What do you think?
Rate this book
Between Monsters and Mercy: An Inspiring True Story of A Soul Lost & Found
In a world where addiction has become the epidemic of despair, Between Monsters and Mercy is an incredible story of hope.
It follows the difficult journey of my life as a heroin and meth-addicted prostitute and my path to God and recovery. Between Monsters and Mercy gives a unique insight on the inner-workings of the confusing, and often misunderstood, disease of addiction. It illuminates the power of surrender, the reality of divine intervention, and the possibility for real change. When it appears all is lost, the miraculous power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ can heal in the most unlikely of places.
It follows the difficult journey of my life as a heroin and meth-addicted prostitute and my path to God and recovery. Between Monsters and Mercy gives a unique insight on the inner-workings of the confusing, and often misunderstood, disease of addiction. It illuminates the power of surrender, the reality of divine intervention, and the possibility for real change. When it appears all is lost, the miraculous power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ can heal in the most unlikely of places.
136 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 5, 2020
23 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Thompson
795 books1,090 followersKELLY THOMPSON has a degree in Sequential Art from The Savannah College of Art & Design. Her love of comics and superheroes have compelled her since she first discovered them as a teenager. Currently living in Portland, Oregon with her boyfriend and the two brilliant cats that run their lives, you can find Kelly all over the Internet where she is generally well liked, except where she's detested.
Kelly has published two novels - THE GIRL WHO WOULD BE KING (2012) and STORYKILLER (2014) and the graphic novel HEART IN A BOX from Dark Horse Comics (2015). She's currently writing ROGUE & GAMBIT, HAWKEYE, and PHASMA for Marvel Comics and GHOSTBUSTERS for IDW. Other major credits include: A-Force, Captain Marvel & The Carol Corps, Jem and The Holograms, Misfits, Power Rangers Pink, and the creator-owned mini-series Mega Princess.
Kelly's ambitions are eclipsed only by her desire to exist entirely in pajamas. Fortunately pajamas and writers go hand in hand (most of the time). Please buy all her stuff so that she can buy (and wear) more pajamas.
Kelly has published two novels - THE GIRL WHO WOULD BE KING (2012) and STORYKILLER (2014) and the graphic novel HEART IN A BOX from Dark Horse Comics (2015). She's currently writing ROGUE & GAMBIT, HAWKEYE, and PHASMA for Marvel Comics and GHOSTBUSTERS for IDW. Other major credits include: A-Force, Captain Marvel & The Carol Corps, Jem and The Holograms, Misfits, Power Rangers Pink, and the creator-owned mini-series Mega Princess.
Kelly's ambitions are eclipsed only by her desire to exist entirely in pajamas. Fortunately pajamas and writers go hand in hand (most of the time). Please buy all her stuff so that she can buy (and wear) more pajamas.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 23, 2020
An amazing story of recovering and gaining a testimony of Christ and His love for us. I was in the author’s ward in McCall and witnessed her transformation and testimony. A truly miraculous and inspiring story!!!
February 18, 2020
Having known multiple people that struggled with addiction I was really looking forward to reading “Between Monsters & Mercy.” I read the first few chapters and my heart really went out to Kelly. Later, I continued reading the book in an airport and before I knew it I was crying in public, something I really don’t like to do, but her story was very emotional.
The first half of the book showed us her journey from a happy go lucky child to a disturbed and heart-broken teenager and soon young adult. As the reader we could not only see the pain Kelly was going through, but also the pain her close family members suffered as she continued down the road of addiction. I found myself feeling the emotions of those in the story. Especially when she told the story of when she had her first child and prepared to give the baby up for adoption. It gave me a new insight to what birth mothers go through when they make the selfless decision to give up their baby.
The second half of the book Kelly gets into her miraculous story of her journey to sobriety. She talks about her spiritual experiences and how through God she was able to make it back to happiness and being clean and sober. While Kelly shares specifics from her faith and how she was helped by those teachings, I believe anyone that believes in a higher power can gain something from this book.
Kelly learned how to love herself, her family, and her God, and through all of that she found sobriety. While this book has some difficult and emotional things to read, it also shares inspiration and hope that someone can get better and heal from addiction. To me the message of this book is that with time, patience, hard work, and faith, there is always hope.
The first half of the book showed us her journey from a happy go lucky child to a disturbed and heart-broken teenager and soon young adult. As the reader we could not only see the pain Kelly was going through, but also the pain her close family members suffered as she continued down the road of addiction. I found myself feeling the emotions of those in the story. Especially when she told the story of when she had her first child and prepared to give the baby up for adoption. It gave me a new insight to what birth mothers go through when they make the selfless decision to give up their baby.
The second half of the book Kelly gets into her miraculous story of her journey to sobriety. She talks about her spiritual experiences and how through God she was able to make it back to happiness and being clean and sober. While Kelly shares specifics from her faith and how she was helped by those teachings, I believe anyone that believes in a higher power can gain something from this book.
Kelly learned how to love herself, her family, and her God, and through all of that she found sobriety. While this book has some difficult and emotional things to read, it also shares inspiration and hope that someone can get better and heal from addiction. To me the message of this book is that with time, patience, hard work, and faith, there is always hope.
September 3, 2020
I don't really know what to say other than thank you, Kelly Thompson, for telling your story and for telling it so well.
March 7, 2022
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
A very emotional book. I am truly touched. While I may never be able to directly related her story, it has reminded me that like myself I do not have to go through trials alone. It also reminded me that everyone had their own problems and they might not be willing to share all those details. But being the friend they need can mean soo much more than distancing. This book is a good example of how anyone with either an addiction or mental illness can succeed in life. Many times they just need the help and support to make that decision.
I would caution that while not detailed and specific for some readers this may cause some ptsd issues.
Otherwise this is a beautiful story and I encourage everyone who can to read it. Just gaining some of that insight into life with addiction can help you understand a small portion of what they are experiencing.
@cedarfort
A very emotional book. I am truly touched. While I may never be able to directly related her story, it has reminded me that like myself I do not have to go through trials alone. It also reminded me that everyone had their own problems and they might not be willing to share all those details. But being the friend they need can mean soo much more than distancing. This book is a good example of how anyone with either an addiction or mental illness can succeed in life. Many times they just need the help and support to make that decision.
I would caution that while not detailed and specific for some readers this may cause some ptsd issues.
Otherwise this is a beautiful story and I encourage everyone who can to read it. Just gaining some of that insight into life with addiction can help you understand a small portion of what they are experiencing.
@cedarfort
August 28, 2025
This book was a special read for me. I am privileged to know the author personally and so this already riveting book was even more so as I couldn't wait to find out the next part of her story. Kelly is one of the most amazing people you could ever meet and her story is touching and inspiring. Also eye-opening for those who have never experienced mental illness or addiction. I hope I can take what I've learned here and show an added measure of compassion to those who are struggling with these things.
December 4, 2021
An Important Story
This isn't the sort of story you often hear in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but it's a very important one. Thompson is honest about the uncomfortable truths of her life, painting a stark, unflinching portrait. She also shows us the hope of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and how completely He can transform a willing soul. It's a difficult story to read, but worth it.
This isn't the sort of story you often hear in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but it's a very important one. Thompson is honest about the uncomfortable truths of her life, painting a stark, unflinching portrait. She also shows us the hope of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and how completely He can transform a willing soul. It's a difficult story to read, but worth it.
April 20, 2023
I’m amazed by this incredible story. Read with a box of tissues! Kelley’s testimony is powerful. I could feel the truth of her witness of God and the Saviors love through this book. Kelley, you truly have a gift for writing. Your Dad was right! You did an incredible job. Your story will bless and touch many. Thank you for being so brave, courageous, and never giving up. I was sobbing at the end. Well done Kelley!
June 8, 2023
Amazing and also terrifying (to me) story of the grips of addiction and the love of family. Kelly's story was eye-opening, darn, heart breaking, draining, and finally freeing and full of light. I hate that addiction is a thing and how far reaching its consequences can be. I am amazed that Kelly survived and overcame her addictions. The love and patience her sister shows her is inspiring. This is a quick read.
August 31, 2020
This story will change how you view addiction, prostitution and almost every other vile sin a person can be bound by. What a blessing she eventually got out and chose to share her story so that others can hopefully open their hearts more to the sinners of the world. We’re all just human trying our best.
April 26, 2021
An amazing story
An amazing story. I had a best friend who walked a path similar to yours. The demons won the battle with her but I was so happy that you were able to come out on the other side. You story was well written even without hiding the ugly side of addiction and I thank you for sharing it.
An amazing story. I had a best friend who walked a path similar to yours. The demons won the battle with her but I was so happy that you were able to come out on the other side. You story was well written even without hiding the ugly side of addiction and I thank you for sharing it.
November 5, 2020
Super short read. Incredible story of battle with addiction and mental health. Brought me to tears more than once. I have gain a whole new level of compassion for those struggle with all forms of addiction. Beautifully written.
April 25, 2023
Powerful book of recovery after decades of addiction and struggle. Recovery was made possible because she allowed Christ into her life and the Atonement helped heal her.
It will be a good book to discuss for book club
It will be a good book to discuss for book club
October 3, 2020
Hard to read! Very sad!
October 31, 2020
Eye-opening book to the cycle of addiction and mental illness. So inspiring at the end how much God’s love can completely change a life. And loved her view of Christ’s atonement.
January 18, 2021
I could hardly put this down. Quick, difficult, hopeful read
December 3, 2021
Honest, vulnerable and powerful. Kelly shares her experience with addiction in such a moving narrative. Great read!
April 5, 2022
I loved the whole book, start to finish. I wasn’t able to put it down. I was so grateful that she was willing to share her story and don’t doubt that it will inspire many as it did me.
August 3, 2021
This is the harrowing true story of Kelly Thompson and her struggle with mental illness, drug addiction, prostitution, and her own self-worth and how her faith in Jesus Christ saved her. How can you not rate someone’s heart wrenching autobiography as anything less than 5 stars? It was gritty, raw, and an honest look at what she went through and the choices that negatively impacted her life until she found real hope. There were many times I was brought to tears by her story. While Kelly’s struggles are ones that anyone could learn from, I feel like her message is especially compelling for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Though mental illness has better treatments and is better understood than it was 40 years ago, Kelly’s message is profoundly important in showing the great harm of ignoring problems with mental illness especially in children and not finding helpful treatment. It also shows the ongoing need to de-stigmatize mental illness and look for better ways to treat those who suffer. Sadly, I think there are many like Kelly who use drugs and other addictions to self-treat the mental illness they are suffering from. This books brings hope and real sympathy for those who are living on the streets and suffering from the painful consequences of addiction. I appreciate the strength it took for Kelly to share something so personal and am grateful that she was finally able to find the peace she has been seeking for so long.
As for the book itself, the writing was very compelling and Kelly definitely has talent. The story was hard to stop listening to and definitely kept my attention. My only criticism was that the story would sometimes jump from time period to time period with phrases like “little did I know” or “if I had only known x,y,z…” My personal preference is to let the story play out without too much foreshadowing, but this is a minor criticism.
The audiobook version was made all that more impactful because the writer narrated it. I rated the audiobook version 4 stars mainly because of technical issues. I recognize that it’s hard to produce an audiobook. Unfortunately, there were several times where it was noticeable that audio was spliced together. This was another minor issue and it didn’t take too much away from the powerful narration.
Thanks to Cedar Fort for providing the audiobook version on Audible for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.
Though mental illness has better treatments and is better understood than it was 40 years ago, Kelly’s message is profoundly important in showing the great harm of ignoring problems with mental illness especially in children and not finding helpful treatment. It also shows the ongoing need to de-stigmatize mental illness and look for better ways to treat those who suffer. Sadly, I think there are many like Kelly who use drugs and other addictions to self-treat the mental illness they are suffering from. This books brings hope and real sympathy for those who are living on the streets and suffering from the painful consequences of addiction. I appreciate the strength it took for Kelly to share something so personal and am grateful that she was finally able to find the peace she has been seeking for so long.
As for the book itself, the writing was very compelling and Kelly definitely has talent. The story was hard to stop listening to and definitely kept my attention. My only criticism was that the story would sometimes jump from time period to time period with phrases like “little did I know” or “if I had only known x,y,z…” My personal preference is to let the story play out without too much foreshadowing, but this is a minor criticism.
The audiobook version was made all that more impactful because the writer narrated it. I rated the audiobook version 4 stars mainly because of technical issues. I recognize that it’s hard to produce an audiobook. Unfortunately, there were several times where it was noticeable that audio was spliced together. This was another minor issue and it didn’t take too much away from the powerful narration.
Thanks to Cedar Fort for providing the audiobook version on Audible for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews