Monsters of Templeton

By: Lauren Groff

Narrated by: Nicole Roberts

In the wake of a disastrous affair with her older, married archeology professor at Stanford, brilliant Wilhelmina Cooper arrives back at the doorstep of her hippie mother-turned-born-again-Christian's house in Templeton, New York - a storybook town her ancestors founded that sits on the shores of Lake Glimmerglass. Upon her arrival, a prehistoric monster surfaces in the lake, bringing a feeding frenzy to the quiet town. And Willie learns she has a mystery father her mother has kept secret for Willie's entire life.

The beautiful, broody Willie is told that the key to her biological father's identity lies somewhere in her twisted family tree. She finds more than she bargained for as a chorus of voices from the town's past, some sinister, all fascinating, rise up around her to tell their side of the story. In the end, dark secrets come to light, past and present day are blurred, and old mysteries are finally put to rest.

This is a fresh, virtuoso performance that will surely place Groff among the best young writers of today.

Download Templeton family trees and photos.©2008 Lauren Groff (P)2008 Hyperion

A Rare Reread

I originally read this book 7 or 8 years ago but was delighted to hear that my book club selected it. It is completely unique with its beautiful language, historical fiction, wacky romances and bizarre happenings. There are murders, ghosts and monsters both human and otherwise. Our dear author reaches deep into an imagination shockingly more vast than the ordinary and presents us with the story of the girl next door in a world only a breath away from the one we see every day. Just listen.

loved it. what a great layered story.

an interesting twist on familiar literary territory. i loved the layers if characters and perspectives.

A wonderful read!

I love the characters, the history, and the monster. This is my second read. And I will reread it again. Can’t recommend this enough.

What a monster of a tale!

I first read this book approximately 12 years ago and fell in love with Lauren Goff's masterful art of storytelling. I've since discovered this book on Audible and had to listen to it. The narrator far exceeded my expectations. I could listen to this story forever. So delightful and so much fun.

annoying stereotypes & demeaning characterizations

I really liked the book despite the heading. I wanted to keep up with the story but I became tired of the author's demeaning descriptions of the secondary characters - not ghosts or historical. Come on, did the mother really need to be described as flabby, etc? Be kinder to the residents of Templeton. The monster was a lovely invention.

Light Readng

Fun characters, setting interesting. Good Beach reading
If you like a but of mystery there is that too

GREAT!

Disregard the one poor review of this book. It is well-written and keeps you listening. All the different stories are weaved together wonderfully.

quite interesting

i found this to be a easy, enjoyable read from the start. i was unsure what to expect given the plot shifts from past to present but it really works in each occurance. i enjoyed the narrator and thought this was a very interesting story. i would happily recommend this to others.

Delightful

I loved this book. Well written, very interesting, and parts of it made me laugh out loud. The characters were great and the narrator did a really good job with their voices.

Delightful

I enjoyed this book so much. It was quirky and fun. I loved the characters. Willie is on a quest through the past. She must find the truth about her family history. And what an inventive and fantastical story unfolds. I highly recommend this one!