How could I resist a novel called Monsters of Ohio by John Scalzi, my favorite science fiction author? He had my heart in my throat in his opening, but I should have had faith in him. As you can see on the cover, it says, “People change.” So do rabbits, cats, dogs, and even a parrot and a cow. Only John Scalzi can create this kind of a story to illustrate the true monsters.
After Mike Boyd lost his job writing press releases for the United States Department of Agriculture, and realized how many other people were desperately looking for jobs in Washington, D.C., he moved home to live in his old bedroom in Richland in Darke County, Ohio. It appears, though, that the entire town might be in the same position. Bradson Foods, were most of the residents work, was purchased by an equity firm, Leyton Capital. Although some people hold out hope, others suspect Bret Lawrence was sent to town to shut down the company. Mike’s old friend, Dave Prost, is police chief. He suspects he’ll lose his job as the only police officer in town when they announce the closure. The mayor is still optimistic. But, Andi Sunders, in town temporarily to run the town’s new Monster Festival, has her doubts. Mike and Andi, both newcomers to Richland, notice how many pets have disappeared in town. It’s Dave, as police chief, who is asked to deal with an exploding cow, and finds blood in a soybean field. When things get weirder with all the people under stress, Dave ropes Mike and Andi into helping him.
I can’t spoil the unfolding of John Scalzi’s topical, engaging story. His imagination as he depicts what happens when people are under a great deal of stress is remarkable; a little graphic maybe, but remarkable. In fact, it’s “transformative”. Don’t worry. Scalzi isn’t shy about revealing the villains of the peace. Monsters of Ohio is surprising, and satisfying.
John Scalzi’s website is https://whatever.scalzi.com/
Monsters of Ohio by John Scalzi. Tor Books, 2026. 268p.
FTC Full Disclosure – I received a galley from the publisher, through NetGalley, with no expectation of a positive review.
