Shhh…It’s A Killer Story (Monsters in Disguise #1)

Welcome.

I've been waiting for you.

Don't look so nervous. You clicked on this book. That part was entirely your decision.

Mine was writing it.

I'd like to ask you something. Just one tiny question.

When was the last time you looked at someone and thought,

"They're nice."

Not someone you knew. Just someone.

A cashier. A neighbour. A teacher. The woman walking her dog every morning. The man who held the door open for you.

You smiled. They smiled back.

And just like that...

You decided they were safe.

Funny, isn't it? How little evidence it takes for us to trust someone. A smile. Good manners. Eye contact.

People imagine monsters announcing themselves. Sharp teeth. Wild eyes. Blood beneath their fingernails.

No.

Real monsters wash their hands. They say please. They remember birthdays. They ask how your mother is doing.

Sometimes...

They write books.

So, let’s talk about this book. You'll meet an author. A detective. Missing women. A quiet town where everyone knows everyone. You probably think you know where this story is going.

Most readers do.

But this isn't that kind of story.

Heroes don't always save people. Villains don't always look like villains. Detectives don't always find the truth. And authors...

Well...

Sometimes we tell stories that refuse to follow the rules.

This story is different.

It's one of the closest things to my heart.

Not because every event is real, but because I wish stories like this never had to exist. I wish I could have fought the horrors some people have endured.

This is my way of reminding you that monsters rarely look like monsters.

I wish I could have protected those who couldn't protect themselves.

I can't.

But I can tell their stories with honesty.

So...

Tell me.

Who do you trust already? The detective? The girl? The one smiling? The one staying quiet?

Let's see how long that trust lasts.

Oh...

I almost forgot.

Just promise me one thing.

When you reach the end...

Don't say I didn't warn you.

You opened the book.

I merely opened the door.

But be warned, this is the last moment you'll spend with me.

The moment you turn the page...

I can no longer protect you.

After that...

You're with them.

And although I created every one of them...

They were never very good at playing nice.

Good luck.

You're going to need it.