Where There Be Monsters

I picked up *Where There Be Monsters* hoping for a whimsical escape, and what I got was a wildly entertaining ride. Tyla Collier’s narration is a standout—she nails Glory’s sarcastic voice and infuses the monsters with unsettling gravitas, making every encounter feel both thrilling and oddly grounded. The story’s setup is classic, but Williams spices it up with quirky details, like the family’s ‘Light Inn’ being a front for a secret monster-hunting operation. I loved how the audiobook juxtaposes the supernatural with the mundane, especially in scenes where Glory’s parents’ eccentricities clash with her newfound responsibilities. However, the pacing falters slightly during the second act, where a subplot about a rival monster hunter feels underdeveloped and rushes the emotional beats. Also, some of the monster lore is hinted at rather than explained, which might leave younger listeners confused. That said, the ending is a masterclass in payoff, tying together themes of family and identity with a satisfying, if slightly cliched, twist. The production quality is solid, with sound effects that enhance the eerie tone without overpowering the narration. If you’re looking for a fun, fast-paced audiobook that balances humor and heart, this is a solid pick—just be ready to overlook its few missteps.