Many thanks to my friends at @avidreaderpress @simon.audio and @librofm for the #gifted copies of this book.  

 

Sibling rivalry, secrets, and manipulation.  Yes, please!   

 

There is something about a good family drama that always pulls me in. And in Little Monsters, Brodeur delivers.  

 

Beautifully written with a strong sense of place, Brodeur taps into some of the messiest parts of life with great ease.

 

Not all families are complicated and dysfunctional. But the Gardners certainly are.  As Adam’s 70th birthday approaches, excitement is offset by competition, and long-buried secrets threaten family bonds.  

 

This is a solid examination of family told in alternating perspective.  Each one is distinct and flawed, even if brushed with light strokes.  True skill is found in Brodeur’s meticulous layering of each point of view, creating a slow unraveling of dishy drama and developing a full sense of the unit.  

 

But the real standout in this book is the scenic backdrop of Cape Cod.  From flora to fauna, nature is on full display, and the very essence of the town is adeptly woven into the fabric of this family.  

 

As secrets mounted, the story reached a fever pitch climax making me crave a soap-opera worthy, dramatic conclusion.  Instead, momentum stilted into a nicely wrapped scene, leaving me a bit underwhelmed in the end.  

 

Still, Brodeur’s first foray into fiction is entertaining and sharply observed.  It’s an intimate portrait of relationship dynamics and the transformative impact of betrayal that feels authentic.  

 

🎧 It’s hard to deny this beautiful cover.  This book is a gorgeous addition to any bookshelf.  But were I to recommend only one format, it would be the audiobook.  Narrated by a full cast, this is a rich portrayal that brought each character to life with a distinct voice.