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Monsters #4
A Dark Web of Monsters
When a young girl, Angela, is kidnapped, everyone fears the worst; another serial killer stalks the streets of Bradwell. But they are wrong. Unfortunately for Angela, that would have been too easy. Because someone is using her to make sordid videos on the dark web and her suffering is what feeds their abhorrent minds. And she's not the only one. Detective Inspector, Deborah Saunders, is tasked with the job of finding Angela's whereabouts, dead or alive, but as she soon comes to learn, it's going to be much harder than she could have imagined. Because the twisted individuals that enjoy and participate in this sickening show reside in a world where nothing is out of bounds and everyone is hidden behind the absolute mask of anonymity not even the best detectives are able to penetrate...An extreme horror novel. Do not read if easily shocked or offended.
203 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2024
123 people are currently reading
1325 people want to read
About the author
J. Boote
15 books174 followersJ. Boote is the alter-ego of Justin Boote, author of horror and dark fiction. J. Boote writes primarily extreme horror, not for the faint-hearted or easily offended.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
January 14, 2024
"𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐡, 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥, 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐈 𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐝, 𝐀𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐥𝐚, 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐬. 𝐈𝐧 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲'𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬."
The fourth installment in the monsters series, and this one is going to make readers uncomfortable as the author explores the sadistic world of Hurtcore that's thriving on the Dark Web.
The first chapter is comprised of five horrifying lines, and it just gets worse from there. There is a dual storyline, the first one revolving around 14-year-old Lucy Smith, an aspiring model. After scouring the internet for legitimate agencies, she thinks she's found the answer to her prayers Lucy has involved, protective parents who check out the site and even speak to Liz, the woman contacting Lucy. But Lucy soon finds out there is someone sinister hiding behind the persona of Liz. What made Lucy's story so troubling was that she had parents who monitored her online activity, and she still found herself a victim. What about all the kids who are navigating the Web with no parental controls or involvement?
Angela's story is next. At twelve years old, she's not afforded many freedoms yet. She is not allowed to walk home from school like so many of her friends are, so when her mother is not available to pick her up, a family member is given the task. But Angela never arrives; it's as if she walked out of school and simply vanished. But someone knows where she is. She wakes up in a basement, terrified and alone, seeing only a video camera.
Of course the content is graphic, but I think it's vital for these types of stories to be told. A Dateline special is only going to gloss over the details, and it's important for parents to know the types of predators who are surrounding their children each day. Thank you so much to the author for the early copy.
The fourth installment in the monsters series, and this one is going to make readers uncomfortable as the author explores the sadistic world of Hurtcore that's thriving on the Dark Web.
The first chapter is comprised of five horrifying lines, and it just gets worse from there. There is a dual storyline, the first one revolving around 14-year-old Lucy Smith, an aspiring model. After scouring the internet for legitimate agencies, she thinks she's found the answer to her prayers Lucy has involved, protective parents who check out the site and even speak to Liz, the woman contacting Lucy. But Lucy soon finds out there is someone sinister hiding behind the persona of Liz. What made Lucy's story so troubling was that she had parents who monitored her online activity, and she still found herself a victim. What about all the kids who are navigating the Web with no parental controls or involvement?
Angela's story is next. At twelve years old, she's not afforded many freedoms yet. She is not allowed to walk home from school like so many of her friends are, so when her mother is not available to pick her up, a family member is given the task. But Angela never arrives; it's as if she walked out of school and simply vanished. But someone knows where she is. She wakes up in a basement, terrified and alone, seeing only a video camera.
Of course the content is graphic, but I think it's vital for these types of stories to be told. A Dateline special is only going to gloss over the details, and it's important for parents to know the types of predators who are surrounding their children each day. Thank you so much to the author for the early copy.
February 6, 2024
In my opinion the best in the Monster series.
February 5, 2024
boy-oh-boy.. I will never look at a piano wire the same way.. ever again.
This 4th installment of J. Boote's Monster series is absolutely insane; while it is fictional it has some very real life content. The author takes hideous crimes from the real world and turns them into these stories. They show us who really the monsters are, not the boogeyman under your bed or closet, no, real people. Real people that we know, love, are related too, work with, and live next to. You just never know...
This book is about Aaron and Emma, a married couple with a son, who share their nasty tastes. In a very depraved way. Aaron kidnaps his niece and uploads the videos of her tortures on the deep web. And from there it just gets worse since Aaron and his wife fall deeper into their depravity and risk more just for their pleasures and for their pockets.
I loved the references to the previous installments and persons, I am also hoping for a future story about the Northgate Hospital, and I wonder if the author used the names of fellow indie horror authors for his main characters.. because I love it!
This 4th installment of J. Boote's Monster series is absolutely insane; while it is fictional it has some very real life content. The author takes hideous crimes from the real world and turns them into these stories. They show us who really the monsters are, not the boogeyman under your bed or closet, no, real people. Real people that we know, love, are related too, work with, and live next to. You just never know...
This book is about Aaron and Emma, a married couple with a son, who share their nasty tastes. In a very depraved way. Aaron kidnaps his niece and uploads the videos of her tortures on the deep web. And from there it just gets worse since Aaron and his wife fall deeper into their depravity and risk more just for their pleasures and for their pockets.
I loved the references to the previous installments and persons, I am also hoping for a future story about the Northgate Hospital, and I wonder if the author used the names of fellow indie horror authors for his main characters.. because I love it!
March 1, 2024
This book is pretty disturbing, not for the faint of the heart. This book really makes you question can you really trust anyone, especially family. Angela goes missing and is tortured and has videos made of her and put on the dark web. This is very dark, do not read if you have triggers against child SA or anything that has to do with the torture of children.
May 9, 2025
I flew through this one so fast that I didn't even have time to mark it as "reading," lol.
Number four in the series, and together with two, my favorite so far. I find the topics in this one fascinating, which probably explains why it felt like I devoured it in an hour.
In case it wasn't clear, I loved this book. Fantastically written, good pacing and... those poor girls...
Number four in the series, and together with two, my favorite so far. I find the topics in this one fascinating, which probably explains why it felt like I devoured it in an hour.
In case it wasn't clear, I loved this book. Fantastically written, good pacing and... those poor girls...
April 7, 2024
Wow… I was blown away by this story. Absolutely shocked and appalled. It’s a dang well done story though.
A young girl goes missing and a nightmare of suffering begins. Is it the work of a new serial killer? A trafficking ring? Or something else? Evil is alive and well in the town of Bradwell.
The subject matter is terrifying, because brutalizing and hurting others happens every day in real life. I felt physically ill while reading, but then I flipped over to facebook for a break from the madness and kept seeing horrible true crime stories anyways. It’s the sad reality of the twisted human nature… there are predators among us.
Justin captures the horrors of the victims and sadism of the perpetrators perfectly. I really can’t believe his tales in this series can get worse, but with each entry he finds a way to horrify readers. Each story is inspired by actual true events of murder and torment.
Be forewarned, there are some bloody and frankly awful scenes in this book.
A young girl goes missing and a nightmare of suffering begins. Is it the work of a new serial killer? A trafficking ring? Or something else? Evil is alive and well in the town of Bradwell.
The subject matter is terrifying, because brutalizing and hurting others happens every day in real life. I felt physically ill while reading, but then I flipped over to facebook for a break from the madness and kept seeing horrible true crime stories anyways. It’s the sad reality of the twisted human nature… there are predators among us.
Justin captures the horrors of the victims and sadism of the perpetrators perfectly. I really can’t believe his tales in this series can get worse, but with each entry he finds a way to horrify readers. Each story is inspired by actual true events of murder and torment.
Be forewarned, there are some bloody and frankly awful scenes in this book.
February 21, 2024
If I could give a zero, then unfortunately this would be it, I very nearly DNF this due to the content!
I’m not sure where to begin with this review. Firstly I love a dark story, the more twisted the better, and I understand people say don’t read if you’re easily offended as it’s an extreme horror, but this was not a horror, this book contains extremely graphic descriptions of torture and sexual abuse on children.
Each to their own, but in my opinion, this could easily be a way for any “monsters” in real life to get off, as it really is that graphic. Please be mindful when picking this book up. I did put it down a couple of times as I truly believed I couldn’t carry on, but then I thought it couldn’t get any worse, but I was wrong.
I don’t like how the story ended,
Next up - the story is set in England…what police officers are allowed to take a taser home to keep under their pillow? Sorry it just doesn’t happen, also, you can’t just detain someone for 72 hours whilst investigators look at your computer. You go into such detail elsewhere and then the little things just don’t match the setting 🤔
The biggest frustration though…
“Same with Shirley and Kirsty, Shirley was kidnapped from her pram”
Who on earth is Shirley?! Because all the way through this book, the baby was called Sharon 🫠🤯
Poorly written & not much of a story, this author just went for the shock factor and definitely got it, there’s not enough consistency, we only really bounce back and forth to Lucy a couple of times, where was her story?
Be warned with this book - the author should definitely give some kind of heads up on how rough this book really is.
I’m not sure where to begin with this review. Firstly I love a dark story, the more twisted the better, and I understand people say don’t read if you’re easily offended as it’s an extreme horror, but this was not a horror, this book contains extremely graphic descriptions of torture and sexual abuse on children.
Each to their own, but in my opinion, this could easily be a way for any “monsters” in real life to get off, as it really is that graphic. Please be mindful when picking this book up. I did put it down a couple of times as I truly believed I couldn’t carry on, but then I thought it couldn’t get any worse, but I was wrong.
I don’t like how the story ended,
Next up - the story is set in England…what police officers are allowed to take a taser home to keep under their pillow? Sorry it just doesn’t happen, also, you can’t just detain someone for 72 hours whilst investigators look at your computer. You go into such detail elsewhere and then the little things just don’t match the setting 🤔
The biggest frustration though…
“Same with Shirley and Kirsty, Shirley was kidnapped from her pram”
Who on earth is Shirley?! Because all the way through this book, the baby was called Sharon 🫠🤯
Poorly written & not much of a story, this author just went for the shock factor and definitely got it, there’s not enough consistency, we only really bounce back and forth to Lucy a couple of times, where was her story?
Be warned with this book - the author should definitely give some kind of heads up on how rough this book really is.
April 6, 2024
J. Boote is a genius of depravity and extreme horror. It was sick, but so well written.
The entire series was a 5 stars. I can't wait to read more. I'm hooked.
The entire series was a 5 stars. I can't wait to read more. I'm hooked.
March 13, 2025
I find it hard to rate a book like this be cause the contents are really so horrific that you don't want to admit you enjoyed the book. I didn't like the subject of this one and really did have to keep taking breaks. It's heavy. Tragic. Depressing. Gut wrenching. Has you in a chokehold and looking away from the pages.
I cannot, however, fault the execution and style of writing in this series. And the research the author has immersion himself in to complete these books. They make you feel, regardless of what that is, and that's the whole point.
I cannot, however, fault the execution and style of writing in this series. And the research the author has immersion himself in to complete these books. They make you feel, regardless of what that is, and that's the whole point.
February 14, 2024
I remember when Justin said he didn't do extreme, then the first extreme book of his I read proved that to be a big fat lie!! And he just keeps getting better and better at it! The research that goes into these books is incredible and makes them all the more shocking and powerful. It helps Boote to go so much more in depth with the characters, and why they do what they do, and how they react and feel before, during and after their ordeals. I take my hat off to him for that because some of the things he discovers during his research have to leave a nasty, lasting impression. The Monsters series is one of my fave extreme horror series EVER, and for good reason! 🖤
Boote goes straight in with the vile nastiness, with absolutely no holding back, which is precisely what makes this series so addictive.
You can't trust anyone, even those you love that are the closest to you……and that is why this is such an utterly, terrifyingly, brilliant read!!
Lucy is a beautiful young girl with dreams of pursuing a modelling career. Her parents are supportive and happy to help her with her dream, while also maintaining her safety, but its not as easy as she thought, until she stumbles across Liz at Teen Dreams that is…. Liz seems super eager to have her on their books, and her life then proceeds to change quickly and dramatically, and at a terrible price!
Angela is pretty, popular, and a bit of a school swot. She finds herself in a horrific predicament after her Aunt and Uncle are left to collect her from school, and she discovers something called the Love Dolls! Its an online show, and its not for the feint hearted.
Daniel, Angela’s cousin, and Kyle, are work colleagues, but they want more from life. A meeting of minds and ‘hobbies’ brings them together and when they come across some rather significant information about a missing teen, how do they get it in the right hands without their own dark and disturbing secrets being discovered?
Welcome to the world of Hurtcore! Its not a pleasant place, but then, neither are the people that frequent it. Far, far from it in fact. And follow the emotionally disturbing tales of two girls united in their own seperate horrors. Two girls whose strong determination overcome the most unbelievably horrific tortures, both mental and physical!
Not only does the horrific torture come from a shocking and unexpected source, but so too does the brutal and merciless retribution! And a young girl is left completely broken at the hands of someone she knew and trusted, before her life had ever truly got started. Her mental anguish in wondering why this was being done to her is raw and emotional.
This book hits HARD! So very hard, its a punch to the gut and a kick to the face and will leave you absolutely reeling, and angry and upset and sad, and wondering who the true monsters in this world really are!! Its utterly heartbreaking and shocking, such a tough, tough read that will have you crying out in shock and anger as well as crying in sorrow. It will have you gasping and wincing, and it will make your skin crawl and your stomach churn. I sat shaking my head in disbelief on several occasions. The dark repurcussions of cyber bullying are certainly not to be taken lightly. And ugh, that ending!! 🥹
Another powerful triumph from J. Boote. Bring on book 5!! 🖤
Boote goes straight in with the vile nastiness, with absolutely no holding back, which is precisely what makes this series so addictive.
You can't trust anyone, even those you love that are the closest to you……and that is why this is such an utterly, terrifyingly, brilliant read!!
Lucy is a beautiful young girl with dreams of pursuing a modelling career. Her parents are supportive and happy to help her with her dream, while also maintaining her safety, but its not as easy as she thought, until she stumbles across Liz at Teen Dreams that is…. Liz seems super eager to have her on their books, and her life then proceeds to change quickly and dramatically, and at a terrible price!
Angela is pretty, popular, and a bit of a school swot. She finds herself in a horrific predicament after her Aunt and Uncle are left to collect her from school, and she discovers something called the Love Dolls! Its an online show, and its not for the feint hearted.
Daniel, Angela’s cousin, and Kyle, are work colleagues, but they want more from life. A meeting of minds and ‘hobbies’ brings them together and when they come across some rather significant information about a missing teen, how do they get it in the right hands without their own dark and disturbing secrets being discovered?
Welcome to the world of Hurtcore! Its not a pleasant place, but then, neither are the people that frequent it. Far, far from it in fact. And follow the emotionally disturbing tales of two girls united in their own seperate horrors. Two girls whose strong determination overcome the most unbelievably horrific tortures, both mental and physical!
Not only does the horrific torture come from a shocking and unexpected source, but so too does the brutal and merciless retribution! And a young girl is left completely broken at the hands of someone she knew and trusted, before her life had ever truly got started. Her mental anguish in wondering why this was being done to her is raw and emotional.
This book hits HARD! So very hard, its a punch to the gut and a kick to the face and will leave you absolutely reeling, and angry and upset and sad, and wondering who the true monsters in this world really are!! Its utterly heartbreaking and shocking, such a tough, tough read that will have you crying out in shock and anger as well as crying in sorrow. It will have you gasping and wincing, and it will make your skin crawl and your stomach churn. I sat shaking my head in disbelief on several occasions. The dark repurcussions of cyber bullying are certainly not to be taken lightly. And ugh, that ending!! 🥹
Another powerful triumph from J. Boote. Bring on book 5!! 🖤
July 3, 2024
Lucy Smith felt beautiful. So beautiful that she wanted to join a modeling agency. Teen Dreams was the name of the website and she read things over before asking her parents. Her parents deemed it safe and Lucy was more than happy. But that happiness quickly turned to fear when the person Lucy was emailing started asking for odd requests. Then threats.
Kate Radcliffe told her daughter Angela that she couldn't pick her up from school that day so her uncle Aaron would take her home. After school her uncle told her he couldn't drive her home but her aunt was waiting for her. That was the last time Anglea seen the light of day.
These books keep getting better and better! This was a tough read at times. Sometimes family isn't everything and this book proved that! I loved the characters in this. The Easter eggs in this one were my favourite because it connected to book 1 and that book was amazing also! Descriptions were on point as always!
Remember that these are based off of real life cases. These books hit a bit harder so you gotta proceed with caution but they are so worth the read! The ending to this one was soul crushing! I highly suggest this whole series! Read them in order to get the full effect and caught the Easter eggs
Kate Radcliffe told her daughter Angela that she couldn't pick her up from school that day so her uncle Aaron would take her home. After school her uncle told her he couldn't drive her home but her aunt was waiting for her. That was the last time Anglea seen the light of day.
These books keep getting better and better! This was a tough read at times. Sometimes family isn't everything and this book proved that! I loved the characters in this. The Easter eggs in this one were my favourite because it connected to book 1 and that book was amazing also! Descriptions were on point as always!
Remember that these are based off of real life cases. These books hit a bit harder so you gotta proceed with caution but they are so worth the read! The ending to this one was soul crushing! I highly suggest this whole series! Read them in order to get the full effect and caught the Easter eggs
March 25, 2024
The author notes made this book even more sadder
The author note actually gave me proof and names of actual people (real life people) that would actually doing these things. It ruin the book for me because I thought this was just fictional. I think the book is Well written however spoilers spoilers the baby murdering plot was so horrific that I just had to finish this book and now I regret it.
P.S why is it that most villains in books get a very simple death. After everything these people do they die a very good death they're not even tortured.
The author note actually gave me proof and names of actual people (real life people) that would actually doing these things. It ruin the book for me because I thought this was just fictional. I think the book is Well written however spoilers spoilers the baby murdering plot was so horrific that I just had to finish this book and now I regret it.
P.S why is it that most villains in books get a very simple death. After everything these people do they die a very good death they're not even tortured.
April 4, 2024
Hats off to you Mr Boote. As a lover of true crime you nailed it with this one! Absolutely revolting and then some… The levels of depravity some humans can act out always astounds me and you captured it all perfectly. Everything from weaving together and putting your own spin on scumbags like The Ripper Crew to Scully, Falder, Huckle and Graham… This is a nasty read, and rightly so, as it reflects on real actions carried out by real monsters!
March 20, 2024
This was by far the toughest one to get through. J Boote. Is such a talented writer. It makes me sick that these stories are based off true events
January 28, 2024
This author knows how to write a book that grabs you and spits you out feeling like a wrung out dishcloth. The family portrayed in this are beyond disgusting and the only place appropriate for them is he!! I was so unprepared for how this book was going to make me feel. Once I got over the initial shock of what happened I then needed to take breaks in order to back to reading this book. All I can say is that humans really are our own worst enemy and there are some humans that do not even deserve to sit in prison.
P.S. I laughed at the part the author wrote in the afterword about needing to be vouched for as an author and not someone researching for ‘nefarious’ reasons.
P.S. I laughed at the part the author wrote in the afterword about needing to be vouched for as an author and not someone researching for ‘nefarious’ reasons.
January 23, 2024
5/5 ⭐️
1/1🔪
‼️Releases Feb. 1st 2024‼️
The author gave me an ARC for an honest review.
This book honestly had me SHOOK. If people believe this kind of stuff doesn’t happen in real life they’d be wrong. They say not to trust the people closest to you and this speaks to that.
Angela gets kidnapped. She tries clinging onto life as she’s tortured by her captors everyday for content on the dark web. She survives by keeping the thought of parents finding out who took her.
Meanwhile another teen is being tormented and blackmailed by someone who got ahold of her nudes and is threatening her unless she does the most horrendous stuff.
These are all things that have been happening in real life. Just how far would you go to survive if you were kidnapped. Or how far would you go to protect your family.? This book will live in my mind for a long time! It made me hug my daughter tighter that night.
1/1🔪
‼️Releases Feb. 1st 2024‼️
The author gave me an ARC for an honest review.
This book honestly had me SHOOK. If people believe this kind of stuff doesn’t happen in real life they’d be wrong. They say not to trust the people closest to you and this speaks to that.
Angela gets kidnapped. She tries clinging onto life as she’s tortured by her captors everyday for content on the dark web. She survives by keeping the thought of parents finding out who took her.
Meanwhile another teen is being tormented and blackmailed by someone who got ahold of her nudes and is threatening her unless she does the most horrendous stuff.
These are all things that have been happening in real life. Just how far would you go to survive if you were kidnapped. Or how far would you go to protect your family.? This book will live in my mind for a long time! It made me hug my daughter tighter that night.
January 8, 2024
This has to be the best series I have ever read. A Dark Web of Monsters DEFINETLY lives up to the others, and my expectations. I stayed up most of the night, because this book is better than sleep.
I feel like this is snuff/dark web but in Boote's unique way of writing. I absolutely adore how all references of previous books come together.
I cannot wait for book 5!
I feel like this is snuff/dark web but in Boote's unique way of writing. I absolutely adore how all references of previous books come together.
I cannot wait for book 5!
January 14, 2024
Ok, this book was, um, wow, this was horrific in so many ways. You finally got me, J. Boote I had to skip two scenes. I couldn't stop reading it except for the two scenes, lol 😆 This reminded me in some ways of Survivor by J.F Gonzalez. Definitely check the TW for this one.
January 27, 2024
Just finished my arc copy of the latest installment of the Monsters Series from J. Boote, "A Dark Web of Monsters" book 4, though could be read as a stand-alone.
I want to start this off by saying that if you do not normally read extreme horror or splatterpunk, then don't even bother picking up this book. It will be too much for you. I am an avid reader of both genres, and this book made my stomach turn and made me ugly cry from one particular barbaric scene (of which there are many). It's very messed up.
Now for why I think it's worth reading despite that... I think it's important to not hide away from these very real-life atrocities that occur in everyday life, everywhere in the world. You're kidding yourself if you go through life believing 'that couldn't happen to me'. Research the subject. Watch true crime docs. Read these kinds of books. It can happen to anyone. Paying attention could save your life someday. If any kind of horror book is scary to me, like in a real way, it's this kind of messed up shit. Not to mention, Boote writes a hell of a human horror story, and I'm all about it.
I asked Justin Boote about his process, and he spends a great deal of time researching these types of violent crimes and how the dark web makes things 'easy' for nefarious purposes. You know it's well researched when you learn something from a work of fiction. 'Everything is based on fact.' Direct quote from the author. Trust me, it really does happen. Be aware of your surroundings, always. There are far greater real monsters out there than there are in any storybook. It's no surprise that he mirrors each incident from real-life tragedies that seem like they couldn't have truly happened but unfortunately did.
This story follows along with the perspectives of the main victim who you cheer on the whole time, the awful people keeping her, and the impressive lady detective trying to crack the case at the head of the task force. It dives pretty deep into the dark web. We hear about other elements and characters from past novels of Boote's as an added bonus. He has a great ability to climb into each character and make them feel real.
Like every book in this series, we are faced with the question: Are monsters born or made? This time, he gets right to it, and it's pretty clear that some people are just plain bad. Evil even.
Another 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
Favorite Monster book yet! Keep 'em coming, FatCat!
I want to start this off by saying that if you do not normally read extreme horror or splatterpunk, then don't even bother picking up this book. It will be too much for you. I am an avid reader of both genres, and this book made my stomach turn and made me ugly cry from one particular barbaric scene (of which there are many). It's very messed up.
Now for why I think it's worth reading despite that... I think it's important to not hide away from these very real-life atrocities that occur in everyday life, everywhere in the world. You're kidding yourself if you go through life believing 'that couldn't happen to me'. Research the subject. Watch true crime docs. Read these kinds of books. It can happen to anyone. Paying attention could save your life someday. If any kind of horror book is scary to me, like in a real way, it's this kind of messed up shit. Not to mention, Boote writes a hell of a human horror story, and I'm all about it.
I asked Justin Boote about his process, and he spends a great deal of time researching these types of violent crimes and how the dark web makes things 'easy' for nefarious purposes. You know it's well researched when you learn something from a work of fiction. 'Everything is based on fact.' Direct quote from the author. Trust me, it really does happen. Be aware of your surroundings, always. There are far greater real monsters out there than there are in any storybook. It's no surprise that he mirrors each incident from real-life tragedies that seem like they couldn't have truly happened but unfortunately did.
This story follows along with the perspectives of the main victim who you cheer on the whole time, the awful people keeping her, and the impressive lady detective trying to crack the case at the head of the task force. It dives pretty deep into the dark web. We hear about other elements and characters from past novels of Boote's as an added bonus. He has a great ability to climb into each character and make them feel real.
Like every book in this series, we are faced with the question: Are monsters born or made? This time, he gets right to it, and it's pretty clear that some people are just plain bad. Evil even.
Another 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
Favorite Monster book yet! Keep 'em coming, FatCat!
January 9, 2024
Angela a successful middle school student who is loved by her parents and friends. She has her whole life ahead of her until she is kidnapped and held captive in a hidden basement room.
 She becomes the kidnappers star for their videos of which they sell on the dark web.
As time passes, Angela realizes that she will not be the only victim.
 As her parents and family continue to look for her, they have no idea how close by she really is.
Detecive Deborah who is heading, the investigation goes as far as going to the local asylum to speak with another pedophile to try to get into the mind of the person that she is trying to capture.
 While this is going on another young girl named Lucy is being manipulated into doing things on video and uploading them for someone who is blackmailing her. Could it be the same person that captured Angela? Or is there someone else that is just as evil as Angela’s captor?
 in my opinion, this was the darkest, most vile, sick, depraved, disturbing and definitely the best of the books in the already incredible monsters series.
J Boote held back nothing as this book is not for the faint of heart.
 If I could give it more than five stars, I would.
When this is released, I highly recommend you drop what you’re doing and read it immediately. You will not be disappointed.
January 18, 2024
"In some ways, they're all monsters "
Hurt core. Need I say more honestly? If you are lucky enough not to know what that term means, then I caution you heavily to check out this books triggers before proceeding.
If you have read Jon Athans' "The Groomer," then I highly recommend checking this one out. I will say that if it was hard for you to stomach that book, this particular book is 100 times harder to read. Both stories have similarities because they drew inspiration from some of real life's most vile individuals. But while I love Athan, I must admit that Bootes take on hurtcore has left me shook.
This is the 4th installment in "The Monsters" series, and they just keep getting worse ( in the best of ways). The amount of time and research that Justin puts into his books is astonishing. Is this book traumatizing and graphic? Absolutely. Is it well researched and written, also yes.
I still need to wrap my head around what I just finished. So, for now, these are my thoughts. But I'm sure I'll be back with more to say later.
Drops Feb 1 2024.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Hurt core. Need I say more honestly? If you are lucky enough not to know what that term means, then I caution you heavily to check out this books triggers before proceeding.
If you have read Jon Athans' "The Groomer," then I highly recommend checking this one out. I will say that if it was hard for you to stomach that book, this particular book is 100 times harder to read. Both stories have similarities because they drew inspiration from some of real life's most vile individuals. But while I love Athan, I must admit that Bootes take on hurtcore has left me shook.
This is the 4th installment in "The Monsters" series, and they just keep getting worse ( in the best of ways). The amount of time and research that Justin puts into his books is astonishing. Is this book traumatizing and graphic? Absolutely. Is it well researched and written, also yes.
I still need to wrap my head around what I just finished. So, for now, these are my thoughts. But I'm sure I'll be back with more to say later.
Drops Feb 1 2024.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 7, 2025
I cannot believe what I’ve just read is based on true crime. This was almost too much for even me. I have a high tolerance for things. But I had to skip parts of this as it was just so graphic and horrific. I’ve never read anything like this.
‘Dark web of monsters’ has knocked me sick to my stomach. I just can’t with this one.
I struggled how to rate it, as…yes it’s a splatter punk - it’s shocked, disgusted and probably scarred me for life. But it’s based on true events…. And that’s the bit that’s difficult for me. Just so heartbreakingly sad and upsetting.
I suppose it’s a high rating again as it’s hit the mark as a horror story.
phew. 😮💨 Tough one this one.
-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️-
‘Dark web of monsters’ has knocked me sick to my stomach. I just can’t with this one.
I struggled how to rate it, as…yes it’s a splatter punk - it’s shocked, disgusted and probably scarred me for life. But it’s based on true events…. And that’s the bit that’s difficult for me. Just so heartbreakingly sad and upsetting.
I suppose it’s a high rating again as it’s hit the mark as a horror story.
phew. 😮💨 Tough one this one.
-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️-
February 4, 2024
Horrible
This was just a horrible read but I couldn't put it down. This book just shows you that even family can be monsters. This book has all triggers just about so be warned. We need to keep are kids closer and just not trust anyone. This was such a good read sick and twisted. This is not a fun book at all.The ending was happy and sad. Not for the faint of heart but a very good read indeed. (Pets FC you did good my furry friend..very good..I'm your dad is so proud )😉😍😍😍😍😍I don't like spoilers so just read it .😎
This was just a horrible read but I couldn't put it down. This book just shows you that even family can be monsters. This book has all triggers just about so be warned. We need to keep are kids closer and just not trust anyone. This was such a good read sick and twisted. This is not a fun book at all.The ending was happy and sad. Not for the faint of heart but a very good read indeed. (Pets FC you did good my furry friend..very good..I'm your dad is so proud )😉😍😍😍😍😍I don't like spoilers so just read it .😎
April 27, 2024
This series of books have been amazing, very dark but amazing, and this one is the most disturbing of the series...... it was a tough read, and knowing its based on real events makes it worse! I saw in the authors note book 5 is on the way, and I can't wait!
February 23, 2024
OMG!!! Triggers galore but what a read !!
Major trigger warning ⚠️
Major trigger warning ⚠️
June 7, 2024
This was brutal story line was good ...... just a bit to far in pushing boundaries ☹
July 2, 2024
A dark web of Monsters… J.Boote
The most terrifying aspect of this story is that it really happens. This is of course a work of fiction, very well written, but the subject matter is very real and it shows that Justin has done his research.
A gut wrenching tale of abduction and torture for entertainment that drives home a disturbing thought….. how well do we really know anyone? Even your own family members??
A graphic book best avoided by those with TRIGGERS as it is sordid, shockingly violent with child SA.
The fourth instalment of his Monsters series will not disappoint fans of Splatter as Justin (aka J. Boote) has delivered again! I have not been disappointed with anything that he has written, even his “cozy” horror!
You can read this as a stand alone book or as a long anticipated chapter in to the depraved world that lives in the shadow of the Northgate Institution for the criminally insane……. A place as evil as its residents. I absolutely loved the revisit to this awful place and catching up with old characters! This had a great “Silence of the Lambs” vibe that I adored 😻 5 decapitated baby heads out of 5!!!!
Thank you Justin for letting me read this as a ARC ❤️
The most terrifying aspect of this story is that it really happens. This is of course a work of fiction, very well written, but the subject matter is very real and it shows that Justin has done his research.
A gut wrenching tale of abduction and torture for entertainment that drives home a disturbing thought….. how well do we really know anyone? Even your own family members??
A graphic book best avoided by those with TRIGGERS as it is sordid, shockingly violent with child SA.
The fourth instalment of his Monsters series will not disappoint fans of Splatter as Justin (aka J. Boote) has delivered again! I have not been disappointed with anything that he has written, even his “cozy” horror!
You can read this as a stand alone book or as a long anticipated chapter in to the depraved world that lives in the shadow of the Northgate Institution for the criminally insane……. A place as evil as its residents. I absolutely loved the revisit to this awful place and catching up with old characters! This had a great “Silence of the Lambs” vibe that I adored 😻 5 decapitated baby heads out of 5!!!!
Thank you Justin for letting me read this as a ARC ❤️
August 27, 2024
Hardest to read so far. Can't wait for book five.
January 28, 2024
Welp. This book blew my mind. But not in a good way. It's fiction, and I can take anything in fiction, it's also (very) extreme horror, and I love extreme horror, but, what's worst of all, namely the real horror, is that... it's based on REAL facts. The shocking torture scenes are true; they happened. The sickness is real. The victims, both in reality and in the book, were minors: from babies and toddlers to pre-teen girls.
Boote manages to embed these awful, really awful events in an engrossing story (which often feels like someone who's read Jon Athan's 'The Groomer' decided to make an episode of Law and Order: SVU!) He stresses the fictional aspects of the tale as much as he can (for example, we see, once again, the Northgate Hospital for the Criminally Insane, where a Silence of the Lambs scene 'almost' takes place), but I don't think revisiting familiar places and old characters is enough to stomach this story.
Boote's talent makes the plot feel very, very real. He's brilliant. Even the beginning is very hard to read, especially if you have a teenage daughter or are responsible for one. It's eye-opening, it's hard work and can get very emotional if one does not apply enough caution. The graphic scenes are sick, though never overdone; the evil tangible, the parents' pain not easy to ignore. If you want to read something that combines a 'true crime' atmosphere with some very real horror inspired from the depravity out there in the world, you will not be disappointed. But it’s not for the faint hearted.
Boote is saying these things happen. Go hug some babies, preferably yours.
Boote manages to embed these awful, really awful events in an engrossing story (which often feels like someone who's read Jon Athan's 'The Groomer' decided to make an episode of Law and Order: SVU!) He stresses the fictional aspects of the tale as much as he can (for example, we see, once again, the Northgate Hospital for the Criminally Insane, where a Silence of the Lambs scene 'almost' takes place), but I don't think revisiting familiar places and old characters is enough to stomach this story.
Boote's talent makes the plot feel very, very real. He's brilliant. Even the beginning is very hard to read, especially if you have a teenage daughter or are responsible for one. It's eye-opening, it's hard work and can get very emotional if one does not apply enough caution. The graphic scenes are sick, though never overdone; the evil tangible, the parents' pain not easy to ignore. If you want to read something that combines a 'true crime' atmosphere with some very real horror inspired from the depravity out there in the world, you will not be disappointed. But it’s not for the faint hearted.
Boote is saying these things happen. Go hug some babies, preferably yours.
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