What Rots Beneath

Trapped 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, Merry House is a lifeline to isolated readers seeking safety and support.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs