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The Lediar Monster
Unemployed and living back at home, Stephen isn’t feeling his greatest. When his mum suggests applying for a job at the hotel in Lediar Park, it seems like a reasonable option, granting him some money and experience while he finds auditions for his dream acting role. He tries not to let the conspiracy theories around Lediar Park bother him… Surely there isn’t a monster roaming the woodland?
Ignoring his grandfather’s comical mutterings of old werewolf folklore isn’t too hard. It’s a bit more difficult to avoid the comments about an event that shook the town women murdered at the hotel back in the eighties. To some, it was nothing more than a tragic slaughter of innocent women, but to others…
It was the price paid for leaving the hotel after dark.
With his colleagues playing tricks on him and his grandfather involved in the conspiracy theories, Stephen is about to learn the truth behind Lediar Park — and it’s going to get messy.
Ignoring his grandfather’s comical mutterings of old werewolf folklore isn’t too hard. It’s a bit more difficult to avoid the comments about an event that shook the town women murdered at the hotel back in the eighties. To some, it was nothing more than a tragic slaughter of innocent women, but to others…
It was the price paid for leaving the hotel after dark.
With his colleagues playing tricks on him and his grandfather involved in the conspiracy theories, Stephen is about to learn the truth behind Lediar Park — and it’s going to get messy.
158 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 13, 2024
22 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
About the author
Bethany Russo
18 books17 followersBethany Russo is an indie horror and fantasy author from the South West of England. She lives with her partner, son and their two cats.
When not writing, you can usually find her spending time with her family/animals and getting outside for a long walk. One of her favourite ways to spend her spare time is reading. Russo's favourite genres are horror and dark fantasy. She has a special love for all things weird and wonderful, especially if it includes folklore/myths.
Follow Russo on Instagram: @bethanyrussowrites
When not writing, you can usually find her spending time with her family/animals and getting outside for a long walk. One of her favourite ways to spend her spare time is reading. Russo's favourite genres are horror and dark fantasy. She has a special love for all things weird and wonderful, especially if it includes folklore/myths.
Follow Russo on Instagram: @bethanyrussowrites
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
September 29, 2024
I love Bethany Russo’s work!!! As someone who appreciates shorter works, this really hit the spot for me as a bloody and pacy horror novella. I really loved what Russo did with Stephen as a main character, especially as the story evolved and you find out more about him. He wasn’t the same man by the end of the story and yet at his core he was still the young actor wanting to make something of his life (that’s all I’ll say without spoiling haha!) The story starts with a bang and certainly ends with one too, but it also felt like a satisfying conclusion, leaving the lore of Lediar Park to continue to evolve with its residents…
As always I recommend Russo as an outstanding up and coming horror author! If you like gore and grit, this is the story for you, but if you lean toward psychological horror, check out Fever Dreams!!!
As always I recommend Russo as an outstanding up and coming horror author! If you like gore and grit, this is the story for you, but if you lean toward psychological horror, check out Fever Dreams!!!
October 16, 2024
I was lucky enough to edit this delightfully chilling werewolf horror and I’m EXTREMELY proud of Bethany Russo for bringing out another wonderful read! It’s a joy to watch the author flourish, even when said flourishing involves blood and gore. There is so much to love about THE LEDIAR MONSTER: the suspense, the spooky atmosphere, the unapologetic violence and fear — but also the thing that always has me most in awe of Russo’s work, the heart. Bethany’s stories are unique in that the horror is often the thing to knit these characters together while also tearing them apart (literally and figuratively). If you enjoy a twisted mystery and old school beastly horror, you’ll love everything about this story.
October 11, 2025
This is a fantastic werewolf novel with major slasher movie vibes at the key moments. The opening chapter is one of those, packed full of action and gore, before we get to the modern day plot.
I found Stephen to be endearing and I really felt for him and his troubles with Josh as a so-called friend. I can't say much avoiding spoilers, but the journey he goes on to get a job, keep it, deal with friendship and family drama and horrific nightmares all without losing sight of his dream of acting or at least having something to do with acting is sweet despite the gothic werewolf background!
Lediar House itself comes across brilliantly as this nice but creepy place that people tell stories about, and Albert... hmm, I have mixed opinions about Albert, but I can't put them here without spoilers so I'll keep them to myself and just say he's a multifaceted character with suspicious motivations.
If you're a fan of the "scary" type of werewolves, the murderous ones who seem to kill without a second thought, rather than the ones who are off with fated mates and other drama, then this is for you. It's simple and delicious, just like you would be to the Lediar Monster 😜
I found Stephen to be endearing and I really felt for him and his troubles with Josh as a so-called friend. I can't say much avoiding spoilers, but the journey he goes on to get a job, keep it, deal with friendship and family drama and horrific nightmares all without losing sight of his dream of acting or at least having something to do with acting is sweet despite the gothic werewolf background!
Lediar House itself comes across brilliantly as this nice but creepy place that people tell stories about, and Albert... hmm, I have mixed opinions about Albert, but I can't put them here without spoilers so I'll keep them to myself and just say he's a multifaceted character with suspicious motivations.
If you're a fan of the "scary" type of werewolves, the murderous ones who seem to kill without a second thought, rather than the ones who are off with fated mates and other drama, then this is for you. It's simple and delicious, just like you would be to the Lediar Monster 😜
November 27, 2024
The Lediar Monster is a howling good time for fans of horror creature features.
I'm not generally much of one for werewolves, but after reading Russo's collection Fever Dreams earlier in the year, I decided I had to give this one a try. The Lediar Monster is a testament to Russo's versatility as an author. It's very different tonally from Fever Dreams but still engaging and entertaining.
The characters were fun. I appreciated that main character Stephen wasn't your standard book hero. His reactions and choices feel very human. Stephen's grandfather was probably my favorite character. I loved how invested he was in the werewolf.
The book is a bit slashery with a lot of descriptive kills. There's plenty of blood and gore if that's your jam. It wasn't really a draw for me personally, but I didn't feel like it detracted from my reading experience.
If you love creature features with ample gore, you'll definitely want to check this one out.
I'm not generally much of one for werewolves, but after reading Russo's collection Fever Dreams earlier in the year, I decided I had to give this one a try. The Lediar Monster is a testament to Russo's versatility as an author. It's very different tonally from Fever Dreams but still engaging and entertaining.
The characters were fun. I appreciated that main character Stephen wasn't your standard book hero. His reactions and choices feel very human. Stephen's grandfather was probably my favorite character. I loved how invested he was in the werewolf.
The book is a bit slashery with a lot of descriptive kills. There's plenty of blood and gore if that's your jam. It wasn't really a draw for me personally, but I didn't feel like it detracted from my reading experience.
If you love creature features with ample gore, you'll definitely want to check this one out.
September 20, 2024
A Riveting Page-Turner!
This book is perfect for the spooky season, especially if you’re a fan of gory horror with a killer backstory. While I’m not usually drawn to excessive gore, I found myself engrossed in this creepy tale.
We’ve all heard wild stories and wondered if they could be real. Well, this story delves into just that—werewolf folklore. I recommend this quick read to anyone searching for something to sink their claws into this fall season, but maybe don’t read it in the woods under a full moon. 🌕 Or do, if that’s your thing!
I eagerly anticipate the author’s next imaginative creation!
This book is perfect for the spooky season, especially if you’re a fan of gory horror with a killer backstory. While I’m not usually drawn to excessive gore, I found myself engrossed in this creepy tale.
We’ve all heard wild stories and wondered if they could be real. Well, this story delves into just that—werewolf folklore. I recommend this quick read to anyone searching for something to sink their claws into this fall season, but maybe don’t read it in the woods under a full moon. 🌕 Or do, if that’s your thing!
I eagerly anticipate the author’s next imaginative creation!
September 20, 2024
A very gory werewolf story! I actually really enjoyed this one. It was a bit predictable but overall if you enjoy horror and werewolves and local legends then this one is for you. It's also a nice short read.
Recommended for horror fans!
Recommended for horror fans!
September 30, 2024
This is such a great autumn read. I was shocked and hooked from the very start when it becomes clear - nobody is safe! Classic monster, proper British setting, and so much gore! There's even room for mental health rep and family heartbreak.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2024
Having thoroughly enjoyed Bethany’s short story collection earlier this year, I jumped at chance to get an early look at this novella, and there was plenty here that I enjoyed. The opening was terrific - violent, gory, unrelenting - and that intensity continued throughout the story’s most heart-pounding moments, of which there were plenty. I did feel like the characters could have been fleshed out a little more, and some of the backstory that popped up towards the end felt hastily stuffed in and revealed without giving it enough time to properly sink in.
But, not to take away from a romp of a story. It was a breezy, bloody read and - having seen that she can do both the emotional, psychological horror of her previous collection and the full-on comic horror on display here - I’m very keen to see what this author does next.
Thanks to Indie Visible for the advanced review copy.
But, not to take away from a romp of a story. It was a breezy, bloody read and - having seen that she can do both the emotional, psychological horror of her previous collection and the full-on comic horror on display here - I’m very keen to see what this author does next.
Thanks to Indie Visible for the advanced review copy.
November 26, 2025
A bloodthirsty werewolf horror chiller.
Down on his luck and seeking an anchor, Stephen takes a job at the Lediar Hotel in his local town.
Legends abound that a werewolf stalks the park surrounding the hotel, coupled with the proprietor's warning to never leave the hotel after dark.
As a full moon approaches, Stephen comes face to face with the truth of the Lediar Monster, threatening to tear his life limb from limb.
'The Lediar Monster' is a horror novella by Bethany Russo, a gory, fast-paced tale, brimming with stalk-and-slash scenes, splashes of violence, and lashes of dark humour, all driven by character arcs and engaging, visceral plotting, at its centre a mythic, supernatural creature from the folklore of old, sewn into a thrilling and entertaining narrative.
At the centre of Russo’s story is Stephen, returning to his hometown and childhood home after struggling to pursue a career in acting. An immediately endearing character, one most of us can easily empathise with as he finds himself feeling he's hit a brick wall with his plans and aspirations, he is trying his hardest to get by and make the best of things, while also being trodden down by his childhood friend, Josh, who only seeks to mock and belittle him and refuses to take life seriously. Taking a new job as a stop gap, Stephen hopes to turn his life around and continue to pursue his dreams.
The owner of the Lediar Hotel, Albert, becomes somewhat of a mentor to Stephen. The hotel has been in Albert's family for generations, and he may hold the secrets to unravelling the mystery of the werewolf. At first, Stephen dismisses the stories, but soon begins to wonder if there may be more truth to them than he dare imagine. Meanwhile, the ramblings of Stephen's grandfather, Clive, may not be the conspiracy theory and senility they are believed to be, as danger awaits deep in the shadows for anyone who dares to wander the park at night.
From its bloodbath opening chapter in 1984, setting the scene for the history of deaths and legends surrounding Lediar Park, into the 2020s and Stephen’s story and the ensuing chaos, through to its familial-pivoting conclusion, this is an old-school classic were-creature thriller, centred on the old, traditional hotel and the ancient woodland park surrounding it, brewed with a sense of nostalgia and a core of emotion, peppered with an underlying theme of folklore and urban legends, cast in the hues of a classic monster movie and a feel-good spooky atmosphere running through the blood-spattered tale.
Brutal and relentless, ‘The Lediar Monster’ is a fun and bloody horror story; a short, sharp tale with a deep bite and voracious appetite.
Down on his luck and seeking an anchor, Stephen takes a job at the Lediar Hotel in his local town.
Legends abound that a werewolf stalks the park surrounding the hotel, coupled with the proprietor's warning to never leave the hotel after dark.
As a full moon approaches, Stephen comes face to face with the truth of the Lediar Monster, threatening to tear his life limb from limb.
'The Lediar Monster' is a horror novella by Bethany Russo, a gory, fast-paced tale, brimming with stalk-and-slash scenes, splashes of violence, and lashes of dark humour, all driven by character arcs and engaging, visceral plotting, at its centre a mythic, supernatural creature from the folklore of old, sewn into a thrilling and entertaining narrative.
At the centre of Russo’s story is Stephen, returning to his hometown and childhood home after struggling to pursue a career in acting. An immediately endearing character, one most of us can easily empathise with as he finds himself feeling he's hit a brick wall with his plans and aspirations, he is trying his hardest to get by and make the best of things, while also being trodden down by his childhood friend, Josh, who only seeks to mock and belittle him and refuses to take life seriously. Taking a new job as a stop gap, Stephen hopes to turn his life around and continue to pursue his dreams.
The owner of the Lediar Hotel, Albert, becomes somewhat of a mentor to Stephen. The hotel has been in Albert's family for generations, and he may hold the secrets to unravelling the mystery of the werewolf. At first, Stephen dismisses the stories, but soon begins to wonder if there may be more truth to them than he dare imagine. Meanwhile, the ramblings of Stephen's grandfather, Clive, may not be the conspiracy theory and senility they are believed to be, as danger awaits deep in the shadows for anyone who dares to wander the park at night.
From its bloodbath opening chapter in 1984, setting the scene for the history of deaths and legends surrounding Lediar Park, into the 2020s and Stephen’s story and the ensuing chaos, through to its familial-pivoting conclusion, this is an old-school classic were-creature thriller, centred on the old, traditional hotel and the ancient woodland park surrounding it, brewed with a sense of nostalgia and a core of emotion, peppered with an underlying theme of folklore and urban legends, cast in the hues of a classic monster movie and a feel-good spooky atmosphere running through the blood-spattered tale.
Brutal and relentless, ‘The Lediar Monster’ is a fun and bloody horror story; a short, sharp tale with a deep bite and voracious appetite.
September 13, 2024
I was lucky enough to be sent a copy of this by the author 🖤
Stephen has grown up hearing the rumours about Lediar Park. His granddad is full of stories about the werewolf that roams the grounds of the hotel. True, in the 80s, a group of women were savagely murdered while celebrating at the hotel. Murders many attribute to a werewolf. But those are just stories, aren't they? Stephen takes on a job at the hotel and finds out the truth for himself.
This was a lot darker than I was expecting. I felt like it maybe lacked a little of the emotional depth I got out of the stories in Fever Dreams, but damn did it make up for it in terms of blood and guts. It manages to be gory and gruesome whilst maintaining a sense of pitch black humour. Very reminiscent of an American Werewolf in London (which is one of the greatest films of all time, imo).
And DAMN, there is a character death in this that absolutely blew my mind. I was actually left staring at the page open-mouthed. As someone who reads probably more than my fair share of horror, it's not often I find myself truly shocked. But this truly got me!
I love a good werewolf story, and this one is definitely that. It delivers exactly what I need from a creature feature, and I had a lot of fun reading it!
Stephen has grown up hearing the rumours about Lediar Park. His granddad is full of stories about the werewolf that roams the grounds of the hotel. True, in the 80s, a group of women were savagely murdered while celebrating at the hotel. Murders many attribute to a werewolf. But those are just stories, aren't they? Stephen takes on a job at the hotel and finds out the truth for himself.
This was a lot darker than I was expecting. I felt like it maybe lacked a little of the emotional depth I got out of the stories in Fever Dreams, but damn did it make up for it in terms of blood and guts. It manages to be gory and gruesome whilst maintaining a sense of pitch black humour. Very reminiscent of an American Werewolf in London (which is one of the greatest films of all time, imo).
And DAMN, there is a character death in this that absolutely blew my mind. I was actually left staring at the page open-mouthed. As someone who reads probably more than my fair share of horror, it's not often I find myself truly shocked. But this truly got me!
I love a good werewolf story, and this one is definitely that. It delivers exactly what I need from a creature feature, and I had a lot of fun reading it!
October 17, 2024
Leave it to author Bethany Russo to reinvent classic, old school werewolf horror. I discovered Russo through her book Fever Dreams, a masterful blend of psychological thriller and horror that packs an emotional wallop in subtle subtext lurking beneath each short story. With The Lediar Monster, Russo changes course to serve her fans straight-up, in-your-face horror seasoned with a side of her unique humor. The novella opens with a gory, cinematic flashback to the Lediar monster in the 1980s before switching to modern-day Swindon, England. There, readers meet the main character, Stephen Mitchell, a struggling actor living at home and dreaming of his big break. When his mom suggests waiting tables at a hotel restaurant in Lediar Park, Stephen ignores his grandfather’s warnings about “Werewolf Park,” and the fun really begins. Horror fans will eat this book up. There’s plenty of gore and lots more to love, including an inspired setting (the first mention of the real-life Lediar settlement in English history is in none other than the Doomsday Book, dating from William the Conqueror’s time), an interesting backstory, and a killer ending. Don’t wait for a full moon. Give The Lediar Monster a try tonight—if you dare!
October 10, 2024
I was among the lucky ones to nab an advance copy of this beast!
The Lediar Monster is a gloriously gruesome read that's perfect for the Halloween season. If you're a fan of old school horror like American Werewolf in London or the classic Hammer horrors, this is the book for you. There's guts and gore aplenty, with a fair bit B-Movie-esque humour splattered here and there that had me audibly snorting.
It's a pretty quick read, so you could easily devour this in one sitting if you're hungry for horror! Go get yo'self a copy!
The Lediar Monster is a gloriously gruesome read that's perfect for the Halloween season. If you're a fan of old school horror like American Werewolf in London or the classic Hammer horrors, this is the book for you. There's guts and gore aplenty, with a fair bit B-Movie-esque humour splattered here and there that had me audibly snorting.
It's a pretty quick read, so you could easily devour this in one sitting if you're hungry for horror! Go get yo'self a copy!
November 28, 2024
Wow from the start I wasn’t sure but then yeah well yeah for fear of spoilers let’s just say it gets moving faster then I had first thought. Plus the way Bethany sets you up makes the chapters short yet exciting with minor dips here and there but that only lasts long enough to recover from terror and carnage. The unique way events unfold ( phrased this way for fear of spoilers) is well thought out and fun to read. Bethany Russo will be an author that I will read more of for sure in the future.
February 11, 2025
What an opening chapter! It provided a great snapshot of what was to come!
I’m pretty sure this is my first werewolf read and I flew through it. Well written, highly descriptive and great pacing makes this a recommended read.
I’m pretty sure this is my first werewolf read and I flew through it. Well written, highly descriptive and great pacing makes this a recommended read.
September 4, 2024
I am so grateful to receive an early copy of this book and have my name mentioned in the acknowledgements as an Instagram supporter. Thank you bethanyrussowrites
Most people on here probably know horror is not always my favourite genre but I have been enjoying a few books and stories recently by a couple of different authors.
As someone who grew up watching The Hammer House of Horror double bills on a Saturday night which were usually about Dracula, Frankenstein, a mummy or a werewolf, this story felt familiar and nostalgic. It brought back memories of being snuggled up under a blanket on the settee with my sisters and brother. Lifting the blanket up on the scary parts while asking my mother what was happening 😂 I love books that can do that, bring back special memories ❤️
I loved how different pieces of information unfolded about the mystery of Lediar Park bit by bit throughout. Being a horror there are of course scary and gory moments where, if I was watching a film I would probably have been hiding my eyes 👀 but you can't read like that so I was brave and read on 😅 I really don't want to go into too much detail and spoil anything for anyone reading for the first time but it definitely has all the old style horror vibes and a good, well written story to go with it. Available to pre order now on Amazon.
November 3, 2024
In the Interest of very honest opinions, i’m starting this one with quite the statement, but: I absolutely hated the first chapter in this book.
Shock horror! I just didn’t gel with it at all, and I was concerned that this wasn’t going to be for me, but the shift from that into the next chapter was like night and day and I quickly fell into the book. Bethany tells a story that focuses heavily on Stephen and his current living situation/struggling prospects, before building on the rest of the plot.
Russo has built a very believable protagonist, supporting cast, and the ‘friend’ that everyone knows is an insufferable piece of shit, but seems oblivious to it. We’ve all known one of these people and their very punch-able faces!
The overall plot is quite succinct and feels very reminiscent of classic horror tales, and is exactly what you want from a werewolf book. The fear is there, the chase is there, the gore…. Oh it’s there. It’s not about the wolf though, it’s about Stephen.
Shock horror! I just didn’t gel with it at all, and I was concerned that this wasn’t going to be for me, but the shift from that into the next chapter was like night and day and I quickly fell into the book. Bethany tells a story that focuses heavily on Stephen and his current living situation/struggling prospects, before building on the rest of the plot.
Russo has built a very believable protagonist, supporting cast, and the ‘friend’ that everyone knows is an insufferable piece of shit, but seems oblivious to it. We’ve all known one of these people and their very punch-able faces!
The overall plot is quite succinct and feels very reminiscent of classic horror tales, and is exactly what you want from a werewolf book. The fear is there, the chase is there, the gore…. Oh it’s there. It’s not about the wolf though, it’s about Stephen.
November 3, 2025
First off, I love a good takeaway, so as far as the opening chapter is concerned, the author had me at 'chips'! But enough about that.
I love my creepy masked killers, so I was pleasantly surprised by how at home I felt reading Russo’s monster yarn. The similarities between your stalk’n’slash stories and your werewolf tales are seldom recognized, but they are there: from the hunt and the chase to the violent kill and the aftermath. One of them just happens to have a little more bite!
Being a fan of Hammer Horror classics such as their 1959 adaption of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles, I always appreciate an eerie howl or two.
I know, I know, it’s a werewolf story, there’s bound to be a few howls. BUT. You’ve got to do it right. And Bethany Russo does it right!
Sometimes all you need is a simple solitary sentence:
'There was a howl.'
Shivers!
Then you build on it:
'Another howl.'
'Closer this time.'
FML
I love my creepy masked killers, so I was pleasantly surprised by how at home I felt reading Russo’s monster yarn. The similarities between your stalk’n’slash stories and your werewolf tales are seldom recognized, but they are there: from the hunt and the chase to the violent kill and the aftermath. One of them just happens to have a little more bite!
Being a fan of Hammer Horror classics such as their 1959 adaption of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles, I always appreciate an eerie howl or two.
I know, I know, it’s a werewolf story, there’s bound to be a few howls. BUT. You’ve got to do it right. And Bethany Russo does it right!
Sometimes all you need is a simple solitary sentence:
'There was a howl.'
Shivers!
Then you build on it:
'Another howl.'
'Closer this time.'
FML
December 30, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ok, pretty good. Quite enjoyable. I wasn’t thrilled, but I didn’t dislike it entirely.
“He walks through the woods because he knows there’s nothing out there, or because he’s not afraid of what’s out there?”
The Lediar Monster follows Stephen as he works at a creepy hotel to save up for his acting career. It promises the truth behind a so called conspiracy theory.
The writing/prose was well written, and the world-building good.
The characters were good, The pacing was smooth sailing, the events transitioned very well into one another and the payoff predictable yet enjoyable. One thing I will say though, the page numbers sometimes skip, only in 2 places and it may only be on the digital version - which I was reading - but I think it added to the vibe.
Journeying with Steven’s attempt to reach stardom was interesting, and I am grateful to have had the experience.
Warm Regards, Your Devoted Reader.
#Fall Read
Ok, pretty good. Quite enjoyable. I wasn’t thrilled, but I didn’t dislike it entirely.
“He walks through the woods because he knows there’s nothing out there, or because he’s not afraid of what’s out there?”
The Lediar Monster follows Stephen as he works at a creepy hotel to save up for his acting career. It promises the truth behind a so called conspiracy theory.
The writing/prose was well written, and the world-building good.
The characters were good, The pacing was smooth sailing, the events transitioned very well into one another and the payoff predictable yet enjoyable. One thing I will say though, the page numbers sometimes skip, only in 2 places and it may only be on the digital version - which I was reading - but I think it added to the vibe.
Journeying with Steven’s attempt to reach stardom was interesting, and I am grateful to have had the experience.
Warm Regards, Your Devoted Reader.
#Fall Read
April 2, 2025
What I loved about this was the focus on relationships before things went awry. American Werewolf in London is in my top 5 horror movies of all time, (don't ask me to order my top 5 horror movies tho!), so of course I ran a comparison in my head. What I was drawn to in the movie was the strong friendship the buddies had at the beginning. Just laughing and having the time of their lives and then everything changes drastically. The build in this story was longer to get to the turning point, and the strong relationships were more toward the MC's family members. I did think it was witty how the MC saw a certain person differently after their demise. Like they couldn't stand this person before but after their view softened. The setting was great! I want to go there. I need to know the place that inspired it and go there one day. I can't wait to read more by Russo!
September 11, 2024
***I was lucky eough to be sent a physical ARC by the author!***
Wow! If you are in the mood for a quick read, getting ready for all things spooky, then give this a go. If you like your horror bone chilling, visceral, and gory, then you'll love this. The story follows Stephen, a down-on-his-luck wannabe actor whose mum gets him a job at the infamous Lediar Hotel connected to a park with a dark history. While Stephen struggles to get on his feet, avoid his AWFUL work bully, and try and work his way up the ladder, he has to contend with a nightmare scenario that quickly becomes a reality. This is dark, gory, gritty, and perfect if you love werewolves (not the shifter type, the hammer horror variety)
Thank you, Bethany, I loved it!!
Wow! If you are in the mood for a quick read, getting ready for all things spooky, then give this a go. If you like your horror bone chilling, visceral, and gory, then you'll love this. The story follows Stephen, a down-on-his-luck wannabe actor whose mum gets him a job at the infamous Lediar Hotel connected to a park with a dark history. While Stephen struggles to get on his feet, avoid his AWFUL work bully, and try and work his way up the ladder, he has to contend with a nightmare scenario that quickly becomes a reality. This is dark, gory, gritty, and perfect if you love werewolves (not the shifter type, the hammer horror variety)
Thank you, Bethany, I loved it!!
September 18, 2024
I was super lucky to receive this book early. I was so excited to read after absolutely loving her previous work and my my my… this quickly jumped to a favourite.
Old stories of werewolves roaming the grounds of a hotel were long told, but when Stephen gets a job at the Lediar Hotel, things turn ugly. It’s a perfect horror read, gore and vivid. Definitely a fantastic horror! Old school werewolf style, which I don’t find too often now a days, so that’s was really the perfect vibe!
All in all, HORROR, GORE, BACKSTORY, and I read it all within two sessions I was that engrossed! Thank you, Bethany, for such a great book!
Old stories of werewolves roaming the grounds of a hotel were long told, but when Stephen gets a job at the Lediar Hotel, things turn ugly. It’s a perfect horror read, gore and vivid. Definitely a fantastic horror! Old school werewolf style, which I don’t find too often now a days, so that’s was really the perfect vibe!
All in all, HORROR, GORE, BACKSTORY, and I read it all within two sessions I was that engrossed! Thank you, Bethany, for such a great book!
January 16, 2025
Ooh, this was a tough one to rate. As a big fan of werewolf stories, I was delighted with the setup, the stories surrounding the hotel and park. Russo did a fine job creating her characters, the dialogue is natural (mostly) and she manages to crank up the erie factor as the book progressed.
On the other hand, the main character - who is in his early twenties - often comes off as a teen, which was confusing at times. At a certain point, the story takes somewhat of a turn which I had difficulties with finding credible. Enjoyable as a whole, I can't help to think it could've been more: 3,5 stars.
On the other hand, the main character - who is in his early twenties - often comes off as a teen, which was confusing at times. At a certain point, the story takes somewhat of a turn which I had difficulties with finding credible. Enjoyable as a whole, I can't help to think it could've been more: 3,5 stars.
June 15, 2025
Monster to family???
I had a great time reading The Lediar Monster! What I really liked was how it took the whole "enemy to family" idea and gave it a fresh perspective. Even though I kind of saw where the story was going, it was still really fun to watch the characters grow and change along the way.
The relationships between the characters felt real, and I loved seeing how they slowly broke down their walls and built trust. It made the story feel really satisfying, even when some parts were a little predictable.
Overall, this was a super enjoyable read. If you're looking for a story that's both fun and heartwarming, The Lediar Monster is definitely worth checking out.
I had a great time reading The Lediar Monster! What I really liked was how it took the whole "enemy to family" idea and gave it a fresh perspective. Even though I kind of saw where the story was going, it was still really fun to watch the characters grow and change along the way.
The relationships between the characters felt real, and I loved seeing how they slowly broke down their walls and built trust. It made the story feel really satisfying, even when some parts were a little predictable.
Overall, this was a super enjoyable read. If you're looking for a story that's both fun and heartwarming, The Lediar Monster is definitely worth checking out.
June 15, 2025
I had a great time reading The Lediar Monster! What I really liked was how it took the whole "enemy to family" idea and gave it a fresh perspective. Even though I kind of saw where the story was going, it was still really fun to watch the characters grow and change along the way.
The relationships between the characters felt real, and I loved seeing how they slowly broke down their walls and built trust. It made the story feel really satisfying, even when some parts were a little predictable.
Overall, this was a super enjoyable read. If you're looking for a story that's both fun and heartwarming, The Lediar Monster is definitely worth checking out.
The relationships between the characters felt real, and I loved seeing how they slowly broke down their walls and built trust. It made the story feel really satisfying, even when some parts were a little predictable.
Overall, this was a super enjoyable read. If you're looking for a story that's both fun and heartwarming, The Lediar Monster is definitely worth checking out.
May 10, 2025
The Lediar Monster
A gripping werewolf tale from Bethany Russo! An engrossing horror read. Gory, at times, with elements of stomach churning dark humour.
With regard to the characterisation of Stephen, and his 'friend,' Josh, (expect themes of bullying, relationship difficulties, and Stephen's anguish at feeling a failure.)
Good portrayal of friends & family. I particularly liked Stephen's curious grandfather Clive!
Great cover design too.
Highly recommended for horror readers. A short but satisfying horror novella !
A gripping werewolf tale from Bethany Russo! An engrossing horror read. Gory, at times, with elements of stomach churning dark humour.
With regard to the characterisation of Stephen, and his 'friend,' Josh, (expect themes of bullying, relationship difficulties, and Stephen's anguish at feeling a failure.)
Good portrayal of friends & family. I particularly liked Stephen's curious grandfather Clive!
Great cover design too.
Highly recommended for horror readers. A short but satisfying horror novella !
March 3, 2025
Great read
If we're with stories this was a pretty good story.I have to figure out what was going on.Albert, who has been there for years and years probably decades, is a werewolf and runs a hotel, and these 2 boys get into the cross crosswire of this and some of them dumped up dead and one hands up.Getting turned into the Wolf and he loses his mother to the werewolf.It's kind of one of those stories.But i'm , i've always been intrigued about where it was in vampires
If we're with stories this was a pretty good story.I have to figure out what was going on.Albert, who has been there for years and years probably decades, is a werewolf and runs a hotel, and these 2 boys get into the cross crosswire of this and some of them dumped up dead and one hands up.Getting turned into the Wolf and he loses his mother to the werewolf.It's kind of one of those stories.But i'm , i've always been intrigued about where it was in vampires
December 12, 2024
Mildly entertaining
A decent read but a very predictable story line. Ok characters but not much depth within the plot. Reads quickly but entertaining enough to continue to the conclusion.
A decent read but a very predictable story line. Ok characters but not much depth within the plot. Reads quickly but entertaining enough to continue to the conclusion.
September 1, 2025
First werewolf book I've ever read.
The beginning didn't really captivate me; some of the way certain events were narrated seemed boring and flat, but the story was interesting, and I really liked the ending (was it just me, or did this story have a lot of subtext? 🤔)
The beginning didn't really captivate me; some of the way certain events were narrated seemed boring and flat, but the story was interesting, and I really liked the ending (was it just me, or did this story have a lot of subtext? 🤔)
October 10, 2024
The Lediar Monster comes out October 13th! I hope you enjoy this werewolf novella!!
October 30, 2024
Absolutely gripped by this. Just imagine all the blood and gore. If you enjoy really gory dark story, give this a read - you won’t regret it but you might have nightmares !
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