"Senseless" by Ronald Malfi is an eerie, unsettling blend of horror, mystery, and psychological thriller that hooked me from the start! The story weaves themes of grief, paranoia, and the terrifying reality of not knowing who—or what—you can trust.

I loved the creeping dread throughout the book, and Malfi masterfully keeps you second-guessing everything. That fly guy (if you know, you know) was seriously testing my patience, but when everything clicked in the end? Mind blown! It was one of those “OHHH, now it all makes sense” moments that made me want to go back and reread.

Beyond the chills and twists, there’s a deeper message: stay aware of your surroundings. The horror isn’t just in the supernatural—it’s in the everyday dangers we sometimes ignore. And the grief aspect? Absolutely gut-wrenching but beautifully done.

If you love horror with a mystery-thriller edge, I highly recommend this one!

“Senseless” by Ronald Malfi is a chilling, slow-burn, dark thriller. The novel weaves together three distinct storylines, each filled with tension and mystery. Malfi’s masterful pacing builds suspense as the dark, gruesome elements unfold, creating an atmosphere of dread that intensifies with every chapter. The narrative's gradual convergence of the plotlines adds a layer of intrigue, making for a gripping read. Fans of psychological horror and twisted thrillers will find Senseless a satisfying, if unsettling, experience.

This psychological thriller masquerading as a mystery/noir novel is not for the faint of heart. Delusions, grief, mental illness, exploitation, trauma, and a genuine inability to know oneself all scurry their way into the heart of this dark novel.

The writing, atmosphere and tone saved this novel for me, they supported other aspects of the book that didn’t feel like they were carrying their own weight. The writing style changed depending on the POV, moving from exasperated noir to tightly wound up, anxious, and on edge to the complete dysregulation and disassociation of schizophrenia and other mental illness. The writing flowed between those modes smoothly, with straightforward prose that never veered into purple territory but did move and shift to match the tone or intensity of the characters. At the writing level it was quite compelling, with hard-hitting descriptive prose that made the scenes immediate and real but still leaving enough to the reader’s imagination that you feel almost complicit. The atmosphere was also great, there was a real strong sense of place whether it be the unforgiving desert or a pompous Hollywood mansion or a grimy dance club.

I enjoyed the characters, I felt they had some depth to them, but I wanted a little more out of them. I think this has more to do with the plotting and structure than the characters, though, if I am being honest. They didn’t ever feel boring, and while some felt a little over-the-top (and a little cliché) they all served as interesting enough pieces to this puzzle that I didn’t mind. The characters weren’t particularly likeable, they didn’t give you a lot to root for. Instead, they were incredible sympathetic characters, all haunted by their own ghosts, whether that be loss, trauma, or mental illness. The novel starts and finishes with this façade of being a gritty mystery, a “horror noir,” following a somewhat broken detective. But there are large stretches of the novel where he is absent, and he doesn’t really do much detective work at all, basically the answers just fall into his lap. Yet he is the most heartfelt and interesting character in this novel! That is why I say the novel is masquerading as a mystery or noir, because we are never actually given enough details to solve anything (though Malfi does plant enough seeds that nothing in the conclusion feels out of left field), and we see very little actual detective work being done. This character is tragic, and lost in grief made bad decisions that he is having to pay for now, complicating this case, and I really just wanted to spend more time with him. The story really feels like he is the throughline, it is his story (as opposed to a slice of life that centers around this murder investigation), and the time we get with him doesn’t live up to that vibe or expectation. I appreciated having the three different perspectives, trying to piece together how they would all connect, and I liked the way those connections were resolved. But somewhere in adding in these additional perspectives Malfi literally stripped away anything for his detective to do. The most our detective gets to do is in a lengthy flashback to a similar murder that happened a year prior. Otherwise, he literally just shows up somewhere to have another character tell him information. This just felt like a little messy plotting, to me. He needed to actually do some investigative work to run parallel with his guilt, frustration, and despair. He felt inert and lifeless, yet the story is structured as if he is its lifeblood, and that really made the experience drag for me.

Overall, I did enjoy this book. As I mentioned at the top, Malfi is playing with some dark and weighty ideas here. The themes and the writing style always make it seem like the reality of the thing is being held at arm’s length, and with every character we have doubts about their experiences versus what is really going on. I liked that ambiguity, that continual discomfort. While some of the plotting felt lopsided and wasn’t my favorite part of the novel, the strong writing, compelling tone, and immediacy of atmosphere all kept me turning the pages.

(Rounded from 3.5)

I want to thank NetGalley, the author, and the publisher Titan Books, who provided a complimentary eARC for review. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

📖 Senseless by Ronald Malfi

⭐ 4.5/5

📖 Quick Summary:
Detective Bill Renney investigates a string of brutal Los Angeles murders where victims are gruesomely robbed of their senses. Meanwhile, Maureen Park struggles with unsettling suspicions about her fiancé’s son, and Toby Kampen’s obsession with a mysterious woman sends him spiraling toward darkness. Their stories intertwine into a chilling narrative of paranoia and violence.

💭 What I Liked:
Atmospheric Horror: Malfi creates an intense, gritty atmosphere that's consistently dark and gripping.
Complex Characters: Renney is deeply flawed, genuinely human, and thoroughly relatable. You really root for him, even at his lowest points.
Unrelenting Tension: The suspense builds steadily, keeping you locked into the story with each new chilling discovery.
Sharp, Engaging Writing: Malfi’s prose is crisp and unsettling, perfectly matched to the psychological tension throughout.

🤔 Just a Quick Note:
The story intentionally keeps readers guessing about reality versus delusion, which can feel disorienting. It's absolutely part of the charm, but something to keep in mind if you're expecting a straightforward detective thriller.

📖 If You Liked...:
"Bone White" by Ronald Malfi (another chilling thriller with gritty realism and psychological depth)
"The Ritual" by Adam Nevill (similar eerie tension and unsettling atmosphere, deeply psychological)
"No One Gets Out Alive" by Adam Nevill (dark, relentless horror blending psychological torment with terrifying realism)

💬 Final Thoughts:
Malfi absolutely delivers with Senseless. It’s dark, disturbing, and impossible to put down. If you like your horror intense, character-driven, and psychologically gripping, don't miss this one.

Senseless by Ronald Malfi is a psychological thriller that dives deep into the dark side of human nature, focusing on a chilling tale of a man who wakes up to find himself in a nightmarish situation, unable to understand how he got there or why. The premise is intriguing, and Malfi does a solid job building a tense and unsettling atmosphere that keeps readers on edge throughout.

However, while the suspense is palpable, the pacing sometimes falters. There are moments where the plot feels repetitive, and the buildup to the climax takes a bit too long to pay off. Additionally, while the central mystery is captivating, some of the character development feels lacking, and the motivations behind certain actions aren’t always clear, making it harder to connect with the protagonist on an emotional level.

Despite these flaws, Senseless is a gripping read for fans of psychological thrillers, offering a chilling look at fear and survival. It may not be a perfect execution, but it does succeed in creating a tense, suspense-filled atmosphere.

This is my second book by Malfi and he is slowly becoming one of my new favourite authors.
This book made me feel uneasy and uncomfortable, which is a sign of a good horror book for me.
Read like a flawless literary jigsaw puzzle and just when you think you’ve figured it out, a secret piece is pulled from the shadows.
Malfi is an exceptional storyteller with immaculate writing.

Ronald Malfi's works are always unsettling, and this piece is no different. I found myself drawn into the plot and incredibly engaged, thinking about this story long after finishing.

Senseless by Ronald Malfi
Publishing date - 04/15/25
Rating (5/5) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Genres - Part police procedural, part domestic thriller, and part supernatural horror.

Thank you to NetGalley and Titan Books for this e-ARC.

Senseless is dark, gritty, eerie that follows three different narratives.

Wow! 🤯 I couldn’t put this one down because I wanted to know how the 3 stories were connected. I’m still in awe 🫢 with the way Malfi chose to connect these characters & storylines. Overall it was an interesting and unique read! I can honestly see this one becoming a movie or TV Show! If you enjoy the horror genre ; I highly recommend this one when it releases on April 15th.

This was a very dark, gritty story about fake vampires, mental illness, horrible murders, and everyone with something to hide. I got wrapped up in it, but had to set it down a few times to give myself a break from the unrelenting awfulness of the characters. I think I needed at least one of them that I could root for, but they were all flawed way past the point of being likeable. It was well-written and moved right along, but it just was a little too grim and heartless for my taste, and I can't say I loved this one.

Thanks to Net Galley for an ARC to read and review.

This is a dark, cerebral thriller and I KNEW Malfi would deliver! This one weaves multiple narratives into a disturbing exploration of obsession, violence, and the blurred lines between reality and delusion.

The novel follows Detective Bill Renney, investigating a grisly murder with eerie ties to a past case; Maureen, a writer entangled in a toxic Hollywood relationship while penning a book that eerily mirrors real-life horrors; and Toby Kampen, a man spiraling into madness with his fixation on a mysterious, sharp-toothed woman.

Malfi’s prose is, as always, atmospheric and immersive, dripping with dread in every chapter. The novel’s structure—three seemingly unconnected storylines converging—is ambitious, and while it takes time to settle into the rhythm, once it does, it grips with unrelenting tension. The character were complex, flawed individuals who felt authentic, even when their realities began to unravel.

The book’s strongest asset is its unsettling, noir-infused tone, making Los Angeles feel less like a city and more like a living, breathing nightmare. In the first half, there’s a the abundance of details and shifting perspectives that do require patience. But if you stick with it, the payoff is so worth it.

Overall, Senseless is a psychological horror-noir that showcases Malfi’s ability to craft tension, deep characters, and a creeping sense of unease. It’s unsettling, intelligent, and deeply immersive—perfect for those who appreciate crime fiction laced with existential horror. Absolutely looking forward to the audio of this one because I love the audio of all of Malfi’s books!

ARC 📖 Review: Senseless by Ronald Malfi
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5 stars)

What a cool take on a murder investigation story! I’m obsessed with Malfi’s writing style—it really keeps you intrigued the whole time, even when the chapters feel forever long, lol. Highly recommend this one! Publishes April 15th!

Thank you @netgalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

🦟🧛🏼‍♀️💀

Detective Bill Renney investigates a murder in the Los Angeles desert that mirrors a past case while hiding a secret linking him to the first victim’s husband. Meanwhile, Maureen Park suspects her fiancé’s unsettling son may be connected to the crime, and Toby Kampen becomes obsessed with a mysterious woman who may not be fully human. As their lives intertwine, secrets and obsession blur the line between reality and the monstrous.

#horrorreader #senseless #ronaldmalfi #reader #books #bookaholic #arcreader #netgalley #bookish #horrorbookslover #bookworm #booknerd #read

3.75 ✨📚 My experience with "Senseless" was somewhat of a mixed bag when it came to the story. While the narrative didn't quite hit the mark for me, the vivid imagery and enchanting illusions throughout the text captivated my imagination. Instead of delving into a plot summary, I want to focus on how the conclusion affected my overall enjoyment. The ending caught me off guard with its abruptness, leaving numerous threads dangling in the air. I recognize that leaving things unresolved can be an intentional and powerful storytelling choice, yet in this case, it didn’t resonate with me as I had hoped.

I am eager to explore Ronald Malfi's extensive collection of previous works, as I have heard remarkable things about his storytelling. I want to thank my dear friend Nikki for recommending that I read Senseless and White Bone. I anticipate being drawn into his captivating narratives and unique characters on each page. Moreover, I eagerly await the release of his upcoming books, curious to see how his writing continues to evolve.

On a brighter note, the novel skillfully navigates thought-provoking themes such as the dichotomy of reality versus unreality. It explores how our senses can be distorted, especially under the weight of trauma or imbalances in brain chemistry. This layered complexity was evident as each character faced their own interpretations of reality, particularly in the harrowing context of the desert murders. Among them, our detective, Renner, stood out as a remarkably real and multi-faceted character. I found myself deeply invested in his journey. I wished we could have spent more time exploring his backstory and motivations instead of focusing primarily on Toby/the fly. It is a personal preference, but I believe Renner's character had much more to offer.

Conversely, I was left wanting more from the other characters, particularly the women in the story. While we were introduced to their unique quirks and mannerisms, I would have loved to see more depth and history to understand their motivations truly. Additionally, the relationship between Langdon and Greg intrigued me; I found myself craving deeper insights into their contentious dynamic, particularly regarding the puzzling “monkey” subplot that seemed to linger in the background.

In summary, the writing in "Senseless" is undeniably exquisite, brimming with beautiful imagery and profound themes, supported by a few wonderful characters. However, it would have been gratifying to receive at least one clear answer by the conclusion. For instance, what was the more profound significance of the monkey? Was he genuinely implicated in the murder case? And what events led to the palpable animosity between Langdon and Greg? I truly hope that future narratives can strike a balance between the allure of an open-ended conclusion and providing a satisfying resolution that leaves readers feeling fulfilled rather than frustrated. Expected Release Date: April 15, 2025

Thank you to NetGalley and Titan Books for providing an e-ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Three subplots with only the loosest ties in geography and theme weave together in a patient, painstaking way. Malfi is at a point in his career where he's earned my trust as a reader, and Senseless takes advantage of that, never rushing to put up flashy signs that say "just hold on!" and "you'll see". Instead, he lets the whole story slick out like oil across the surface of a pool until the threads ingeniously and inevitably intertwine to put sense to the senseless. Police procedural meets domestic drama meets seedy supernatural oddity in the newest release from one of horror's strongest modern voices.

Excellent multi-layered potential serial killer procedural / horror / psychological study of three very different but ultimately connected individuals - a grieving detective, the new fiancée of a Hollywood producer and a disturbed young man who thinks he’s a fly and hangs around with vampires. It’s a particularly eerie story at times, with an unsettling vibe that develops towards the end as the alternating narratives come together.
Arguably more crime thriller with a hallucinatory horror edge than a full horror, it reminded me of some of Stephen King’s ventures into crime. Hugely satisfying read.

Thanks to NetGalley and Titan Books for the ARC, in exchange for an honest review.

Malfi’s in my top-three favorite modern authors, so maybe I went into this one with too high expectations – especially concerning his exceptional skill at delivering brilliantly foreshadowed / satisfying endings. This one didn’t land for me, though I’m glad it did for so many others.

One character meandered too much, with their narrative having the same level of engagement as someone describing their dreams. And I lost count of how many characters had hallucinations at the core of their storylines, which is not my bag at all.

All of that said, it’s still a solid, good book - I just expect more from this author.

OMG! This horror novel is not for the faint of heart. Even hardy hearts beware. This is one crazy scary book. Ghosts, would be vampires, hallucinations, violent murders, psychos... it's all in there. Whoa. Thank you to NetGalley for this advance digital readers copy. And thanks for the nightmares.

A dark, gritty, eerie slow burn that held my attention throughout.

Thank you to Netgalley and Titan books for the arc.

I would first like to thank Netgalley and Titan books for the arc in exchange for feedback/review.
I am fairly new to Malfi's work, in fact this is only my second novel of his that I have read, the first being "Come With Me". I really enjoyed that one and the writing and just the overall feel of the novel lingered long after I finished it, so this was a no brainer of a request. Well, I was slightly disappointed with "Senseless" in terms of story, but some of the imagery and illusions were really beautiful.
I'm not going to get into a summary of the novel, because I could take it or leave it, I have a weird thing when it comes to endings when it relates to novels and films, and this just ended rather abruptly for me, I was completely taken aback that there was no more to the story. Nothing felt resolved, and believe me, this can be a wonderful tactic, as things rarely get tied up in a neat little bow, but this really did not work for me.
What did work? The themes of reality vs unreality, how our "senses" can confuse us, what if our reality is different from the person next to us because of trauma, or because of brain chemistry? Every one of our characters deals with this in different ways as it relates to the murders in the desert. I also really loved the Renner, our detective, he felt so real and complex, and I wish we spent more time with him, instead of Toby/the fly, but that's probably a "me" thing.
The rest of the characters left me wanting more and not in a good way. We learned about quirks and mannerisms, but not enough history about the women in this novel. Also, seriously what is the deal with Langdon and Greg, I wanted/needed more of their history, and the whole "monkey" thing was weird.

So, as a whole the writing is suburb with a ton of beautiful imagery and themes with a few wonderful characters, and while not answering all questions that happen throughout a story, give us at least one concrete answer; why the monkey? was he really the murderer of MJ? Maureen's novel? the mysterious woman she kept seeing? why do Langdon and Greg (father and son) hate each other? I don't want to feel frustrated at the end of a novel.

This novel contains graphic details of a mutilated corpse, child death, and mental illness

SENSELESS, by Ronald Malfi, is a Mystery/Thriller that follows three distinct sets of people.

When the body of a woman is found in the desert: mutilated in a horrific fashion, Bill Renney can't help but draw similarities to the case of a woman who was found in exactly the same area--with the same mutilations--a year before.

Maureen is engaged to Hollywood producer, Greg Dawson. After an unexpected visit from his "unhinged" son, Landon, Maureen begins to question if he could be responsible for more serious crimes.

Finally, we have Toby Kampen, a man who considers himself "The Human Fly". When he encounters a woman with vampire-like teeth, she becomes his obsession, and his life revolves around how he could become "like" her.

These are the three main lines we follow. Seemingly unconnected, Malfi weaves a world where you need to question everything you think you know, and follow down these individual dark paths. There was so much I didn't see coming, as these tales were slowly and masterfully brought together.

Recommended.

*I received and ARC from the publisher and NetGalley. All opinions expressed are uniquely my own.*

Crime/Mystery thriller with a touch of horror. Malfi magically blends three separate narratives into an eerie cohesive story. The main narrative follows a veteran detective investigating a recent gruesome murder of a psychiatrists wife that resembles a similar murder from years ago. Both women are left “senseless”. The second narrative follows a movie producer, his fiancee, and creepy son who shows potential signs of being a murderer. The third and best narrative, follows a mentally ill man who believes himself to be transforming into a fly, has a spider mother, and becomes infatuated with a woman he believes is a vampire! This third narrative is what adds the horror aspect to the book.

Pacing is a bit slow but I remained interested in the story, wondering how in the hell it was all going to connect. Characters were all interesting, and the ending left some big unknowns for the reader. Overall it was a great story and very unique plot. An entire book could have been on the fly man, my favorite story line. Senseless come out April 15, 2025.