2 Answers2026-04-27 04:18:09
Kali White VanMeter, the author of 'Monsters We Make,' has a pretty gripping backlist that fans of her true crime-meets-literary style should check out. Her debut novel, 'The Monsters We Make,' actually shares thematic DNA with her earlier work—dark, psychologically nuanced stories that dig into human behavior. But before that, she wrote a nonfiction book called 'The Goodbye Year,' which explores the emotional turbulence of senior year in high school. It’s less crime-focused but still has that sharp observational quality she’s known for.
What’s cool about VanMeter is how she balances true crime’s grit with deeper character studies. If you liked the way 'Monsters We Make' unravels its mystery through multiple perspectives, you’ll appreciate how her other books also layer tension with emotional depth. She hasn’t published a ton under her own name yet, but each book feels like a deliberate step in her evolution as a writer. I’m low-key hoping she dives into another crime novel soon—her voice is perfect for it.
3 Answers2026-04-27 02:24:08
Kali White VanBebber, the author of 'Monsters We Make,' has a pretty intriguing body of work beyond just that one novel. While 'Monsters We Make' stands alone as a gripping true-crime-inspired story, she’s also written other books like 'The Monsters We Defy' and 'The Worst Kind of Monster.' Her writing often delves into dark, psychological themes, which makes her stuff perfect for readers who love suspense with depth.
I wouldn’t say she’s built a traditional 'series' in the sense of recurring characters or a continuous narrative, but her books share a thematic thread—exploring human darkness in different ways. If you enjoyed 'Monsters We Make,' diving into her other works feels like exploring different corners of the same eerie, thought-provoking universe. Her style’s consistent enough that fans of one book will likely appreciate the others, even if they aren’t directly connected.
3 Answers2026-04-27 14:27:45
'Monsters We Make' really stood out to me. It's a gripping, atmospheric crime novel set in the 1980s, inspired by true events—but no, it isn't part of a series. Kali White has written other books, like 'The Memory Collectors' and 'The Monsters We Make,' but they're standalone stories with distinct themes. That said, her knack for blending historical detail with suspense makes each book feel immersive. I almost wish this one was part of a series because the characters lingered in my mind for weeks after finishing.
If you're into cold-case mysteries or small-town secrets, this is a great pick. While you won't get a sequel, Kali's other books offer similarly tense vibes. 'The Memory Collectors,' for example, has this eerie, psychological twist that’s just as addictive. Her writing style’s consistent—tight pacing, strong female leads—so if you love one, you’ll probably binge the rest.
2 Answers2026-04-27 22:48:10
Man, Kali White's 'Monsters We Make' totally hooked me with its eerie true-crime vibe and small-town setting. If you're craving more of her work, you're in luck—she's got a pretty distinct voice. Her debut novel 'The Memory Collectors' is another atmospheric gem, though it leans more into psychological suspense with a touch of the supernatural. It’s about two women haunted by objects that hold traumatic memories, and it’s just as gripping as 'Monsters We Make,' but with a darker, almost Gothic flavor. White really excels at blending real-life horrors with fiction, so if you liked the way 'Monsters' blurred those lines, this one’s a must.
Another title to check out is her short story collection 'The Monsters We Defy,' which isn’t a direct follow-up but explores similar themes of secrets and moral ambiguity. It’s got that same tight, suspenseful pacing, but with a more fragmented, haunting structure. Honestly, White doesn’t have a huge backlist yet, but what’s there is quality—she’s like a quieter, Midwestern Gillian Flynn. I’d also recommend diving into her essays or interviews; she often talks about true crime’s influence on her work, which adds another layer to her fiction. If you’re patient, her next book’s probably in the works—fingers crossed it’s another creepy masterpiece.
2 Answers2026-04-27 16:01:36
Kalee Thompson is the brilliant mind behind 'Monsters We Make,' a gripping true crime book that dives into the unsettling disappearances of children in Idaho during the 1980s. Thompson has a knack for blending meticulous research with a narrative that feels almost cinematic—I couldn’t put it down. Her background as a journalist really shines through in her ability to humanize the victims while keeping the tension tight. It’s not just about the crimes; it’s about the communities shattered by them.
Before 'Monsters We Make,' she wrote 'The Ocean’s Whistleblower,' a deep dive into the life of marine biologist Rachel Carson. That book made me appreciate how science writing can be as thrilling as a detective story. Thompson’s range is impressive—she jumps from environmental advocacy to true crime without missing a beat. I’m always on the lookout for her next project because she has this rare talent for making nonfiction read like the most compelling fiction.
4 Answers2026-02-22 17:28:21
If you loved the gritty, character-driven world of 'Monsters We Make Vol. 1,' you might find 'The Library at Mount Char' by Scott Hawkins equally gripping. Both books dive into dark, surreal landscapes where ordinary people confront extraordinary horrors. 'Mount Char' has that same blend of mystery and visceral tension, with a sprawling, almost mythical narrative that keeps you guessing. I couldn’t put it down—the way it balances brutality with moments of unexpected tenderness reminded me so much of 'Monsters We Make.'
Another title that comes to mind is 'American Elsewhere' by Robert Jackson Bennett. It’s got that small-town-with-big-secrets vibe, where the supernatural lurks beneath the surface of everyday life. The protagonist’s journey feels personal and raw, much like the emotional arcs in 'Monsters We Make.' Plus, the prose is gorgeous—Bennett crafts sentences that linger in your mind long after you’ve finished reading.