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What Rots Beneath
Not yet published
Expected 6 Jul 27Trapped at an isolated rehabilitation program for troubled youths, four ride-or-die siblings uncover dark secrets that expose the rot at the foundations of their own family in this middle grade horror novel from award-winning author Alder Van Otterloo.
When the four Sutton siblings get shipped off to Dad’s for school break, it’s anything but a vacation. As far as they’re concerned, their deadbeat dad, nasty Nana, and creepy Uncle Rick are tied for the worst people alive. Most of their memories from trips to Washington are a slippery blur, but they know one thing for sure: ANYTHING is better than Dad’s house . . . Even an isolated sleepaway camp for troubled youths. In a crumbling mansion. On a remote island.
Until the siblings start to suspect that there’s something deeply wrong with it.
A mysterious, sickly glow radiates through the floorboards. Campers’ personalities change overnight. And little by little, unsettling details arise that suggest the Suttons have been to Merry House before. But why did they forget . . . and what have they forgotten?
Maybe it’s not their first time at Merry House—but if the Suttons fail to uncover the terrible truths eating away at Merry House’s foundation, it’s going to be their last.
Written from a trans, queer, autistic perspective, acclaimed author of The Beautiful Something Else Alder Van Otterloo uses horror to powerfully explore the impact of complex generational trauma and childhood sexual abuse. Equal parts harrowing and hopeful, What Rots Beneath is a lifeline to isolated readers seeking safety and support.
When the four Sutton siblings get shipped off to Dad’s for school break, it’s anything but a vacation. As far as they’re concerned, their deadbeat dad, nasty Nana, and creepy Uncle Rick are tied for the worst people alive. Most of their memories from trips to Washington are a slippery blur, but they know one thing for sure: ANYTHING is better than Dad’s house . . . Even an isolated sleepaway camp for troubled youths. In a crumbling mansion. On a remote island.
Until the siblings start to suspect that there’s something deeply wrong with it.
A mysterious, sickly glow radiates through the floorboards. Campers’ personalities change overnight. And little by little, unsettling details arise that suggest the Suttons have been to Merry House before. But why did they forget . . . and what have they forgotten?
Maybe it’s not their first time at Merry House—but if the Suttons fail to uncover the terrible truths eating away at Merry House’s foundation, it’s going to be their last.
Written from a trans, queer, autistic perspective, acclaimed author of The Beautiful Something Else Alder Van Otterloo uses horror to powerfully explore the impact of complex generational trauma and childhood sexual abuse. Equal parts harrowing and hopeful, What Rots Beneath is a lifeline to isolated readers seeking safety and support.
240 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication July 6, 2027
About the author
Alder Van Otterloo
1 bookHi! I’m Alder! (my friends call me Fox) I’m a middle-grade author, classroom speaker, and writing mentor.
I grew up in Southern Appalachia (and lived near Chattanooga for eighteen years)! Now I live near the Olympic Peninsula with my wild little family. I have an old dog named Oberon, a ball python called Sophie Hatter, and one mercurial cat.
Strange plants, riddles, campfires, and insects are some of my favorite things! I also love listening to people’s life stories, especially if their experiences are different than mine.
I grew up in Southern Appalachia (and lived near Chattanooga for eighteen years)! Now I live near the Olympic Peninsula with my wild little family. I have an old dog named Oberon, a ball python called Sophie Hatter, and one mercurial cat.
Strange plants, riddles, campfires, and insects are some of my favorite things! I also love listening to people’s life stories, especially if their experiences are different than mine.
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