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Monsters #1
They Are All Monsters
The Monster series. Based on the most disturbing true cases!
A killer stalks the streets of Belton. Targeting young kids, their bodies found mutilated, the actions of a savage. The task force hunting him have no clues, no witnesses, nothing. Yet impossibly, kids are still allowed to roam the streets alone at night making it easier for the killer. Or could he be doing the unthinkable; taking them from their own beds while they sleep?
Then, as if this wasn’t bad enough, kids start to disappear, kidnapped, unlike the previous deaths. Meaning another copycat killer may be at work too. And it seems they are challenging each other to a sick game; who can inflict the most amount of suffering on their chosen victim. Jeff and Clive, head of the task force, now need to find not one but two monsters causing widespread panic in the small village. And yet, as Jeff comes to suspect, in their own way, sometimes they are all monsters.
This is an extreme horror book containing scenes of a graphic nature. Do not read if easily shocked.
A killer stalks the streets of Belton. Targeting young kids, their bodies found mutilated, the actions of a savage. The task force hunting him have no clues, no witnesses, nothing. Yet impossibly, kids are still allowed to roam the streets alone at night making it easier for the killer. Or could he be doing the unthinkable; taking them from their own beds while they sleep?
Then, as if this wasn’t bad enough, kids start to disappear, kidnapped, unlike the previous deaths. Meaning another copycat killer may be at work too. And it seems they are challenging each other to a sick game; who can inflict the most amount of suffering on their chosen victim. Jeff and Clive, head of the task force, now need to find not one but two monsters causing widespread panic in the small village. And yet, as Jeff comes to suspect, in their own way, sometimes they are all monsters.
This is an extreme horror book containing scenes of a graphic nature. Do not read if easily shocked.
212 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 25, 2023
753 people are currently reading
2715 people want to read
About the author
J. Boote
19 books181 followersJ. Boote is the alter-ego of Justin Boote, author of horror and dark fiction. J. Boote writes primarily extreme horror, not for the faint-hearted or easily offended.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 283 reviews
February 8, 2024
Do you have a strong stomach? Do you enjoy taking a plunge into the mind of a monster? Boote invites you to prove it by making it through this unrelenting collection of triggering material. Don't get me wrong it's not just triggering stuff for the sake of it, there is an actual story there to keep you from just getting numb to it all and it's absolutely devastating.
July 18, 2023
Crime fiction meets Splatterpunk.
What if Edward Lee made a book with Karin Slaughter? Well you would get "They Are All Monsters" by J. Boote.
What I love the most about this book, is the fact that it seems so real. It's like hearing about a true crime case but being in the head of the killer.
The description, the writing everything was great.
Well done J. Boote i can't wait to read what you're going to write next.
What if Edward Lee made a book with Karin Slaughter? Well you would get "They Are All Monsters" by J. Boote.
What I love the most about this book, is the fact that it seems so real. It's like hearing about a true crime case but being in the head of the killer.
The description, the writing everything was great.
Well done J. Boote i can't wait to read what you're going to write next.
January 25, 2023
First of all, straight from my notes……”Jesus, Fucking Christ, this is savage!!” Boote has upped the Extreme ante once again with his latest story, They Are All Monsters. And let me tell you, the title describes this book perfectly!!
The town of Belton has a serial killer on the loose and Clive and his partner Jeff are put on the case! When they realise there are actually two serial killers, unwittingly seeming to try and outdo each other, the race is on to hunt them down and stop them. If only it was that easy, these killers are very good at what they do! They try to outdo each other on the brutality and sadisticness of their kills, increasing the ingenious but utterly horrific experiments in torture!
The first serial killer is totally savage in his kills, but the copycat killer blows him out of the water! He thrives in the dark, dreary wet weather of the UK, it helps him to seek out exactly what he wants, and what he wants is vengeance, for the brutal death of his daughter! His mission is to clean up all the evil people in life, the abusers, the would be abusers, abused kids that may grow up to be abusers themselves, the bottom of the barrel! And he wants to rid the world of as many of them as possible, he wants to scrape them off the face of the earth, like scraping his plate clean after a meal, quite literally!! He also knows first hand what can happen, after being sexually, physically and mentally abused himself as a child. My heart truly went out to his younger self in his flashbacks! It really ripped at my heartstrings! (I may have shed a tear…MAY have!)
If you become a victim of either of these killers, but especially the copycat, youll wish youd been killed outright! The unrelenting and depraved torture the victims are subjected to will make you cringe, shout out loud, and maybe even vomit!! (The soup scene 😲🤢, gave me indigestion!!)
From the start I had no idea where this was going, and what a start!!! You think it's going to be obvious where the story is headed, Boote lulls you in brilliantly and then slaps you in the face, hard!! I was sucked right in and couldn't and didn't want to stop reading. I was entranced and committed until the very end! The horrors in this story are the horrors of humanity as well as the obvious blood and gore! Justin ups the extreme in his books every time, this was extreme from the off and just got progressively and brilliantly worse! (Better!)
There is so much abuse and torture in this book, extreme/splatter/torture fans will love it!! Cannibalism, torture, did I mention torture? Subtle yet sick humor, so much blood the pages are dripping with it, and other vile, putrescent bodily fluids, oh, and the tastiest meat pies in town….
Bravo Mr. Boote! Bravo!!
The town of Belton has a serial killer on the loose and Clive and his partner Jeff are put on the case! When they realise there are actually two serial killers, unwittingly seeming to try and outdo each other, the race is on to hunt them down and stop them. If only it was that easy, these killers are very good at what they do! They try to outdo each other on the brutality and sadisticness of their kills, increasing the ingenious but utterly horrific experiments in torture!
The first serial killer is totally savage in his kills, but the copycat killer blows him out of the water! He thrives in the dark, dreary wet weather of the UK, it helps him to seek out exactly what he wants, and what he wants is vengeance, for the brutal death of his daughter! His mission is to clean up all the evil people in life, the abusers, the would be abusers, abused kids that may grow up to be abusers themselves, the bottom of the barrel! And he wants to rid the world of as many of them as possible, he wants to scrape them off the face of the earth, like scraping his plate clean after a meal, quite literally!! He also knows first hand what can happen, after being sexually, physically and mentally abused himself as a child. My heart truly went out to his younger self in his flashbacks! It really ripped at my heartstrings! (I may have shed a tear…MAY have!)
If you become a victim of either of these killers, but especially the copycat, youll wish youd been killed outright! The unrelenting and depraved torture the victims are subjected to will make you cringe, shout out loud, and maybe even vomit!! (The soup scene 😲🤢, gave me indigestion!!)
From the start I had no idea where this was going, and what a start!!! You think it's going to be obvious where the story is headed, Boote lulls you in brilliantly and then slaps you in the face, hard!! I was sucked right in and couldn't and didn't want to stop reading. I was entranced and committed until the very end! The horrors in this story are the horrors of humanity as well as the obvious blood and gore! Justin ups the extreme in his books every time, this was extreme from the off and just got progressively and brilliantly worse! (Better!)
There is so much abuse and torture in this book, extreme/splatter/torture fans will love it!! Cannibalism, torture, did I mention torture? Subtle yet sick humor, so much blood the pages are dripping with it, and other vile, putrescent bodily fluids, oh, and the tastiest meat pies in town….
Bravo Mr. Boote! Bravo!!
June 23, 2022
Ok! So the first paragraph has you saying “wtf…. I know where this is heading” but what a fun, but disturbing journey the author takes you on. And it’s based on a true story 😳😳😳😳 (you will get details at the end of the book on which part was true… again 😳😳😳) I must have had a sheltered life thus far because I didn’t even know that sh*t was even possible) I have read this author before and loved his storytelling which teetered on extreme at times, but with this short tale he has proven to be a great extreme writer as well!
April 22, 2023
A Parents Worst Nightmare
Damn! This book is brutal as f**k! Such a hard book to read, but the writing was so well done that I had a hard time putting it down. I did however, need a couple breaks because of the content, but then picked it right back up because it was so good and I needed to find out what happened next. I don’t think I have ever read a book with so many OMFG moments! Just when I though a scene couldn’t get any worse, the next one would top it. I’m so happy to hear there is a sequel. This is a must read for splatterpunk fans, and to the author, well done dude! Incredible and I can see why this is in the competition. This one will stick with me for a long time 😳
Damn! This book is brutal as f**k! Such a hard book to read, but the writing was so well done that I had a hard time putting it down. I did however, need a couple breaks because of the content, but then picked it right back up because it was so good and I needed to find out what happened next. I don’t think I have ever read a book with so many OMFG moments! Just when I though a scene couldn’t get any worse, the next one would top it. I’m so happy to hear there is a sequel. This is a must read for splatterpunk fans, and to the author, well done dude! Incredible and I can see why this is in the competition. This one will stick with me for a long time 😳
June 13, 2022
So Justin Boote sent me a copy of his new novella in exchange for an honest review, so let me be honest.. this book is so FUCKED UP! I can't believe this is Justin's first extreme horror story bc he writes like a true veteran in the genre. This story packs a serious punch and it is no holds barred! Justin managed to make me cringe, gasp, gag, and want to vomit, and I gotta love him for it! 5/5 dog skulls 💀
July 24, 2023
Title: They are all Monsters
Author: J. Boote
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
"In the streets of Belton, a sinister presence lurks—a killer on the loose, preying on young children. Their lifeless bodies are discovered broken and mutilated, leaving the community in terror. As if this wasn't horrifying enough, another murderer emerges, revealing that a copycat killer is now haunting the same streets of Belton. An eerie competition appears to be unfolding between them, a sick game to see who can inflict the most heinous torture upon their innocent victims.
"They Are All Monsters" by J. Boote takes extreme horror to an entirely new level. In this genre, it is not uncommon for the storyline to be overshadowed by excessive gore, but J. Boote skillfully walks the thin line between extremely horrifying and engaging. While I hesitate to say I loved the book due to its dark subject matter, I must acknowledge that it is a gripping, well-crafted read.
The book delves into the depths of extreme horror, exploring themes that may be disturbing and triggering for many readers. The author provides a warning in the beginning, urging readers to exercise caution and read at their discretion. This cautionary note should be taken seriously, as the book contains highly graphic content that can be challenging to digest; even I had a hard time with the most gruesome descriptions.
Like any book in this genre, "They Are All Monsters" is not without its flaws. For some, the level of graphic content may be too much to handle, overshadowing the underlying storyline. Additionally, there were moments when I struggled with the communication between the killer and the father.
If you have a very strong stomach for extreme horror and are seeking a raw and thought-provoking read, I highly recommend giving "They Are All Monsters " a try."
Author: J. Boote
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
"In the streets of Belton, a sinister presence lurks—a killer on the loose, preying on young children. Their lifeless bodies are discovered broken and mutilated, leaving the community in terror. As if this wasn't horrifying enough, another murderer emerges, revealing that a copycat killer is now haunting the same streets of Belton. An eerie competition appears to be unfolding between them, a sick game to see who can inflict the most heinous torture upon their innocent victims.
"They Are All Monsters" by J. Boote takes extreme horror to an entirely new level. In this genre, it is not uncommon for the storyline to be overshadowed by excessive gore, but J. Boote skillfully walks the thin line between extremely horrifying and engaging. While I hesitate to say I loved the book due to its dark subject matter, I must acknowledge that it is a gripping, well-crafted read.
The book delves into the depths of extreme horror, exploring themes that may be disturbing and triggering for many readers. The author provides a warning in the beginning, urging readers to exercise caution and read at their discretion. This cautionary note should be taken seriously, as the book contains highly graphic content that can be challenging to digest; even I had a hard time with the most gruesome descriptions.
Like any book in this genre, "They Are All Monsters" is not without its flaws. For some, the level of graphic content may be too much to handle, overshadowing the underlying storyline. Additionally, there were moments when I struggled with the communication between the killer and the father.
If you have a very strong stomach for extreme horror and are seeking a raw and thought-provoking read, I highly recommend giving "They Are All Monsters " a try."
June 29, 2025
THEY ARE ALL MONSTERS [2023] By J. Boote
My Review 3.5 Stars
This novel was a Buddy Read on Splatterpunk Horror Book Club, and it was also the first work I had read by J. Boote (“the alter-ego of Justin Boote, author of horror and dark fiction”). The distinction appears to be that the more extreme horror is tagged simply J. Boote. This novel was also the first installment in what would be a 6-book series. Boote is an English author penning books in the horror genre and dark fiction genre. However, he is additionally trying out his writing chops for the distinct subgenre of “extreme horror” with an abbreviated “J. Boote” signing the likes of the novels exploring the depths of the “extreme”.
Tell the truth and shame the Devil! I was reluctant to read this author’s extreme horror novels because of the content of the feedback among the Amazon Customer Reviews. It was downright spooky how terrifying these readers found his “extreme horror” novels. It gave me pause, but I didn’t let it stop me. I hit the “Buy Now” button and jumped right off the diving board into his first installment of the “Monster” series!
The setting of the story is the small village of Belton on the east coast of England. The author describes the rainfall as “perpetual”. I liked his descriptive style (“The sky was a constant grim colour, grey and murky, where the sun seemed to have given up the battle years ago.)
A solitary 46-year-old man named Clive Watson is out on the streets braving the elements on a mission, one he could not allow to fail. “He lit another cigarette, hating the fact he was slowly killing himself…” I am intimately acquainted with that feeling. He heard a sound emanating from across the park which sounded like “a yell or a scream” and he ran toward the commotion. Clive had interrupted a vicious stabbing still in progress. He comprehended a man in black, but the attacker swiftly ran into the shadows. Clive quickly calculated that taking the boy back to his semi-detached house would be the most appropriate action to take due to the victim’s grave injuries. The boy’s throat was cut and the man searched for something to staunch the bleeding.
But our “Good Samaritan” was simply too late. The boy gasped his last breath as Clive sincerely wanted the little boy to live. What follows at this point is allowing the reader a front row seat into who Clive is or perhaps more significantly what Clive is…. This opening of the novel was very well written and an effective hook to keep the reader turning pages.
The next day at the Police Station the reader formally meets DI Clive Watson and Detective Jeff Blair, the two-man team who had been tasked with the directive to seek out and destroy the elusive serial killer. There was a total of seven victims counting young Martin Walsh whose last few minutes alive were breathed in the home of DI Watson. Seven known victims in less than a year attributed to the “Belton Butcher” and not one single sighting of the murderer. More worrisome still, no clues at the crime scenes where the Butcher’s victims were savagely stabbed and their throats opened with his knife. A number of horrific atrocities were carried out post-mortem, though, the details which are read aloud during the briefing that followed the disappearance of young Martin Walsh. The reader knows that the boy’s corpse is at DI Watson’s house. It was impossible to discern what new thoughts, ideas, or plans that were derived from rehashing the known facts about the murders. There was no indication that there was a coroner who was present to do some brainstorming or a person who was conducting any forensics on the six bodies. Most important of all, the small town of Belton is under siege by a serial murderer, and no one is calling Scotland Yard or the FBI to develop a profile.
The author provides back stories for the two serial murderers who are hunting their prey in the small village of Belton. The backstory of Clive borders on the implausible due to both parents being sadistic sociopaths and visiting such horrors on Clive as a boy that it seemed overdone. The Belton Butcher’s background is also provided since he is the initial killer being sought, and it becomes evident that the two serial murderers are competing for the headlines in the newspapers and for notoriety.
The character of Jeff, the DI working alongside the sadistic sociopath Clive for a partner, is more pathetic than sympathetic. Jeff is filled with guilt over what might have been on the day he entered Clive’s house, and he is nervous wreck worrying over keeping his family safe from harm.
The climax of the book is not satisfying but rather it is depressing, and the reader feels it was a mistake that could impact an otherwise eager fan base. There was no compelling reason that I was able to find or conclude from thinking about it that rendered it necessary.
In the final analysis, I did not care for this novel to any significant degree. I feel like it was because the novel was so “top-heavy” with horrendous sadism perpetrated on children, coupled with a specific sick fate to fall upon an innocent child who was of significance to the only morally upright character in the book. Behavioral analysis (had any been included) might have walked me through the motivation for the Belton Butcher to radically change his fixed kill pattern. His sadistic tortures were previously reserved for the corpses of his victims. Abruptly he begins to carry out sadistic torture on his still living victims. This would necessarily impact his MO because it was to slash his victims with multiple stab wounds and then cut their throats. In the absence of reasoning, this only resulted in a new helping of horrific sick torture for innocent young victims.
Thanks to my Buddy Reading partner for reading this impactful novel from J. Boote’s “Monster Series” with me. We will be reading the second installment of J. Boote’s “Monster Book Series” (“Am I A Monster?”) next month.
INSIDE THE MINDS OF TWO SERIAL KILLERS WHO PREY ON CHILDREN ARE UNPLEASANT PLACES TO VISIT
My Review 3.5 Stars
This novel was a Buddy Read on Splatterpunk Horror Book Club, and it was also the first work I had read by J. Boote (“the alter-ego of Justin Boote, author of horror and dark fiction”). The distinction appears to be that the more extreme horror is tagged simply J. Boote. This novel was also the first installment in what would be a 6-book series. Boote is an English author penning books in the horror genre and dark fiction genre. However, he is additionally trying out his writing chops for the distinct subgenre of “extreme horror” with an abbreviated “J. Boote” signing the likes of the novels exploring the depths of the “extreme”.
Tell the truth and shame the Devil! I was reluctant to read this author’s extreme horror novels because of the content of the feedback among the Amazon Customer Reviews. It was downright spooky how terrifying these readers found his “extreme horror” novels. It gave me pause, but I didn’t let it stop me. I hit the “Buy Now” button and jumped right off the diving board into his first installment of the “Monster” series!
The setting of the story is the small village of Belton on the east coast of England. The author describes the rainfall as “perpetual”. I liked his descriptive style (“The sky was a constant grim colour, grey and murky, where the sun seemed to have given up the battle years ago.)
A solitary 46-year-old man named Clive Watson is out on the streets braving the elements on a mission, one he could not allow to fail. “He lit another cigarette, hating the fact he was slowly killing himself…” I am intimately acquainted with that feeling. He heard a sound emanating from across the park which sounded like “a yell or a scream” and he ran toward the commotion. Clive had interrupted a vicious stabbing still in progress. He comprehended a man in black, but the attacker swiftly ran into the shadows. Clive quickly calculated that taking the boy back to his semi-detached house would be the most appropriate action to take due to the victim’s grave injuries. The boy’s throat was cut and the man searched for something to staunch the bleeding.
But our “Good Samaritan” was simply too late. The boy gasped his last breath as Clive sincerely wanted the little boy to live. What follows at this point is allowing the reader a front row seat into who Clive is or perhaps more significantly what Clive is…. This opening of the novel was very well written and an effective hook to keep the reader turning pages.
The next day at the Police Station the reader formally meets DI Clive Watson and Detective Jeff Blair, the two-man team who had been tasked with the directive to seek out and destroy the elusive serial killer. There was a total of seven victims counting young Martin Walsh whose last few minutes alive were breathed in the home of DI Watson. Seven known victims in less than a year attributed to the “Belton Butcher” and not one single sighting of the murderer. More worrisome still, no clues at the crime scenes where the Butcher’s victims were savagely stabbed and their throats opened with his knife. A number of horrific atrocities were carried out post-mortem, though, the details which are read aloud during the briefing that followed the disappearance of young Martin Walsh. The reader knows that the boy’s corpse is at DI Watson’s house. It was impossible to discern what new thoughts, ideas, or plans that were derived from rehashing the known facts about the murders. There was no indication that there was a coroner who was present to do some brainstorming or a person who was conducting any forensics on the six bodies. Most important of all, the small town of Belton is under siege by a serial murderer, and no one is calling Scotland Yard or the FBI to develop a profile.
The author provides back stories for the two serial murderers who are hunting their prey in the small village of Belton. The backstory of Clive borders on the implausible due to both parents being sadistic sociopaths and visiting such horrors on Clive as a boy that it seemed overdone. The Belton Butcher’s background is also provided since he is the initial killer being sought, and it becomes evident that the two serial murderers are competing for the headlines in the newspapers and for notoriety.
The character of Jeff, the DI working alongside the sadistic sociopath Clive for a partner, is more pathetic than sympathetic. Jeff is filled with guilt over what might have been on the day he entered Clive’s house, and he is nervous wreck worrying over keeping his family safe from harm.
The climax of the book is not satisfying but rather it is depressing, and the reader feels it was a mistake that could impact an otherwise eager fan base. There was no compelling reason that I was able to find or conclude from thinking about it that rendered it necessary.
In the final analysis, I did not care for this novel to any significant degree. I feel like it was because the novel was so “top-heavy” with horrendous sadism perpetrated on children, coupled with a specific sick fate to fall upon an innocent child who was of significance to the only morally upright character in the book. Behavioral analysis (had any been included) might have walked me through the motivation for the Belton Butcher to radically change his fixed kill pattern. His sadistic tortures were previously reserved for the corpses of his victims. Abruptly he begins to carry out sadistic torture on his still living victims. This would necessarily impact his MO because it was to slash his victims with multiple stab wounds and then cut their throats. In the absence of reasoning, this only resulted in a new helping of horrific sick torture for innocent young victims.
Thanks to my Buddy Reading partner for reading this impactful novel from J. Boote’s “Monster Series” with me. We will be reading the second installment of J. Boote’s “Monster Book Series” (“Am I A Monster?”) next month.
INSIDE THE MINDS OF TWO SERIAL KILLERS WHO PREY ON CHILDREN ARE UNPLEASANT PLACES TO VISIT
June 10, 2022
Man's Best Friend...Where do I start...I have to be honest, this is the first book I have read by J Boote, and man was it fucked up!! It was pretty disturbing and if you love extreme horror, you are going to love this one! Be ready for a ride like no other. I definitely had to walk away from this one a time or two, but also couldn't wait to pick it back up and see where it went!
June 10, 2022
This was disgusting, vile, repulsive and downright nasty. I loved it! Very different from the author's other works for sure. But he does extreme very well!
June 1, 2023
3.5 Stars
June 27, 2024
If there's one thing, I strongly dislike in the splatterpunk/ extreme horror sub-genre, is when authors rely on shock value to carry the story. Let's get into this review shall we.
Belton is a little village in England that is rocked by a series of macabre murders. The victims, young boys and girls of no specific age range, ethnicity or background. The killings are gory, violent, brutal and meant to inflict immense pain and suffering on the unfortunate victims. Add an even more sick, twisted and demented copycat into the mix and, you have yourself one graphic story.
This book opens up with the killer and copycat coming face to face, immediately thrusting readers into a world of chaos and carnage. The first murder scene was grisly and really set the tone for what was to come in this book. From page one, the book is steady on delivering on shock value and never once let up. This quickly became a problem but, we're not there yet.
The first 50% of this book was good, I was really enjoying the storyline; it had lots of suspense as tensions were increasing in the village and, more bodies were turning up. Add disgruntled residents who are becoming increasingly frustrated by local police and their lack of progress and you have a world of anxiety and terror. I also liked the inclusion of the villains POV; I always love when books include that as we get a look into the minds of very sinister characters.
The author also does a great job in evoking a level of understanding when it comes to the background of the copycat. I wouldn't go as far as to say sympathy but let's just say I can understand why he turned out the way that he did. The scenes of torture were well depicted and honestly made me shudder with revulsion. The desire to survive truly surpasses all levels of pain. I think this is the first book where I actually felt a level of sorrow for victims of extreme torture. I actually wished they'd die quicker just to be put out of their misery.
This book however, started getting a little too repetitive for me. It was getting to the point, as mentioned above, where the author was relying on shock value to carry the story. It wasn't needed at all. Some of these scenes could've been cut short and I would still have enjoyed the book. I also thought we needed more backstory on the real killer. At the end of the day, they were two killers and I wanted to know more about them both, not just one. If I had gotten that instead of repetitive scenes and dialogue, I would have surely given this a higher rating.
The ending was also a huge let down for me. This though was just due to personal preference as I like vindication in books like these. I do understand that this is the first book in the series, but I still felt disappointed at that.
Overall, it was an okay read and extremely dark and disturbing but I wanted more from it. I may still explore more in the series.
Belton is a little village in England that is rocked by a series of macabre murders. The victims, young boys and girls of no specific age range, ethnicity or background. The killings are gory, violent, brutal and meant to inflict immense pain and suffering on the unfortunate victims. Add an even more sick, twisted and demented copycat into the mix and, you have yourself one graphic story.
This book opens up with the killer and copycat coming face to face, immediately thrusting readers into a world of chaos and carnage. The first murder scene was grisly and really set the tone for what was to come in this book. From page one, the book is steady on delivering on shock value and never once let up. This quickly became a problem but, we're not there yet.
The first 50% of this book was good, I was really enjoying the storyline; it had lots of suspense as tensions were increasing in the village and, more bodies were turning up. Add disgruntled residents who are becoming increasingly frustrated by local police and their lack of progress and you have a world of anxiety and terror. I also liked the inclusion of the villains POV; I always love when books include that as we get a look into the minds of very sinister characters.
The author also does a great job in evoking a level of understanding when it comes to the background of the copycat. I wouldn't go as far as to say sympathy but let's just say I can understand why he turned out the way that he did. The scenes of torture were well depicted and honestly made me shudder with revulsion. The desire to survive truly surpasses all levels of pain. I think this is the first book where I actually felt a level of sorrow for victims of extreme torture. I actually wished they'd die quicker just to be put out of their misery.
This book however, started getting a little too repetitive for me. It was getting to the point, as mentioned above, where the author was relying on shock value to carry the story. It wasn't needed at all. Some of these scenes could've been cut short and I would still have enjoyed the book. I also thought we needed more backstory on the real killer. At the end of the day, they were two killers and I wanted to know more about them both, not just one. If I had gotten that instead of repetitive scenes and dialogue, I would have surely given this a higher rating.
The ending was also a huge let down for me. This though was just due to personal preference as I like vindication in books like these. I do understand that this is the first book in the series, but I still felt disappointed at that.
Overall, it was an okay read and extremely dark and disturbing but I wanted more from it. I may still explore more in the series.
February 23, 2023
Wow!! Boote pulls no punches in this vicious, suspenseful tale of two killers competing in murdering local children in the most heinous ways possible, trying to one-up each other. This was a tough read, even for me who has zero triggers. Boote certainly knows how to write extreme horror and this book was causing a physical reaction in me, making my stomach turn while reading the depraved torture these kids, some more innocent than others, were experiencing. And the ending.. goddamn you Justin!! 5/5 skulls 💀
June 10, 2022
Justin Boote takes a turn for the extreme in his new story Man's Best Friend. Damn it's a nasty brutal entertaining read, supposedly inspired by true events witnessed by the author!
I will not spoil anything, but it's smut, it's fouled languaged, it's not for those who can't read stuff with animals being treated unethical, and it's gross.
But for the rest this is a fast paced (as Boote is always), gory, brutal piece of beast! ❤️
A big Thank to Justin for letting me recieve an ARC in return for an honest review.
I will not spoil anything, but it's smut, it's fouled languaged, it's not for those who can't read stuff with animals being treated unethical, and it's gross.
But for the rest this is a fast paced (as Boote is always), gory, brutal piece of beast! ❤️
A big Thank to Justin for letting me recieve an ARC in return for an honest review.
April 18, 2023
This was f*cking brutal and I’m feeling all the feels for Jeff right now. This is everything I want and need in a book. I would have loved to see him actually catch Clive and see justice being served, but that doesn’t change my thoughts or feelings about this book
Thank you J. Boote, now I’m emotional🥲🤣
Thank you J. Boote, now I’m emotional🥲🤣
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 4, 2024
wtf
This is the first book I read from this author. It was absolutely disgusting, sooo disgusting. I loved it. Definitely want to make sure to let anyone know major trigger warnings for this book. The only reason I didn’t give it five stars was because of the ending. I really don’t like endings like that. But I will definitely read more from this author.
This is the first book I read from this author. It was absolutely disgusting, sooo disgusting. I loved it. Definitely want to make sure to let anyone know major trigger warnings for this book. The only reason I didn’t give it five stars was because of the ending. I really don’t like endings like that. But I will definitely read more from this author.
April 17, 2023
This is the story about not one, but two serial killers plaguing a little English town. They each have their reasons for what they do, but when they end up inadvertently challenging each other to a “kill off”, the methods of torture and killing become more and more horrific. Worst of all, their targets are the village children. Lock your doors and keep your kiddies inside, because here there be monsters!
Thank you so much to the author for a copy to read and review!
Thank you so much to the author for a copy to read and review!
April 19, 2024
The end of chapter 12 of this one had me closing the book and staring into space thinking WTAF!
This one is brutal, its got a great story but its brutal!
This one is brutal, its got a great story but its brutal!
January 28, 2023
“Monsters didn’t exist in people’s heads, or nightmares, on a screen or in a book. They were as real as everything else, even more so because these monsters were what kept the village alive.”
These “monsters” certainly brought some life into my dreams, or well nightmares.
Two serial killers, in one small hamlet.
One with what simply appears to be, simply, a taste for youthful death itself.
The other with a ravenous appetite for slowly, torturously drawing out the most tender bits of young humanity, before finally bestowing his gift, sweet death…
The local police left without leads, without hope.
What happens when their paths finally cross, the heights these two demonically twisted and brilliant minds achieve in terror; it’s beyond brutal.
I have to admit, there was one or two parts that made me physically flinch as I was reading… Seeing mankind’s raw capacity for self-justified evil, stripped down and made into a macabre tableau… it gave me a moments pause.
That being said, this was not splatter for splatter’s sake (which I adore, btw)
The killers felt strangely, achingly human; well nuanced and relatable.
The police were reminiscent of my all-time favorite Detective, Robert Hunter (from Chris Carter’s, Robert Hunter series - this is the highest praise from me) with an extreme, soul sucking twist.
The townspeople were annoyingly predicable, as humans generally are, in my experience.
The victims, they will steal your heart and squeeze out every last droplet of delicious blood.
The rat… well, that’s all I’ll say. The rat.
“They are all monsters, Terry. Even those that don’t even know it yet. I’m just playing God. What’s your excuse?”
I’m certainly looking a bit more carefully over my shoulder for monsters when I step out of the house at night.
These “monsters” certainly brought some life into my dreams, or well nightmares.
Two serial killers, in one small hamlet.
One with what simply appears to be, simply, a taste for youthful death itself.
The other with a ravenous appetite for slowly, torturously drawing out the most tender bits of young humanity, before finally bestowing his gift, sweet death…
The local police left without leads, without hope.
What happens when their paths finally cross, the heights these two demonically twisted and brilliant minds achieve in terror; it’s beyond brutal.
I have to admit, there was one or two parts that made me physically flinch as I was reading… Seeing mankind’s raw capacity for self-justified evil, stripped down and made into a macabre tableau… it gave me a moments pause.
That being said, this was not splatter for splatter’s sake (which I adore, btw)
The killers felt strangely, achingly human; well nuanced and relatable.
The police were reminiscent of my all-time favorite Detective, Robert Hunter (from Chris Carter’s, Robert Hunter series - this is the highest praise from me) with an extreme, soul sucking twist.
The townspeople were annoyingly predicable, as humans generally are, in my experience.
The victims, they will steal your heart and squeeze out every last droplet of delicious blood.
The rat… well, that’s all I’ll say. The rat.
“They are all monsters, Terry. Even those that don’t even know it yet. I’m just playing God. What’s your excuse?”
I’m certainly looking a bit more carefully over my shoulder for monsters when I step out of the house at night.
August 21, 2023
Before grabbing your own copy... please know this book is riddled with triggers triggers triggers!!!!!! Check your freaking triggers! Lately, many extreme authors are being blasted because people read these works without taking head of the extreme content of these books.
Some of the triggers in the book are (but are not limited to): Sexual abuse, child abuse, torture, murder, cannibalism, profanity, gore...
"They’re all monsters, Terry. All of them. Even those that don’t even know it yet. I’m just playing God. What’s your excuse?”
'They Are All Monsters' was absolutely mindblowing. If I had to sum it up into one cohesive thought, I would say this book is what happens when Splatterpunk meets Dexter.
Prime example of monsters hiding in plain sight in the most unlikely of places. Personally, there is just something more disturbing when the perpetrators should be the protectors.
This book is short, but it's well written. It was a story that had me in a chokehold from its first page. The brutally was there, and HOLY HELL was it brutal. There were definitely some undertones of nature vs. nurture. I liked that Boote didn't necessarily "justify " the killing but made you stop and be like...."Yeah, I get it... it ain't okay...but I can see how in a fucked up way this person could justify their actions ". Do I think real life monsters can think this way? Abso-fucking-lutely and that makes this even more horrifying!
Did I mention that Boote actually drew inspiration for some of these crimes from actual headlines?? If that doesn't horrify you, then I don't know what will!
That's all I am going to say, because I don't want to talk about the monsters in any detail because I don't want to give anything away. This is one of those books that speaks for itself, and I can't recommend it enough.
There are more books in the monster series, and I plan to devour them all! A bonus with this series is that they don't overlap, so you can enjoy them in any order! Book 2 is already released, and book 3 will be out very soon! I sincerely hope more readers pick these up because Boote is one hell of a storyteller.
Some of the triggers in the book are (but are not limited to): Sexual abuse, child abuse, torture, murder, cannibalism, profanity, gore...
"They’re all monsters, Terry. All of them. Even those that don’t even know it yet. I’m just playing God. What’s your excuse?”
'They Are All Monsters' was absolutely mindblowing. If I had to sum it up into one cohesive thought, I would say this book is what happens when Splatterpunk meets Dexter.
Prime example of monsters hiding in plain sight in the most unlikely of places. Personally, there is just something more disturbing when the perpetrators should be the protectors.
This book is short, but it's well written. It was a story that had me in a chokehold from its first page. The brutally was there, and HOLY HELL was it brutal. There were definitely some undertones of nature vs. nurture. I liked that Boote didn't necessarily "justify " the killing but made you stop and be like...."Yeah, I get it... it ain't okay...but I can see how in a fucked up way this person could justify their actions ". Do I think real life monsters can think this way? Abso-fucking-lutely and that makes this even more horrifying!
Did I mention that Boote actually drew inspiration for some of these crimes from actual headlines?? If that doesn't horrify you, then I don't know what will!
That's all I am going to say, because I don't want to talk about the monsters in any detail because I don't want to give anything away. This is one of those books that speaks for itself, and I can't recommend it enough.
There are more books in the monster series, and I plan to devour them all! A bonus with this series is that they don't overlap, so you can enjoy them in any order! Book 2 is already released, and book 3 will be out very soon! I sincerely hope more readers pick these up because Boote is one hell of a storyteller.
January 9, 2023
I had the pleasure of reading J. Boote's new book early, due to be released 1/25/23, and all I can say is what did I get myself into?! 🙃
Take a ride with Detective Clive and his partner Jeff as they try to uncover who two serial killers are in their village. One just leaves his victims out to be stumbled upon, while the other kidnaps and tortures his victims. Just when you think you have it figured out, you are wrong...be careful who you trust, even in your tight knit community, you never know just who your neighbors really are!
** Fair warning, if you have triggers with children or extreme gore, blood and guts, this one isn't for you**
Take a ride with Detective Clive and his partner Jeff as they try to uncover who two serial killers are in their village. One just leaves his victims out to be stumbled upon, while the other kidnaps and tortures his victims. Just when you think you have it figured out, you are wrong...be careful who you trust, even in your tight knit community, you never know just who your neighbors really are!
** Fair warning, if you have triggers with children or extreme gore, blood and guts, this one isn't for you**
January 25, 2023
Who can you trust?
Two killers stalk the streets of this small village. Anyone could be a killer. Their victims are not safe anywhere. Will the killer's be stopped. Heart pounding chilller.
Two killers stalk the streets of this small village. Anyone could be a killer. Their victims are not safe anywhere. Will the killer's be stopped. Heart pounding chilller.
January 7, 2023
With only 18 days until release - I just finished this killer (pun intended) story!
First, I wanna thank Justin Boote for the opportunity to be an ARC reader for this book. I truly appreciate it. :)
Now for the review....
😈😈😈😈😈
5 little monsters (stars) for this one! I'll for sure be buying a copy as well!! I don't generally own multiples of the same book, but there's just those certain ones that stick with you. :)
This story follows 2 detectives trying to hunt down a serial killer. Or is there a copy cat? If so, who is it?
In such a small village there's only so many people it could be! Why is this case so hard?!
So many kids showing up murdered...seeming each is worse than the last.
If you have triggers - stay away. These deaths are brutally explained in detail so well you'll almost feel the pain the victims are going through!
My advice: grab it up ASAP!
First, I wanna thank Justin Boote for the opportunity to be an ARC reader for this book. I truly appreciate it. :)
Now for the review....
😈😈😈😈😈
5 little monsters (stars) for this one! I'll for sure be buying a copy as well!! I don't generally own multiples of the same book, but there's just those certain ones that stick with you. :)
This story follows 2 detectives trying to hunt down a serial killer. Or is there a copy cat? If so, who is it?
In such a small village there's only so many people it could be! Why is this case so hard?!
So many kids showing up murdered...seeming each is worse than the last.
If you have triggers - stay away. These deaths are brutally explained in detail so well you'll almost feel the pain the victims are going through!
My advice: grab it up ASAP!
June 22, 2022
this is the first book that I have read of J. Bootes'. Perhaps the best way to describe this book would be a mixture of John wick and creepshow. Twisted. Disgusting. Vile.....and I couldn't put it down! I look forward to reading more of this author's work.
June 27, 2022
What the fuck did I just read. Pretty much dry heaved may way through most of that. It was amazing writing and lived up to the extreme horror title but wow.
April 19, 2023
Brutal
May 24, 2023
Clive is a detective who along with his partner Jeff are trying to solve the murders of numerous children in their small town. As more and more children disappear, parents become afraid to let their children out of their sites. Little do these parents know, monsters are closer to them than they think. I have no triggers, but this book made me squirm numerous times. It was fast paced and well written, and the story never slowed down. I am looking forward to reading the sequel as well as the upcoming third the trilogy.
June 9, 2023
A wicked ride through the incredibly dark world of dueling serial killers. While well-done and gripping in its plotting, it at times seems to veer into the literary equivalent of torture porn rather than an actual storyline. These overly long passages of shock for shock's sake sadly keep it from reaching a higher rating in my opinion.
April 22, 2025
I know I'm late to the party, but I'm so happy I joined nonetheless. This was so good! I can't wait to start book 2 in the Monsters series.
We follow Clive and Jeff, two detectives who are leading a team investigating some brutal murders. But nothing is what it seems, and it becomes a blur who to trust and who not. A twist of fate brings Clive and Jeff into a prickly situation, and I was not expecting that ending. I tapped my Kindle, like, come on... more? No? :(
This book is a heavy hitter from the start, brutally swinging your way, and the detailed descriptions of the murders and torture make your stomach churn. It was great. I loved it.
And I will never look at sparrows the same way again...
We follow Clive and Jeff, two detectives who are leading a team investigating some brutal murders. But nothing is what it seems, and it becomes a blur who to trust and who not. A twist of fate brings Clive and Jeff into a prickly situation, and I was not expecting that ending. I tapped my Kindle, like, come on... more? No? :(
This book is a heavy hitter from the start, brutally swinging your way, and the detailed descriptions of the murders and torture make your stomach churn. It was great. I loved it.
And I will never look at sparrows the same way again...
January 19, 2023
Holy cow, what did I just read? I expected violence and gore, but ended up with a really great story as well. This whole book was expertly plotted and very well written, and the characters were very believable. Both of the killers were absolutely terrifying in their own way, and I don't think I'll ever be the same after reading this. This was extremely disturbing but oh so enjoyable to read. It definitely makes you think about how you should treat other people, and what can happen when you don't treat others the way they should be treated. Great book!
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