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When Mom Met the Monster Hunter
What happens when a psychiatrist who doesn't believe in monsters meets a third-grade teacher who hunts them?
Mary O’Keeffe is a psychiatrist convinced that everything, especially fear, has an explanation. Following a painful breakup, she has learned to guard her heart and maintain a carefully ordered life. So, when her eight-year-old son, Jimmy, claims there is a monster in his closet, Mary attributes it to an overactive imagination fueled by loneliness.
But imagination can sometimes draw attention.
Cate Morrissey, Jimmy’s new teacher, has encountered her fair share of monsters. During the day, she grades papers and manages a classroom of third graders. At night, she keeps a katana in her trunk and safeguards the delicate barrier between worlds. When she discovers one of Jimmy’s drawings—a creature that looks strikingly familiar—she begins to suspect that his “imaginary friend” may not be imaginary after all.
What follows is a collision of Mary’s rational world, Cate’s magical realm, and Jimmy’s unique space—where Inklings hide in closets, Wispkins glow with laughter, and Nobblenooks feast on forgotten hope. Together, they will confront the shadows that emerge when belief fades, discovering that monsters are not always something to fear. Sometimes, they light the way that will lead us home.
When Mom Met the Monster Hunter is a heartwarming tale about discovering the magic that comes from believing in what we cannot see and learning to trust again.
Includes the popular story “Dating a Demon Mom” for double the Halloween fun.
Mary O’Keeffe is a psychiatrist convinced that everything, especially fear, has an explanation. Following a painful breakup, she has learned to guard her heart and maintain a carefully ordered life. So, when her eight-year-old son, Jimmy, claims there is a monster in his closet, Mary attributes it to an overactive imagination fueled by loneliness.
But imagination can sometimes draw attention.
Cate Morrissey, Jimmy’s new teacher, has encountered her fair share of monsters. During the day, she grades papers and manages a classroom of third graders. At night, she keeps a katana in her trunk and safeguards the delicate barrier between worlds. When she discovers one of Jimmy’s drawings—a creature that looks strikingly familiar—she begins to suspect that his “imaginary friend” may not be imaginary after all.
What follows is a collision of Mary’s rational world, Cate’s magical realm, and Jimmy’s unique space—where Inklings hide in closets, Wispkins glow with laughter, and Nobblenooks feast on forgotten hope. Together, they will confront the shadows that emerge when belief fades, discovering that monsters are not always something to fear. Sometimes, they light the way that will lead us home.
When Mom Met the Monster Hunter is a heartwarming tale about discovering the magic that comes from believing in what we cannot see and learning to trust again.
Includes the popular story “Dating a Demon Mom” for double the Halloween fun.
189 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 25, 2025
23 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
JA Armstrong
3 books23 followersFor the lesbian fiction writer please refer to the correct Author's profile under J.A. Armstrong
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
October 26, 2025
Oh my goodness this has got to be one of the cutest stories I've ever read. I really love the fact that much of the story is told from the perspective of 8 year old Jimmy which adds a whole extra dimension.
I also loved the way the different types of monsters relate to different emotions that we all experience at times and the way they came and went throughout the story as the the main characters Mary, Cate and Jimmy went on their journey to understanding and trusting each other (alongside the developing connection between Mary (Jimmy's Mom) and Cate (his 3rd grade teacher).
I really hope that we will get to see more of these wonderful characters (and the adorable monsters) in the future.
I also loved the way the different types of monsters relate to different emotions that we all experience at times and the way they came and went throughout the story as the the main characters Mary, Cate and Jimmy went on their journey to understanding and trusting each other (alongside the developing connection between Mary (Jimmy's Mom) and Cate (his 3rd grade teacher).
I really hope that we will get to see more of these wonderful characters (and the adorable monsters) in the future.
October 29, 2025
Great read
This is a great book. I recommend this book. I will read it again. It is that good. Great story
This is a great book. I recommend this book. I will read it again. It is that good. Great story
October 31, 2025
Love, Love, Love!
What a fun story! When Mom Met the Monster Hunter is a light and funny story to fall in love with! JA Armstrong had me smiling throughout the book. This is a great Halloween/fall love story.
What a fun story! When Mom Met the Monster Hunter is a light and funny story to fall in love with! JA Armstrong had me smiling throughout the book. This is a great Halloween/fall love story.
November 17, 2025
When Mom Met the Monster Hunter is an amusing parent-falls-for-teacher tale with a paranormal setting. Largely told from the point of view of fourth grader Jimmy, the story arc covers a mix of world-building and romance. After several diversions to explain various monsters, the tale ends with Jimmy’s mother and teacher together in a committed relationship.
As a bonus the story is packaged with a second paranormal tale Dating a Demon Mom. This features eleven-year-old Lucilla who is scheming to get her demon mother Amy together with human neighbor Hope. Pizza and bobbing for apples figure heavily in the feel-good plot. Nothing too serious, but a cute read.
As a bonus the story is packaged with a second paranormal tale Dating a Demon Mom. This features eleven-year-old Lucilla who is scheming to get her demon mother Amy together with human neighbor Hope. Pizza and bobbing for apples figure heavily in the feel-good plot. Nothing too serious, but a cute read.
December 20, 2025
I liked the first story more than the second one, but I thought the child-like optimism and openness as well as innocent ways of thinking about the world were handled in a very smart way. It is impressive how good the writing is for capturing the child characters.
I loved that the different 'monsters' really represent different aspects of humans emotional states. I'd like to see more of this type of story with the different encounters with these different monsters.
I loved that the different 'monsters' really represent different aspects of humans emotional states. I'd like to see more of this type of story with the different encounters with these different monsters.
November 23, 2025
Absolutely fantastic book...
As with all of JA's books I love the quirsense of humor of her characters...they are down to earth regular "people " well in this case people and demons or monster hunters haha. These story's are feel good romances that we can all relate to- we are different but can love each other because of our differences!
As with all of JA's books I love the quirsense of humor of her characters...they are down to earth regular "people " well in this case people and demons or monster hunters haha. These story's are feel good romances that we can all relate to- we are different but can love each other because of our differences!
November 23, 2025
Refreshing
I really loved both stories. This was a light, easy read with interesting characters and thought provoking themes on monsters, love, loss and the willingness to suspend beliefs. I look forward to more like this from this author.
I really loved both stories. This was a light, easy read with interesting characters and thought provoking themes on monsters, love, loss and the willingness to suspend beliefs. I look forward to more like this from this author.
December 19, 2025
4 stars. This was absolutely adorable! I like when Armstrong does stories like this and Dating a Demon Mom they’re just so unique and fun. Loved the characters and I’m glad that Armstrong plans to make this into a series.
December 15, 2025
Monsters
An amazing lighthearted book. Loved the new Characters and ease of the books. Can't wait until the next book comes out
An amazing lighthearted book. Loved the new Characters and ease of the books. Can't wait until the next book comes out
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews