When We Were Monsters

More about the book

A simmering psychological thriller unfolds at an elite New England boarding school, where a dead teacher's mysterious demise intertwines with the lives of eight students chosen for an exclusive storytelling workshop led by the enigmatic Meredith Graffam. Over sixteen days in a secluded estate, surrounded by snowy woods and tumultuous seas, these students vie for a life-changing opportunity to fulfill their creative aspirations. Each participant—Effy, the orphan; Isaac, the legacy; Ness, the wallflower; Ramon, the outsider; and Arlo, whose unexpected arrival disrupts Effy’s world—has a compelling reason to be there. Graffam’s unconventional teaching methods push the students to their limits, unearthing dark secrets and igniting rivalries. As tensions rise, the group begins to fracture, with Graffam ultimately becoming the target of their mounting animosity. This gripping tale delves into the hidden monsters within society's upper echelons and explores the quest for redemption amid betrayal and ambition. A standout dark academia thriller that captivates with its intricate web of rivalry and romance, revealing the lengths individuals will go to achieve their dreams.