Official Review: Monsters in the hallway by Capt. Jim Kosmo

[ObsessedBookNerd]

Based on the review I don't think that this is a book that I would enjoy reading. I don't like reading crime/murder mysteries novels. I also don't like reading about bullying, abuse, sexual assault, etc. So I am going to pass on reading this book.

[Shas F]

On the surface, Monsters in the Hall by Capt. Jim Kosmo is about the horrible murder of a boy scout that enmeshed already two damaged families in 1959. It turns out to be so much more than that. Prime suspect is Peder Korsen - a man who escaped from an insane asylum and who 10 years earlier almost killed his family when he burned the family home down. Now the prime suspect's son, Jason, a teenager in high school, will try to prove that his Dad is innocent in the molestation and killing of Roy Pettit, who happens to be Jason's friend. A cop about to retire, Detective Joe Stroud, is so shocked by the case, he has to set aside retirement for now and help solve the case. He has doubts that Korsen did it.

I say that the book is so much more because of its gripping depiction of the underside to 1950s America as seen in the shocking decline of two middle-class families because of insanity, crime, shame and poverty. The family of the victim Roy also has had a horrible time, with Roy's father being a convicted killer and Roy's brother becoming a grifter and a conman who does not hesitate to use his body for money. There are two narrative streams here, the unveiling of the killer and the fate of the two families - Korsens and the Pettits - who were dragged in the crime. Capt. Jim Kosmo competently merges a murder thriller with the tale of how the 1950s American dream can shatter into pieces. This is a very entertaining whodunit and an interesting period drama. For those interested in the book, read Kelebogile Mbangi's review that states the element of suspense is maintained until the very end of the book. Of the book's 4-star rating, the reviewer says: "It has a gripping storyline, amazing characters, and a well-developed background. I recommend it to those who enjoy crime novels."

[Ianica]

Wow, nice touch on the review. It seems like the main issue here was a concentration on mental health and its treatment.

[kwame1977]

The review is well written but unfortunately I'm not a fan of books with such vices. I have an experience on that and I'm always reminded of this bitter experience. Thanks for your review.

[Gee-Ruth]

Your review is very insightful, and as a big fan of crime novels i will definitely grab this one.
Thank you!

[TheTrueNyree]

Great job on the review! I won't lie I am definitely intrigued. It's always good when the author personally relates to the story they are writing. Who doesnt like a murder mystery. I live the suspense of it, and trying to figure out who the murderer is keep me interacting with the story. I think I may give this one a try.

[Mely918]

I love a good crime thriller novel! This book seems like an exceptional read. It looks like it has very vivid descriptions. I'm glad that the character development is strong in this book. That's always a very important element to me. I'm also glad that the element of suspense stayed consistent. Thank you for your insightful review!

[Sunnyroyish]

Mystery, murder, mental illness. All in one book. The life of Jason is quite intriguing. I'd love to explore more of it. Congrats on BOTD.

[Sanyesto]

A book that deals with the evils or "monsters" that we face, like bad people, bullying, abuse, and sexual assault. It has a gripping storyline, amazing characters, and a well-developed background. I will be immersing myself into this book very soon.

[asere_maryanne]

It sure is an intriguing review. It surely makes me want to read the book. I know I will enjoy it, thank you.

[Configure99]

Honestly the book is heart ♥ catching because I'm curious to know who the prime suspect his
Thanks it was lastly revealed. Thanks for the free copy

[jaliper]

This is a good review. Thank you for the plot in a nutshell! I cannot wait to get my hands on this one. It's a fascinating subject, and I am looking to add more to my TBR list. Thank you

[Rosemary Wright]

I don't see anything that'll make me skip a crime novel with a gripping storyline, amazing characters, and a well-developed background. I hope to read it soon. Thanks for the review.

[Zhariah]

Thank you for the awesome review!
The book itself sounds interesting, but your review and 4/4 rating has definitely propelled this to the top of my 'to read' pile

[Moddesser Elahi]

I sampled the book on Amazon. This is a crime fiction with an interesting and emotional beginning. A young guy Jason is informed that his father is involved in the murder of a young boy scout. The story takes into account various aspects related to a society. This would appeal to an audience interested in suspense and crime story as mentioned in the review by Kelebogile Mbangi.