In a small Ohio town that’s seen better days, the unexpected arrival of monsters shakes things up in more ways than one. As the mystery surrounding them unfolds, we follow a handful of characters trying to figure out exactly what’s going on. Blending sci-fi with a little detective work, the story is about more than just the monsters. It’s also about a struggling town and the people who call it home.
I love John Scalzi. He’s such a unique writer, and several of his books are among my go-to recommendations. His stories are always a little weird, but that’s honestly what I love about them.
This wasn’t my favorite of his, but it was still a solid 4-star read! The pacing was a little slower, and it didn’t have quite as much of his usual humor, but I did enjoy it more than When the Moon Hits Your Eye.
I really liked how the sci-fi and detective elements worked together. What could have easily been a cheesy monster story ended up being surprisingly enjoyable and well written. The POVs jump between several characters, but there’s enough depth to each of them to keep you invested without getting lost in the shuffle.
What really stood out to me was the underlying theme of community and how something completely unexpected can bring people together and breathe new life into a struggling town. It ended on such a warm, feel-good note, and honestly, I’d kind of love to see this turn into a series.
Monsters of Ohio comes out November 3, 2026. Huge thank you to Tor for my advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion. If you liked this review, please let me know either by commenting below or by visiting my Instagram @speakingof.books.
