What do you think?
Rate this book
Win a free print copy of this book!
0 days and 23:51:48
5 copies available
U.S. only
Their Monstrous Hearts
Not yet published
Expected 8 Apr 25Win a free print copy of this book!
0 days and 23:51:48
5 copies available
U.S. only
A haunting novel about the boundaries people will cross to keep their dreams alive.
A mysterious stranger shows up at Riccardo’s apartment with some news: his grandmother Perihan has died, and Riccardo has inherited her villa in Milan along with her famed butterfly collection.
The struggling writer is out of options. He’s hoping the change of scenery in Milan will inspire him, and maybe there will be some money to keep him afloat. But Perihan’s house isn’t as opulent as he remembers. The butterflies pinned in their glass cases seem more ominous than artful. Perihan’s group of mysterious old friends is constantly lurking. And there’s something wrong in the greenhouse.
As Riccardo explores the decrepit estate, he stumbles upon Perihan’s diary, which might hold the key to her mysterious death. Or at least give him the inspiration he needs to finish his manuscript.
But he might not survive long enough to write it.
A mysterious stranger shows up at Riccardo’s apartment with some news: his grandmother Perihan has died, and Riccardo has inherited her villa in Milan along with her famed butterfly collection.
The struggling writer is out of options. He’s hoping the change of scenery in Milan will inspire him, and maybe there will be some money to keep him afloat. But Perihan’s house isn’t as opulent as he remembers. The butterflies pinned in their glass cases seem more ominous than artful. Perihan’s group of mysterious old friends is constantly lurking. And there’s something wrong in the greenhouse.
As Riccardo explores the decrepit estate, he stumbles upon Perihan’s diary, which might hold the key to her mysterious death. Or at least give him the inspiration he needs to finish his manuscript.
But he might not survive long enough to write it.
320 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication April 8, 2025
50 people are currently reading
32.9k people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews
February 11, 2025
I will tell you that when I got the physical copy of this, I literally screamed! The cover is absolutely stunning isn’t it?
Riccardo is a struggling writer. One day a mysterious stranger shows up at his apartment to inform him his grandmother, Perihan has passed away. He inherited her home in Milan along with her famous butterfly collection.
When he arrives in Milan, he finds his grandmother’s manuscript. When the story unfolds, he finds himself transfixed on the allure.
This is a slow burn horror story. At first, I was a little leery about the pace. It had some historical fiction aspects to it too. However, the last 30% gets WILD!! That ending blew me away and I NEVER SAW THAT COMING!! I loved it! Add this to your TBR now!
- I paired it with the audiobook-
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Riccardo is a struggling writer. One day a mysterious stranger shows up at his apartment to inform him his grandmother, Perihan has passed away. He inherited her home in Milan along with her famous butterfly collection.
When he arrives in Milan, he finds his grandmother’s manuscript. When the story unfolds, he finds himself transfixed on the allure.
This is a slow burn horror story. At first, I was a little leery about the pace. It had some historical fiction aspects to it too. However, the last 30% gets WILD!! That ending blew me away and I NEVER SAW THAT COMING!! I loved it! Add this to your TBR now!
- I paired it with the audiobook-
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 3, 2025
3.75 rounded up for Goodreads!
Title/Author: Their Monstrous Hearts by Yiğit Turhan
Page Count: 320
Publisher: MIRA
Format: Physical ARC
Other Books I Enjoyed by This Author: debut
Affiliate Link: https://bookshop.org/a/7576/978036976...
Release Date: 4/8/25
General Genre: Gothic, Horror
Sub-Genre/Themes: Milan, Italy, Adoption, Butterflies, Death of grandmothers, Family estates, Greenhouses, Immortality, Inheritance and succession, magical realism, Manuscripts, Socialites, Turkish people
Writing Style: Intricately plotted; Dual timelines
What You Need to Know: "A haunting novel about the boundaries people will cross to keep their dreams alive."
My Reading Experience: Yiğit Turhan’s Their Monstrous Hearts is an exciting gothic debut that delivers a promising ability to deliver exactly what gothic horror readers are looking for
A blend of classic gothic tropes such as eerie family secrets and inheritance/succession with modern crime thriller tension.
The real-time narrative follows Riccardo, a young writer with a hard deadline and writer's block in Paris, whose life takes a sudden turn when a stranger shows up with the news he has inherited his grandmother Perihan’s estate and butterfly collection.
The moment he arrives at her estate, it’s clear there is a mystery to solve, and his search for answers leads him to a manuscript detailing Perihan’s mysterious, fairytale-like past. While the POV shifts between Riccardo, Perihan, and others feel jarring at times (especially as the nested story gradually takes precedence over the modern-day narrative)
the storytelling remains compelling and accessible. Turhan’s ability to weave grim, imaginative fantasy with classic gothic tropes AND modern-day sleuthing kept me engaged and constantly guessing.
"Sometimes,
when you find yourself in a dark place, you think you've been buried, but actually, you've been planted."
I love Riccardo's journey <3
Final Recommendation: If you love dark, atmospheric tales of inheritance and buried truths, this book is well worth picking up. I hope to see more gothic fiction from Turhan in the future! I felt a real connection to Turhan's authenticity and inspiration from his own family shine through the story.
Comps: This Cursed House by Del Sandeen, Fiend by Alma Katsu, Midnight Rooms by Donyae Coles
Title/Author: Their Monstrous Hearts by Yiğit Turhan
Page Count: 320
Publisher: MIRA
Format: Physical ARC
Other Books I Enjoyed by This Author: debut
Affiliate Link: https://bookshop.org/a/7576/978036976...
Release Date: 4/8/25
General Genre: Gothic, Horror
Sub-Genre/Themes: Milan, Italy, Adoption, Butterflies, Death of grandmothers, Family estates, Greenhouses, Immortality, Inheritance and succession, magical realism, Manuscripts, Socialites, Turkish people
Writing Style: Intricately plotted; Dual timelines
What You Need to Know: "A haunting novel about the boundaries people will cross to keep their dreams alive."
My Reading Experience: Yiğit Turhan’s Their Monstrous Hearts is an exciting gothic debut that delivers a promising ability to deliver exactly what gothic horror readers are looking for
A blend of classic gothic tropes such as eerie family secrets and inheritance/succession with modern crime thriller tension.
The real-time narrative follows Riccardo, a young writer with a hard deadline and writer's block in Paris, whose life takes a sudden turn when a stranger shows up with the news he has inherited his grandmother Perihan’s estate and butterfly collection.
The moment he arrives at her estate, it’s clear there is a mystery to solve, and his search for answers leads him to a manuscript detailing Perihan’s mysterious, fairytale-like past. While the POV shifts between Riccardo, Perihan, and others feel jarring at times (especially as the nested story gradually takes precedence over the modern-day narrative)
the storytelling remains compelling and accessible. Turhan’s ability to weave grim, imaginative fantasy with classic gothic tropes AND modern-day sleuthing kept me engaged and constantly guessing.
"Sometimes,
when you find yourself in a dark place, you think you've been buried, but actually, you've been planted."
I love Riccardo's journey <3
Final Recommendation: If you love dark, atmospheric tales of inheritance and buried truths, this book is well worth picking up. I hope to see more gothic fiction from Turhan in the future! I felt a real connection to Turhan's authenticity and inspiration from his own family shine through the story.
Comps: This Cursed House by Del Sandeen, Fiend by Alma Katsu, Midnight Rooms by Donyae Coles
Currently reading
March 27, 2025Many thanks to the author, Yigit Turhan, and Harlequin Trade Publishing for providing me with an ARC of this book. The publication date is set for April 08, 2025!
I haven't read many 'horror' books but I am excited to have the opportunity to try the genre out. Hoping this is a good one!!
I haven't read many 'horror' books but I am excited to have the opportunity to try the genre out. Hoping this is a good one!!
March 15, 2025
Their Monstrous Hearts
by Yigit Turhan
Suspense Fantasy
NetGalley eARC
Pub Date: Apr 8, 2025
Harlequin Trade
Suffering from writer's block, Riccardo is about to become homeless because he can't pay his bills. Then a man knocks on his door telling him that his grandmother has died and Riccardo has inherited her estate.
But when he goes to his grandmother's home for the funeral, a place he hasn't been since childhood, he finds that his grandmother's friends lurk in the house.
While exploring his grandmother's room, he finds a notebook; within it is what he believes is a manuscript, but as he reads, he begins to wonder if there is more to his grandmother's story.
I can say that the ending of this story was a good twist, but getting there was long, slow, and boring. Yes, I can understand why the author did it this way, but all of it, especially the grandmother's POV needs a lot of dressing up. More showing because as is, it's telling. Ninety percent is the grandmother's manuscript which reads more like a diary. (The blurb says diary, Riccardo claims it's a manuscript.)
Also, this is listed as horror: Nah... it's not scary, it's more suspense with a dusting of fantasy.
I should have DNFed, but I skimmed to finish...
1 Star
by Yigit Turhan
Suspense Fantasy
NetGalley eARC
Pub Date: Apr 8, 2025
Harlequin Trade
Suffering from writer's block, Riccardo is about to become homeless because he can't pay his bills. Then a man knocks on his door telling him that his grandmother has died and Riccardo has inherited her estate.
But when he goes to his grandmother's home for the funeral, a place he hasn't been since childhood, he finds that his grandmother's friends lurk in the house.
While exploring his grandmother's room, he finds a notebook; within it is what he believes is a manuscript, but as he reads, he begins to wonder if there is more to his grandmother's story.
I can say that the ending of this story was a good twist, but getting there was long, slow, and boring. Yes, I can understand why the author did it this way, but all of it, especially the grandmother's POV needs a lot of dressing up. More showing because as is, it's telling. Ninety percent is the grandmother's manuscript which reads more like a diary. (The blurb says diary, Riccardo claims it's a manuscript.)
Also, this is listed as horror: Nah... it's not scary, it's more suspense with a dusting of fantasy.
I should have DNFed, but I skimmed to finish...
1 Star
October 7, 2024
A haunting and atmospheric novel about human determination and the lengths one will go to preserve their dream, an unusual and unique story where moral and existential dilemmas are explored alongside science with mythical undertones. Shelved as horror this transcends the usual tropes and gimmicks popular in the genre, it's more creepy than scary if that makes sense? Incredibly unsettling and eerie, theres a permanent sense of disquiet throughout, a slithering creeping ever nearer dread that lingers around the periphery when reading, a sinister gothic with eldritch elements, exploring the shadowy facets of humanity with surrealist symbolism, the ambiguity and mystery propels the narrative forward, the prose is spectacular and beautiful. A one-of-a-kind, exquisitely crafted narrative that seamlessly blends elements of horror and fantasy, creating a mesmerising gothic fable.
September 2, 2024
This is a story of family, of loss, of Riccardo, a young struggling writer, who is on the brink of being evicted, so when a stranger arrives at his door with the news that his grandmother has passed away, leaving him to inherit her villa in Milan, including her collection of butterflies, he leaves with little hesitation. This is just what he needs.
When he arrives in Milan, he is somewhat surprised by the changes in her villa, although many years have passed since he was there, he remembers how lavish it was when he was much younger. Even the butterflies held in their glass cases seem to have lost their beauty, and her villa seems to have deteriorated over time.
While there are moments of despair, and moments of danger, as well, this is listed in the horror category, so I appreciated the lack of what most consider horror since I’m not a fan of that genre. There are some lovely moments, as well. To me, it felt like magical realism with a sprinkling of some moments of danger.
Pub Date: 08 Apr 2025
Many thanks for the ARC provided by Harlequin Trade Publishing / MIRA/HTP Books
February 2, 2025
When a stranger brings news of Riccardo's grandmother dying, Riccardo discovers that he is now the inheritor of her Milan villa filled with her collection of butterflies. Riccardo, who is a struggling writer, chooses to go to her villa where he finds his grandmother’s diary.
The more Riccardo reads from the diary, the more questions he ends up with. While hoping for inspiration on his book, he also dives into exploring his grandmother’s death.
This book had the makings of a great story. I loved the premise, the atmosphere, and the setting. I always love books set in Italy. I also appreciated the uniqueness to incorporate these butterflies into the horror. Unfortunately, I felt that the writing and structure fell short for me. I found myself a bit confused in the middle of this story and the writing wasn’t the most advanced. The beginning and end were the strongest parts of the story, but I got a bit lost in the middle and it was hard for me to keep interested in this book at times.
I read somewhere that this is the author’s first book written in English which makes me less concerned with the writing because I know that this is miles ahead of anything that I would be able to write. I think with some more practice, this author can really polish off the bumps in prose. For being his first English novel, I’m actually pretty impressed. I’ll definitely read more books by him in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc. All opinions are my own.
TW: suicide, child death, gore, violence, animal death, injury detail, blood, body horror
The more Riccardo reads from the diary, the more questions he ends up with. While hoping for inspiration on his book, he also dives into exploring his grandmother’s death.
This book had the makings of a great story. I loved the premise, the atmosphere, and the setting. I always love books set in Italy. I also appreciated the uniqueness to incorporate these butterflies into the horror. Unfortunately, I felt that the writing and structure fell short for me. I found myself a bit confused in the middle of this story and the writing wasn’t the most advanced. The beginning and end were the strongest parts of the story, but I got a bit lost in the middle and it was hard for me to keep interested in this book at times.
I read somewhere that this is the author’s first book written in English which makes me less concerned with the writing because I know that this is miles ahead of anything that I would be able to write. I think with some more practice, this author can really polish off the bumps in prose. For being his first English novel, I’m actually pretty impressed. I’ll definitely read more books by him in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc. All opinions are my own.
TW: suicide, child death, gore, violence, animal death, injury detail, blood, body horror
March 18, 2025
Riccardo, a struggling writer, learns that his grandmother, Perihan, has died suddenly and that he is set to inherit everything. Out of money and ideas for his latest book, he decides to accept. When he arrives at his grandmother’s house, things are not quite what they seem—especially with her inner circle and beloved greenhouse.
This book was such an interesting ride. As someone who adores monarch butterflies, I was immediately hooked by the prologue. It was beautifully creepy, and I needed to know what happened in that greenhouse. I loved how butterflies were woven into so many aspects of the story—it added such a unique (and slightly unsettling) touch.
The book alternates between Riccardo’s POV and Perihan’s manuscript. At first, I was a little thrown by how much detail was in Perihan’s writing, but as the story unfolded, it started to make sense. I did struggle with some of the POV shifts—there were moments where I had to pause and figure out whose perspective I was in. But the ending made up for all of it. I thought I had it all figured out… I did NOT. Overall, A solid four-star read that kept me guessing until the very end!
Thank you HTP Books, Mira Books, and The Hive for allowing me to read a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book was such an interesting ride. As someone who adores monarch butterflies, I was immediately hooked by the prologue. It was beautifully creepy, and I needed to know what happened in that greenhouse. I loved how butterflies were woven into so many aspects of the story—it added such a unique (and slightly unsettling) touch.
The book alternates between Riccardo’s POV and Perihan’s manuscript. At first, I was a little thrown by how much detail was in Perihan’s writing, but as the story unfolded, it started to make sense. I did struggle with some of the POV shifts—there were moments where I had to pause and figure out whose perspective I was in. But the ending made up for all of it. I thought I had it all figured out… I did NOT. Overall, A solid four-star read that kept me guessing until the very end!
Thank you HTP Books, Mira Books, and The Hive for allowing me to read a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 10, 2025
started listening to this book and I have to say it was hard to listen to. I didn’t care for the people that wear telling the story. It just, there tone and the way they were speaking was long and dragging. It was very hard to listen too. I didn’t listen to all of it because it was just to hard to listen too. I think I will try to just read the book instead..
I want to thank NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
I want to thank NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
February 27, 2025
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: Apr. 8, 2025
Turkish writer Yiğit Turhan has created a novel with a terrifying cover and a spooky premise- but that’s about it. The writing in “Their Monstrous Hearts: A Gothic Horror Novel with a Dual Timeline and a Suspenseful Mystery” is chunky and the storyline itself is disjointed. I felt no connection to the characters but kept persevering all the same, as I wanted to see if the ending would provide the entertainment I was looking for (it didn’t).
Riccardo is a struggling writer, about to be evicted from his apartment, when a random stranger shows up and informs him that his estranged grandmother has left him her estate in Italy. When Riccardo arrives, the villa is far more rundown than he expected and so many strange things start happening that Riccardo starts to wonder if the trip, and the villa itself, is worth it. When Riccardo discovers his grandmother’s journal, his curiousity is piqued enough that he sticks around, grateful to understand a little bit more about the woman he once knew. It isn’t long before Riccardo uncovers the dangerous secrets his grandma, and her home, hold and Riccardo is soon desperate to leave however the house, the town and the residents, are not going to let Riccardo leave- alive.
“Hearts” is told from Riccardo’s perspective, interspersed with portions of his grandmother’s journal. Some chapters are very long, others are short but overall, it is a dual timeline, single protagonist horror story.
Initially, I wondered if “Hearts” was written in another language and translated (badly) into English, but it does not seem to be the case. I struggled with Turhan’s writing style and language use and I cannot determine if that is due to the language barrier or to the fact that “Hearts” is only Turhan’s second novel. Some editorial polishing may have made a world of difference for “Hearts”, and I was quite surprised that it was carried by a rather well-known publishing house.
The story had multiple plotlines, any of them could’ve carried an entire novel on their own, but together, the structure was disorganized. There was little character development and, although the setting was creepy and the “monster” in the story had huge potential, I was too confused by the overall story to enjoy the scary parts as much as I was expecting to.
I went into “Hearts” with no expectations, as I was not familiar with Turhan or his writing, but I still managed to be disappointed.
Expected publication date: Apr. 8, 2025
Turkish writer Yiğit Turhan has created a novel with a terrifying cover and a spooky premise- but that’s about it. The writing in “Their Monstrous Hearts: A Gothic Horror Novel with a Dual Timeline and a Suspenseful Mystery” is chunky and the storyline itself is disjointed. I felt no connection to the characters but kept persevering all the same, as I wanted to see if the ending would provide the entertainment I was looking for (it didn’t).
Riccardo is a struggling writer, about to be evicted from his apartment, when a random stranger shows up and informs him that his estranged grandmother has left him her estate in Italy. When Riccardo arrives, the villa is far more rundown than he expected and so many strange things start happening that Riccardo starts to wonder if the trip, and the villa itself, is worth it. When Riccardo discovers his grandmother’s journal, his curiousity is piqued enough that he sticks around, grateful to understand a little bit more about the woman he once knew. It isn’t long before Riccardo uncovers the dangerous secrets his grandma, and her home, hold and Riccardo is soon desperate to leave however the house, the town and the residents, are not going to let Riccardo leave- alive.
“Hearts” is told from Riccardo’s perspective, interspersed with portions of his grandmother’s journal. Some chapters are very long, others are short but overall, it is a dual timeline, single protagonist horror story.
Initially, I wondered if “Hearts” was written in another language and translated (badly) into English, but it does not seem to be the case. I struggled with Turhan’s writing style and language use and I cannot determine if that is due to the language barrier or to the fact that “Hearts” is only Turhan’s second novel. Some editorial polishing may have made a world of difference for “Hearts”, and I was quite surprised that it was carried by a rather well-known publishing house.
The story had multiple plotlines, any of them could’ve carried an entire novel on their own, but together, the structure was disorganized. There was little character development and, although the setting was creepy and the “monster” in the story had huge potential, I was too confused by the overall story to enjoy the scary parts as much as I was expecting to.
I went into “Hearts” with no expectations, as I was not familiar with Turhan or his writing, but I still managed to be disappointed.
January 1, 2025
Loved the concept and vibes of this book. Turkish grandmother who has been living in Milano most of her life, leaves her creepy Italian villa with secrets and a suddenly dead garden to her grandson. I didn’t think butterflies could be morbid and gothic, yet here we are. The plot is like nothing I’ve read before.
Why then 3 stars? The writing style is clunky. The best analogy I can compare to is like the plot is a gothic victorian house but the writing style is a modern office building. It made it hard to stay in the story. And the plot pace doesn’t pick up until the last 30% of the book.
I hope our author keeps writing because this is still a good tale even while reading like a debut, and maybe with more novels skill will grow to match the writing style to the story.
Thank you to Net Galley for this advanced reader copy, all opinions are my own.
Why then 3 stars? The writing style is clunky. The best analogy I can compare to is like the plot is a gothic victorian house but the writing style is a modern office building. It made it hard to stay in the story. And the plot pace doesn’t pick up until the last 30% of the book.
I hope our author keeps writing because this is still a good tale even while reading like a debut, and maybe with more novels skill will grow to match the writing style to the story.
Thank you to Net Galley for this advanced reader copy, all opinions are my own.
March 11, 2025
ARC audiobook provided in exchange for an honest review.
I thought both the narrators did a great job and it was always easy to tell which characters were speaking! The story itself was a little out there for me, even in the world of obscure horror. I did like how the old stories got passed down and how they weren’t the typical ones that you’ve heard a million times before! I would recommend if you’re into horror stories with a touch of science fiction!
I thought both the narrators did a great job and it was always easy to tell which characters were speaking! The story itself was a little out there for me, even in the world of obscure horror. I did like how the old stories got passed down and how they weren’t the typical ones that you’ve heard a million times before! I would recommend if you’re into horror stories with a touch of science fiction!
March 21, 2025
I received this book from NetGalley. It was an old school type of horror on the macabre side. It is about a young man named Riccardo who is a destitute writer. He is in his last coin when a man comes to him and tells him his grandmother has passed.
The man gives Riccardo a ticket to Milan to collect his inheritance. Riccardo has nothing to lose so he heads to his grandmother’s. He finds her manuscript and finds out grandma was doing things grandma shouldn’t be doing. The ending was unexpected yet also I kinda expected it.
The man gives Riccardo a ticket to Milan to collect his inheritance. Riccardo has nothing to lose so he heads to his grandmother’s. He finds her manuscript and finds out grandma was doing things grandma shouldn’t be doing. The ending was unexpected yet also I kinda expected it.
March 13, 2025
Review in the January 2025 issue of Library Journal
Three Words That Describe This Book: 2 narratives, family secrets, slow burn leading to existential terror
Draft Review:
Time has run out for Riccardo, a 20 year old orphan, living off the advance of a book he is unable to even start, let alone deliver to his publisher. Until a stranger knocks on his door, alerting him that the Turkish immigrant grandmother he adored as a child, died rather suddenly and left her Italian villa and cherished butterfly collection to him. Once in Milan, Riccardo finds more questions than answers about her death, her life, and her obsession with butterflies. When he stumbles upon a manuscript written in her script with the label “To Riccardo,” readers and Riccardo begin to unravel the mystery. But why did no one give him this text when he arrived? And why does he still feel unsafe?
Told in both points of view, what begins as a slow burn Gothic Fable ventures out of its cocoon transforms into a compelling, suspenseful and lush Dark Fantasy, completing its metamorphosis with one final twist, emerging as an existentially terrifying tale that will take readers through the emotional wringer and leave them distrustful of butterflies forevermore.
Verdict: A solid debut that can be given eagerly to fans of Horror framed by dark and dangerous family secrets such as Midnight Rooms by Coles, Mexican Gothic by Moreno-Garcia, and Now You're One of Us by Nonami.
"Nobody ever suspects the butterfly" I mean with that cover they might. But no, that is a great premise to shape this book around. That's a quote from the middle-ish of the novel
Riccardo is the character that opens the story. 20yr old orphan, living in Paris, grew up in Milan (we find out quickly). His voice leads readers from his failings as a writer back for the first time in years to his grandmother's villa in Milan to claim his inheritance of everything after her death.
While there he finds a manuscript in Perihan's (grandmother's name) script that is labelled "To Riccardo).
The narrative switches back and forth as Riccardo reads the manuscript and experiences weird and weirder things in the house. It becomes clear that he needs to hide the text from others. As he reads, we get Perihan's story.
The Riccardo's POV is the weakest part here-- you can see that it is a debut there. However, Perihan's manuscript is really really good. It is its own lush, decadent, and immersive dark fantasy tale (emphasis on DARK). It is captivating. Just that part of the book reads like an Erin Morgenstern novel if it was written by and old Turkish immigrant to Milan high society lady.
But, what makes it even better is the REASON we find out it was written. A good sinister and existentially terrifying twist. This book will take you through the wringer as a reader.
While I was reading Riccardo's POV annoyed me but after finishing the book, I think it might have been on purpose-- his bad writing vs Perihan's skilled. If that was true, it was too subtle at the beginning.
If people stick with this book's slow burn, they will be rewarded. I will 100% check out Turhan's next novel as this is a promising start.
Some people called it a gothic fable. I think that is way too gentle a description. It describes how the book begins, but it builds from dark fantasy to family secrets/intrigue to pure terror. But it builds the entire time. And the ending is HORROR. You will not forget it and it will leave a mark.
For fans of Horror that is framed by dark and mortally dangerous family secrets such as Midnight Rooms by Coles, Mexican Gothic by Moreno-Garcia and the backlist gem-- No You're One of Us by Nonami.
Three Words That Describe This Book: 2 narratives, family secrets, slow burn leading to existential terror
Draft Review:
Time has run out for Riccardo, a 20 year old orphan, living off the advance of a book he is unable to even start, let alone deliver to his publisher. Until a stranger knocks on his door, alerting him that the Turkish immigrant grandmother he adored as a child, died rather suddenly and left her Italian villa and cherished butterfly collection to him. Once in Milan, Riccardo finds more questions than answers about her death, her life, and her obsession with butterflies. When he stumbles upon a manuscript written in her script with the label “To Riccardo,” readers and Riccardo begin to unravel the mystery. But why did no one give him this text when he arrived? And why does he still feel unsafe?
Told in both points of view, what begins as a slow burn Gothic Fable ventures out of its cocoon transforms into a compelling, suspenseful and lush Dark Fantasy, completing its metamorphosis with one final twist, emerging as an existentially terrifying tale that will take readers through the emotional wringer and leave them distrustful of butterflies forevermore.
Verdict: A solid debut that can be given eagerly to fans of Horror framed by dark and dangerous family secrets such as Midnight Rooms by Coles, Mexican Gothic by Moreno-Garcia, and Now You're One of Us by Nonami.
"Nobody ever suspects the butterfly" I mean with that cover they might. But no, that is a great premise to shape this book around. That's a quote from the middle-ish of the novel
Riccardo is the character that opens the story. 20yr old orphan, living in Paris, grew up in Milan (we find out quickly). His voice leads readers from his failings as a writer back for the first time in years to his grandmother's villa in Milan to claim his inheritance of everything after her death.
While there he finds a manuscript in Perihan's (grandmother's name) script that is labelled "To Riccardo).
The narrative switches back and forth as Riccardo reads the manuscript and experiences weird and weirder things in the house. It becomes clear that he needs to hide the text from others. As he reads, we get Perihan's story.
The Riccardo's POV is the weakest part here-- you can see that it is a debut there. However, Perihan's manuscript is really really good. It is its own lush, decadent, and immersive dark fantasy tale (emphasis on DARK). It is captivating. Just that part of the book reads like an Erin Morgenstern novel if it was written by and old Turkish immigrant to Milan high society lady.
But, what makes it even better is the REASON we find out it was written. A good sinister and existentially terrifying twist. This book will take you through the wringer as a reader.
While I was reading Riccardo's POV annoyed me but after finishing the book, I think it might have been on purpose-- his bad writing vs Perihan's skilled. If that was true, it was too subtle at the beginning.
If people stick with this book's slow burn, they will be rewarded. I will 100% check out Turhan's next novel as this is a promising start.
Some people called it a gothic fable. I think that is way too gentle a description. It describes how the book begins, but it builds from dark fantasy to family secrets/intrigue to pure terror. But it builds the entire time. And the ending is HORROR. You will not forget it and it will leave a mark.
For fans of Horror that is framed by dark and mortally dangerous family secrets such as Midnight Rooms by Coles, Mexican Gothic by Moreno-Garcia and the backlist gem-- No You're One of Us by Nonami.
January 1, 2025
What made this book an unpleasant read for me was that I found the writing to be quite poor. I realize there are some readers who don't mind that so much as long as they're getting a good story, and this book DOES have a good story, so if the sentence-level stuff doesn't ruin the overall tale for you, you might enjoy this a lot more than I did.
I'm not sure I can explain what I found engaging about the story told here without spoiling things, but suffice it to say I found it held unique and interesting ideas. And I appreciated how the author chose to end the story.
As far as the writing - I found it to be very juvenile, but then learned that this is the author's first English language novel, and so that may explain some of it. Either his grasp of the writing in this language isn't as good, or what his typical readers value in their writing differs from what I do. Beyond a few story inconsistencies, characters acting in ways that human interaction does not actually occur, and an extremely unlikable main character (albeit for a potentially good reason), my biggest issues were these:
Instead of "show, don't tell", the author chooses to do both. He does a good job setting an ominous yet captivating scene, but then outright tells readers, "It made for an ominous yet captivating scene". Speaking of captivating, the word appears 48 times in this book, sometimes in consecutive sentences. Beauty or beautiful is used 80 times, mysterious/mystery 40 times, scent 39, delicate 38, intrigued/intriguing 28, eerie 28, fragrance 28, vibrant 23, enchanting/enchanted 21, enigmatic 18, allure/alluring 16, and ethereal 15. Despite doing a decent job imparting these ideas in his story, he will repeatedly explain to us how captivating and alluring the enchanting enigmatic mysterious fragrance was, invoking a vibrant and ethereal beauty. A lot.
Because my main issue was with the execution, I feel like the intriguing premise here would come across much better as a movie from a streaming service or something. Alas, this book was not for me. But if story trumps writing in your reading, it might still be for you.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing/MIRA for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
I'm not sure I can explain what I found engaging about the story told here without spoiling things, but suffice it to say I found it held unique and interesting ideas. And I appreciated how the author chose to end the story.
As far as the writing - I found it to be very juvenile, but then learned that this is the author's first English language novel, and so that may explain some of it. Either his grasp of the writing in this language isn't as good, or what his typical readers value in their writing differs from what I do. Beyond a few story inconsistencies, characters acting in ways that human interaction does not actually occur, and an extremely unlikable main character (albeit for a potentially good reason), my biggest issues were these:
Instead of "show, don't tell", the author chooses to do both. He does a good job setting an ominous yet captivating scene, but then outright tells readers, "It made for an ominous yet captivating scene". Speaking of captivating, the word appears 48 times in this book, sometimes in consecutive sentences. Beauty or beautiful is used 80 times, mysterious/mystery 40 times, scent 39, delicate 38, intrigued/intriguing 28, eerie 28, fragrance 28, vibrant 23, enchanting/enchanted 21, enigmatic 18, allure/alluring 16, and ethereal 15. Despite doing a decent job imparting these ideas in his story, he will repeatedly explain to us how captivating and alluring the enchanting enigmatic mysterious fragrance was, invoking a vibrant and ethereal beauty. A lot.
Because my main issue was with the execution, I feel like the intriguing premise here would come across much better as a movie from a streaming service or something. Alas, this book was not for me. But if story trumps writing in your reading, it might still be for you.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing/MIRA for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
March 17, 2025
Riccardo is a struggling writer having a hard time making ends meet. He gets a knock on his door and is informed that his Grandmother Perihan has passed away and he, being her sole living kin besides his estranged mother, has inherited her estate in Italy. He goes there with every intention to just attend the funeral, but when he discovers a book of writing by Perihan, he gets sucked in. This must be some kind of fictitious manuscript, as there is no way what Perihan writes about can possibly be true. We jump back and forth between present day Riccardo and Perihan's past via her writing. It's a very slow burn for the first roughly 75%, but when it picks it, it gets really good! I didn't know exactly where it was going to take us, and the overarching concept and twists were utterly disturbing and delightful! So ultimately it leads to a great last 25%, but you have to get there. I don't want to make any comments on the last 25% because spoiling it would be a real disservice to future readers. But you'll never look at butterflies the same and the selfishness and horror at the hands of family members can be beyond belief! I think that idea is something that some people can relate to. I have never written a book, and I cannot imagine that it's easy. This is Turhan's first book and I think it's clear that he's more than capable of delivering dark and disturbing stories (which I am totally here for.) I do wish I was made to be more invested in the buildup, and that maybe there was more showing instead of telling. A manuscript can be a great way to drop information into a story, but I think it was leaned on as a device a little too heavy-handedly in this one. I would advise readers to allow themselves to get to the end because it is worth it! I wish there was a 3.5 star option, but because there isn't, I'm landing on 3. Gorgeous cover! And I'd say a good debut!
Thank you to NetGalley, MIRA books and Harlequin Audio for the audio ARC!
Book releases April 8th, 2025.
Thank you to NetGalley, MIRA books and Harlequin Audio for the audio ARC!
Book releases April 8th, 2025.
December 20, 2024
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 abound Riccardo finds that 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. Huge thanks to @htp_hive and @htpbooks for the advance copy. Publication is 04/08/25. 4⭐️ #hiveinfluencer
Read
February 19, 2025DNF @ 43%
Received an ARC from NetGalley.
I tried to push on but I just couldn't get into it. Maybe I'll try another time.
Received an ARC from NetGalley.
I tried to push on but I just couldn't get into it. Maybe I'll try another time.
March 3, 2025
This was okay. I was originally really excited for this book based on the premise but I found myself struggling to connect with the characters and the story. I honestly was thinking of DNFing quite a few times. I think maybe the audiobook was part of the issue. The male narrator kept changing his accent. I couldn’t figure out if he was Riccardo or if he wasn’t. He’d have an accent when he’d say Riccardo’s parts but then would immediately drop the accent so it just sounded disjointed compared to the female narrator who had an accent the entire time. I think the pacing was also something I struggled with I was waiting and waiting for things to happen and it just seemed like it took a while to get there. The overall premise is good just kind of a clunky story that felt like it was missing something. Maybe if you’re a fan of very slow burn stories with gothic elements and an air of mystery this might be for you.
Thank you HPT the Hive for providing me with an ALC
Thank you HPT the Hive for providing me with an ALC
March 22, 2025
Wicked cool cover. Interesting concept at its bones, but unfortunately, was a boring execution. The writing in this was just… sorta bad. Overly detailed, yet felt like I was learning nothing important. The characters were also just blah. I think if you look at the beginning and ending - there’s potential, but then everything you have to read to get you there is so dull it’s not worth the ride.
August 23, 2024
I’m not sure where to even begin with this book, and that’s a good thing. The cover and title alone were enough to illicit even the smallest amount of interest, the general synopsis did much to provide to an overall intrigue that I immediately felt as though I needed to know more about these characters, their lives and what would be, undoubtedly, an adventurous trip into the horror-tinged world developed by Yiğit Turhan.
This particular book ticked all the boxes for me in terms of what I seek out of a good horror novel. It didn’t rely on any necessarily overt gimmicks or tropes, nor was it a bloodstained battle of wills between the main character and a perceived threat, or big bad. With a near effortless weaving of past recollections, and present day events, Their Monstrous Hearts calls into the questions the experiences of many and highlights the lengths that some people will go to in an effort to achieve a perceived opportunity at eternity and notoriety.
The overall pacing of this was very good, with perhaps a small slump somewhere halfway through when we were experiencing the main character, Riccardo’s, own anxieties regarding the circumstances of his grandmothers death, her reasoning for leaving behind an unfinished manuscript, and the staff of the house seemingly endless quest to uncover what it was that Perihan, the villa’s prior mistress, left behind.
There was an overarching, creeping edge that lurked on the periphery of my mind the entire time that I was reading this, a feeling I quite enjoy myself whilst reading a horror novel. A certain call to question in sanity and reality that begs to understand the motivations of someone who seemed to have everything, as a self-made woman with few boundaries and little gall stopping her from achieving what she desires most.
Perihan was compelling, and could be argued to be the main character, despite the novel taking point from her grandson, Riccardo. The abrupt tone change from the prologue to the first chapter of the book was jarring in the best way, and managed to sink its claws into me with a few pages and well placed words. It also further emphasized and developed into a desire to understand the cross-cultural references that existed with Perihan’s Turkish origins, and the life she crafted for herself once she arrived on the streets of Milan.
Turhan’s capability of choosing exactly the right word in exactly the right moment emphasizes his capability of a writer, and sparks an intrigue and interest that I think is lacking in much of modern horror.
Overall, I do highly recommend this book for those that enjoy horror, an alluring tale of gothic proportions, a touch of magical realism and the supernatural and a thought-provoking read that encourages both introspection, and an observance of the world around them.
Many thanks to #NetGalley, Yiğit Turhan, and Harlequin Trade Publishing for providing me the opportunity to read and experience an ARC of #TheirMonstrousHearts.
Rating: ★★★★ | 4/5
✨
This particular book ticked all the boxes for me in terms of what I seek out of a good horror novel. It didn’t rely on any necessarily overt gimmicks or tropes, nor was it a bloodstained battle of wills between the main character and a perceived threat, or big bad. With a near effortless weaving of past recollections, and present day events, Their Monstrous Hearts calls into the questions the experiences of many and highlights the lengths that some people will go to in an effort to achieve a perceived opportunity at eternity and notoriety.
The overall pacing of this was very good, with perhaps a small slump somewhere halfway through when we were experiencing the main character, Riccardo’s, own anxieties regarding the circumstances of his grandmothers death, her reasoning for leaving behind an unfinished manuscript, and the staff of the house seemingly endless quest to uncover what it was that Perihan, the villa’s prior mistress, left behind.
There was an overarching, creeping edge that lurked on the periphery of my mind the entire time that I was reading this, a feeling I quite enjoy myself whilst reading a horror novel. A certain call to question in sanity and reality that begs to understand the motivations of someone who seemed to have everything, as a self-made woman with few boundaries and little gall stopping her from achieving what she desires most.
Perihan was compelling, and could be argued to be the main character, despite the novel taking point from her grandson, Riccardo. The abrupt tone change from the prologue to the first chapter of the book was jarring in the best way, and managed to sink its claws into me with a few pages and well placed words. It also further emphasized and developed into a desire to understand the cross-cultural references that existed with Perihan’s Turkish origins, and the life she crafted for herself once she arrived on the streets of Milan.
Turhan’s capability of choosing exactly the right word in exactly the right moment emphasizes his capability of a writer, and sparks an intrigue and interest that I think is lacking in much of modern horror.
Overall, I do highly recommend this book for those that enjoy horror, an alluring tale of gothic proportions, a touch of magical realism and the supernatural and a thought-provoking read that encourages both introspection, and an observance of the world around them.
Many thanks to #NetGalley, Yiğit Turhan, and Harlequin Trade Publishing for providing me the opportunity to read and experience an ARC of #TheirMonstrousHearts.
Rating: ★★★★ | 4/5
✨
February 13, 2025
4.5 rounded up to 5
What a ride. What a WILD ride. I completely devoured this book in a single sitting and boy oh boy was it worth me being absolutely exhausted knowing I have to work in the morning.
Their Monstrous Hearts follows Riccardo, a down on his luck novelist who gets a lucky break when his estranged grandmother Perihan passes away leaving behind her prized butterfly collection and massive Milan estate which includes a prominent but mysteriously locked greenhouse.
Jumping between multiple POVs never felt this good. I didn't find myself annoyed by all the jumps between characters or timelines - I was 100% locked in on the story at hand. It did feel like the mystery got a rushed conclusion and backstory that I wish would have been a little more fleshed out but it was still a great read.
I have a feeling this book is going to be divided into two categories - love it or hate it. Normally, the multiple POVs, the twists and turns, the disjointed storytelling, the rush to the conclusion would piss me off but for some reason everything about this book just worked for me. I want more from this author as soon as possible.
---SPOILER/NOT SO SPOILER BELOW 👇🏼---
*
*
*
The ENDING!? The ENDING!? WHAAAAAAAAAT!!!!
What a ride. What a WILD ride. I completely devoured this book in a single sitting and boy oh boy was it worth me being absolutely exhausted knowing I have to work in the morning.
Their Monstrous Hearts follows Riccardo, a down on his luck novelist who gets a lucky break when his estranged grandmother Perihan passes away leaving behind her prized butterfly collection and massive Milan estate which includes a prominent but mysteriously locked greenhouse.
Jumping between multiple POVs never felt this good. I didn't find myself annoyed by all the jumps between characters or timelines - I was 100% locked in on the story at hand. It did feel like the mystery got a rushed conclusion and backstory that I wish would have been a little more fleshed out but it was still a great read.
I have a feeling this book is going to be divided into two categories - love it or hate it. Normally, the multiple POVs, the twists and turns, the disjointed storytelling, the rush to the conclusion would piss me off but for some reason everything about this book just worked for me. I want more from this author as soon as possible.
---SPOILER/NOT SO SPOILER BELOW 👇🏼---
*
*
*
The ENDING!? The ENDING!? WHAAAAAAAAAT!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2025
Thank you to Harlequin Audio & Harlequin Trade Publishing for providing me an audio/ebook ARC for this through NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review!
A struggling writer finds himself in Milan inheriting his late grandmother’s estate. What he didn’t expect was to also inherit the horrors that awaits him. As he finds inspiration for his new book, he comes across a manuscript his grandmother left him. As he reads along, he discovers the origins of the horrors he’s come across.
The story was a little slow to get started, but by the end it will have its claws into you. The ending wasn’t at all what I expected and the suspense kept me at the edge of my seat.
A struggling writer finds himself in Milan inheriting his late grandmother’s estate. What he didn’t expect was to also inherit the horrors that awaits him. As he finds inspiration for his new book, he comes across a manuscript his grandmother left him. As he reads along, he discovers the origins of the horrors he’s come across.
The story was a little slow to get started, but by the end it will have its claws into you. The ending wasn’t at all what I expected and the suspense kept me at the edge of my seat.
March 22, 2025
Review coming soon.
July 8, 2024
A perfectly lovely little horror/mystical/surrealism tale (can you even say lovely when talking about the horror genre??) This probably wasn't the story for me as I'm not a huge fan of horror or symbolism type books, but the writing was well done, even if the characters seemed a little flat and stilted.
November 28, 2024
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!
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!
March 30, 2025
Finished reading: March 27th 2025
"Not everyone who leaves us needs to suffer in our absence, you know that. Some of us are better off away from the people who brought us into the world."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and MIRA in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
REVIEW
WARNING: it's another unexpected unpopular opinion review!!
["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>
February 12, 2025
Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing|MIRA and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of Their Monstrous Hearts, in return for my honest review.
Twenty year old Riccardo is writing his first book, and things are not going well. He is struggling with writer’s block and stalling for time to get something to his agent, while unpaid bills are accumulating at a rapid rate. When a stranger shows up to inform Riccardo that his estranged grandmother has passed, and he has inherited her villa in Milan, he thinks it might just be the opportunity he needs to bounce back financially and find the inspiration he desperately needs for writing his book. Riccardo soon finds that things seem strange at the villa and he discovers a manuscript written by his grandmother, which he hopes will give him answers to her death. As Riccardo delves into Perihan’s manuscript, a haunting horror begins to unfold, and he must decide if Perihan’s story is fact or fiction, in order to survive.
Their Monstrous Hearts ended up being a read in one day book for me, because I couldn’t put it down without knowing how the story ended. The book is told from Riccardo and Perihan’s POVs, with most of Perihan’s part of the story told as flashbacks. I was definitely interested in Riccardo as a character, with his struggling writer persona and estrangement from his family, but Perihan is definitely the dominant character. We see her struggles as the youngest in a family full of daughters in Turkey, and the drive that develops during her younger years, that motivates her character throughout the rest of story.
The pacing of the book is on the slower side, as most of it focuses on Riccardo reading Perihan’s manuscript. There are some horror elements interspersed throughout the first part of the book, but the majority of the horror exists in the last 30%. As a TRIGGER WARNING, there are graphic scenes depicted of child death in Chapter 21. I did feel like this part of the story didn’t fit in, and could have definitely been left out without affecting the rest of the book.
I really enjoyed the butterfly imagery, and how insects can be beautiful and terrifying at the same time. And Turhan does an excellent job of addressing the true monster/monsters in the story. I was very surprised by the ending, because it delivered a great horror twist, that I did not expect. It was definitely worth the slow burn horror build up!
If you love dual POVs, unexpected villains, shady side characters, and surprising horror twists, then I would definitely recommend Turhan’s first English language debut novel.
Twenty year old Riccardo is writing his first book, and things are not going well. He is struggling with writer’s block and stalling for time to get something to his agent, while unpaid bills are accumulating at a rapid rate. When a stranger shows up to inform Riccardo that his estranged grandmother has passed, and he has inherited her villa in Milan, he thinks it might just be the opportunity he needs to bounce back financially and find the inspiration he desperately needs for writing his book. Riccardo soon finds that things seem strange at the villa and he discovers a manuscript written by his grandmother, which he hopes will give him answers to her death. As Riccardo delves into Perihan’s manuscript, a haunting horror begins to unfold, and he must decide if Perihan’s story is fact or fiction, in order to survive.
Their Monstrous Hearts ended up being a read in one day book for me, because I couldn’t put it down without knowing how the story ended. The book is told from Riccardo and Perihan’s POVs, with most of Perihan’s part of the story told as flashbacks. I was definitely interested in Riccardo as a character, with his struggling writer persona and estrangement from his family, but Perihan is definitely the dominant character. We see her struggles as the youngest in a family full of daughters in Turkey, and the drive that develops during her younger years, that motivates her character throughout the rest of story.
The pacing of the book is on the slower side, as most of it focuses on Riccardo reading Perihan’s manuscript. There are some horror elements interspersed throughout the first part of the book, but the majority of the horror exists in the last 30%. As a TRIGGER WARNING, there are graphic scenes depicted of child death in Chapter 21. I did feel like this part of the story didn’t fit in, and could have definitely been left out without affecting the rest of the book.
I really enjoyed the butterfly imagery, and how insects can be beautiful and terrifying at the same time. And Turhan does an excellent job of addressing the true monster/monsters in the story. I was very surprised by the ending, because it delivered a great horror twist, that I did not expect. It was definitely worth the slow burn horror build up!
If you love dual POVs, unexpected villains, shady side characters, and surprising horror twists, then I would definitely recommend Turhan’s first English language debut novel.
October 6, 2024
Their Monstrous Hearts is a heart stopping story drenched in dark glamour and mystery that will make you never look at butterflies the same way again...
Riccardo is a starving artist, a writer without inspiration living in an apartment in Paris with overdue bills and past due promises to his literary agent. One day a mysterious stranger shows up at his door with shocking news, his grandmother Perihan has died and has left her villa in Milan to him. Desperate for a miracle and a way out of his meager existence, Riccardo goes to Milan to inherit the villa. While there, he discovers that his enigmatic grandmother, with her glamorous wardrobe and strange butterfly collection, has left her murky past behind for Riccardo to discover along with her peculiar staff and eerie villa. When Riccardo immerses himself back into his grandmother's life, he is forced to grapple with unbelievable stories and nightmarish events that threaten his sanity and soul.
Their Monstrous Hearts starts off as an Italian gothic, with a crumbling villa, inheritance, and death of a long lost grandmother only for it to morph into a fantasy horror involving monsters, murder, and magic. Butterfly taxidermy is juxtaposed with designer gowns, creating an avant-garde atmosphere of occult allure. The butterfly is used as a metaphor for transformation, rebirth, and freedom within the immigrant experience and through the lens of identity. I thought the character development in this story was strong with Perihan in particular, a devilish diva whose journey from immigrant to boss lady was fascinating and had me eager to learn more about her life. Her lust for freedom and control was insatiable and showed the monstrous side of human nature. Each of the characters in this story started off either lost or displaced only to be cocooned in self-belief, and then transformed into a new version of themselves. The delicate balance between life and death is twisty and disturbing in this macabre tale.
Their Monstrous Hearts is a sinister spectacle with a powerful metamorphosis involving mystery, eternal life, and winged creatures.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a free arc via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Riccardo is a starving artist, a writer without inspiration living in an apartment in Paris with overdue bills and past due promises to his literary agent. One day a mysterious stranger shows up at his door with shocking news, his grandmother Perihan has died and has left her villa in Milan to him. Desperate for a miracle and a way out of his meager existence, Riccardo goes to Milan to inherit the villa. While there, he discovers that his enigmatic grandmother, with her glamorous wardrobe and strange butterfly collection, has left her murky past behind for Riccardo to discover along with her peculiar staff and eerie villa. When Riccardo immerses himself back into his grandmother's life, he is forced to grapple with unbelievable stories and nightmarish events that threaten his sanity and soul.
Their Monstrous Hearts starts off as an Italian gothic, with a crumbling villa, inheritance, and death of a long lost grandmother only for it to morph into a fantasy horror involving monsters, murder, and magic. Butterfly taxidermy is juxtaposed with designer gowns, creating an avant-garde atmosphere of occult allure. The butterfly is used as a metaphor for transformation, rebirth, and freedom within the immigrant experience and through the lens of identity. I thought the character development in this story was strong with Perihan in particular, a devilish diva whose journey from immigrant to boss lady was fascinating and had me eager to learn more about her life. Her lust for freedom and control was insatiable and showed the monstrous side of human nature. Each of the characters in this story started off either lost or displaced only to be cocooned in self-belief, and then transformed into a new version of themselves. The delicate balance between life and death is twisty and disturbing in this macabre tale.
Their Monstrous Hearts is a sinister spectacle with a powerful metamorphosis involving mystery, eternal life, and winged creatures.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a free arc via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 23, 2024
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.
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.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews