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Spider to the Fly
A true crime author helps in a desperate hunt for a killer in this dark and twisted thriller from the deviously inventive horror author that Peter Farris calls the “clear heir to Stephen King.”
Perfect for fans of cat and mouse serial killer thrillers like The Butcher and the Wren and The Jigsaw Man.
Ellie Isles first became obsessed with the I-64 murders when she saw her own face on one of the victims. Identical to every detail, the woman wasn’t her, but she could have been. Compelled to discover the story of her dopplegänger’s death, Ellie wrote a bestselling true crime book about the serial killer, dubbed “the Spider.”
Four years later, the Spider still hasn't been caught, and his victim count is climbing. Many of the bodies remain unidentified, but with Ellie’s online network of true crime followers, that’s slowly changing. Together they’ve pooled information to create a massive database that tracks people at risk of becoming Jane and John Does–the homeless, the drug addicted, and the downtrodden–with the hopes that if they become victims, they might at least be identified.
Now that Ellie has successfully identified multiple victims, the law enforcement task force tracking down the Spider pulls her in to help–and after Ellie’s therapist is arrested for the murders, she is more determined than ever to help catch the Spider.
With striking prose and a horror flair, Spider to the Fly is an engrossing serial killer thriller, perfect for fans of The Whisper Man.
Perfect for fans of cat and mouse serial killer thrillers like The Butcher and the Wren and The Jigsaw Man.
Ellie Isles first became obsessed with the I-64 murders when she saw her own face on one of the victims. Identical to every detail, the woman wasn’t her, but she could have been. Compelled to discover the story of her dopplegänger’s death, Ellie wrote a bestselling true crime book about the serial killer, dubbed “the Spider.”
Four years later, the Spider still hasn't been caught, and his victim count is climbing. Many of the bodies remain unidentified, but with Ellie’s online network of true crime followers, that’s slowly changing. Together they’ve pooled information to create a massive database that tracks people at risk of becoming Jane and John Does–the homeless, the drug addicted, and the downtrodden–with the hopes that if they become victims, they might at least be identified.
Now that Ellie has successfully identified multiple victims, the law enforcement task force tracking down the Spider pulls her in to help–and after Ellie’s therapist is arrested for the murders, she is more determined than ever to help catch the Spider.
With striking prose and a horror flair, Spider to the Fly is an engrossing serial killer thriller, perfect for fans of The Whisper Man.
352 pages, Paperback
First published September 2, 2025
About the author
J.H. Markert
17 books1,110 followersAlso writes under James Markert.
J. H. Markert is a producer, screenwriter, husband, and father of two from Louisville, Kentucky, where he was also a tennis pro for 25 years. He graduated with a degree in History from the University of Louisville.
J. H. Markert is a producer, screenwriter, husband, and father of two from Louisville, Kentucky, where he was also a tennis pro for 25 years. He graduated with a degree in History from the University of Louisville.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 500 reviews
September 7, 2025
A deliciously dark premise that served up a plot that was absolute dead-on perfection, Spider to the Fly was the epitome of a truly twisted thriller in every sense of the word. Part crime fiction but without the slow, drawn-out feel of a serial killer investigation, the chills in this blood-curdling whodunnit had me trembling with the fear. After all, almost right from the start, it was an epic game of cat-and-mouse between two talented players. With a sinister villain going up against a smart, savvy woman, it was the addition of Ellie’s clever true-crime community that made this book into something truly special. After all, I absolutely love when a group of amateur sleuths come together to try and get their man.
As for the storyline, it was as fast-paced as it was twisty. Leading me by the nose in one direction only to take an about face more than once, it was all I could do to hold on for dear life. You see, there was simply no guessing where this plot was going. With a healthy dose of believable suspicious characters on top of a dysfunctional family that gave me the shivers, the amped-up creep factor alone made this psychological thriller into a winner. I don’t know that I would necessarily call it a work of horror like it’s been described, though. I mean, yes…the envisioned scenarios were definitely nightmarish and dark, but the gore level was pretty much non-existent, so I think it was more on the thriller end of the spectrum.
All in all, with short, cliffhanger chapters, immersive dual timelines, and multiple distinct POVs, it’s no big surprise that I flew through this novel in under twenty-four hours. An addictive web of suspense that trapped me but good (see what I did there…wink wink), I was utterly blown away by the jaw-dropping, last-minute reveal. Delivering a whopper of a final twist, I looked back at the intricate plotting and saw how well-set-up the whole scenario was. From the devilish red herrings to the different perspectives, I could never pin down who the culprit was. But it was ultimately thanks to the onion-like plot and the many realistic, multifaceted characters that I became a brand-spanking-new fan. Rating of 5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Ellie Isles first became obsessed with the I-64 murders when she saw her own face on one of the victims. Identical to every detail, the woman wasn’t her, but she could have been. Compelled to discover the story of her dopplegänger’s death, Ellie wrote a bestselling true crime book about the serial killer, dubbed “the Spider.”
Four years later, the Spider still hasn't been caught, and his victim count is climbing. Many of the bodies remain unidentified, but with Ellie’s online network of true crime followers, that’s slowly changing. Together they’ve pooled information to create a massive database that tracks people at risk of becoming Jane and John Does–the homeless, the drug addicted, and the downtrodden–with the hopes that if they become victims, they might at least be identified.
Now that Ellie has successfully identified multiple victims, the law enforcement task force tracking down the Spider pulls her in to help–and after Ellie’s therapist is arrested for the murders, she is more determined than ever to help catch the Spider.
Thank you to J.H. Markert and Crooked Lane Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: September 2, 2025
Content warning: gun violence, suicide, adoption, abduction, child abuse, mention of: murder, house fire, rape
As for the storyline, it was as fast-paced as it was twisty. Leading me by the nose in one direction only to take an about face more than once, it was all I could do to hold on for dear life. You see, there was simply no guessing where this plot was going. With a healthy dose of believable suspicious characters on top of a dysfunctional family that gave me the shivers, the amped-up creep factor alone made this psychological thriller into a winner. I don’t know that I would necessarily call it a work of horror like it’s been described, though. I mean, yes…the envisioned scenarios were definitely nightmarish and dark, but the gore level was pretty much non-existent, so I think it was more on the thriller end of the spectrum.
All in all, with short, cliffhanger chapters, immersive dual timelines, and multiple distinct POVs, it’s no big surprise that I flew through this novel in under twenty-four hours. An addictive web of suspense that trapped me but good (see what I did there…wink wink), I was utterly blown away by the jaw-dropping, last-minute reveal. Delivering a whopper of a final twist, I looked back at the intricate plotting and saw how well-set-up the whole scenario was. From the devilish red herrings to the different perspectives, I could never pin down who the culprit was. But it was ultimately thanks to the onion-like plot and the many realistic, multifaceted characters that I became a brand-spanking-new fan. Rating of 5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Ellie Isles first became obsessed with the I-64 murders when she saw her own face on one of the victims. Identical to every detail, the woman wasn’t her, but she could have been. Compelled to discover the story of her dopplegänger’s death, Ellie wrote a bestselling true crime book about the serial killer, dubbed “the Spider.”
Four years later, the Spider still hasn't been caught, and his victim count is climbing. Many of the bodies remain unidentified, but with Ellie’s online network of true crime followers, that’s slowly changing. Together they’ve pooled information to create a massive database that tracks people at risk of becoming Jane and John Does–the homeless, the drug addicted, and the downtrodden–with the hopes that if they become victims, they might at least be identified.
Now that Ellie has successfully identified multiple victims, the law enforcement task force tracking down the Spider pulls her in to help–and after Ellie’s therapist is arrested for the murders, she is more determined than ever to help catch the Spider.
Thank you to J.H. Markert and Crooked Lane Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: September 2, 2025
Content warning: gun violence, suicide, adoption, abduction, child abuse, mention of: murder, house fire, rape
September 13, 2025
Ellie has been chasing the elusive Spider for years. When her daughter goes missing, it’s finally time to nail down the villain once and for all. But then comes a plot twist, and I love those, it’s all connected in an intricate web (pun intended!). There are multiple twins in this story, and I mean a lot of twins. This book really packs a lot, and it pays off. The beginning felt a tad slow, but the pace picks up pretty quickly.
March 16, 2025
˙₊➴ ꒰ 3.5-stars★ ꒱ ꒷⊹࣪˖
📜┆ ARC ⤿ Crooked Lane Books & NetGalley
✒️┆ Author ⤿ J.H. Markert
💌┆ Pub Date ⤿ 09/02/25 - Happy Release Day .ᐟ
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.
⊹ ࣪ ˖ੈ Character
⟡ Ellie Isles - is the eerie mirror image of one of the Spider’s victims. After seeing the woman’s face on the news and realizing she might have a long-lost twin, Ellie launched her investigation. Driven by that chilling resemblance, she created both a book and a website dedicated to solving the Spider killings. Ellie founded “Web”, a site devoted to identifying possible Jane and John Does connected to the case. Catching the Spider and untangling his twisted web has become her life’s mission.
⊹ ࣪ ˖ੈ 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.
‧˚ ꒰ 🕷️ ꒱ 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😭)
‧˚ ꒰ 🎭 ꒱ 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.
‧˚ ꒰ 🕸️ ꒱ 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!👏🏻🕸️
彡🔖 Also made a review post on booksta! You can check it out ⤳ a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DOGu3pNgS...!
➳ Huge thanks to the publisher & author — Crooked Lane Books, J.H. Markert & NetGalley — for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
˚₊ ⟢┊pre-read 🖇️┊⊹࣪⋆
Finally starting this one! The backlog has lessened, and I need to finish this one so I can finally stop stressing and get some sleep at night. So here we gooo!🙂↕️🖤
‧₊˚✧ ⟦ 03/15/25 ⟧ ₊˚.༄
I've wanted to read a JH Markert book for a while, since he's been on my radar for a year. I believe this is a sign! I got an ARC of his upcoming book hihi! I'm super excited for this one! Starting this as soon as my backlog of (never-ending) planned reads gets done🕷️🕸️
📜┆ ARC ⤿ Crooked Lane Books & NetGalley
✒️┆ Author ⤿ J.H. Markert
💌┆ Pub Date ⤿ 09/02/25 - Happy Release Day .ᐟ
❝ 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.
⊹ ࣪ ˖ੈ Character
⟡ Ellie Isles - is the eerie mirror image of one of the Spider’s victims. After seeing the woman’s face on the news and realizing she might have a long-lost twin, Ellie launched her investigation. Driven by that chilling resemblance, she created both a book and a website dedicated to solving the Spider killings. Ellie founded “Web”, a site devoted to identifying possible Jane and John Does connected to the case. Catching the Spider and untangling his twisted web has become her life’s mission.
⊹ ࣪ ˖ੈ 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!👏🏻🕸️
彡🔖 Also made a review post on booksta! You can check it out ⤳ a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DOGu3pNgS...!
➳ Huge thanks to the publisher & author — Crooked Lane Books, J.H. Markert & NetGalley — for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
˚₊ ⟢┊pre-read 🖇️┊⊹࣪⋆
Finally starting this one! The backlog has lessened, and I need to finish this one so I can finally stop stressing and get some sleep at night. So here we gooo!🙂↕️🖤
‧₊˚✧ ⟦ 03/15/25 ⟧ ₊˚.༄
I've wanted to read a JH Markert book for a while, since he's been on my radar for a year. I believe this is a sign! I got an ARC of his upcoming book hihi! I'm super excited for this one! Starting this as soon as my backlog of (never-ending) planned reads gets done🕷️🕸️
March 10, 2025
Unto an evil counsellor, close heart, and ear, and eye,
And take a lesson from this tale, of the Spider and the Fly. — Mary Howitt (1828)
Spider to the Flyis gripping, addictive, dark, tense, twisted, and hard to put down page turner! There is a diabolical serial killer who leaves 'interesting' clues behind. This book was a great cat-and-mouse thriller that caught my attention and had me trying to solve the case!
Ellie was shocked when one of the I-64 Strangler victims looked exactly like her! What are the chances that she has a doppelganger out there? Ellie was adopted, could this woman be her twin or just an unlucky look alike??? Ellie goes on to become a true crime writer and runs a true crime network and database. When law enforcement can't make headway in the ongoing murders, they turn to Ellie for assistance.
I enjoyed how the author showed on how online true crime buffs can help solve crimes or at least give them a new way of looking at both the suspect and/or killers and the victims. Speaking of killers, the one in this book is a twisted and devious killer. Like a spider spins it's web, J.H. Markert spins this intricate tale with precision. I had no idea where things were going to go or what tangled path Markert was going to take me down, but I was there for the ride.
The tension, dread, suspense, and danger intensified as the book progressed. This book has many layers and readers slowly get to learn more about the characters and their pasts/younger days. While I did want a little more about the character's childhoods and had a few questions remaining, I closed this book a happy reader.
Creepy, dark, twisted, and compelling.
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
And take a lesson from this tale, of the Spider and the Fly. — Mary Howitt (1828)
Spider to the Flyis gripping, addictive, dark, tense, twisted, and hard to put down page turner! There is a diabolical serial killer who leaves 'interesting' clues behind. This book was a great cat-and-mouse thriller that caught my attention and had me trying to solve the case!
Ellie was shocked when one of the I-64 Strangler victims looked exactly like her! What are the chances that she has a doppelganger out there? Ellie was adopted, could this woman be her twin or just an unlucky look alike??? Ellie goes on to become a true crime writer and runs a true crime network and database. When law enforcement can't make headway in the ongoing murders, they turn to Ellie for assistance.
I enjoyed how the author showed on how online true crime buffs can help solve crimes or at least give them a new way of looking at both the suspect and/or killers and the victims. Speaking of killers, the one in this book is a twisted and devious killer. Like a spider spins it's web, J.H. Markert spins this intricate tale with precision. I had no idea where things were going to go or what tangled path Markert was going to take me down, but I was there for the ride.
The tension, dread, suspense, and danger intensified as the book progressed. This book has many layers and readers slowly get to learn more about the characters and their pasts/younger days. While I did want a little more about the character's childhoods and had a few questions remaining, I closed this book a happy reader.
Creepy, dark, twisted, and compelling.
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
June 21, 2025
This horror novel was terrifying! It is full of mystery, psychological suspense and emotional! This author captured my attention in the first chapter and throughout the entire book! I will now read anything this author writes. This is a very fast paced read, that is both plot and character driven. The characters in this story are strongly developed and are both likable and unlikable. The different points of views in the book brought the suspense even higher and the mystery even deeper. Even though this book is a book of fiction, it felt like I was reading a nonfiction book. It felt realistic and horrifying. This book comes with a serial killer on the loose, a found family and a nonlinear timeline. It was well executed and it came with unexpected twists! Oh and I do not like spiders, so this book was extra creepy. I give it a 4.5 out of a 5 star rating!
“Spider To The Fly” centers around Ellie Isles, who develops an obsession with the I-64 murders. She becomes obsessed and captivated by these murders because one of the many victims of this serial killer looks a lot like her. Because of her drive to find this serial killer and her doppelgänger tragic fate, she writes a true crime book that leads her to become a best seller author. The serial killer is known as the spider, and the flies its victims. As this story unfolds, Ellie never gives up hope, especially for the victims!
Thank you to NetGalley, author J. H. Markert and Crooked Lane Books for this electronic arc of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
I think fans of the author Stephen King and the movie “The Silence of the Lambs” would enjoy reading this book! Content warnings include emotional abuse, rape, mental illness, child abuse, torture and suicide.
This book is expected to be published on September 2, 2025!
“Spider To The Fly” centers around Ellie Isles, who develops an obsession with the I-64 murders. She becomes obsessed and captivated by these murders because one of the many victims of this serial killer looks a lot like her. Because of her drive to find this serial killer and her doppelgänger tragic fate, she writes a true crime book that leads her to become a best seller author. The serial killer is known as the spider, and the flies its victims. As this story unfolds, Ellie never gives up hope, especially for the victims!
Thank you to NetGalley, author J. H. Markert and Crooked Lane Books for this electronic arc of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
I think fans of the author Stephen King and the movie “The Silence of the Lambs” would enjoy reading this book! Content warnings include emotional abuse, rape, mental illness, child abuse, torture and suicide.
This book is expected to be published on September 2, 2025!
March 2, 2025
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
I bet you I have a twin out there somewhere, and he’s probably the charming, socially competent, perpetually unbothered, capably confident one. That must be why I got all the other traits.
This book was good. It’s definitely the best I’ve read from Markert. I was engrossed from page one, and I rarely diverged from that feeling throughout. Ellie Isles is resplendent, and I hope she becomes the nucleus of a series. Consider me part of the Spider Web.
This does require some suspension of disbelief because, honestly the twins thing is kind of wild, but set your incredulity aside, and this one shines. I mean, we’re all a little afraid of spiders and flies, right? This taps into that primal fear, and twists its unrelenting fangs, leaving nothing but bodily fluids and tattered flesh behind.
I bet you I have a twin out there somewhere, and he’s probably the charming, socially competent, perpetually unbothered, capably confident one. That must be why I got all the other traits.
This book was good. It’s definitely the best I’ve read from Markert. I was engrossed from page one, and I rarely diverged from that feeling throughout. Ellie Isles is resplendent, and I hope she becomes the nucleus of a series. Consider me part of the Spider Web.
This does require some suspension of disbelief because, honestly the twins thing is kind of wild, but set your incredulity aside, and this one shines. I mean, we’re all a little afraid of spiders and flies, right? This taps into that primal fear, and twists its unrelenting fangs, leaving nothing but bodily fluids and tattered flesh behind.
May 18, 2025
Spider to the Fly by J.H. Markert
A farm appears as the dust devil plumes effortlessly through an open dirt patch, its vortex speeding, trapping everything within reach. This “farm” is unlike a traditional patch of land used for agriculture—a steady hunting ground for those to be consumed by the alpha. The soil is sodden with echoes of experimentation, human study, and analysis. J.H. Market spins a meticulous web of treachery, where everything isn’t quite what it seems, and the reader is rendered hopeless in spider silk until we are allowed to slowly inch closer to the web's core.
Ellie Isles, orphan, mother, and survivor, is obsessed with a serial killer named the Spider. Bodies placed along a path of I-64 have a distinct calling card: death by arachnid bites. One victim hits close to home, sharing an eerily physical resemblance to Ellie herself. Ellie laments a past existence of her life, although pieces are fragmented and escape her memory. Ian, Ellie’s therapist, has worked through some of Ellie’s painful memories as more truths come to the surface. Ian receives a phone call during one of Ellie’s therapy sessions; this unforeseen interruption will uncover all the connections and deceptions within her life as she knows it.
Twins. Amazingly, two individuals share a similar appearance, and yet their personalities yield no likeness whatsoever. The confusion to an onlooker: With whom am I speaking? The Spider or the Fly, perhaps? That is to say, the killer or the victims. Hunt or be hunted. What if human experimentation were to enhance behavior negatively? For example, forced torture on a human being to inflict schizophrenia? Then, wiping the slate free of any wrongdoing on the subjects through hypnosis. Sheer blasphemy. Welcome to Spider to the Fly!
The novel maintained a mind-boggling trajectory throughout. Fast-paced, yet quite introspective. Flowing steadily, like the story, the blood ran through my veins, nervously awaiting the next reveal. The mental anguish is quite alarming. Generational genes are passed down like heirlooms to the next generation; the only savior is not being taught by those with malicious intent. All were caught within a web spun with its intent to harm, inside of the spider’s mind.
A fabulously crafted horror novel. However, be aware of potential triggers such as rape and torture, which may negatively provoke some. Not often do I meet a horror title that I feel challenges my wit, but in this instance, I had met my match. Twists and turns, like a sidewinder slithering along a hot dune. I was kept out of the loop until the final conclusion, where all the stories meet in the central hub. A brilliant cat-and-mouse game, invoking heartache for all the victims involved, alive or dead. I am giving this 4.25 out of 5 stars and would highly recommend it!
Many thanks to Crooked Lane Books for the ARC through NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion.
A farm appears as the dust devil plumes effortlessly through an open dirt patch, its vortex speeding, trapping everything within reach. This “farm” is unlike a traditional patch of land used for agriculture—a steady hunting ground for those to be consumed by the alpha. The soil is sodden with echoes of experimentation, human study, and analysis. J.H. Market spins a meticulous web of treachery, where everything isn’t quite what it seems, and the reader is rendered hopeless in spider silk until we are allowed to slowly inch closer to the web's core.
Ellie Isles, orphan, mother, and survivor, is obsessed with a serial killer named the Spider. Bodies placed along a path of I-64 have a distinct calling card: death by arachnid bites. One victim hits close to home, sharing an eerily physical resemblance to Ellie herself. Ellie laments a past existence of her life, although pieces are fragmented and escape her memory. Ian, Ellie’s therapist, has worked through some of Ellie’s painful memories as more truths come to the surface. Ian receives a phone call during one of Ellie’s therapy sessions; this unforeseen interruption will uncover all the connections and deceptions within her life as she knows it.
Twins. Amazingly, two individuals share a similar appearance, and yet their personalities yield no likeness whatsoever. The confusion to an onlooker: With whom am I speaking? The Spider or the Fly, perhaps? That is to say, the killer or the victims. Hunt or be hunted. What if human experimentation were to enhance behavior negatively? For example, forced torture on a human being to inflict schizophrenia? Then, wiping the slate free of any wrongdoing on the subjects through hypnosis. Sheer blasphemy. Welcome to Spider to the Fly!
The novel maintained a mind-boggling trajectory throughout. Fast-paced, yet quite introspective. Flowing steadily, like the story, the blood ran through my veins, nervously awaiting the next reveal. The mental anguish is quite alarming. Generational genes are passed down like heirlooms to the next generation; the only savior is not being taught by those with malicious intent. All were caught within a web spun with its intent to harm, inside of the spider’s mind.
A fabulously crafted horror novel. However, be aware of potential triggers such as rape and torture, which may negatively provoke some. Not often do I meet a horror title that I feel challenges my wit, but in this instance, I had met my match. Twists and turns, like a sidewinder slithering along a hot dune. I was kept out of the loop until the final conclusion, where all the stories meet in the central hub. A brilliant cat-and-mouse game, invoking heartache for all the victims involved, alive or dead. I am giving this 4.25 out of 5 stars and would highly recommend it!
Many thanks to Crooked Lane Books for the ARC through NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion.
March 10, 2025
I like it. I liked it a lot. I hope you like it a lot.
November 14, 2025
Spider to the Fly follows True Crime aficionado, Ellie Isles, along with her daughter, Amber, as they both pursue the identity of an active serial killer known as the Spider.
Ellie first became interested in the Spider after she saw news footage of one of their I-64 victims, who shockingly looked identical to her. It wasn't her, but it could have been.
Ellie was fascinated by her dopplegänger’s grisly death, and went on to write a bestselling True Crime book about the Spider's known crimes.
Fast-forward four years and the Spider still hasn't been caught. With his victim count climbing, many initially unidentified, Ellie's online-network of True Crime buffs are still pursuing their own potential leads and answers.
Together they've amassed a large database of missing persons that's helped Ellie to successfully identify some of the victims. Seeing her potential usefulness, the task force working on tracking down the Spider, brings her in to help.
When Ellie's own therapist is arrested for the murders, a man she feels is innocent, Ellie is more determined than ever to capture the Spider.
This has some solid concepts and I really enjoyed the MC, Ellie. I liked learning about her past and I really enjoyed her relationship with her daughter, Amber, whose perspective we get as well.
I also enjoyed how dark the crimes in question were. If you like grisly and gruesome Crime Thrillers, you should definitely check this one out. However, for me, it got too convoluted and confusing trying to track all the characters as the story progressed.
The first-half was really strong though, and even though it went a bit off the rails for me, I would say this is my favorite from this author. It is an intriguing mystery and it's certainly action-packed.
The story revolves around a trope that I'm not crazy about, so I think once I discovered that's what was going on here, that's when it started to go down hill for me. A lot more characters were introduced at that time, and they became hard to differentiate between them all.
Sadly, it ended up being a case of great concept, poor execution for me, which I have felt before reading this author. All of Markert's books sound so good, but none of them that I've read have been a real success.
Thank you to the publisher, Crooked Lane Books, for providing me with a copy to read and review. Even though this wasn't a huge win for me, I can still see the merit in the story and did appreciate the darker crime aspects.
Ellie first became interested in the Spider after she saw news footage of one of their I-64 victims, who shockingly looked identical to her. It wasn't her, but it could have been.
Ellie was fascinated by her dopplegänger’s grisly death, and went on to write a bestselling True Crime book about the Spider's known crimes.
Fast-forward four years and the Spider still hasn't been caught. With his victim count climbing, many initially unidentified, Ellie's online-network of True Crime buffs are still pursuing their own potential leads and answers.
Together they've amassed a large database of missing persons that's helped Ellie to successfully identify some of the victims. Seeing her potential usefulness, the task force working on tracking down the Spider, brings her in to help.
When Ellie's own therapist is arrested for the murders, a man she feels is innocent, Ellie is more determined than ever to capture the Spider.
This has some solid concepts and I really enjoyed the MC, Ellie. I liked learning about her past and I really enjoyed her relationship with her daughter, Amber, whose perspective we get as well.
I also enjoyed how dark the crimes in question were. If you like grisly and gruesome Crime Thrillers, you should definitely check this one out. However, for me, it got too convoluted and confusing trying to track all the characters as the story progressed.
The first-half was really strong though, and even though it went a bit off the rails for me, I would say this is my favorite from this author. It is an intriguing mystery and it's certainly action-packed.
The story revolves around a trope that I'm not crazy about, so I think once I discovered that's what was going on here, that's when it started to go down hill for me. A lot more characters were introduced at that time, and they became hard to differentiate between them all.
Sadly, it ended up being a case of great concept, poor execution for me, which I have felt before reading this author. All of Markert's books sound so good, but none of them that I've read have been a real success.
Thank you to the publisher, Crooked Lane Books, for providing me with a copy to read and review. Even though this wasn't a huge win for me, I can still see the merit in the story and did appreciate the darker crime aspects.
March 1, 2025
All the thanks to @crookedlanebooks #partner and @jamesmarkert74 for the #gifted copy and @netgalley for the e-ARC.
When @jamesmarkert74 has a book coming out, you bet your sweet a** that I’m picking it up and so should you!
A true crime author helps in a desperate hunt for a killer in this dark and twisted thriller from the deviously inventive horror author that Peter Farris calls the “clear heir to Stephen King.”
This is perfect for fans of cat and mouse serial killer thrillers like The Butcher and the Wren, Jigsaw Man and The Whisper Man.
I will tell you this reads like a crime thriller rather than horror. Which was fine by me considering I am a crime junkie! I do think this is one you should go into blind. Because, who doesn’t love surprises? Pre-order your copy and add it to your TBR! You will be so glad you did!
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pub date 9/2/25
When @jamesmarkert74 has a book coming out, you bet your sweet a** that I’m picking it up and so should you!
A true crime author helps in a desperate hunt for a killer in this dark and twisted thriller from the deviously inventive horror author that Peter Farris calls the “clear heir to Stephen King.”
This is perfect for fans of cat and mouse serial killer thrillers like The Butcher and the Wren, Jigsaw Man and The Whisper Man.
I will tell you this reads like a crime thriller rather than horror. Which was fine by me considering I am a crime junkie! I do think this is one you should go into blind. Because, who doesn’t love surprises? Pre-order your copy and add it to your TBR! You will be so glad you did!
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pub date 9/2/25
September 14, 2025
What an intricately woven web of a novel!
Quick synopsis: True crime author, Ellie has dedicated her life to try and find out who the serial killer is that they’ve dubbed the Spider. She is convinced that one of the victims was her twin, but is unable to prove it as she was adopted and the victim’s family have shut her out. She has created her own website that helps populate her homegrown database to try and seek out the Spider’s identity. When the latest victim hits close to home Ellie must dive into her past to unlock deep buried secrets that will help her find the identity of the killer.
This was definitely a cat and mouse, or shall I say spider and fly type of thriller. What I enjoyed about it was that there were many different characters that fit the bill of the Spider. On top of the thriller aspect, there was also a bit of a mystery involving experiments and orphanages that I thought gave the story more depth. I actually preferred that aspect over the serial killer aspect and would’ve loved to have spent more time in the past timeline. Where I found it went a little bit OTT was the sheer number of twins and coincidences regarding them in the novel. There was a point that I had to almost map out in my head who was who. But once I got that squared away, I was good to go!
This is my second novel by this author and by far my favorites to date . Just be prepared spiders definitely have a starring role in this novel. *shiver* 🕷️
Quick synopsis: True crime author, Ellie has dedicated her life to try and find out who the serial killer is that they’ve dubbed the Spider. She is convinced that one of the victims was her twin, but is unable to prove it as she was adopted and the victim’s family have shut her out. She has created her own website that helps populate her homegrown database to try and seek out the Spider’s identity. When the latest victim hits close to home Ellie must dive into her past to unlock deep buried secrets that will help her find the identity of the killer.
This was definitely a cat and mouse, or shall I say spider and fly type of thriller. What I enjoyed about it was that there were many different characters that fit the bill of the Spider. On top of the thriller aspect, there was also a bit of a mystery involving experiments and orphanages that I thought gave the story more depth. I actually preferred that aspect over the serial killer aspect and would’ve loved to have spent more time in the past timeline. Where I found it went a little bit OTT was the sheer number of twins and coincidences regarding them in the novel. There was a point that I had to almost map out in my head who was who. But once I got that squared away, I was good to go!
This is my second novel by this author and by far my favorites to date . Just be prepared spiders definitely have a starring role in this novel. *shiver* 🕷️
March 28, 2025
I honestly had a really hard time reading this book and staying interesting with the story. Lots of characters that are too intertwined with each other, multiple sets of twins that are being mistaken for one another, and the true crime story just seemed to drag along.
The back story of The Farm and the game of Spider and Fly was interesting and creepy but it took forever for it to unfold. Too many characters and too much of a “who did it” killer thriller for me. I found it hard to follow. I really enjoyed Sleep Tight by this author but this book was just not for me. I plan on trying his other novels. This book will be released September 2, 2025.
The back story of The Farm and the game of Spider and Fly was interesting and creepy but it took forever for it to unfold. Too many characters and too much of a “who did it” killer thriller for me. I found it hard to follow. I really enjoyed Sleep Tight by this author but this book was just not for me. I plan on trying his other novels. This book will be released September 2, 2025.
August 24, 2025
4.5⭐️ rounded up for Goodreads
Ellie Isles became obsessed with the I-64 murders when she saw one of the victims, her exact double. That doppelgänger drove her to write a bestselling book about the elusive serial killer known as “the Spider.”
Years later, the Spider is still at large and the bodies keep coming. With help from her online true crime network, Ellie works to identify the nameless dead. Her efforts catch the attention of law enforcement, who pull her onto the task force.But when her own therapist is arrested as the prime suspect, Ellie realizes she’s caught in a web more personal and more dangerous than she ever imagined.
From page one, this book hooked me with its dark, gripping atmosphere and perfectly timed twists. I kept saying “just one more chapter,” but every reveal pulled me deeper until I was racing to the end. Ellie Isles was a fantastic lead that’s equally haunted, obsessive, and layered. Her true crime passion, especially through her network The Web added a great modern twist. The supporting characters, from Amber to her therapist added extra depth. Now this isn’t just a some grisly serial killer story it’s about obsession, trauma, and survival. The timelines, decades of secrets, and jaw dropping final reveal kept me completely hooked. Dark, twisted, and relentlessly suspenseful, Spider to the Fly was a one sitting read for me that is a definite recommend for thriller and true crime fans.
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Ellie Isles became obsessed with the I-64 murders when she saw one of the victims, her exact double. That doppelgänger drove her to write a bestselling book about the elusive serial killer known as “the Spider.”
Years later, the Spider is still at large and the bodies keep coming. With help from her online true crime network, Ellie works to identify the nameless dead. Her efforts catch the attention of law enforcement, who pull her onto the task force.But when her own therapist is arrested as the prime suspect, Ellie realizes she’s caught in a web more personal and more dangerous than she ever imagined.
From page one, this book hooked me with its dark, gripping atmosphere and perfectly timed twists. I kept saying “just one more chapter,” but every reveal pulled me deeper until I was racing to the end. Ellie Isles was a fantastic lead that’s equally haunted, obsessive, and layered. Her true crime passion, especially through her network The Web added a great modern twist. The supporting characters, from Amber to her therapist added extra depth. Now this isn’t just a some grisly serial killer story it’s about obsession, trauma, and survival. The timelines, decades of secrets, and jaw dropping final reveal kept me completely hooked. Dark, twisted, and relentlessly suspenseful, Spider to the Fly was a one sitting read for me that is a definite recommend for thriller and true crime fans.
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
December 28, 2025
من واقعا سبک نوشتاری مارکرت رو دوست دارم، درسته که داستاناش یه سری ایرادا دارن، ولی فضایی که میسازه همیشه جذاب و خوفناکه.
September 24, 2025
Though told through three distinct POVs, there was a lot going on with several characters and story arcs to keep track of which kept my mind spinning just the way I like it. A prolific serial killer on the loose for YEARS responsible for dozens of bodies?! A true crime element with a website to help identify victims? Twins coming out of the woodwork? SAY. LESS!
I will always enjoy wild and deranged stories as long as there are aspects that seem somewhat plausible and this fit the bill. I could absolutely see some of the horrifying aspects of this story playing out in real life. Did it go off the rails? Well, yes. Did I love every minute of it? Also yes! The pacing was beyond intense and I couldn't put this sucker down til I finished.
I did a combo read with the audiobook and all the narrators were fantastic! Not gonna lie, Wayne Mitchell did such a fabulous job he freaked me out a little. I couldn't listen before bed!
J.H. Markert is a master at riding the line of horror, without actually crossing it. SPIDER TO THE FLY is a dark, disturbing and twisted serial killer tale infused with a true crime vibe. It's thrilling, macabre and a little deranged, which is what Markert excels at! If he writes it, I'm gonna read it and expect some sheer insanity. If you're a fan of police procedurals, intense games of cat and mouse and crazy family secrets, then you're gonna LOVE this one!
____
Thank you Crooked Lane Books and Spotify Audiobooks for my gifted copies. All opinions are my own.
I will always enjoy wild and deranged stories as long as there are aspects that seem somewhat plausible and this fit the bill. I could absolutely see some of the horrifying aspects of this story playing out in real life. Did it go off the rails? Well, yes. Did I love every minute of it? Also yes! The pacing was beyond intense and I couldn't put this sucker down til I finished.
I did a combo read with the audiobook and all the narrators were fantastic! Not gonna lie, Wayne Mitchell did such a fabulous job he freaked me out a little. I couldn't listen before bed!
J.H. Markert is a master at riding the line of horror, without actually crossing it. SPIDER TO THE FLY is a dark, disturbing and twisted serial killer tale infused with a true crime vibe. It's thrilling, macabre and a little deranged, which is what Markert excels at! If he writes it, I'm gonna read it and expect some sheer insanity. If you're a fan of police procedurals, intense games of cat and mouse and crazy family secrets, then you're gonna LOVE this one!
____
Thank you Crooked Lane Books and Spotify Audiobooks for my gifted copies. All opinions are my own.
March 11, 2025
ARC for review. To be published September 2, 2025.
2.5 stars
The I 64 serial killer has been preying on young women between Lexington and Louisville, Kentucky for years (hmpf. There’s a lot more to I 64 than that small stretch. Odd name.). Ellie Isles became interested in the murders when she discovered she was basically identical to one of the victims. Now she runs the premier website about the murders and the police are looking for her help with the newest kill, especially after Ellie’s therapist is arrested for the killings and those of his parents and brother. (Ellie had a very traumatic childhood which saw her in and out of foster placements.).
Is Ellie’s therapist guilty? Is Ellie related in some way?
I remember liking Markert’s recent SLEEP TIGHT, but this was a whole lotta “of all the gin joints,” plus I don’t think hypnosis works like these people seem to think it does. All of these people. Including the people that I’m assuming are, you know, educated in how to do it. It like they sent away for one of those “Amaze Your Friends, send $2.99 and a SASE” pamphlets they use to advertise in the back of comic books. Those were good times.
Rounding this up to a 3 is generous, but it’s the first summerish day here, so I’m feeling a spirit of goodwill, dammit!
2.5 stars
The I 64 serial killer has been preying on young women between Lexington and Louisville, Kentucky for years (hmpf. There’s a lot more to I 64 than that small stretch. Odd name.). Ellie Isles became interested in the murders when she discovered she was basically identical to one of the victims. Now she runs the premier website about the murders and the police are looking for her help with the newest kill, especially after Ellie’s therapist is arrested for the killings and those of his parents and brother. (Ellie had a very traumatic childhood which saw her in and out of foster placements.).
Is Ellie’s therapist guilty? Is Ellie related in some way?
I remember liking Markert’s recent SLEEP TIGHT, but this was a whole lotta “of all the gin joints,” plus I don’t think hypnosis works like these people seem to think it does. All of these people. Including the people that I’m assuming are, you know, educated in how to do it. It like they sent away for one of those “Amaze Your Friends, send $2.99 and a SASE” pamphlets they use to advertise in the back of comic books. Those were good times.
Rounding this up to a 3 is generous, but it’s the first summerish day here, so I’m feeling a spirit of goodwill, dammit!
September 4, 2025
This is my third dip into J. H. Markett's devious, dark novels. Each one has been shocking and had be glued to the page. It was a no brainer to pick this one up right away.
Description:
Ellie Isles first became obsessed with the I-64 murders when she saw her own face on one of the victims. Identical to every detail, the woman wasn’t her, but she could have been. Compelled to discover the story of her dopplegänger’s death, Ellie wrote a bestselling true crime book about the serial killer, dubbed “the Spider.”
Four years later, the Spider still hasn't been caught, and his victim count is climbing. Many of the bodies remain unidentified, but with Ellie’s online network of true crime followers, that’s slowly changing. Together they’ve pooled information to create a massive database that tracks people at risk of becoming Jane and John Does–the homeless, the drug addicted, and the downtrodden–with the hopes that if they become victims, they might at least be identified.
Now that Ellie has successfully identified multiple victims, the law enforcement task force tracking down the Spider pulls her in to help–and after Ellie’s therapist is arrested for the murders, she is more determined than ever to help catch the Spider.
My Thoughts:
This is a dark and twisted serial killer novel and focuses on the investigation and catching the killer. The murders stack up and all have the same weird cause of death. Ellie is the main character and is a strong female lead who is relatable. The story is told from several perspectives: Ellie, Ryan, Edware, and Amber. There are also two timelines with events that happened in the past and present time. The book in well-plotted and fast paced. The characters are interesting. The tension keeps you on edge. Anyone who likes a good thriller will love this one!
Thanks to Crooked Lane Books through Netgalley for an advance copy.
Description:
Ellie Isles first became obsessed with the I-64 murders when she saw her own face on one of the victims. Identical to every detail, the woman wasn’t her, but she could have been. Compelled to discover the story of her dopplegänger’s death, Ellie wrote a bestselling true crime book about the serial killer, dubbed “the Spider.”
Four years later, the Spider still hasn't been caught, and his victim count is climbing. Many of the bodies remain unidentified, but with Ellie’s online network of true crime followers, that’s slowly changing. Together they’ve pooled information to create a massive database that tracks people at risk of becoming Jane and John Does–the homeless, the drug addicted, and the downtrodden–with the hopes that if they become victims, they might at least be identified.
Now that Ellie has successfully identified multiple victims, the law enforcement task force tracking down the Spider pulls her in to help–and after Ellie’s therapist is arrested for the murders, she is more determined than ever to help catch the Spider.
My Thoughts:
This is a dark and twisted serial killer novel and focuses on the investigation and catching the killer. The murders stack up and all have the same weird cause of death. Ellie is the main character and is a strong female lead who is relatable. The story is told from several perspectives: Ellie, Ryan, Edware, and Amber. There are also two timelines with events that happened in the past and present time. The book in well-plotted and fast paced. The characters are interesting. The tension keeps you on edge. Anyone who likes a good thriller will love this one!
Thanks to Crooked Lane Books through Netgalley for an advance copy.
December 16, 2025
I flew through this in two days because I genuinely didn’t want to put it down. It’s one of those thrillers where you say “just one more chapter” and suddenly it’s way too late and you have zero regrets.
I read a lot of thrillers, so I usually catch at least some of the twists, but this one completely kept me guessing. Every time I thought I had it figured out, it shifted just enough to throw me off. I didn’t fully see where it was going until the end, which made it a really fun ride. It’s definitely dark and a bit unsettling, with this constant tension running underneath everything that keeps you hooked.
This was my first time reading J.H. Markert and I’m really impressed and will absolutely be picking up more from this author.
I read a lot of thrillers, so I usually catch at least some of the twists, but this one completely kept me guessing. Every time I thought I had it figured out, it shifted just enough to throw me off. I didn’t fully see where it was going until the end, which made it a really fun ride. It’s definitely dark and a bit unsettling, with this constant tension running underneath everything that keeps you hooked.
This was my first time reading J.H. Markert and I’m really impressed and will absolutely be picking up more from this author.
February 21, 2026
This was my second book from the author and it won't be my last. I like his style a lot, a bit different to what I am used to for thriller/horror stories.
This follows a true crime author who helps the authorities hunt a serial killer. Although the story seems simple at first, it quickly escalates to something more complex and very intriguing.
It had many twists and turns that I didn't expect, messed up characters, murders, kidnapping, everything that you need from a good thriller.
This follows a true crime author who helps the authorities hunt a serial killer. Although the story seems simple at first, it quickly escalates to something more complex and very intriguing.
It had many twists and turns that I didn't expect, messed up characters, murders, kidnapping, everything that you need from a good thriller.
March 18, 2025
A great read which gave me cult vibes mixing in silence of the lambs with another under tone of what happened when the spider was a child. It quick fast paced with so much going on you cannot believe many of the characters stories.
July 21, 2025
Check out my review on www.mysteryandsuspense.com
Horror author J.H. Markert, author of The Nightmare Man and Mister Lullaby, returns with a terrifying new novel, Spider to the Fly, about a serial killer who murders his victims using poisonous spiders, earning him the nickname “The Spider.”
Ellie Isles is a true crime writer who became obsessed with “The Spider” after seeing one of the victims—who was the spitting image of herself—on a news broadcast. After writing a book based on the murders and starting a true crime website, The Spider Web, Ellie is called into the investigation when victim number twenty-nine is found, in hopes that her unique insight and resources will help lead police to the murderer. It isn’t until her own therapist is arrested for the murders—and Ellie’s daughter is kidnapped—that she begins to understand exactly what her personal connection is to the case. The race is on to discover who “The Spider” is before Ellie’s teenage daughter becomes victim number thirty.
Spider to the Fly is a multi-viewpoint novel, narrated mostly by Ellie, but there are parts where we hear from other characters—such as Ellie’s teenage daughter—as well as an unidentified person who could very well be the serial killer himself (we do find out his identity toward the end of the novel). Scattered throughout are sections labeled “Before,” which tell a haunting tale of a group of young children in an orphanage who play a terrifying game. These scenes provide background on “The Spider,” giving readers insight into his traumatic childhood that helped shape his modern-day sociopathy.
Ellie’s traumatic past adds complexity to her character, and readers won’t be able to help but feel empathy for her. Her traumas led her to the door of therapist Ian Brock—where the true horror unknowingly begins. As a single mother, Ellie’s focus remains on keeping her daughter safe, even if it comes across as next-level overprotective to everyone else. Ellie is likable, relatable, and endearing, making her an easy character to root for.
J.H. Markert has been labeled the “heir to Stephen King,” and it’s easy to see why. His stories are clever, creative, and uniquely spooky—and Spider to the Fly is no different. Markert’s plot is well-developed and flows seamlessly, with the action beginning on page one and pulling readers into his web (pun intended) from the start.
This novel has it all: a serial killer, death by spiders, psychological experimentation, and abandoned children—and Markert weaves these threads into a cohesive, goosebump-inducing story. For readers who enjoy sleeping with the lights on after scaring themselves silly, Markert is the author to check out. Spider to the Fly is a terrifying and engaging page-turner that readers won’t be able to put down.
Horror author J.H. Markert, author of The Nightmare Man and Mister Lullaby, returns with a terrifying new novel, Spider to the Fly, about a serial killer who murders his victims using poisonous spiders, earning him the nickname “The Spider.”
Ellie Isles is a true crime writer who became obsessed with “The Spider” after seeing one of the victims—who was the spitting image of herself—on a news broadcast. After writing a book based on the murders and starting a true crime website, The Spider Web, Ellie is called into the investigation when victim number twenty-nine is found, in hopes that her unique insight and resources will help lead police to the murderer. It isn’t until her own therapist is arrested for the murders—and Ellie’s daughter is kidnapped—that she begins to understand exactly what her personal connection is to the case. The race is on to discover who “The Spider” is before Ellie’s teenage daughter becomes victim number thirty.
Spider to the Fly is a multi-viewpoint novel, narrated mostly by Ellie, but there are parts where we hear from other characters—such as Ellie’s teenage daughter—as well as an unidentified person who could very well be the serial killer himself (we do find out his identity toward the end of the novel). Scattered throughout are sections labeled “Before,” which tell a haunting tale of a group of young children in an orphanage who play a terrifying game. These scenes provide background on “The Spider,” giving readers insight into his traumatic childhood that helped shape his modern-day sociopathy.
Ellie’s traumatic past adds complexity to her character, and readers won’t be able to help but feel empathy for her. Her traumas led her to the door of therapist Ian Brock—where the true horror unknowingly begins. As a single mother, Ellie’s focus remains on keeping her daughter safe, even if it comes across as next-level overprotective to everyone else. Ellie is likable, relatable, and endearing, making her an easy character to root for.
J.H. Markert has been labeled the “heir to Stephen King,” and it’s easy to see why. His stories are clever, creative, and uniquely spooky—and Spider to the Fly is no different. Markert’s plot is well-developed and flows seamlessly, with the action beginning on page one and pulling readers into his web (pun intended) from the start.
This novel has it all: a serial killer, death by spiders, psychological experimentation, and abandoned children—and Markert weaves these threads into a cohesive, goosebump-inducing story. For readers who enjoy sleeping with the lights on after scaring themselves silly, Markert is the author to check out. Spider to the Fly is a terrifying and engaging page-turner that readers won’t be able to put down.
September 9, 2025
dark and messed up... and so addictive
September 4, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Creepy, twisty, and one of my favorite giveaway wins.
I struck gold in a #LibraryThing giveaway because this is easily one of the coolest books I’ve ever won. Huge shoutout to #CrookedLaneBooks for this spine-tingler!
After loving “Sleep Tight,” my hopes were sky-high, and “Spider to the Fly” did not let me down. If you’re saving up your creepiest reads for Spooktober, toss this one on the stack.
We’re following Ellie Isles, a true crime author who has been obsessed with the I-64 murders ever since one of the victims looked like her. Like, exactly! She wrote a bestselling book about the case, but four years later, the Spider, nicknamed for the horrific way he kills his victims, is still out there adding more bodies to his count.
She also runs an online network to help identify forgotten victims, the people who might otherwise disappear without a trace. I loved Ellie and her online crew! It gives Ellie a purpose and a hint of vulnerability. She’s sharp, she’s haunted, and I was rooting for her the whole way.
Then things get personal. The task force wants Ellie’s help catching the Spider, and suddenly, her therapist is in handcuffs. Makes you wonder about therapy, doesn’t it? The stakes shoot up, and I couldn’t put it down. Markert nails that sweet spot between horror and thriller.
This book is pure cat-and-mouse, packed with dark twists and just enough horror to keep your neck hairs on high alert. If “The Butcher and the Wren” or “The Whisper Man” gave you the creeps, this one will be right up your alley.
#SpiderToTheFly #JHMarkert #CrookedLaneBooks #LibraryThing
Serial Killer Thriller ~ Spooktober Reads ~ Cat And Mouse ~ Book Review ~ Bookstagram ~ Doppelgänger Victim ~ Closer Than You Think ~ Online Sleuthing
I struck gold in a #LibraryThing giveaway because this is easily one of the coolest books I’ve ever won. Huge shoutout to #CrookedLaneBooks for this spine-tingler!
After loving “Sleep Tight,” my hopes were sky-high, and “Spider to the Fly” did not let me down. If you’re saving up your creepiest reads for Spooktober, toss this one on the stack.
We’re following Ellie Isles, a true crime author who has been obsessed with the I-64 murders ever since one of the victims looked like her. Like, exactly! She wrote a bestselling book about the case, but four years later, the Spider, nicknamed for the horrific way he kills his victims, is still out there adding more bodies to his count.
She also runs an online network to help identify forgotten victims, the people who might otherwise disappear without a trace. I loved Ellie and her online crew! It gives Ellie a purpose and a hint of vulnerability. She’s sharp, she’s haunted, and I was rooting for her the whole way.
Then things get personal. The task force wants Ellie’s help catching the Spider, and suddenly, her therapist is in handcuffs. Makes you wonder about therapy, doesn’t it? The stakes shoot up, and I couldn’t put it down. Markert nails that sweet spot between horror and thriller.
This book is pure cat-and-mouse, packed with dark twists and just enough horror to keep your neck hairs on high alert. If “The Butcher and the Wren” or “The Whisper Man” gave you the creeps, this one will be right up your alley.
#SpiderToTheFly #JHMarkert #CrookedLaneBooks #LibraryThing
Serial Killer Thriller ~ Spooktober Reads ~ Cat And Mouse ~ Book Review ~ Bookstagram ~ Doppelgänger Victim ~ Closer Than You Think ~ Online Sleuthing
August 12, 2025
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.
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.
August 16, 2025
What’s scarier than finding a serial killer on the loose? Finding your own face among the victims....
Spider to the Fly by J.H. Markert is a thriller that knows how to hook from page one. Ellie Isles becomes obsessed with the I-64 murders, committed by a killer known as the Spider, after one victim turns out to be her exact double. That eerie discovery pushes her into writing a bestselling true crime book and building an online community to identify forgotten victims. Years later, the Spider is still killing, the bodies keep piling up, and Ellie finds herself drawn deeper into the hunt.
This is a very atmospheric read. Markert leans into dread—dark corridors, crawling imagery, and a killer whose presence hangs over every chapter. The spider motif pops up again and again, sometimes subtly, sometimes right in your face, and it’s genuinely unnerving. The pacing is fast, though not always smooth, with multiple timelines and a sprawling cast that occasionally make you stop to get your bearings. Still, once the story’s threads start knotting together, it’s hard to pull away.
Ellie is a sharp and compelling lead. Her obsession feels uncomfortably real, and her personal history—family fractures, foster care, trauma—gives her a weight that goes beyond the standard “true crime reporter chasing a killer” setup. Not every side character gets the depth they deserve, and some storylines feel more sketched than fully built, but Ellie’s voice holds the book together. You root for her, even as you wonder if she’s in too deep to ever climb out.
Overall, Spider to the Fly is a dark, twisty read that blends true crime grit with psychological suspense. It’s not a neat, cozy puzzle—it’s messy, unsettling, and meant to crawl under your skin. If you want a late-night thriller that leaves you glancing at the shadows, this one will do it.
Spider to the Fly by J.H. Markert is a thriller that knows how to hook from page one. Ellie Isles becomes obsessed with the I-64 murders, committed by a killer known as the Spider, after one victim turns out to be her exact double. That eerie discovery pushes her into writing a bestselling true crime book and building an online community to identify forgotten victims. Years later, the Spider is still killing, the bodies keep piling up, and Ellie finds herself drawn deeper into the hunt.
This is a very atmospheric read. Markert leans into dread—dark corridors, crawling imagery, and a killer whose presence hangs over every chapter. The spider motif pops up again and again, sometimes subtly, sometimes right in your face, and it’s genuinely unnerving. The pacing is fast, though not always smooth, with multiple timelines and a sprawling cast that occasionally make you stop to get your bearings. Still, once the story’s threads start knotting together, it’s hard to pull away.
Ellie is a sharp and compelling lead. Her obsession feels uncomfortably real, and her personal history—family fractures, foster care, trauma—gives her a weight that goes beyond the standard “true crime reporter chasing a killer” setup. Not every side character gets the depth they deserve, and some storylines feel more sketched than fully built, but Ellie’s voice holds the book together. You root for her, even as you wonder if she’s in too deep to ever climb out.
Overall, Spider to the Fly is a dark, twisty read that blends true crime grit with psychological suspense. It’s not a neat, cozy puzzle—it’s messy, unsettling, and meant to crawl under your skin. If you want a late-night thriller that leaves you glancing at the shadows, this one will do it.
September 7, 2025
“I am Romulus…I am the Spider. You better run fast because when I catch you, you'll never smile again,” (p. 29).
There’s a serial killer on the loose. Multiple victims are being dumped - all bit by spiders, some more than others. Ellie, who has an uncanny resemblance to one of the more recent victims is relentless in her hunt for the killer.
Ellie has lots of fears in life, most that hold her back but keep her safe. But now her therapist has been arrested - well, that should surely set her back in any progress she has made.
The plot unfolds in the past and now chapters. The before ones are ominous and will leave you with lots of questions - we think we know what they are about, but we aren’t entirely sure.
🎧: I also listened to the audio but found it to be a difficult listen. Vanessa Moyen who did Amber’s voice was perfect, but Xe Sands who did Ellie’s has harder to find the right speed - regular was too slow but 2x sounded bad. I really can’t stand listening to her. Sorry, but she’s ruined every book I’ve listened to that she’s narrated. 🫣 She mumbles, slurs, and her voice pitches are just horrible. So that made it a harder listen. Loved the guy narrator.
This was a decent story but I didn’t find it to be a page-turner. I can’t really pinpoint any specific reasons but I just wasn’t connecting with the story. However, the writing is sharp and draws you in completely.
The mystery part of this book is intriguing - I had to keep reading because I needed to know who the killer was and what was happening. And there were a few twists that I didn’t see coming. I enjoyed that ending tho!
There’s a serial killer on the loose. Multiple victims are being dumped - all bit by spiders, some more than others. Ellie, who has an uncanny resemblance to one of the more recent victims is relentless in her hunt for the killer.
Ellie has lots of fears in life, most that hold her back but keep her safe. But now her therapist has been arrested - well, that should surely set her back in any progress she has made.
The plot unfolds in the past and now chapters. The before ones are ominous and will leave you with lots of questions - we think we know what they are about, but we aren’t entirely sure.
🎧: I also listened to the audio but found it to be a difficult listen. Vanessa Moyen who did Amber’s voice was perfect, but Xe Sands who did Ellie’s has harder to find the right speed - regular was too slow but 2x sounded bad. I really can’t stand listening to her. Sorry, but she’s ruined every book I’ve listened to that she’s narrated. 🫣 She mumbles, slurs, and her voice pitches are just horrible. So that made it a harder listen. Loved the guy narrator.
This was a decent story but I didn’t find it to be a page-turner. I can’t really pinpoint any specific reasons but I just wasn’t connecting with the story. However, the writing is sharp and draws you in completely.
The mystery part of this book is intriguing - I had to keep reading because I needed to know who the killer was and what was happening. And there were a few twists that I didn’t see coming. I enjoyed that ending tho!
August 20, 2025
No surprise I love Markert. His books are always unique, dark and “SK” like. As per usual, this was no exception. This story is woven in a nonlinear timeline and centers around Ellie and her daughter, Amber. Markert has a way with making his characters realistic.
Although the story is fictional, it spins a tale so believable. The suspense builds from the beginning pages and comes to a crescendo at the end. This story has a lot of characters and moving parts but, Markert expertly threads it all together in web like fashion. The “bad guy” in this one is truly sinister. I got total Silence of the Lambs vibes and feel the ending may be hinting at more of Ellie in the future?!
Thank you @crookedlanebooks and @jamesmarkert74 for my cherished copy!
Although the story is fictional, it spins a tale so believable. The suspense builds from the beginning pages and comes to a crescendo at the end. This story has a lot of characters and moving parts but, Markert expertly threads it all together in web like fashion. The “bad guy” in this one is truly sinister. I got total Silence of the Lambs vibes and feel the ending may be hinting at more of Ellie in the future?!
Thank you @crookedlanebooks and @jamesmarkert74 for my cherished copy!
August 2, 2025
This was one of the best thriller/horror reads I’ve had in a LONG time. I was locked in from page one, and I truly never felt any period of boredom. The storyline had so much depth and twists and turns 🤯 seriously, if you’re a fan of a cat-and-mouse type of serial killer thriller, this one is for you!! Add this to your list—-it will be released in early September!
October 25, 2025
Spider To The Fly isn't the typical horror by Mr. Markert but it is equally superb. A serial killer thriller that was intense. A real page turner with some fantastic characters. An interesting and scary look at nature vs nurture.
July 22, 2025
Spider to the Fly by J.H. Markert
Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
4 stars
I love a good psychological thriller. Even though this is fiction, it gives true crime feels and realistic insight to how true crime podcasters and forums band together to research and investigate crimes. I loved this aspect and how communities come together and found family bonds are formed.
Ellie Isles is a single mother who’s rise to internet fame came after a best selling book she wrote about a serial killer known as The Spider. Ellie’s obsession with the Spider came after one of the I-64 victims that was televised on the news, looked exactly like Ellie. Four years later Ellie runs the site, The Spiders Web, a network of true crime followers that work together collecting information for a database that has enabled them to help identify several of the victims. The Spider continues to evade authorities while his victim count rises.
Along the way we are introduced to a cast of support characters that are written so well, they seamlessly blend into the story. This novel is plot driven and kept me engaged from start to finish. I was constantly questioning the twists and thinking that I had it figured out. The ending could have hit harder and been more impactful but overall I really enjoyed this read.
Also, will Ellie Isles possibly have a series in the future??! I would definitely read it, if so.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane for the digital advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
4 stars
I love a good psychological thriller. Even though this is fiction, it gives true crime feels and realistic insight to how true crime podcasters and forums band together to research and investigate crimes. I loved this aspect and how communities come together and found family bonds are formed.
Ellie Isles is a single mother who’s rise to internet fame came after a best selling book she wrote about a serial killer known as The Spider. Ellie’s obsession with the Spider came after one of the I-64 victims that was televised on the news, looked exactly like Ellie. Four years later Ellie runs the site, The Spiders Web, a network of true crime followers that work together collecting information for a database that has enabled them to help identify several of the victims. The Spider continues to evade authorities while his victim count rises.
Along the way we are introduced to a cast of support characters that are written so well, they seamlessly blend into the story. This novel is plot driven and kept me engaged from start to finish. I was constantly questioning the twists and thinking that I had it figured out. The ending could have hit harder and been more impactful but overall I really enjoyed this read.
Also, will Ellie Isles possibly have a series in the future??! I would definitely read it, if so.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane for the digital advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
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