The Monster I Keep:

by Shade Owens

337 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 15, 2026

Reviews

[Chlo ☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

another brilliant read :) - this was just the perfect sequel to the first i loved it !!!

[Ag · Rating 5 out of 5]

PSA: do NOT read this book if you haven’t read the first book in series (The Monster We Made). Seriously. This is NOT a standalone book.
This is one of those books that I read and wonder how come I had no clue I needed this book in my life. I loved the first book, but I didn’t really feel like it needed a sequel. It definitely wasn’t one of those books that make you feel like this needs some closure or something. Yet, turns out, I was so wrong – it needed a second book. The second book ,made the first book complete, the existence of the second book somehow has also made the first book better. And now I feel like, you know, actually book three might make sense here. Let’s see how @shadeowensauthor feels about it! I hope she decides to go for it.
This one was disturbing in different ways than the first one. If you are a person who needs trigger warnings, it’s definitely a good idea to check those out before you dive in.
This was rationally unhinged (is that a real word combo?), it was logically emotional and emotionally logical. Such a weird and unique combination for a twisty psych thriller.
It was easy to read, but it was also emotionally charged and intellectually engaging, and – just as it should be – you don’t really know how you feel about the characters, the events, the choices they make. You find the unlikable to be likable, and you find the crazies to be the sanest. It indeed takes a special skill to make The Animal likable and relatable, IYKYK.
Hey, and by the way – this is one of the books I want to scream from the rooftops about. Ok, about both books in the series. And about the author in general.

[Flutter By Night · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Monster I Keep is the follow-up to Book #1 The Monster We Made, a compulsive, gritty, and compelling psychological thriller series. You can’t read them as a stand alone so absolutely make sure you start with the first book! And, wow, what a seamless segue into the second book in what I sincerely pray becomes a much longer series! Because these are addictive. I finished in two days.

I prefer my suspense thrillers to be guilty pleasures, dark, nerve-racking and unsettling a la Silence of the Lamb vibes. Shade Owens delivered exactly what I craved. I love her writing style. Snappy prose. Great characterization. Plot and sub plots woven together with skill, she brings scenes to life, both socially and emotionally apt, especially the truly tough and realistic topics she portrays and does justice to. Unpredictable and unputdownable, I highly recommend this one.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an unexpected trilogy, or is it duology, of twists...

This book definitely didn't have the same downhill momentum as her other books.

I found myself struggling a bit to get into it. There was like a middle lull that I often find in kdramas.

If you can get past that lull between part one and part three... It's worth it.

Ms Owens doesn't disappoint, even if she takes a little longer getting there.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great sequel to the first one. You get multiple POVs and there is some time jumping. The story was just as thrilling a ride to go on with the characters. The story building was top notch like it was in the first book. It was fast paced and such a great read. I hope there will be at least one more book in this series.

[Paige Schultz · Rating 4 out of 5]

book 3 request

I’m a voracious reader and don’t think I’ve ever left a review in all of my life. Changing that today to implore you (Shade Owens) to have Russell survive and bring him back for the third!!!!
Can’t wait to see what you come up with. So much opportunity here, please don’t waste it!!

[Paul Pope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ho. Lee. Feck. 2.0

Ghoulish tension and dark, dark drama make this sequel as exciting as the original.
I’m not a parent, but if I was I’d find this novel 10x as chilling. How do you breeders do it?! Ghastly, grisly, gritty inescapable sociopathy.

Can recommend. (But def start with the first book!)

[Lauren Randall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unsettling in the best way

I love this series and can’t wait for the next book. These characters leave you with so many conflicting feelings long after you finish. I’m really hoping we see Russell/Joel again, and that the Animal begins to grasp the idea of love and sacrifice—even if those concepts remain completely foreign to him.

[Stephanie Gaherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leaves you wanting more

Was another good thriller twist. Leaves you with a cliffhanger wanting book number 3. Really hope it comes out sooner rather than later. Have really enjoyed reading this author for the first time.

[Countrygirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

NOOOO !!!. I was not expecting a cliffhanger. I hope book #3 comes SOON. I really enjoyed this series so far. But sad that Russell will no longer be included. Unless of course you spring a surprise on us. Until #3, I will check out some more of your work.

[Kelsey Van Hook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the first book and this one was great too! Such a unique story. I kept wondering how the two story lines would merge and when they eventually did, I did not see the twist coming. Looking forward to book 3!

[Cathleen E Winchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another WILD ride!

This book left me guessing, and wanting more! Cannot wait for book #3. A wild ride from start to finish!

[Megan Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing. The writing was so so so easy to read. I want the 3rd book NOW!

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so in LOVE with this series. It's gritty, dark, and freaking fantastic! Just how I like my thrillers. The concept for Book 3 has me floored and I CANNOT wait for it!

[Hayley Angus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Literally obsessed read it in two days. So excited for the 3rd one.

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

MESSAGE TO THE AUTHOR - CONTAINS SPOILER INFO

Dear Shade Owens,

I beg you! Please have Russell survive and bring him back for the third book!!! 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼

[Ashley LaFontaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this second book!! It kept me guessing to the end and the ending - I loved it!! Didn’t think I could like it more than the first!

[todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW, I was about ready to say this one wasn't as good as part 1. I would be wrong. Although 2, took a while to connect, it turned out to be very good. I am waiting on a 3.

[Stephanie Sousa · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wild ride!! A great follow up to the first book. I feel like a book 3 is possible. Loved the twists.

[Lisa Muniz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was exactly what I needed to get out of my reading slump. I read both of these back to back and now I want another one!

[Nathan Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Easy, fast read that kept me engaged the entire way!

[Jessie Bassett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is even better than the first book! So good, so engaging! The second half had me on the edge of my seat with my jaw dropping multiple times!