Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Monsterious #2

The Snatcher of Raven Hollow

Rate this book
Here's the second book in a new series of spinechilling tales that combine monsters + mysteries, perfect for fans of Goosebumps.

When her small town is rocked by a series of baby kidnappings, Teo vows to spend her summer break solving the mystery, and convinces her friend Logan--who would much rather spend his vacation relaxing--to help.

Their search for answers soon leads them to the woods at the edge of town, and Teo fears some kind of supernatural creature might be behind the snatchings. What else could explain the creepy figure they see moving through the trees, or the bloodcurdling screams coming from the forest at dusk?

Logan has his doubts, but when another child is taken, there's no time to waste. Can he and Teo get to the bottom of the kidnappings and rescue the missing babies before it's too late?

208 pages, Paperback

Published May 9, 2023

Loading...
Loading...

About the author

Matt McMann

11 books46 followers
As a professional musician, USA Today bestselling author and Columbia River Kids’ Choice Award Nominee MATT MCMANN played an NFL stadium, a cruise ship, and the International Twins Convention. Now he writes the kind of spooky thrillers he loved as a kid, including the MONSTERIOUS series. He’s hiked the Pacific Northwest, cruised Loch Ness, and chased a ghost on a mountain. While he missed Bigfoot and Nessie, he caught the ghost.

He enjoys living nomadically around the world with his wife, New York Times bestselling author Lisa McMann, viewing his son Kilian McMann’s artwork, and watching his daughter, actor Kennedy McMann, on television.

AUTHOR WEBSITE: MattMcMann.com
INSTAGRAM: @matt_mcmann
NOMADIC LIFE NEWSLETTER: Footnote: Two Nomadic Authors Hike the World (FootnoteByMcMann.substack.com)

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
37 (32%)
4 stars
53 (46%)
3 stars
19 (16%)
2 stars
5 (4%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Shadyside Library.
345 reviews132 followers
March 4, 2024
This was a fun book, I found it unique that it combined mystery, horror, and humor. Quite a crazy concept for a middle grade story too. I found it a bit long for a middle grade book but other than that, it was a pleasant read!
Profile Image for Pulp_Fiction_Books.
244 reviews11 followers
May 17, 2024
Dealing with the positives first, this had a very sinister, dark plot for a children's story. It also had references to lots of urban legends which is a subgenre of horror I've always been a fan of. Another thing that this series does really well is its portrayal of diversity when it comes to its protagonists. Finally a little bonus Easter egg I noticed was there's a retirement home in the story and it was named Shady Acres, which was a great little nod that I very much enjoyed.
So we get to why this only gets three stars and it's for only one reason but unfortunately it makes up most of the book and that's the fact that the meat of this story is the same scene repeated over and over again. Our two main characters on the hunt for the titular 'Snatcher' go into and return from the woods no fewer than six times (possibly seven, I lost count). I just found this so egregious and it just stank of page count filler. I just found it such a shame as this could have been really strong without so much repetitiveness. The first book in the series had no such thing and was so fun and action packed.
Profile Image for Cristy Villemaire.
344 reviews32 followers
October 17, 2023
What an incredible sequel. I couldn't wait to read what happens when a small town is plagued by a series of baby kidnappings. Teo whats to help her community and convince her friend Logan to spend their summer vacation investigating.

Teo was such a great character to get to know. Persistent in the best possible way, and very inventive in her detective skills. This story will uncover another amazing creepy mystery that will solidify this series as a must-read. Cannot wait to listen to book three, the audiobooks are perfect and carry the story amazingly.
Profile Image for Kate.
55 reviews1 follower
May 16, 2023
A fun, creepy, middle grade read.
Profile Image for Alex Joseph.
612 reviews5 followers
September 8, 2026
Yikes, yeah, um: this is the weakest Monsterious book I’ve read. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘙𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘏𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸 has a promising blurb and a great idea, but it fumbled it in shy of two pages with a wet fart of an ending, amongst other issues. The story is great in concept and the final battle of the book is really good, and I was pleased the characters. There’s some okay prose and some heavy weight to the book, whether it be the maternal horror born of the villains’ antics or the manifold dark ideas of what is happening to the kidnapped babies. And most importantly: why. Why, we find out, is uh… the instance of fumbling I alluded too prior. The final chapter of the book is a national tragedy and I alone made be drop the book by one and a half points. It ruins most horror in retrospect and forces the “snatcher” into a position of moral grayness, and what for I don’t know as it’s entirely fucking useless. I hate it. The book also has endless pacing problems and even more so with time/day jumping which gets annoying as I will read a week of these characters lives in a matter of approximately ten minutes. Just slow down, dude; I promise kids have attention spans… a few of them, at least. And the book has a very repetitive first half which does serve purpose to our character’s relationship, but merely just that. Had it not drooled all over what the “snatcher” actually was and not wasted plenty of time I’d argue, I wouldn’t be bringing it up. And I feel the “snatcher” was underwhelming, not even mentioning the colossal fumble at the end. They’re very scarcely present in the book fighting against our heroes and I’m not big on how they looked. Overall, 5/10. Monsterious is a series I’m already mixed on as I feel the stories feel subpar, with the one exception of book three, so this only furthers that feeling for me. The weakest for sure (and that title should PLURAL, bitch).
Profile Image for Christina (Confessions of a Book Addict).
1,613 reviews211 followers
September 21, 2025
An entertaining middle grade read for fans who like the horror genre and Goosebumps series. This one was a bit too sinister for me to completely enjoy (stealing babies!) but the ending gave me a jaw dropping twist that made it feel worth it.
Profile Image for AshWednesday.
49 reviews
November 28, 2023
This was a fun read! It took me back to my days as a kid reading Goosebumps! And the ending was not what I was expecting! Loved it!
Profile Image for Thomas.
529 reviews18 followers
September 12, 2023
It's random read time again and we are again in the mo0dern day. This sort of falls into the modern Goosebumps inspired type series, as it does use that connection in the back blurb but its more of its own thing. This is a series that came out this year with entries and a 4th out next year. Author is Matt McMann who has an author wife and his daughter is an actor best known for the Nancy Drew CW show as Nancy herself. Guess she's a nepo baby. Nancy Drew gets name dropped as a wink wink.

Anyway, I went for book 2 so let's just dive in. Logan and Teo are best friends that notice an empty stroller one day,. They try to return it to its owner and discover that it's from a family whose baby has been kidnapped. Turns out that there's been a baby kidnapping problem lately. The kids start to suspect that something supernatural behind this and try to figure out the mystery.

Yeah, a bit more of a serious setup for this one. These are more mysterious based which does help set it a part. The Goosebumps connection would be the use of short chapters and a few fake outs. Nothing crazy for the fake outs but the chapters are super short early on, like 2 pages. They get a bit longer as it goes on a lot.

This was fairly good. Nothing amazingly substantive per say but it was enjoyable. Logan and Leo have a decent dynamic, with her always dragging him into these kind of things and him being the "oh geez rick" type. It is played out and I can see some finding it annoying but it was charming for me. We actually get descriptions for them, I've missed those in the stuff I read lol.

We do get some emotional-ish bits, with them having a blow up that does have them noting their more annoying traits. The baby kidnapping thing gives it a bit more of that emotional quality with these 12 year olds being motivated to at least figure out who to stop. There's some stuff as they figure out what the deal is. It's quick despite being like 180 pages, in the ebook at least, and the writing is decent. A tiny bit repetitive but not terribly so. And we get the return of vocab words!

It get a bit wheel spinn-y at times but it mostly flows well. The creature we get is cool with what it says, even if the lore isn't super deep. It works as a simple story with enough details in there. After the wrapup we get one final twist that I didn't see coming. I have questions but it was crazy at least.

There isn't much else to say. It's a good spooky mystery book for with some solid characters. Nothing super great but it was fairly good, I liked it. This is an anthology series and I am interested in reading more someday, we'll see. For now, this was good. And yeah that's it.

As always I'm not totally sure what is next but I got ideas for random stuff to do for backburner items and the like. it will depend on my mood I suppose. ...So yeah, see ya then.
Profile Image for Jamie Steinberg.
143 reviews7 followers
July 19, 2023
For those of us who are fans of the supernatural, you may be familiar with fabled baby snatchers from Mexico’s La Llorona, Greece’s Gello and Germany’s Krampus. Well, none of these entities are affecting the town of Raven Hollow; however, there is SOMETHING that is stealing babies from peoples’ homes. Determined to solve this case, besties Logan and Teo team up to find out what or who is snatching the babies in town and stop it. Author Matt McMann does an exceptional job at captivating readers with the spine-tingling tale of Monsterious: The Snatcher of Raven Hollow.

Teo and Logan are just looking forward to putting school behind them and spending the summer playing video games, hitting the arcade, hitting up the pool and generally kicking back. That is until they become aware of local babies being taken from their homes at night. Teo is mesmerized by this and insists on the two of them teaming up to find out what is going on. Teo is suspicious that the source is something supernatural, but Logan is a bit more fearful of getting involved. Luckily (at least I think), a nurse at the local hospital points them in the direction of an elderly woman who has a history with supernatural beings. She advises the pals to say a special blessing over silver objects and place them around the edge of town as a form of protection. However, when that doesn’t work, they are forced to rethink their plan of attack. Meanwhile, Logan is saddled with the occasional babysitting of his kid sister Meg – one of those “I’m not a kid” pests. How are they ever going to figure out a solution with her trying to tag along on top of everything?

McMann is able to draw in the reader and deeply invest them into who or what is behind these kidnappings. The story is a quick read, and for the eagle-eyed reader there is even a super cute reference to Nancy Drew – the series his daughter, Kennedy, stars in! Plus, there is a thoroughly surprising ending to the book that NO ONE will see coming.

What is that creepy creature moving through the trees of this small town? Do yourself a favor and pick up of Monsterious: The Snatcher of Raven Hollow. It’s a fascinating tale of friendship and folklore that you won’t want to put down until the very last page. Then, grab his other recent release Monsterious: Escape from Grimstone Manor in order to keep your heart racing.
Profile Image for Barb.
Author 6 books44 followers
October 14, 2023
Matt McMann does it again with book two in his Monsterious series! I loved THE SNATCHER OF RAVEN HOLLOW, a creepy but heartfelt middle grade horror book that had a seriously scary monster, two incredibly likable kids, and a mystery that had to be solved because -- missing babies! Talk about high stakes!

THE SNATCHER OF RAVEN HOLLOW had twists, interesting folklore, and friendship/family dynamics that pull you in as a reader. I really loved the friendship between Teo and Logan, its ups and downs felt real and had me cheering for this dynamic duo. While I don't do spoilers, there is a twist at the end that I didn't see coming and it was deliciously creepy and made me gasp. Go read this book, it's perfect for the Halloween season or any time of the year!
Profile Image for Emilie Austin.
6 reviews
April 22, 2024
I am unsure what to rate this book honestly. On one hand we finished it in a few weeks which is pretty impressive considering it is me reading to a 5 year old. It was definitely never something I would have picked up but when you are raising readers you read what they request and he absolutely loved it. Definitely above his level and caused a few deep conversations about missing children and being snatched. But I love that this is tied into a local myth and the kids keep working together to solve this even when they get irritated with one another.

Basically on one hand 5 starts because I never would have picked this up and I didn’t enjoy reading this. And on the other hand 2 stars because it is written really well but it is not a series I am looking forward to reading more of.
Profile Image for BRANDON.
387 reviews1 follower
July 24, 2026
Snatchers was interesting, the kids bounce from folkloric boogie man to folkloric boogie man as the suspect until they land upon an original creature that fulfills the same niche. Then the audience finds out that the true mastermind has been closer to home than anyone could imagine. The final twist is what elevates this story, especially reading it as an adult.


:Spoilers:
One little girl caused five babies to be kidnapped, that in and of itself is kind of horrifying. She also got six cryptids straight up murdered by her brother and his friend. This little terrorist has kidnapping and genocide on her rap sheet and she shows minimal regret and no hesitance to continue her crime spree. Jail, jail for one thousand years. Oli needs to be placed in witness protection.
Profile Image for Sydney Dunlap.
Author 3 books73 followers
October 12, 2023
This is the second book in the wonderful new Monsterious series, and I think it's great that they are similar in style and will appeal to the same audience, but can be read in any order. The Snatcher of Raven Hollow is about two kids who live in a town where babies keep going missing. They decide to solve the mystery and realize that what's actually going on involves a creepy, supernatural creature. Since no one would ever believe in whatever this thing is, they know it's up to them to rescue the stolen babies and keep the rest of the town's babies safe. This book is perfect for fans of spine-chilling horror and is a fabulous addition to the Monsterious collection!
68 reviews5 followers
June 8, 2023
The Snatcher of Raven Hollow was a fun horror story for kids. Logan and Teo are trying to solve a mystery, and they have a theory that's too outlandish for the cops and other adults to believe. So they've got to figure it out on their own. Great characters, great plot, great pacing, and creepy monsters! I love how author Matt McMann creates relatable characters that have real struggles set in the horror genre to give young readers the perfect amount of thrills and chills!
Profile Image for Joseph D..
Author 5 books3 followers
March 8, 2024
Book 2 of Monsterious. This was a delightful little mystery novel. Danger and intrigue ensue as babies begin to vanish. Our two young detectives are on the trail of the supernatural perpetrator. However there is a wonderful twist on this and is a satisfying ending for any middle grade reader. This series is slightly on the younger side of YA, but perfect for middle grade.

Joseph McKnight
http://www.josephmcknight.com
Profile Image for TJL.
662 reviews46 followers
December 29, 2024
Step One: Find monster’s lair.
Step Two: “Hey mom, hey dad, I heard some weird noises coming from this cave, it sounded like a baby crying! Can you come look?”

I get it, I get it, kids not being believed is the driving force of books like these, but it always makes me crazy when kids start yelling about monsters and are then bewildered when the adults don’t listen. At Teo and Logan’s age I knew damn well no one would believe me if I started yelling about monsters.
88 reviews
June 28, 2023
Who or what could be behind the string of missing babies in the small town of Raven Hollow? The book is full of twists and turns following two friends, Logan and Teo who decide they need to solve the mystery. Quick glimpses of what the creature is up to will have you wanting to read more and find out what is really going on. A frightful scare of a good read.
Profile Image for Angie Titus.
Author 3 books19 followers
January 9, 2026
I really liked this one. It was fun and creepy with good, likeable kids as the MCs. It was mapped out like a mystery and not just a horror, which made it more interesting, and I loved the surprise ending.
Profile Image for Malea Guidarelli.
165 reviews
March 2, 2026
Pretty good! I wasn’t a little reluctant when I realized the whole story was about baby snatchers, but it was good and not too spooky for my 8 year old. I will say I really liked the twist ending though.
Profile Image for Wolverinefactor.
1,158 reviews15 followers
May 26, 2023
This is definitely a series that doesn’t know what it wants to be. Pretty bland all around.
Profile Image for Allison.
902 reviews
August 11, 2023
This was a fun, spooky middle grade that will definitely delight fans of Goosebumps and Are you afraid of the dark!
231 reviews3 followers
October 13, 2024
Read this to get closer to my yearly goal. It's a children's book but it was a great read. Plan to read the series!
Profile Image for Mehsi.
16k reviews469 followers
October 16, 2023
A dark and fun book with a great twist!


I saw this series (Monsterious) a lot on my Twitter, people seemed to really like it, and well… I was already looking for a new spooky series so here we are! Since it didn’t seem to be needed to read in order I decided to go for the one that seemed the most awesome out of the two out (I read this one in early August when book 3 wasn’t out yet). This one just sounded so cool, so decisions were made!

In this exciting book we have a normal summer turn into something wholly different when babies keep on disappearing! Logan and his best friend Teo are going to investigate, albeit Logan a bit more reluctantly as he mostly just wants to have a normal summer, haha, and blame him. Especially as the story gets much darker and the realm of monsters is popping by. Could it be a monster doing it? But which one? I loved that the kids were investigating, talking to people, finding out about various lore. Things got more and more tense as the story continued, especially when the monsters got close to Logan’s family!

The last part in which Logan and Teo go to confront whatever is lurking in the woods/cave and all that happens there was one big rollercoaster. It was scary, exciting, and OMG.

But then when you think the book is over, everything is done and said, there is a twist. I won’t spoil it, but HOLY CRAP, I was just OH NO OH NO OH NOOOOOO! It was fantastic. I just loved it so much. A-plus there to the author!

The only thing I wasn’t always a fan of? Teo. Teo was a bit too much at times, always pushing her will and her things on her best friend Logan. I am glad that he eventually stepped up and I am also happy to say that Teo did seem to repent, now I just hope that she keeps on thinking about things, not just push her things but also be more considerate.

All in all, this is one spooky book and I really enjoyed it, I definitely want to check out more of this series, maybe I will get the other books for Halloween/Spooktober!

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
Profile Image for Nicole M. Hewitt.
Author 1 book361 followers
May 13, 2023
Middle-grade horror based on spine-tingling folklore, with a twist kids will love!

First off, I have to mention that the books in the Monsterious series stand completely alone, so they can be read in any order. I'm one of those people who usually can't stand to read a series out of order, but I read this one and then the first book, and found that I missed out on zero things by doing it that way since all the characters and stories are different. Feel free to read whichever storyline appeals to you first (and then you'll want to pick up the others anyway).

This book follows two kids who attempt to solve the mystery of local babies who've mysteriously gone missing. When they start to suspect something supernatural is at play, they know that no one will believe them. Their quest takes a terrifying turn, and they have to act fast before the babies are lost forever. MG horror fans will be satisfyingly spooked and love the creepy ending!

***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley so I could provide an honest review. No compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
Profile Image for M.
83 reviews5 followers
June 1, 2023
Another great installment in Matt McMann's Monsterious series! With baby kidnappings leaving a small town struggling to find answers, Teo and Logan are determined to spend their summer solving this mystery and doing everything they can to rescue the missing babies. This book has the perfect mix of spookiness, mystery, and humor for young readers looking for a spine chilling tale. Perfect for 4th and 5th graders.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews