Monsters at Midnight is an uneven but revealing short-story collection—one that ultimately feels more like a document of growth than a fully realized whole. The book starts very poorly, with the first quarter bordering on insufferable. That rough opening makes it difficult to stay engaged, but there is a clear reason to keep going: the stories are arranged chronologically, and Clausen’s improvement as a storyteller becomes increasingly obvious as the collection progresses.

One recurring issue is the heavy reliance on child protagonists. Many of these characters come across as whiny or irritating, and their behavior often pulls focus away from otherwise strong ideas. This problem is compounded by a repeated detail that becomes difficult to ignore: police are frequently depicted questioning minors without a parent or guardian present. While minor at first, its constant reappearance undermines the realism of the stories and reinforces the sense that these characters and situations aren’t always fully thought through.

That said, when the collection works, it works well. Several stories stand out as genuinely engaging. Lights Out is a strong, imaginative tale about a child who gains the ability to turn off the lights. Babysitter features an excellent setup and builds tension beautifully, though its “open to interpretation” ending feels like a cop-out after such a promising start. Deadly Dreams maintains suspense throughout, keeping the reader invested in what might happen next. A Taste for Blood delivers a classic vampire story told in a lively and entertaining way. Eternal Snow is the clear highlight of the collection—a quietly unsettling Christmas story about a family encountering something strange on the way to their grandmother’s house.

Interestingly, the strongest stories appear in the “previously unpublished” section, which suggests that Clausen’s best work may not have been his most visible until now. By the end, Monsters at Midnight feels like a collection that rewards patience, offering glimpses of real talent and momentum, even if its early missteps and recurring issues prevent it from fully coming together.