The truth is out there 🛸🐮
Thank you so much to NetGalley for this arc
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Monsters we made by Peyton June
Small towns have the best creepy vibes, makes me feel close to home.
This book is what I have been needing! It has many attributes that I love. Gravity Falls / Stranger Things / Stephen King / Scooby Doo and Good Girls Guide To Murder Vibes!!!!
The plot had me on my toes, trying to solve what Old Lucky was, while it sent me in many directions.
The characters pretty much acted their ages, were decent and we got a CURVY GIRL!!!
The dynamic between Lenny and Claire and the tension between them 😩!!! One of the ways Lenny described Claire was “Soft shape of a woman in an Ancient Greek sculpture “ AHHH!
This felt like a Nancy x Robin ship from Stranger Things.
The horror was a build up intensity, between the screeching cries and the mutilated cows ( also trigger warning for animal harm⚠️)
Overall I can’t wait to get a physical copy in my hands! Definitely going in my Top five of 2026!
I could not put this down! Am I going to get a headache for staring at my phone reading this?…Yes…Was it worth it? HELL YES !!!!
#BookReviews #netgalley #bookstagram #horrorbook #themonsterswemade
Reading ‘The Monsters We Made’ brought me back to those classic small-town horror tales that feel both nostalgic and refreshingly new. The setting itself feels like a character—small towns always carry that uncanny mix of familiarity and hidden secrets, which Peyton June captures beautifully. What stood out most was the intriguing mystery surrounding 'Old Lucky,' a puzzle that kept me guessing like a true suspense novel should. The plot twists sent me spinning in multiple directions, each time reeling me back in with compelling clues. Another element that resonated was the authentic character portrayal. The relationships, especially between Lenny and Claire, felt so real and relatable, including the natural teenage awkwardness and tension that adds depth to the story. The description of Claire as the "soft shape of a woman in an Ancient Greek sculpture" was poetic and striking, evoking vivid imagery and emotional connection. As someone who appreciates horror that builds gradually rather than relying on jump scares, the slow, creeping dread heightened by screeching cries and unsettling details like mutilated cows gave the story its chilling atmosphere. The trigger warning for animal harm is important and adds to the story's haunting realism. Personally, I found this book a perfect blend of horror, mystery, and character-driven storylines—qualities reminiscent of shows and books like Stranger Things, Good Girls Guide to Murder, and Stephen King’s works. It’s rare to find a horror book that also gives a strong sense of place and community, along with diverse characters including a confident curvy female lead. Lastly, the book’s intense engagement kept me glued to my screen despite the inevitable eye strain. That’s a true testament to Peyton June’s storytelling prowess—the kind of book that’s hard to put down and lingers in your mind. For anyone who loves supernatural mysteries with layered character dynamics and a haunting small-town atmosphere, this book is definitely worth picking up. I can’t wait to get my hands on a physical copy and see how the story unfolds in print. It’s a standout for 2026 and sure to be a favorite among horror and mystery enthusiasts.
