u/nevermind0077

This book was a new addition to my library's horror collection caught my eye with its creepypasta-esque summary on the jacket cover.

It was fairly intriguing, keeping me interested with the whole "what is on the tapes?" thing. I assumed the big reveal would happen and I'd be floored just like the characters that viewed the tapes' content.

However, upon finishing, I can't help but just sit here thinking >!what is on the goddamn tapes?!??!< The whole reason I picked up this book was to read, and hopefully be enlightened on, >!the mystery behind the titular tapes mentioned in the book description.!<

I was flabbergasted to see online discussion talking about how Universal Harvester was a good showcase about the melancholic Midwest life and grief but like.... Why not promote it as that? Why pose it as a mystery horror involving something the audience is never keen on instead of framing it like a narrative of a small town guy dealing with issues and such?

Edit: I am not saying that it is a bad book or not horror, but an indicator that it was more Gothic or melancholic would have been nice (ie through the cover or tone for the summary)