I was pretty split over this book. The first half was a slow burn, but necessary to set up characters. I didn't love our FMC, but I did want her to persevere. All the surprises in their childhood, made me excited to learn more. I love anything to do with twin stuff. halfway through, it kicks into gear. I enjoyed the perspective changes, and seeing from a different characters eyes. The ending was fast and satisfying. The authors writing style was breezy, and h as me curious to his other works. I'm a sucker for cat and mouse games with a serial killer. The history of the characters made it so that I needed to know how it ended. Good atmosphere and tension throughout. This was fun, and I'm thankful to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

This is dark and twisted and I absolutely loved it! The premise felt really fresh and it kept me hooked all the way through, I read it in just over a day! This is the first book I’ve read by this author and definitely won’t be the last - really enjoyed the writing style!

“Step into my parlor, said the spider to the fly”

A taut, pulse pounding & terror inducing psychological thriller / horror where no one & nothing are as they seem. This is a new take on twins that will surprise you & is filled with a web of lies. As the plot unfolded, I was enveloped in a sense of dread, unease & tension.

The descriptions of the murders (especially the spiders) were grisly, ghastly & gruesome. All things I love in a novel.

If you love dark & twisted serial killer thrillers & squeamish cringe-worthy subject matter, then this one is definitely for you.

Looking forward to what comes next from this author.

Favorite Line: “She firmly believed that every child had that one indelible memory that stuck to them like glue.”

Thank you NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books & the author for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Definitely a dark and twisty thriller — beware if you’re afraid of spiders!

Ellie Isles runs a true crime network that is focused on discovering the identity of a serial killer known as the Spider. He kills his female victims using poisonous spiders. She begins an intense investigation when one of the victims is found to be her exact double. While doing a deep dive into the backgrounds of the victims, she begins o connect with memories of her past. In addition, several people in her current life now, including her therapist and her neighbor, may also have ties to what happened to her as a child.

There is a lot going on in this book and it can get confusing with all the twin sets and relationships. Definitely difficult to figure out who are the good people and who are the bad, and why. This gets pretty scary with the truths coming to light and the magnitude of all that happened to the children. There are a lot of characters to keep track of and quite a bit of unexplained events that leaves a lot of unanswered questions by the end. But, it’s still quite shocking and intense. The perspective of the killer and also the time jump to before times give some insight. The conclusion seemed a bit rushed and left me a little disappointed because I always want to know a lot more about the why of these disturbed minds.

I was able to listen to the audiobook while also following along in the e-book ARC, both provided by the publishers. The narrators, Wayne Mitchell, Xe Sands, and Vanessa Moyen were a mixed bag for me. I don’t know who did which female voice, but I don’t care for a deep, gravelly female voice and it sounded wrong for Ellie. Sometimes the male voice doing a particular character was growly. I appreciate that there were both male and female cast members for the production.

Thank you Netgalley & Crooked Lane Books for an eARC ❤️❤️❤️

You know how most serial killer thrillers start? A grizzled detective gets a case, his marriage is on the rocks, he drinks too much coffee, yada yada yada.
Spider to the Fly is not that. At all.🤩
Let me introduce you to Ellie Isles. She’s not a cop. She’s a true crime writer, and she got into the game for the most personally terrifying reason imaginable: she once saw a photo of a murder victim who looked exactly like her. Not kinda-sorta. Exactly. Her literal doppelgänger.
So, what does she do? She does what any of us true-crime-obsessed weirdos would probably do, but with more follow-through: she writes a bestselling book about the killer, dubbed "The Spider."
Here’s what feels so fresh about this. Four years later, the Spider is still out there. And Ellie isn't just sitting on royalty checks. She’s built this massive online community—basically a super-sleuthing Facebook group on steroids—dedicated to one thing: making sure the Spider's victims don't stay as Jane and John Does. They track missing persons, cross-reference databases, and give names back to the forgotten. How cool is that?
Of course, the cops finally realize, "Hey, this civilian with her internet friends is actually good at this," and they bring her in to consult. And then things get WILD. Her therapist gets arrested for the murders.
Let me pause there. Your therapist. The person you tell your deepest, darkest stuff to. Arrested. For the murders you’re obsessed with. I’d lose my entire mind.
And that’s where the book really hooks you. It’s not just about catching a killer anymore. It’s about Ellie trying to prove the cops are wrong, using every tool and online ally she has, while probably needing serious therapy she can no longer get.
The whole thing reads like your smartest friend telling you a story that is equal parts fascinating and deeply creepy. It’s got that modern, plugged-in feeling but without glorifying the killer. The heart of the story is always about the victims and the people trying to remember them.
If you’re tired of the same old detective stories and want a thriller that actually understands the internet true crime community—both the good and the kinda weird—you need to pick this one up. 👍🏽🫨

Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and Spotify Audio for my gifted copies!

It feels like it is not fair for me to review Spider to the Fly. I say this because sleep tight was one of my favorite books of previous years, and it is a book that I still think of to this day. It was my introduction to this author, and because of it I went through his backlog, trying to hold onto that feeling. But I’m going to try.

My hopes were really high for this book because of that. Now, that’s not to say that this was bad by any measure, because it was solid! I heavily enjoyed the serial killer themes, and the writing was crisp and clean. But for some reason, I just did not connect. I’m not sure if it was a case of right book, wrong time or what, but this one just didn’t do it for me the same way his other work did.

That said I feel like he will continue to be an auto read author for me, just because he has the spark. He understands horror, and he understands keeping you on the edge of your seat. I truly think that I will be in the minority with this book.

This is the second book I’ve read by this author, and I believe it might be my favorite so far! Well done!

Ellie Isles became obsessed with the I-64 murders after seeing her face on a victim and wrote a bestselling book about the serial killer known as "the Spider." Four years later, the Spider is still at large, and with her online network, Ellie has identified several victims and created a database for at-risk individuals. After her therapist is arrested for the murders, she is even more determined to help law enforcement catch the Spider.

The story is told through a dual timeline, allowing us to explore events from a distant past alongside current happenings. We also encounter multiple perspectives from characters like Ellie, Amber, Edward, and Ryan... I found Ellie to be a likable, smart, and deeply involved character in the case. I always appreciate a strong female lead, especially one who is a real force to be reckoned with! All the characters, including Ellie, are well-developed throughout the story, which keeps you on the edge of your seat.

This book evokes modern-day echoes of Mengele and his twin studies, making it clear just how horrifying the subject matter can be. It delves into the complex debate of nature versus nurture, touching on medical experimentation on children, and gradually unveils more about these dark themes. The vivid descriptions paint a haunting picture, and I can hardly imagine how I would react if I were in such a dire situation. It was so gripping that I found it impossible to put down!

Be sure to pay attention to the timeline shifts, as they’re key in piecing together who the antagonist might be. If you enjoy a cat-and-mouse serial killer thriller and are open to a fresh perspective on the lives of orphans and the less fortunate in a small-town setting, then this is exactly what you need! This book will linger in your mind, so take your time with it; the short chapters make it easy to binge-read. I’ll definitely be revisiting this one! Just remember—don't move, because spiders can sense your fear!

The audio version of this book was amazing! I was completely captivated, and the choice of narrators was spot on! I found myself easily flowing through the listening experience while also following along with my eBook. It truly felt like a full and immersive experience! Well done!

Thank you, Crooked Lane Books and Spotify Audiobooks, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

4 stars for me. Ellie Isles saw years ago a victim of serial killer who looks just like her. She wrote bestselling true crime book about this killer who still didn't get caught. Slowly she getting from her online network followers information, that may help identified the victims.

With secrets about her own past revealing ,shocking truths going to see the light. The Spider may be closer then she think.

Will Ellie stop the Spider?
What happened to her when she was a child?
Why she starting remember her past now?
Will the Spider catch her in his web?

Full of horror, tension and secrets this book was hard to put down. The shocking revelation hard to accept. The twists was surprising and it keep me guessing to the end.

Would recommend for horror, thriller and mystery fans who like twists on every corner.

Thank you netgalley and publisher for arc.

What if, one day, while making lunch, you turned on the television and saw yourself on the news identified as “victim number seventeen”? You know it can’t be you because she is dead, and you are burning grilled-cheese sandwiches. Well, if you are Ellie Isles, you find out who this woman is, and devote the rest of your life learning about, and searching for a killer named the Spider.

Ellie has become the leading expert on all things related to spiders, and the Spider. She has written a book, hosts a podcast, helps law enforcement, and runs a website (how punderful) that collects and disseminates data concerning the predator (Spider) and his prey (Flies). But what about her possible twin? Is she and Ellie, connected in some way each other? To the Spider? Is she—or her daughter—in danger, too?

It is now six years since the murder of victim 17, and another dead woman is found along I-64. Jane Doe has similarities with the Spider’s previous victims: hair that has recently been dyed black, spider bites all over her body, a fly in her mouth, and her hands placed over her eyes. She is officially identified as victim 29. Ellie—along with a journalist and police—revisits what and whom she knows to find the Spider. The people who follow her podcast, and belong to her web community aid in the search.

This is a well-written and terrifying horror novel about a serial killer. The tension builds and builds as Ellie discovers that her childhood links her to the Spider. We delve into a homes for unwanted children where experimentation and eugenics goes unnoticed; where the monsters are the people you know.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Crooked Lane Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.

When Ellie Isles learns of a murder victim who looks exactly like her a becomes obsessed with the string of murders that seem to be converted. She writes a bestselling book about the killer, known as "the Spider," who still hasn't been caught and continues to claim new victims. Using her large online following, Ellie creates a database to help identify victims who would otherwise remain unknown. Because of her success, law enforcement brings her in to help with the case. After her own therapist is arrested for the murders, Ellie is more motivated than ever to help catch the killer.

A really promising premise from an author who I have previously loved, but unfortunately this wasn't my favorite. It was well paced and definitely kept me guessing, but where it lost me was the absolutely ridiculous amount of characters. I could not keep up with all of the people, to the point that some of the reveals had zero impact on me because I wasn't connected to many of the characters. Flashbacks were used in a lofty attempt of examining nature vs. nurture in the development of children, which I find incredibly fascinating, and he did a good job showing that to an extent, but the process to get there felt really choppy. There was just too much going on at times, but I did enjoy parts of this.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a gifted copy of this novel!

I picked this one up because I loved the previous book I read by this author - which made me go into this one pretty blind - and this novel did not disappoint! After this novel, this author is safely on my “auto buy” list. I was immediately hooked on the story, and finished this one relatively quickly because I couldn’t put it down. This has elements of “true” crime blogging, scenes fit for a horror movie, and investigative work which made for well-rounded and interesting perspectives to read. I absolutely did NOT guess the reveals coming and found the outcome of this book to be incredibly creative and unique. If you are a fan of books where horror and thriller collide, you will absolutely love this one. Please read any relevant trigger warnings before picking this one up, but I do recommend giving it a read!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC.

I wanted to love this more than I did. I read this a few weeks ago but as I write this review, I'm realizing it just wasn't super memorable to me. I didn't love the author's first book either, so I think this might just be a me problem.

As someone who watches Forensic Files and enjoys mysteries, I was drawn to this book by the publisher's description. The further I got in the book, the more I felt that I had to keep reading it (quickly!) as it was suspenseful and mysterious - but also made me feel and think, "what would I do.?" The attention to detail by the author made this informative on several topics where I did not have prior knowledge, and allowed me to grow emotionally with the book, as well as teach me new information at the same time. The balance and combination of people, personalities, social media, computers, and even dealing with teenagers, kept me engrossed and absorbed. I think you will be too.

4 stars

Ellie has one creepy connection to a potential serial killer; she looks exactly - and I mean EXACTLY - like one of the victims. This is a scary thought initially, but its perpetual presence in the backdrop of the novel makes the fear surrounding this fact insidious. How could a person ever feel safe or disconnected from these events knowing that their apparent doppleganger was a victim? It's too easy to put yourself in that position, and that's just what Ellie does. Her obsession with this detail leads her to some intense web sleuthing (pun intended here). She also writes a book that results in her being known as a kind of expert on this case and she becomes personally consumed.

As readers get to know more about this case and Ellie, we learn more about Ellie's past, which is full of questions and surprises. Ellie's daughter, Amber, also plays a significant role. She's about the age Ellie was when Ellie had her, and there are a lof of full circle moments that become meaningful and troubling.

One of the highlights for me is that the present and past are equally terrifying. I really enjoyed how these bizarre elements of the past came to light and how they evolved into more solid explanations of present events. The more details we get, the more sinister the vibes throughout.

Readers of horror should expect the presence of challenging topics, and they'll definitely get that here. There are references to rape, sexual assault, child abuse, and psychological abuse among other gritty motifs. This isn't exactly a hopeful tale throughout, but it's not all darkness all the time either.

I've enjoyed several books from this author, and the audio version of this one features Xe Sands, whose characteristic narration really enhances the experience. I recommend the book for fans of the genre and the audio option when and where accessible.

A creepy suspenseful horror-serial killer novel involving well, spiders. Ellie was so fascinated with the I64 killer who left victims covered with spider bites that she wrote a book about it. Now she's been pulled back into the case because her therapist has been arrested. This turns on the nature versus nurture argument and on twins. Lots of twins. Markert knows how to build tension and to hit the key points of the genre. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. It's a page turner.

Last year Sleep Tight easily made my top 10 reads and now Spider to the Fly has earned a permanent spot in this year’s top 10. JH Markert has a way of pulling me in with his writing every single time and this one had me hooked from the start.

What I loved most was the twin aspect of the story. It added such a haunting and emotional layer that made the mystery even more compelling. The investigation, the true crime angle, and the way the suspense built up kept me glued to the pages.

Markert delivers a perfect mix of atmosphere and tension. He writes the kind of thrillers that stay with you long after you finish reading and Spider to the Fly is no exception.

If you are looking for a dark and twisty thriller that will keep you up late at night this one is a must-read.

🕸️ F R E A K Y F R I D A Y review 🕸️ featuring “Spider to the Fly” by J.H. Markert!

Ellie Isles is a true crime author who became obsessed with the I-64 murders when one of the victims could have been her doppelgänger. Intrigued by this woman’s death, Ellie unofficially investigates and writes a book surrounding a prolific serial killer called The Spider 🕷️!

The Spider has murdered and dumped 29 bodies alongside the Interstate 64 for the past couple of decades. The bodies of his victims are covered in spider bites as a form of grotesque torture. They are positioned with their hands either over their mouths, eyes or ears as a symbolic form of see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil!

4 years later the Spider has not been found and the body count is still climbing. Many of the victims are unidentified and Ellie utilizes her true crime network to help identify John and Jane Does with the help of fellow true crime junkies.

Ellie is desperate to find The Spider when she finds out that her Therapist is the number one suspect. This sends her into a tailspin as she is forced to revisit painful memories from her broken childhood and face her nightmares head on.

💭 I’m sorry … WHAT did I just read? A serial killer who uses rare and deadly spiders as a form of torture? Talk about DERANGED and HEINOUS! I have been terrified my entire life of spiders and this book freaked me the hell out. You can feel them crawling all over you as you get pulled into a viscous game of cat and mouse with a serial killer!

Thank you kindly to @jamesmarkert74 @crookedlanebooks @netgalley for my advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review! This book releases on September 2, 2025 and is a MUST READ for your spooky season TBRs!

““Will you walk into my parlor?” said the spider to the fly”

After seeing all of my thriller-loving friends raving about Sleep Tight last year, I knew I had to get my hands on J.H. Markert’s newest book, Spider to the Fly. “The Spider” is a prolific serial killer who has been dumping his victims’ bodies along the I-64 corridor, their corpses riddled with spider bites. After a body is found that looks eerily similar to Ellie Isles, she writes a true crime bestseller about the Spider and becomes an unofficial expert on his crimes. After her therapist is arrested as the prime suspect, Ellie is more determined than ever to identify the killer.

Initially I thought this was going to be your run-of-the-mill true crime junkie serial killer thriller, but oh how wrong I was! This book is so much more than that! This book is dark, twisted, and diabolically clever, examining the age-old question of nature v. nurture. The writing is horrifyingly descriptive at times (arachnophobes, steer clear!) and the plot is intense, and I could not put this book down. Just like the Spider’s victims, I was a fly snared in the web the author wove!

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing me an advance copy of this book.

🕸️ARC REVIEW🕸️

Coming September 2nd

“I am the Spider. You better run fast because when I catch you, you’ll never smile again.“

“Don’t move, spiders, they can sense it … they can sense fear … and maybe one day I’ll show you.”

“STEP INTO MY parlor, said the spider to the fly …”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

I loveddd this creepy cat and mouse serial killer thriller! It would make an excellent movie. Really enjoyed the twisted orphanage back story and all the twin vibes. HIGHLY recommend!!

Thank you @netgalley @crookedlanebooks

#spidertothefly #netgalley #gifted #thrillerbooks #thrillerbooksaddict #thrillerreads #bookstagram #fyp

This book had a great premise, and I was drawn in by the promise of a mystery as intricate as a spider web—pun intended. Markert definitely delivered on the suspense, keeping me guessing until the final reveal.

However, the execution left me wanting much more. There were far too many characters, and none were given the depth they deserved. As a result, I struggled to connect with anyone on a meaningful level. The Brock experiment, which could have been a fascinating centerpiece, was skimmed over with barely any explanation or results, leaving it feeling like an unfinished idea rather than a compelling plot point.

While the mystery was strong enough to carry the story, the lack of character development and underdeveloped subplots kept it from reaching its full potential.

Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for providing this eARC in exchange for my honest review.