“It all began with the butterflies.” This quote, taken from the woman whose history is at the center of this gothic horror/mystery, speaks not only to her life but also to the bizarre events that occurred just prior to her death.

Thus begins THEIR MONSTROUS HEARTS, the first English-language novel from Yiğit Turhan. What follows is a darkly mysterious tale that pulls readers in to find answers to all of the odd occurrences, as well as the symbolic meaning of the butterflies, that seem to permeate every aspect of it.

In the haunting and surreal prologue, we are introduced to Perihan, a woman in her 70s who is walking back to her villa in Milan after shopping. As she approaches her place, she notices that a crowd has gathered. They are all staring at her villa, which is inexplicably covered in butterflies.

"The final third of the book reads like a waking nightmare. Turhan’s prose blends the magical with the horrific in equal fashion, making THEIR MONSTROUS HEARTS a notable debut and a potential instant classic. I will never look at butterflies the same way again."

The action then shifts to a small apartment in Paris, where Riccardo is dealing with a serious case of writer’s block. He is past due on his bills, as well as his rent, and his agent is hounding him for a book title and the first few chapters. Riccardo once had been a well-regarded short story writer but is having a difficult time making the leap to full-length novels. During his anguish, he receives a knock on the door. A strange and gaunt-looking man named Maurizio is there on behalf of Riccardo’s grandmother, who has just passed away. Riccardo barely remembers Perihan as he was sent away to boarding school and then found his literary success while settling down in France.

Maurizio tells Riccardo that he needs to accompany him to Milan for Perihan’s funeral. It would be in his best interest as he is her sole heir, and she has left everything to him. He sends Maurizio away but changes his mind after the power company cuts him off for overdue payments. He takes the one-way ticket that was left for him and arrives in Milan soon after. He is met by Licia, Perihan’s longtime housekeeper, who escorts him to the villa that soon will be his.

While Riccardo is getting comfortable in his room, which is lined with walls of books, one book in particular catches his eye. It appears to be a diary of sorts that is made out to him by name. He hides it so that no one knows he is learning about Perihan’s exciting and unique life. In between readings, he overhears Maurizio and Licia arguing and searching frantically for an item they cannot locate and desperately need. It is not long before Riccardo learns that the book he has snatched up is what they desire so badly.

Much of the novel is told through the pages of Perihan’s memoir. What she experienced was so otherworldly and magical that I will allow readers to discover it for themselves. Let me just say that her life was forever changed when she brought a strange, extremely shy girl she met in the village to a party she was attending with her brother.

Riccardo learns about Perihan’s powers and reputation from the villagers and her written history. However, he will never truly understand who and what she was until it is too late, and the memories and echoes of the past come rushing back to him like he has just opened up Pandora’s box. Nothing will prepare readers for the quick turn this novel takes, and it is a brilliant one.

The final third of the book reads like a waking nightmare. Turhan’s prose blends the magical with the horrific in equal fashion, making THEIR MONSTROUS HEARTS a notable debut and a potential instant classic. I will never look at butterflies the same way again.