I’m always on the search for new books to read, especially when it comes to horror.  I like books that completely absorb me entirely and take me out of my reality only to place me somewhere completely different.  It’s rare to find a story that makes you forget about all your surroundings, but I found myself immersed in the surroundings that author Mike Robinson created with his book “The Green-Eyed Monster.”

“The Green-Eyed Monster,” is a tale about two men, John Becker and Martin Smith, who you would think were twins.  They were born at the same time, on the same day, in the same town – just to different parents.  They barely speak to each other, if only through force interactions; however, it becomes clear that they are connected in a way that transcends normalcy.  They are both incredibly gifted writers, specializing in the horror genre, though one (or many) would say that each of their novels they have written reflects (or almost copies) the others.  They are driven by an unseen force, only known as the Grandfather, who has the ultimate goal for them.  We are shown the life of John Becker and Martin Smith through the eyes of individuals who become affected by them at different times of their lives; from adolescents, to teens, to adults.  Jealousy, envy, and murder run deep within these intertwining stories that eventually culminate to a chaotic ending.

When I first started reading “The Green-Eyed Monster,” I wasn’t sure what I was in for.  However, this book was absolutely magnificent.  Mike Robinson is an absolutely beautiful writer, and soon enough I found myself absolutely engrossed in his story.  Though the story is ultimately about the lives of John Becker and Martin Smith, it’s also about the people that were affected by their interaction with Becker and Smith.  We see through those eyes who Becker and Smith really are and what makes them so captivating… and dangerous.  The story twists and turns and the deeper it went, the harder it was to put the book down.  I was literally reading how lives were being destroyed by two individuals who appeared, on all account, normal (if not a little eccentric).

What really interested me was the relationship between Becker and Smith.  Their hatred is so palpable but their inability to stay away from each other is near impossible.  Their roads are always crossing and it’s almost as if they are destined to collide (physically and metaphysically).  I loved how Robinson didn’t give everything away from them, but slowly, throughout the book, gave us clues and insights.  It was the perfect way for a reader to stay hooked throughout the entire story.  The pacing of the story was fantastic and I loved that we were able to see everything unfold from when Smith and Becker were young to the ultimate climax of present day.

Lastly, I loved the touch of the butterflies.  I realize as you are reading this you have no idea what I’m talking about, but you will once you read the book.  The butterflies signify chaos, change, the soul, life, and death.  I loved how they were presented in the story and I think it was a beautifully macabre way to bring the entire story together.  In conclusion, “The Green-Eyed Monster” isn’t like anything else I’ve read out there.  In a world inundated with zombies, vampires, and boogeymen, sometimes the biggest fear is what is right outside our door; people that seem so normal, so put together, but are actually hiding horrible and dangerous secrets.  People that thrive on destruction and mayhem and find the joy in the demise of others.  Should you read “The Green-Eyed Monster”?  Yes, especially if you are looking for something different in the horror genre that is beautifully written and heartbreakingly dark.

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Shannon McGrew

Founder/Co-Owner at Nightmarish Conjurings

Shannon is the Founder of Nightmarish Conjurings and a lover of all things horror and haunt related. When she's not obsessively collecting all things "Trick 'R Treat" related, or trying to convince everyone that "Hereditary" is one of the greatest horror films ever made, you can find her designing interiors for commercial restaurants. An avid haunt fan, Shannon spends the entire year visiting haunts and immersive experiences throughout the Southern California area and hopes to one day design her own haunted attraction.

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