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nixbix_reads's review against another edition
5.0
This was such an engrossing read. I felt really drawn into the story, and liked that there were three different narrators. You wind up not knowing who to trust & not knowing who the real monster is. It's based on true events - the Des Moines Register paperboy kidnappings - and I feel that the author has done a fantastic job of capturing the 1980s & the end of innocence with regards to child abuse & stranger danger.
Thanks to Crooked Lane Books & NetGalley for the DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Crooked Lane Books & NetGalley for the DRC in exchange for an honest review.
lexx_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
kbranfield's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars.
Based on a true story, The Monsters We Make by Kali White is an intriguing mystery.
In 1984, eighteen year old Crystal Cox wants nothing more than to win an essay in order to secure a college scholarship. She is struggling to come up with a topic when tragedy strikes in her hometown. Young paperboy Christopher Stewart, vanishes while delivering his papers one early morning.
His disappearance hits close to home since Crystal's brother, twelve year old Sammy, is also a paperboy. While the police search for Christopher, Crystal finds the topic for her essay. But will the police find Christopher or catch the person responsible for taking him?
Sammy is dealing with his own crisis as he realizes he has made a terrible mistake. Although he tried to tell his harried single mother, Tina, she did not grasp what he was saying. In addition to his fears, Sammy is failing his classes and trying to figure out a way to escape from a horrifying situation on his own.
Sergeant Dale Goodkind is deeply troubled by Christopher's disappearance. He is haunted by the two years' earlier case where another paperboy vanished and has never been found. Dale is desperate to find Christopher but he has few secrets that are clouding his judgment. Certain he knows what happened to the missing boy, Dale will go to any lengths to catch the person he believes is responsible.
The Monsters We Make is an interesting mystery with a disturbing storyline. The characters are well-developed and sympathetic. The investigation does not gain much traction due to a lack of evidence and witnesses. With a few clever red herrings and misdirects, Kali White brings this heartbreaking mystery to a bit of an ambiguous conclusion.
Based on a true story, The Monsters We Make by Kali White is an intriguing mystery.
In 1984, eighteen year old Crystal Cox wants nothing more than to win an essay in order to secure a college scholarship. She is struggling to come up with a topic when tragedy strikes in her hometown. Young paperboy Christopher Stewart, vanishes while delivering his papers one early morning.
His disappearance hits close to home since Crystal's brother, twelve year old Sammy, is also a paperboy. While the police search for Christopher, Crystal finds the topic for her essay. But will the police find Christopher or catch the person responsible for taking him?
Sammy is dealing with his own crisis as he realizes he has made a terrible mistake. Although he tried to tell his harried single mother, Tina, she did not grasp what he was saying. In addition to his fears, Sammy is failing his classes and trying to figure out a way to escape from a horrifying situation on his own.
Sergeant Dale Goodkind is deeply troubled by Christopher's disappearance. He is haunted by the two years' earlier case where another paperboy vanished and has never been found. Dale is desperate to find Christopher but he has few secrets that are clouding his judgment. Certain he knows what happened to the missing boy, Dale will go to any lengths to catch the person he believes is responsible.
The Monsters We Make is an interesting mystery with a disturbing storyline. The characters are well-developed and sympathetic. The investigation does not gain much traction due to a lack of evidence and witnesses. With a few clever red herrings and misdirects, Kali White brings this heartbreaking mystery to a bit of an ambiguous conclusion.
ronniewest's review against another edition
3.0
I didn’t love this story. It takes place in the early 80s and I disliked the abundance of references to make sure that came across. It’s also about pedophiles and recognizing the dangers of both strangers and people you think you know. It was all just laid on a little too thick. I didn’t like most of the characters and the situations that happened.
onganosrus's review against another edition
The Child SA is way to triggering for me. Reading about the little boy who is being sa’d was way too triggering.
Content Warnings
I wish I could have liked this bc the writing was good but I cannot handle the subject matter
autismreading_mom's review against another edition
4.0
This book was an amazing read. I love that this story is based a true story that actually happened made this book even a better read. I got this an ARC from netgally.
chizer's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0