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What Do Monsters Fear?
The Thing meets One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest in Matt Hayward's thrilling debut novel...
After waking up one too many times in a puddle of his own mess, Peter Laughlin, a thirty-five-year-old rock musician, has decided to kill himself. However, after catching an advertisement for rehabilitation in the back of a local newspaper, coupled with the fact that his one-night stand with old friend Bethany resulted in pregnancy, Peter decides to try and clean up his act. Again. Only this time, things will be different.
At Dawson Rehabilitation, things seem idealistic. Peter quickly befriends Henry Randolph, an alcoholic in his sixties, who, along with Donald Bove, Shelley Matthews, Jamie Peters and a mentally-defunct man named Walter Cartwright, make up the rest of the guests.
Something is wrong at Dawson Rehabilitation.
Peter and Henry don’t trust the center’s councilor, a man named Jerry Fisher. Jerry’s hiding a secret. One ancient and terrible.
Tucked away in the Pennsylvania backwoods, in a remodeled farmhouse once owned by Dr. Harris Dawson himself, Peter finds himself in a fight for his life against Phobos, the great God of fear. To defeat him, Peter will have to set aside his doubts and answer the all important question: What do monsters fear?
After waking up one too many times in a puddle of his own mess, Peter Laughlin, a thirty-five-year-old rock musician, has decided to kill himself. However, after catching an advertisement for rehabilitation in the back of a local newspaper, coupled with the fact that his one-night stand with old friend Bethany resulted in pregnancy, Peter decides to try and clean up his act. Again. Only this time, things will be different.
At Dawson Rehabilitation, things seem idealistic. Peter quickly befriends Henry Randolph, an alcoholic in his sixties, who, along with Donald Bove, Shelley Matthews, Jamie Peters and a mentally-defunct man named Walter Cartwright, make up the rest of the guests.
Something is wrong at Dawson Rehabilitation.
Peter and Henry don’t trust the center’s councilor, a man named Jerry Fisher. Jerry’s hiding a secret. One ancient and terrible.
Tucked away in the Pennsylvania backwoods, in a remodeled farmhouse once owned by Dr. Harris Dawson himself, Peter finds himself in a fight for his life against Phobos, the great God of fear. To defeat him, Peter will have to set aside his doubts and answer the all important question: What do monsters fear?
197 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 5, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
July 1, 2019
A small group of addicts sign up for a rehab program that might not be all that it seems. Suspicions aroused, the clients find themselves in a potentially deadly situation. Faced with distrust of authority figures and a very old yet powerful force, each character is forced to focus on their own worst fears. As vulnerable as they each are while in the throes of detox, they must build the strength to survive their worst nightmares. This novel is fast moving and suspenseful, keeping the reader rooting for the underdogs.
Want to read
June 15, 2018This hardcover edition is numbered 14 of 52 numbered copies and is signed by Matt Hayward and Edward Lee.
Contents:
011 - Forward
015 - "What Do Monsters Fear"
215 - "That's The Price You Pay"
227 - "Father's Day"
239 - "That's What Comes With The Rain"
251 - ""Meeting Gregory"
277 - About the Author
Contents:
011 - Forward
015 - "What Do Monsters Fear"
215 - "That's The Price You Pay"
227 - "Father's Day"
239 - "That's What Comes With The Rain"
251 - ""Meeting Gregory"
277 - About the Author
August 4, 2017
More top-notch writing from Matt Hayward. In What Do Monsters Fear?, Matt digs deep into his characters, giving us a colorful cast the reader can easily identify with. The novel touches on many themes dealing with addiction and facing one's fears, something that's not necessarily new to the genre, but Hayward manages to keep the plot fresh with his unique narrative and strong story-telling abilities. Definitely a must-read for genre junkies who crave throwback horror with a strong taste of originality.
November 13, 2021
Letteralmente una rivelazione: per essere un esordio e per essere un libro non lunghissimo ha tutte le caratteristiche di un libro di successo.
L'ho trovato davvero intrigante, mai banale o scontato e con una serie di plot twist e rivelazioni davvero ben congegnati.
Il focus sui personaggi ed in particolare sul protagonista lo rendono particolarmente interessante da leggere, un'avventura oscura nella mente umana e nel male che nel mondo si nasconde.
Ottimo lavoro.
Ne parlo QUI
L'ho trovato davvero intrigante, mai banale o scontato e con una serie di plot twist e rivelazioni davvero ben congegnati.
Il focus sui personaggi ed in particolare sul protagonista lo rendono particolarmente interessante da leggere, un'avventura oscura nella mente umana e nel male che nel mondo si nasconde.
Ottimo lavoro.
Ne parlo QUI
July 7, 2019
Review to come.
October 12, 2018
Loved this story.
September 14, 2019
Remind me to never, ever enter a rehab facility.
February 14, 2020
THIS is what I am talking about.
What Do Monsters Fear is Matt Hayward's first novel and I am beyond impressed. I'm going to go ahead and say this is a must read, with strong potential for it to be on my favorite books to come out this year list.
It tells the story of Peter, a former rock star with a crumbling life and baby on the way. Beyond that, he's got a drinking problem that is on its last legs of sustainability.
Hitting rock bottom, he checks into a rehabilitation facility. Rock bottom doesn't seem quite as bad when strange occurrences start happening, patients start vanishing and all hell breaks loose.
This book just has it all. Monsters, mad scientists, mutated giant cats, squishy gooey gore to the brim. It's an absolute blast. Great characters, a pace that is relentless, perfect writing... just a top of the line read.
Out now on Post Mortem Press, I give this my highest recommendation.
Originally posted on my blog http://undivineinterventions.blogspot...
What Do Monsters Fear is Matt Hayward's first novel and I am beyond impressed. I'm going to go ahead and say this is a must read, with strong potential for it to be on my favorite books to come out this year list.
It tells the story of Peter, a former rock star with a crumbling life and baby on the way. Beyond that, he's got a drinking problem that is on its last legs of sustainability.
Hitting rock bottom, he checks into a rehabilitation facility. Rock bottom doesn't seem quite as bad when strange occurrences start happening, patients start vanishing and all hell breaks loose.
This book just has it all. Monsters, mad scientists, mutated giant cats, squishy gooey gore to the brim. It's an absolute blast. Great characters, a pace that is relentless, perfect writing... just a top of the line read.
Out now on Post Mortem Press, I give this my highest recommendation.
Originally posted on my blog http://undivineinterventions.blogspot...
February 10, 2020
Solid entry by an author who I'll be sure to read more of.
December 9, 2018
This is the first book I have read by Matt, and it will not be the last.
What do Monsters Fear? Combines a few rehab patients with an ancient evil, what could be more fun!
The story brings the reader suspense, drama, and a little blood and guts that provides that icy chill one gets when reading a good old-fashion horror.
I would recommend this one to all horror lovers
What do Monsters Fear? Combines a few rehab patients with an ancient evil, what could be more fun!
The story brings the reader suspense, drama, and a little blood and guts that provides that icy chill one gets when reading a good old-fashion horror.
I would recommend this one to all horror lovers
September 11, 2019
While at Scares That Care Weekend this year, I met so many wonderful authors, but had limited space to bring books back home in my suitcase. So, the first night there, I did a little digging on GoodReads to view the synopses of the books from the authors whose work interested me. I’d read and loved Matt Hayward’s collaboration with Robert Ford, and decided to pick up a copy of The Faithful, and also the book I’ll be discussing here—What Do Monsters Fear?
I love that while we all love many of the same novels, each reader comes to the story with a different perspective based on their own life experience. If you’ve been following me for some time, then you likely know that I lost my Dad to suicide a few months ago. In the synopsis of this novel, it’s made clear that the main character is considering this same type of fate. So, I can tell you this: the first couple chapters of this novel cracked my heart a little, as I read about Peter’s pain and the negative thoughts going through his mind at that time. However, this did not deter me from reading on, as it’s no secret I love books that stir up all kinds of feelings.
What followed as the story continued had all the makings of what I’d call a great horror novel. Not only is the protagonist a well-developed character, but the supporting players are all memorable in their own right. I loved reading about the relationship between Peter and his grandmother, and his developing friendship with Henry. I never felt like the story was lagging, and the pace picked up even more during the second half of the book. It’s a story with a great premise, haunting and original setting, and dabs of humor and heart mixed in along the way. The whole thing played out like a movie in my mind, as all the best stories do. I also liked that the writing is descriptive, yet to the point—it’s not bogged down with unnecessary detail, which also contributes to the nearly nonstop action once the characters arrive at their destination.
Overall, this is an impressive debut novel; a well-told story with a solid character arc and a satisfying ending. Whenever I discover a great author and it seems I’m a bit late to the party, I feel a bit sorry about it. But if I look on the bright side of things, that just means that I can take a bit more time to enjoy the rest of Matt Hayward’s published work while I’m waiting for new material.
5/5 Stars
I love that while we all love many of the same novels, each reader comes to the story with a different perspective based on their own life experience. If you’ve been following me for some time, then you likely know that I lost my Dad to suicide a few months ago. In the synopsis of this novel, it’s made clear that the main character is considering this same type of fate. So, I can tell you this: the first couple chapters of this novel cracked my heart a little, as I read about Peter’s pain and the negative thoughts going through his mind at that time. However, this did not deter me from reading on, as it’s no secret I love books that stir up all kinds of feelings.
What followed as the story continued had all the makings of what I’d call a great horror novel. Not only is the protagonist a well-developed character, but the supporting players are all memorable in their own right. I loved reading about the relationship between Peter and his grandmother, and his developing friendship with Henry. I never felt like the story was lagging, and the pace picked up even more during the second half of the book. It’s a story with a great premise, haunting and original setting, and dabs of humor and heart mixed in along the way. The whole thing played out like a movie in my mind, as all the best stories do. I also liked that the writing is descriptive, yet to the point—it’s not bogged down with unnecessary detail, which also contributes to the nearly nonstop action once the characters arrive at their destination.
Overall, this is an impressive debut novel; a well-told story with a solid character arc and a satisfying ending. Whenever I discover a great author and it seems I’m a bit late to the party, I feel a bit sorry about it. But if I look on the bright side of things, that just means that I can take a bit more time to enjoy the rest of Matt Hayward’s published work while I’m waiting for new material.
5/5 Stars
November 19, 2017
A well-told character study that just happens to include demons and some decidedly brutal deaths. Can't wait to see what's next from Matt Hayward!
July 30, 2021
Ersilia F. - per RFS
.
Cosa c’è di più sicuro di un centro di riabilitazione? Pensavo niente, invece ho dovuto ricredermi: la paura serpeggia come un veleno insidioso tra le pagine di Cosa temono i mostri?, che prendono vita in questa fattoria fuori dal mondo in cui alcune persone, che ormai non hanno più niente da perdere, decidono di trascorrere due settimane per potersi disintossicare dalle proprie cattive abitudini.
Abbiamo Peter, leader indiscusso di questo gruppetto, con il vizio della bottiglia ed ex rocker di una band di successo. C’è Henry, uomo saggio e dal cuore d’oro, con un passato triste e crudele. Donald, ex galeotto con una propensione per la cocaina e una tremenda paura dei ragni. Walter, obeso, solo e perseguitato dall’uomo dei gelati… letteralmente.
Sono persone spaventate che avrebbero avuto bisogno di conforto e invece hanno dovuto affrontare qualcosa di indicibile, che si nutre delle paure e che aspetta, ascoltando, il momento migliore per attaccare.
Ho adorato ogni pagina di questo esordio nella letteratura horror. L’autore ambienta la sua storia, la sua “casa infestata”, in un contesto originale e particolare. I protagonisti non solo devono combattere contro i loro demoni personali, ma anche contro qualcos’altro, un “mostro” più temibile e mitologico.
Ho apprezzato il fatto che i personaggi fossero persone dalle quali, di solito, non ci si aspetta nulla di buono, ma invece in qualche modo lo scrittore le ha fatte riscattare infondendo quella fiducia in loro stesse che avevano perso. Ognuno è ben caratterizzato e ha una storia alle spalle ben delineata che ci permette di provare quel senso di empatia, nonostante gli errori del passato.
Tutti hanno bisogno di una seconda possibilità e Matt Hayward l’ha data ai suoi personaggi e al modo di raccontare storie dell’orrore, il tutto con una scrittura che è decisamente d’impatto e ricca di descrizioni raccapriccianti e così vivide da far strabuzzare gli occhi.
Una trama spietata, mefistofelica che non dà tregua e tiene col fiato sospeso fino al finale che porta l’adrenalina a mille.
Un horror assolutamente da leggere per gli amanti del genere.
.
Cosa c’è di più sicuro di un centro di riabilitazione? Pensavo niente, invece ho dovuto ricredermi: la paura serpeggia come un veleno insidioso tra le pagine di Cosa temono i mostri?, che prendono vita in questa fattoria fuori dal mondo in cui alcune persone, che ormai non hanno più niente da perdere, decidono di trascorrere due settimane per potersi disintossicare dalle proprie cattive abitudini.
Abbiamo Peter, leader indiscusso di questo gruppetto, con il vizio della bottiglia ed ex rocker di una band di successo. C’è Henry, uomo saggio e dal cuore d’oro, con un passato triste e crudele. Donald, ex galeotto con una propensione per la cocaina e una tremenda paura dei ragni. Walter, obeso, solo e perseguitato dall’uomo dei gelati… letteralmente.
Sono persone spaventate che avrebbero avuto bisogno di conforto e invece hanno dovuto affrontare qualcosa di indicibile, che si nutre delle paure e che aspetta, ascoltando, il momento migliore per attaccare.
Ho adorato ogni pagina di questo esordio nella letteratura horror. L’autore ambienta la sua storia, la sua “casa infestata”, in un contesto originale e particolare. I protagonisti non solo devono combattere contro i loro demoni personali, ma anche contro qualcos’altro, un “mostro” più temibile e mitologico.
Ho apprezzato il fatto che i personaggi fossero persone dalle quali, di solito, non ci si aspetta nulla di buono, ma invece in qualche modo lo scrittore le ha fatte riscattare infondendo quella fiducia in loro stesse che avevano perso. Ognuno è ben caratterizzato e ha una storia alle spalle ben delineata che ci permette di provare quel senso di empatia, nonostante gli errori del passato.
Tutti hanno bisogno di una seconda possibilità e Matt Hayward l’ha data ai suoi personaggi e al modo di raccontare storie dell’orrore, il tutto con una scrittura che è decisamente d’impatto e ricca di descrizioni raccapriccianti e così vivide da far strabuzzare gli occhi.
Una trama spietata, mefistofelica che non dà tregua e tiene col fiato sospeso fino al finale che porta l’adrenalina a mille.
Un horror assolutamente da leggere per gli amanti del genere.
January 6, 2020
Excellent horror novel taking place in a remote rehab facility. Lovecraftian tie-ins. Hope there's a sequel. This edition includes 3 cool short stories. Highly recommended!
August 29, 2021
1. As for the book- using a rehab house as the setting was highly original and entertaining.
2. As for the author- I've heard things about him online.
2. As for the author- I've heard things about him online.
October 8, 2017
What do monsters fear?
Responsibility. Withdrawal symptoms. Owning up to their past mistakes.
One of the recovering addicts in Matt Hayward’s creep-fest What Do Monsters Fear? sums up the plot in a few well-chosen words:
“Three strung-out fucks are gonna stop an ancient evil god?”
Hell, yeah, they are! Because the ancient evil god—a body-snatching baddie called Phobos—has underestimated the drive and determination of men with nothing left to lose.
There’s a claustrophobic quality to this novel comparable to the trapped arctic explorers in John Carpenter’s The Thing. Tensions ratchet up by as Phobos picks off victims and terrifies those that remain. Like Freddy Krueger or Pennywise, Phobos knows what scares you, and takes perverse pleasure in torturing victims with their own deepest fears and phobias.
Hayward’s writing engages the senses and propels the story forward, like when he introduces the shifty doctor:
“A waft of aftershave drifted from him, tainting the honest smell of raw wood.”
Or describes the death of supernatural beings:
“Unlike in the movies when a supernatural entity died, the cat didn’t dissipate into nothingness with a sizzle. Instead, it burned and burned, the smell of charred flesh and singed hair filling the space. Dark smoke packed the room.”
Hayward employs the same multi-sensory technique even when the scenes get visceral:
“Shelly’s body slopped from the table and splashed to the floor.”
Poor liquified Shelly makes another appearance later on:
“He stepped in Shelly Matthews. The liquefied blob of flesh quivered like a fried egg beneath his heel. One eye blinked within the mess and stared back at him.”
Yuck! Sucks to be Shelly! Beyond the blood and monsters, What Do Monsters Fear? tackles the issue of addicts in recovery, and the way they view themselves as they attempt to turn their lives around.
“Peter hated to admit it, but for the briefest moment, he related to the monster.”
But men and monsters alike get second chances. Seeing elderly drunk Henry’s redemption is perhaps the novel’s most triumphant moment.
“I was useful for once in my miserable piece of shit life… My actions meant something.”
That’s the kind of validation we all seek, both addict and non-addict, man and monster alike.
Hayward has a great sense of pacing and a cinematic writing style that makes What Do Monsters Fear? a fast, fun read! He leaves the door open for potential sequels, and implies that the worst kind of monsters don’t live in alternate, cosmic dimensions but inside the hearts of men.
(And women. Chill out, ladies. You’re evil, too.)
-30-
Responsibility. Withdrawal symptoms. Owning up to their past mistakes.
One of the recovering addicts in Matt Hayward’s creep-fest What Do Monsters Fear? sums up the plot in a few well-chosen words:
“Three strung-out fucks are gonna stop an ancient evil god?”
Hell, yeah, they are! Because the ancient evil god—a body-snatching baddie called Phobos—has underestimated the drive and determination of men with nothing left to lose.
There’s a claustrophobic quality to this novel comparable to the trapped arctic explorers in John Carpenter’s The Thing. Tensions ratchet up by as Phobos picks off victims and terrifies those that remain. Like Freddy Krueger or Pennywise, Phobos knows what scares you, and takes perverse pleasure in torturing victims with their own deepest fears and phobias.
Hayward’s writing engages the senses and propels the story forward, like when he introduces the shifty doctor:
“A waft of aftershave drifted from him, tainting the honest smell of raw wood.”
Or describes the death of supernatural beings:
“Unlike in the movies when a supernatural entity died, the cat didn’t dissipate into nothingness with a sizzle. Instead, it burned and burned, the smell of charred flesh and singed hair filling the space. Dark smoke packed the room.”
Hayward employs the same multi-sensory technique even when the scenes get visceral:
“Shelly’s body slopped from the table and splashed to the floor.”
Poor liquified Shelly makes another appearance later on:
“He stepped in Shelly Matthews. The liquefied blob of flesh quivered like a fried egg beneath his heel. One eye blinked within the mess and stared back at him.”
Yuck! Sucks to be Shelly! Beyond the blood and monsters, What Do Monsters Fear? tackles the issue of addicts in recovery, and the way they view themselves as they attempt to turn their lives around.
“Peter hated to admit it, but for the briefest moment, he related to the monster.”
But men and monsters alike get second chances. Seeing elderly drunk Henry’s redemption is perhaps the novel’s most triumphant moment.
“I was useful for once in my miserable piece of shit life… My actions meant something.”
That’s the kind of validation we all seek, both addict and non-addict, man and monster alike.
Hayward has a great sense of pacing and a cinematic writing style that makes What Do Monsters Fear? a fast, fun read! He leaves the door open for potential sequels, and implies that the worst kind of monsters don’t live in alternate, cosmic dimensions but inside the hearts of men.
(And women. Chill out, ladies. You’re evil, too.)
-30-
August 19, 2018
What do monsters fear..Hmm
I know the answer to that now! But I can’t tell you, if you want to know.. you have to read all about Peter the former rockstar and his friends he meets in rehab! Turns out that addicts especially are very underestimated and the truest thing is when they are threatened usually they are already at the point where they have nothing left to loose since.. addiction tends to swallow everything it crosses. (Im speaking from personal experience.. we are tough cookies! Especially when we are sober or on our way to becoming sober) But this book isn’t about me... but it resonates with me and the author did an amazing job portraying his characters! I felt it in my heart.. take that monster!
I know the answer to that now! But I can’t tell you, if you want to know.. you have to read all about Peter the former rockstar and his friends he meets in rehab! Turns out that addicts especially are very underestimated and the truest thing is when they are threatened usually they are already at the point where they have nothing left to loose since.. addiction tends to swallow everything it crosses. (Im speaking from personal experience.. we are tough cookies! Especially when we are sober or on our way to becoming sober) But this book isn’t about me... but it resonates with me and the author did an amazing job portraying his characters! I felt it in my heart.. take that monster!
September 1, 2017
WHAT DO MONSTERS FEAR? is a gem of a debut novel. Hayward ratchets up the tension one notch at a time and creates a thick atmosphere of isolation and dread, then goes into ambush mode in the second half, filling the pages with gore and action. The pacing is pitch-perfect, and the characters are well-drawn and relatable throughout. Highly recommended.
February 2, 2023
I'm beginning to think it's me. I've asked myself the hard questions: Dude, what's wrong with you? Don't you want to have fun? Do you hate fun now? Why you got these high standards all of a sudden?
I just haven't been happy with much of what I'm reading lately. And this book was the most recent example.
You should know that the Thunderstorm Books edition contains the short novel What Do Monsters Fear? as well as four short stories.
The novel started out very promising. There were a few moments that I thought were approaching excellent. And then it just wasn't. I forced through. I spent a LOT of time reading about how the main character's stomach was lurching. All that lurching. But I paid a lot of money for this book so I also lurched. I got to the end. And I debated going on and reading the short stories. I considered that maybe I had weathered enough. I began forming my one star review for Goodreads.
But no. I decided to be a real warrior and see how much abuse I could take. And I found that the short stories were REALLY good. Father's Day was the best and there was enough material in It Comes With the Rain that it could have been a much better novel than What DO Monsters Fear? So I was really glad I kept going.
To be honest, when I bought this book, I was buying a Thunderstorm Book--not a Hayward book. I've never bought a book just for the publisher before. And the production of this book is excellent!
I'm giving this three stars based on the quality of the production and those 4 short stories.
I'll definitely read Matt Hayward again. This was his debut novel and I'm hoping he gets better because there's stuff in his imagination that works! Or maybe he just needs a good editor to keep him disciplined and out of his character's stomach all the time.
I'm going to read a Lansdale book now because I know that I won't be disappointed with his stuff. Probably Cold in July since it's now July. Kinda on the nose but so what?
I just haven't been happy with much of what I'm reading lately. And this book was the most recent example.
You should know that the Thunderstorm Books edition contains the short novel What Do Monsters Fear? as well as four short stories.
The novel started out very promising. There were a few moments that I thought were approaching excellent. And then it just wasn't. I forced through. I spent a LOT of time reading about how the main character's stomach was lurching. All that lurching. But I paid a lot of money for this book so I also lurched. I got to the end. And I debated going on and reading the short stories. I considered that maybe I had weathered enough. I began forming my one star review for Goodreads.
But no. I decided to be a real warrior and see how much abuse I could take. And I found that the short stories were REALLY good. Father's Day was the best and there was enough material in It Comes With the Rain that it could have been a much better novel than What DO Monsters Fear? So I was really glad I kept going.
To be honest, when I bought this book, I was buying a Thunderstorm Book--not a Hayward book. I've never bought a book just for the publisher before. And the production of this book is excellent!
I'm giving this three stars based on the quality of the production and those 4 short stories.
I'll definitely read Matt Hayward again. This was his debut novel and I'm hoping he gets better because there's stuff in his imagination that works! Or maybe he just needs a good editor to keep him disciplined and out of his character's stomach all the time.
I'm going to read a Lansdale book now because I know that I won't be disappointed with his stuff. Probably Cold in July since it's now July. Kinda on the nose but so what?
December 31, 2019
Goodness gracious this was awful. Typos and grammar errors that should have been caught by decent editors (laundry shoot?). Utterly predictable and boring plot. Gratuitous gore and just dull.
September 26, 2021
Cosa c’è di più sicuro di un centro di riabilitazione? Pensavo niente, invece ho dovuto ricredermi: la paura serpeggia come un veleno insidioso tra le pagine di Cosa temono i mostri?, che prendono vita in questa fattoria fuori dal mondo in cui alcune persone, che ormai non hanno più niente da perdere, decidono di trascorrere due settimane per potersi disintossicare dalle proprie cattive abitudini.
Abbiamo Peter, leader indiscusso di questo gruppetto, con il vizio della bottiglia ed ex rocker di una band di successo. C’è Henry, uomo saggio e dal cuore d’oro, con un passato triste e crudele. Donald, ex galeotto con una propensione per la cocaina e una tremenda paura dei ragni. Walter, obeso, solo e perseguitato dall’uomo dei gelati… letteralmente.
Sono persone spaventate che avrebbero avuto bisogno di conforto e invece hanno dovuto affrontare qualcosa di indicibile, che si nutre delle paure e che aspetta, ascoltando, il momento migliore per attaccare.
Ho adorato ogni pagina di questo esordio nella letteratura horror. L’autore ambienta la sua storia, la sua “casa infestata”, in un contesto originale e particolare. I protagonisti non solo devono combattere contro i loro demoni personali, ma anche contro qualcos’altro, un “mostro” più temibile e mitologico.
Ho apprezzato il fatto che i personaggi fossero persone dalle quali, di solito, non ci si aspetta nulla di buono, ma invece in qualche modo lo scrittore le ha fatte riscattare infondendo quella fiducia in loro stesse che avevano perso. Ognuno è ben caratterizzato e ha una storia alle spalle ben delineata che ci permette di provare quel senso di empatia, nonostante gli errori del passato.
Tutti hanno bisogno di una seconda possibilità e Matt Hayward l’ha data ai suoi personaggi e al modo di raccontare storie dell’orrore, il tutto con una scrittura che è decisamente d’impatto e ricca di descrizioni raccapriccianti e così vivide da far strabuzzare gli occhi.
Una trama spietata, mefistofelica che non dà tregua e tiene col fiato sospeso fino al finale che porta l’adrenalina a mille.
Un horror assolutamente da leggere per gli amanti del genere.
Abbiamo Peter, leader indiscusso di questo gruppetto, con il vizio della bottiglia ed ex rocker di una band di successo. C’è Henry, uomo saggio e dal cuore d’oro, con un passato triste e crudele. Donald, ex galeotto con una propensione per la cocaina e una tremenda paura dei ragni. Walter, obeso, solo e perseguitato dall’uomo dei gelati… letteralmente.
Sono persone spaventate che avrebbero avuto bisogno di conforto e invece hanno dovuto affrontare qualcosa di indicibile, che si nutre delle paure e che aspetta, ascoltando, il momento migliore per attaccare.
Ho adorato ogni pagina di questo esordio nella letteratura horror. L’autore ambienta la sua storia, la sua “casa infestata”, in un contesto originale e particolare. I protagonisti non solo devono combattere contro i loro demoni personali, ma anche contro qualcos’altro, un “mostro” più temibile e mitologico.
Ho apprezzato il fatto che i personaggi fossero persone dalle quali, di solito, non ci si aspetta nulla di buono, ma invece in qualche modo lo scrittore le ha fatte riscattare infondendo quella fiducia in loro stesse che avevano perso. Ognuno è ben caratterizzato e ha una storia alle spalle ben delineata che ci permette di provare quel senso di empatia, nonostante gli errori del passato.
Tutti hanno bisogno di una seconda possibilità e Matt Hayward l’ha data ai suoi personaggi e al modo di raccontare storie dell’orrore, il tutto con una scrittura che è decisamente d’impatto e ricca di descrizioni raccapriccianti e così vivide da far strabuzzare gli occhi.
Una trama spietata, mefistofelica che non dà tregua e tiene col fiato sospeso fino al finale che porta l’adrenalina a mille.
Un horror assolutamente da leggere per gli amanti del genere.
August 23, 2018
The Feel Good Hit of the Summer!
Matt Hayward's debut novel is a fast paced, rock 'n'roll horror story.
It is a very impressive debut novel from one of the emerging voices in horror fiction - With interesting characters and a plot that powers along dragging the reader with it, What Do Monsters Fear? is a tale about about one mans redemption and his battle against the demon that keeps him from living the life he desires.
With a setting reminiscent to Ken Kasey's One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest, I'd highly recommend this book for fans of horror and dark fiction.
Matt Hayward's debut novel is a fast paced, rock 'n'roll horror story.
It is a very impressive debut novel from one of the emerging voices in horror fiction - With interesting characters and a plot that powers along dragging the reader with it, What Do Monsters Fear? is a tale about about one mans redemption and his battle against the demon that keeps him from living the life he desires.
With a setting reminiscent to Ken Kasey's One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest, I'd highly recommend this book for fans of horror and dark fiction.
May 19, 2020
This book is a lot of fun! Finished it in a couple of days. I found myself genuinely creeped out a few times, and that doesn't happen much anymore. Reading a lot of horror will do that to you. Also, I loved Hayward's writing style. It is quick and to the point, while still developing a good plot.
This book would make a great movie, although I would have to screw up the courage to watch it. Lots of gore. Normally, I am not a fan of over the top gore, but in this book it worked for me.
I will be reading more of this authors work. As soon as I calm down.
This book would make a great movie, although I would have to screw up the courage to watch it. Lots of gore. Normally, I am not a fan of over the top gore, but in this book it worked for me.
I will be reading more of this authors work. As soon as I calm down.
June 6, 2020
This is a good natured sort of horror story. Feel-good almost. The set up is fine, and the thrown together cast interact well. I was tending towards a higher rating through the first half. Then, I thought more could have been made of the confronting your fears/ demons side. It played out as standardish good guys vs evil monster god. I was imagining this one as an enjoyable low budget horror film, undemanding but fun.
September 2, 2018
Fun even without polish
This was a fun horror story. The Kindle edition has lots of typos and some of the writing was a bit sophomoric, but I would still recommend it. I’ll probably also try another book of Hayward’s, as well. He’s off to a good start.
This was a fun horror story. The Kindle edition has lots of typos and some of the writing was a bit sophomoric, but I would still recommend it. I’ll probably also try another book of Hayward’s, as well. He’s off to a good start.
July 28, 2021
Un rocker alcolizzato in cura in una clinica di disintossicazione se la deve vedere con un Dio/mostro mutaforma millenario uscito direttamente da un incubo di Lovecraft, e ho detto detto… Leggetelo se amate l’horror e le scritture forti, non ve ne pentirete!
April 1, 2018
Good read
This book was a good quick read. Some of it was a little over the top but it was fun. My only complaint would be the editing. Pretty shabby.
This book was a good quick read. Some of it was a little over the top but it was fun. My only complaint would be the editing. Pretty shabby.
August 11, 2020
First book I've read by Matt Hayward. Was a good creature feature. Will definitely be checking out more novels by him.
July 1, 2021
Presto la recensione!
September 17, 2021
First book I saw by him on a list, this man is abusive and has sexually harassed and attacked many women in the horror community. More info on twitter but fuck this dude!
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