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Broth House
At Broth House our soups are made from only the finest fresh ingredients, sourced locally through donations. Our charitable restaurant believes that even the homeless and downtrodden deserve a good meal. A gourmet meal. The meats are sourced locally too. Made from only the best stock. Everyone deserves a warm meal in their belly.
Bon appetit!
Brad and Jeffery are having the night of their lives when tragedy strikes like a slaughtering hammer to a cow's skull. After a fatal meeting with the Butter Boys, they will never be the same.
Investigative reporter Veronica Hensley works on facts and instinct. After being taken off of her story following the strange abductions in the San Diego town of Hillcrest, she goes rogue, and what she finds is a bloody mess no one could have unraveled.
Mayor Muller will do anything to get his numbers up, especially in a reelection year. He'll kiss a baby, shake some hands, even agree to appear at a state chili cook off with that Fontaine guy who runs the Broth House soup kitchen. Ol' greasy Muller will do whatever it takes to win.
Will the missing be found, and what will be left of them?
Here at Broth House, we thank you for your contribution. Everything you give helps feed the needy and the underprivileged. We cannot express how much we appreciate your generous donation.
Ciao!
"Robert Essig excels at creating an ominous atmosphere leading to a sense of impending doom. He allows his audience to grasp a well written storyline before feeding a heaping spoonful of humiliation, torture and death." - Horror Bookworm Reviews
Bon appetit!
Brad and Jeffery are having the night of their lives when tragedy strikes like a slaughtering hammer to a cow's skull. After a fatal meeting with the Butter Boys, they will never be the same.
Investigative reporter Veronica Hensley works on facts and instinct. After being taken off of her story following the strange abductions in the San Diego town of Hillcrest, she goes rogue, and what she finds is a bloody mess no one could have unraveled.
Mayor Muller will do anything to get his numbers up, especially in a reelection year. He'll kiss a baby, shake some hands, even agree to appear at a state chili cook off with that Fontaine guy who runs the Broth House soup kitchen. Ol' greasy Muller will do whatever it takes to win.
Will the missing be found, and what will be left of them?
Here at Broth House, we thank you for your contribution. Everything you give helps feed the needy and the underprivileged. We cannot express how much we appreciate your generous donation.
Ciao!
"Robert Essig excels at creating an ominous atmosphere leading to a sense of impending doom. He allows his audience to grasp a well written storyline before feeding a heaping spoonful of humiliation, torture and death." - Horror Bookworm Reviews
- GenresHorror
170 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 2, 2023
21 people are currently reading
259 people want to read
About the author
Robert Essig
92 books278 followersRobert Essig is the author of 30 books such as Baby Fights, Disco Rice, and Master of Bodies, which was nominated for a Splatterpunk Award. He has published over 130 short stories and edited three anthologies. Robert lives with his family in east Tennessee.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
May 23, 2025
3.5 stars. This was a really gnarly concept. Mixing in political motives with cannibalism and hate crimes and oh it's all just as juicy as one of the people being prepared. I liked it a lot. Almost as much as I like roast beef. And I'm a man that likes his roast beef. Veronica and Jeremy were fun leads to experience throughout, although both needed to be a bit more developed, as to elicit the full interest of the reader. Now the plot itself had some holes in it that were a bit confusing, too. I couldn't figure out if Zale/Fontaine was cherry-picking certain people to be ingredients, i.e. Jeffrey and Blaine were gay as were the other victims at that one party, or if it was they were just chosen at random. I also would have loved to see him, especially with his very specific meal preparations and sadistic mindset, having some sort of OCD pattern of picking certain body types, etc for specific stews and dishes. It would have added another layer to his madness. I also was unsure why he kept Jeffrey alive and was torturing him. It may have been covered and I just missed it, but it wasn't totally clear. There was a mention of him possibly being a Butter Boy contender, and Jeffrey did outright ask at one point, but the chef just simply skirted the inquiry. I also wanted some more out where the mayor ended up after everything was exposed. So there was a ton of good stuff in here, but it just all needed some more fine-tuning and further clarification.
April 23, 2023
Once I heard Hillcrest, I knew this was going to be an amazing story written in San Diego. And what a ride this was. I was sitting on the edge of my seat and also gagging at the grossness. It was amazing!
September 20, 2024
I am a sucker for a good cannibalism story and this one did not disappoint. I'm gonna think of this one when I see a meaty soup that's for sure... detailed and gory. It was gross and I loved it.
February 16, 2023
I’ve received this book from the author for a honest review. This book was so damn brutal. You would think opening up a restaurant for the homeless would be a good thing but not with Fontaine as the owner/chef. Fontaine was such a sadistic and cruel man, I felt extremely sorry for all his victims especially Jeffrey.
March 15, 2025
5 ⭐
Never wanted to eat soup so much in my life.
And I know what's it's made of !!
So good, the writing was fantastic.
My first time reading Robert Essig.
I know, I should be ashamed.
From the first page to the last page I was hooked, I couldn't stop reading.
I really wanted to know why gays in particular?
Maybe I missed a sentence or something. I would have loved to know more about the chef past, it was so interesting to read about.
Overall amazing book.
Never wanted to eat soup so much in my life.
And I know what's it's made of !!
So good, the writing was fantastic.
My first time reading Robert Essig.
I know, I should be ashamed.
From the first page to the last page I was hooked, I couldn't stop reading.
I really wanted to know why gays in particular?
Maybe I missed a sentence or something. I would have loved to know more about the chef past, it was so interesting to read about.
Overall amazing book.
July 13, 2024
Only the finest of ingredients, you say?
I'll never look at soup the same way again.
Super cool and disgusting plot. I'm 💯 here for it!
I'll never look at soup the same way again.
Super cool and disgusting plot. I'm 💯 here for it!
May 2, 2023
Definitely a gross-out read! Lots of blood, jelly like bodily fluids and soup! Really not sure I’ll ever look at meat soups the same way 🤢
The baby scene mentally scarred me! This book is not for the weak of stomach, that’s for sure. I’m just glad I’ve only ever volunteered at regular soup kitchens and not anything like the Broth House!
I would’ve liked to know more of Mr. Fontaine’s story and how he created the Butter Boys. Why did he come back to San Diego after his first Restaurant disaster? How did Eduardo meet him?
The baby scene mentally scarred me! This book is not for the weak of stomach, that’s for sure. I’m just glad I’ve only ever volunteered at regular soup kitchens and not anything like the Broth House!
I would’ve liked to know more of Mr. Fontaine’s story and how he created the Butter Boys. Why did he come back to San Diego after his first Restaurant disaster? How did Eduardo meet him?
February 6, 2023
"Broth House" by Robert Essig. I was sent my copy in exchange for a honest review.
The Broth House is a nonprofit organization that was created to help feed the homeless. Chef Fontaine creates all of his meals from scratch, with some saying his preparation is better than the five star bistros in town. When two local men go missing, the investigation seems to lead back to the well loved soup kitchen, posing questions about what activities really go on inside.
This story is definitely much more extreme than Essig's other works. It's pretty clear from the beginning of the story what is actually going on inside the Broth House but the build up to the truth and the suspense I felt following Veronica on her investigation was great. There were several face scrunching scenes inside and the weaving of all the characters inside the story was very well done. I'm not sure I'll ever be able to look at my local soup kitchen the same.
Campbell's doesn't have anything on Chef Fontaine.
The Broth House is a nonprofit organization that was created to help feed the homeless. Chef Fontaine creates all of his meals from scratch, with some saying his preparation is better than the five star bistros in town. When two local men go missing, the investigation seems to lead back to the well loved soup kitchen, posing questions about what activities really go on inside.
This story is definitely much more extreme than Essig's other works. It's pretty clear from the beginning of the story what is actually going on inside the Broth House but the build up to the truth and the suspense I felt following Veronica on her investigation was great. There were several face scrunching scenes inside and the weaving of all the characters inside the story was very well done. I'm not sure I'll ever be able to look at my local soup kitchen the same.
Campbell's doesn't have anything on Chef Fontaine.
November 5, 2024
Looking for a good cannibalism horror rec? Look no further. This was my first read from Essig and I enjoyed it. The writing was well done and very detailed.
August 3, 2024
Broth House is known for their high end quality foods that are also only given out to the homeless. Joel Zale and his butter boys serves up some of the yummiest meals....from the freshest of meats.
Jeffery and Bradley are a fun couple and are out to eat to cure their hangover. They are invited to this underground party, invite only. After some convincing, Jeffery decides to go. It's too bad, he'll never come back the same.
Veronica is a reporter for the local news and somethings always felt funny about Broth House. She tries to investigate further but her boss stops her. He instead puts her on the missing men's story. Little does she know that both her stories will be tied together.
Mmmm this was fun! This was gross and entertaining! It had great character development! I loved a lot of them. I have this thing for brain matter and brains in books and this was lovely to me! I dunno when I'll be comfortable eating soup again but this was a solid read! I highly recommend this!
Jeffery and Bradley are a fun couple and are out to eat to cure their hangover. They are invited to this underground party, invite only. After some convincing, Jeffery decides to go. It's too bad, he'll never come back the same.
Veronica is a reporter for the local news and somethings always felt funny about Broth House. She tries to investigate further but her boss stops her. He instead puts her on the missing men's story. Little does she know that both her stories will be tied together.
Mmmm this was fun! This was gross and entertaining! It had great character development! I loved a lot of them. I have this thing for brain matter and brains in books and this was lovely to me! I dunno when I'll be comfortable eating soup again but this was a solid read! I highly recommend this!
February 3, 2023
Horror Bookworm Reviews
Broth House by Robert Essig
https://horrorbookwormreviews.com/
The Broth House is a nonprofit organization that helps feed homeless individuals in need of a meal. Its community kitchen provides free nourishment and draws numerous volunteers who feel compelled to help their neighbor. However when two men go missing all leads from the investigation point straight towards the suspicious soup kitchen. Hidden answers to gruesome questions are soon revealed as the Broth House is now open for business.
Robert Essig dons his chef whites while opening his kitchen’s swinging double doors inviting the reader to partake in his technique of culinary carnage. With ladle and knife in hand, Essig once again creates a delicatessen made from unfathomable desperate situations. This well-told gruesome gourmet meal is served on a cold platter of death by the author himself.
Robert Essig excels at creating an ominous atmosphere leading to a sense of impending doom. He allows his audience to grasp a well written storyline before feeding a heaping spoonful of humiliation, torture and death. Aromatic flavors are prepared with not only spices, vegetables and “raw meat,” but also an aftertaste of fear and disgust. Warning: gag reflexes are on full alert within the pages of this self-indulgent signature dish.
Here are a couple of rules to live by: always avoid flyers consisting of invitations to private parties and don’t let yourself become the next Soup Of The Week. A five star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Horror Bookworm Recommendation. “fear makes food better” - anonymous storyteller.
Broth House by Robert Essig
https://horrorbookwormreviews.com/
The Broth House is a nonprofit organization that helps feed homeless individuals in need of a meal. Its community kitchen provides free nourishment and draws numerous volunteers who feel compelled to help their neighbor. However when two men go missing all leads from the investigation point straight towards the suspicious soup kitchen. Hidden answers to gruesome questions are soon revealed as the Broth House is now open for business.
Robert Essig dons his chef whites while opening his kitchen’s swinging double doors inviting the reader to partake in his technique of culinary carnage. With ladle and knife in hand, Essig once again creates a delicatessen made from unfathomable desperate situations. This well-told gruesome gourmet meal is served on a cold platter of death by the author himself.
Robert Essig excels at creating an ominous atmosphere leading to a sense of impending doom. He allows his audience to grasp a well written storyline before feeding a heaping spoonful of humiliation, torture and death. Aromatic flavors are prepared with not only spices, vegetables and “raw meat,” but also an aftertaste of fear and disgust. Warning: gag reflexes are on full alert within the pages of this self-indulgent signature dish.
Here are a couple of rules to live by: always avoid flyers consisting of invitations to private parties and don’t let yourself become the next Soup Of The Week. A five star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Horror Bookworm Recommendation. “fear makes food better” - anonymous storyteller.
April 27, 2024
4/5 ⭐️
1/1 🔥🛀
This book was wild! I enjoyed the fast pace but one thing I need is a Fontaine origin story!
There is a chef that makes soup for the homeless in town with ingredients he got from supermarkets that were throwing it out anyways and with donations from people. Apparently his soup is the best of the best. People begin wondering why such a talented chef chooses to feed homeless people instead of selling his talent in a restaurant.
Jeffrey and Bradley decide to go to a rave type party even though Jefferey knows they shouldn’t have and everything turns to shit once the night ends. Jeffrey ends up being kidnapped and forced to eat some gnarly stuff. Will he make it out alive?
Veronica is a damn good investigative reporter and she senses something is off with Chef Zale at this soup kitchen, will she find some dirt or is she wrong?
1/1 🔥🛀
This book was wild! I enjoyed the fast pace but one thing I need is a Fontaine origin story!
There is a chef that makes soup for the homeless in town with ingredients he got from supermarkets that were throwing it out anyways and with donations from people. Apparently his soup is the best of the best. People begin wondering why such a talented chef chooses to feed homeless people instead of selling his talent in a restaurant.
Jeffrey and Bradley decide to go to a rave type party even though Jefferey knows they shouldn’t have and everything turns to shit once the night ends. Jeffrey ends up being kidnapped and forced to eat some gnarly stuff. Will he make it out alive?
Veronica is a damn good investigative reporter and she senses something is off with Chef Zale at this soup kitchen, will she find some dirt or is she wrong?
March 8, 2024
The dialogue was just atrocious in this thing. I don't know maybe it was the narrator on Audible.
The premise was wacky but that's extreme horror in many cases so that was okay. The plot itself was decent and it came to a satisfying conclusion.
I just can't get past the dialogue - and I mean ALL of the dialogue, between all of the characters.
I can't recommend this to anyone but I can say that if you like extreme horror you should check out other Essig titles.
The premise was wacky but that's extreme horror in many cases so that was okay. The plot itself was decent and it came to a satisfying conclusion.
I just can't get past the dialogue - and I mean ALL of the dialogue, between all of the characters.
I can't recommend this to anyone but I can say that if you like extreme horror you should check out other Essig titles.
February 28, 2025
There’s a lot of heart being served up here, and I don’t just mean at the Broth House soup kitchen! I was enraptured by Jeffrey’s harrowing journey and loved how the narration brought the story to life. Robert Essig knows how to write a story and pack a punch in a novella.
July 31, 2025
A cannibalism story like no other, but no worries, no one, even the homeless will ever go hungry again. This story pulls you in from start to finish, and only lets up on the carnage of culinary perfection occasionally. Dig in!
April 10, 2023
Full review :
https://www.deafsparrow.com/2023/04/0...
".......Broth House starts and ends with an extremely ominous, creepy feel where your hair stands up on the back of your neck but you’re unsure why. There are many uncomfortable, dark scenes and despite the fact the gore isn’t always extremely descriptive, I think sometimes just the fact that no one would be safe from the people eating madman makes it all the more terrifying. "
https://www.deafsparrow.com/2023/04/0...
".......Broth House starts and ends with an extremely ominous, creepy feel where your hair stands up on the back of your neck but you’re unsure why. There are many uncomfortable, dark scenes and despite the fact the gore isn’t always extremely descriptive, I think sometimes just the fact that no one would be safe from the people eating madman makes it all the more terrifying. "
February 11, 2023
“Yeah, it’s getting hot. I’m getting hot.”
“No, not like that. I’m roasting.”
Add to that roasting medley -
A lot of spice, a spoonful of garlic, some brutally sliced vegetables, a pinch of salt, a smidgen of pepper … and a pound of perfectly prepared, delectable gourmet gore. Chef Fontaine’s recipes are truly the stuff of legend.
When a soup kitchen is serving gourmet fare.
When a Mayor, hell-bent on ruling with an iron fist becomes determined to use this enterprise for his own gain.
When local men start going missing.
Investigative reporter, Veronica, smells this familiar olfactory roux of a story brewing and follows her nose into a melting pot of horrors.
I’ll admit…
At first, I wasn’t sure how this all was going to come together and I was a little unsure of this genre blender of a “hot tub hoedown gone wrong”.
But …
Once I got my first taste Chef Fontaine’s fare, I was hooked, Clockwork Orange style, with my eyes being forced open, unable to look away.
This story is truly a boiling hot melting pot of splatterpunk, horror and thriller.
I will warn you ahead of time, only the most discerning of palates should dip their spoons in to take a taste, as they are some pretty extreme triggers in this one …
I found myself giggling a bit at the image of the bread scene.
I found my stomach turning as I read about how, “Fontaine had scooped the brains out of the tiny skull”.
I was on the edge of my seat as Veronica dug deep into Chef’s culinary world.
This was my first by Robert Essig, but definitely won’t be my last.
“The last thing Jeffery thought before passing out was that the onions and garlic perfuming the air smelled delightful.”
“No, not like that. I’m roasting.”
Add to that roasting medley -
A lot of spice, a spoonful of garlic, some brutally sliced vegetables, a pinch of salt, a smidgen of pepper … and a pound of perfectly prepared, delectable gourmet gore. Chef Fontaine’s recipes are truly the stuff of legend.
When a soup kitchen is serving gourmet fare.
When a Mayor, hell-bent on ruling with an iron fist becomes determined to use this enterprise for his own gain.
When local men start going missing.
Investigative reporter, Veronica, smells this familiar olfactory roux of a story brewing and follows her nose into a melting pot of horrors.
I’ll admit…
At first, I wasn’t sure how this all was going to come together and I was a little unsure of this genre blender of a “hot tub hoedown gone wrong”.
But …
Once I got my first taste Chef Fontaine’s fare, I was hooked, Clockwork Orange style, with my eyes being forced open, unable to look away.
This story is truly a boiling hot melting pot of splatterpunk, horror and thriller.
I will warn you ahead of time, only the most discerning of palates should dip their spoons in to take a taste, as they are some pretty extreme triggers in this one …
I found myself giggling a bit at the image of the bread scene.
I found my stomach turning as I read about how, “Fontaine had scooped the brains out of the tiny skull”.
I was on the edge of my seat as Veronica dug deep into Chef’s culinary world.
This was my first by Robert Essig, but definitely won’t be my last.
“The last thing Jeffery thought before passing out was that the onions and garlic perfuming the air smelled delightful.”
February 22, 2023
I got an ARC of ‘Broth House’ by the author, Robert Essig, and I went into it mostly blind. Of course, judging by the wonderful cover, I expected something horrific, some gore, lots of food horror, and sheer brutality. I was right! This was c-r-a-z-y! It starts a bit slow, but after 30 pages I was hooked. Once the action begins, it goes non-stop till the ending, with a few quiet scenes that manage to build up the tension: there’s torture, cannibalism, depravity, corruption (political and otherwise) – still, the characters are all relatable, with real thoughts, desires, and feelings, regrets and aspirations. The portrayal of gay love was on the spot, the vagaries of professional investigative journalism felt all too real, not to mention the sick culinary techniques (hopefully, I won’t have the chance to check them out anytime soon… or ever!) Admittedly, the plot is a bit linear, so don’t expect any major twists or surprises; the motivations are left unclear (why were gay men the target?) and the way the tale ends could have been filled out a bit more fully (Is there a sequel of sorts on the cards, perhaps?) In any case, for me the beauty of the story lies in its relentless depiction of madness, the kind of insanity that may be found both in top politicians and, well, top chefs – and how this impacts the life of common people. Recommended!
September 26, 2024
I have heard many great things about Essig’s work — and I was not disappointed!
A new chef emerges in San Diego, Joel Zale. Instead of opening his own gourmet restaurant as any other chef would, Zale chooses to serve the homeless gourmet soups and other eats in his soup kitchen, Broth House.
Something is off with Zale and his soup kitchen, and some start to take notice.
Insert Jeffery and Bradley, a couple that are polar opposites, the introvert and the party driven extrovert. Bradley pleads with Jeffery to let loose just for one night. They’re invited to an exclusive party, Jeffery lets his guard down, then comes the even more exclusive after party. A night of fun turns deadly, and now Jeffery finds himself in an endless loop of vile eats and his own living hell.
Then we meet Veronica, a more than determined reporter from News 8. Like others, she suspects something more is going on with Zale and his kitchen. Her investigative behavior leads her down a dangerous path, witnessing horrors she could never imagine.
This was such a fun, refreshing read. Essig juggled the perfect ratio of gore, shock value, and a well written story. I look forward to reading more by the author soon!
A new chef emerges in San Diego, Joel Zale. Instead of opening his own gourmet restaurant as any other chef would, Zale chooses to serve the homeless gourmet soups and other eats in his soup kitchen, Broth House.
Something is off with Zale and his soup kitchen, and some start to take notice.
Insert Jeffery and Bradley, a couple that are polar opposites, the introvert and the party driven extrovert. Bradley pleads with Jeffery to let loose just for one night. They’re invited to an exclusive party, Jeffery lets his guard down, then comes the even more exclusive after party. A night of fun turns deadly, and now Jeffery finds himself in an endless loop of vile eats and his own living hell.
Then we meet Veronica, a more than determined reporter from News 8. Like others, she suspects something more is going on with Zale and his kitchen. Her investigative behavior leads her down a dangerous path, witnessing horrors she could never imagine.
This was such a fun, refreshing read. Essig juggled the perfect ratio of gore, shock value, and a well written story. I look forward to reading more by the author soon!
February 29, 2024
Broth House
By: Robert Essig
I know this book has been out for a moment and reviewed in here a few times. But I was able to snag an audio code for the recent audiobook version of Broth House. This book is an adventure and I love the cover art! Andrew Gibson did a wonderful job of bringing the story to life with his narration.
Who would have thought opening a soup house to help the homeless would turn out to be such a dark, twisted, gory tale of cannibalism? Unknown cannibalism at that. Only known by our chef Fontaine and his crew of Butter boys. Oh and our poor Jeffery that Mr. Fontaine has taken hostage after brutally killing a group of people around him, including Jeffery's boyfriend Brad. But there is someone else out there that has an inkling that not everything is as it seems at Broth House and she might just be on the menu if she isn't careful!
Definitely recommend if you like the bloodier side of reading!
By: Robert Essig
I know this book has been out for a moment and reviewed in here a few times. But I was able to snag an audio code for the recent audiobook version of Broth House. This book is an adventure and I love the cover art! Andrew Gibson did a wonderful job of bringing the story to life with his narration.
Who would have thought opening a soup house to help the homeless would turn out to be such a dark, twisted, gory tale of cannibalism? Unknown cannibalism at that. Only known by our chef Fontaine and his crew of Butter boys. Oh and our poor Jeffery that Mr. Fontaine has taken hostage after brutally killing a group of people around him, including Jeffery's boyfriend Brad. But there is someone else out there that has an inkling that not everything is as it seems at Broth House and she might just be on the menu if she isn't careful!
Definitely recommend if you like the bloodier side of reading!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2024
Just finished the audiobook of Broth House by Robert Essig, narrated by Andrew Gibson and I have one word... Delectable.
Ok, I lied, I have more words. This book was such a tasty treat and I enjoyed every spoonful. There is a broth house serving gourmet meals for the homeless and those less fortunate, but although they're eating 4 star meals, they don't really know what or WHO they're eating. This book gets its tines in you from the start and doesn't let up until you've swallowed every last morsel.
Our main protagonist finds himself caught in the chef/owner of the Broth House's clutches after a fun night partying with his boyfriend and that's when the horrors really start to cook. All the while, an investigative journalist knows something is rotten and is trying to discover where the missing people are going.
If you're looking for a hot meal and a little cannibal tartar, slurp on this nasty book from Essig. Just don't complain to the chef or you may find yourself on the menu.
Ok, I lied, I have more words. This book was such a tasty treat and I enjoyed every spoonful. There is a broth house serving gourmet meals for the homeless and those less fortunate, but although they're eating 4 star meals, they don't really know what or WHO they're eating. This book gets its tines in you from the start and doesn't let up until you've swallowed every last morsel.
Our main protagonist finds himself caught in the chef/owner of the Broth House's clutches after a fun night partying with his boyfriend and that's when the horrors really start to cook. All the while, an investigative journalist knows something is rotten and is trying to discover where the missing people are going.
If you're looking for a hot meal and a little cannibal tartar, slurp on this nasty book from Essig. Just don't complain to the chef or you may find yourself on the menu.
January 2, 2025
Broth House by Robert Essig
4/5
When I first saw the cover for Broth House I was concerned that it might be a bit too much for me. The title and image alone conjured up some pretty rough scenes in my head.
Well, turns out I was almost right. Broth House is a short trip down a lane filled with treacherous gore and some scenes that I won't soon forget.
I'm not a splatter guy, at least not really a splatter guy. I can handle it when there's a sense of humour to soften the blow. Although Broth House is at heart the literary equivalent of a 1980s video nasty, it plays itself right down the middle as a horror. There's very little fun to be had here.
That's not to say that this is badly written, I might have have DNF'd if it wasn't for the fact that Essig knows how to tell a story with fair and competence.
If you like to be tested by your horror and you want something you can pick up and get right into the meat, then Broth House is your kind of establishment.
4/5
When I first saw the cover for Broth House I was concerned that it might be a bit too much for me. The title and image alone conjured up some pretty rough scenes in my head.
Well, turns out I was almost right. Broth House is a short trip down a lane filled with treacherous gore and some scenes that I won't soon forget.
I'm not a splatter guy, at least not really a splatter guy. I can handle it when there's a sense of humour to soften the blow. Although Broth House is at heart the literary equivalent of a 1980s video nasty, it plays itself right down the middle as a horror. There's very little fun to be had here.
That's not to say that this is badly written, I might have have DNF'd if it wasn't for the fact that Essig knows how to tell a story with fair and competence.
If you like to be tested by your horror and you want something you can pick up and get right into the meat, then Broth House is your kind of establishment.
March 2, 2023
I love the cover of this one - there's no hiding what this book is about!
A good concept, with some crazy execution, and an enjoyable splatterpunk read. The characters are well written, and there's even some stuff about how much food we waste and the treatment of the gay community. The character don't have the usual griminess that is found in the extreme horror genre, and so most of them are likable.
I wish a few things had been fleshed out (no pun intended!). The ending felt a bit sudden, and I think the violence being spread across a couple of characters would have been interesting, as the one poor guy gets pretty much all of it! Saying that, the violence was grim and disturbing. I have a thing about damage to teeth - it just makes me shiver/cringe so much when it shows up in films and books! - so the horror was very effective for me!
A great quick slice of horror.
A good concept, with some crazy execution, and an enjoyable splatterpunk read. The characters are well written, and there's even some stuff about how much food we waste and the treatment of the gay community. The character don't have the usual griminess that is found in the extreme horror genre, and so most of them are likable.
I wish a few things had been fleshed out (no pun intended!). The ending felt a bit sudden, and I think the violence being spread across a couple of characters would have been interesting, as the one poor guy gets pretty much all of it! Saying that, the violence was grim and disturbing. I have a thing about damage to teeth - it just makes me shiver/cringe so much when it shows up in films and books! - so the horror was very effective for me!
A great quick slice of horror.
February 28, 2025
Broth House by Robert Essig
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Who doesn’t love a good soup?
What a wildly unique & extreme horror story!
Broth House is a restaurant, which is set up to provide delicious soup to the homeless and those in need.
Jeffrey and Bradley, decide to go out for the night and end up getting invited to an after party. They sure won’t be the same after this party!
Is there a connection to the missing men and this restaurant? Veronica, a reporter is determined to find answers!
This story is definitely a crazy one with cannibalism, torture, excitement and intensity! 🍲🩸🥄
Thank you to Robert Essig for an audio copy of this captivating book!! The narrator did a great job too!!
*It’s out now and is a fun and fast read!*
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Who doesn’t love a good soup?
What a wildly unique & extreme horror story!
Broth House is a restaurant, which is set up to provide delicious soup to the homeless and those in need.
Jeffrey and Bradley, decide to go out for the night and end up getting invited to an after party. They sure won’t be the same after this party!
Is there a connection to the missing men and this restaurant? Veronica, a reporter is determined to find answers!
This story is definitely a crazy one with cannibalism, torture, excitement and intensity! 🍲🩸🥄
Thank you to Robert Essig for an audio copy of this captivating book!! The narrator did a great job too!!
*It’s out now and is a fun and fast read!*
December 28, 2025
Broth House 🍲
I have seen sooo many reviews on this one that I had serious fomo! I do own this on kindle but Essig kindly sent me an audible code to listen too & that always means it gets read quicker for me 👏🏼🤎
Broth House is a non profit organisation run by Fontaine to feed the homeless. You’d think people would be behind this, you know, people helping people and all but no!
Veronica is a journalist & she has that gut suspicion that something isn’t quite right with the whole set up. Shes dead set on finding out what, a good story is hard to pass after all! People have been going missing, the latest being a gay couple who are known to the broth house, they’re also known for a good party & it’s not like them to just disappear into thin air!
Fontaine has his secrets, what makes his soup so delicious? Well that you’ll have to find out for yourself but this guy is an evil, sadistic pos & he will destroy anyone that’s trying to come in the way of his business!
Ohhhh this was delicious!! I do love a good cannibalism story!! 👏🏼👏🏼 Fontaine was in fact VILE, I actually despised him & felt so sorry for Jeffery 😭
Such a brilliant read, thank you so much Essig for sending me the code I’m so happy I got to read this sooner than planned ☺️
This is also available on KU alongside purchase on zon & audible! Defo one id recommend! Check the triggers first though!! 🤎
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I have seen sooo many reviews on this one that I had serious fomo! I do own this on kindle but Essig kindly sent me an audible code to listen too & that always means it gets read quicker for me 👏🏼🤎
Broth House is a non profit organisation run by Fontaine to feed the homeless. You’d think people would be behind this, you know, people helping people and all but no!
Veronica is a journalist & she has that gut suspicion that something isn’t quite right with the whole set up. Shes dead set on finding out what, a good story is hard to pass after all! People have been going missing, the latest being a gay couple who are known to the broth house, they’re also known for a good party & it’s not like them to just disappear into thin air!
Fontaine has his secrets, what makes his soup so delicious? Well that you’ll have to find out for yourself but this guy is an evil, sadistic pos & he will destroy anyone that’s trying to come in the way of his business!
Ohhhh this was delicious!! I do love a good cannibalism story!! 👏🏼👏🏼 Fontaine was in fact VILE, I actually despised him & felt so sorry for Jeffery 😭
Such a brilliant read, thank you so much Essig for sending me the code I’m so happy I got to read this sooner than planned ☺️
This is also available on KU alongside purchase on zon & audible! Defo one id recommend! Check the triggers first though!! 🤎
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 22, 2023
Ok so it took my awhile to get through this as you see. Not because of the book itself. It is an awesome story. It is because I’ve been in a funk reading physical books. I’ve been doing a lot of audio. So I apologize to Robert Essig for it taking me so long to leave a review for Broth House. It’s an exciting story about a crazy cannibilistic chef. You follow two young men and the torture they go through after the chef as kidnapped them. You will want to read this. It’s a short book and should really only take you a day or two to get through it. Again I apologize to Robert Essig. But definitely recommend. I will be reading more of his work.
October 19, 2025
The second book I have read by Robert Essig DID NOT DISAPPOINT. This was a great read, it was brutal and tame at times also had a little bit of comedy in it too. I love the way Robert Essig writes, there's just something about it that just CLICKS WITH ME. This was a great read, I wouldn't want to get caught in Broth House that's for sure. If you want an antagonist to hate, this book has that trust me (ngl sometimes the antagonist gave me a few chuckles lol) great read, great book, highly recommend, This mans writing style is a favorite of mine. 4/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐. Great read like I said highly recommend.
June 20, 2024
This was so good! It was gross with tons of gore, and so emotional. The Broth House concept was fantastically disgusting with a completely new take on cannibalism. I loved every second of it; even the parts that were so graphically disgusting and violent. I’m pretty picky with narrators and this narrator did an excellent job. I really would recommend giving Broth House a read, either on audiobook or ebook/physical.
As an aside, I would really enjoy reading about the back story of the main character (Fontaine).
Thanks for the audiobook.
February 18, 2023
A chef in town is cooking gourmet for the homeless population. But what's that meat in the soup?
I love cannibal stories, especially when people are eating human meat and are unaware, so I already thought this book was fun. There a few cringe-worthy scenes and it's entertaining.
The one thing I didn't like is that we, the reader, never found out why the chef chose the demographic he chose. It was very specific but I guess turned out to be unimportant.
I love cannibal stories, especially when people are eating human meat and are unaware, so I already thought this book was fun. There a few cringe-worthy scenes and it's entertaining.
The one thing I didn't like is that we, the reader, never found out why the chef chose the demographic he chose. It was very specific but I guess turned out to be unimportant.
March 9, 2023
Man i wasn't expecting this book to be so epic and thrilling. From the moment i got the book and opened the cover to the time i closed the book i went for a wild ride to the unkown. This book has it all i've ever asked for in a book. This book is a must have. The Author Robert Essig did ana amazing job writing this book and i can't wait for more books. I got this as an arc for my honest review. It's a must have so buy it. This was an arc for my honest review
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