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Tales From Between #1
A Monstrous Place
Praise for A Monstrous “Ghoulishly good, one of those gems that is becoming all too rare these days.” ★★★★★ “A great scary story about a fierce/brave/witty young girl fighting creepy monsters in Between.” ★★★★★ “I couldn't put it down. Great read. I loved it!” ★★★★★ Things live between awake and asleep. In the moment after your eyes grow too heavy to stay open, but before the dreams take you... Molly lives with her Mother in a large, creaking house that she wishes were haunted. There may be no ghosts, but what about monsters? Monsters with an unending appetite that like to steal people away in the black of night. When, one morning, Molly wakes to find her own Mother missing, she discovers she has a potentially fatal task ahead of her. With only her dead Gran and a retired adventurer by her side, Molly must travel to a dangerous and untrustworthy land somewhere between awake and asleep, before her Mother finds herself planted in a most monstrous garden. Read A Monstrous Place now for a page-turning, spooky, and charming tale. You’ll fall in love with plucky Molly, who won’t run away when the monsters come a-knocking.
178 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 5, 2015
49 people are currently reading
668 people want to read
About the author
Matthew Stott
21 books52 followersMatthew Stott writes strange stories.
His novels include the middle-grade book A Monstrous Place and he has had short stories featured in places like The Ghastling, Maudlin House, & The Other Stories podcast.
He has written for BBC television and radio.
He has published authors like Eric LaRocca, Ivy Grimes, Ai Jiang, & Hailey Piper through his small press, Tales From Between.
Chat on Twitter: @mattstottwrites
'Like' on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matthewstott...
His novels include the middle-grade book A Monstrous Place and he has had short stories featured in places like The Ghastling, Maudlin House, & The Other Stories podcast.
He has written for BBC television and radio.
He has published authors like Eric LaRocca, Ivy Grimes, Ai Jiang, & Hailey Piper through his small press, Tales From Between.
Chat on Twitter: @mattstottwrites
'Like' on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matthewstott...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
June 27, 2020
How I read this: got this as a freebie somewhere or maybe a review copy years ago
Oh man, this book was so good!! Like I didn't really imagine that horror for younger readers was a thing? But this is totally a horror story, but at the same time - an adventure story. I really loved it - it was scary in just the right places. Had a Neil Gaiman-like feel, but scarier. Like The Graveyard Book, except you don't always know things will end well at all! What I loved especially was how strong the main character, the little girl, was. This was an amazing story and I'll probably buy the sequel. LOVED IT.
I can honestly not remember how I got this book, just that it was free. It may have been a review copy on some random book platform which doesn't exist anymore, so in that case, let me just say that the book being free has not affected my opinion.
Book Blog | Bookstagram | Bookish Twitter
Oh man, this book was so good!! Like I didn't really imagine that horror for younger readers was a thing? But this is totally a horror story, but at the same time - an adventure story. I really loved it - it was scary in just the right places. Had a Neil Gaiman-like feel, but scarier. Like The Graveyard Book, except you don't always know things will end well at all! What I loved especially was how strong the main character, the little girl, was. This was an amazing story and I'll probably buy the sequel. LOVED IT.
I can honestly not remember how I got this book, just that it was free. It may have been a review copy on some random book platform which doesn't exist anymore, so in that case, let me just say that the book being free has not affected my opinion.
Book Blog | Bookstagram | Bookish Twitter
October 3, 2017
Ok so I know that literally not even one week ago I was hanging out here on Goodreads complaining that 'you can't even read 10 fantasy story summaries without half of them saying the author is the next Neil Gaiman' but ...thisbookremindsmeofneilgaiman. There, I said it. I would describe this story as a cross between Coraline and that one Hannibal episode where the people are mushrooms and it was a very good time. I really liked Molly and the story was just the right balance of average every day stuff and creepy not-quite-right things to make it a fun spooky story for younger kids [and also adults, because I really liked it]. Definitely excited to check out the rest of this series.
did-not-finish
May 28, 2016I got completely fed up with this one. Took a break, came back... got even more fed up.
Tips for authors:
1. Learn how to punctuate before you publish a book.
2. Kids are not stupid. Don't write down to them.
3. If you haven't captured my attention by 10%, you've lost me. You've also probably lost your target audience.
DNF at 10%
Tips for authors:
1. Learn how to punctuate before you publish a book.
2. Kids are not stupid. Don't write down to them.
3. If you haven't captured my attention by 10%, you've lost me. You've also probably lost your target audience.
DNF at 10%
February 21, 2017
This is horror aimed at 9-14 age group. Ye Gods it was scary. Yes I'm a woose - cannot cope with monsters under the bed - or living next door. ***shiver***
December 31, 2015
Another debut this month, and just in time for Halloween, here comes A Monstrous Place, Matthew Stott's first book in his new Tales From Between series, aimed at early teens upwards. First thing you notice is the striking cover art, which for me always ramps up my expectations of what's inside.
A Monstrous Place tells the story of Molly, a young girl who finds herself caught in a nightmarish world, as her friends and neighbours start to go missing. After a visit from her grandmother's ghost, she must enter the world between awake and asleep to thwart the evil plans of those responsible.
What follows is a beautifully creepy tale brimming with vivid and macabre imagery. Stott's alternate supernatural world is stylishly constructed and populated with all manner of ghoulish characters, each more terrifying than the last, and as Molly makes her way through this hellish world, we see her character develop and adapt quickly to her new surroundings, determined to undermine the threat to her and her family at any cost.
Molly's still a child however, and thankfully it's not lost in the narrative, her sense of wonder and naiveté pushes her ever-forward, often to her peril as she tends to wander into all the wrong places.
A Monstrous Place is one of those gems that is becoming all too rare these days in indie publishing. It's a cleverly-constructed and superbly-written tale that's not for the faint of heart, but for those who like a scare at bedtime, you'll not find better.
A Monstrous Place tells the story of Molly, a young girl who finds herself caught in a nightmarish world, as her friends and neighbours start to go missing. After a visit from her grandmother's ghost, she must enter the world between awake and asleep to thwart the evil plans of those responsible.
What follows is a beautifully creepy tale brimming with vivid and macabre imagery. Stott's alternate supernatural world is stylishly constructed and populated with all manner of ghoulish characters, each more terrifying than the last, and as Molly makes her way through this hellish world, we see her character develop and adapt quickly to her new surroundings, determined to undermine the threat to her and her family at any cost.
Molly's still a child however, and thankfully it's not lost in the narrative, her sense of wonder and naiveté pushes her ever-forward, often to her peril as she tends to wander into all the wrong places.
A Monstrous Place is one of those gems that is becoming all too rare these days in indie publishing. It's a cleverly-constructed and superbly-written tale that's not for the faint of heart, but for those who like a scare at bedtime, you'll not find better.
May 22, 2016
I really enjoyed this book even though Amazon lists it's target age group at 9-14 and I am an adult. It is creepy in such a way, I'm glad I read it during the day and not at bed time. The main character a girl named Molly and she and talk to her Grandmother, who is dead, when she is asleep. When children in the neighborhood start to disappear Molly's grandmother warns her of a danger that she needs to avoid in the "in between".
The "in between" is the point between awake and asleep. But how can she find out what is happening and at the same time protect herself. I found this author's writing entertaining and it held my attention. A quick, enjoyable read.
The "in between" is the point between awake and asleep. But how can she find out what is happening and at the same time protect herself. I found this author's writing entertaining and it held my attention. A quick, enjoyable read.
December 5, 2016
Ten Second Synopsis:
When Molly's best friend Neil goes missing, it is up to Molly to investigate. With the help of her ghostly Gran, Molly must brave the world of Between and unravel the mystery of her missing friend.
This is an exciting, original new fantasy series for middle grade that has the potential to explore all sorts of spine-tingling and imaginative situations. I stumbled across this when the Kindle store threw it up as a recommended read, so I took a chance...and have subsequently bought the next two books in the series.
Between is a world that exists between waking and sleeping and is populated by all manner of strange, unexpected and unbelievable folk, including a tall faceless man, a boy-who-is-not-a-boy, and a bus full of weirdos of various persuasions. When Molly's best friend goes missing, her Gran - currently residing as a ghost in Between - tips her off as to where he might be, and Molly's rescue mission begins. After discovering some home truths about her next-door neighbours, Molly realises that she must brave a terrifying prospect in an attempt to save her mother from a fate worse than death.
The world of Between is just perfectly suited to my reading preferences. I love original worlds filled with quirky, scary and unexpected folk and this book has them in spades. There are a few sections of the book that are a little bit scary, but overall the story is packed with action and puzzle-solving as Molly attempts to wrangle her own rabbit-hole and save those she loves. Overall, the book has a sense of levity about it that staves off any real sense of terror, but there are definitely a few bits that had me biting my nails. The adult characters of Gran and Mr Adams are larger than life in some senses, which keeps the story firmly in the realm of make-believe for younger readers.
I haven't been so excited about an indie series since I found Mick Bogerman's Slug Pie Stories, which I've raved about multiple times on the blog and it's heartening to know its still possible to stumble over original, highly engaging indie-made stories. I am so pleased to have found this series and I highly recommend these to you, if you are a fan of original fantasy tales.
When Molly's best friend Neil goes missing, it is up to Molly to investigate. With the help of her ghostly Gran, Molly must brave the world of Between and unravel the mystery of her missing friend.
This is an exciting, original new fantasy series for middle grade that has the potential to explore all sorts of spine-tingling and imaginative situations. I stumbled across this when the Kindle store threw it up as a recommended read, so I took a chance...and have subsequently bought the next two books in the series.
Between is a world that exists between waking and sleeping and is populated by all manner of strange, unexpected and unbelievable folk, including a tall faceless man, a boy-who-is-not-a-boy, and a bus full of weirdos of various persuasions. When Molly's best friend goes missing, her Gran - currently residing as a ghost in Between - tips her off as to where he might be, and Molly's rescue mission begins. After discovering some home truths about her next-door neighbours, Molly realises that she must brave a terrifying prospect in an attempt to save her mother from a fate worse than death.
The world of Between is just perfectly suited to my reading preferences. I love original worlds filled with quirky, scary and unexpected folk and this book has them in spades. There are a few sections of the book that are a little bit scary, but overall the story is packed with action and puzzle-solving as Molly attempts to wrangle her own rabbit-hole and save those she loves. Overall, the book has a sense of levity about it that staves off any real sense of terror, but there are definitely a few bits that had me biting my nails. The adult characters of Gran and Mr Adams are larger than life in some senses, which keeps the story firmly in the realm of make-believe for younger readers.
I haven't been so excited about an indie series since I found Mick Bogerman's Slug Pie Stories, which I've raved about multiple times on the blog and it's heartening to know its still possible to stumble over original, highly engaging indie-made stories. I am so pleased to have found this series and I highly recommend these to you, if you are a fan of original fantasy tales.
February 8, 2017
I received this book from the authors in exchange for a fair and honest review
A monstrous place tells about one young brave girl named Molly. Peoples and her neighbors keep missing until one day her own mother is missing too. So she must visit the world of between to rescue her mom from the evil monsters that had done the horrible things. Her adventures start here.
well, i can say the story is creepy. I love the idea about the monstrous garden.
i find my self want to keep reading since i started read this book.
A monstrous place tells about one young brave girl named Molly. Peoples and her neighbors keep missing until one day her own mother is missing too. So she must visit the world of between to rescue her mom from the evil monsters that had done the horrible things. Her adventures start here.
well, i can say the story is creepy. I love the idea about the monstrous garden.
i find my self want to keep reading since i started read this book.
December 8, 2015
This book was just not for me. I did not like or sympathize with the main character, and the ending seemed to come out of nowhere. With things ending the way they did for no good reason. The one positive was the horror aspect of the book. It was genuinely creepy and horrifying at times.
June 9, 2016
really enjoyed this despite the fact I'm 31...... great idea and great story. Very much targetted for a young audience though.
November 19, 2015
Cute story about the places you may end up when you aren't awake yet not quite asleep.
June 29, 2017
Primo di una serie di tre racconti lunghi/romanzi brevi, tutti con una copertina molto carina devo dire, A monstrous place si apre con una situazione spiacevole.
Alcuni bambini spariscono di notte, e nessuno sa dove siano.
Uno di questi è Neil, amico di Molly, la protagonista.
Lei vive nella grande casa che era di sua nonna assieme alla mamma. Mr adams, vecchio soldato in pensione è loro vicino, assieme a due vecchietti un po' strampalati, che danno nomi propri alle piante del loro giardino.
Ma quando è la mamma di Molly a sparire, lei si mette all'opera per salvarla e per scoprire cos'è successo a Neil e agli altri bambini.
Proprio lei è una vera perla di protagonista: mirabile la scena in cui scopre la sparizione di sua madre.
Nemmeno nei romanzi per adulti si può trovare una bambina così intelligente e coraggiosa.
Molto spesso mi capita di non sopportare i/le protagonisti/e. Sono arroganti o lamentosi, vanitosi o melodrammatici. Molly no. E' una che vorresti come vicina di casa, come amica.
L'influenza di Gaiman nello stile dello scrittore si nota nel mondo immaginario che ha creato, fantastico ma allo stesso tempo spaventoso, con personaggi particolari e difficili da dimenticare. Lo consiglio assolutamente.
Alcuni bambini spariscono di notte, e nessuno sa dove siano.
Uno di questi è Neil, amico di Molly, la protagonista.
Lei vive nella grande casa che era di sua nonna assieme alla mamma. Mr adams, vecchio soldato in pensione è loro vicino, assieme a due vecchietti un po' strampalati, che danno nomi propri alle piante del loro giardino.
Ma quando è la mamma di Molly a sparire, lei si mette all'opera per salvarla e per scoprire cos'è successo a Neil e agli altri bambini.
Proprio lei è una vera perla di protagonista: mirabile la scena in cui scopre la sparizione di sua madre.
Nemmeno nei romanzi per adulti si può trovare una bambina così intelligente e coraggiosa.
Molto spesso mi capita di non sopportare i/le protagonisti/e. Sono arroganti o lamentosi, vanitosi o melodrammatici. Molly no. E' una che vorresti come vicina di casa, come amica.
L'influenza di Gaiman nello stile dello scrittore si nota nel mondo immaginario che ha creato, fantastico ma allo stesso tempo spaventoso, con personaggi particolari e difficili da dimenticare. Lo consiglio assolutamente.
July 6, 2018
What a wonderful read. This story is a horror written mainly for children. It reminds me of a mix of Roald Dahl, Nightmare on Elm Street and The Good Life.
The best thing about this book is its characters. Molly is fierce and Mr Adams is a man built for adventure. The monster was fun and scary, but not too scary, and carried a strong level of threat throughout.
A rare foray into independent publishing, and I am very glad I did so.
The best thing about this book is its characters. Molly is fierce and Mr Adams is a man built for adventure. The monster was fun and scary, but not too scary, and carried a strong level of threat throughout.
A rare foray into independent publishing, and I am very glad I did so.
November 23, 2020
Read Harder 2020: Horror book by indie publisher
I chose this book to fulfill the horror task because it was described as being for younger readers. It was just ok to me. The writing was spotty and the plot a bit predictable (with one surprise that I liked). I did like this Between world the author imagined - a world where we aren’t quite awake, but aren’t quite asleep. That being said, I will not read other books in this series. Horror just isn’t my thing.
I chose this book to fulfill the horror task because it was described as being for younger readers. It was just ok to me. The writing was spotty and the plot a bit predictable (with one surprise that I liked). I did like this Between world the author imagined - a world where we aren’t quite awake, but aren’t quite asleep. That being said, I will not read other books in this series. Horror just isn’t my thing.
August 8, 2022
Between Awake and Asleep
There is a place where you're not awake but not fully asleep. Its called Between and that's where the monsters exist.
After missing her dead grandmother, Molly finds Gran Between. But is it Gran or the monsters luring Molly into their trap?
More of a YA horror along the same lines as RL Stein or Neil Gaiman, a quick, entertaining read.
There is a place where you're not awake but not fully asleep. Its called Between and that's where the monsters exist.
After missing her dead grandmother, Molly finds Gran Between. But is it Gran or the monsters luring Molly into their trap?
More of a YA horror along the same lines as RL Stein or Neil Gaiman, a quick, entertaining read.
May 10, 2024
130:2024
While there are a few stylistic and structure issues, this was a solid YA creepfest that didn't go to light for a book for younger readers and also didn't get too gruesome or graphic. Will definitely get to book two, and plan on recommending this to students and other younger teen readers who want something with a bit of a darker bent.
While there are a few stylistic and structure issues, this was a solid YA creepfest that didn't go to light for a book for younger readers and also didn't get too gruesome or graphic. Will definitely get to book two, and plan on recommending this to students and other younger teen readers who want something with a bit of a darker bent.
Read
January 29, 2025I have no idea how to rate this story, so I won't.
This is a huge departure from my preferred types of books. Horror isn't really my thing, and this was so creepy and scary.
If you like Coraline, this might be a book for you. But be warned: it's a lot darker than Coraline.
This has been on my kindle since 2016, so it was definitely past time to read it.
This is a huge departure from my preferred types of books. Horror isn't really my thing, and this was so creepy and scary.
If you like Coraline, this might be a book for you. But be warned: it's a lot darker than Coraline.
This has been on my kindle since 2016, so it was definitely past time to read it.
May 16, 2018
This was a fun, cute little book. Maybe it is because I kind of like stories that have monsters and ghosts, but I really thought this was a great little book :-) I am planning to read the others in the series.
December 27, 2016
I personally LOVE this AWESOME book thank you Mathew Scott for creating such an AMAZING book ☺
October 14, 2017
A strange tale of the world between awake and asleep. A world where the monsters true forms reside. Where they can hide from being found. It is a place which you can be dragged into and find the dead you miss living alongside these monsters.
This is a story of a girl on the hunt for her mother after being dragged into this world. I found it a compelling and fast paced story that keeps you interested. There are times where you feel like you are being talked down to or having things over explained however they are not constant or overly spoil the writing. I loved it and was unable to put the book down. I can't wait to read more about the tales of between.
This is a story of a girl on the hunt for her mother after being dragged into this world. I found it a compelling and fast paced story that keeps you interested. There are times where you feel like you are being talked down to or having things over explained however they are not constant or overly spoil the writing. I loved it and was unable to put the book down. I can't wait to read more about the tales of between.
October 20, 2018
Well written creepy, little story. I want more. Read! Enjoy.
May 26, 2019
What a compelling and imaginative tale
June 23, 2019
I love how he can scare me in unusual ways.
October 28, 2020
I love this series!
December 3, 2017
Monsters lurk in the dark and live where things aren't always what they seem as you travel between being awake and asleep in Matthew Stott's A Monstrous Place.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.
A few of Molly's classmates go missing without a clear answer to what happened to them, but when her mother disappears Molly becomes quite startled. Being pulled to the Between with her dead Gran's assistance, Molly learns the scary truth about her odd, old, garden-loving neighbors, the Fisks, who have a strange tendency to refer to their plants by human names. In trying to rescue her mother from the dangerous clutches of the Fisks before they plant her in their garden, Molly calls upon the aid of her adventurer neighbor Mr. Adams and receives some much needed assistance from a tall, faceless man with authority in the Between while mustering her bravery to do what needs to be done.
With a cultivated, creepy atmosphere, this narrative vividly illustrates an intriguing concept of multiple layers to reality where things can be seen differently based on the established rules and expectations of that plane of reality. Playing up the monstrous and creepy aspects of the story, this narrative lacked a fully developed world and some of the action events were jarringly strung together; admittedly, I read a book later in the series before reading this one, which likely impacted my perspective on this book and the world presented in it.
Overall, I'd give it a 3.5 out of 5 stars.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.
A few of Molly's classmates go missing without a clear answer to what happened to them, but when her mother disappears Molly becomes quite startled. Being pulled to the Between with her dead Gran's assistance, Molly learns the scary truth about her odd, old, garden-loving neighbors, the Fisks, who have a strange tendency to refer to their plants by human names. In trying to rescue her mother from the dangerous clutches of the Fisks before they plant her in their garden, Molly calls upon the aid of her adventurer neighbor Mr. Adams and receives some much needed assistance from a tall, faceless man with authority in the Between while mustering her bravery to do what needs to be done.
With a cultivated, creepy atmosphere, this narrative vividly illustrates an intriguing concept of multiple layers to reality where things can be seen differently based on the established rules and expectations of that plane of reality. Playing up the monstrous and creepy aspects of the story, this narrative lacked a fully developed world and some of the action events were jarringly strung together; admittedly, I read a book later in the series before reading this one, which likely impacted my perspective on this book and the world presented in it.
Overall, I'd give it a 3.5 out of 5 stars.
July 1, 2023
When I was a kid I LIVED for creepy horror tales. I'm still the same as an adult, and I especially enjoy finding books that would have gotten child-me really excited. A Monstrous Place was for sure one of those. It contained just the right amount of creepy, even for an adult, but didn't feel too much for a child who is already familiar with this genre. Child-me might have had a few nightmares after finishing but that's the fun, right? If a horror novel doesn't give you nightmares it isn't doing its job! I loved the "Between" and the world the author has created here. It was imaginative, creative, and exceedingly well done. The writing and story were reminiscent of both Neil Gaiman's books for young readers and Clive Barker's The Thief of Always (which was and still is a favorite of mine). Very enjoyable and can't wait to read more from this series.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 5, 2015
When a young girl realizes her nightly dream visits from her Gran are more than just imaginary it starts an adventure to save herself, her mother and more from monsters. The Between is where these monsters exist and are vulnerable and as Molly gathers just enough strength to face it, the Between steps in and mixes things up.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this not being able to put it down after starting. The mix up of a young girl being a hero and the monsters being the least likely people made for an enjoyable read. Molly is tough but even she needs some help along the way and her pick of the former military man from next door works perfect and is even good for bringing a laugh or two to the darkness of the story.
A read that will be enjoyed by a bit older child with a different take on good vs evil and who is who.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this not being able to put it down after starting. The mix up of a young girl being a hero and the monsters being the least likely people made for an enjoyable read. Molly is tough but even she needs some help along the way and her pick of the former military man from next door works perfect and is even good for bringing a laugh or two to the darkness of the story.
A read that will be enjoyed by a bit older child with a different take on good vs evil and who is who.
October 9, 2016
Awesome, captivating, and wonderfully different was this story. I loved the main character's personality -- though only a young girl, she had plenty! The "other" place was THE BEST. Absolutely loved the dark quirkiness of it and what/whom she found there. Lots of creepiness, spookiness, and good-old-fashioned macabre yet at the same time a light-hearted and endearing story. Definitely recommend for anyone looking for a clean, safe (no dirty language or smut), delightfully mysterious and spooky read!
October 16, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I know it was for younger readers (I'm 49) but that has never stopped me from reading a book! I liked that the kids involved in the story were very brave even though they were scared. No matter what age you are this speaks to you because adults face things that scare them too.
The story was supremely well written and brought the reader into the world between awake and asleep. I highly recommend this to readers of all ages.
The story was supremely well written and brought the reader into the world between awake and asleep. I highly recommend this to readers of all ages.
July 19, 2016
This books was a creepy, fun read! This is a story of the “between” a place between awake and asleep where monsters dwell and some pretty decent things too! You really wanted to cheer on the main little girl and hold her and tell her how brave she was while she tried to save her mom from the things that lurk in “the between”. It was a fast read and it held my attention!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews