Monstrous Behaviour

by R.J. Daly

MONSTERS… ARE THEY BORN, OR ARE THEY MADE?The Daniels family embark on a new chapter in their lives—a new job, a new house, a new start. But can they keep the past in check and move on? Or will their attempt at new beginnings come tumbling down around them?Pete and Olivia Dawson have filled the void in their childless marriage by temporarily caring for displaced children—helpless victims of domestic strife. When their circumstances change, they decide to focus on what means most to them. But the temptation to help one last child in need is too much to resist. What could be the harm?Franklin Chambers was once a successful physician—a doctor with a dark side. When his only child brought shame to his doorstep, he slinked into the shadows, leaving his wife, Eileen, to hold the fragile family unit together. But did he really just slip into obscurity?How much is too much? How far is too far? And when the line is crossed and the roles are reversed, who will survive? These are just a few questions you may ask as you are exposed to onslaught after onslaught of…MONSTROUS BEHAVIOUR! This book contains disturbing content. Reader discretion is advised.

194 pages, Paperback

Published December 7, 2023

Reviews

[Leeanne 🥀 The Book Whor3 🥀 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I seriously need a vacation after reading R.J Daly’s second foray as an author. As a friend of mine for the past few years, I’ve been waiting with bated breath for THIS book, and man, the wait has been more than worth it. I’ve come to realise that R.J is the Master of the Twisty Turns, as you never know what is coming next, until you are slapped, hard, in the face with a flayed and bloody appendage.

The book opens with police attending a hideously gruesome scene, which is a solidly strong beginning to any extreme horror book that I have read before. From then, until the gloriously gory end, this book had me changing my mind about where it was heading and what was going to happen next…I’m exhausted!!

Despite my praise for R.J, and his writing, this man continues to stay humble…he just doesn’t realise how good he is!

This book is full of blood, gore, violence, torture, and all the good stuff we expect from Splatterpunk, and with R.J’s trademark twists, you’re in for an awesomely thrilling ride. Also as with his previous book ‘Run Red’, the grammar is second to none, which for me, is a MUST when I'm reading a book.

Release Date: December 10th 2023, but available now (I think) for preorders.

YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!!

5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Peter Topside · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a bit confused walking into this. The synopsis was unclear as to whether it was different short stories or one interconnected story. But I took my chances and dove in anyway. Charlie had a bit of an uncertain character as our lead. His brother died and he had 0 emotional response to it. As his mother began abusing him after that point, he also had a very superficial set of reactions, and didn’t express sadness at how he basically lost his mother, especially right after his brother, and his father let it all happen. I would have liked some additional depth to the brothers and some conflicted emotions after the death. It would have filled some very large gaps in the plot. I understand how Charlie is being manipulated by Mrs Chambers here, but he just operated like a robot, which made me unable to engage with the character. Also, I felt Olivia and Pete, the foster parents, were also greatly underdeveloped, too. Glorified blood bags, which was a huge missed opportunity. With horror, authors can sometimes fall into the trap of losing focus on the characters, focusing much more on the gore. With splatterpunk, it can work rather well, but with traditional horror tales, it mostly doesn’t. This had a really interesting beginning, but ultimately just devolved into a bloodbath with not a lot of substance. Again, some additional character depth and less gore would have made this an entirely different experience.

[renee w · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 🩸⭐️First, let me start by saying I finished this book 2 days ago, but I needed to process it. Meet Pete and Olivia. They want nothing more in life than to start a family of their own. Not having the means to do it they seek help through an adoption agency. Then you have Mitch and Catherine and their two boys, Eddie and Charlie. Mitch, has landed a new job that requires him and his family to start anew. Once they begin to get settled, a terrible tragedy occurs. Destroying the family and creating some Monstrous Behavior. As always, I highly recommend this to my friends of the extreme .

[Stephen Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super gory in places and a great read. Really enjoyed RJ's work so far :)

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read some pretty good extreme horror books this year...BUT...After finishing this book I feel like I want to pop out my brain and scrub it to death with bleach...or boil it in a pan of very hot disinfectant.Then finish off by drinking a large glass...no the whole bottle... of something totally illegal and extremely strong!! Just to dull the pain of this remarkable story.
Wow! R.J.Daly you are one phenomenal author and your work is fantastic.
There's one part in this book that was so disgusting and stomach churning (and take it from me there were plenty) that I just can't seem to shake from my mind...it was the "SHIT & BLOOD CLOT SANDWICH" Oh My Lord...Please...I don't think that I will be able to look at a Peanut Butter & Jam sandwich the same way ever again,let alone try and eat one!!
If you love extreme horror you'd be bloody mad to miss out on this one,but brace yourself for some severe gore,torture,murder and stomach wrenching scenes.
5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 for the book
5🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 for R.J.Daly
What a way to nearly finish off 2023🥳🍾🥂🎈🎉🎊💃 Happy New Year ❤️

[KillerBunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five Stars.
Even better than the first one. Standalone stories. I thought it was a continuation!

[Horror Bookworm Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Horror Bookworm Recommendation
Monstrous Behaviour by R.J. Daly
https://horrorbookwormreviews.com/

July of 1987, Mitch and Catherine along with their two boys Charlie and Eddie begin adjusting to life in their new home. However, after a tragic accident happens to one of the young boys, the other is blamed for the death. What transpires is an excruciating grieving period where the father has little to no interaction with the family and the remaining son suffers at the hands of his mother.

I have to begin this review by saying a good friend of mine messaged me, “you have to read Monstrous Behaviour by R.J. Daly.” Considering I value her opinion and I have never gave Mr. Daly a try…why not. This is why I’m ringing my large handbell in the streets of the horror community to voice my opinion and give a full frontal Horror Bookworm Recommendation.

Monstrous Behaviour is a multi-layered novella of strange wickedness, brutal butchery and all normality thrown out the window. The abuse and suffering that takes place within these pages are measured by the likes of The Girl Next Door by Jack Ketchum, (yes, it’s that good).

As if loosely based on a true story, Daly creates his own warped unhealthy brand of emotionless depravity which is all too real. Nevertheless, all these well written cruelties and atrocities hold a sick, sad and angry secret that is revealed in due time. These blind-siding plot changes are the flesh and bone that holds the narrative together. If you are easily disturbed, you should not read this book.

This is extreme/splatter at its best folks. I guess if I had to describe Monstrous Behaviour in one word, it would be “Feral.” Keep your eye on this author, if he is not, he should be a target on your repulsive radar. A five star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Horror Bookworm Recommendation.

[Corrina Morse · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Daly’s debut, Run Red, so was extremely excited for more from him. I was not disappointed! In fact, I was completely blown away!

Daly serves us a hefty and horrendous punch to the gut with the opening chapter of Monstrous Behaviour, and just continues to up the ante throughout. He doesn't let up for a second, making this an incredibly gripping and immersive read!

Doyle and his colleagues discover a deeply disturbing scene on entering a house to investigate, and a little something else too, that's even more unexpected, setting the theme for this story up nicely!

Pete and Olivia want nothing more than to be parents, but maybe it's just not meant to be for them…. or is it?

The Daniels family move into a new home with their two sons, but family life soon takes a back seat as their new life takes over, the family dynamic becomes strained, even more so after an unexpected and horrific incident. Was it an accident though, or was it something more sinister?

Their eldest son Charlie, has always been a little bit special, a little different, but those differences were always kept under control, until now! His mother holds him responsible for what happens to the family, and she is determined to make sure he knows it! In a way that he won't be forgetting anytime soon. But a boy can only take so much abuse before he's broken, in his mind, spirit and soul, and he seeks his own retribution in return….

He gets no help from anywhere, what's wrong with his Father, why doesn't he do anything but stand and watch? Does his Mum have a hold over him too? It seems only the elusive Mrs Chambers is there to offer him some comfort, motivation and the instruments to give him a way out of this situation. And once that situation is finally dealt with, Charlie can try to move on, and that's when things really get interesting. But the bad vibes seem to follow him, along with the dark shadows, and it seems that once the floodgates have finally opened, things are just going to get more wild and out of control!

Then, the story does a complete 360, that is really cleverly done and very unexpected! And the discovery of a notebook takes things up yet another notch, as it unleashes a whole lot of horrific revelations!! The characteristics obviously run deep in this family, and it seems that history may just be repeating itself!

The title for this book is extremely apt, although “monstrous” may be a bit of an understatement!! It's upsetting, deeply emotional, shocking, merciless, soul destroying, brutal beyond words, and heart wrenching as all hell! My little black heart especially broke for one character! The story draws you in immediately and grips you in its disturbing, grimy, blood caked claws. It's absolutely riveting and addictive and horrible and brilliant! And, DAMN, RJ is so sneaky, his twists come completely out of the blue, leaving you shocked, but highly impressed. His style of writing is brilliantly smooth flowing, yet so twisty, and totally captivating. I was 100% invested in this story and the characters right from the off!

Extremely sinister and unnerving, and absolutely gripping. I felt like my heart was being ripped right out of my body for the first half, and I was holding my breath in awe and anticipation for the entire second half. From horror to heartbreak, back to more horror and heartbreak. Brilliantly done…. and when you think there are no more twists left…… BAM!!!!

I sincerely hope you're writing another book Mr. Daly, because I need more, and I'm sure I'm not the only one! Maybe a book titled Dr Sadist?! 😉

[Sarah DeRosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t stop thinking about it!
Readers: buckle up because you are on a wild ride. This book is riddledt with twists and turns. So much so, that I would consider the adrenaline you get addicting. You’re constantly left wondering what will happen next. This beauty is a page turner and fairly fast paced with a solid progression of the plot.
This is the first R.J. Daly work I have read, and I can’t express how enjoyable it was. The writing is exquisite, to say the least. There are quite a few memorable scenes in Monstrous Behaviour that I will not be forgetting. Great book!

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

The opening scene of this story was horrific and epic. The story has multiple characters with great character development. The description of the gory parts of the story were so visceral and well written. The story kept me guessing the whole time, and the ending I didn't see coming. Monstrous Behavior was one of my favorite reads of this year.

[Kat Kerlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ what a truly twisted story I had to take a few mental breaks to keep reading and at one point was gagging (the way the author described the rotten pork chop is what got me) just need to get used to the English writing terms but I’ve already ordered another book by this author!!

[Benjamin Kardos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fans of extreme horror will love RJ Daly's work. Both Monsterous Behaviour and Run Red are excellent examples of the genre.
Monsterous Behaviour is a novel highlighting themes of family tragedy, abuse, and revenge.
After Charlie's brother dies in an freak accident, his alcoholic mother turns her sorrow against him, subjecting Charlie to a series if horrible abuses. After befriending the old woman down the street, Charlie prepares to inact vengeance against his abuser. What follows is carnage guaranteed to stick with you for a very long time.
There are several delightfully nasty twists along the way. Parts of this book can be compared to Jack Ketchum's novel The Girl Next Door, but contains plenty of originality to make it a gory masterwork all its own.
Trigger warning, this book contains graphic violence against both children and adults.
I highly recommend Monsterous Behaviour!

[Eve Moss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an amazing read, I love every aspect. It was wild, gruesome, and even heartbreaking at some points. This author has a knack for creating some wild twists and dark characters.
The story really had me thinking about how behaviors are formed, are ‘bad’ people a product of their environment? A cause and reaction type thing? Or is it something that people are born with? A generational curse passed on and on. Such an incredible read.

[Ashley Hana · Rating 4 out of 5]

It started out very strong, but I felt unable to picture what was going on quite a few times. Overall a very awesome storyline! I'd say it's a cop thriller meets splatterpunk, which isn't anything I've seen in this way.

[Crystal Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is extreme and I mean really extreme! It is also extremely amazing, I could hardly put it down. For it only being Daly’s second book, man he is one to watch out for. Just go and read it, that is if you think you can handle it.

[Spike Creamer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every now and then you read something that knocks the shit out of you. This was that book for me. To say that this is extreme is an understatement, but it's also extremely well written. I'm becoming more and more of a fan of R.J. Daly with every read.

[MJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Man, was the one wild! 3.5 ⭐️

[danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welp. THAT escalated quickly. 😳

You know when you’re watching a movie and the action starts…and you get all pumped up? Like…it’s ON.

R.J. Daly manages to do that in a book.

But the action and eagerness to see what’s going to happen next? It doesn’t stop. I kept thinking: Nahhhhh, THAT’S not gonna happen…

…but it does. Over and over. Until you’re just left accepting your fate feeling like a ping pong ball in a machine with all the anxiety.

AND IT IS GLORIOUS.

He doesn’t hold back. No one is off limits in this book. Check it out!

[Tee Dunn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

Whew horrible honestly take all the warnings. This book keeps you on your toes. Poor Charlie never had a chance.This is more than a creepy kid read. Charlie is abused and gets his revenge. He's too far gone for any help...how did this 10 year old do all this killing ? I guess the grandfather helped..to.me he didn't seem strong enough ..but a great edge of your seat read. I enjoyed it and look forward to more books from this author.

[The_5ft_reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most gore filled, disturbing, disgusting things I have read, and I LOVED it! It comes with all the triggers, and it's got a great story with some excellent twists and turns!

[Tony splatterpunk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this over a couple of days,A fantastic read plenty of torture and gore to keep splatterpunk/extreme fans happy with a fantastic storyline 5/5

[Carrie Shields · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐟𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡. 𝐈𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮--𝐚 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐭-𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐭-𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐬. 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐥, 𝐬𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐬𝐚𝐲. 𝐈𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐦𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞, 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐫, 𝐨𝐫 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐲 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐮𝐬. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐟𝐢𝐱...

Tolstoy may have been the one to write that happy families are all alike, but every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way, but that sentiment came to life in Daly's newest offering, MONSTROUS BEHAVIOR.

The opening to this book is a horrific scene of the aftermath of unspeakable violence that will set the stage for the introduction of three families and how their fates are intertwined; Olivia and Pete Dawson, who are struggling with infertility and cope by opening their hearts and door to children in need;  Mitch and Catherine Daniels, who have two young boys and are moving into a grand family home where only the best of memories will be made; and Franklin and Eileen Chambers, parents to a promiscuous daughter who lived life on her own terms and so shamed her prominent physician father that he abandoned the family, leaving Eileen to cope alone.

All hope of happiness for Mitch and Catherine dies one afternoon after a terrible accident, and it won't be clear just how these three families intersect until the final gruesome end. I have to admit, this book had a 'ripped from the headlines' feel to it that made it seem quite realistic. You will absolutely loathe some characters and pity others, but you may soon realize that both emotions are misplaced. 

Many thanks to the author for letting me read an early copy! This book will publish later this month!

[Justin Boote · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second novella by R.J. Daly I've read and enjoyed this even more! Extreme in places, a great storyline and our main character, young Charlie, immediately made me think of many true life cases where a toxic upbringing can lead to disastrous results in children.
The eternal debate on whether monsters are born or bred features heavily in this one and it's clear Daly has done his research. Very reminiscent of many true cases I've followed, it's both sad and tragic to see that these things play out in real life with terrible consequences. And the ending I most certainly did not see coming that allows for a sequel! Definitely recommended for extreme fans who also like their true crime material!

[Lula Von Goth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored everything about this book. The twists were incredible.
The writing was exceptional and you were transported into every scene with such ease.
It was gory and graphic, however due to the quality of character development you cared about all of the characters and the gore served a purpose rather than just being there for shock factor.
I wish I could go back and read this book again for the first time.
Definitely one of my favourite reads this year.

[Ryan James · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this and I was compelled to write a review. If you’re thinking about reading this, stop thinking about it and start reading it, right now. I was drawn into the story from the beginning and it never let up. If you have any triggers, you probably shouldn’t read this book.

[Nicola (deathandthemacabre) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this after reading another book by the author, and it didn't disappoint!

Super gory, which I love, and incredibly vivid descriptions.

Read it in one sitting and absolutely loved the twist at the end.

[Danielle Leavitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book puts you on a rollercoaster ride in all the best ways! All his books are hits!!