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3.71 AVERAGE
3.71 AVERAGE
The Monsters We Make is a fictional mystery based on the true life cases of three paperboys who went missing in the 80s. The book deals with sexual abuse, so if that is triggering for you, please be aware.
The book is narrated by three distinct characters. First is Sammy, a paperboy, his sister Crystal, and Dale Goodkind, who is investigating the cases of Matt Klein and Chris Stewart. Sammy is the main voice in the book as we see him navigate life in the city of Des Moines with his sister and single mom Tina. His sister knows he is harboring secrets and is troubled, but he won't tell her why.
Crystal, in her senior year of high school, dreams of becoming a journalist and believes an investigative article on the missing paperboys will help her get the scholarship she wants. While investigating the cases, she also tries to take care of Sammy and discover what his secret is.
Dale Goodkind investigated the case of Matt Klein, who disappeared in 1982 in West Des Moines and has since joined the Des Moines police department and is trying to settle in. He himself is harboring a secret from his own childhood that has taken a serious toll on his mental health. We see him trying to navigate the case, his mental health and keeping his therapy a secret from even his wife, and the toll that all this stress takes on him and his family. Will he be able to solve the case, find the missing boys, and bring these families closure?
All three characters are really well rounded and their voices are believable. You feel what both Sammy and Dale are going through and the anguish it causes. You root for both of them, as well as for Crystal to get her scholarship and to be able to help her brother.
The plotting and pacing are done beautifully. The tension builds throughout the novel as the leads diminish and Dale tries desperately to discover what happened. I found myself not wanting to put this book down and read it every chance I could.
My appreciation to Crooked Lane Books, Kali White, and NetGalley for gifting me a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The book is narrated by three distinct characters. First is Sammy, a paperboy, his sister Crystal, and Dale Goodkind, who is investigating the cases of Matt Klein and Chris Stewart. Sammy is the main voice in the book as we see him navigate life in the city of Des Moines with his sister and single mom Tina. His sister knows he is harboring secrets and is troubled, but he won't tell her why.
Crystal, in her senior year of high school, dreams of becoming a journalist and believes an investigative article on the missing paperboys will help her get the scholarship she wants. While investigating the cases, she also tries to take care of Sammy and discover what his secret is.
Dale Goodkind investigated the case of Matt Klein, who disappeared in 1982 in West Des Moines and has since joined the Des Moines police department and is trying to settle in. He himself is harboring a secret from his own childhood that has taken a serious toll on his mental health. We see him trying to navigate the case, his mental health and keeping his therapy a secret from even his wife, and the toll that all this stress takes on him and his family. Will he be able to solve the case, find the missing boys, and bring these families closure?
All three characters are really well rounded and their voices are believable. You feel what both Sammy and Dale are going through and the anguish it causes. You root for both of them, as well as for Crystal to get her scholarship and to be able to help her brother.
The plotting and pacing are done beautifully. The tension builds throughout the novel as the leads diminish and Dale tries desperately to discover what happened. I found myself not wanting to put this book down and read it every chance I could.
My appreciation to Crooked Lane Books, Kali White, and NetGalley for gifting me a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The Monsters We Make grabbed my attention with the very first sentence.
Thank you to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
The book opens outlining the abductions of two paperboys, two years apart. Taking on investigation roles are high school senior Crystal Cox and, indirectly, her younger brother Sammy. Detective Dale Goodkind is haunted by investigations of previous disappearances, as well as the secrets all the characters carry.
The story takes place in the mid 80s; an interesting choice for decade setting. As a kid of the era, the timeframe felt authentic to me - no cell phones, computers or social media as investigation tools. References made to the time reflected the differences in conduct and views compared to now.
I truly enjoyed this novel by Kali White, gripping writing style and pacing. My only slight issue is vague wrap-up of some story elements, but not enough to detract from the overall read. Recommended!
The Monsters We Make is for release on June 9, 2020.
Thank you to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
The book opens outlining the abductions of two paperboys, two years apart. Taking on investigation roles are high school senior Crystal Cox and, indirectly, her younger brother Sammy. Detective Dale Goodkind is haunted by investigations of previous disappearances, as well as the secrets all the characters carry.
The story takes place in the mid 80s; an interesting choice for decade setting. As a kid of the era, the timeframe felt authentic to me - no cell phones, computers or social media as investigation tools. References made to the time reflected the differences in conduct and views compared to now.
I truly enjoyed this novel by Kali White, gripping writing style and pacing. My only slight issue is vague wrap-up of some story elements, but not enough to detract from the overall read. Recommended!
The Monsters We Make is for release on June 9, 2020.
An intense and gripping story that I couldn't put down.
I loved the vivid descriptions, how well the author described the atmosphere and developed the characters.
It's one of those story that keeps you on the edge till the end and makes you turn pages as fast as you can.
It's strongly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
I loved the vivid descriptions, how well the author described the atmosphere and developed the characters.
It's one of those story that keeps you on the edge till the end and makes you turn pages as fast as you can.
It's strongly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.