror, part visceral revenge fantasy, this blood-soaked tale serves up extreme violence while examining how a culture of casual cruelty creates its own monsters.

Not for the faint of heart or weak of stomach. Contains graphic violence, cannibalism, and scenes that will make you think twice about every cruel word you've ever spoken.

For readers who devoured Chuck Palahniuk's darker works, enjoyed the savage social commentary of Clive Barker, or appreciate the unflinching extremism of Edward Lee and Wrath James White.

104 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 14, 2025

Reviews

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was somewhat shocked at how much I enjoyed this read. I’m no newbie when it comes to the genre, but this writing style was so refreshing. It checks all the boxes for what a good splatterpunk read should have (in my opinion), but what shocked me was how fast I grew to love Priscilla! If you have ever been bullied for your weight, then the little nuances that our main character goes through in the first half hits a little too close to home. You go from wanting to hug her, to gagging LOL! This was a great little quick read for me, and the first read from the author. I’m running to find more of his books now! Well done 👏🏻👏🏻

[Visionary Impart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fatso is a brutal, fearless splatterpunk novella that blends extreme horror with sharp social commentary. John Monsees delivers an unflinching exploration of invisibility, cruelty, and rage, transforming everyday humiliation into a horrifying revenge narrative that is as disturbing as it is thought-provoking. The violence is graphic and relentless, but it serves a deeper purpose forcing readers to confront the consequences of dehumanization. Dark, shocking, and unapologetically intense, Fatso is a standout read for fans of boundary-pushing horror.

[Ameriah Rain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a dark disturbing read if you think about it. Prissy has a weight issue except that’s she’s not so invisible. People make comments and take pics while she’s put in public. She lives to take care of her aunt who has paranoid visions. What happens when you push an overweight lady too far? Cannibalism that’s what

[Maddie Stufflebean · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was good. It wasn't great and tbh wasn't splatterpunk? I kept expecting more and more from this book. It had a good story and Priscilla was relatable af. At some point, you stop caring and say f*ck it all. But I kept expecting more to happen. Thank you, John, for the early release copy I'm definitely recommending it to people(:

[Sandra Durand · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have read. Seriously. I thought the writing style was very descriptive. I visualized every word I read. My mind typically wanders when I’m reading something. Not with this book. I couldn’t put it down. It was a real page turner. Excellent writing. Excellent read. There should be a sequel!

[Danielle Hennessy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book makes you want to keep reading. The action level isn't high, but there is plenty of gruesomeness and what it lacks in action it makes up in character building and story telling. Well worth a read!

[Rachal Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

great read, gory and gruesome, Priscilla is looking to fill her never ending hunger and she doesn't find it in the bottom of a bag of Doritos.

[Mandy Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this short read, the storyline kept me wanting to read it!

[Jess Beedle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book started off slow me but then it was a nice background of Priscilla! Once the book got going it was more enjoyable for me!
But overall quite enjoyed!

[Patsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much better than I thought it was going to be. Poor Prissy, I didn't expect that ending. The start is very slow though I nearly dnf but persevere it does get better

[Zoe Taylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was a good little horror but that was it Iv read splatterpunk horrors before and this absolutely isn’t one of them, sick and twisted yes but nothing more. Definitely need to stop trusting tiktok

[Stephanie Silversmith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick read. Nice and gory. Yuck!

[kait 🖤 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me want to gag and/or vomit but also hug the FMC. Priscilla is the FMC, and at first, I wasn't a fan. As the book progressed, I began to root for Priscilla and love her character!

Moral of the story: don't bully people - you may end up BEING dinner. :)

This is splatterpunk. Read at your own risk.