Book excerpt: Mona seems to have it all: youth, beauty, intelligence, and a privileged place in Germany’s elite Aryan society. At fifteen, she lives a life where power and wealth seem to affirm her family’s deeply ingrained beliefs. But as she uncovers the disturbing truths lurking behind the façade of her ‘perfect’ world, everything she has been taught begins to unravel. Those Hidden Monsters is a haunting journey through the dark corners of human nature, exploring themes of fear, flawed ideology, friendship turned betrayal, and the transformative power of love and loss. Although a work of fiction, the novel provides an emotionally charged window into the harrowing years of Nazi Germany and the Holocaust, as seen through the shattered innocence of its young characters. While they start as fervent supporters of Hitler’s regime, a series of betrayals eventually opens their eyes to its horrifying collapse. Masterfully crafted by author Trevor Ripley, the story delves into the complex emotional landscapes of its characters, revealing how evil can flourish in the most ordinary of homes, and how courage can emerge from the most unexpected places. A compelling tale of bravery and tragedy, Those Hidden Monsters forces us to confront the darkest and most hidden aspects of human history.