I don't know how this author writes things that at first I am like well I don't think this one is for me, but then somehow while continuing to read I get invested and cannot put it down! He is really good at building tension and I love it.

This is the story of a serial killer and those trying to find him. Ellie had a rough childhood, but is living her life until one of the serial killers victims turns up and looks just like her. Since then she has done a deep dive trying to learn everything she can about the killer and victims, wrote a book about it, and has a huge online portal where people discuss and share info about the case. She also works with the police at time to offer her insight.

Now the first half of the book was fine, but I kept questioning why characters were doing the things they were doing. Or why they were interacting with other characters in the way they were. There was one big one that still doesn't make sense to me, but I also stopped caring at some point and just went with it. The second half of the book though I couldn't put down! The tension was great, I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next! I loved all the past and present woven together and everything that happened. It was great even if some of the stuff doesn't really work the way people in the story were saying it did. I do wish we had a bit more info about all the kids from the past and what is happening with them in the present, but oh well. Really I would have loved a whole book about the past as it was very interesting.

Now to me this is not really a horror book, more of a thriller whodunnit. Still a fun read either way!

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book.

Spider to the Fly was a thrilling and addictive read that kept me turning pages late into the night. I loved the cat-and-mouse tension between the characters—it felt sharp, clever, and unpredictable. The suspense was well-crafted, though at times I wished for a bit more depth in the supporting characters. Overall, it was a gripping, satisfying story that I thoroughly enjoyed and would recommend to fans of psychological thrillers.

Holy moly this story was good! I could barely put it down and felt like I flew through it!

This is only the second J.H. Markert novel I have read, but it definitely won’t be the last! I love the writing and the way the characters are written.

My only complaints is that there are some parts of the story line that I felt was too similar to Sleep Tight, but I will definitely still recommend it!

I'm always on the look out for a good creepy horror book and this one fit the bill! I loved the creepiness of the story and writing. This author had me on the edge of my seat and I'll be checking out their backlist now!

˙₊➴ ꒰ 3.5-stars★ ꒱ ꒷⊹࣪˖

📜┆ ARC ⤿ Crooked Lane Books & NetGalley
✒️┆ Author ⤿ J.H. Markert
💌┆ Pub Date ⤿ 09/02/25

❝ You’re either the hunter or the hunted. You’re either the spider or the fly. ❞

When Ellie Isles sees her own face staring back at her from the news, branded as one of the Spider’s victims, everything changed. Obsessed with the truth, Ellie writes a book, builds a true crime network, and dives deep into the Spider’s twisted world. Now, she’ll stop at nothing to unravel his web before she ends up trapped in it.

⊹ ࣪ ˖ੈ Thoughts

Going into this, I expected just your typical mystery read, but oooh was I wrong. Spider to the Fly turned out to be so much more. This true-crime psychological thriller weaves a compelling web that goes far beyond the surface. It doesn’t shy away from the complexities of its story, drawing you deeper into its unsettling mystery.

❝ What makes a monster a monster? ❞

‧˚ ꒰ 🕷️ ꒱ true crime & mystery ₊˚⋆
I enjoyed how it was very true-crime coded, from the investigations, reports, and additional information that surrounded the case. The use of twins in the narrative, especially in the context of true crime and the age-old nature vs. nurture debate (if you know, you know) hit a nerve in the best way. Cause if you're into true crime, you’ll recognize how often this theme comes up, and the way it was handled here was both chilling and thought-provoking. Ellie’s “Web” website was also super helpful and cool, and her drive to solve the long mystery was enjoyable to witness. The revelation after revelation was hitting my brain in all the right places. + the additional mention of other notorious 🔪people🔪 made the true-crime listener in me a bit giddy (im not obsessed with them! I promise you, I just watch my fair share of videos. I'm innocent, your honor😭)

❝ When it rains, it pours. ❞

‧˚ ꒰ 🎭 ꒱ concers ₊˚⋆
My only concern was that, at times, the amount of information and characters became a bit overwhelming. There were moments when I found myself questioning whether those details/ individuals were truly relevant to the story’s direction. I also found myself wishing for deeper insight into some of the characters, understanding more about their backgrounds and motivations could have added even more weight to the psychological depth of the narrative. Still, the story and mystery were overall gripping. I think I just craved a deeper dive into the minds of those involved (why they did what they did) and how they navigated the aftermath of it all.

❝ You can be the Spider,” the Fly said softly. “And I’ll be the king of Rome. ❞

‧˚ ꒰ 🕸️ ꒱ final thoughts ₊˚⋆
As most of you would already have guessed, I was reading through all that's happening, guessing all the possible endings, and sussing out all the characters (which made my head hurt at times🤯). Was I correct? Yes! I clocked it⏰, but there was just something in that wrap-up that made that ending sooo twistedly good! Despite my few concerns, Spider to the Fly was an enjoyable read. In the end, I was a stunned fly stuck in the spiderweb JH Markert weaved!👏🏻🕸️

➳ Huge thanks to the publisher & author — Crooked Lane Books, J.H. Markert & NetGalley — for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

It took me a little bit to decide what I wanted to rate this book. The first half was very convoluted with a lot of characters and things going on, but it somehow read slow and disorganized. I was leaning towards a 3 star review because I was still interested and invested in the story. The second half of the book picked up in a major way and if I were to rate the second half I would give 5 stars. So ultimately I went in the middle with 4.

What really made this book interesting was that the twist had its own twist and that is ultimately what makes a good thriller for me ...if I can be surprised not just once, but two or three times, I consider that a great story. Ultimately, the intrigue, suspense and reveals made this a great read. JH Markert really knows how weave (pun intended) a great story and I will pick up whatever he's selling.

This is the fourth novel I've read by J.H. Markert, and I'm here to say... it was my favorite thus far. Raising my hand in a hallelujah, this was a banger!

In this serial killer thriller we are on the hunt for the diabolical Spider. A vile murderer with a very specialized weapon of choice. I always love Markert's creation of menacing villains, and the Spider is notably nasty!

I so appreciated the layout and the pacing of this story. It succeeded in being both spellbinding and smooth. Once I picked it up, there was no way I was putting it back down again!

Final thoughts? If a twisted tale of nature vs. nuture sounds like your idea of a good time, then this is your book to binge!

I’ve given this author a chance a few times and I think it’s just not for me. I enjoy the cover so much. I wanted to. I couldn’t.

I really enjoyed Spider and The Fly. Loved the main character and her true crime obsession. And the setting was lovely. Small town, sinister secrets.

The beginning was a bit confusing, but once I got my bearings the story flowed easily. Ellie is a foster care survivor thrown into a serial killer investigation when one of the victims is her twin. She moves, along with her daughter, to the town the murders take place and begins her own investigation,

This has a bit of everything, generational trauma, true crime sleuthing, police procedural, serial killers, twins and lots of secrets.

If J.H. Markert writes it, I will read it (and probably be obsessed with it 🤭).

Spider to the Fly was a dark, twisted rollercoaster ride with an ending that threw me for a loop, in the best way possible. The twists and turns were unexpected and insanely good. To top it all off, every single one of my predictions about how everything would come together were completely wrong.

If you like books with a Criminal Minds vibe, you need to add this one to your spooky season TBR immediately!!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read this e-ARC!

They say everyone has a twin. After reading this book, I might just agree! I was instantly intrigued by the plot of the book, so I was delighted to be chosen for an ARC.
Let's get to it: Ellie Isles is a true crime writer. Why did she write a book about the deaths on I-64? Well, the 17th victim, Sherry, could pass for her twin. She then throws herself into researching the cases in an effort to find justice for the victims and capture the culprit, dubbed "The Spider." Ellie's investigation into the gruesome deaths will border on interference in the police investigation until the Spider begins to pull Ellie and those she loves into his web.
Wow. This book was something. It was incredibly detailed and heavy to read at times. For those triggered by child abuse, I would avoid it. I did feel that this evoked "The Silence of the Lambs" vibes for sure. Did I feel that the ever-growing cast of characters got confusing to keep up with at times? Yes, but Markert does wrap it up in a satisfying way.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I swear, just when I think Markert’s books can’t get any better, he writes something that proves me wrong. I first discovered him when reading an ARC of Mr. Lullaby, and I absolutely loved it. While that one is still my favorite out of his books, I would have to say that Spider to the Fly is a close second. Different styles, but both amazing books. This one was different from what he writes normally as the horror element was much more subtle than what he’s written before. It was more thriller than anything, however, it still maintained that feeling of ever increasing uneasiness and dread that a horror story gives you. The characterization was fantastic. Ellie was a great character, because she starts off about as hot mess as you can get while still being functional, but she really comes into her own sort of strength as the story progresses. This helps force Amber to come into her own strength as well as she learned to navigate not only her mom’s issues, but the ones deep rooted within herself. Add to all of that the collection of twins, experimentation, and a decades long serial killer, and you have the recipe for a truly incredible story. It was so hard to put down at the end of the night! J.H. Markert is truly a master of his craft and definitely an auto buy for me!

Huge thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for sending me this ARC for review! All of my reviews are given honestly!

I’ve read a few books by J.H. Markert now, and like the others Spider to the Fly delivers the suspense and tension really well. This one had an added layer of true crime vibes that added a sense of realism. All together, this is a very solid thriller from an author who has yet to disappoint me.

Note: ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC — I could not put it down! Spider to the Fly is an absolute masterclass in the cat. and mouse thriller genre, and it’s unlike anything I’ve read before.

From the opening chapter, the tension coils tighter and tighter, pulling you into a game where every move could mean life or death. The dynamic between predator and prey is brilliantly crafted, with twists that constantly force you to second-guess who’s truly in control. J.H. Markert doesn’t just write suspense he weaves it, trapping you in a web of intrigue until the very last page.

What really stood out to me was how fresh and unique this take on the genre felt. The pacing is razor-sharp, the atmosphere deliciously sinister, and the plotting so precise that every reveal lands with maximum impact. This wasn’t just a read it was an experience.

If you’re craving a thriller that keeps you hooked, unsettled, and slightly out of breath, this one’s for you.

From the Prologue, Spider to the Fly had me in its grip. It’s a dark and fast moving serial killer mystery that manages to be both compulsively readable and deeply unsettling. The pacing is relentlessly fast with sharp chapters keep the momentum racing forward, and the atmosphere drips with tension and unease.

What really impressed me were the twists. I pride myself on spotting plot twists before they happen, but this book threw several at me that I didn’t see coming at all. When the big reveals landed, they hit like a freight train. Shocking (a bit over the top at times) but so much fun to experience that I didn’t care if they leaned toward the implausible.

The story blends some of my favorite elements of the genre: the cat and mouse chase of a serial killer investigation, the true crime enthusiast’s obsession with the details, and identity swapping tropes that keep you second guessing everyone’s motives. The characters are distinct enough to stick in your mind, and while the book never slows down for deep introspection, it delivers exactly what you’d want in a thriller: urgency, suspense, and a sense of dread that keeps you turning pages long after you meant to stop.

If you love dark, twisty thrillers that read like a bingeable Netflix crime drama, Spider to the Fly is a solid pick. It’s quick, it’s creepy, and it’s an absolute blast.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books and J.H. Markert for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪:

I’ve never met a Markert read that I didn’t love to pieces and this one I loved a lot. He is famous for writing intense and emotional reads packed with lots of suspense and mystery and the characters are so strong and well written. I ate this book up from front to back in a weekend and I STILL think about this book. You have multiple POV and twists and turns. Our FMC is obsessed with a sting of serial killer murders that still has victims dropping like flies and one of them looks just like HER. Can she use her true crime skills and knowledge as well as her big true crime network to help solve and stop more killings from happening and we watch her dig deep into who this mysterious victim is that looks just like her. I loved how this book hooked you in with its high tension and twists. If you love a good dark eerie read that will make your heart race and your mind question everything then this is the book for you! While you are at it, please read ALL of J.H.’s books.

𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦: Dark, Twisty, Eerie, Creepy, Serial Killer, Fast Paced, Strong Characters, Multiple POV, High Tension

Large thank you to our Author, NetGalley as well as Crooked Lane Books

Such a great thriller with an interesting storyline! As someone who’s really into true crime and the whole internet sleuthing and serial killer vibes are really my jam. This ARC follows Ellie, a regular mom turned breakout true crime writer and internet investigator. She’s been hooked on the I-64 murders ever since she saw a picture of his victim number 16 Sherry who just so happen to be the spitting image of Ellie, they could be identical twins! The story that follows is so heartbreaking and gut wrenching I found my chest tight while reading  several chapters! Just the whole idea of experimentation and institutionalization  of children and the torture  and abuse that was closely connected is mind blowing. To think that up to the 80’s and 90’s these types of places ran rampant across America. And that last 10% of this novel was so jam packed and full of twists I never saw coming. I can next look at a fly or a spider the same again!!!!!

This was my first read by J. H. Markert and it didn't disappoint! I felt like I was reading along with a true crime podcast rather than a fictional book. I was hooked from the first page!

Spider to the Fly is about a true crime author, Ellie, who becomes obsessed with the I-64 murders committed by the serial killer "The Spider" after she sees her own face on one of the victims when watching television. Four years later, Ellie is still trying to catch the spider along with her online network of true crime sleuths. She has helped the police identify multiple victims and now they are pulling her into the investigation. But now she is getting too close.....will she catch the Spider..or will the Spider catch her?

The amount of times I caught myself holding my breath reading this book..you won't want to put it down. JH Markert has truly delivered with Spider to the Fly. You want to add this one to your shelves. This was easily a 5 star read for me! It'll be out September 2nd, 2025!

Thank you Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for the eARC of this book for my honest review.

This was a very good psychological thriller. I really enjoyed how much it kept me in suspense, I haven’t read anything by this author before but I will definitely pick up more.
I would recommend to anyone who likes something short and something to keep you on edge.