A very impressive debut novel.

This story is well-written, fast-paced and gritty. Told partly in flashback and from different characters’ perspectives, there are many twists and turns throughout.

Very enjoyable to read, and definitely an author to look out for.

I just finished reading Monstrous Souls by Rebecca Kelly. A very good book about a very touchy subject but written in a way that leads up to a surprise ending you won't see coming. The last chapter tugged at my heart strings, saddened me because I was cheering for a different ending. I don't know how it could have ended any other way, not really, because the alternative is to horrible to imagine. I did not want it to end I was so caught up in the story and the characters.

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?

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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!

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.