Markert is quickly becoming the master of that fine line between thriller and horror. The MO of the serial killer in this one is honestly terrifying. There is so much to this story, as well, like a web they slowly builds to the ending, and when you get the full reveal my kind was blown. The characters are well drawn and interesting, it’s an incredibly solid and engrossing book.

Definitely a enthralling read. The plot is original and quite well-developed. It truly felt like the story has been thoroughly thought out, it did not read like a more « mainstream » thriller, and I liked that. It was a rather profound read, with some storylines intertwining. It was not a straight forward read, though it was easy to read thanks to the writing. The only thing is I did not connect with the characters at all, especially one male character that was ruining some scenes for me. But I would still recommend this book… if you’re not terrified of spiders.

Thank you to Netgalley for an e-ARC in exchange for a honest review.

Spider to the Fly had a great premise but I think the author got caught up in telling too many different stories. The multiple sets of identical twins, the vague background that happens to come back to them after another character dies, the "who done it!" clue vibes. I would have rather read about the Farm and the game OR the serial killer. Jamming both into this novel made it aggressively busy with no real pay off. While this novel is hailed as "the heir to Stephen King", I think it falls extremely short of that promise. Some readers might enjoy this novel but for me, it didn't stick. The last minute plot twist sealed the deal for me with a low rating.

This book has a very interesting introduction, and then it goes into the story about a journalist investigating the Spider serial killer.

I think I should just decide now that this authors books aren’t really for me.

There’s nothing wrong with the two books I’ve read but there’s just also nothing that draws me into the story enough.

Sleep tight was police procedural and that is not my thing but this one wasn’t as much but it still was. It’s just my own personal taste!

This was a stunning thriller, definitely one to put at the top of your TBR reads.

It’s like Silence of the Lambs mixed with Orphan Black and at times gets wildly outrageous with the plot twists.

Follow a serial killer named The Spider who has left multiple young women along the highway. Cause of death? Multiple venomous spider bites.

Then we have an intrepid and determined woman who has dedicated years of her life trying to catch this madman, after one of the victims looked like her identical twin.

I was really caught up in whodunnit, and it felt like every other page my hypothesis was changing. As secrets and truths were revealed there were a few times I rolled my eyes at some of the ridiculous reveals.

Other than that it was definitely hair raising and captivating. The method of taking the lives of the victims was SO disturbing. 🕷️

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Crooked Lane Books for a copy!

I’m mind blown but this book and I just have a feeling that I want to turn this into a movie so so bad.
At first I didn’t know what was going on but as I got more into the book, I just COULDNT put it down!
It was too good, the story and the plot itself was so good!
I think the only downside of this is that I wanted to be more of Ian’s POV. I wanted to see his side of the story and definitely wanted to know the details of Bart and Karena’s death.
Either way I still enjoyed the book regardless and I’ll definitely recommend it
Thank you netgalley for the early ARC

I honestly had a really hard time reading this book. Lots of characters that are too intertwined with each other, multiple sets of twins that are being mistaken for one another, and story just seemed to drag along.. The back story of The Farm and the game of Spider and Fly was interesting but it took forever for it to unfold. Too many characters and too much of a serial killer thriller for me. I really enjoyed Sleep Tight by this author but this book was just not for me. Book will be released September 2, 2025.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a free ebook copy in exchange for an honest review. This book will be released September 2, 2025.

Ooo boy this was a thrill ride! You have to suspend your disbelief a bit for this one, but it’s well worth it. The story is very intriguing and has so many enjoyable elements! I really liked Ellie, the main character, and her daughter Amber. I will say there are a lot of people (and OTHERS) to keep up with and at times it was a little confusing, but it all came together. I definitely had no issue flying through the pages as I was dying to get to all of the answers! I enjoyed this one quite a bit!

This was my first book by Markert, and it definitely made me want to move his other books up on my TBR. I found the idea behind this book intriguing, and it kept me engaged the entire time. The twists were good; however, I guessed one of them. I think I've read so many thrillers that I’m getting too skilled at figuring out the formulas.

Needless to say, I really enjoyed this. I did have some trouble keeping track of all the twins and who was who, but it didn’t lessen my enjoyment.

I thought Markert did a great job of maintaining interest and providing that eerie feeling you want in a thriller.

If you’re looking for a solid psychological thriller, I think this one would be a great choice to pick up.

J.H. Markert cleverly spins a meandering web of a tale that is sure to trap readers from its very first chapter. I was completely engrossed in the story from start to finish, theorizing about the serial killer even when I put the book down.

To fully enjoy the story, it helps to suspend your disbelief and accept that some questions will remain unanswered. Though that didn't affect my rating, the ending did, as it felt more like a setup for a series, which likely explains the lack of closure.

I still highly recommend this book for a thrilling read.

Ellie’s fascination with the I-64 murders turns into full-blown obsession when she sees her own face on TV except it’s not her. The 17th victim is her identical copy. Fueled by deep curiosity, she writes a bestselling novel inspired by her own research on the I-64 victims and launches The Spider Web a site that helps identify missing persons and helped identify some of the I-64 victims. But as the bodies keep piling up and unsettling memories creep in, Ellie realizes the truth might be lurking in the shadows of her own mind. And worse she might already know the killer.

When I say I never saw that ending coming, I mean if you gave me 100 guesses and a psychic, I still wouldn't get it right but the ending was sooooo satisfying. This book had everything I crave in a thriller twists, turns, and that deliciously unsettling feeling that keeps you up way past bedtime. J.H. Market is a mastermind, and I’d give anything to sit down with him just to figure out how his brain works because wow just wow.

Thank you @netgalley
and @crookedlanebooks for this EARC in loved it so much!

This one had me hooked from the start. A true crime writer who sees her face on a murder victim? That’s the kind of creepy I love. Ellie’s obsession with the Spider killer felt totally believable, especially since she’s already knee-deep in this world with her followers and databases. The whole “citizen detective meets serial killer” thing was done really well without feeling over the top.

The pacing kept things interesting, and I liked how the book explored people society often overlooks—it made the mystery feel heavier in a good way. I wasn’t expecting the therapist twist (yikes), and while a few parts felt a little far-fetched, I was totally in for the ride.

If you’re into crime stories with a side of obsession, some moral murkiness, and a main character who won’t let things go (in the best way), this one’s worth the read.

Another solid thriller from Markert about a serial killer known as "The Spider" who is responsible for the murder of twenty-eight women and the connections to a foster care-type group many years ago that was known as "The Farm". Unlawful experiments, twins, abuse and revenge are all at play here in a tight plot that offers some real surprises and plenty of suspense. Well-written characters help move the story along to a strong conclusion. Markert has become a reliable addition to the genre. 4-4.5 stars. Thanks to Netgalley for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

**4.5 Stars**

𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬
Ellie Isles became captivated by the I-64 murders when she noticed her own likeness on one of the victims. Although the woman was not her, the resemblance was striking. Driven to uncover the story behind her doppelgänger’s tragic fate, Ellie authored a bestselling true crime book about the elusive serial killer known as “the Spider.” Four years later, the Spider remains at large, and the number of his victims continues to rise. Many bodies are still unidentified, but thanks to Ellie’s extensive online community of true crime enthusiasts, that is gradually changing. Together, they have compiled a vast database aimed at tracking individuals who are at risk of becoming Jane and John Does. With Ellie successfully identifying several victims, the law enforcement task force pursuing the Spider enlists her assistance.
𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬
I absolutely loved this book! The suspense, tension, and sense of dread built beautifully throughout, leaving me on the edge of my seat with every turn of the page. As the story unfolded, I appreciated how the author layered in the characters' pasts, giving readers a deeper understanding of who they are and what shaped them. It was a slow burn, but the revelations were so rewarding. That being said, while the ending was undeniably well-executed, I couldn't shake the feeling that I wanted just a bit more closure. Overall, this psychological thriller is a must-read for fans of suspense and character-driven stories. It will keep you hooked until the very end. Highly recommend!

Thank You @Netgalley and @Crookedlanebooks for allowing me to review this ARC.

Spider to the Fly by J.H. Markert is a chilling and atmospheric thriller that expertly blends psychological tension with a creeping sense of dread. From the very first page, Markert creates an unsettling mood, pulling readers into a twisted web of secrets, deception, and danger. The story unfolds with a gripping mix of slow-burn suspense and shocking revelations, keeping the tension high throughout.

The characters are well-drawn, particularly the protagonist, whose journey into the darker corners of the mystery is both compelling and unnerving. Markert does an excellent job of exploring themes of manipulation and fear, making every interaction feel charged with hidden motives. Some twists are more predictable than others, but the novel’s eerie tone and strong character dynamics keep it engaging. The writing is immersive, creating a vivid sense of place that enhances the novel’s ominous atmosphere.

The pacing is well-handled, though some sections could have been tightened to maintain momentum. However, the final act delivers a satisfying and haunting conclusion that lingers long after the last page. Spider to the Fly is a gripping psychological thriller with a dark, unsettling edge—a solid 4-star read for fans of eerie, suspenseful storytelling.

Sleep Tight by this author was really good, so obviously I wanted to read this book. Thank you to Netgalley for this arc. Ellie is obsessed with the I-64 murders when she saw her face on one of the victims. She becomes obsessed with finding out how this person who isn't her, died.

Thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for this ARC of J. H. Markert's 'Spider to the Fly.'

This is an enjoyable, twisty and turny serial killer thriller.

The Spider has been murdering and dumping (mainly) marginalized women along I-64 in Kentucky for nearly two decades and then Ellie -the seeming twin of one of the victims - becomes obsessed with finding him, writing a bestselling book and establishing a thriving online community dedicated to naming the victims and finding the killer. And then, all of a sudden, the problem - many problems - land on her doorstep.

Ellie knows more than everyone about the killer and his victims so she develops a love-hate relationship with law enforcement and, as such, is central to the plot and the story in multiple ways.

You have to be on the ball to keep up with the twist, turns, and twins but it's good fun.

Wow!! I have never read a Markert book before but this got me hook, line, and sinker. Suspenseful and creepy and loads of fun. Lots of twists with untrustworthy characters (really, the best kind of mystery). Will be looking out for more of Markert's books in the future!

🌟🌟🌟 and 1/2
The build up and overall premise of this novel were done very well, however the ending felt a little lacking. I'm always down for a twist, but not a big fan when an ending goes around multiple twists and turns. I was also sad for one of the characters ending after the build up in the end. I would still absolutely recommend this novel and it's a great read, especially for mystery lovers.