Set against the backdrop of a small Midwestern town, the story kicks off with the mysterious disappearance of two paperboys separated by a couple of years. The latest one spirals into a heartbreaking chain of events that changes everything for the community. Inspired by the real-life, still unsolved Des Moines Register paperboy kidnappings from the early '80s, this book really makes you reflect on how innocent and trusting kids were back then.

The early '80s felt like a bubble where bad things didn’t happen to kids—if something went wrong, it was always assumed to be the work of a stranger. But The Monsters We Make dives deep into the unsettling reality of how easy it is for children to fall victim to someone they know, and my reaction to this story lingered long after I finished the book.

What I loved most was the captivating, slow burn storytelling. The perspectives of Sammy, Crystal, and Officer Dale Goodkind are beautifully woven together, each character bringing their own struggles and secrets into the mix. Their individual stories add so much depth to the the book, making it even more compelling. Mirroring real life, the story doesn’t have a nicely wrapped up ending.

Overall, this book not only keeps you on the edge of your seat but also leaves a lasting impact, reminding us of the real-life tragedy that inspired it. If you’re looking for a haunting, thought-provoking read that will stick with you, The Monsters We Make is definitely worth picking up!

It was an OK read. I loved the nostalgia of the times and the way things were - no internet, limited phone usage. But also being unsafe, but self sufficient for the younger kids. It reminded me so much of how much freedom we had but also how easy it was to pray on kids. Abuse whether physical, mental or sexual was easily, rarely believed or followed upon. I believe this book got the times down pat, and it is a great nostalgia read. The characters were very believable and maybe even stereotypical. The cop with mental health issues he doesn't want to talk about. Anger issues, marital problems, a child that does not trust him but wants his attention. The single mom trying everything to keep her family afloat, but being resentful of where is at because of her kids. The fat kid that is easily picked on. Etc etc etc.

The mystery was pretty see through, though the ending left me questioning things. I do appreciate though how accurate to times this was and all the red herrings it involved. A well written story, though nothing too exciting where I reeling after the final reveals.

Thank you to the publisher for my review copy.

I did not finish this one, it was not for me, I couldn't relate to the characters, and just did not care for the story.

The Monsters We Make follows Officer Goodkind as he seeks to unravel the mystery surrounding two paperboys who disappeared without a trace.

A work of fiction inspired by true events - this was a gripping read which explores many themes - repressed trauma, pedophilia and how sometimes, a monster does not look like a monster at all.

4 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Special thanks to Netgalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

1.5 stars

I’ve been on a catch up mission to finish some older NG ebooks that slipped through the reading cracks. This book in particular was one that I was looking forward to starting. Sadly, it was a disappointing read for me.

The characters were incredibly one note and not interesting in the least. I was hoping the 1980’s timeframe would add some setting dimension but nope. The plot was too slow paced and the use of “secrets” really didn’t work for me. Despite the attempt to keep the plot cryptic, I knew where it was going early on. I really didn’t like the cat and mouse aspect. I felt more frustrated by the characters’ dialogues than enticed and more removed from the story than pulled in. This was a book I really wanted to like but didn’t work for me. I needed more reason to invest earlier on.

I received an ARC from NG in exchange for an honest review.

I can't get enough of fiction inspired by true events and The Monsters We Make grabbed me from page one.

The author did such a great job telling the story of the missing paperboys of Iowa in the 1980s (look up Johnny Gosch if you're not familiar) that I constantly had to remind myself that I was reading fiction.

The book is atmospheric and the sinister elements are all the more frightening because they are grounded in reality.

Highly recommend for true crime and mystery lovers.

Thank you to Crooked Lane and NetGalley for the gifted e-ARC.

The Monsters We Make is a thriller that I could not put down. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC.

I couldn't put this down, read it from start to finish in just one sitting! The fact this fictional story is based off of true events immediately had my attention. I just wish these events had a better outcome.

Three narrators tell the story. Sammy (Paperboy), Crystal (Sammy's sister) and Dale (officer).

The Monsters We Make takes us back to the 1980's. Paperboy Christopher Stewart has gone missing during his paper route. Hours later, Sammy Cox rushes home to safety - hiding a terrible secret. Crystal, Sammy's older sister is worried about the disappearance but also finds opportunity. With research & investigation into the kidnappings she has the potential to write an award winning essay that could land her a scholarship and way out of town. Officer Dale Goodkind finds himself in a new town investigating yet another Paperboy kidnapping, vowing this one won't go unsolved.

An intense and absolutely gripping story with so many layers. I very much enjoyed Kali Whites writing style.

Huge thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for my review copy.

I really wanted to Luke this book. The fact that it was based on a true story made it even better. But, sadly some books need trigger warnings for abuse and this one was one of those. Sadly, when I got to those parts, I had to close the book and call it quits.

This isn’t an easy read. In the epilogue, the reader learns that it was based on true events and it includes all the messiness of real life: bad parents, missed leads, and the knowledge that monsters can be in our midst, completely unseen. Despite the darkness that dominates the book, readers will root for Sammy and for the detective assigned to the case of the missing boys.

This is an interesting, heartfelt take on some of the most heinous crimes - crimes against children.
Fair trigger warning - the novel contains themes of sexual abuse of them.

Iowa, 1984 - and another young paperboy went missing on his route. And no one knows anything, no one has seen anything to give the police and the suffering families some clue. For policeman Dale Goodkind this is a continuation of the nightmare, both professional and personal. For 17-year-old Crystal Cox, this is a chance for the journalistic story to get her dreamed-about scholarship. For twelve-year-old Sammy Cox, her brother? Well, for him it is the confirmation of his worst fears.

Based on the real-life mystery of the paper boys disappearances and played on the background of this never-solved mystery, this book deals with the dangers we might not face from an unknown enemy, but from the known one, the monsters hiding under the mimicry of teacher, coach, family friend or even family member. Also with the innocence lost, the stark cold reality the world had become from those who has known from experience that world is not the safe place; that there are secrets too difficult to tell. And that the happy ones, who only read about these crimes, but do not know them from experience, might be guilty of not listening enough, not seeing enough, to be tired or selfish enough to dvelve further from the bubble they are living in.

Sad, fast-paced, interesting, realistic. Ms White has written a book that has resonated with me. May I have my eyes (and heart) more open.

How well do you know your neighbor's? The active and well loved members of your community? No, but really.... how well do you actually KNOW them? This question has been echoing in my brain since I finished The Monsters We Make by Kali White. It's a question I want to shout from my rooftop. Humans are so trusting...

This book was very well written and I enjoyed it a lot. I don't think there is anything better than a book that makes you think. That transforms the way you see the world. Kali White accomplished that in writing this one. I can't wait to read more from her in the future.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to preview The Monsters We Make by Kati White.

This novel is based on a true story set in the 1980's. This is an investigative crime novel and is well written and interesting.

The setting, characters, and details will keep you reading and i found the novel heartbreaking at times.

Good Read - 3.5 stars.

Based on the real life story of the kidnappings of paperboys in Des Moines, Iowa in the 1980s, this book follows the investigation of two boys who go missing while delivering newspapers. Told from 3 POVs - Sammy, a 12 year old paperboy, his older sister Crystal and Officer Dale Goodkind as they search for Sammy's fellow paperboy Christopher Stewart who has gone missing. Another young boy went missing two years earlier and has never been found, and Officer Dale is determined to not have history repeat itself and vows to find Chris. Crystal, a high school newspaper editor with big plans to leave town, is hunting for a story that’ll earn her a scholarship to pay for college. Sammy is harboring a secret that he is fighting to keep within him.
I really enjoyed this book - it was a quick, thrilling read for me! It reads like true crime and it captured the vibe of the early 80’s well, which I loved. She added a lot of detail without going overboard.
Thanks to Kali White, Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the ARC.

"We make our own monsters, then fear them for what they show us about ourselves."
Author Kali White's novel, The Monsters We Make, is a fictional dark, crime book based on real life events. The story centers on the disappearance in 1984 of paperboy Christopher Stewart.
Set in Des Moines, Iowa, a families worst nightmare comes true when 12-year-old Christopher doesn't return after his Sunday morning paper route. This would be scary enough to ponder as a work of fiction but in real life there were three cases of paperboys going missing in Des Moines in the early eighties.
White draws upon the real-life disappearances to tell the story and effects a crime like this has on the family, neighbors, friends and town.
The Monsters We Make isn't as strong a mystery as it is a thriller-drama story. It will always be the story of the missing Christopher but it is really the story of 12-year-old Sammy Cox and what secrets he is hiding. What does Sammy know about Christopher's disappearance.
It is also the story of Sammy's 18-year-old sister, Crystal. She is an aspiring journalist and dreams of attending college majoring in journalism.
Crystal is reminded of the disappearance of another boy a few years ago prior to Christophers and she sees an opportunity to write a college essay worthy of a scholarship. Will Crystal be able to piece together the clues to solve Christopher's disappearance and another boy a few years ago.
The Monsters We Make is also the story of Detective Dale Goodkind. He can't believe another paperboy has gone missing in his town. The unsolved disappearance of Matthew Klein has haunted Dale to this day, He has never forgotten Matthew, even when most people have. He vows to solve this mystery even if it costs him personally and professionally.
Three people with three different motives but one objective. Solve the disappearance of Christopher Stewart before another young boy goes missing.
Nietzche said, "Beware that, when fighting monsters, you yourself do not become a monster...."
The Monsters We Make is a quick read but given the subject matter, it will linger with you long after you turn the last page."
I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley. #NetGalley #TheMonstersWeMake

The Monsters We Make by Kali White

Synopsis: August 1984, Christopher Stewart vanishes during his weekly paper route. A little while after, Sammy Cox, 12 years old, runs home, out of breath holding in a life altering secret.

When Sammy’s sister, Crystal learns about the disappearance, she’s worried but, also realizes this is an opportunity to research and write her college scholarship essay.

Officer Dale conducted the investigation a few years previously, a paperboy mysteriously disappearing. He can’t believe it’s happening again which causes a mental breakdown.

This book is based on the 1980’s De Moines Register paperboy kidnappings.

 
Review: This book gripped my attention from the very first page, the fact that it’s a fictional story, based off real cases, made this book impossible to put down. The story is intense, terrifying, and well written, you could cut the tension with a knife. I enjoyed following Crystal’s investigation; it was much more interesting than Officer Dale’s. I found the multiple POV was set up perfectly, it kept your heart thumping throughout most of the book. I didn’t see the ending coming, and I was a bit disappointed, I expected much more. 

Thank you @crookedlanebooks and netgallery for the ARC, in exchange for a free review

This story was based on true events from the 1980s when three boys, two of them paperboys, were kidnapped in or near Des Moines. Author Kali White remembers the second kidnapping and years later researched and wrote this book. Are these three cases connected? The crimes were committed in 1980, 1982 and 1984. Makes you think.

Twelve-year-old Sammy Cox is a local paperboy with a secret. On the day that paperboy Christopher Stewart disappears, Sammy's sister, Crystal sees him running down a side street near home. She ha heard about the disappearance and thinks Sammy knows something. She begins watching him, asking questions and accidently stumbles onto something that worries her. Crystal is trying to win a scholarship to University by writing an award winning essay, and tying this crime to the one two years earlier could be her break. Officer Dale Goodkind was on the earlier case and moved away to get away from his unsolved case, but finds himself the lead investigator on this one. He has some secrets in his past that cause him not to want to get involved in this again.

This story was told from different POVs, Sammy, Crystal and Dale. It is a well-written story that had me quickly flipping the pages to find out if this case would be solved and Christopher rescued. Well, there is more to this story than meets eye. The author does a great job at capturing the 1980's and it took me back to that time period. The family dynamic between Crystal, her mother, her brother and their father was complex, but believable. I felt for the kids who are often the ones that get the short end of the stick when a marriage falls apart. Dale was a sympathetic character. There were times I liked him and others, I was angry with him. He had a lot of baggage to work out and needed to man up and be honest with people. The ending was well written and gave a realistic ending to the story. Not all mysteries get solved, but that is real life. I recommend this book to those who like mysteries based on true events, with some great characters and interpersonal relationships. I will watch for more books from Kali White.

I am a true crime aficionada and even though it is fictional, it is based on the paperboy kidnapping of Johnny Gosch and Eugene Martin in Des Moines in the early 80s. I really enjoyed this story. It shows how true stranger danger is and makes you hope your children heed the warnings. This is a story that will stay with me for a long time.

“The Monsters We Make” is a mystery/thriller that explores the nightmare all parents have: the sudden disappearance of children and the horror of children being abused right under our feet.

Thank you to @netgalley and @crookedlanebooks for this novel! All thoughts are mine only.

I started this yesterday and could not put it down. The novel is fictional, but based on the true story of paper boys who disappeared in the early 1980’s in Des Moines, Iowa.

Kali White leaves just enough of a trickle of details that has you desperately turning the pages. What is so scary that paper boy Sammy, age 12, carries scissors with him every Sunday on his paper route? Why won’t he tell his sister Crystal the reason he was running like his life depends on it the morning Christopher Stewart disappears? Crystal wants to write about the disappearances in hopes to win a scholarship, so she can study journalism, but needs to get her brother to open up.

Sergeant Dale Goodkind thought the nightmare of missing boys was behind him, that not only brought up memories he never wanted to remember, but finds this case tearing him apart, unable to share with his wife. He finds his marriage and relationship with his young son falling apart.

Believe me, you want to find the answers, just like I did. Who’s the monster in their community?

The journalist in me absolutely loved some of the more investigative aspects of this novel, and the true crime junkie in me loved that this was based on real kidnappings. An enjoyable and well written mystery.