BOOK REVIEW: The Montauk Monster by Hunter Shea

Remember when a "monster" washed ashore on a beach near Montauk, New York in 2008? Everyone speculated on the origins of the creature and most believed it to be a bloated animal carcass. But some remain convinced it was an experiment gone horribly wrong at the Plum Island Animal Disease Center, which is located near Montauk.  The Montauk Monster by Hunter Shea builds a fictional story around this bizarre urban legend.

It's summer in Montauk and there's more to find on the beach than sandcastles and sunbathing beauties - one night, two bodies are discovered torn to pieces. When police receive several reports of animal attacks, they assume the same animal is responsible for the deaths. But the creature running amok in Montauk is far worse than a rabid dog.

There are many books about creatures ruining summer fun - Jaws, Night of the Crabs and Slime come to mind - and The Montauk Monster is a great addition to the list. What sets this novel apart from other creature features is this monster isn't your typical animal, like a shark or crab. And the fact that the monster in the book is based on a true story makes it all the more unsettling. The conspiracy theory surrounding the "Montauk Monster"and the Plum Island Animal Disease Center (I learned all about this when I watched Unsealed: Conspiracy Files on Netflix) gave this novel an interesting twist.

The Montauk Monster is an action-packed novel that would make a great movie - it reads like a better version of one of those cheesy Syfy creature features. Definitely recommend reading this on the beach this summer.

This post is part of The Montauk Monster Tour. Check out the other posts here.

Rating: 4/5