This one just never got its hooks into me
Shelf: 🫤 Take It or Leave It
Badges: 🤡
Series Status: 🔴 STOPPING HERE — One was enough for me.
The premise had everything a psychological thriller should have, but something was lost in translation for me. I could see where the story was headed pretty early, and Harper started grating on me more and more as the book went on. There’s some decent intensity toward the end and a cliffhanger that might be enough to pull other readers into book two, but for me, this is where the series ends.
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As someone who usually loves psychological thrillers for their intense narratives and surprising twists, I found "The Monster We Made" an interesting case. The book had all the hallmarks of a compelling thriller—multiple perspectives, domestic suspense, and an eerie atmosphere. However, the delivery left me feeling somewhat disengaged. One major issue was the predictability. I noticed where the plot was heading relatively early, and the multiple twists that followed didn’t add the complexity I was hoping for. Instead, they made the story feel over-explained. It’s like solving a puzzle halfway through but still expecting the final reveal to shock you—it just didn’t happen for me. The protagonist, Harper, also felt like a barrier to my full immersion. Initially, her struggles felt authentic, especially considering the aftermath of abuse she seemed to be experiencing. But as the story progressed, her character felt overburdened with issues that transformed her from a relatable, nuanced woman into a somewhat stereotypical "poor Harper" figure. Her questionable decisions and spiraling behavior began to frustrate me rather than elicit empathy. Despite these flaws, I did appreciate the intensity toward the end of the book. The climax managed to capture the unsettling mood that a psychological thriller should have, and the cliffhanger certainly could entice readers to try the next installment. Also, I think this story has considerable potential as a movie—the eerie tension and stalker suspense elements could translate well on screen, creating a creepy and gripping experience. For anyone considering starting this series, I’d advise tempering expectations. If you enjoy thrillers with multiple viewpoints and domestic tension, you might find it intriguing. But if you value subtlety in storytelling and a protagonist who evolves realistically, this might not be the series that hooks you. Personally, this one didn’t get its hooks into me, but it has sparks that might ignite someone else’s thrill-seeking passion.