Superb narrative. Piglet is a beautifully complex character I identified with most. The plot arc was spot on. Beautiful language.

Props to Kenny for a unique idea, combining "monsters" and the Post World War era. And I like that none of the monsters are named as such. We just get these characters and their abilities described. What the book ends up ding is comparing trauma. It's a study in what trauma and distrust can do to a community. While the book felt like it wend a bit overlong and the conflict resolution was a bit of a sledgehammer, it was an entertaining enough listen.

DNF. Unfortunately it doesn't captivate my attention.

Thank you to NetGalley for a preview copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Beautiful cover, potentially great premise, disappointing story.

Given the clever if not especially unique plot, I was excited for this and thought it would be a delightfully creepy, fun read. I was very surprised by how heavy the themes were, particularly given the target age group.

It’s creepy, to be sure, but there’s not much that’s fun about it. The book spends a lot of time fixating on the grief of the child protagonists who lost someone in the war. A worthy exploration if done correctly, but the execution didn’t sit right with me for the target demographic, and I didn’t much care for it as an adult reader either.

The story is missing the atmospheric component required to make it a true eerie, spooky read, which mostly leaves the reader with bare acts of cruelty and sadness. TW for animal violence in an especially problematic scene that is unnecessary to the story, upsetting, and completely inappropriate for middle readers.

Some adult readers might enjoy this story (if nothing else, the characters are well-drawn), but it was a miss for me and I absolutely do not recommend it for the middle reader demographic.

What a delightful book. I’ve been on a bit of a gothic kick lately, and this middle grade book definitely fits the bill.

My thoughts:

The characters are all so unique, interesting and (mostly) likeable (unless you weren’t supposed to like them!)


The mystery is compelling: Where did certain characters come from? Who is Piglet and why is he always called dangerous?


Sometimes people do things that hurt our feelings and we wonder why. This book allows the reader to see multiple perspectives, to have grace and compassion for others, and to see that not everything is as it seems sometimes.

The beginning of the book is a little slow to start, but it picks up.

The audio was good - lots of different voices. Some were grating but I think they were supposed to be?

A word on the illustrations: The cover art makes me want to see the hard copy of the book all the more - it’s beautiful! The artist is Edward Bettison.

Overall, a good spooky read about kids learning where and how they belong, with gothic mystery and gentle nods to growing up woven throughout. Also touches upon what it means to be family.

Thank you Netgalley and Henry Holt and Co. for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook.

This book was so GOOD! I loved the characters, the setting of Rookhaven, the story, the message. It was one of those books that I needed to read even though I didn't know it. I am hoping for more stories in this world with these characters!

The Monsters of Rookhaven is a delightful middle-grade gothic tale of a little girl named Mirabelle and her family. For centuries, the Family has lived protected in their home away from the eyes of most humans. Until one day, the veil tears and two abandoned and abused human children find their way in. They are promptly and fiercely championed by seemingly normal Mirabelle to stay. While the rest of those living at the estate are unsure, the children are quickly settled in amongst the strange and usual characters. The rift, however, leaves the family vulnerable to those that might wish them harm and it has been out there patiently waiting.

The world that Kenny weaves is mysterious and enchanting. The estate that the family lives on is brooding and sprawling, replete with unnatural flowers guarding the paths. Each of the family has a unique "talent". There's Uncle Betram, who can transform into a huge bear. Aunt Eliza is made up of spiders. Gideon can transport via portals. The twins, well they are their own breed. Piglet is the literal monster in the basement. We have to learn much later what their talent is, but the family keeps them behind a tremendous locked door and whispers "Piglet is dangerous."

There are themes of friendships and found family, and how the monsters aren't always the one to be feared. It's not all love and sweetness though—the last half takes a very dark turn. There is a defined evil under the the burgeoning friendship and comfort that the family supplies. Secrets often can cause harm and there is a big ominous secret waiting in the wings for Mirabelle. It will change everything.

I was lucky enough to get The Monsters of Rookhaven on audiobook narrated by Emma Noakes. She has a gift with voices and made the listen that much more enjoyable. Her volume ebbed and flowed through all the different voices, bringing each character to life in turn. I found myself smiling while listening. I couldn't wait to get my earbuds plugged back in to this unforgettable story with its captivating narrator.

Fans of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children will be charmed by this story. It's fantastical and magical. Perfect for middle-grade readers or for those wanting a little more enchantment in their lives.

A delightful MG with a quirky and memorable cast of characters. The tone at times reminded me of A Monster Calls in its dreaminess juxtaposed with the whimsy and real world issues of Hilary McKay's The Time Of Green Magic. The world building was excellent and I loved every second!

I did not know what to expect from a middle grade gothic horror novel, but this book was a real treat. Orphans, Jem and Tom, stumble through a tear in the veil that hides Rookhaven from the human world and are taken in by the monsters who live there. The monsters and humans, then, learn a lot from each other and an unlikely friendship emerges between the young monster, Mirabelle, and Jem.

The detailed descriptions of Rookhaven and the world behind the veil are truly beautiful. The characters are rich, delightful, funny, and very "human," even those who are not actually human. I don't think there is anything too graphic for young readers, but it is definitely a dark tale.

The only thing keeping me from giving it 5 stars is that it did drag in several places. I found my mind wandering too often when it went into repetitive detail. All in all, I loved the book but it could use just one more edit.

What a marvelous book for YA. It’s written to be a little on the creepy side and sometimes I would dark, but if the reader is enlightened enough to read what’s going on in the story then they can grasp so much more from the story! If they miss it, they still get an awesome story to read!

Thanks to NetGalley and Padraig Kenny for the opportunity to review the book!

I received a review copy of this through netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this little jaunt into the Rookhaven universe. It gave me Vibes of something that could really be enjoyable for young readers. The characters were well written I feel, my favorites were Mirabelle and Piglet.

The story was enjoyable and I really look forward to finding out more about the family and their future.

I adored this book! I was not expecting to love these characters as much as I did. I can’t wait to read the sequel.

Advanced Reader’s Copy provided by NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Macmillan Young Listeners in exchange for an honest review.

Content Warnings: Child abuse, parental death, murder, neglect/abandonment.

This middle grade novel by Pádraig Kenny is darkly delightful gothic inspired tale of monsters!

Mirabelle lives on an old estate that's removed from the closest town with her found family. Only her Uncle Od leaves, the rest stay on the estate's grounds, the only interaction with others that they have is when the town's doctor visits, or when the town butcher and his son bring them food. It's for the safety of both the villagers of Rookhaven, and for Mirabelle's family that they stay separated. Because Mirabelle's family is... odd. They aren't like the villagers. Her Uncle Bertram can transform into a fearsome bear, Aunt Eliza's body is composed of spiders... literally. And then there's Piglet locked away in the basement, never allowed to leave his lair. But then two human orphans stumble through a tear in what protects the estate causing Jem and Tom to come face to face with the monsters of Rookhaven.

As Jem and Mirabelle forge a friendship - perhaps the first for both of them, secrets are unearthed and a new danger arrives in the village of Rookhaven that could be the end of Mirabelle and her family. Can Mirabelle and Jem save everyone? And what, exactly, is Piglet and his powers? You'll have to read to find out!

Kenny immerses readers into the village of Rookhaven and these characters come alive on the page. Each "monster" is unique and interesting, the estate is somewhere I'd love to explore myself. Mirabelle and her family are great characters that I truly enjoyed getting to know - and I want to know more of their backstories. The plot hooked me and I had to find out what happens next until I had no more story to read, and now I'm sad.

This may be a middle grade novel, but adults will enjoy it too! It's a great title to pick up to get you in the mood for the Halloween season. It has scary elements in it, but age appropriate readers shouldn't find it too terrifying if they enjoy darker stories.

Emma Noakes does a phenomenal job with the audiobook performance. The character voices truly add to the story and the over all feel of the novel.

An entertaining Middle grade fantasy novel perfect for fans of Miss Peregrine's home for Peculiar children. Great on audio, the narrator does a wonderful job bringing this story to life and keeping the tension taut right to the end. I loved these characters and highly recommend, especially for anyone looking for a good light fantasy this fall season. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my ALC!

I could not get into this book. I stuck with it for several chapters and ended up quitting. I didn't love the characters. The premise was very weird from the very beginning. No easing into the sheer weirdness.

I am surprised to find I really enjoy middle grade stories! This one was so much fun and I really loved the messages it contained.

Mirabelle is a "monster" who is surrounded by her "family" in Rookhaven, an estate that is magically sealed off from humans, until it is not. A 12-year old Jem and her slightly older brother Tom stumble upon the estate and with Mirabelle's help, begin to unravel the truth of who the monsters really are.

This was such a unique and powerful story. I loved the inclusion of the dark things that scare us. As a child, I remember knowing that evil and darkness existed (and then it was shown in fairy tales), and this story doesn't shy away from it. Kids know it's there, but this story took that reality to show the power of fear, and the even greater power of empathy. I loved Mirabelle's struggles and the reality of how adults not telling the truth can cause greater harm, even if the motives are loving. I loved the family of monsters and their special giftings! I loved the gothic Rookhaven and the vision of it from Jem's perspective! Ok, I loved it all.

Not having kids myself, I would be a horrible judge to say what age is appropriate for this story, but I really liked it as a middle grade (whatever that means) story. I would have eaten this up in second or third grade, but that was me and as a Gen-Xer, we were given a lot more freedom back then.

I was given the Audio by NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion, and I honestly loved the narrator as well. Emma Noakes did a fabulous job with the voices and emotions of the kids. I didn't love one of the older monsters' voice, but there were way too many others that were perfect to complain! Piglet was so quietly intense and captured flawlessly. So well done. I am so glad I was given the chance to listen to this creepy and absorbing story. It is available now, so please grab this one and learn with the entire village.

This book has been out in the UK and Ireland since last fall/ autumn and it’ll be out in the US tomorrow.
Happy Pub Day Eve !
My 12yo and I enjoyed this family of monsters and their orphaned visitors. It is a perfect story for kids and for adults with beautifully drawn fantasies and delightfully worded. I was reminded of Hotel Transylvania, the Addams Family or maybe The Munsters, but also Shirley Jackson’s We Have Always Lived In The Castle.

My daughter and I listened to the audio for this fabulous story and as listeners we were quickly invested in the lives of the two visiting children and the monster family and their oddities as well as the villagers grappling with the aftermath of the war. From the beginning we were captivated and wanted to know how this story would play out, not knowing how the characters will act and react to each other. The monsters and the humans anyone can make a simple mistake but anyone can also turn out to be an actual villain. The lines between humans and monsters are blurred, you can’t be sure whether one is more monstrous than the other.
This book is brilliant and terrifying in equal measure.
This wonderful audio, narrated by Emma Noakes, is fabulous to enjoy the start of the spooky season while folding laundry or doing a puzzle or just coming down after a long day at school.
We loved it and I am very tempted to buy the actual book now since the illustrations by Edward Bettison I have seen look wonderful.

Where was the series when I was in middle school?

That is dark, creepy awesome Gothic he wonderfulness.

I want to read the rest of the series now.

This even creeped me out at points which is impressive because I get scared of her, and it’s a middle grade.

I don’t want to spoil it, but this is fantastic. If you have a middle grader in the creepy or the cob or is like Wednesday Addams, get them the series because they will love it.


The audio narration is just superb; it’s fun and easy to listen to. It goes quick
That might be because I’m just coming off of a couple of books that are over 1000 pages long to a couple of books to work, you know, 20+ hours and length and audiobook form

So that could be why this feels like it goes super quick
But this is phenomenal simply phenomenal
I cannot recommend us enough
This is the kind of middle-grade book adults can read and enjoy. Go pick yourself up a copy; I’m not kidding.

I might get a copy of this for my sister. She’d like it, and she’s in her 30s

And as always, thank you, net galley, for sending me this wonderful, wonderful delight

I did not finish - I have tried reading this book on multiple occasions and just could not get into it.