Eric LaRocca’s latest collection of eight stories spans the gamut from deeply tender, meditative tales, visceral and provocative body horror, through to frenzied thrill raisers; each one delivering its own particular meditation on the human psyche. It’s a compelling read overall, offering fascinating ruminations on love, infatuation, failed connections with our nearest and dearest, parenting, grief and mortality, and sheds a powerful light on perspectives of individuals who feel alienated and misunderstood.

All of the stories here have their own distinctive way of creeping under the reader’s skin, but only two here are what I would call pure horror stories, in the sense that they evoke harrowing body horror images that are impossible to shake. The first of these is “Bodies are for Burning”, which paints a truly terrifying and terrifyingly relatable picture of a woman’s constant battle with repulsive automatic thoughts, only made worse by the fact that she has to look after her one-year-old niece for a day all the while wrestling with her evasive thoughts. This short yarn is the most chilling of the collection, reminding us just how influential our imaginations are on our identities and choices, despite the fact that, as the protagonists’ psychiatrist says, there is a big difference between mere thoughts and actual actions.

The other body-horror-centric story is the titular ‘The Trees Grew Because I Bled There’. By far the most Cronenbergian of the bunch, this delivers a chilling but vital meditation on the toxic nature of gaslighting, reminding readers just how much people are willing to give (and take) to make their relationships work.

Fans of LaRocca’s previous viral sensation, “Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke”, will enjoy returning to familiar territory with ‘The Strange Thing We Become’. Written as a series of epistolary online posts, the story chronicles one woman’s efforts to come to terms with her girlfriend’s cancer diagnosis. The way she responds to the news is particularly startling, as her thought process and revelations are anything but predictable.

At this point, ‘You’re not Supposed to be Here’ and ‘Where Flames Burned Emerald Grass’ takes things to much faster-paced thriller tropes, whilst presenting some fascinating meditations on parenthood and nuclear assumptions about family. The former is more of a high-concept thriller, following a same-sex couple forced to confront and reveal their self-doubts and secrets if they want to save their abducted son. Similarly, the latter story follows a widower who questions his ability to parent his daughter when he receives a mysterious offer to have her taken off his hands. Both of these two tales play out akin to “Alfred Hitchcock Presents” or “The Twilight Zone” episodes and would make for fascinating small (or big) screen adaptations.

Finally, as we near the end of the book, the final two stories, ‘I’ll be Gone by Then’ and ‘Please Leave or I’m Going to Hurt You’, explore themes related to mortality, and how it dawns on us when our parents reach a certain age. Both stories revolve around two protagonists who realise how much distance has always remained between them and their parents, having spent their lives failing to express their true feelings for them. The relationships shared in both stories couldn’t be more different, but the sense of regret both share after having not made use of the precious time they could have had together and the impending loss of their family members permeates throughout, leaving the reader feeling distraught, but at the same time feeling compelled to pick up the phone and speak to a loved as soon as they put the book down.

As a whole, LaRocca’s latest is one of the most cohesive and complete short story collections this reviewer has read in a long time; covering all aspects of the human condition, from childhood right through to death. No matter which genre each story inhabits, your heartstrings are in for a right royal tug. LaRocca has an amazing knack for weaving haunting narratives that take readers through the intense motions the protagonists endure, whilst leaving us with a strong sense of optimism at the end. Perhaps the best way to describe reading this collection of short stories is to quote a line from the titular tale which says: “Anything worth doing always hurts,” and I assure you that it is so worth experiencing the pain endured within these pages so as to come out stiffly shaken but also transformed and invigorated as a result.

You Follow Wherever They Go
- Call me a sucker for a pied piper (as I imagine many are) but this story illustrates some of my favorite Eric LaRocca-isms. It's a little tongue in cheek, it's ominous, and my imagination is in overdrive after reading the last sentence!
Bodies Are for Burning
- Bodies are indeed for burning. One of favorite things about LaRoccas writing style is how deep you become entrenched in the mind of the main character. This is something that I think is hard to do but LaRocca does it time and time again with ease. I'm immediately pulled into the mind of our main character (as twisted as it is). I found myself experiencing all the intrusive thoughts and the ending felt in some ways cathartic! Great story!
The Strange Thing We Become
- This was my second time reading this story and it hits with a whallop. I will say this story is perhaps not for the faint of heart because it is dark. But it's so good!
The Trees Grew Because I Bled There
- Oh. My. Oh. My... this story is definitely one of my favorite stories of all time. It's dark it's twisted. It's manipulative and showcasing gaslighting in disgusting way. But that's why I love this writing style and author! Beware those that only take and take in a relationship.
You're Not Supposed to Be Here
- This story is the perfect thought exercise as to what exactly you would give up information wise in order to reunite your family.
Where Flames Burned Emerald as Grass
- This story in someways feels like a remixed indecent proposal. No nothing sexual perhaps, but instead familial. This story showcases to me that LaRocca truly is a master of creating (or translating) some of the most terrifying monsters that could (or can) exist.
I'll Be Gone by Then
- Family is hard. Ugh my heart - this story was good. You're going to love it!
Please Leave or I'm going to Hurt You
- What a twisted story and what a finale to an excellent collection. I'm being intentionally vague, but I loved this as the last story.



This collection was just as great as everything I've gotten the chance to read by Eric LaRocca. It goes (hopefully) without saying that Eric LaRocca is an auto-buy author for me. I rush to get my hands on their new stories and I am so excited about their upcoming novel. I would recommend LaRocca (and do recommend them) as Wendig does in the Introduction.

My words cannot express how fantastic I find the writing style to be. Not only is it experimental and creative but it WORKS! I find myself just sucker punched by some of the emotions, I feel them so deeply and I know other readers do too!

All in all, this is an excellent collection with both new stories and some familiar (for those long term LaRocca fans). Check this out, because you won't be disappointed!

3 ⭐️

Thankyou to Netgalley and publishers for allowing me access to read this title early.

I've been a fan of LaRocca's since Things Have Gotten Worse but afterwards I haven't been loving his newer works. I think short stories works so well in the horror genre but I didn't love these ones, unfortunately.

I kept hearing things about this author and I knew I had to see what all the fuss was about.

I think having this short story collection being my introduction to LaRocca is perfect. I was able to dabble a little in his writing style without putting too much into one particular novel/novella.

LaRocca is certainly gifted. The writing his meant to stun you and it worked. There were a couple stories in this collection that were a little too much for me, but ultimately I really enjoyed this one. I was able to read a story here and there and not feel overwhelmed by body horror which seems to be a key factor in the writing.

I definitely will be reading more from this author because this was really good.

The Trees Grew Because I Bled There is a collection of dark short stories by Eric LaRocca, exploring some of the more sinister side of human nature as well as trauma, body horror, and twisted relationships. From people having to make horrifying decisions about what to do with family members to blog posts detailing a cancer diagnosis, the stories delve into very human moments in weird and unexpected ways.

Having read LaRocca's Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke and Other Misfortunes and You've Lost A Lot of Blood, I wanted to read this collection, and it has a fair amount in common with the former book, in the way the stories have an ominous tone and generally explore strange dynamics between people, but also weave in queerness without it being the focus of the stories. As with any short story collection, there's going to be stories some people prefer and others don't, and for me I think my favourite was 'You're Not Supposed To Be Here', a tale of two men in a park with their young son who suddenly meet some very odd strangers, as it felt like a classic horror film concept distilled into a short story. I also enjoyed the lingering body horror of 'The Trees Grew Because I Bled There' and the gradually unfolding darkness of the final story, 'Please Leave or I'm Going To Hurt You'.

As with other LaRocca stories, these have some truly stand-out titles, and though I didn't enjoy some stories as much as others, there's a lot of gripping premises, weird goings-on, and protagonists making horrible choices to make this collection an enjoyable and occasionally uncomfortable (in a good way) read.

Advanced praise of "The Tree Grew Because I Bled There" hailed this collection of eight short stories as "deeply-unsettling, painfully-dark." Fortunately for true horror aficionados and unfortunately for readers like me who only think we truly love horror, that description is correct.

While it's an indisputable fact that Eric LaRocca's writing is gripping, vivid, and the marker of a great storyteller, many--if not most--of these stories were too harrowing for my taste. In picking this up in the early morning, I genuinely cried because one of these stories unsettled me so deeply. So for readers of a fainter heart like mine, proceed with caution, because this collection is specifically body horror of the most grotesque and the most haunting form. For readers who already know and love LaRocca, I suspect they'll be thrilled that he has a seemingly depthless reservoir of inspiration from which to spin short stories that will keep you glued to the page.

While I may not have enjoyed this collection of literary horror, I can't deny its sheer originality and superb execution.

“the trees grew because i bled there” is a collection of eight literary tales that range from pure horror to unsettling. eric larocca really shows his range here, and only one of the short stories takes place in an online forum.

i feel the short story form is more forgiving for larocca as i enjoyed these vignettes more than his novellas. his mind is capable of creating very interesting narratives and despicable characters; i am in awe of his capability to do so. the length varies from story to story, with some too long, and some too short. i do wish larocca would stop being vague when it comes to body horror and give us the full picture of carnage and violence. a little work towards creating more vivid imagery would make all the difference.

thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you to Netgalley and Titan books for the opportunity to read The Trees Grew Because I Bled There for an honest review.

This book comprises of 8 dark literary stories that are meant to explore the dark side of love, tales of grief, obsession and control. The stories range from online posts that chronicle a cancer diagnosis to a toxic relationship with a terrifying consequence.

What can I say about this book other than it did what it was meant to do. I felt all of the emotions while reading this collection of stories from grief to disgust or horror.

Eric LaRocca exceeds at writing painful, uncomfortable and unsettling stories of horror and darkness.

A great collection of short stories for an horror or indie horror fan. The stories certainly left me with a lot to think about and a lot of different emotions which I believe was the intention so bravo to Eric LaRocca these short stories had the right impact.

I picked up a copy of Eric LaRocca’s ‘Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke’ at the end of last year partly because a) I’ve seen it being mentioned everywhere on social media, b) it has a beautiful cover (I know, never judge etc) and c) it has some excellent back cover quotes, Paul Tremblay among them.

Despite not having read this yet I jumped at the chance when this new short story collection ‘The Trees Grew Because I Bled There’ appeared on Net Galley and was lucky enough to be approved.

With an introduction by horror writer Chuck Wendig which drags you in and whets your appetite for what’s to follow. So, is Eric LaRocca living up to the praises of their peers? Based on this set of eight stories, absolutely they are.

From the incredibly strange to the downright horrific, if you like your horror then this should definitely be on your list. Whilst there are out and out bloody visceral nightmarish scenes held within this volume, LaRocca also uses imaginary horror. This is brilliantly portrayed in the tale, ‘Bodies are for Burning’ as protagonist Hailey has a fixation, a desire, to burn things. Which causes problems when her sister brings her one-year old niece over to babysit.

The other stand out for me is ‘You’re not Supposed to be Here’ – a mash up, in my eyes, of Tremblay’s stylistic ‘The Cabin At The End of The World’ and Adrian McKinty’s ‘The Chain’ but much more instant and intense from the get go. Paths cross in a public park and straight away you get the feeling something is not quite right – and a chain of events is slowly set in motion. Terrifying.

The majority of the remaining stories are each frightening in their own unique way. There’s a constant theme running throughout based around family and loss – which is even more horrifying when you find out what your closest relation could be capable of.

All in all a pretty sound collection to savour – or be disgusted in. Or both. You choose.

Huge thank you to Titan Books for this e-arc of The Trees Grew Because I Bled There: Collected Stories by Eric LaRocca. This is the second short story collection I have read by LaRocca and just wow.

Although they may have been short in length, each packed a punch and left me with chills. I'm not usually a fan of shorts, definitely struggled getting into them in the past but these were great. Throughout the collection, there's just such feeling of suspense and eeriness which has the reader wondering what story is coming next. They're very dark, twisted and yet also human. The while collection is eloquently written with each tale being the exact length it needed to be.

If you're a fan of dark, psychological horror or creepy short stories, this will be for you! Highly recommend and can't wait to see more from LaRocca!

* Please research any trigger warnings before reading *

Some very disturbing stories but written in such a beautiful way.

Thank you to Titan books for this ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

I was very excited to receive this arc copy as I have had one of his on my to buy list for a long time and have heard great things about it!

I was not disappointed by this book, I have not have the best experiences in reading short story collections like this before and the last one I read I did not enjoy whatsoever, but this has definitely reignited my want to read more short story collections again! The stories were completely disturbing and left me turning away at points but they were written in such a beautiful way, I really loved this authors writing style! The stories were very gripping and were the perfect length to be able to get involved in the story and invested in it without it being too long for a short story and dragging a bit.

I am definitely going to read and purchase more of his books.

I rated this 4.5 ⭐️.

Another brilliantly disturbing collection of short stories from Eric LaRocca! Once again, LaRocca was somehow able to make me grossed out by the plot whilst being in awe at how beautiful the writing was. Some of the stories seemed pretty tame for most of the way through, but then the super dark plot twist hit on the very last page and genuinely left me lost for words!!

Another set of dark and disturbing queer horror stories from Eric LaRocca, this time focusing on families & familial relations. Extremely gruesome, some tales more so than others but overall great.

I always tend to experience every emotion when reading Eric LaRocca and The Trees Grew Because I Bled There was no different. They’re able to craft stories that are both incredibly unsettling and descriptive, which is wonderful until you need to go to sleep and the nightmares come. My favorite story was You Follow Wherever They Go. I would absolutely read a full length novel based around those spooky little children. If you’re looking for a short story collection you won’t be able to put down, pick up The Trees Grew Because I Bled There.

🪦the trees grew because I bled there by eric larocca🪦

a collection of deeply dark, queer & nightmarish short stories from the author of things have gotten worse since we last spoke (which I'm definitely going to read after reading this!)

the title story & you're not supposed to be here were my favourites. they were dark and unsettling and everything you want from a horror collection. eric laroccas writing style is beautiful and almost poetic, while writing about the most disturbing and dark things. the last story was a big let down but the rest were wonderful.

Eric LaRocca has the amazing ability to pack everything one could want in a horror novel into a short story. I've read a lot of anthologies and single author collection, and, never fail, there are always stories I love, stories I dislike, and all those forgettable ones in between. Not so, in this case. Every story left me feeling uncomfortable, unsettled, uneasy, and completely satisfied.
I know it's just January, but this is my favorite read of the year so far, and it's going to take something truly amazing to knock it off it's pedestal.

Thank you for the ARC netgalley!

Not one of my favorites, though a few stories had better narrative structure than others, it was a little bit too meandering for my tastes. I hope to read it again and maybe glean more from the individual stories.

Eric Larocca is one of my most favorite authors and his collections of horror stories never let me down. Especially this time. I think this is my favorite yet and the cover is also my favorite.

I absolutely loved reading this book. I was completely drawn into the topic and could not stop reading it.

This is a very weird, creepy collection of short horror stories. If you've already read Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke and other Misfortunes you will know what to expect. Each and every story kept me gripped and I did not want to put this down. I feel its better to go into this not knowing what each story is about. Will definitely be reading more by Eric LaRocca.