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Monster Hunter #4
Monster in the Moonlight
Under the light of the full moon, a quiet rural lane becomes the scene of a shocking crime that may be the work of a mythical monster in the latest entry of this USA Today bestselling mystery series.
When a dead body turns up along a lonely country byway in rural Wisconsin, rumors of The Beast of Bray Road, a werewolf-like creature that is said to inhabit the area are reinvigorated. For years locals have reported sightings of the terrifying creature, but this would be its first verified attack.
Marks on the dead woman’s body indicate a mauling by some kind of large animal. The wounds plus deep scratches on the victim’s car convince the community that the legendary beast is not only real but responsible for this brutal killing.
If the police have any hope of solving this crime, they’re going to need an expert—enter cryptozoologist Morgan Carter. She’s investigated sightings of eerie creatures throughout the upper Midwest. If anyone is going to track down the killer, it’s Morgan, but she may find that the Beast is not the worst thing lurking on Bray Road.
When a dead body turns up along a lonely country byway in rural Wisconsin, rumors of The Beast of Bray Road, a werewolf-like creature that is said to inhabit the area are reinvigorated. For years locals have reported sightings of the terrifying creature, but this would be its first verified attack.
Marks on the dead woman’s body indicate a mauling by some kind of large animal. The wounds plus deep scratches on the victim’s car convince the community that the legendary beast is not only real but responsible for this brutal killing.
If the police have any hope of solving this crime, they’re going to need an expert—enter cryptozoologist Morgan Carter. She’s investigated sightings of eerie creatures throughout the upper Midwest. If anyone is going to track down the killer, it’s Morgan, but she may find that the Beast is not the worst thing lurking on Bray Road.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 27, 2026
118 people are currently reading
8331 people want to read
About the author
Annelise Ryan
19 books1,194 followersAnnelise Ryan is a pseudonym for Beth Amos, the USA Today bestselling author of 30 novels, including the Monster Hunter Mysteries featuring cryptozoologist and bookstore owner, Morgan Carter, the Mattie Winston mystery series, featuring a wryly cynical nurse-turned-coroner, and the Helping Hands Mysteries featuring social worker Hildy Schneider.
In addition, she is the author of the Mack's Bar Mystery series written as Allyson K. Abbott and five standalone paranormal thrillers written as Beth Amos.
She is a retired emergency room nurse living in Wisconsin. There are several reasons why she decided to use pseudonyms, not the least of which was that her ER patients might not have been comfortable knowing she spent her spare time thinking up clever ways to kill people.
In addition, she is the author of the Mack's Bar Mystery series written as Allyson K. Abbott and five standalone paranormal thrillers written as Beth Amos.
She is a retired emergency room nurse living in Wisconsin. There are several reasons why she decided to use pseudonyms, not the least of which was that her ER patients might not have been comfortable knowing she spent her spare time thinking up clever ways to kill people.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
September 26, 2025
Monster in the Moonlight is another entertaining installment in the Monster Hunter series. And, I mean, these novels are rather formulaic — if you've read the previous books, you have a pretty good idea of how this one is going to play out. There's a murder and a cryptid hunt (this time for the Beast of Bray Road, a werewolf-like creature supposedly stalking the town of Elkhorn, Wisconsin) and drama with ol' Flatfoot Sanders. All of the usual characters make an appearance, including Rita, Devon, and the bestest boy Newt. Newt, as always, is the real MVP of the story and he deserves all of the cheeseburgers. (Trigger warning: dog abuse. At one point Morgan promises Newt a cheeseburger and doesn't deliver UNTIL THE FOLLOWING DAY!)
Previous Monster Hunter books have been light and fluffy reads, and this one is no exception. But the mystery is solid (as long as you're willing to suspend some disbelief) and the characters likeable, and I enjoyed learning about the Beast of Bray Road (a cryptid I'd never heard of before). I did guess who or what was responsible for the murders well before Morgan did, but the way she goes about solving the case is definitely creative. It's not fine literature, but it's fun.
I do think, however, that this book kind of misrepresents Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. At one point Morgan states that “OCD isn't necessarily a bad thing” and then the characters go on to discuss how organized the “OCD”-afflicted person is. OCD is washing your hands over and over until they bleed or not being able to leave the house because you're terrified that you'll leave the stove on; it's not liking your living space clean and being really good at making lists. Sigh.
But, still, this is an enjoyable read and it's full of Newt the Good Boy and cryptids and werewolf talk and a cop who moonlights as a romance novel writer, and I can't complain too much. I'm already looking forward to the next installment — it sounds like some pretty big changes are coming to Morgan's cryptid-hunting operation!
3.75 stars, rounded up.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review. Its expected publication date is January 27, 2026.
Previous Monster Hunter books have been light and fluffy reads, and this one is no exception. But the mystery is solid (as long as you're willing to suspend some disbelief) and the characters likeable, and I enjoyed learning about the Beast of Bray Road (a cryptid I'd never heard of before). I did guess who or what was responsible for the murders well before Morgan did, but the way she goes about solving the case is definitely creative. It's not fine literature, but it's fun.
I do think, however, that this book kind of misrepresents Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. At one point Morgan states that “OCD isn't necessarily a bad thing” and then the characters go on to discuss how organized the “OCD”-afflicted person is. OCD is washing your hands over and over until they bleed or not being able to leave the house because you're terrified that you'll leave the stove on; it's not liking your living space clean and being really good at making lists. Sigh.
But, still, this is an enjoyable read and it's full of Newt the Good Boy and cryptids and werewolf talk and a cop who moonlights as a romance novel writer, and I can't complain too much. I'm already looking forward to the next installment — it sounds like some pretty big changes are coming to Morgan's cryptid-hunting operation!
3.75 stars, rounded up.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review. Its expected publication date is January 27, 2026.
March 5, 2026
Monster in the Moonlight is another fantastic installment in Annelise Ryan's Monster Hunter series. This is the 4th-book and I've enjoyed them all. Unsurprising, since they combine 2 of my favorite things: spooky vibes and cozy mysteries.
These books follow Morgan Carter, a cryptozoologist and specialty bookstore owner, who along with her lovable dog, Newt, investigates cases that may be linked to potential cryptid activity. Each installment features Morgan in different places, investigating creatures from lore.
In this story, Morgan gets consulted after a dead body is discovered on Bray Road in Wisconsin. The brutal killing sparks rumors that the Beast of Bray Road, a werewolf-like creature thought to inhabit the area, has returned.
It's clear the woman has been mutilated by some type of large animal, and the locals are convinced it's the Beast. A local policeman is actually the one to contact Morgan, through a mutual friend, for help, hoping she'll be able to disprove the Beast's existence.
As Morgan starts her investigation, it soon becomes clear this is a much larger case, with a much larger web than initially anticipated. Per usual, she soon finds herself in danger and racing against the clock to get to the bottom of what's happening on Bray Road.
I'm not going to deny these books are a little silly, but Ryan nevertheless makes them super-duper fun, and that's what I'm looking for in a Cozy series.
I've grown attached to Morgan and Newt, so I'm hoping for more installments to the series. There's plenty more cryptids to explore, after all.
Morgan is a great leading lady. She's smart and daring, never afraid to put herself out there in order to succeed at her investigations. She's also a great Dog Mom, always considering Newt's needs at all times. I never have to worry about him while reading, which is a great comfort to me.
This was another solid mystery too. I was captivated about what was going on. Morgan is like a dog with a bone once she gets a lead, and I knew she wasn't going to leave this town without answers.
I would recommend this series to any Cozy Mystery fans, but particularly those looking for something a little different in their Cozy. It's one-of-a-kind.
Thank you to the publisher, Berkley, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I'll be anxiously awaiting news as to whether or not there are going to be more books in the Monster Hunter series!!
These books follow Morgan Carter, a cryptozoologist and specialty bookstore owner, who along with her lovable dog, Newt, investigates cases that may be linked to potential cryptid activity. Each installment features Morgan in different places, investigating creatures from lore.
In this story, Morgan gets consulted after a dead body is discovered on Bray Road in Wisconsin. The brutal killing sparks rumors that the Beast of Bray Road, a werewolf-like creature thought to inhabit the area, has returned.
It's clear the woman has been mutilated by some type of large animal, and the locals are convinced it's the Beast. A local policeman is actually the one to contact Morgan, through a mutual friend, for help, hoping she'll be able to disprove the Beast's existence.
As Morgan starts her investigation, it soon becomes clear this is a much larger case, with a much larger web than initially anticipated. Per usual, she soon finds herself in danger and racing against the clock to get to the bottom of what's happening on Bray Road.
I'm not going to deny these books are a little silly, but Ryan nevertheless makes them super-duper fun, and that's what I'm looking for in a Cozy series.
I've grown attached to Morgan and Newt, so I'm hoping for more installments to the series. There's plenty more cryptids to explore, after all.
Morgan is a great leading lady. She's smart and daring, never afraid to put herself out there in order to succeed at her investigations. She's also a great Dog Mom, always considering Newt's needs at all times. I never have to worry about him while reading, which is a great comfort to me.
This was another solid mystery too. I was captivated about what was going on. Morgan is like a dog with a bone once she gets a lead, and I knew she wasn't going to leave this town without answers.
I would recommend this series to any Cozy Mystery fans, but particularly those looking for something a little different in their Cozy. It's one-of-a-kind.
Thank you to the publisher, Berkley, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I'll be anxiously awaiting news as to whether or not there are going to be more books in the Monster Hunter series!!
October 20, 2025
Monster in the Moonlight
by Annelise Ryan
I thought this was going to be a mystery with some paranormal aspects but it was just a great mystery that teased me about the supernatural bit. I loved it anyway. A very good mystery with buried treasure, an unknown creature, a killer on the loose, and interesting side stories, too.
I enjoyed the characters, plot, and world-building. The clues and investigations were even suspenseful at times. The main character, Morgan, is an expert on cryptids. Some in this town believed the "Monster" on Bray Rd was a werewolf so she was consulted. She also has a big lovable dog named Newt.
I think he is my favorite character. I am certainly going to get this author's earlier books in this series and catch up!
I want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for letting me read this terrific book!
by Annelise Ryan
I thought this was going to be a mystery with some paranormal aspects but it was just a great mystery that teased me about the supernatural bit. I loved it anyway. A very good mystery with buried treasure, an unknown creature, a killer on the loose, and interesting side stories, too.
I enjoyed the characters, plot, and world-building. The clues and investigations were even suspenseful at times. The main character, Morgan, is an expert on cryptids. Some in this town believed the "Monster" on Bray Rd was a werewolf so she was consulted. She also has a big lovable dog named Newt.
I think he is my favorite character. I am certainly going to get this author's earlier books in this series and catch up!
I want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for letting me read this terrific book!
March 5, 2026
Another entry in Ryan's monster hunter series, much in the same line as the first three. The books are very even in tone and each one provides a good mystery based on a possible cryptid (werewolves this time). There is continuity and development of relationships from one volume to another, but somehow those relationships feel a bit bloodless to me. Make no mistake, I still enjoy the series, just not as much as books by Richard Osman, Elly Griffiths, or Thomas King. Their mysteries feature a cast of characters that I've come to care about a great deal.
I wish I felt the same about Morgan Carter and Jon Flanders. They fill their roles in the plot, but I'll admit it's the cryptid investigations that keep me coming back to these books. I wish I felt more of something about that relationship, but it just seems inevitable. Their breakup caused no angst and their reunion gives only mild pleasure. I long for stronger emotions! Morgan's employees, Rita and Devon, have potential but Ryan doesn't give them much depth. Morgan repeatedly says how important they are, but in this book they were merely voices on the phone, providing information relevant to the mystery. They have yet to become interesting personalities in their own right.
So if you, like me, really value an endearing cast of characters, you may find this series a bit lacklustre. But if you're all about plot, this could be just your thing. My verdict? I’ll be reading the next volume, even if I'm not waiting on tenterhooks for its publication.
I wish I felt the same about Morgan Carter and Jon Flanders. They fill their roles in the plot, but I'll admit it's the cryptid investigations that keep me coming back to these books. I wish I felt more of something about that relationship, but it just seems inevitable. Their breakup caused no angst and their reunion gives only mild pleasure. I long for stronger emotions! Morgan's employees, Rita and Devon, have potential but Ryan doesn't give them much depth. Morgan repeatedly says how important they are, but in this book they were merely voices on the phone, providing information relevant to the mystery. They have yet to become interesting personalities in their own right.
So if you, like me, really value an endearing cast of characters, you may find this series a bit lacklustre. But if you're all about plot, this could be just your thing. My verdict? I’ll be reading the next volume, even if I'm not waiting on tenterhooks for its publication.
February 19, 2026
I ate this Scooby-Doo shit right up!! Gimme more.
February 20, 2026
This is such a cozy mystery series truthfully. It gives such Scooby Doo vibes with the dog sidekick and everything😂 I’m heavily invested in this series and can’t wait to see how the overarching plot and characters continue to get fleshed out🙂↕️
January 27, 2026
Morgan and her trusted sidekick Newt are back investigating a mysterious death linked to the infamous Beast of Bray Road. Locals blame a werewolf-like creature is responsible for the killing. Not entirely convinced, Morgan joins forces with the local detective as strange artifacts and shady characters have her staking out the Monster in the Moonlight.
Now fourth book in, I’m a huge fan of this cozy monster hunting mystery. The author creates very intriguing puzzles that are super fun to solve. I love the balance between historical and paranormal themes, as well as the Midwest setting. It’s a great mix of investigative procedural storytelling with imaginative cryptid lore, I’m a bit of a sucker for!
I greatly appreciated Morgan’s growth in this book, her and Jon finally have their heart-to-heart. The possibilities and new revelations in her parents’ deaths has me looking forward to the next installment! And lastly, Newt was the goodest best boy in the world.
Huge thanks to Berkley and Netgalley for the advance review copy.
Now fourth book in, I’m a huge fan of this cozy monster hunting mystery. The author creates very intriguing puzzles that are super fun to solve. I love the balance between historical and paranormal themes, as well as the Midwest setting. It’s a great mix of investigative procedural storytelling with imaginative cryptid lore, I’m a bit of a sucker for!
I greatly appreciated Morgan’s growth in this book, her and Jon finally have their heart-to-heart. The possibilities and new revelations in her parents’ deaths has me looking forward to the next installment! And lastly, Newt was the goodest best boy in the world.
Huge thanks to Berkley and Netgalley for the advance review copy.
Read
December 30, 2025Is there a werewolf out in the woods near Elkhorn, Wisconsin? Is Al Capone’s treasure hidden nearby? Cryptozoologist and cult bookstore owner, Morgan Carter, gets called in once again to investigate a death where a legendary creature might be involved.
Monster in the Moonlight is the fourth of the Monster Hunter Mysteries series. Though the mysteries are standalone, there is an ongoing development of characters and relationships so it works best read in order.
My full review will post at The Reading Frenzy TBA.
Monster in the Moonlight is the fourth of the Monster Hunter Mysteries series. Though the mysteries are standalone, there is an ongoing development of characters and relationships so it works best read in order.
My full review will post at The Reading Frenzy TBA.
January 14, 2026
Another fun installment in the Monster Hunter series. The werewolf storyline was great, and the mystery was genuinely fun to watch unfold. I’ve loved every book in this series so far, and this one kept the momentum going with its mix of humor, heart, and supernatural intrigue. I can’t wait for book 5.
March 7, 2026
I already love this series from my fellow Wisconsinite cryptid hunter. I have been to Door County and to Rhinelander, but this is my favorite book as it's home. We live 11 minutes from Bray Road, which my family has driven down dozens of times, full moons, and Halloween are favorite times. I love that Ms. Ryan actually stayed here, and her descriptions of sites are completely accurate. So is the "history" of our area. I am happy she included Linda Godfrey, who I was lucky enough to see speak at the library.
Morgan's investigation of the murdered women and the staking out in the woods for the "beast" were very enjoyable. There are actually two farms owned by the Bray family on either side of the road, which is not very long but the opposite end of the farms and sightings have a strip of some very nice family homes built in the 1980's. So anyone who comes to try to find the beast, please be respectful of these families.
I recommend this fun mystery as well as all others in this series.
Morgan's investigation of the murdered women and the staking out in the woods for the "beast" were very enjoyable. There are actually two farms owned by the Bray family on either side of the road, which is not very long but the opposite end of the farms and sightings have a strip of some very nice family homes built in the 1980's. So anyone who comes to try to find the beast, please be respectful of these families.
I recommend this fun mystery as well as all others in this series.
March 4, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Read if you like:
👹 horror
👹 gore
👹 Stranger Things vibes
👹 a super lovable doggy sidekick 💕💕
👹 short chapters 🩷🩷🩷
👹 1st person POV
👹 single POV
👹 single timeline
This one gave off ‘Stranger Things’ vibes from the very beginning and I really liked it (even though it was a little bit graphic for me 🤪🤪)
This book was very attention catching right from the beginning; I did not want to stop reading ❣️
I did not realize this book was part of a series before reading, but I don’t think I really missed anything by not reading the previous ones first (other than not absolutely loving the characters until a few chapters in 🤪🤪)
I loved Newt the dog and I cannot wait to read more in this series so I can see more of him 😍😍
This would be the perfect Halloween/spooky season read with all the monsters and gore.
THE ENDING WAS CRAZY❣️❣️❣️ I definitely did not see that coming!!
Thank you so much to Berkley Publishing and Annelise Ryan for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review 💕💕
Read if you like:
👹 horror
👹 gore
👹 Stranger Things vibes
👹 a super lovable doggy sidekick 💕💕
👹 short chapters 🩷🩷🩷
👹 1st person POV
👹 single POV
👹 single timeline
This one gave off ‘Stranger Things’ vibes from the very beginning and I really liked it (even though it was a little bit graphic for me 🤪🤪)
This book was very attention catching right from the beginning; I did not want to stop reading ❣️
I did not realize this book was part of a series before reading, but I don’t think I really missed anything by not reading the previous ones first (other than not absolutely loving the characters until a few chapters in 🤪🤪)
I loved Newt the dog and I cannot wait to read more in this series so I can see more of him 😍😍
This would be the perfect Halloween/spooky season read with all the monsters and gore.
THE ENDING WAS CRAZY❣️❣️❣️ I definitely did not see that coming!!
Thank you so much to Berkley Publishing and Annelise Ryan for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review 💕💕
March 19, 2026
Rounding up from three and a half stars. Another fun read in this series; Ryan liberally peppers clues throughout her writing to allow the reader to have sussed it out by the last act, and this was no exception. Plenty of red-herring characters also roam her universe that appear, for this reason or that, to be involved. This one sort of trudged along a bit, but it also provided a continuation of two additional subplots from previous offerings that could become, at least in one case, to be an explosive change in any stories moving forward.
I'm hopeful there's more to come.
I'm hopeful there's more to come.
October 6, 2025
I'm really disappointed in my response to this one, but I think I may be done with this series... I really enjoyed the first and third books; the second was not my favorite, but I still found it a positive reading experience. This time around though, I felt like I was reading a rehash of the first books, albeit with a different creature and a different location. The interpersonal relationships also felt like I'd experienced them before, over and over again. The arguments over recklessness. The struggle to trust. The potential-love-triangle with the local law. The slobbering dog. The creature-that-isn't-a-creature. It's formulaic - and while that doesn't have to be a problem in a cozy series, here it was for me. I just couldn't generate much interest in seeing it all play out this time around... I skimmed, because I'd seen other reviewers mention a new direction that comes about at the end. There is something to that, but ultimately I'm not sure how much it'll really change things - and I'm not sure how interested I am in finding out...
This series may have played itself out for me. I just don't know how many more times I can watch Morgan throw herself in harm's way with no one but her dog for backup, or how many more cryptid-or-no Midwestern quests I can take. I was hoping to see more develop in the David/dead parents mystery storyline here, so if the next book offered up more in that direction I *might* be willing to give it another go - otherwise, I might be done.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation-free review copy.
This series may have played itself out for me. I just don't know how many more times I can watch Morgan throw herself in harm's way with no one but her dog for backup, or how many more cryptid-or-no Midwestern quests I can take. I was hoping to see more develop in the David/dead parents mystery storyline here, so if the next book offered up more in that direction I *might* be willing to give it another go - otherwise, I might be done.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation-free review copy.
January 31, 2026
The main character Morgan is still pretty self-centered and entitled in this fourth installment of the series. I was hoping her and Jon wouldn't end up together still but unfortunately, I can't rip through the pages and try to convince a fictional man that this might not be the best relationship. Seriously - Jon spelled it out for Morgan that she was putting herself in unsafe situations in the 3rd book, and she...thought that meant she had to quit hunting for cryptids? Like, girl, he's just asking for you to wait before heading off into danger by yourself with a dog who's partially blind. At one point, the wording when Morgan came to the conclusion that she was the problem (finally) made me want to start fist fighting a fictional character. It was basically "it never occurred to me that the problem was never Jon and his dead wife and kid, but actually me going off into dangerous situations." Like it felt so out of left field for her to suddenly be like "Can't believe it's not his dead fam's fault that he needed a break when I ran off again with zero plan or back-up." It was so bonkers thinking to me (and sooooo self-centered; seriously the narrator did a great job of making Morgan come across like a narcissist) and only because Jon makes it so clear at the end of the 3rd book what his issues and boundaries are! And Morgan seemingly can't wrap her mind around that she's the problem until a complete stranger of a deputy/romance writer talks to her??? Ok. 😐
The plot of the murders was good and kept me entertained this time in the middle of wanting to argue with Morgan anytime she thought of herself for a little too long. The plot of the cryptid went about the way I figured - this series is never truly a cryptid and has some sort of explanation to the situation. It can get repetitive overall, and that plus the romance that I just can't see working out with Morgan's slow-as-molasses character development, is the reason this is probably the last of the series for me. Even the David plot line has sort of lost interest to me despite making a comeback in this story - the more I think of it, the more I don't care if he's guilty or not. He wasn't really a character we get to know and neither were her parents.
3 stars for the story - I probably like it second best of the four - for the murder plot line only.
The plot of the murders was good and kept me entertained this time in the middle of wanting to argue with Morgan anytime she thought of herself for a little too long. The plot of the cryptid went about the way I figured - this series is never truly a cryptid and has some sort of explanation to the situation. It can get repetitive overall, and that plus the romance that I just can't see working out with Morgan's slow-as-molasses character development, is the reason this is probably the last of the series for me. Even the David plot line has sort of lost interest to me despite making a comeback in this story - the more I think of it, the more I don't care if he's guilty or not. He wasn't really a character we get to know and neither were her parents.
3 stars for the story - I probably like it second best of the four - for the murder plot line only.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2026
Dang it! I knew what the creature was immediately after the first descriptions. Maybe it was obvious but since I live an hour from Elkhorn, and I know the local wildlife, I knew right away it could only be three things and they ruled out two right away. I also know a whole lot about the animal in question, including multiple in-person wildlife encounters, and while I love them dearly, even completely healthy they smell so bad, so horrendously bad, it's overwhelming.And also knowing the local wildlife, I knew immediately why the situation rendered it unrecognizable, making it smell even worse. Dang it! While it's fun to know and to yell out the reasons to the characters as they're trying to figure it out, it took the mystery out of the cryptid aspect.
The suspect pool was fairly small so the killer seemed anticlimactic, but the *how* was interesting. And sad.
Oddly, the love story and events/people from Morgan's past were the most shocking parts. Though most of NE IL and SE WI have Capone lore, I was surprised it showed up here, and that was amusing. Ms. Ryan did a great job of representing the locality, people, history, lore, and all. She always treats locations with respect and I appreciated even more when the area was familiar to me. I really love these books.
The suspect pool was fairly small so the killer seemed anticlimactic, but the *how* was interesting. And sad.
Oddly, the love story and events/people from Morgan's past were the most shocking parts. Though most of NE IL and SE WI have Capone lore, I was surprised it showed up here, and that was amusing. Ms. Ryan did a great job of representing the locality, people, history, lore, and all. She always treats locations with respect and I appreciated even more when the area was familiar to me. I really love these books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC!
Full disclosure - when I requested this I wasn’t aware this was fourth in a series. But thankfully enough backstory was provided that the story and characters made perfect sense without having read them.
Overall this was a fun little whodunnit with a side of the paranormal. Morgan is a cryptozoologist who is approached by a detective to help with a possible werewolf case. A woman has been killed in an area famous for werewolf sightings. However, Morgan’s investigation might point toward something more sinister.
I thought this was enjoyable yet simple. The pacing was a bit slow to start and the climax/resolution rushed. Also it was a lot of tell not show which is not my favorite form of writing. Overall, I’d recommend this series if you like paranormal creatures as well as good ol’ detective stories.
Full disclosure - when I requested this I wasn’t aware this was fourth in a series. But thankfully enough backstory was provided that the story and characters made perfect sense without having read them.
Overall this was a fun little whodunnit with a side of the paranormal. Morgan is a cryptozoologist who is approached by a detective to help with a possible werewolf case. A woman has been killed in an area famous for werewolf sightings. However, Morgan’s investigation might point toward something more sinister.
I thought this was enjoyable yet simple. The pacing was a bit slow to start and the climax/resolution rushed. Also it was a lot of tell not show which is not my favorite form of writing. Overall, I’d recommend this series if you like paranormal creatures as well as good ol’ detective stories.
February 8, 2026
This latest in the cozy Monster mystery series follow cryptozoologist Morgan Carter has her hired to look into a suspected werewolf case in rural Wisconsin. With her sidekick pet dog Newt along for the ride Morgan finds herself caught up in a double murder with ties to Al Capone and possible treasure trove of antique coins.
I liked how much personal growth and self reflection Morgan has in this book and that her and her estranged detective boyfriend, John, make progress on their relationship woes. Great on audio and highly recommended for anyone who enjoys an engrossing cozy mystery featuring a strong, complex female amateur detective who has a knack for finding trouble.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review.
I liked how much personal growth and self reflection Morgan has in this book and that her and her estranged detective boyfriend, John, make progress on their relationship woes. Great on audio and highly recommended for anyone who enjoys an engrossing cozy mystery featuring a strong, complex female amateur detective who has a knack for finding trouble.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review.
February 1, 2026
4.25
Cover 5; characters 4; Plot 4; Pace 5; Intrigue 3; Logic 4; worldbuilding 5; Writing 4; Enjoyment 4
Things I enjoy about this series: NEWT! Obviously. The relationships between the characters, especially Morgan and her employees. They have that found family vibe that I absolutely adore in books. The monsters/myths. I love that Morgan comes from a skeptic point of view but is also is willing to accept that the monsters *could* be real. The stories and histories of the monsters are well researched and add to the vibe of the books.
Things I don't enjoy: I don't love that even though we're in Morgan's POV whenever she finds a clue, it's held back from the reader. This works okay from a 3rd person narrative but feels so weird from a 1st person POV. I want to discover the clues WITH the MC, not everything thrown at me at the end.
Cover 5; characters 4; Plot 4; Pace 5; Intrigue 3; Logic 4; worldbuilding 5; Writing 4; Enjoyment 4
Things I enjoy about this series: NEWT! Obviously. The relationships between the characters, especially Morgan and her employees. They have that found family vibe that I absolutely adore in books. The monsters/myths. I love that Morgan comes from a skeptic point of view but is also is willing to accept that the monsters *could* be real. The stories and histories of the monsters are well researched and add to the vibe of the books.
Things I don't enjoy: I don't love that even though we're in Morgan's POV whenever she finds a clue, it's held back from the reader. This works okay from a 3rd person narrative but feels so weird from a 1st person POV. I want to discover the clues WITH the MC, not everything thrown at me at the end.
November 29, 2025
I’ve really enjoyed my binge of this whole series. Cryptids make me so happy and these books have become comfort reads for me. This newest addition is no exception! Morgan is such a fun and quirky character and I love how she dives headfirst into her cases. Newt continues to be a main character and I love him so much! He’s such a great companion to Morgan. This particular installment focuses on The Beast of Bray Road aka …. A werewolf? Vicious and deadly attacks have left locals scared and there have been recent sightings of a werewolf-like creature. If you want to know what Morgan uncovers in this case you’ll just have to read it and find out!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is the first of the Monster Hunter series that I physically read and it kept me engaged and entertained just as the previous audiobooks have! This was a big relief! I truly enjoy this series and Monster in the Moonlight not only introduces a new cryptid, Morgan's scientific and reasonable approach to Plausable Existability, as well as a continuation in her own personal saga.
This author's writing is approachable and cozy yet analytical and intriguing. The Cozy Cryptid Mystery sub genre is one of the best additions to the reading world.
This author's writing is approachable and cozy yet analytical and intriguing. The Cozy Cryptid Mystery sub genre is one of the best additions to the reading world.
January 25, 2026
My ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. The author has really hit her stride in this installment of the series. We have the short arc of the immediate investigation as well as the long arc of her trauma following the murder if her parents as well as her struggling relationship with local lawman, Jon. We see a new wrench thrown into the mix here and can’t wait to see where that takes them!
March 1, 2026
This author is an automatic read for me. I love this series! I'm not a cozy book person but I make an exception for Ms. Ryan. I love the cast of characters (especially newt)! And I'm a sucker for Cryptids! Can't wait for the next one.
February 6, 2026
For me this has been the best in the series so far and love the narrator too!
February 16, 2026
4 stars. 🎧
March 1, 2026
Monster in the Moonlight by Annelise Ryan is another fun installment in the Monster Hunter Mystery series!
This time, Morgan heads to Elkhorn to investigate the legendary Beast of Bray Road, and the small-town, cryptid-hunting vibes were such a good time. The mystery kept things moving, but what I really loved was seeing more of Newt, he absolutely steals the show in this one.
There’s also a sweet hint of romance woven in with Morgan’s budding relationship with Officer John, which adds a nice layer without taking away from the mystery.
Overall, another entertaining, cozy-cryptid adventure that makes this series so much fun to read. 👻🐾📚
This time, Morgan heads to Elkhorn to investigate the legendary Beast of Bray Road, and the small-town, cryptid-hunting vibes were such a good time. The mystery kept things moving, but what I really loved was seeing more of Newt, he absolutely steals the show in this one.
There’s also a sweet hint of romance woven in with Morgan’s budding relationship with Officer John, which adds a nice layer without taking away from the mystery.
Overall, another entertaining, cozy-cryptid adventure that makes this series so much fun to read. 👻🐾📚
February 27, 2026
4.5 stars
February 8, 2026
I like this series. I love the cryptid science. I like that the stories take place in my state of Wisconsin. An entertaining series.
March 9, 2026
I’m clearly an outlier, but I didn’t enjoy this 4th book in the series. I had lots of issues with the plot and the characters and the “romance", but what really struck me this time around is how selfish and immature our main character is. But the most unfortunate opinion I’ve come to is that I don’t think this book was very well-written. I think I’m done with this series :(
January 27, 2026
Synopsis: Cryptozoologist Morgan Carter is called to assist in a murder investigation in a small town where the locals are convinced the culprit is The Beast of Bray Road.
Thoughts: Though this is book four, it can be read as a standalone. There’s a bit of backstory you’ll be missing out on with some character relationships, but the mystery plot is fully standalone. These books are all cozy mysteries, and this one is cozy while still having a very solid murder mystery case. The characters are likable and fun, and the cryptozoologist spin makes for a unique read.
Read this if you like:
🐺 cryptids
🐺 murder mystery
🐺 werewolves
🐺 dog sidekick
🐺 quirky characters
Thoughts: Though this is book four, it can be read as a standalone. There’s a bit of backstory you’ll be missing out on with some character relationships, but the mystery plot is fully standalone. These books are all cozy mysteries, and this one is cozy while still having a very solid murder mystery case. The characters are likable and fun, and the cryptozoologist spin makes for a unique read.
Read this if you like:
🐺 cryptids
🐺 murder mystery
🐺 werewolves
🐺 dog sidekick
🐺 quirky characters
March 22, 2026
My goodness YES. Finally these two knuckle heads are talking and admitting they like each other.
In other news the story line was great. I absolutely loved the Cryptid in this one. The way the story line brought different characters who definitely could have done it.
In other news the story line was great. I absolutely loved the Cryptid in this one. The way the story line brought different characters who definitely could have done it.
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