Their Monstrous Hearts had its moments, but it ultimately left me feeling mixed. The book started strong and ended well, but the middle really dragged, making it hard to stay fully engaged throughout.

One of the standout aspects was the diary elements, which added an entertaining layer to the narrative. They kept me intrigued, especially as the mystery around the butterflies unfolded. However, while the story hooked me enough to want to uncover the truth, the pacing was uneven. This seems to be a trend lately—books with great beginnings that lose momentum midway before rushing to wrap things up.

The biggest issue for me was the lack of proper buildup to the ending. The conclusion felt disconnected from the earlier parts of the book, like the foundation wasn’t fully laid for the payoff. It left me wanting more cohesion and depth to tie everything together.

Overall, Their Monstrous Hearts was okay. There were intriguing elements and moments of strong storytelling, but the pacing and structural issues held it back from being truly memorable.

I loved the story, the world building and meeting the different characters. I felt completely immersed in the story and couldn't stop reading it.

After receiving news about his grandmother’s death Riccardo returns to Italy to claim his inheritance of her villa. Down on his luck the 20 year old wannabe writer finds a mysterious manuscript addressed to him from his late grandmother telling a magical tale of monsters, beauty, butterflies, and the secret to eternal life. As more mysteries about Riccardo finds maybe the story is true, but is it too late for his twisted fate at the end of this. Imaginative and unique this story kept you propelled to the shocking conclusion. A big thanks to @htp_hive @htpbooks . 4⭐️.

First few chapters I thought I was not going to make it to the end of this book. Language felt too embellished. I was telling myself that not every noun requires an adjective, not every verb requires an adverb. But I'm glad that I made it through those pages to find the gem hidden inside this book (or Mexican rainforests... or greenhouse of a Milanese villa).

Riccardo was facing writer's block and he was on his last pennies when a random dude brought him the news of his grandmother's passing. Now Riccardo had an option: either lose his agent and become a literary failure or go to Milan to take over Perihan's villa as last living relative. He chose the latter to find himself in the middle of a story that could be classified as fantasy but very much real one.

Butterflies did not get this much limelight since they showed up on the cover of Silence of the Lambs. While they always signified life and transformation, this time they went above and beyond (anything more would be spoiler). Until last pages I kept this hope that maybe things would get better but nope, life continued on in a different manner

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Their Monstrous Hearts by Yigit Turhan is a mixed third and first person multi-POV horror set mostly in Milan, Italy. Riccardo is a short fiction author struggling to write his debut novel after already receiving his advance from a publisher. When a stranger reports that his grandmother, Perihan, has passed away and Riccardo has inherited everything, including her home in Milan, he uses the chance to finally get inspiration for his novel. What waits for him is a book that could either be the key to his writer’s block or his demise.

The atmosphere here is a very steady build into the creepy and the use of butterflies really enhances this. While butterflies are often seen as a good omen and one of transformation, they are more monstrous here. My mother viewed butterflies as an omen of death due to a childhood trauma and this felt like something she would have come up with, which made the whole concept really click for me. I loved how it was monarchs that got the most attention because they are resilient creatures and they pair well with the meaning of Perihan’s name: ‘Queen of the Fairies.’

Through Perihan's diary, we get a glimpse into an early twentieth century Turkish Muslim household and the viewpoints of a child on the customs around her. There are mentions of how it was viewed to be unfortunate to have multiple daughters and no sons as well as the use of Arabic for prayer, a language that Perihan did not understand so she didn't feel as connected to her family's faith. Perihan’s father locked up her mother in their house forever after an incident caused by a young Perihan, highlighting how much power men had at the time. I did get the sense that Perihan found Islam to be stifling, particularly around modesty rules, and she seemed to have almost entirely turned away from it by the time she was married.

The majority of the book is Riccardo reading Perihan's diary, creating a sort of book-ception as the fantastical only grows stronger and the creeping dread sets in. Riccardo can't really decide if it's an autobiography or a work of fiction or both and this only highlights how little he actually knows about his own grandmother and how hard it would be to believe that some of this could happen in real life. As a work of metafiction, it fits the theme of truth being stranger than fiction and boy would this be strange if it had actually happened.

Content warning for sexism, sexual assault, domestic abuse, and child abuse

I would recommend this to fans of atmospheric horror that leans towards metafiction and those looking for a horror that explores the obsession with youth and eternal life

4.5⭐️

Enter Riccardo, a young writer currently down on his luck, with a severe case of writer’s block. When Riccardo’s grandmother (Perihan) dies, he finds out he has inherited her estate and famed butterfly collection. He departs on a trip to Italy to his childhood home and his newfound adventure in hopes it will help his writing standstill. Little does he realize that it will be a very mysterious adventure full of unexpected surprises!

This story is a traditional horror with a very slow burn. The story builds and keeps you interested throughout. As you approach the end, it really builds you up and gets you excited to the point where you can not put the book down! There are many twists and turns, an enjoyable love interest and a very cool background story. I highly recommend this unique book with its epic ending!

Thank you to Net Galley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this free ARC book in exchange for my candid review.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of Their Monstrous Hearts.

I was pleased my request was approved because the premise definitely caught my eye.

Sadly, this didn't hit the mark entirely for me, and let me tell you why:

I liked the premise, I was curious about Perihan and her relationship with Riccardo, but the writing style wasn't for me.

The writing was almost YA-ish but maybe because Riccardo is so young and immature.

It didn't help that Riccardo is a dull, uninspiring main character. Or maybe he's supposed to be.

I'm not a fan of narratives where there's info dumping via a journal or manuscript.

Nothing happens, at least not to Riccardo, but perhaps that's the point. Nothing happens to him because he's a nobody.

Also, I wouldn't categorize this as horror, more like magical realism and fantasy. Or I feel like this because I don't scare easily.

I did like the ending, at first, I wasn't a fan of Perihan, she's cold, cruel and callous, but by the end, I admire her resiliency and her calculating manner.

The narrative is less a horror story and more a story of identity and reinvention, of living your life however you want and make it to be.

liked the author's note at the end and her love for her grandmother and their shared love of horror movies. What a wonderful bond to have with one another!

Stories often teach us that monsters are usually scary looking and ugly. But monsters can wear many faces. Even attractive ones! That was one of my favorite themes in Their Monstrous Hearts. I was excited about this book the moment I first saw this cover and after reading it, I just hope that I’ll get to read more of Yigit Turhan’s stories.

Their Monstrous Hearts is the kind of book I enjoy rereading because knowing the ending changes all the little details along the way. I also loved the story within a story within a story, Perihan’s diary was such a great storytelling tool.

Riccardo is young, poor and struggling with his writing. After finding out his grandmother Perihan has died suddenly, he reluctantly travels to Milan to stay at her house. Her butterfly collection, her diary, all of it leads him down an unexpected path.

Perihan was such a colorful, memorable character. I’m part Turkish so reading about her life in Turkey and her journey towards her life in Italy was particularly interesting. I’m a stickler for categorization so I’d say this book is more of a literary fiction with horror vibes and it will appeal the most to readers who enjoy that combo! For me it was a chef’s kiss of storytelling.

A huge thank you to HTP, Mira and NetGalley for my ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This is a breathtaking exploration of love, identity, and the complexities of human emotion, wrapped in beautifully crafted prose that captivates from the very first page. The richly developed characters are a tapestry of flaws and virtues, making them relatable and compelling as they navigate their inner struggles and confront societal expectations. Turhan masterfully blends elements of fantasy with profound emotional truths, creating a world where the monstrous and the mundane coexist in a delicate balance. The protagonist’s poignant journey of self-discovery resonates deeply, inviting readers to empathize with their fears and desires while embracing themes of acceptance and belonging. Moments of dark humor and unexpected tenderness pepper the narrative, enriching the experience and ensuring it lingers long after the last page is turned. In a literary landscape often dominated by formulaic plots, "Their Monstrous Hearts" stands out as a bold and original work that encourages readers to find beauty in the chaos of life, making it a must-read for anyone seeking a story that is as thought-provoking as it is enchanting.

Wow, wow, wow! I devoured this book in a little over a day and preordered it before I even finished reading it. How do I describe how surprised I was by this one?

We follow Riccardo, a young man down on his luck without any options to pull him out of his dark trajectory. That is until out of the blue, he is presented with the inheritance of his late grandmothers villa in Milan by a strange man. Without any other options, he travels to Milan and upon arrival notices the villa isn’t quite as magical as he once remembered. Following the funeral of his grandmother, he finds a manuscript written for him. In secrecy, he reads through the manuscript and slowly starts to uncover the dark secrets written within the pages and crevices of his grandmothers life. The staff is at unease, the villa is filled with skin crawling eeriness, and Riccardo is discovering that he may not be out of the woods of his bleak future just yet…or ever.

This isn’t your typical horror story; this was a major slow burn, but the payoff is so worth the wait. The writing of this gothic tale hooked me from the beginning. The pages were crawling with atmosphere and claustrophobia as we unraveled Perihan’s dark and twisted secrets. This was a tale of a powerful woman’s determination to hold onto the life she created for herself. Full of desire and greed, Perihan literally stopped at nothing to garner a life full of wonder, using the beauty of such delicate creatures (butterflies) to magnify the darkness the lies beyond the beauty of life. I was HOLLERING by the end of this. With about 60 pages left, I was wondering how this story would wrap up with so many questions still left unanswered. And then you’re gut punched with the reveal, left to somehow pick up the pieces of your exploded mind. The way the author weaved this tale through horror and magical realism was such a unique experience. This was a trip and I cannot wait to get my hands on the beautiful physical copy upon release. Highly, highly recommend!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

I LOVED this book so much...but i will never ever look at a butterfly the same again! This was the perfect slow burn horror story and I couldn't get enough of it. By the time you get to end of the book, you'll be asking yourself "how far will I go to preserve my dreams?"

Their Monstrous Hearts by Yigit Turhan is a fantastic slow-burn horror story. Riccardo is a young writer experiencing severe writer’s block and facing eviction from his home. A strange man arrives bearing news that his grandmother Perihan has died and asks Riccardo to accompany him back to Milan for the funeral. Riccardo learns that he has inherited his grandmother’s villa there, along with her rare butterfly collection. He decides to go, but when he arrives he finds the villa is in disrepair, Perihan’s staff and friends continually whisper and sneak about, and something is very off about the greenhouse. Riccardo discovers a book written by Perihan entitled, “For Riccardo,” and begins to read it. He hopes it will hold the key to what happened to her, but then thinks it will help him write his book.

This is an incredibly unsettling book, and I say that with the utmost respect. The author’s descriptions of the animals/creatures are gorgeous and grotesque. I loved the juxtaposition of Riccardo’s character vs. that of Perihan. The whole book just felt so rich in every aspect. I devoured it. And do we even need to mention that gorgeous cover?!

Overall, I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars! It held my interest from beginning to end. It is a slow burn of a book and guaranteed to reward you if you stick with it! There is pure terror towards the end of this book and you can’t look away from it. Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing for providing this book for review consideration via Net Galley. All opinions are my own.

Successfully hits the gothic horror tropes with mysterious family secrets, a sprawling villa, disturbing imagery and a writer's soul that once to document it all. There is even a little bit of romance -- I'm very glad to see more overt queerness in the genre!

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 ⭐️
Release Date: April 8, 2025

Wow! What a way to debut. Their Monstrous Hearts is Turhan's debut English novel and it was a wild ride!

Riccardo is a struggling up and coming author who is on the brink of eviction. With just a few dollars left in his pocket, he is approached by a man who claims that Riccardo is the sole heir to the estate of his wealthy grandmother, after her abrupt passing. The events that follow will have Riccardo questioning everything he thought he knew about the philanthropic matron and those closest to her. Can Riccardo put all the strange pieces together and solve the sinister puzzle before it's too late?

This isn't one of those in your face types of horror books. It is insidious, combining fantastical realism & gothic horror, it settles somewhere inside you leaving this overwhelming sense of unease that continues to build as the story progresses all while dealing with greater themes of identity, grief, loss and feelings of abandonment.

Perihan's character development was masterful at portraying the lengths people will go to not only feel accepted but also to achieve their goals.

While some parts in the first half dragged a bit, overall the pacing was very well done. Once the story gets its claws in you, you will not be able to put it down (or look at butterflies the same way ever again)

Their Monstrous Hearts will make a great atmospheric read for casual & avid horror readers alike.

I struggled with this one. The premise was crazy good as was the writing, it just wasn't my style of book. The ending though, wow. I feel like this would make a great movie. I appreciate the opportunity to read this in exchange for my honest review

Add this dark and spooky tale to your TBR immediately! It’s perfect for a fall read that is sure to catch your attention and keep you interested in the happenings between the characters.

Down on his luck writer, Ricardo, moves into his late grandmother’s home, and is left to unravel a lifetime of secrets.

I wouldn’t consider this book horror, it’s more magical realism, and I believe it will appeal to a wide audience. It was a fantastic read with a truly unique plot. I had no idea where it was going and that kept my interest peaked. I look forward to reading more from this author!

Thanks for the opportunity to read in advance!

Their Monstrous Hearts by Yigit Turhan

I received this ARC from Harlequin Trade Publishing via NetGalley


I enjoyed the whimsical, curious rollercoaster of this book. It’s not scary, just strange—different, and not for everyone

***May contain spoilers***

Riccardo, a 20-year-old aspiring writer, is broke and behind on bills, struggling to start his novel for his editors. He’s been estranged from his family for years, and when his grandmother passes away, she leaves him a strange gift—her butterflies.

Riccardo gets the chance to escape his current life and move into his grandmother’s villa. But when he arrives, the place is run-down and eerie, not at all what he expected.

Among her belongings, Riccardo finds a book that seems to hold the key to understanding who she really was. As he searches for answers and becomes involved in a mysterious ritual, Riccardo realizes he had the crucial book all along. As he begins to uncover the secrets of his grandmother’s life, he learns she was mysterious, only revealing what she wanted others to see.

Inheriting his grandmother’s butterflies leads Riccardo into a journey far more complicated than he imagined. Betrayed and deceived, he learns that his suspicions about this spontaneous gift were right from the beginning.

P.S. Don’t skip the author’s note—this one is important! It was really cute and gives you a better understanding of the author and the story that was written.

I LOVE horror stories about bugs or mushrooms it just hits that itch, especially when it's butterflies, and the story is not in any way weak in fact it's a fantastic gothic tale! 5 stars would recommend. tysm for the arc.

This was a dark gothic book perfectly made for spooky season! Riccarfo was an interesting MC an Dad I really enjoyed following his story. This book with its lurking people and creepy estate was very atmospheric! Read this one ASAP and follow this mystery till the very cool ending