Monster Love by Carol Topolski is the chilling tale of soulmates Sherilyn and Brendan who are so consumed by their love for each other, that they purposefully neglect their daughter (who has been nothing but an “intruder” on their relationship since birth) leaving her for dead.

As individuals Brendan and Sherilyn have felt like outsiders their entire lives. When they meet each other they feel complete and are not willing to let anyone into their lives unless it is going to progress their lives socially or professionally.

Struggling to not feel like outcasts, they are obsessed with attending just the right social functions, arriving at just the right time, wearing the best clothes and having the trendiest furniture. They do the bare minimum in maintaining social etiquette in all aspects of life. Preferring to be alone as much as possible.

Monster Love is the haunting tale of how they meet, how they treat their daughter and how they are punished for their crimes. Each chapter is interestingly told from the perspective of a person who has somehow been in contact with the gruesome Brendalyn from birth to incarceration. We also get an insight into their less than perfect childhoods.

With each chapter I wonder if I would have known they were the “type” had they been my neighbours, coworkers or family member. Each perspective asks this question and looks back at the moments where they thought the couple was odd, but dismissed their instinct.

This book drew me in as I hoped to better understand how parents could behave this way towards their own blood. Very well written, Monster Love has some graphic content that may not be suitable for all.

I enjoyed it and would highly recommend this page turner. Be warned, be prepared to cry at the gruesome reality of many apsects of this book.