What do you think?
Rate this book
Monstrous Souls
What if you knew the truth but couldn’t remember?
Over a decade ago, Heidi was the victim of a brutal attack that left her hospitalised, her younger sister missing, and her best friend dead. But Heidi doesn’t remember any of that. She’s lived her life since then with little memory of her friends and family and no recollection of the crime.
But lately, it’s all starting to come back.
As Heidi begins retracing the events that lead to the assault, she is forced to confront the pain and guilt she’s long kept buried. But Heidi isn’t the only one digging up the past, and the closer she gets to remembering the truth, the more danger she’s in.
When the truth is worse than fiction, is the past worth reliving?
An addictive thriller about a case gone cold and the dangers lurking on our doorsteps, Monstrous Souls will have you gripped to the very end.
Over a decade ago, Heidi was the victim of a brutal attack that left her hospitalised, her younger sister missing, and her best friend dead. But Heidi doesn’t remember any of that. She’s lived her life since then with little memory of her friends and family and no recollection of the crime.
But lately, it’s all starting to come back.
As Heidi begins retracing the events that lead to the assault, she is forced to confront the pain and guilt she’s long kept buried. But Heidi isn’t the only one digging up the past, and the closer she gets to remembering the truth, the more danger she’s in.
When the truth is worse than fiction, is the past worth reliving?
An addictive thriller about a case gone cold and the dangers lurking on our doorsteps, Monstrous Souls will have you gripped to the very end.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 25, 2020
128 people are currently reading
286 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Kelly
3 books20 followersRebecca is winner of the 2018 Exeter Novel prize and several short story prizes. She lives in Berkshire with her husband and youngest son and an over-enthusiastic black Labrador, who gives her writing tips.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews
October 8, 2020
I’m proudly announcing that we have a brilliant debut author on the board and I’m looking forward to read more works of her!
This is dark, intense, gripping, heart wrenching, impactful, emotional story includes sensitive and disturbing issues. Some parts of the book are truly moving but they were also hard to absorb but the pure realistic story telling mixed with the emotional depth of friendship bound serves so well. The well-crafted characterization helps you to root for the narrators’ stories.
Especially the sad, heartbreaking, poignant side of Heidi’s story who is a trauma survivor, brutally attacked and left to death fifteen years ago, her bottled up guilt feelings because of being the only survivor after her best friend Nina has been killed and her little sister Anna has been kidnapped and she loses the fragments of her memories to help the officers find the perpetrator. She still tries too hard but nothing comes out: just a big blank!
After the striking and earth shattering incident on 2001, detective Denise Gilzeen still remains in touch with Heidi and after 15 years later the case reopens because the parts Heidi blocked starts to resurface. Her memories keep coming back and she starts to assist to the officers to solve the case. Of course as the secrets come out, Heidi finds herself in a dilemma: what if remembering the details about night bring out something so dangerous that may ruin her life forever. What if her involvement escalated a violent situation? What if some doors opens to the realities may be remained closed for everyone’s sake?
Story is told by detective and Heidi’s narrations, going back and forth between 2001 and 2016. I mostly loved 2001 parts: Heidi and best friend Nina’s friendship. Both Heidi’s mud pie, adorable sister Anna and quirky and angsty Nina were likable and remarkable characters. It was so hard to read their parts and impossible not truly care for them.
Of course there was a twist waiting for us with open hands and I must say: it captured by my spidey spider senses. It was a little predictable. But when you find out how the story concluded you may realize: it was the best ending you may get. It was really challenging, intense, provocative and depressing story. But it was genuinely talks to your heart and the pacing, progression keep your interest intact. It was riveting, intriguing and well-written.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Agora Books for sharing this remarkably unputdownable ARC with me in exchange my honest review. I also have to congratulate Rebecca Kelly for her skillful, captivating writing.
blog
instagram
facebook
twitter
This is dark, intense, gripping, heart wrenching, impactful, emotional story includes sensitive and disturbing issues. Some parts of the book are truly moving but they were also hard to absorb but the pure realistic story telling mixed with the emotional depth of friendship bound serves so well. The well-crafted characterization helps you to root for the narrators’ stories.
Especially the sad, heartbreaking, poignant side of Heidi’s story who is a trauma survivor, brutally attacked and left to death fifteen years ago, her bottled up guilt feelings because of being the only survivor after her best friend Nina has been killed and her little sister Anna has been kidnapped and she loses the fragments of her memories to help the officers find the perpetrator. She still tries too hard but nothing comes out: just a big blank!
After the striking and earth shattering incident on 2001, detective Denise Gilzeen still remains in touch with Heidi and after 15 years later the case reopens because the parts Heidi blocked starts to resurface. Her memories keep coming back and she starts to assist to the officers to solve the case. Of course as the secrets come out, Heidi finds herself in a dilemma: what if remembering the details about night bring out something so dangerous that may ruin her life forever. What if her involvement escalated a violent situation? What if some doors opens to the realities may be remained closed for everyone’s sake?
Story is told by detective and Heidi’s narrations, going back and forth between 2001 and 2016. I mostly loved 2001 parts: Heidi and best friend Nina’s friendship. Both Heidi’s mud pie, adorable sister Anna and quirky and angsty Nina were likable and remarkable characters. It was so hard to read their parts and impossible not truly care for them.
Of course there was a twist waiting for us with open hands and I must say: it captured by my spidey spider senses. It was a little predictable. But when you find out how the story concluded you may realize: it was the best ending you may get. It was really challenging, intense, provocative and depressing story. But it was genuinely talks to your heart and the pacing, progression keep your interest intact. It was riveting, intriguing and well-written.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Agora Books for sharing this remarkably unputdownable ARC with me in exchange my honest review. I also have to congratulate Rebecca Kelly for her skillful, captivating writing.
blog
October 15, 2020
Brilliant Storytelling, Captivating And Compelling!
It is 2001 and Heidi and Nina are only thirteen years old and are best friends with Heidi's little sister Anna always following them around wanting to be with the big girls. Nina has dark secrets she cannot share with anyone and they have changed her and she is no longer the happy, carefree girl that Heidi has always known, so Heidi is determined to discover what Nina is hiding from her so she can help her friend be happy once again, but when she does find out about Nina's secrets and tries to get help for her dear friend, now Heidi's life will be forever changed with devastating and tragic consequences for all three of the girls.
Fast forward to the year 2016. Heidi is a single young woman living on her own without any memory of a fateful day years ago when she was brutally attacked and left for dead alongside her beautiful friend Nina who was actually murdered and her sweet little sister Anna was never seen again. Finally, slivers of memory are starting to filter through the walls of her subconscious but unfortunately for Heidi, there is someone who is always watching and waiting to silence Heidi in the event that she remembers what happened that tragic day and since she is the only living witness and if she does recover her memory there are several people who want Heidi to disappear permanently and they will make sure that Heidi will not live to tell her unveiled memories.
First of all I cannot believe this was a debut book by the author "Rebecca Kelly". The brilliant writing and captivating storytelling seemed more of a well-seasoned writer. The tasteful sensitivity that this author used on such a taboo subject evoked so many unexpected emotional feelings for so many of the characters within this book. This thriller was so darkly compelling and gritty yet beautifully written and captured the atmospheric essence of the background scenery and the sights and sounds that each character would perceive. I have not been touched by such an emotional response to a story since I read the outstanding book "Odd Man Out" by James Newman. There was great pacing within the story going back and forth from the past and present and the tension kept building and building up until the final climatic and unexpected ending.
I want to thank the author Rebecca Kelly and the publisher "Agora Books" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this mesmerizing story and any thoughts and opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I highly recommend this compelling and emotional thriller and have given 5 Captivating 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Stars!!
It is 2001 and Heidi and Nina are only thirteen years old and are best friends with Heidi's little sister Anna always following them around wanting to be with the big girls. Nina has dark secrets she cannot share with anyone and they have changed her and she is no longer the happy, carefree girl that Heidi has always known, so Heidi is determined to discover what Nina is hiding from her so she can help her friend be happy once again, but when she does find out about Nina's secrets and tries to get help for her dear friend, now Heidi's life will be forever changed with devastating and tragic consequences for all three of the girls.
Fast forward to the year 2016. Heidi is a single young woman living on her own without any memory of a fateful day years ago when she was brutally attacked and left for dead alongside her beautiful friend Nina who was actually murdered and her sweet little sister Anna was never seen again. Finally, slivers of memory are starting to filter through the walls of her subconscious but unfortunately for Heidi, there is someone who is always watching and waiting to silence Heidi in the event that she remembers what happened that tragic day and since she is the only living witness and if she does recover her memory there are several people who want Heidi to disappear permanently and they will make sure that Heidi will not live to tell her unveiled memories.
First of all I cannot believe this was a debut book by the author "Rebecca Kelly". The brilliant writing and captivating storytelling seemed more of a well-seasoned writer. The tasteful sensitivity that this author used on such a taboo subject evoked so many unexpected emotional feelings for so many of the characters within this book. This thriller was so darkly compelling and gritty yet beautifully written and captured the atmospheric essence of the background scenery and the sights and sounds that each character would perceive. I have not been touched by such an emotional response to a story since I read the outstanding book "Odd Man Out" by James Newman. There was great pacing within the story going back and forth from the past and present and the tension kept building and building up until the final climatic and unexpected ending.
I want to thank the author Rebecca Kelly and the publisher "Agora Books" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this mesmerizing story and any thoughts and opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I highly recommend this compelling and emotional thriller and have given 5 Captivating 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Stars!!
June 27, 2020
Brilliant Storytelling, Captivating And Compelling!
It is 2001 and Heidi and Nina are only thirteen years old and are best friends with Heidi's little sister Anna always following them around wanting to be with the big girls. Nina has dark secrets she cannot share with anyone and they have changed her and she is no longer the happy, carefree girl that Heidi has always known, so Heidi is determined to discover what Nina is hiding from her so she can help her friend be happy once again, but when she does find out about Nina's secrets and tries to get help for her dear friend, now Heidi's life will be forever changed with devastating and tragic consequences for all three of the girls.
Fast forward to the year 2016. Heidi is a single young woman living on her own without any memory of a fateful day years ago when she was brutally attacked and left for dead alongside her beautiful friend Nina who was actually murdered and her sweet little sister Anna was never seen again. Finally, slivers of memory are starting to filter through the walls of her subconscious but unfortunately for Heidi, there is someone who is always watching and waiting to silence Heidi in the event that she remembers what happened that tragic day and since she is the only living witness and if she does recover her memory there are several people who want Heidi to disappear permanently and they will make sure that Heidi will not live to tell her unveiled memories.
First of all I cannot believe this was a debut book by the author "Rebecca Kelly". The brilliant writing and captivating storytelling seemed more of a well-seasoned writer. The tasteful sensitivity that this author used on such a taboo subject evoked so many unexpected emotional feelings for so many of the characters within this book. This thriller was so darkly compelling and gritty yet beautifully written and captured the atmospheric essence of the background scenery and the sights and sounds that each character would perceive. I have not been touched by such an emotional response to a story since I read the outstanding book "Odd Man Out" by James Newman. There was great pacing within the story going back and forth from the past and present and the tension kept building and building up until the final climatic and unexpected ending.
I want to thank the author Rebecca Kelly and the publisher "Agora Books" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this mesmerizing story and any thoughts and opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I highly recommend this compelling and emotional thriller and have given 5 Captivating 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Stars!!
It is 2001 and Heidi and Nina are only thirteen years old and are best friends with Heidi's little sister Anna always following them around wanting to be with the big girls. Nina has dark secrets she cannot share with anyone and they have changed her and she is no longer the happy, carefree girl that Heidi has always known, so Heidi is determined to discover what Nina is hiding from her so she can help her friend be happy once again, but when she does find out about Nina's secrets and tries to get help for her dear friend, now Heidi's life will be forever changed with devastating and tragic consequences for all three of the girls.
Fast forward to the year 2016. Heidi is a single young woman living on her own without any memory of a fateful day years ago when she was brutally attacked and left for dead alongside her beautiful friend Nina who was actually murdered and her sweet little sister Anna was never seen again. Finally, slivers of memory are starting to filter through the walls of her subconscious but unfortunately for Heidi, there is someone who is always watching and waiting to silence Heidi in the event that she remembers what happened that tragic day and since she is the only living witness and if she does recover her memory there are several people who want Heidi to disappear permanently and they will make sure that Heidi will not live to tell her unveiled memories.
First of all I cannot believe this was a debut book by the author "Rebecca Kelly". The brilliant writing and captivating storytelling seemed more of a well-seasoned writer. The tasteful sensitivity that this author used on such a taboo subject evoked so many unexpected emotional feelings for so many of the characters within this book. This thriller was so darkly compelling and gritty yet beautifully written and captured the atmospheric essence of the background scenery and the sights and sounds that each character would perceive. I have not been touched by such an emotional response to a story since I read the outstanding book "Odd Man Out" by James Newman. There was great pacing within the story going back and forth from the past and present and the tension kept building and building up until the final climatic and unexpected ending.
I want to thank the author Rebecca Kelly and the publisher "Agora Books" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this mesmerizing story and any thoughts and opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I highly recommend this compelling and emotional thriller and have given 5 Captivating 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Stars!!
May 29, 2020
In 2001 school girl best friends Nina and Heidi are attacked. Nina is murdered, Heidi is left for dead and Anna, Heidi’s seven year old sister is missing. When is badly injured and has no memory of the incident and cannot help police officers in the investigation. The trail goes cold and Anna has vanished. Detective Denise Gilzeen remains in touch with Heidi and in 2016 some fragmented memories begin to return. What unfolds reveals what some monstrous souls have kept hidden through manipulating their powerful positions to remain free from justice. The story is told mostly by Denise and Heidi in 2001 and 2016.
This is a very good debut which is well written, with a solid plot that keeps who guessing but which is plausible. The characters are well depicted with the friendship between Nina and Heidi one of the stand out elements. The angst of their youth comes across clearly with all their ups and downs and feels very real. Nina is easy to see with her sulky mood swings but she’s also fun. Anna is really sweet which makes her abduction unbearable. There are some very moving moments between the two girls where Nina’s desperation is palpable. Heidi’s survivors guilt, sense of betraying her best friend comes across strongly and is understandable.
This is a dark and gritty tale, with wicked crimes and a deepening mystery as time goes on. The storyline centres around a very difficult topic which the author manages deftly telling you all who need to know and no more and I like the restraint and care she shows in the writing. It’s a shocking tale but is never unnecessarily gratuitous. There are plenty of twists until these monstrous souls are unmasked and as the novel progresses you understand how they have got away with evil for so long. The book has tragedy, heartbreak, sadness, drama and shocks, frequently laced with tension and a fearful atmosphere. The conclusion is dramatic and although I had partially guessed some of it, this did not spoil a satisfying conclusion. I would however, have liked to know what happened to one of the key perpetrators from 2001 as this is not mentioned.
Overall, this is an impressive debut and a good dark thriller that is hard to put down. I’ll look forward to reading more by Rebecca Kelly in the future.
With thanks to NetGalley and Agora Books for the ARC.
This is a very good debut which is well written, with a solid plot that keeps who guessing but which is plausible. The characters are well depicted with the friendship between Nina and Heidi one of the stand out elements. The angst of their youth comes across clearly with all their ups and downs and feels very real. Nina is easy to see with her sulky mood swings but she’s also fun. Anna is really sweet which makes her abduction unbearable. There are some very moving moments between the two girls where Nina’s desperation is palpable. Heidi’s survivors guilt, sense of betraying her best friend comes across strongly and is understandable.
This is a dark and gritty tale, with wicked crimes and a deepening mystery as time goes on. The storyline centres around a very difficult topic which the author manages deftly telling you all who need to know and no more and I like the restraint and care she shows in the writing. It’s a shocking tale but is never unnecessarily gratuitous. There are plenty of twists until these monstrous souls are unmasked and as the novel progresses you understand how they have got away with evil for so long. The book has tragedy, heartbreak, sadness, drama and shocks, frequently laced with tension and a fearful atmosphere. The conclusion is dramatic and although I had partially guessed some of it, this did not spoil a satisfying conclusion. I would however, have liked to know what happened to one of the key perpetrators from 2001 as this is not mentioned.
Overall, this is an impressive debut and a good dark thriller that is hard to put down. I’ll look forward to reading more by Rebecca Kelly in the future.
With thanks to NetGalley and Agora Books for the ARC.
October 9, 2020
Monstrous Souls by Rebecca Kelly is an excellent debut read. It is a dark and heart wrenching emotional tale that deals with the sensitive topic of child molestation. The story runs in two different timelines which are fifteen years apart - the crime that happened in 2001 gets solved in 2016.
There were a few good twists in the story, but it was majorly predictable. Even then, the narration was brilliant.
I am definitely looking forward to reading more of her.
Thanks to the author and the publisher for the ARC.
Verdict: Recommended.
There were a few good twists in the story, but it was majorly predictable. Even then, the narration was brilliant.
I am definitely looking forward to reading more of her.
Thanks to the author and the publisher for the ARC.
Verdict: Recommended.
June 25, 2020
This is an excellent debut novel by Rebecca Kelly. As the title indicates, it touches on very difficult and monstrous subject matter. It handles the topic of child sexual abuse and trafficking in a sensitive, emotional and thoughtful way.
This book is filled with so many terrible people and such a sad topic that it is at times very difficult to read. The timeline jumps between 2001 and 2016, and follows two best friends, who, as children, are brought into a terrifying and abusive situation by powerful men in their town. The characters' voices are compelling and sad. The book deals with topics like dissociation and amnesia, and it also focuses on a heartbreaking friendship between two girls who are in the middle of this dangerous situation partly because of parental neglect.
Rebecca Kelly is a really beautiful writer. It is hard to believe this is her first novel. This is a bit of a slow burn at the beginning, but she draws you in with her deeply felt characterizations and sad, foreboding tone. This isn't a good book to read when you want a light or brainless experience, but if you want an emotionally wrought reading experience that is deep and sometimes tough going, this is a great book. Rebecca Kelly is definitely a writer I will keep my eye on, and I'd love to read another book by her.
Thanks to NetGalley, Rebecca Kelley and Agora Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This book is filled with so many terrible people and such a sad topic that it is at times very difficult to read. The timeline jumps between 2001 and 2016, and follows two best friends, who, as children, are brought into a terrifying and abusive situation by powerful men in their town. The characters' voices are compelling and sad. The book deals with topics like dissociation and amnesia, and it also focuses on a heartbreaking friendship between two girls who are in the middle of this dangerous situation partly because of parental neglect.
Rebecca Kelly is a really beautiful writer. It is hard to believe this is her first novel. This is a bit of a slow burn at the beginning, but she draws you in with her deeply felt characterizations and sad, foreboding tone. This isn't a good book to read when you want a light or brainless experience, but if you want an emotionally wrought reading experience that is deep and sometimes tough going, this is a great book. Rebecca Kelly is definitely a writer I will keep my eye on, and I'd love to read another book by her.
Thanks to NetGalley, Rebecca Kelley and Agora Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 25, 2020
Three young girls meet to spend some time together in their little get-away cave that no one knows about.
When the day is done ... Heidi's best friend is murdered, her younger sister is missing, and Heidi suffered a savage attack that left her with no memory. She’s lived her life for the last 15 years with little memory of her friends and family.
Now her memory is returning ... and someone will do anything to keep her memory buried ... permanently.
I read this in almost one sitting. It's well written with skillfully drawn characters. The mystery portion kept me turning pages. I loved how Heidi's thoughts and memories were portrayed. The ending was unexpected, violent, satisfying.
Many thanks to the author / Agora Books / Netgalley for the digital copy of this psychological thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
June 9, 2020
Monstrous Souls grips from the very first page, an atmospheric and ultimately very emotional read that is both thought provoking and very timely.
A violent crime echoes down the years for Heidi who has little memory of that terrible day..as flashes of the truth start to return a journey of discovery begins but danger lurks in the most unexpected places.
I loved this because it really allows the characters to inform the plot, a twisty mystery that has many layers, exploring both memory and consequence with a central theme that is sometimes difficult to absorb, dark truths about human nature that haunts..
Overall a tense, atmospheric and hugely addictive novel where the overall feel of it will stay with you long after you get to the emotionally resonant resolution.
Recommended.
A violent crime echoes down the years for Heidi who has little memory of that terrible day..as flashes of the truth start to return a journey of discovery begins but danger lurks in the most unexpected places.
I loved this because it really allows the characters to inform the plot, a twisty mystery that has many layers, exploring both memory and consequence with a central theme that is sometimes difficult to absorb, dark truths about human nature that haunts..
Overall a tense, atmospheric and hugely addictive novel where the overall feel of it will stay with you long after you get to the emotionally resonant resolution.
Recommended.
June 21, 2020
Wow,
This is another one of those rare books where you chuck whatever food you can at your family/delegate meals to someone else as long as you can keep one hand free to change pages on your kindle. Food becomes secondary when you are racing through a story as heartbreaking, soul destroying and determinedly plotted as this one.
Heidi and Nina become irretrevably linked in your minds, you make connections between their shared pasts even as Heidi tries to recover the worst thing which ever happened to her. The girls are first introduced as children-Nina’s last moments and Heidi’s first are seared into this reader’s mind as unbelievably tragic and awful. This is because of the lack of details which do not linger on the physical attacks, rather as someone going through this, it’s the small things that are noticed. Like the ash and rain drops, the position of fingers, what can be seen through bandages. It gives the victim a dignity in death, which, as you read on, she never had in life.
Nina, dead, Heidi’s little sister Anna missing, the only witness so badly injured that she has blocked all knowledge from her mind. Her 13 year old self’s defence to the horrific near death experience is to shut down and build walls of protection allowing her to recover.
Years later, as she goes about her business resembling a fully functioning adult yet simulataneously being so far removed from this state as it is possible to be, things begin to resurface.
It starts with a red buckle shoe, and a detective unwilling to let go of a case which has haunted her for 15 years.
From there it takes the darkest of turns, because as Heidi begins to piece together what happened the day Nina died, and turns to the police for help, someone seems to be one step ahead of them. And someone is lurking in the shadows, watching Heidi as the darkest of secrets are dragged out into the sunlight for all to see.
This is a hard read-the topics are so painful, the desperate attempts of a child thrust into adulthood way too soon to search for justice reminds you just how disposable children are when they are at their most vulnerable, And when those who are the ones who should be there to help you are turn out to be worst of all humans, how do you keep your soul in the absence of all hope?
The bravery and fragility of Heidi and Nina is heartbreaking and all too believable, a story echoed in daily headlines of missing children. The missing pieces are not easily slotted together, this is a book to concentrate on, and when the answers eventually come, they are somehow worse than not knowing.
This is so much more than a whodunnit, yes there is a central mystery but it also takes a look into the darkest side of child abuse. The characters are fully fleshed and do not resemble caricatures, the subject is dealt with empathically and sensitively. The victims are the focus , not the criminals. There is nothing straight forward and banal about ‘Monstrous Souls’, it is so well crafted it seems astounding that it is a debut. I loved the main detective, Denise Gilzeen from the moment she was introduced-a Detective Inspector of colour who takes zero nonsense from anyone and always, always remains focussed . She is a breath of fresh air and I genuinely hope she returns.
‘Monstrous Souls’ is currently available as a Kindle Unlimited title so if you have this, I would 100% recommend downloading it. If not, it is 99p so again, please get it if you enjoy a gripping mystery, humanity explored at its worst(and its best) and characters who linger.
This is another one of those rare books where you chuck whatever food you can at your family/delegate meals to someone else as long as you can keep one hand free to change pages on your kindle. Food becomes secondary when you are racing through a story as heartbreaking, soul destroying and determinedly plotted as this one.
Heidi and Nina become irretrevably linked in your minds, you make connections between their shared pasts even as Heidi tries to recover the worst thing which ever happened to her. The girls are first introduced as children-Nina’s last moments and Heidi’s first are seared into this reader’s mind as unbelievably tragic and awful. This is because of the lack of details which do not linger on the physical attacks, rather as someone going through this, it’s the small things that are noticed. Like the ash and rain drops, the position of fingers, what can be seen through bandages. It gives the victim a dignity in death, which, as you read on, she never had in life.
Nina, dead, Heidi’s little sister Anna missing, the only witness so badly injured that she has blocked all knowledge from her mind. Her 13 year old self’s defence to the horrific near death experience is to shut down and build walls of protection allowing her to recover.
Years later, as she goes about her business resembling a fully functioning adult yet simulataneously being so far removed from this state as it is possible to be, things begin to resurface.
It starts with a red buckle shoe, and a detective unwilling to let go of a case which has haunted her for 15 years.
From there it takes the darkest of turns, because as Heidi begins to piece together what happened the day Nina died, and turns to the police for help, someone seems to be one step ahead of them. And someone is lurking in the shadows, watching Heidi as the darkest of secrets are dragged out into the sunlight for all to see.
This is a hard read-the topics are so painful, the desperate attempts of a child thrust into adulthood way too soon to search for justice reminds you just how disposable children are when they are at their most vulnerable, And when those who are the ones who should be there to help you are turn out to be worst of all humans, how do you keep your soul in the absence of all hope?
The bravery and fragility of Heidi and Nina is heartbreaking and all too believable, a story echoed in daily headlines of missing children. The missing pieces are not easily slotted together, this is a book to concentrate on, and when the answers eventually come, they are somehow worse than not knowing.
This is so much more than a whodunnit, yes there is a central mystery but it also takes a look into the darkest side of child abuse. The characters are fully fleshed and do not resemble caricatures, the subject is dealt with empathically and sensitively. The victims are the focus , not the criminals. There is nothing straight forward and banal about ‘Monstrous Souls’, it is so well crafted it seems astounding that it is a debut. I loved the main detective, Denise Gilzeen from the moment she was introduced-a Detective Inspector of colour who takes zero nonsense from anyone and always, always remains focussed . She is a breath of fresh air and I genuinely hope she returns.
‘Monstrous Souls’ is currently available as a Kindle Unlimited title so if you have this, I would 100% recommend downloading it. If not, it is 99p so again, please get it if you enjoy a gripping mystery, humanity explored at its worst(and its best) and characters who linger.
March 25, 2020
An impressive debut! It’s addictive and pacey, but written with beautiful lyricism. While the story is based around tragedy, I LOVED the relationship between Heidi and Nina. It rang so true to some of my childhood friendships, and gave the story an undercurrent of sweetness to hold on to. Can’t wait for the next title from Rebecca Kelly.
May 11, 2020
now this book is a must read Heidi has lost her memory her best friend was murdered her sister was taken .but what happened and why cant Heidi remember . but little bits are coming back why did her best friend runaway why does somebody want Heidi dead what happened how all the pieces come together is just brilliant i cried .
June 27, 2020
What if you knew the truth but couldn’t remember?
The story opens with two detectives, Brenda and Denise visiting a teenage girl in hospital. 13-year-old Heidi was found badly beaten and left for dead in parkland. Her best friend was found dead next to her and her 7-year-old sister Anna is missing.
Moving forward to 2016, we find Denise is still in touch with Heidi who has no memory of what happened to her on that day or why. Her sister has never been found and her mum has never recovered from the trauma of what happened to Heidi and loosing Anna and is in a psychiatric unit, so Heidi is very much alone. Heidi’s memory is starting to return, frustratingly slowly and she wants to know more information about the case.
After Denise has filled Heidi in on what she knows, Heidi starts to do her own digging, starting by visiting Nina’s family who still live next door to her old childhood home. There she meets Nina’s mum and some of her now grown up siblings, who help to fill in some the gaps.
Mostly from Heidi’s point of view we hear from her at the age of 13, about her friendship with Nina and the old bunker they use a secret den. We also hear from her as a grown up as she starts to uncover the shocking events that led to her attack. As Heidi’s memory starts to come back, she is aware that she is being followed and her life is again at risk, as people become nervous about her remembering too much.
I found the subject matter of Monstrous Souls highly uncomfortable to read about, but it was a thrilling read none the less. The dual timeline worked really well – we as the reader are finding out about Heidi’s past at the same time as she is. Quite early on we learn that Nina is unhappy at home and dislikes her stepfather immensely – she wants to run away and begs Heidi to come with her. When is comes to light that Nina is being abused by her step father, Heidi’s safe, comfortable world is shattered. I felt so sad for the 13-year-old Heidi having to deal with these huge issues alone.
A gritty, dark and shocking read, Rebecca Kelly handles the subject matter with sensitivity and threw in a few extra twists that I did not see coming! A strong and confident debut.
The story opens with two detectives, Brenda and Denise visiting a teenage girl in hospital. 13-year-old Heidi was found badly beaten and left for dead in parkland. Her best friend was found dead next to her and her 7-year-old sister Anna is missing.
Moving forward to 2016, we find Denise is still in touch with Heidi who has no memory of what happened to her on that day or why. Her sister has never been found and her mum has never recovered from the trauma of what happened to Heidi and loosing Anna and is in a psychiatric unit, so Heidi is very much alone. Heidi’s memory is starting to return, frustratingly slowly and she wants to know more information about the case.
After Denise has filled Heidi in on what she knows, Heidi starts to do her own digging, starting by visiting Nina’s family who still live next door to her old childhood home. There she meets Nina’s mum and some of her now grown up siblings, who help to fill in some the gaps.
Mostly from Heidi’s point of view we hear from her at the age of 13, about her friendship with Nina and the old bunker they use a secret den. We also hear from her as a grown up as she starts to uncover the shocking events that led to her attack. As Heidi’s memory starts to come back, she is aware that she is being followed and her life is again at risk, as people become nervous about her remembering too much.
I found the subject matter of Monstrous Souls highly uncomfortable to read about, but it was a thrilling read none the less. The dual timeline worked really well – we as the reader are finding out about Heidi’s past at the same time as she is. Quite early on we learn that Nina is unhappy at home and dislikes her stepfather immensely – she wants to run away and begs Heidi to come with her. When is comes to light that Nina is being abused by her step father, Heidi’s safe, comfortable world is shattered. I felt so sad for the 13-year-old Heidi having to deal with these huge issues alone.
A gritty, dark and shocking read, Rebecca Kelly handles the subject matter with sensitivity and threw in a few extra twists that I did not see coming! A strong and confident debut.
June 20, 2020
In 2001 Heidi and her friend Nina had been attacked, only Heidi survived and her younger sister, Anna went missing.
Heidi’s injuries were severe but she recovered except she had lost all memories of that time.
Detective Denise Gilzeen had kept in contact with Heidi and now 15 years later her memory is starting to return. As a result of information she had given to Denise, the case is reopened.
Will they find who killed Nina? And what happened to Anna and other missing girls?
Monstrous Souls is an utterly gripping read, it’s dark, gritty and full of emotion. There are great characters, some likeable and some truly reprehensible and evil. The subject matter is horrific but Rebecca Kelly tells you all you need to know without being graphic or gratuitous. It’s full of an incredible tension and is a tale of horrific events, tragedy, guilt and is anger inducing at times too. A dark thriller that you really cannot put down.
Thank you to Peyton at Agora Books for the opportunity to take part in this blog tour, for the promotional material and an eARC of Monstrous Souls. This is my honest and unbiased review.
Heidi’s injuries were severe but she recovered except she had lost all memories of that time.
Detective Denise Gilzeen had kept in contact with Heidi and now 15 years later her memory is starting to return. As a result of information she had given to Denise, the case is reopened.
Will they find who killed Nina? And what happened to Anna and other missing girls?
Monstrous Souls is an utterly gripping read, it’s dark, gritty and full of emotion. There are great characters, some likeable and some truly reprehensible and evil. The subject matter is horrific but Rebecca Kelly tells you all you need to know without being graphic or gratuitous. It’s full of an incredible tension and is a tale of horrific events, tragedy, guilt and is anger inducing at times too. A dark thriller that you really cannot put down.
Thank you to Peyton at Agora Books for the opportunity to take part in this blog tour, for the promotional material and an eARC of Monstrous Souls. This is my honest and unbiased review.
June 21, 2020
4/5🌟 #MonstrousSouls
•
If you are looking to read something dark and twisty, look no longer! This book is definitely it and more.
•
Told over 2 time frames, from several people’s perspective, which keeps the book interesting throughout the chapters and you get a much better view of everything.
•
Heidi was attacked over 10 years ago, with the best friend dead and her little sister still missing. Now, as the things start to come back to her, can she finally help the police to solve this cold case?
Can the truth of the day of the attack can be unravelled or is it best to keep the secret hidden? Some determined to do anything to keep things as they are...
•
Keeps you guessing and on edge until the very end. When you think you have it all figured out, here comes the twist!
•
If you like crime fiction I definitely recommend this!
•
Thank you #NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
•
If you are looking to read something dark and twisty, look no longer! This book is definitely it and more.
•
Told over 2 time frames, from several people’s perspective, which keeps the book interesting throughout the chapters and you get a much better view of everything.
•
Heidi was attacked over 10 years ago, with the best friend dead and her little sister still missing. Now, as the things start to come back to her, can she finally help the police to solve this cold case?
Can the truth of the day of the attack can be unravelled or is it best to keep the secret hidden? Some determined to do anything to keep things as they are...
•
Keeps you guessing and on edge until the very end. When you think you have it all figured out, here comes the twist!
•
If you like crime fiction I definitely recommend this!
•
Thank you #NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 19, 2020
I'm an avid fan of thrillers but usually eschew present-tense writing as it feels distant to me. Kelly's exquisite writing not only made me forget the tense, she made me forget I was reading at all. I'd reserved her book for my bedtime reading, which turned out to be a very dangerous decision! Kelly executed extremely difficult subject matter with a delicate hand, allowing the full horror to seep drop by drop into the reader's consciousness till she learned to breathe under the dark, dark water. More than a simple mystery, Monstrous Souls explores the devastation wreaked by the worst sorts of violations, devastation that can't be contained or described by pretty little victims, pink hair bows, and perfect saves. Raw and truthful, Monstrous Souls belongs on your reading table.
June 12, 2020
What a brilliant debut!
A dark and atmospheric read that had me hooked from the start
This is a really intense and emotional read that at times will wrench your heart with its emotional story. Be warned it does involve disturbing and quite sensitive issues throughout.
This is a real "feel every emotion" book, you'll feel wrung out by the end, its definitely an impactful storyline.
I loved the deep rooted friendships which are written so well, the characterisation is fantastic, you can picture them so well which brings the story to life even more so.
The ending was quite predictable (to me) but that doesn't take away from the brilliance of Rebecca Kelly's writing, captivating is the best word to sum it up!
Solid 4*
Huge thanks to netgalley and Agora Books for the ARC.
A dark and atmospheric read that had me hooked from the start
This is a really intense and emotional read that at times will wrench your heart with its emotional story. Be warned it does involve disturbing and quite sensitive issues throughout.
This is a real "feel every emotion" book, you'll feel wrung out by the end, its definitely an impactful storyline.
I loved the deep rooted friendships which are written so well, the characterisation is fantastic, you can picture them so well which brings the story to life even more so.
The ending was quite predictable (to me) but that doesn't take away from the brilliance of Rebecca Kelly's writing, captivating is the best word to sum it up!
Solid 4*
Huge thanks to netgalley and Agora Books for the ARC.
May 31, 2020
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for this ARC!
TW: mentions of child abuse, paedophilia
I don't usually read crime novels, but this was really good! The story revolves around 13-year-old Nina, her best friend, Heidi, and Heidi's little sister, Anna. In 2001, someone murders Nina, attempts to kill Heidi and kidnaps Anna. At first, Heidi can't remember anything and so the case is closed after no leads. However, 15 years later, Heidi starts remembering things and she starts investigating with the help of tone the detectives who worked on the case.
I thought it was really interesting the way Heidi would remember something and how that information affected the investigation. I liked the glimpses at Nina and Heidi's friendship, it was well portrayed. The only fault I can find is with the pace at the ending - I wish it had been expanded a bit more, but otherwise the twist was good.
2020 Popsugar Reading Challenge: book featuring one of the seven deadly sins.
TW: mentions of child abuse, paedophilia
I don't usually read crime novels, but this was really good! The story revolves around 13-year-old Nina, her best friend, Heidi, and Heidi's little sister, Anna. In 2001, someone murders Nina, attempts to kill Heidi and kidnaps Anna. At first, Heidi can't remember anything and so the case is closed after no leads. However, 15 years later, Heidi starts remembering things and she starts investigating with the help of tone the detectives who worked on the case.
I thought it was really interesting the way Heidi would remember something and how that information affected the investigation. I liked the glimpses at Nina and Heidi's friendship, it was well portrayed. The only fault I can find is with the pace at the ending - I wish it had been expanded a bit more, but otherwise the twist was good.
2020 Popsugar Reading Challenge: book featuring one of the seven deadly sins.
April 5, 2020
4.5 STARS
Over a decade ago, Heidi was the victim of a brutal attack that left her hospitalized, her younger sister missing, and her best friend dead. But Heidi doesn’t remember any of that. She’s lived her life since then with little memory of her friends and family and no recollection of the crime.
Now, it’s all starting to come back.
As Heidi begins retracing the events that lead to the assault, she is forced to confront the pain and guilt she’s long kept buried. But Heidi isn’t the only one digging up the past, and the closer she gets to remembering the truth, the more danger she’s in.
When the truth is worse than fiction, is the past worth reliving?
.
.
.
MONSTROUS SOULS is a dark, gritty read that centres around some very touchy subjects (TW: child abuse and neglect.) However, as soon and I started reading I knew that I wasn't going to be able to put it down...and I didn't. I read this one in one sitting! Kelly's writing drew me in immediately and kept me riveted for it's entirety.
The plot swapped back and forth between 2001 (the year of the attack) and 2016 (present day) and because of this there were some points where I, as the reader, knew more than Heidi did (due to her amnesia.) I really enjoyed watching her memories slide in to place - even when I already knew the outcome of a few, and felt like this was an excellent added twist. Although most of the reveals weren't mind blowing, MONSTROUS SOULS still kept me on the edge of my seat. And the ending? Yup. That last paragraph almost did me in.
Highly recommended if you enjoy dark, gritty thrillers (and can stomach some of the triggers.)
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for granting my wish and sending me an ARC!
Over a decade ago, Heidi was the victim of a brutal attack that left her hospitalized, her younger sister missing, and her best friend dead. But Heidi doesn’t remember any of that. She’s lived her life since then with little memory of her friends and family and no recollection of the crime.
Now, it’s all starting to come back.
As Heidi begins retracing the events that lead to the assault, she is forced to confront the pain and guilt she’s long kept buried. But Heidi isn’t the only one digging up the past, and the closer she gets to remembering the truth, the more danger she’s in.
When the truth is worse than fiction, is the past worth reliving?
.
.
.
MONSTROUS SOULS is a dark, gritty read that centres around some very touchy subjects (TW: child abuse and neglect.) However, as soon and I started reading I knew that I wasn't going to be able to put it down...and I didn't. I read this one in one sitting! Kelly's writing drew me in immediately and kept me riveted for it's entirety.
The plot swapped back and forth between 2001 (the year of the attack) and 2016 (present day) and because of this there were some points where I, as the reader, knew more than Heidi did (due to her amnesia.) I really enjoyed watching her memories slide in to place - even when I already knew the outcome of a few, and felt like this was an excellent added twist. Although most of the reveals weren't mind blowing, MONSTROUS SOULS still kept me on the edge of my seat. And the ending? Yup. That last paragraph almost did me in.
Highly recommended if you enjoy dark, gritty thrillers (and can stomach some of the triggers.)
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for granting my wish and sending me an ARC!
May 5, 2020
This is a fantastic novel. It's a gritty psychological thriller that keeps you guessing until the very end. I read through this book so fast, I just needed to know the truth.
It covers some touchy subjects but does so in a respectful way.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this E-book to review via Netgalley.
It covers some touchy subjects but does so in a respectful way.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this E-book to review via Netgalley.
April 1, 2020
Heidi,having lost her memory 15 years ago in an attack that left her best friend dead,and younger sister missing,is now starting to put the pieces back together as memories emerge.
Decent enough story,nice central characters,but I found it a bit too predictable.
Decent enough story,nice central characters,but I found it a bit too predictable.
June 22, 2020
Fifteen Years ago, Heidi was the victim of an attack that she barely survived; an attack that also left her little sister, Anna, missing and her best friend, Nina, dead. No one has ever been found guilty of these crimes.... and Anna has never been traced.
Heidi does not remember what happened that day. In fact there are big chunks of her memories missing, seemingly gone for ever, and she lives her life with little recollection of her history.
Now, for some reason that Heidi cannot fathom, she has started to remember bits and pieces from the past - memories of events, things and faces that might help solve the mystery of what happened all those years ago.
As Heidi follows the trail of clues, she uncovers a web of secrets, lies and betrayal that she is not prepared for. And there are some very dangerous people would rather their guilt stayed hidden....
************************************************************
Heidi is the victim of a horrible attack that left her best friend dead and her sister missing, but she cannot remember what happened or why. She lives her live as an outsider, afraid to get close to anyone, and unsure of who she really is and what she is capable of.
When flashes of memory start to come back to Heidi, she opens a whole can of evil worms connected to a paedophile ring that was involved in the abuse and disappearance of boys and girls around the time of her assault - and with the help of one of the detectives connected to the original investigation, it seems the chance may finally be here to find out who was responsible.
As the new investigation starts to take shape, it becomes clear that the original inquiry was seriously flawed - perhaps deliberately. Someone did not want the truth exposed.... and that someone is apparently still around and directing things behind the scenes. How far does this web of corruption reach and how far was Heidi herself involved?
As more and more of the past comes back to Heidi, she begins to feel that she may have been responsible in some way for Nina's death and Anna's disappearance, but the truth, when it comes, is so much worse than she realised.
What an absolutely cracking thriller! Monstrous Souls is a masterclass in perfect pacing and seamless plotting that will keep you turning the pages all the way to the shocking end. This is absolutely heart in your mouth stuff, full of secrets, lies, corruption, and betrayal - all beautifully packaged in a dark and compelling story.
And this is tale that has chilling echoes of some of the most distressing real life cases that have been in the news in recent years - stories of grooming and abuse of young people on a huge scale, especially those from socially deprived backgrounds, that involve perpetrators in positions of trust and power that were able to cover up their activities for years with a conspiracy of silence. This is also a book that asks some interesting questions about the nature of guilt and how much someone's silence can make them complicit in the acts of others - very thought provoking indeed.
For a debut thriller, this is a most impressive and accomplished book. I can't wait to see more from Rebecca Kelly.
Heidi does not remember what happened that day. In fact there are big chunks of her memories missing, seemingly gone for ever, and she lives her life with little recollection of her history.
Now, for some reason that Heidi cannot fathom, she has started to remember bits and pieces from the past - memories of events, things and faces that might help solve the mystery of what happened all those years ago.
As Heidi follows the trail of clues, she uncovers a web of secrets, lies and betrayal that she is not prepared for. And there are some very dangerous people would rather their guilt stayed hidden....
************************************************************
Heidi is the victim of a horrible attack that left her best friend dead and her sister missing, but she cannot remember what happened or why. She lives her live as an outsider, afraid to get close to anyone, and unsure of who she really is and what she is capable of.
When flashes of memory start to come back to Heidi, she opens a whole can of evil worms connected to a paedophile ring that was involved in the abuse and disappearance of boys and girls around the time of her assault - and with the help of one of the detectives connected to the original investigation, it seems the chance may finally be here to find out who was responsible.
As the new investigation starts to take shape, it becomes clear that the original inquiry was seriously flawed - perhaps deliberately. Someone did not want the truth exposed.... and that someone is apparently still around and directing things behind the scenes. How far does this web of corruption reach and how far was Heidi herself involved?
As more and more of the past comes back to Heidi, she begins to feel that she may have been responsible in some way for Nina's death and Anna's disappearance, but the truth, when it comes, is so much worse than she realised.
What an absolutely cracking thriller! Monstrous Souls is a masterclass in perfect pacing and seamless plotting that will keep you turning the pages all the way to the shocking end. This is absolutely heart in your mouth stuff, full of secrets, lies, corruption, and betrayal - all beautifully packaged in a dark and compelling story.
And this is tale that has chilling echoes of some of the most distressing real life cases that have been in the news in recent years - stories of grooming and abuse of young people on a huge scale, especially those from socially deprived backgrounds, that involve perpetrators in positions of trust and power that were able to cover up their activities for years with a conspiracy of silence. This is also a book that asks some interesting questions about the nature of guilt and how much someone's silence can make them complicit in the acts of others - very thought provoking indeed.
For a debut thriller, this is a most impressive and accomplished book. I can't wait to see more from Rebecca Kelly.
June 17, 2020
Why have I never heard of this author before now? This book literally knocked me off my feet and as I finished the last page I was instantly searching for more of her work to purchase. I will certainly be first in the queue for the next book she releases but for now I’d better get back to the amazing book I have just read.
This book is sinister, fast-paced, creepy and so very very dark. The subject of paedophiles is a subject matter that is not for the faint hearted but the author covered this subject in a sensitive and touching way. I have to confess there were times that I had to put the book aside for an hour just to gather my thoughts but I was soon diving back in.
We start the book at the scene of a brutal attack. 13 year olds Nina and Heidi often escape to their bunker, a secret place where they can hang out and share secrets but one fateful day Nina is found brutally murdered and her body left next to a savagely beaten Heidi. Despite the odds Heidi manages to survive but she is so badle traumatised that she is left mute and mentally blocks out the attack and the events leading up to it. Her younger sister, Anna is abducted from the scene and is still missing.
Now, 15 years later memories are starting to re-surface. Diana was an officer that had been involved with the case from the start and she has become a close friend to Heidi and as the floodgates open, Diana manages to get the case reopened.
The story flips from the current day back to the time just before the attack and we really get to know and warm to the 2 friends. Their family lives are gently revealed and the characters really come to life.
I don’t want to give too much of the storyline away but as the plot thickens it’s clear that there is more to he murder then meets the eye, This is a group of men that are all involved in the awful world of child abuse and we have no idea who the killer is until the very last moments. Each of the men are guilty in my eyes and each needs to be punished. They are running scared that the truth is about to be revealed but they have friends in high places and believe that the law cannot touch them. They will stop at nothing to evade capture. They got away with it the first time but Diana is determined to uncover the truth.
This was a book that I couldn’t relax with and rather then relaxing into my sofa I spent most of the time sat on the edge of my seat, totally engrossed in this gripping read. I would highly, highly recommend this book to anyone that loves gritty, dark storylines.
This book is sinister, fast-paced, creepy and so very very dark. The subject of paedophiles is a subject matter that is not for the faint hearted but the author covered this subject in a sensitive and touching way. I have to confess there were times that I had to put the book aside for an hour just to gather my thoughts but I was soon diving back in.
We start the book at the scene of a brutal attack. 13 year olds Nina and Heidi often escape to their bunker, a secret place where they can hang out and share secrets but one fateful day Nina is found brutally murdered and her body left next to a savagely beaten Heidi. Despite the odds Heidi manages to survive but she is so badle traumatised that she is left mute and mentally blocks out the attack and the events leading up to it. Her younger sister, Anna is abducted from the scene and is still missing.
Now, 15 years later memories are starting to re-surface. Diana was an officer that had been involved with the case from the start and she has become a close friend to Heidi and as the floodgates open, Diana manages to get the case reopened.
The story flips from the current day back to the time just before the attack and we really get to know and warm to the 2 friends. Their family lives are gently revealed and the characters really come to life.
I don’t want to give too much of the storyline away but as the plot thickens it’s clear that there is more to he murder then meets the eye, This is a group of men that are all involved in the awful world of child abuse and we have no idea who the killer is until the very last moments. Each of the men are guilty in my eyes and each needs to be punished. They are running scared that the truth is about to be revealed but they have friends in high places and believe that the law cannot touch them. They will stop at nothing to evade capture. They got away with it the first time but Diana is determined to uncover the truth.
This was a book that I couldn’t relax with and rather then relaxing into my sofa I spent most of the time sat on the edge of my seat, totally engrossed in this gripping read. I would highly, highly recommend this book to anyone that loves gritty, dark storylines.
June 25, 2020
At the back of my mind, I knew who the real killer was but in this case, it doesn't really matter per se because there are far more deeper issues that lies around the death of a girl, one missing and one left for dead.
This book portrays the real horror that each one of us refused to believe exists.
I've watched and read a lot of crime books and documentaries to know that somewhere, this is real, this is happening. And that's what makes this book stand out. .
It was written as fiction but you know that somehow there's a truth to it. As it talks about the real horror surrounding the very taboo cases of pedophilia, child trafficking, and how sometimes, the ones who are supposed to help us, are the one who fails us the most - the law enforcement organizations.
The author did not shy away from the exploration of deep and difficult subject matters in this book. But she tackles the difficult subject of abuse with sensitivity, not using graphic descriptions while still managing to communicate the full horror of what was happening. She also sheds some light upon the reasons victims stay quiet, the guilt they feel and the long-lasting effects of abuse in their lives. .
The characters in this book were engrossing.
Heidi is a likeable character, she is strong-willed and I admire how hard she's trying to be okay despite what happened to her and her family.
Nina, is one of the bravest and strongest character ever written; with the horrors she endures and the knowledge that she is brutally murdered so young, I desperately wished I could save her.
Her sorrow, anguish and desolation leapt from the page and left me heartbroken.
The mysterious person stalking Heidi provides some of the best narration of the whole book and I wasn't surprised at all when his identity was revealed. I figured this out 30% into the book. but then again, there are far more pressing things surrounding the story but I also felt saddened by his story. .
Monstrous Souls is a sad and compelling debut that will have you hooked and leave you feeling a little bit scared and heart broken.
June 25, 2020
Set in 2016 Monstrous Souls introduces us to Heidi who back in 2001 was brutally attacked along with her best friend Nina, Nina didn’t survive and the attack on Heidi left her with memory loss. She doesn’t remember the attack, who it was by or the lead up to it. Heidis little sister Anna was taken that day as well and the police never found her or the culprit.
Denise was a police officer on the case at the time and it has always haunted her that they never solved things or found Anna so when Heidis memory looks like it may be coming back, Denise is keen to investigate and help Heidi. Someone isn’t so keen though and wants to stop Heidi from revealing the truth.
With a duel timeline and told from different perspectives, Monstrous Souls is a dark and twisty read that is uncomfortable at times but the subject that is approached is done with sensitivity and isn’t described in detail which I was thankful for but it certainly sent shivers down my spine.
I felt really frustrated for Heidi, I couldn’t imagine having gone through something so terrible and having no memory. You’d think it might be a blessing not remembering the terrible things that happened but she has no recollection of her friend, her sister or herself.
When I started reading this book I stopped and started many times due to family life which was really frustrating but it was when I got to about 40% I really got the chance to get into it and I read it with an urgency, an urgency to find out what happened, an urgency for Heidis memories to return and an urgency to read that justice would be severed to the monsters. It’s definitely a story that is gripping, tense and keeps you on your toes.
Monstrous Souls is an incredible debut by Rebecca Kelly and although it touches on some incredibly difficult and heart wrenching matters it’s a story that you need to make time to read, with no distractions because once you start you really won’t want to put it down. I’m excited to see what Rebecca Kelly comes up with next and I’ll be highly recommending Monstrous Souls
Denise was a police officer on the case at the time and it has always haunted her that they never solved things or found Anna so when Heidis memory looks like it may be coming back, Denise is keen to investigate and help Heidi. Someone isn’t so keen though and wants to stop Heidi from revealing the truth.
With a duel timeline and told from different perspectives, Monstrous Souls is a dark and twisty read that is uncomfortable at times but the subject that is approached is done with sensitivity and isn’t described in detail which I was thankful for but it certainly sent shivers down my spine.
I felt really frustrated for Heidi, I couldn’t imagine having gone through something so terrible and having no memory. You’d think it might be a blessing not remembering the terrible things that happened but she has no recollection of her friend, her sister or herself.
When I started reading this book I stopped and started many times due to family life which was really frustrating but it was when I got to about 40% I really got the chance to get into it and I read it with an urgency, an urgency to find out what happened, an urgency for Heidis memories to return and an urgency to read that justice would be severed to the monsters. It’s definitely a story that is gripping, tense and keeps you on your toes.
Monstrous Souls is an incredible debut by Rebecca Kelly and although it touches on some incredibly difficult and heart wrenching matters it’s a story that you need to make time to read, with no distractions because once you start you really won’t want to put it down. I’m excited to see what Rebecca Kelly comes up with next and I’ll be highly recommending Monstrous Souls
October 10, 2020
Monstrous Souls is a dark, addictive book which is hard to put down. Told from Heidi’s perspective this book is told in two timelines showing the lead up to the attack and, in the present day, how it still affects Heidi. I love first person narratives as I feel it gives me a chance to get to know the character more intimately as I am able to see what’s going on in their head. It also has me immediately on alert as it makes me think everything they say might not be true as they are known for being unreliable.
Heidi is a very interesting character who I felt a lot of sympathy for as she had been through so much. She’s a loner because of her experiences and as she feels guilty for surviving which is something I hadn’t read much about before so I found interesting to explore. The book covers some very difficult subjects of grooming and abuse but without ever going into graphic details so the reader feels uncomfortable.
The author cleverly builds up the tension over both timelines so that the book becomes impossibility to put down. Its not a book to read late at night as I kept promising I’d just read a little but more and look up to find it was midnight. There is an overwhelmingly feeling of fear in the book which also gradually increases so that I both wanted to keep reading to find out what happens but also wasn’t sure if I wanted to know! The ending was brilliant and a very satisfying though emotional way to end. I’m very excited to read more from this author in the future.
Huge thanks to Peyton from Arora books for inviting me onto the blog tour and for my copy of this book.
Heidi is a very interesting character who I felt a lot of sympathy for as she had been through so much. She’s a loner because of her experiences and as she feels guilty for surviving which is something I hadn’t read much about before so I found interesting to explore. The book covers some very difficult subjects of grooming and abuse but without ever going into graphic details so the reader feels uncomfortable.
The author cleverly builds up the tension over both timelines so that the book becomes impossibility to put down. Its not a book to read late at night as I kept promising I’d just read a little but more and look up to find it was midnight. There is an overwhelmingly feeling of fear in the book which also gradually increases so that I both wanted to keep reading to find out what happens but also wasn’t sure if I wanted to know! The ending was brilliant and a very satisfying though emotional way to end. I’m very excited to read more from this author in the future.
Huge thanks to Peyton from Arora books for inviting me onto the blog tour and for my copy of this book.
July 1, 2020
I literally couldn’t put down ‘Monstrous Souls’ by Rebecca Kelly. It’s an outstanding suspense thriller with a heart-breaking theme at its core involving a paedophile ring. The horrific nature of the subject is handled sensitively by the author and she succeeds in conveying much whilst avoiding undesirable detail. All the characters are well drawn. I particularly liked Heidi and Denise, whom I cared about and feared for. It was important to me that their stories should end well. Overall, I was enormously impressed by Rebecca Kelly’s skill in ramping up tension the whole way through the book and in creating an atmosphere of almost unbearable menace. In my opinion, ‘Monstrous Souls’ is definitely a 5-star read.
June 26, 2020
Heidi survived a brutal attack that left her best friend, Nina, dead and her little sister went missing. Over ten years later, Heidi is getting flashbacks and pieces are coming back to her. Working with the police can she regain those essential memories?
This is quite a dark book containing child abuse but it is done sensitively and with emotion. It's so descriptive, you visualise the places and settings easily. Despite its dark tones I really enjoyed it. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
This is quite a dark book containing child abuse but it is done sensitively and with emotion. It's so descriptive, you visualise the places and settings easily. Despite its dark tones I really enjoyed it. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
August 27, 2020
Thanks to Netgalley for my copy.
This is a beautifully written debut novel dealing with horrific abuse and paedophilia. Monstrous Souls could could not have been more aptly titled, this book is full of despicable and depraved characters. The subject of child abuse is handled sensitively and leaves readers to use their imagination.
The writing is descriptive and atmospheric. The relationship between the two girls is realistic and heart wrenching. The torment Heidi felt knowing Nina's secret but not knowing where to turn was so emotional.
I hope this author's next book is out soon.
This is a beautifully written debut novel dealing with horrific abuse and paedophilia. Monstrous Souls could could not have been more aptly titled, this book is full of despicable and depraved characters. The subject of child abuse is handled sensitively and leaves readers to use their imagination.
The writing is descriptive and atmospheric. The relationship between the two girls is realistic and heart wrenching. The torment Heidi felt knowing Nina's secret but not knowing where to turn was so emotional.
I hope this author's next book is out soon.
July 2, 2020
Ten years ago, Heidi survived a horrendously savage attack, during which her best friend was murdered and her little sister went missing. Amnesia has plagued her, but now, she is beginning to remember… Monstrous Souls is a tough read in relation to the sexual abuse and trafficking of children, though it is extremely well handled by the author. A taut thriller, the reader journeys alongside Heidi as she discovers clues from her slowly re-emerging memories… and the truth that shocks her to her core.
July 1, 2020
Monstrous Souls by Rebecca Kelly should come with a warning. First, once you start this book, you won’t be able to stop reading. And second, after you finish you will have a book hangover. This novel is dark, gritty, memorable, nerve-wracking. You might want to cry. You will be nervous and anxious for the main character, Heidi.
Fifteen years ago, a brutal crime was committed and Heidi was left for dead. She remembers only bits and pieces of that awful day when her best friend was killed and her sister was abducted. Its what leads up to that day which holds the clues and secrets. Monstrous Souls switches between 2016 as Heidi starts remembering everything and 2001, as it happens.
Synopsis:
Over a decade ago, Heidi was the victim of a brutal attack that left her hospitalised, her younger sister missing, and her best friend dead. But Heidi doesn’t remember any of that. She’s lived her life since then with little memory of her friends and family and no recollection of the crime.
But lately, it’s all starting to come back.
As Heidi begins retracing the events that lead to the assault, she is forced to confront the pain and guilt she’s long kept buried. But Heidi isn’t the only one digging up the past, and the closer she gets to remembering the truth, the more danger she’s in.
When the truth is worse than fiction, is the past worth reliving?
I began this novel late last night and finished it first thing in the morning; I was hooked. It’s hard to believe that this brilliantly written, pitch-perfect thriller is a debut novel. I rarely give five stars on Goodreads, but this one is definitely a five-star read. The writing, pacing, story, characters, plot are all done as if written by a seasoned pro.
This is available on NetGalley if you are a reviewer or librarian. If not, this will be out on June 25 and is available for pre-order now. Only 99 cents for the kindle version, how can you not get it?
Fifteen years ago, a brutal crime was committed and Heidi was left for dead. She remembers only bits and pieces of that awful day when her best friend was killed and her sister was abducted. Its what leads up to that day which holds the clues and secrets. Monstrous Souls switches between 2016 as Heidi starts remembering everything and 2001, as it happens.
Synopsis:
Over a decade ago, Heidi was the victim of a brutal attack that left her hospitalised, her younger sister missing, and her best friend dead. But Heidi doesn’t remember any of that. She’s lived her life since then with little memory of her friends and family and no recollection of the crime.
But lately, it’s all starting to come back.
As Heidi begins retracing the events that lead to the assault, she is forced to confront the pain and guilt she’s long kept buried. But Heidi isn’t the only one digging up the past, and the closer she gets to remembering the truth, the more danger she’s in.
When the truth is worse than fiction, is the past worth reliving?
I began this novel late last night and finished it first thing in the morning; I was hooked. It’s hard to believe that this brilliantly written, pitch-perfect thriller is a debut novel. I rarely give five stars on Goodreads, but this one is definitely a five-star read. The writing, pacing, story, characters, plot are all done as if written by a seasoned pro.
This is available on NetGalley if you are a reviewer or librarian. If not, this will be out on June 25 and is available for pre-order now. Only 99 cents for the kindle version, how can you not get it?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews