What do you think?
Rate this book
Monsters
Doyle Godwin works nights as a Private Investigator in the small town of Gabriel's Horn. He has learned how to hide his twisted, giant frame in the dark, avoiding the cruel eyes and taunts of the locals as he ekes out a living tracking down adulterers and other night-dwellers, living vicariously through the images he captures on camera.
Lurking in the shadows, he is content with his world until, one day, the only woman he ever loved walks into his office and hires him to find her missing daughter. Emmy Watson is losing hope. After three long weeks, her daughter Scarlett remains missing and the FBI have slowly removed themselves from the search, leaving an impotent Sheriff's department no closer to solving the kidnapping. Her heart broken and her nerves frayed to their ends she hires Doyle, Sheriff Reid's main suspect, forcing the town's Boogieman out into the daylight.
Sheriff Emerson Watts has discovered a body beneath Mt Rainier's watchful gaze. An ex-FBI agent with a once bright future, he sifts through the detritus of the murder scene and realizes there might be a connection between his case and the missing girl in Gabriel's Horn. Trying to meet with Sheriff Reid, he instead bumps into the deformed detective and triggers an avalanche which threatens to swallow them all up. MONSTERS is a dark, complex, character driven psychological thriller.
This 93,000 word story mixes strong themes: family, friendship, love, loss and betrayal and features a protagonist who echoes classic characters like The Hunchback, Frankenstein's Monster and The Phantom. This story is aimed at adults of all ages.
Lurking in the shadows, he is content with his world until, one day, the only woman he ever loved walks into his office and hires him to find her missing daughter. Emmy Watson is losing hope. After three long weeks, her daughter Scarlett remains missing and the FBI have slowly removed themselves from the search, leaving an impotent Sheriff's department no closer to solving the kidnapping. Her heart broken and her nerves frayed to their ends she hires Doyle, Sheriff Reid's main suspect, forcing the town's Boogieman out into the daylight.
Sheriff Emerson Watts has discovered a body beneath Mt Rainier's watchful gaze. An ex-FBI agent with a once bright future, he sifts through the detritus of the murder scene and realizes there might be a connection between his case and the missing girl in Gabriel's Horn. Trying to meet with Sheriff Reid, he instead bumps into the deformed detective and triggers an avalanche which threatens to swallow them all up. MONSTERS is a dark, complex, character driven psychological thriller.
This 93,000 word story mixes strong themes: family, friendship, love, loss and betrayal and features a protagonist who echoes classic characters like The Hunchback, Frankenstein's Monster and The Phantom. This story is aimed at adults of all ages.
422 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 10, 2010
3 people are currently reading
516 people want to read
About the author
Gareth S. Young
3 books167 followersGareth S. Young was born and raised in Scotland, but has now lived for more than 15 years in the American Midwest. This has played havoc with his accent.
In 2010, he published his first full length story, a mystery/suspense novel called Monsters.
In April 2013, his short story "The Orange-headed Serpent" was published in the Orange Karen Anthology.
In 2016, he published his second full length novel, The Wolves of Dynamo, part one of an audacious YA urban fantasy series.
Other upcoming works include Persephone, the much anticipated follow up to Monsters, and part two of the Dynamo City saga.
In 2010, he published his first full length story, a mystery/suspense novel called Monsters.
In April 2013, his short story "The Orange-headed Serpent" was published in the Orange Karen Anthology.
In 2016, he published his second full length novel, The Wolves of Dynamo, part one of an audacious YA urban fantasy series.
Other upcoming works include Persephone, the much anticipated follow up to Monsters, and part two of the Dynamo City saga.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 17, 2014
Doyle Godwin prefers to hide in the shadows. A small-town resident with a painful past and bleak future, he earns his living helping others as a private investigator. Then he takes on a case that hits a little too close to home. As he works to unravel the mystery behind the kidnapping of a young girl, he stumbles onto secrets more twisted than he ever thought possible. The clock is ticking…can he save the girl…and save himself?
Monsters is a complex psychological thriller with a fascinating plot. I was hooked by the author’s writing style, which was descriptive with a gritty tang that brought the story to life and reeled me in. I really enjoyed the characters, especially Doyle, whose disability never interfered with his work ethic or his deep compassion for others. His perspective continually tugged at my heartstrings.
But what I liked most about this book was the suspense! Gareth does a fantastic job of making everyone look guilty. Just when I’d think I had things figured out, he’d throw something in that changed my mind. And after the kidnapper’s identity was revealed, there was still the suspense of finding out if justice would be served as the tale headed toward a climactic ending—with a couple of twists I didn’t see coming!
I’m giving Monsters five stars for its unique style, believable characters, and excellent use of suspense. Looking forward to reading more of Gareth’s work!
Monsters is a complex psychological thriller with a fascinating plot. I was hooked by the author’s writing style, which was descriptive with a gritty tang that brought the story to life and reeled me in. I really enjoyed the characters, especially Doyle, whose disability never interfered with his work ethic or his deep compassion for others. His perspective continually tugged at my heartstrings.
But what I liked most about this book was the suspense! Gareth does a fantastic job of making everyone look guilty. Just when I’d think I had things figured out, he’d throw something in that changed my mind. And after the kidnapper’s identity was revealed, there was still the suspense of finding out if justice would be served as the tale headed toward a climactic ending—with a couple of twists I didn’t see coming!
I’m giving Monsters five stars for its unique style, believable characters, and excellent use of suspense. Looking forward to reading more of Gareth’s work!
August 4, 2017
A Different Kind of Hero
Monster tells the story of a private detective that is far from cliché and a kidnapping case plus a murder case that shines light on the true monsters in a tiny town in Washington State.
Well written with only a few grammatical errors, this story grabbed me from the beginning. I hope there will be more stories with Doyle, Watts, Manny and Persephone.
Monster tells the story of a private detective that is far from cliché and a kidnapping case plus a murder case that shines light on the true monsters in a tiny town in Washington State.
Well written with only a few grammatical errors, this story grabbed me from the beginning. I hope there will be more stories with Doyle, Watts, Manny and Persephone.
August 15, 2017
I loved this book. I could not wait to see what was going to happen next and so I could not put it down. It is a must read.
January 5, 2015
It is every parents worst fear. Losing a child. For Emmy Watson it has become a reality. On Halloween when everyone is dressed as ghouls and goblins, knights and superheroes, and children are excited and carefree, Emmy Watson's daughter, Scarlett, goes missing. There are no leads and seems to be no hope, so Emily turns to an old high school friend, turned private detective Doyle Godwin for help. He has a reputation of getting the job done, but he is as mysterious as his methods. To many he is the monster and many point to him as the likely culprit. But he is determined to discover the true villain. His journey is not easy and is one that will test who he is, who he wants to be, and friendships around him.
Doyle Godwin is not your typical detective or knight in shining armor, sure he has the talent and drive to be the best detective, but due to an illness he is what many would call deformed, a monster. In fact to many in the town of Gabriel's Horn Doyle is the only monster that lurks in the night. So naturally when Emmy Watson's young daughter goes missing he is the first one accused. But like his old classic counterparts he is only a gentle giant. Well, until he has to use force, then he is certainly not someone you want to mess with. Doyle is very good at what he does and in his search for Emmy's daughter, Scarlett, discovers a very sick and twisted secret that very well could cost him his life.
But that doesn't stop him. When Doyle does a job, he sees it to the end, no matter the cost to him.
Monsters is definitely not your typical thriller, it is not a story of the damsel in distress and her charming and handsome rescuer. Author Gareth S. Young gives us a story that is much more personal. He finally gives us a hero that isn't drop dead gorgeous and every girls dream. He gives us a hero that in many eyes very well could be the villain. This thriller is indeed twisted not just because of the twist on heroes but the story itself is twisted, deep, and dark. It takes us down a road that no parent wants to travel. Puts us in their shoes and allows us to feel their fear.
Monsters is definitely not sunshine and rainbows, no it is much more sinister. From the beginning of this tale the mood is tense and creepy, the perfect combination for this story. Author Gareth S. Young does a spectacular job of allowing his readers to feel the story after all that's how you truly connect to a story of this magnitude, feeling. After I read Monsters I wanted to clutch all my kiddos just a little bit closer.
I have to give author Gareth S. Young props for giving me a thriller with characters that were as dark and deep as the story.
Monsters is definitely a refreshing read in a world where the hero always has to be good looking. It gives us a look at the darker side of life and really allows the reader to feel it. This is a definite read for lovers of suspense! Just make sure you hug your kids before and after.
Doyle Godwin is not your typical detective or knight in shining armor, sure he has the talent and drive to be the best detective, but due to an illness he is what many would call deformed, a monster. In fact to many in the town of Gabriel's Horn Doyle is the only monster that lurks in the night. So naturally when Emmy Watson's young daughter goes missing he is the first one accused. But like his old classic counterparts he is only a gentle giant. Well, until he has to use force, then he is certainly not someone you want to mess with. Doyle is very good at what he does and in his search for Emmy's daughter, Scarlett, discovers a very sick and twisted secret that very well could cost him his life.
But that doesn't stop him. When Doyle does a job, he sees it to the end, no matter the cost to him.
Monsters is definitely not your typical thriller, it is not a story of the damsel in distress and her charming and handsome rescuer. Author Gareth S. Young gives us a story that is much more personal. He finally gives us a hero that isn't drop dead gorgeous and every girls dream. He gives us a hero that in many eyes very well could be the villain. This thriller is indeed twisted not just because of the twist on heroes but the story itself is twisted, deep, and dark. It takes us down a road that no parent wants to travel. Puts us in their shoes and allows us to feel their fear.
Monsters is definitely not sunshine and rainbows, no it is much more sinister. From the beginning of this tale the mood is tense and creepy, the perfect combination for this story. Author Gareth S. Young does a spectacular job of allowing his readers to feel the story after all that's how you truly connect to a story of this magnitude, feeling. After I read Monsters I wanted to clutch all my kiddos just a little bit closer.
I have to give author Gareth S. Young props for giving me a thriller with characters that were as dark and deep as the story.
Monsters is definitely a refreshing read in a world where the hero always has to be good looking. It gives us a look at the darker side of life and really allows the reader to feel it. This is a definite read for lovers of suspense! Just make sure you hug your kids before and after.
January 21, 2015
I seldom stray from my beloved genres but am branching out. ‘Monsters’ gives me a reason to seek others like it while knowing I’ve never read something that made me fall in love with the main character so quickly. Doyle Godwin is not your average Private Investigator. You won’t find a jilted ex-wife, a military past, a boss threatening to can him if he screws up one more time, or the typical fractured man in a yummy package waiting for the right damsel in distress to add glitter to his outlook on life. No. Doyle works on his own terms, utilizing the shadows, while refusing to allow his physical limitations to prevent him from solving cases. His brain and tenacity for the truth his brand of “sexy” that keeps your heart pattering for all the right reasons.
When Doyle’s high school love – Emmy Watson – comes to him in desperation in a last ditch effort to find her missing child, Gareth S. Young takes his readers through Doyle’s struggles as his disfigurements paints him the town “monster”, everyone focusing on his jarring exterior instead of his prowess at seeking the truth. Gareth S. Young ensures to keep his readers guessing at who the real monsters are while exploring our preconceived notions of what a “monster” is during his search for what happened to Emmy’s little girl.
I kept an open mind the whole way through, but couldn’t pinpoint the evil doer until events culminated in a climax that had me frantic to flip the page. While I grit my teeth at the audacity of some characters ignorance, shuddered at the extent some traveled to satisfy their selfish needs, and inwardly cheered for small triumphs peppered along the way, the only criticism I would give Monsters is there were a couple flashbacks that tripped me up. These did not lower my 5-star rating as they injected a plethora of information and emotion into the characters they involved and amplified my zeal to know more. My frustration stemmed from my need for instant gratification. I wanted answers. Those emotions don’t deserve to be penalized. As readers we crave the opportunity to be swept away and Gareth S. Young did not disappoint.
I can’t recommend ‘Monsters’ enough. While some parts make it unsuitable for youngsters as the use of sexual content and gore play their parts, the story has something for everyone. Which sounds trite, but is true. Emotionally rich characters, loyal friendships, action, suspense, the Private Detective elements, appropriate sexual content and gore, even hints of revenge with psychological elements that have you questioning your own views while guessing at the true monsters.
Read it now, people. Thank me later.
When Doyle’s high school love – Emmy Watson – comes to him in desperation in a last ditch effort to find her missing child, Gareth S. Young takes his readers through Doyle’s struggles as his disfigurements paints him the town “monster”, everyone focusing on his jarring exterior instead of his prowess at seeking the truth. Gareth S. Young ensures to keep his readers guessing at who the real monsters are while exploring our preconceived notions of what a “monster” is during his search for what happened to Emmy’s little girl.
I kept an open mind the whole way through, but couldn’t pinpoint the evil doer until events culminated in a climax that had me frantic to flip the page. While I grit my teeth at the audacity of some characters ignorance, shuddered at the extent some traveled to satisfy their selfish needs, and inwardly cheered for small triumphs peppered along the way, the only criticism I would give Monsters is there were a couple flashbacks that tripped me up. These did not lower my 5-star rating as they injected a plethora of information and emotion into the characters they involved and amplified my zeal to know more. My frustration stemmed from my need for instant gratification. I wanted answers. Those emotions don’t deserve to be penalized. As readers we crave the opportunity to be swept away and Gareth S. Young did not disappoint.
I can’t recommend ‘Monsters’ enough. While some parts make it unsuitable for youngsters as the use of sexual content and gore play their parts, the story has something for everyone. Which sounds trite, but is true. Emotionally rich characters, loyal friendships, action, suspense, the Private Detective elements, appropriate sexual content and gore, even hints of revenge with psychological elements that have you questioning your own views while guessing at the true monsters.
Read it now, people. Thank me later.
March 8, 2016
Monsters is a great suspense by Gareth S. Young. The characters are complex and well-developed with twists and turns in the plot to keep you questioning everyone's motives. The main character Doyle is my favourite. He's dark and complicated, yet you feel for him and cheer for him throughout the story. Based on the author's bio, it appears there will be another "Monsters" story in the future, and I look forward to its release. In the meantime, I will be reading other works by this author as he paints vivid pictures with his words and crafts a compelling story.
July 20, 2014
I was repeatedly drawn back to this book, despite starting it in an unfortunately pernickety mood and having to read it in sparse and inadequate snatches (due to never getting round to getting a Kindle reader for my phone), by its involving characters and the mystery at its heart. Personally I found the voice uncomfortable, but I suspect that was only due to a lack of familiarity with the cadences of the accent.
February 9, 2015
Good book
I was torn between giving this book 4 or 5 stars. I decided on 5 because while I wish there was a little more to the ending, the book itself was good. You could never tell who was really a good guy or bad guy and I love stories that keep you guessing the whole time. It makes me want to get to the end that much faster. The story was pretty easy to follow along and I loved the characters. Definitely worth a read.
I was torn between giving this book 4 or 5 stars. I decided on 5 because while I wish there was a little more to the ending, the book itself was good. You could never tell who was really a good guy or bad guy and I love stories that keep you guessing the whole time. It makes me want to get to the end that much faster. The story was pretty easy to follow along and I loved the characters. Definitely worth a read.
December 22, 2012
This is such a great book. I don't read much suspense but I could not put this book down. The story is way different but the delivery and pace reminded me of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. If you liked that book buy this one. I felt so bad for the main character Doyle, I wanted to fix him, because he felt so real.
November 22, 2015
I LOVE Doyle! He is the perfect anti-hero. A man living with a debilitating illness who still makes a difference in this world. There was a great twist with WHO the bad guys really were it just goes to show that you cannot judge a book by it's cover (meaning Doyle). Hoping there are more books to come with Doyle.
Want to read
March 10, 2015Read the preview and I loved it! I definitely suggest anyone give it a shot. I plan on getting the real thing. When I do you'll all know what I think
December 23, 2012
good story, but the change of viewpoints during a scene was jarring. Other then that, great read.
April 19, 2022
'Monsters' tells the tale of a kidnapped child from a small, run down and forgotten town and the subsequent efforts of the private investigator hired to find her by a desperate mother. It is a story where no-one is quite what they seem, and where everyone has something to hide. Except the PI himself, who monstrously deformed, matches none of the current stereotypes of the detective, and who immediately becomes the prime suspect in the case he has been hired to crack. He is deformed and hideous, ergo he is the fiend.
Now the PI, 'Doyle', has to solve this case to save his own, hideous skin. This, of course, is a premise that many crime fiction and thriller readers will be used to, however 'Monsters' adds a few more twists to it than that. Think John Merrick, the Elephant Man, hard-boiled and Little Red Riding Hood and you will have something and nothing of what this delightfully dark thriller has in store for the reader.
There are Monsters everywhere, from the fiend that kidnaps a young child to the town itself, which now lies like a dead creature, haunting the townsfolk. The characters, like the setting, are well explored and most, in their way, have traits that are all too human, all too real and all too monstrous themselves - and none of them just 'make up the numbers'. It is like the fallen town has infected its citizens with a dangerous plague of lethargy and selfishness, malcontent and hatred; all of which is sucked to the surface when a mother's daughter disappears one Hallowe'en night.
And there is murder.
'Monsters' continues to deliver the thematic kicks and narrative punches with thorough, yet dexterous description throughout, exploring the Fankensteinain monster that a broken society can create. It shows the pain wreaked when friendships turn sour and families split from jealousy and selfishness. And throughout, 'Monsters' does all this with a cast of characters that the reader can care about, get to know and love - or hate - with every turn of the page.
'Monsters' is a great read. Fast and honest, it is a welcome addition to a genre that is well trod. Written by a new author (as I understand him to be), he has scripted a new, almost cinematic tale to add to this great genre.
This novel should be read if for no other reason than for the Private Investigator imagined like none before. 'Doyle' is a character that could be easliy hated, easily loathed but ultimately he is all that and more; 'Doyle' takes much more than mere social labelling to know. And the author encourages the reader to try to understand the man, the Monster, and his world with pace and aplomb. The story of this man makes this book particularly hard to set down.
I thoroughly enjoyed 'Monsters' and would recommend it to anyone.
Now the PI, 'Doyle', has to solve this case to save his own, hideous skin. This, of course, is a premise that many crime fiction and thriller readers will be used to, however 'Monsters' adds a few more twists to it than that. Think John Merrick, the Elephant Man, hard-boiled and Little Red Riding Hood and you will have something and nothing of what this delightfully dark thriller has in store for the reader.
There are Monsters everywhere, from the fiend that kidnaps a young child to the town itself, which now lies like a dead creature, haunting the townsfolk. The characters, like the setting, are well explored and most, in their way, have traits that are all too human, all too real and all too monstrous themselves - and none of them just 'make up the numbers'. It is like the fallen town has infected its citizens with a dangerous plague of lethargy and selfishness, malcontent and hatred; all of which is sucked to the surface when a mother's daughter disappears one Hallowe'en night.
And there is murder.
'Monsters' continues to deliver the thematic kicks and narrative punches with thorough, yet dexterous description throughout, exploring the Fankensteinain monster that a broken society can create. It shows the pain wreaked when friendships turn sour and families split from jealousy and selfishness. And throughout, 'Monsters' does all this with a cast of characters that the reader can care about, get to know and love - or hate - with every turn of the page.
'Monsters' is a great read. Fast and honest, it is a welcome addition to a genre that is well trod. Written by a new author (as I understand him to be), he has scripted a new, almost cinematic tale to add to this great genre.
This novel should be read if for no other reason than for the Private Investigator imagined like none before. 'Doyle' is a character that could be easliy hated, easily loathed but ultimately he is all that and more; 'Doyle' takes much more than mere social labelling to know. And the author encourages the reader to try to understand the man, the Monster, and his world with pace and aplomb. The story of this man makes this book particularly hard to set down.
I thoroughly enjoyed 'Monsters' and would recommend it to anyone.
June 15, 2015
Pretty predictable and not a bad mystery. There was too much 'f' word imho.
Want to read
February 26, 2012Kindle free download 2/26/12
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews