This is Carol Topolski’s first novel. The author is a psychoanalytic psychotherapist who has also worked as a probation officer. Topolski appears to draw on experiences from both fields in Monster Love, a disturbing tale woven around a cruel child murder.

An unwanted child is maltreated, locked in a cage and left to starve by Brendan and Sherilyn Gutteridge, self-seeking parents. The couple never wanted a child to distract them from their devotion to each other and their upmarket lifestyle. The Gutteridges appear to the world as well-to-do, enigmatic professionals who keep themselves to themselves. The couple like their undisturbed togetherness so much, in fact, that they regard the unexpected arrival of a daughter, Samantha, as a rude intrusion into their personal space and love for each other.

The tale unfolds chiefly via chapters that take the form of monologues, conversations, letters or reports. They reveal the thoughts of people affected by the murder of Samantha. The characters include a neighbour, a colleague, police officer who finds the body, a social worker, a judge, juror, warder, probation officers and the murderers' relatives, plus the murderers themselves. It's easy to imagine that Topolski, in her professional life, has been in a position to hear many post-crime confessions and this gives the novel an air of authenticity.

So too does her use of language. The characters speak like real people, representing a cross section of English society, and their voices are distinct. Arguably, some of the characters border upon stereotypes— Charlotte, the nosey middle-class neighbour who calls the social services. Anthony, the well-spoken partner in Brendan's accountancy firm— but they have sufficient depth, and speak convincingly enough, to provoke thought, if not sympathy.

Early in the story, it seems that Topolski might be found guilty of exploiting her professional experience for the sake of character studies. However, she crafts the insights, conflicts and revelations of her characters into a novel that raises a number of critical issues about society. Family life, social interactions, aspirations and the conduct of the authorities are all called into question.

As the story progresses, and members of the murderer's families begin to speak, it becomes clear that both Brendan and Sherilyn hail from dysfunctional families. Both were neglected and abused as children. Both were loners. We begin to see why they feel they need each other. The murderers feel no remorse; at no point do they feel that they have done something reprehensible. Were their parents responsible?

A twisted sort of morality

Interestingly, the introduction of the character of James Bracknell, a child sex offender and murderer, makes clear that the bisexual Brendan does have a sense of morality; even if it is not that of the general public. He is sickened when James confides sufficiently to show witness statements from abused children.

Topolski challenges self-perceptions and examines how people view those around them. Monster Love raises questions about morality, appearances and implicitly— the definition of true love; what should be accepted as normal? At times it's difficult not to be shocked by passages in Monster Love, a fascinating and thought-provoking first novel.