Monsters: From the film director of Saltburn and Promising Young Woman

More like Iain Banks' The Wasp Factory than a dark version of Enid Blyton. Certainly not Lemony Snicket-esque as boasted on the cover. This is not a children's book. It is quite sick - the worst part for me when the main character starts her periods whilst dressed in a white dress on a float as the Carnival Queen.( There is also the moment when she christens an adopted stray cat 'Fucko'.) I don't like books packaged to look like children's fiction when they are not: like the current rash of Ladybird Books reissued with alternative text - fine for proper adults but not for kids who accidentally stumble on them, or even for kids who are trying to grow up too fast. I'm not sure what genre this book would be best categorised as. It isn't quite sophisticated enough to be a true adults' book but it is far too dark and warped for any child and most young adults. I agree with the German reviewer who put the age category at 16+. As an adult reader, I did find it quite amusing and entertaining but overall I think it is dangerous. Keep out of reach of children. This is why medicines are not packaged in sweetie-style wrappings.

This is the coastal townThat they forgot to close downArmageddon, come Armageddon!Come, Armageddon! Come!(Everyday is Like Sunday, by Morrissey)The narrator of this highly entertaining novel is an orphaned 12 year old girl, sent every Summer by her grandmother to the Cornish hotel run by her meek aunt and horrible uncle.Bored, lonely, and abused, her life takes a turn for the interesting when two things enter her life: Miles, a 13 year old guest in the hotel; and the discovery of a murdered woman's body in the sea.Without giving away too much plot, Emerald 'Call the Midwife' Fennell plays wonderfully with the conventions of children's mystery fiction.Anyone who grew up reading The Famous Five, Secret Seven, or The Hardy Boys will love this book.Kids today; what will they get up to next?

Without substance.Daft in places.Pace was all over the place but generally felt rushed with little plot/ character development.And who cares what your sister does?

The naive voice of this story belies some VERY dark themes and events. Very enjoyable but also distinctly disturbing - handle with care 😎

So in short this book is amazing, I always thought it would be. I thought it was going to be a story about well monsters, and technically it is. The result off this book was a breath taking (hilarious) read which engages you into the story and takes you to unfamiliar places. This book will lead you to think one thing but serve it the other way with a fitting twist. The book in all was refreshingly disturbing and easy to read and pick up.

What a surprise! I started reading this suspicious of the 12 year old narrator, I have read many books trying to depict a young voice and dismally failing but this girl who's name we never learn is just right!The plot was quick and never obvious, I do hope there's a sequel as the end just begs for one!A good read! Recommended!

Fantastic fun, enjoyed every moment. Would love to know what happened on next years holiday. Don't miss out on a great little book.

Bought as an easy read as we've watched Call the Midwife and found out Emerald Fennell is an author too. Surprisingly good for adult readers even though it's meant to be for teen readers. I would definitly recommend.