There is something quite thrilling about being given the opportunity to ARC read a story before it’s been published. This extreme novella was no exception. Before connecting with Kelvin V A Allison and Lolly Sparrow, my exploration of horror stories probably extended as far as a few James Herbert novels when I was a teenager. Which, when I look back is amusing, as I LOVE a good horror film so why have I not read more in that genre?!

So when I received a notification on Facebook last night and saw that Kelvin had sent over a pdf of Lolly’s newest novella I was excited to get stuck in. The trigger warnings are listed on the last page, in true horror style – the cover gives some indication as to what you’ll be letting yourself in for and it clearly says EXTREME so I would challenge anyone who picked this up and condemned it. Come on now, you know this is going to be disgusting… so let’s not waste an Author’s time. It’s either something you want to read or don’t.

Valencia Viali is the owner of a small, Italian restaurant called Il Segreto (Italian for The Secret) in a small English seaside town. She is struggling to keep her Nonna’s business afloat with her own recipes and after a disappointing visit to the bank, decides it might be an idea to go back to its original roots by perusing through Nonna’s recipe book. The secret ingredient to the perfect sauce is revealed and Valencia’s methods to obtain such ingredient escalate as her greed for success grows. As her guilt and shame begins to sit on the back burner, her desire to thrive grows and, let’s just say – things get dark and depraved very quickly!

Novellas, in my opinion, are very difficult to write. As a writer you are essentially condensing a whole epic tale into more concise chapters. The whole book is 91 pages long including dedications, Italian translations and trigger warnings. To encapsulate this whole story in such a concise way is nothing short of excellence. It flows (no pun intended) with ease and at no point do I feel this has been rushed or has missed out any vital plot lines. The ability to write this way is a skill and Lolly does it seamlessly.

You will find no more spoilers here from me today but if I have peaked your interest in this wonderfully extreme novella, please pop over to Amazon where you will be able to grab your own copy from April the 15th 2026. It will be available in paperback and e-book!

Cuppa of choice – Yorkshire Tea in my favourite coffee mug – slightly less horrifying than this novella.

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