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A Mask of Flies
A Mask of Flies by Matthew Lyons is a crime horror novel which blends It Follows and The Outsider, with a pinch of The Evil Dead, in which a criminal and the cop she’s taken hostage must find their way to safety – pursued by threats both human and supernatural – after a failed bank robbery.
In the grisly aftermath of a botched bank heist, career criminal Anne Heller has no choice but to return to her family’s cabin – a secluded shack in the San Luis Valley, and the site of her mother’s untimely death.
Along for the ride are Jessup, Anne’s badly wounded partner, and Dutch, the police officer she’s taken hostage. As they wait for help, Anne discovers strange relics of her mother and begins to unfold the mystery of her childhood at the cabin.
Anne’s quest to uncover more is interrupted when Jessup goes missing, only to turn up dead. She and Dutch bury her friend, but that night, the dead man comes back, seemingly risen from his grave to knock at the cabin door. Not a dream, not a hallucination, but not exactly Jessup, either. Something else. Something wearing her friend’s face. Something hungry…
The cops aren’t the only ones after Anne, and unraveling the secrets of her mother’s past may be her only hope of getting out alive.
A Mask of Flies is a gritty, heartfelt meditation on death, family, and the ever-changing, monstrous nature of grief.
In the grisly aftermath of a botched bank heist, career criminal Anne Heller has no choice but to return to her family’s cabin – a secluded shack in the San Luis Valley, and the site of her mother’s untimely death.
Along for the ride are Jessup, Anne’s badly wounded partner, and Dutch, the police officer she’s taken hostage. As they wait for help, Anne discovers strange relics of her mother and begins to unfold the mystery of her childhood at the cabin.
Anne’s quest to uncover more is interrupted when Jessup goes missing, only to turn up dead. She and Dutch bury her friend, but that night, the dead man comes back, seemingly risen from his grave to knock at the cabin door. Not a dream, not a hallucination, but not exactly Jessup, either. Something else. Something wearing her friend’s face. Something hungry…
The cops aren’t the only ones after Anne, and unraveling the secrets of her mother’s past may be her only hope of getting out alive.
A Mask of Flies is a gritty, heartfelt meditation on death, family, and the ever-changing, monstrous nature of grief.
434 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 6, 2024
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May 22, 2025
**2.5-stars rounded up**
After a failed bank heist, Anne Hiller is forced to go on the run, along with her wounded partner, Jessup, and the policeman she has taken hostage.
Anne goes to the closest place she can think of where they can safely take refuge, her family's abandoned cabin. This place should hold a lot of memories for Anne, but her entire childhood is hazy at best. She does remember that the cabin was the site of her mother's untimely death though.
As she waits for help from other members of her crew, Anne ends up discovering some old relics of her mother's. Could these items help her piece together the missing bits of her past. She'd love some closure.
Her mission to delve into the past is interrupted when the injured Jessup goes missing. They end up finding his dead body. They decide to bury him, thinking that'll be the end, but when the dead man returns, knocking at the door in the night, they realize, this is only the beginning.
A Mask of Flies is the third book that I've read from Matthew Lyons. On paper, this should have worked really well for me. A Horror-Crime Thriller blend with people returning from the dead and a woman on the run for her life. What's not to love about that?
Sadly, this didn't end up being a good fit for me. I've enjoyed both of the other novels I've read from this author, but this ended up being a miss for me.
I never became fully invested. Anne was very meh, as were the characters surrounding her. The only person who ever really interested me was Dutch, just because of the circumstances he found himself in, but it still wasn't enough for me to actually feel truly engaged with his plight.
With this being said, it's not all negative. The writing is great and the ideas are solid. It just failed to capture my attention. That doesn't mean it won't work for others, however, including you, so please take my opinion with a grain of salt.
I did read this directly after reading Blood Like Mine, another new release Crime Horror novel that I absolutely loved. Perhaps reading them back-to-back was detrimental to my experience with this one. It disappointed in comparison.
I will also say, Lyons creates his landscapes really well. I've noticed this throughout his work that I've read. I can always picture these beautifully-stark landscapes the characters travel through.
This one, as with A Black and Endless Sky, gave me slight Desperation mixed with Revival vibes, which I even mentioned in my review for that previous novel. There's something very Fundamentalist Religious group meets Tak about all this. IYKYK.
At the end of the day, even though this wasn't the most fun experience for me, I still believe Matthew Lyons is one heck of a writer. He takes risks and is creative with his storylines. I'm definitely planning to pick up whatever he writes next.
Thank you to the publisher, Tor Nightfire and Macmillan Audio, for providing me with copies to read and review.
There's a book for every Reader and a Reader for every book. Just because this wasn't great for me personally, doesn't mean it won't be amazing for you.
Give it a shot. Check it out. Available now!!!
After a failed bank heist, Anne Hiller is forced to go on the run, along with her wounded partner, Jessup, and the policeman she has taken hostage.
Anne goes to the closest place she can think of where they can safely take refuge, her family's abandoned cabin. This place should hold a lot of memories for Anne, but her entire childhood is hazy at best. She does remember that the cabin was the site of her mother's untimely death though.
As she waits for help from other members of her crew, Anne ends up discovering some old relics of her mother's. Could these items help her piece together the missing bits of her past. She'd love some closure.
Her mission to delve into the past is interrupted when the injured Jessup goes missing. They end up finding his dead body. They decide to bury him, thinking that'll be the end, but when the dead man returns, knocking at the door in the night, they realize, this is only the beginning.
A Mask of Flies is the third book that I've read from Matthew Lyons. On paper, this should have worked really well for me. A Horror-Crime Thriller blend with people returning from the dead and a woman on the run for her life. What's not to love about that?
Sadly, this didn't end up being a good fit for me. I've enjoyed both of the other novels I've read from this author, but this ended up being a miss for me.
I never became fully invested. Anne was very meh, as were the characters surrounding her. The only person who ever really interested me was Dutch, just because of the circumstances he found himself in, but it still wasn't enough for me to actually feel truly engaged with his plight.
With this being said, it's not all negative. The writing is great and the ideas are solid. It just failed to capture my attention. That doesn't mean it won't work for others, however, including you, so please take my opinion with a grain of salt.
I did read this directly after reading Blood Like Mine, another new release Crime Horror novel that I absolutely loved. Perhaps reading them back-to-back was detrimental to my experience with this one. It disappointed in comparison.
I will also say, Lyons creates his landscapes really well. I've noticed this throughout his work that I've read. I can always picture these beautifully-stark landscapes the characters travel through.
This one, as with A Black and Endless Sky, gave me slight Desperation mixed with Revival vibes, which I even mentioned in my review for that previous novel. There's something very Fundamentalist Religious group meets Tak about all this. IYKYK.
At the end of the day, even though this wasn't the most fun experience for me, I still believe Matthew Lyons is one heck of a writer. He takes risks and is creative with his storylines. I'm definitely planning to pick up whatever he writes next.
Thank you to the publisher, Tor Nightfire and Macmillan Audio, for providing me with copies to read and review.
There's a book for every Reader and a Reader for every book. Just because this wasn't great for me personally, doesn't mean it won't be amazing for you.
Give it a shot. Check it out. Available now!!!
August 13, 2024
Crazy!!
A Mask Of Flies is about a bank robbery gone horribly wrong, and while our MC is fleeing from the police, she’s also running from a supernatural entity from her past hellbent on tracking her down.
The tension/pacing were breakneck- the first like 50% especially was pretty much non-stop madness. It’s gory, with very intense graphic violence and gnarly injury details that had me cringing frequently 😂 it’s SO violent.
The story had a sort of found family aspect that I always love, and also has a cult-ish element that I thought was a fun addition w/some added tension.
There were a few character choices I thought strange, like where I thought, “well, I personally wouldn’t have done that”, but it was all in the name of plot progression and it was overall such a fun time I didn’t really care. 4.5 ⭐️ rounded up and one I definitely recommend if you have a strong stomach for gore!
A Mask Of Flies is about a bank robbery gone horribly wrong, and while our MC is fleeing from the police, she’s also running from a supernatural entity from her past hellbent on tracking her down.
The tension/pacing were breakneck- the first like 50% especially was pretty much non-stop madness. It’s gory, with very intense graphic violence and gnarly injury details that had me cringing frequently 😂 it’s SO violent.
The story had a sort of found family aspect that I always love, and also has a cult-ish element that I thought was a fun addition w/some added tension.
There were a few character choices I thought strange, like where I thought, “well, I personally wouldn’t have done that”, but it was all in the name of plot progression and it was overall such a fun time I didn’t really care. 4.5 ⭐️ rounded up and one I definitely recommend if you have a strong stomach for gore!
June 16, 2024
2.5 stars. Lyons keeps writing the same book. There are things he's getting better at and things he's getting worse at along the way.
When I reviewed his last novel, I said "In the first, a group of friends got themselves in a terrible situation and then you threw supernatural danger on top of it. In this one, a brother and sister get themselves in a terrible situation and then you throw supernatural danger on top of it. Next time I hope he mixes up the formula, it made the first third feel pretty predictable." This time we once again have a group of people who get themselves in a terrible situation and then you throw supernatural danger on top of it. Bright side: he's a lot better at the terrible situation this time! This was a bank robbery gone wrong and the stakes felt legitimate. There wasn't a clear path forward and there was a whole lot of possible ways to go wrong. Big improvement.
Downside is that this book is much longer than it needs to be and feels very bloated. The supernatural stuff is fine, though the cult stuff feels tacked on.
There are also so many times here where the plot makes no sense that eventually you have to stop asking questions. Why put an unconscious cop in your trunk as a human hostage? (Especially when you never actually use him as a hostage or develop a plan to use him as a hostage.) Why meet up with the people who betrayed you and are very pissed at you when you could very easily NOT do that? And once the supernatural stuff kicks into high gear it's confusing why this big evil will never stop and always follow you when actually it did stop and didn't follow you for like 20 years? This is the kind of book where you just have to say "Okay, you are making bad decisions for the sake of plot" and be okay with it. Which I don't really love!
Also personal pet peeve this is a book with a cop as a major character where the book is really determined to convince you that this guy is Not Like The Other Cops. Clearly Lyons knows he's going to have some ACAB folks among his readers and he's really trying to convince you that it's okay, this guy is a good guy. It is not a very successful effort. Also the whole book would have worked just as well if he wasn't a cop! The cop-as-hostage never made sense anyway!
If this book was like a nice 260 pages, I think it would have been a lot better. But the bloat was real and it slowed the book down a lot. Lots of unnecessary ruminating. I finished it more out of sunk cost than any pleasure.
When I reviewed his last novel, I said "In the first, a group of friends got themselves in a terrible situation and then you threw supernatural danger on top of it. In this one, a brother and sister get themselves in a terrible situation and then you throw supernatural danger on top of it. Next time I hope he mixes up the formula, it made the first third feel pretty predictable." This time we once again have a group of people who get themselves in a terrible situation and then you throw supernatural danger on top of it. Bright side: he's a lot better at the terrible situation this time! This was a bank robbery gone wrong and the stakes felt legitimate. There wasn't a clear path forward and there was a whole lot of possible ways to go wrong. Big improvement.
Downside is that this book is much longer than it needs to be and feels very bloated. The supernatural stuff is fine, though the cult stuff feels tacked on.
There are also so many times here where the plot makes no sense that eventually you have to stop asking questions. Why put an unconscious cop in your trunk as a human hostage? (Especially when you never actually use him as a hostage or develop a plan to use him as a hostage.) Why meet up with the people who betrayed you and are very pissed at you when you could very easily NOT do that? And once the supernatural stuff kicks into high gear it's confusing why this big evil will never stop and always follow you when actually it did stop and didn't follow you for like 20 years? This is the kind of book where you just have to say "Okay, you are making bad decisions for the sake of plot" and be okay with it. Which I don't really love!
Also personal pet peeve this is a book with a cop as a major character where the book is really determined to convince you that this guy is Not Like The Other Cops. Clearly Lyons knows he's going to have some ACAB folks among his readers and he's really trying to convince you that it's okay, this guy is a good guy. It is not a very successful effort. Also the whole book would have worked just as well if he wasn't a cop! The cop-as-hostage never made sense anyway!
If this book was like a nice 260 pages, I think it would have been a lot better. But the bloat was real and it slowed the book down a lot. Lots of unnecessary ruminating. I finished it more out of sunk cost than any pleasure.
August 18, 2024
2.5⭐ it went on and on to the point where I just wanted it wrapped up🥴
August 6, 2024
2.5 Stars
This is a horror story that just didn't work for me. It was action packed with a busy narrative. I have liked another book by this author, but this one didn't work as well for me. I feel like the execution was lacking resulting in a narrative that did come together in a satisfying way.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
This is a horror story that just didn't work for me. It was action packed with a busy narrative. I have liked another book by this author, but this one didn't work as well for me. I feel like the execution was lacking resulting in a narrative that did come together in a satisfying way.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
August 11, 2024
This would have been a lot better if this was shorter. The entire middle section was SO busy. So much happening at the same time, nothing was happening. I was so bored for a good portion of it. If I had a physical copy, I would have been skimming, but on audio, I just started zoning out, would come back and literally not miss a thing.
August 2, 2024
Imagine, for a moment, an S.A. Cosby book joining forces with King’s The Outsider. Got it? Great. Now sprinkle in a little pinch of Dilouie’s The Children of Red Peak and you are ready for A Mask of Flies; full of crime and violence and grit and supernatural terror.
This novel is insanely well thought-out and the prose is that which comes from someone who is clearly a very talented writer. The story is so devilishly creepy, gritty, and grisly; complexly layered with intense, dark scenes and flawed, dynamic characters driving it all forward. My attention waned some throughout as we followed Anne around—the plot started to feel scattered about. I think I would have liked a little more of the supernatural and a little less running around (literally and figuratively). By the last quarter, I had ratcheted my listening speed up to get to the end because I felt myself thinking “get to it already”, which speaks to the length of the book which felt larger than necessary.
When all is said and done, A Mask of Flies is an incredibly imaginative story with wicked good writing but suffers at times from a bloated narrative and trying to take on too much. 3.5 stars.
Excellent narration by Saskia Maarleveld who I felt really fit Anne’s character well and who brought the story to life through proper tone and inflection.
Thank you Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the audiobook in exchange for an honest review. Available 08/06/2024
This novel is insanely well thought-out and the prose is that which comes from someone who is clearly a very talented writer. The story is so devilishly creepy, gritty, and grisly; complexly layered with intense, dark scenes and flawed, dynamic characters driving it all forward. My attention waned some throughout as we followed Anne around—the plot started to feel scattered about. I think I would have liked a little more of the supernatural and a little less running around (literally and figuratively). By the last quarter, I had ratcheted my listening speed up to get to the end because I felt myself thinking “get to it already”, which speaks to the length of the book which felt larger than necessary.
When all is said and done, A Mask of Flies is an incredibly imaginative story with wicked good writing but suffers at times from a bloated narrative and trying to take on too much. 3.5 stars.
Excellent narration by Saskia Maarleveld who I felt really fit Anne’s character well and who brought the story to life through proper tone and inflection.
Thank you Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the audiobook in exchange for an honest review. Available 08/06/2024
August 12, 2024
Gory supernatural action horror, with a side of bonko religious cultists! This is a relentlessly paced and violent thriller, that makes use of a lot of tropes, but to good effect. I mean, tropes are tropes for a reason, because they work so well to get us to a familiar place where we can settle in and root for the right side.
Lyons has a knack for writing unlikeable characters that you kind of come around and even sympathize with at the end. The problem is he also has zero problem suddenly dispatching anyone and everyone in a violent gorefest, so you’re wise not to get too attached to any particular character.
Speaking of…if you are like me and get so anxious about whether the dog dies that you can’t enjoy the movie (or book) then click here for an otherwise spoiler free answer about the fate of Murphy the cat in this book:
Lyons has a knack for writing unlikeable characters that you kind of come around and even sympathize with at the end. The problem is he also has zero problem suddenly dispatching anyone and everyone in a violent gorefest, so you’re wise not to get too attached to any particular character.
Speaking of…if you are like me and get so anxious about whether the dog dies that you can’t enjoy the movie (or book) then click here for an otherwise spoiler free answer about the fate of Murphy the cat in this book:
January 27, 2025
2.5 Stars
What can I say about this book.
It's part Crime Thriller. Part Body Horror. Part Cult story.
This book was too long, and it had too much going on. This book is manly a cult book, but if you read the synopsis for this book, you wouldn't know that. I think I just expected something different than what I got. This book ended like 3x....and than just kept on going.
I didn't enjoy this book as much as I thought I would, but I'm still open to reading more books by Matthew Lyons in the future.
What can I say about this book.
It's part Crime Thriller. Part Body Horror. Part Cult story.
This book was too long, and it had too much going on. This book is manly a cult book, but if you read the synopsis for this book, you wouldn't know that. I think I just expected something different than what I got. This book ended like 3x....and than just kept on going.
I didn't enjoy this book as much as I thought I would, but I'm still open to reading more books by Matthew Lyons in the future.
May 25, 2024
A bank robbery gone sideways, a friend who's hanging on for his life, and a kidnapped cop turns Anne's world upside down. On the run and knowing they've been betrayed from the inside, she goes on the run to a cabin. The same cabin where her mother died when she was six.
Despite being wanted and despite her betrayers chasing her down looking for the money, something much more horrific awaits her. Something supernatural, hungry, and something that smells her blood anywhere she goes.
This is an awesome high octane, action filled, and bloody novel. The author mixes crime with horror and the narrative leaves you breathless. There are twists, turns, and even more terrors around every corner as the body count rises and the body parts fly.
Anne, despite being an almost life long criminal, is a sympathetic and deep character. You can't help but to feel her pain as events from the past which she can't remember come full force into the present, further complicating an already harrowing situation.
I was completely into the narrative and read it in two sittings because I had to know what was really going on. This is a novel I highly recommend.
I received an ARC of this book through Netgalley with no consideration. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
Despite being wanted and despite her betrayers chasing her down looking for the money, something much more horrific awaits her. Something supernatural, hungry, and something that smells her blood anywhere she goes.
This is an awesome high octane, action filled, and bloody novel. The author mixes crime with horror and the narrative leaves you breathless. There are twists, turns, and even more terrors around every corner as the body count rises and the body parts fly.
Anne, despite being an almost life long criminal, is a sympathetic and deep character. You can't help but to feel her pain as events from the past which she can't remember come full force into the present, further complicating an already harrowing situation.
I was completely into the narrative and read it in two sittings because I had to know what was really going on. This is a novel I highly recommend.
I received an ARC of this book through Netgalley with no consideration. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
October 11, 2024
Yucky flies and high stakes crime. Ew ew ewie cult leader and *sniffle* an unfortunate sacrifice. The ending pulled my heartstrings. Full review to come!!!
[Edit 10/11/2024 Full Review]
THERE IS STILL SOME DIGNITY LEFT TO LOSE.
Anne has been running away for a long time. Even from memories she can hardly remember. One day she was a little girl whose mother lost her mind and died in a car crash, the next, she’s a grown woman robbing banks. When a bank robbery goes wrong, she must retreat into the shadows to survive, but something else is hiding in those shadows, lurking and waiting for her to let down her guard. 🪰
This was such a unique blend of true crime meets horror! Cults/cult mentality can affect a wide variety of people so why not an established criminal? What would that imply in terms of morality and justice? Everyone has their reasons, their motives, and maybe there isn’t always a solid right or wrong answer, but damn if there aren’t intense emotional attachements. If you’re looking for a twist on a cult story, I highly recommend grabbing a copy of A Mask of Flies! You’ll root and mourn in ways that will surprise you. 🪰
There is also something to be said about Matthew Lyons writing style. This is a thick book which can sometimes be a disastrous risk for me. It takes a lot to hold my attention for 400 pages, but Lyons kept me glued the whole time! The writing is fluid and easy to read so it can almost be addicting to follow where the story goes. Don’t let the girth fool you, this book is fast-paced and action packed. 🪰
Thank you to Tor Nightfire for the review copy of this wonderful book! A perfect read for the cold weather. ❄️📕☕️
[Edit 10/11/2024 Full Review]
THERE IS STILL SOME DIGNITY LEFT TO LOSE.
Anne has been running away for a long time. Even from memories she can hardly remember. One day she was a little girl whose mother lost her mind and died in a car crash, the next, she’s a grown woman robbing banks. When a bank robbery goes wrong, she must retreat into the shadows to survive, but something else is hiding in those shadows, lurking and waiting for her to let down her guard. 🪰
This was such a unique blend of true crime meets horror! Cults/cult mentality can affect a wide variety of people so why not an established criminal? What would that imply in terms of morality and justice? Everyone has their reasons, their motives, and maybe there isn’t always a solid right or wrong answer, but damn if there aren’t intense emotional attachements. If you’re looking for a twist on a cult story, I highly recommend grabbing a copy of A Mask of Flies! You’ll root and mourn in ways that will surprise you. 🪰
There is also something to be said about Matthew Lyons writing style. This is a thick book which can sometimes be a disastrous risk for me. It takes a lot to hold my attention for 400 pages, but Lyons kept me glued the whole time! The writing is fluid and easy to read so it can almost be addicting to follow where the story goes. Don’t let the girth fool you, this book is fast-paced and action packed. 🪰
Thank you to Tor Nightfire for the review copy of this wonderful book! A perfect read for the cold weather. ❄️📕☕️
May 29, 2024
Review in the June 2024 issue of Library Journal
Three Words That Describe This Book: visceral, Crime caper-Horror Mashup, strong sense of place
Draft Review:
Lyons latest novel presents an experience akin to Pulp Fiction if written by Nick Cutter. Anne is trying to make a clean getaway with a bag full of cash after her latest bank robbery went awry. Escaping with only one of her accomplices, badly injured, and the cop she has taken hostage, Anne heads to the isolated cabin in the eerie San Luis Valley [CO] Valley, the last place she ever stayed with her mother, that fateful night when she was seven and something came out of the forest to chase them to her mother’s death. At first Anne, a sympathetic criminal with a sad history, is just trying to survive, but fairly quickly it becomes clear that there are forces hungry to find Anne, those who need her to do their dark bidding, assisted by an unstoppable creature, grotesquely crawling with flies and mimicking those closest to her. No cost is too steep in this visceral story filled with shootouts, body horror, and cults, and yet, ultimately it is a story defined by love and acceptance.
Verdict: Epic in scope and deeply steeped in its place, Lyon’s Crime Caper-Horror hybrid will appeal to fans of titles like This Wretched Valley by Kiefer, The Devil Takes You Home by Iglesias, and The Children of Red Peak by DiLouie.
Notes:
San Luis Valley in CO. Terrifying place.
Crime-Caper Thriller and Horror a true mashup. Equal parts of both genres. Mostly Anne's POV with some switches to others in her gang of bank robbers. Anne is very sympathetic and clearly the hero of this story.
But it is gritty and violent and visceral and a lot of bad things happen. Lots of descriptions of bullets and what they do the human body. Much blood and body horror. And the flies.... There are in the title for a reason. If you see some black flies while reading this, watch out.
There is also grief and childhood trauma on center stage here as well.
Great prologue that comes into play for the entire story. Epic in scope and really doing a lot-- a full on crime novel about Anne the bank robber getting double crossed, hiding out in her abandoned family cabin (from the prologue) and then introduces her past just under halfway through which involves a horrible, unkillable monster and a cult and her connection to it all.
"The valley was a hungry place." (That lines reminded me of This Wretched Valley which may also be a readalike) The place, and its insatiable hunger with the people who lived there and the monster stalking Anne, is a character. Sets the tone. It is terrifying. All of it.
There is a great cat who helps save Anne at one point, but not in the way you may think reading this review. (balances out other book in this column with lots of dead cats)
Epic in scope like Chuck Wendig. Pulp Fiction meets Little Heaven by Cutter meets The Children of Red Peak by DiLouie
If you like the setting try Blood Mountain by Brenda Tolan-- connected stories about the horrors in that area and has a narrator connecting them-- a sheriff. Check my review out.
Three Words That Describe This Book: visceral, Crime caper-Horror Mashup, strong sense of place
Draft Review:
Lyons latest novel presents an experience akin to Pulp Fiction if written by Nick Cutter. Anne is trying to make a clean getaway with a bag full of cash after her latest bank robbery went awry. Escaping with only one of her accomplices, badly injured, and the cop she has taken hostage, Anne heads to the isolated cabin in the eerie San Luis Valley [CO] Valley, the last place she ever stayed with her mother, that fateful night when she was seven and something came out of the forest to chase them to her mother’s death. At first Anne, a sympathetic criminal with a sad history, is just trying to survive, but fairly quickly it becomes clear that there are forces hungry to find Anne, those who need her to do their dark bidding, assisted by an unstoppable creature, grotesquely crawling with flies and mimicking those closest to her. No cost is too steep in this visceral story filled with shootouts, body horror, and cults, and yet, ultimately it is a story defined by love and acceptance.
Verdict: Epic in scope and deeply steeped in its place, Lyon’s Crime Caper-Horror hybrid will appeal to fans of titles like This Wretched Valley by Kiefer, The Devil Takes You Home by Iglesias, and The Children of Red Peak by DiLouie.
Notes:
San Luis Valley in CO. Terrifying place.
Crime-Caper Thriller and Horror a true mashup. Equal parts of both genres. Mostly Anne's POV with some switches to others in her gang of bank robbers. Anne is very sympathetic and clearly the hero of this story.
But it is gritty and violent and visceral and a lot of bad things happen. Lots of descriptions of bullets and what they do the human body. Much blood and body horror. And the flies.... There are in the title for a reason. If you see some black flies while reading this, watch out.
There is also grief and childhood trauma on center stage here as well.
Great prologue that comes into play for the entire story. Epic in scope and really doing a lot-- a full on crime novel about Anne the bank robber getting double crossed, hiding out in her abandoned family cabin (from the prologue) and then introduces her past just under halfway through which involves a horrible, unkillable monster and a cult and her connection to it all.
"The valley was a hungry place." (That lines reminded me of This Wretched Valley which may also be a readalike) The place, and its insatiable hunger with the people who lived there and the monster stalking Anne, is a character. Sets the tone. It is terrifying. All of it.
There is a great cat who helps save Anne at one point, but not in the way you may think reading this review. (balances out other book in this column with lots of dead cats)
Epic in scope like Chuck Wendig. Pulp Fiction meets Little Heaven by Cutter meets The Children of Red Peak by DiLouie
If you like the setting try Blood Mountain by Brenda Tolan-- connected stories about the horrors in that area and has a narrator connecting them-- a sheriff. Check my review out.
October 20, 2024
I stopped reading at page 105. The writing’s not bad, I’m just having a hard time paying attention to what’s going on. I find myself generally disinterested and not engaged with the plot or characters. My TBR’s too long to read another 344 of a book I’m not vibing with.
August 28, 2024
Returning to her family’s cabin in Colorado’s San Luis Valley-and the horrific memories that surround it-is the last thing that Anne Heller ever wanted to do. But when a bank robbery goes terribly awry and she’s left with an injured accomplice and a police officer hostage, she needs somewhere secluded to lay low.
But Anne soon learns that her former home is not nearly as deserted as she believed it to be.
A Mask Of Flies drew me in with its intriguing premise, its compelling characters-particularly Anne, whose hardened exterior and sometimes-reckless and violent behavior often belie the sympathetic aspects of her demeanor-and an antagonist that is something out of a cosmic horror nightmare.
A Mask Of Flies does not shy away from violence, death and gore-a particular scene in a police station is utterly visceral-and the nigh-unstoppable creature that pursues Anne is a disturbing and incredibly unsettling utilization of body horror. But while the novel is a dark exploration of human behavior influenced by grief, desperation and even fervent religious obsession, there are also heartfelt moments between the characters that make you hope for their survival.
Anne is a resourceful, determined woman and is willing to do what she deems necessary to persevere. The tension throughout A Mask Of Flies continues to mount as Anne’s options become more limited. While the pacing of the novel feels slightly long in certain instances, the conclusion was satisfying and the very end made feel a little emotional.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Nightfire for access to this ebook. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
But Anne soon learns that her former home is not nearly as deserted as she believed it to be.
A Mask Of Flies drew me in with its intriguing premise, its compelling characters-particularly Anne, whose hardened exterior and sometimes-reckless and violent behavior often belie the sympathetic aspects of her demeanor-and an antagonist that is something out of a cosmic horror nightmare.
A Mask Of Flies does not shy away from violence, death and gore-a particular scene in a police station is utterly visceral-and the nigh-unstoppable creature that pursues Anne is a disturbing and incredibly unsettling utilization of body horror. But while the novel is a dark exploration of human behavior influenced by grief, desperation and even fervent religious obsession, there are also heartfelt moments between the characters that make you hope for their survival.
Anne is a resourceful, determined woman and is willing to do what she deems necessary to persevere. The tension throughout A Mask Of Flies continues to mount as Anne’s options become more limited. While the pacing of the novel feels slightly long in certain instances, the conclusion was satisfying and the very end made feel a little emotional.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Nightfire for access to this ebook. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
August 10, 2024
My dearest Horror readers, I present to you the horror book that will deliver the essence that we so do crave from our genera!!
A Mask of Flies was a very highly anticipated read for me when the tagline promised elements of The Outsider, It Follows, and (my most prized flavor) The Evil Dead and it did in fact succeed! I loved every minute of this journey! Moderate to fast paced read that has you viscerally anchored the whole time. The author wonderfully executes the story with devouring descriptive passages and language appreciated by avid readers. The main character is smart, even in the horror genera, the trope of a naïve and overly curious mc to keep the story moving forward is not the driver and it's so appreciated. The supporting characters are wonderfully scripted, even the cat! Everything that happens has an actual purpose whether it's revealed immediately or when you almost forgot. The gore is not for the light hearted and the story is brutally unforgiving. The story has a smooth transition through the entirety and the ending comes together nicely. The epilogue is worth the read also. I have this nominated for my vote in Horror or Haven, so please come by and vote and get ready to have a wonderfully horrifying experience!
I've been waiting for this type of story! Finally, and enjoyably fulfilling. A full hearted thank you to Matthew Lyons for this creation.
P.S. I enjoyed this book so much that I bought a hardback. It's fucking gorgeous!
A Mask of Flies was a very highly anticipated read for me when the tagline promised elements of The Outsider, It Follows, and (my most prized flavor) The Evil Dead and it did in fact succeed! I loved every minute of this journey! Moderate to fast paced read that has you viscerally anchored the whole time. The author wonderfully executes the story with devouring descriptive passages and language appreciated by avid readers. The main character is smart, even in the horror genera, the trope of a naïve and overly curious mc to keep the story moving forward is not the driver and it's so appreciated. The supporting characters are wonderfully scripted, even the cat! Everything that happens has an actual purpose whether it's revealed immediately or when you almost forgot. The gore is not for the light hearted and the story is brutally unforgiving. The story has a smooth transition through the entirety and the ending comes together nicely. The epilogue is worth the read also. I have this nominated for my vote in Horror or Haven, so please come by and vote and get ready to have a wonderfully horrifying experience!
I've been waiting for this type of story! Finally, and enjoyably fulfilling. A full hearted thank you to Matthew Lyons for this creation.
P.S. I enjoyed this book so much that I bought a hardback. It's fucking gorgeous!
August 1, 2024
When I first started reading A Mask of Flies by Matthew Lyons, I was expecting a supernatural element just from the summary alone. However, the book exceeded my expectations in every way possible.
The novel seamlessly weaves together supernatural creatures, action-packed bank robberies, a crazy hidden cult in the woods, and a badass female main character. These elements alone would make for a gripping read, but Lyons goes a step further by incorporating a sapphic love interest that adds depth and emotional resonance to the story.
Each of the 500 pages was worth it. Lyons’ ability to maintain a fast-paced narrative while developing complex characters and an intricate plot is commendable. The supernatural elements are both eerie and fascinating, enhancing the sense of danger and intrigue throughout the book.
The action scenes, particularly the jail scene, are gory and vividly described, making you feel as if you are right in the middle of the chaos. The protagonist is a force to be reckoned with – strong, resourceful, and unapologetically herself. Anne’s journey is compelling, and her relationship adds a touching and unexpected dimension to the story.
A Mask of Flies is an engaging and multifaceted read that masterfully blends supernatural horror with action and heartfelt moments. It’s a must-read for fans of who also enjoyed Fever House and The Troop
The novel seamlessly weaves together supernatural creatures, action-packed bank robberies, a crazy hidden cult in the woods, and a badass female main character. These elements alone would make for a gripping read, but Lyons goes a step further by incorporating a sapphic love interest that adds depth and emotional resonance to the story.
Each of the 500 pages was worth it. Lyons’ ability to maintain a fast-paced narrative while developing complex characters and an intricate plot is commendable. The supernatural elements are both eerie and fascinating, enhancing the sense of danger and intrigue throughout the book.
The action scenes, particularly the jail scene, are gory and vividly described, making you feel as if you are right in the middle of the chaos. The protagonist is a force to be reckoned with – strong, resourceful, and unapologetically herself. Anne’s journey is compelling, and her relationship adds a touching and unexpected dimension to the story.
A Mask of Flies is an engaging and multifaceted read that masterfully blends supernatural horror with action and heartfelt moments. It’s a must-read for fans of who also enjoyed Fever House and The Troop
September 3, 2024
Okay...the things that didn't work for me and the reason I'm DNFing at 55%:
-I've listened to a little over 7hours of this shit and I'm hella confused.
-I seriously don't get why she kidnapped the cop, there was no reason to.
-I feel like it needs to pick a lane and stay in it.
Overall, I was excited to start this, so I'm bummed that it didn't work for me.
-I've listened to a little over 7hours of this shit and I'm hella confused.
-I seriously don't get why she kidnapped the cop, there was no reason to.
-I feel like it needs to pick a lane and stay in it.
Overall, I was excited to start this, so I'm bummed that it didn't work for me.
Read
November 11, 2024DNF - what a disappointment
dnf
August 13, 2024Thank you to Tor Nightfire for the e-ARC of A Mask of Flies!
DNF @ 58%
This was an unfortunate DNF 🙃. I made it about 58% into A Mask of Flies before throwing in the towel; a very sad moment in my life because a cult was introduced & cults are one of my favorite things in horror.
A Mask of Flies is a bank robbery gone wrong situation— that leads into our main characters being threatened by both human & supernatural enemies.
•
This was a struggle — I couldn’t get into the plot nor could I find myself caring for any of the characters. There were a couple of moments that grabbed my attention, but they were few & far between. At some point, I even purchased the audiobook in hopes that it’d help me get more into the story, but alas, it did not.
•
There’s a point in the story (est about 40% in) where the story changed vibes & it all felt very disconnected.
•
This just didn’t work for me & I don’t feel any regrets DNF’ing this one
DNF @ 58%
This was an unfortunate DNF 🙃. I made it about 58% into A Mask of Flies before throwing in the towel; a very sad moment in my life because a cult was introduced & cults are one of my favorite things in horror.
A Mask of Flies is a bank robbery gone wrong situation— that leads into our main characters being threatened by both human & supernatural enemies.
•
This was a struggle — I couldn’t get into the plot nor could I find myself caring for any of the characters. There were a couple of moments that grabbed my attention, but they were few & far between. At some point, I even purchased the audiobook in hopes that it’d help me get more into the story, but alas, it did not.
•
There’s a point in the story (est about 40% in) where the story changed vibes & it all felt very disconnected.
•
This just didn’t work for me & I don’t feel any regrets DNF’ing this one
December 20, 2024
This book was incredible, one of my newest all time favorites. It’s so … messed up and good.
November 1, 2024
A Mask of Flies lurks in the shadows of crime and horror, following Anne—a desperate criminal and reluctant hero—whose botched heist pulls her into a nightmare chase across the sinister San Luis Valley. With a wounded partner and a hostage cop in tow, her escape is haunted by the eerie remains of her past and a monstrous entity hungry for her secrets. This novel digs into the deepest fears of survival, grief, and discovering who (or what) is truly pulling the strings.
🖤 If you crave gritty crime mixed with intense horror, themes of family trauma, grief, and a supernatural edge that feels as visceral as it is haunting, then this is for you. Think crime-caper meets horror, with elements of cults, body horror, and a setting that feels alive—almost predatory.
🎧 Narrator Saskia Maarleveld’s grounded performance brings out Anne’s strength and vulnerability with a chilling edge. She keeps the pace tight and tension palpable, carrying listeners through the atmospheric highs and lows that make this a dynamic, immersive experience.
🎯 A Mask of Flies is a gut-punching blend of survival horror and crime thriller that leaves readers questioning what they’ll sacrifice to escape the skeletons in their closets—or to conquer the ones waiting just beyond. Lyons crafts a sinister, tightly woven horror that’s worth every blood-soaked turn.
𝘎𝘪𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘳
🖤 If you crave gritty crime mixed with intense horror, themes of family trauma, grief, and a supernatural edge that feels as visceral as it is haunting, then this is for you. Think crime-caper meets horror, with elements of cults, body horror, and a setting that feels alive—almost predatory.
🎧 Narrator Saskia Maarleveld’s grounded performance brings out Anne’s strength and vulnerability with a chilling edge. She keeps the pace tight and tension palpable, carrying listeners through the atmospheric highs and lows that make this a dynamic, immersive experience.
🎯 A Mask of Flies is a gut-punching blend of survival horror and crime thriller that leaves readers questioning what they’ll sacrifice to escape the skeletons in their closets—or to conquer the ones waiting just beyond. Lyons crafts a sinister, tightly woven horror that’s worth every blood-soaked turn.
𝘎𝘪𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘳
July 7, 2024
This book has pretty much everything I love: OTT gore, creepy supernatural beings, crime and badass female leads! Oh, and I can’t forget the cute cat! The book immediately jumps into the action with the protagonist Annie as a young girl being woken up in the middle of the night by her frantic mother - they need to escape their secluded cabin immediately. As they are leaving, Annie sees what looks like a shadow figure with long black hair following them…
I feel like this book would make such a great movie because I could literally see myself watching this on the big screen as I was reading through it. It contained so many thrilling elements and the plot was well thought out. Not only does it have supernatural horror, it’s also about members of a gang and has exciting shootout scenes. If you love gore, this is definitely a book I would recommend as blood isn’t shed only by guns, but also by the hands of the supernatural shapeshifter, an entity that haunts Annie and wears people’s faces as a masks.
Thank you to netgalley and Tor Publishing Group for the ARC in exchange for an honest review! ✨
I feel like this book would make such a great movie because I could literally see myself watching this on the big screen as I was reading through it. It contained so many thrilling elements and the plot was well thought out. Not only does it have supernatural horror, it’s also about members of a gang and has exciting shootout scenes. If you love gore, this is definitely a book I would recommend as blood isn’t shed only by guns, but also by the hands of the supernatural shapeshifter, an entity that haunts Annie and wears people’s faces as a masks.
Thank you to netgalley and Tor Publishing Group for the ARC in exchange for an honest review! ✨
July 23, 2024
3.5 rounded up - thank you Tor Nightfire for a physical ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review
This book starts off so intense with a deadly getaway scene in the middle of the night. I was hooked, but then things took a turn… I always kick myself for not looking up the synopsis of a book because I’m not an organized crime girl at all and this does follow a group of people who do organized crime. That being said, the way it was written was not overly “mission impossible” vibes so it wasn’t unreadable. Throughout this story, though it’s very high stakes and fast paced we get some incredible one liners that had me laughing out loud. The characters had depth, humor, and I found myself rooting for them. The story had intrigue, dark vibes, and a lot of action. There were a few gorey scenes that I loved and I thought the writing was fantastic. This is one of those books where I was less interested in where the story was going and more interested in the journey getting there.
Video: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTNucP2Mc/
This book starts off so intense with a deadly getaway scene in the middle of the night. I was hooked, but then things took a turn… I always kick myself for not looking up the synopsis of a book because I’m not an organized crime girl at all and this does follow a group of people who do organized crime. That being said, the way it was written was not overly “mission impossible” vibes so it wasn’t unreadable. Throughout this story, though it’s very high stakes and fast paced we get some incredible one liners that had me laughing out loud. The characters had depth, humor, and I found myself rooting for them. The story had intrigue, dark vibes, and a lot of action. There were a few gorey scenes that I loved and I thought the writing was fantastic. This is one of those books where I was less interested in where the story was going and more interested in the journey getting there.
Video: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTNucP2Mc/
May 14, 2024
I enjoy crime thrillers that have strong supernatural horror elements and this was a perfect blend of both of those, equally plot and character driven this was reminiscent of Kings The Outsider, the realistic crime drama element adds a touch of realism to the cosmic horror, a visceral read with plenty of graphic violence and body horror, fans of the spooky and eldritch will rejoice in this story that felt like it was straight from a 80s horror movie
January 25, 2024
Another Matt Lyons banger: brutal, high-octane crime-horror/horror noir about a career criminal, a cosmic horror death cult, a shapeshifter, and a really great tabby cat.
October 22, 2025
"Pain is the default setting of life" Oh brother. I wanted to like this book but it's trying so hard to be edgy. Saying "fuck" every other sentence doesn't make the characters cool. The story had some potential, but it's messy and the characters and their relationships are not developed well. We barely know anything about their backgrounds, even for our protagonist Anne all we ever hear about is her mom's death.
Gemma gives a speech to Dutch (a cop) where she literally says ACAB, and it just made me roll my eyes. Like yes, ACAB, but the execution here is terrible.
Also, while it's nice to have a gay ship, the chemistry between Anne and Gemma was just not there. In fact they were both kinda annoying to me. Overall, the writing just felt juvenile and I had to force myself to finish it.
Gemma gives a speech to Dutch (a cop) where she literally says ACAB, and it just made me roll my eyes. Like yes, ACAB, but the execution here is terrible.
Also, while it's nice to have a gay ship, the chemistry between Anne and Gemma was just not there. In fact they were both kinda annoying to me. Overall, the writing just felt juvenile and I had to force myself to finish it.
August 1, 2024
This was so good! It was engaging right from the start and it just kept getting more wild as it unfolded. Talk about childhood trauma circling back to re-traumatize you. Yikes.
It isn’t often a horror can pull on my heart strings as I usually know what’s coming, and I accept that, but one character had me in tears over what happens.
This was a cult horror that kept me on my toes trying to figure out what was happening. I like the on the run plot lines because it intensifies everything!
It isn’t often a horror can pull on my heart strings as I usually know what’s coming, and I accept that, but one character had me in tears over what happens.
This was a cult horror that kept me on my toes trying to figure out what was happening. I like the on the run plot lines because it intensifies everything!
August 12, 2024
Loved this and thought it was excellent as an audiobook. Unique and fast-paced combo of (super gross!) horror and a crime/heist thriller.
* thanks to Macmillan Audio / Tor Nightfire for the NetGalley ALC.
* thanks to Macmillan Audio / Tor Nightfire for the NetGalley ALC.
August 7, 2024
Have you ever read a book that felt like it blew all its best material in the first half of the book?
Honestly, that’s what reading A Mask of Flies felt like for me. The first half of this book was an amazing thrill ride for me, full of smash, crash, bash, and slash; however, slightly after the halfway mark, the book slowed down so much it felt like the transmission had stalled and it started resemble a game of “Hurry Up and Wait” until the inevitable showdown, which was beyond predictable by the time it happened.
The beginning of this book is incredibly engaging, with a compelling hook and an intriguing protagonist. Anne Heller is an enigma to us, and she’s a badass. Everything’s gone south for her and she needs to lay low until she can regroup and figure a way out of it.
Of course things go south anyway. This is a horror novel.
The first half of this novel has tension, fast pacing, lots of action, great dialogue, a lot of terrific inner narrative, and some great story revelations that help to move the plot along. This is definitely more of a plot-forward book than character-forward. There’s a great amount of violence and even more body horror. Anne is not a nice person. Is she good? That’s a moral subjective. But she’s certainly not nice, and I love how so much of that comes through in her characterization in the first half of the book.
If all of that could’ve been carried through the back half of the book then this book would’ve been fantastic. Sadly, the momentum falters and never comes back, the vast majority of the revelations have already come and gone, and even the body horror seems rather tame by the end. I was ready for it to end well before it actually did. That’s never a good sign.
I was provided a copy of this title by Netgalley and the author. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. All reviews three stars or under will not appear on my social media. Thank you.
File Under: Body Horror/Cosmic Horror/Cult Horror/Horror/LGBTQ Horror/LGBTQ Fiction/Sapphic Romance
Honestly, that’s what reading A Mask of Flies felt like for me. The first half of this book was an amazing thrill ride for me, full of smash, crash, bash, and slash; however, slightly after the halfway mark, the book slowed down so much it felt like the transmission had stalled and it started resemble a game of “Hurry Up and Wait” until the inevitable showdown, which was beyond predictable by the time it happened.
The beginning of this book is incredibly engaging, with a compelling hook and an intriguing protagonist. Anne Heller is an enigma to us, and she’s a badass. Everything’s gone south for her and she needs to lay low until she can regroup and figure a way out of it.
Of course things go south anyway. This is a horror novel.
The first half of this novel has tension, fast pacing, lots of action, great dialogue, a lot of terrific inner narrative, and some great story revelations that help to move the plot along. This is definitely more of a plot-forward book than character-forward. There’s a great amount of violence and even more body horror. Anne is not a nice person. Is she good? That’s a moral subjective. But she’s certainly not nice, and I love how so much of that comes through in her characterization in the first half of the book.
If all of that could’ve been carried through the back half of the book then this book would’ve been fantastic. Sadly, the momentum falters and never comes back, the vast majority of the revelations have already come and gone, and even the body horror seems rather tame by the end. I was ready for it to end well before it actually did. That’s never a good sign.
I was provided a copy of this title by Netgalley and the author. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. All reviews three stars or under will not appear on my social media. Thank you.
File Under: Body Horror/Cosmic Horror/Cult Horror/Horror/LGBTQ Horror/LGBTQ Fiction/Sapphic Romance
May 26, 2025
This read ended up just being okay for me. The beginning starts out with a bang but as the story went on, it didn’t keep me as engaged as I wanted to be. The whole middle of the book felt slower and a little repetitive. But, the ending was wild and I enjoyed that. The whole supernatural aspect had me confused throughout, and after finishing the book I still don’t think I fully understand it. While the book wasn’t necessarily bad, I do think it could’ve been made shorter.
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