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The Body
Not yet published
Expected 10 Feb 26
The Body
is a pulse-pounding supernatural horror story from bestselling author Bethany C. Morrow, where one woman must survive a series of bizarre and escalating attacks on her marriage.
Mavis broke from her parents’ congregation years ago, but she still hasn’t recovered. Their impossible expectations and soul-shredding critiques have dug deep into her mind, and she’s taunted by the knowledge that even when she’s done nothing wrong, she’ll never be right.
Now Mavis is afraid she’s about to lose the only thing she has: her husband, Jerrod. The man she’s always known was too good to be true. No one thinks she deserves him—not even after surviving the serial cheater they wanted her to stick by—and soon they’ll all find out they were right.
Mavis is already unraveling when a brush with death shows her what real fear looks like. Soon, she’s under constant attack from all directions. As the assaults turn increasingly vicious and bizarre, Mavis realizes that Hell isn’t reserved for the afterlife.
And sinner or not, no one is coming to save her.
Mavis broke from her parents’ congregation years ago, but she still hasn’t recovered. Their impossible expectations and soul-shredding critiques have dug deep into her mind, and she’s taunted by the knowledge that even when she’s done nothing wrong, she’ll never be right.
Now Mavis is afraid she’s about to lose the only thing she has: her husband, Jerrod. The man she’s always known was too good to be true. No one thinks she deserves him—not even after surviving the serial cheater they wanted her to stick by—and soon they’ll all find out they were right.
Mavis is already unraveling when a brush with death shows her what real fear looks like. Soon, she’s under constant attack from all directions. As the assaults turn increasingly vicious and bizarre, Mavis realizes that Hell isn’t reserved for the afterlife.
And sinner or not, no one is coming to save her.
288 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication February 10, 2026
11 people are currently reading
8299 people want to read
About the author
Bethany C. Morrow
15 books1,436 followersBethany C Morrow is a national bestselling author.
Her young adult novels include A Song Below Water, A Chorus Rises, and the Little Women remix, So Many Beginnings, and she is editor/contributor to the young adult anthology Take The Mic, which won the 2020 ILA Social Justice in Literature award.
Her adult novels include Mem, and the social horror, Cherish Farrah. Her upcoming release, The Body, is a churchianity horror.
Honored as SLJ Gold Selections, a Locus, Fiyah, and Audie finalist for Best YA Novel, and an Indies Introduce and Indie next pick, her work has been featured in The LA Times, Forbes, Bustle, Buzzfeed, and more. She is included on USA TODAY's list of 100 Black novelists and fiction writers you should read.
Her young adult novels include A Song Below Water, A Chorus Rises, and the Little Women remix, So Many Beginnings, and she is editor/contributor to the young adult anthology Take The Mic, which won the 2020 ILA Social Justice in Literature award.
Her adult novels include Mem, and the social horror, Cherish Farrah. Her upcoming release, The Body, is a churchianity horror.
Honored as SLJ Gold Selections, a Locus, Fiyah, and Audie finalist for Best YA Novel, and an Indies Introduce and Indie next pick, her work has been featured in The LA Times, Forbes, Bustle, Buzzfeed, and more. She is included on USA TODAY's list of 100 Black novelists and fiction writers you should read.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
November 23, 2025
⭐️ ⭐️ 1/2
Characters can be flawed and morally precarious, but still likable. They can also be unblemished and virtuous, but detestable. I found these characters to be located in the netherworld between, equally amoral and repugnant.
Ok, let me start by saying I typically don’t like horror stories centering around religious circumstance, so for a book to overcome this requires other aspects to be so impressive that they extinguish my preconceptions. That was definitely not the case here. I found the plot to be unmoving and devoid of purpose. There were no reasons offered to explain why any of this happened. The character work, as already explained, didn’t resonate. The writing was good, so there’s that, but I found little else to take pleasure in.
Characters can be flawed and morally precarious, but still likable. They can also be unblemished and virtuous, but detestable. I found these characters to be located in the netherworld between, equally amoral and repugnant.
Ok, let me start by saying I typically don’t like horror stories centering around religious circumstance, so for a book to overcome this requires other aspects to be so impressive that they extinguish my preconceptions. That was definitely not the case here. I found the plot to be unmoving and devoid of purpose. There were no reasons offered to explain why any of this happened. The character work, as already explained, didn’t resonate. The writing was good, so there’s that, but I found little else to take pleasure in.
December 17, 2025
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Review to come. 🫶
December 1, 2025
This book triggered me in every which way. 😮💨
Bethany C. Morrow’s 2026 horror novel, THE BODY, is in the top five most anticipated reads for me. With a short synopsis (don’t look up spoilers) and an absolutely captivating cover, I knew this was something I must read. Thank you @tornightfire for my gifted copy!
I am going to keep the synopsis review short because that’s where this book wins. After Mavis is in a car accident, she begins to wonder if she’s being targeted. She left her parents’ congregation years ago, but family is forever. 😬
The book opens strong with a visceral panic attack and the promise of cult-shadowed horror, but the momentum slips as the story sinks too deeply into Mavis’ limited perspective. I wish the book went deeper and darker, but it kept me turning the pages regardless. While the concept behind the bizarre attacks is clever, the pacing drags and supporting characters—especially Mavis’s husband Jerrod—never feel fully developed, making it hard to invest in the emotional stakes. If you pick up this book, you’ll know exactly why it triggered me (IYKYK).
THE BODY has sharp moments of discomfort and an engaging throughline of feminine rage and religious trauma. The ending was actually my favorite part of the story because it ends perfectly. Readers who appreciate unreliable narrators and slow-burn unease will definitely enjoy this one. It reminded me very much of the movie Midsommar meets Daisy Pearce’s Something in the Walls. I’m curious to see what this author has next for readers in the horror space. STARS: 3, PUB: 2/10/26
Bethany C. Morrow’s 2026 horror novel, THE BODY, is in the top five most anticipated reads for me. With a short synopsis (don’t look up spoilers) and an absolutely captivating cover, I knew this was something I must read. Thank you @tornightfire for my gifted copy!
I am going to keep the synopsis review short because that’s where this book wins. After Mavis is in a car accident, she begins to wonder if she’s being targeted. She left her parents’ congregation years ago, but family is forever. 😬
The book opens strong with a visceral panic attack and the promise of cult-shadowed horror, but the momentum slips as the story sinks too deeply into Mavis’ limited perspective. I wish the book went deeper and darker, but it kept me turning the pages regardless. While the concept behind the bizarre attacks is clever, the pacing drags and supporting characters—especially Mavis’s husband Jerrod—never feel fully developed, making it hard to invest in the emotional stakes. If you pick up this book, you’ll know exactly why it triggered me (IYKYK).
THE BODY has sharp moments of discomfort and an engaging throughline of feminine rage and religious trauma. The ending was actually my favorite part of the story because it ends perfectly. Readers who appreciate unreliable narrators and slow-burn unease will definitely enjoy this one. It reminded me very much of the movie Midsommar meets Daisy Pearce’s Something in the Walls. I’m curious to see what this author has next for readers in the horror space. STARS: 3, PUB: 2/10/26
November 16, 2025
Okay, first off, I feel so bad not finishing this, but I just really couldn't connect with it.
Mavis grew up in a super religious family, but escaped (kind of? she does seem to have a relationship with her parents) and married Jerrod, who is ~perfect~. (Note: he's written so perfectly, at least for a while, that he comes across as very bland, like cardboard.) When she's in a car accident, things begin to unravel in her life.
I stopped after the gruesome scene of her and her husband defending against a home invasion. I like horror, but the scene read, at least to me, as being shocking just for shock's sake, as opposed to something that furthers the story.
I'm at least 40% in and I just can't read this anymore. In addition to the uninspired plot, the writing is terrible. Pronouns exist! You don't need to repeat Mavis' name endlessly. It gets really old after a while.
Thank you to NetGalley for the free copy.
Mavis grew up in a super religious family, but escaped (kind of? she does seem to have a relationship with her parents) and married Jerrod, who is ~perfect~. (Note: he's written so perfectly, at least for a while, that he comes across as very bland, like cardboard.) When she's in a car accident, things begin to unravel in her life.
I stopped after the gruesome scene of her and her husband defending against a home invasion. I like horror, but the scene read, at least to me, as being shocking just for shock's sake, as opposed to something that furthers the story.
I'm at least 40% in and I just can't read this anymore. In addition to the uninspired plot, the writing is terrible. Pronouns exist! You don't need to repeat Mavis' name endlessly. It gets really old after a while.
Thank you to NetGalley for the free copy.
August 14, 2025
ARC review
This was that oddly coincidental kind of horror that makes you feel like both you and the main character are losing your mind lol The synopsis says ‘bizarre attacks on marriage’ yeah that and some lol. Honoring your marital vows might be the only thing that saves you but if you break them chillleeee you just might have to suffer the consequences.
I can appreciate that this isn’t just scary for scary’s sake. However, there were parts of the story that had me ready to just throw the damn book because uhh hello girl are you cool? If you’re into religious cult horror this might just be for you.
This was that oddly coincidental kind of horror that makes you feel like both you and the main character are losing your mind lol The synopsis says ‘bizarre attacks on marriage’ yeah that and some lol. Honoring your marital vows might be the only thing that saves you but if you break them chillleeee you just might have to suffer the consequences.
I can appreciate that this isn’t just scary for scary’s sake. However, there were parts of the story that had me ready to just throw the damn book because uhh hello girl are you cool? If you’re into religious cult horror this might just be for you.
Want to read
July 24, 2025I loved a previous deliciously dark horror story from this author! Can't wait to read this one!
November 3, 2025
Reading for review in the January 2026 issue of Library Journal
Three Words That Describe This Book: religious cult horror, secrets and trauma, supernatural thriller
This is a supernatural horror about a marriage under attack.
Or it is a psychological suspense novel about a woman with serious family trauma and secrets who is unreliable and mentally unstable.
Or it is a cult horror novel about a church and a congregation that require vows not be broken or else-- and the or else is not just terrifying to think about-- readers see the consequences ion the page
Or it is all of the above and that combination makes the novel more enjoyable to readers. It can be what they want it to be with the author doing the work to make it work for all readers.
The entire book is only from Mavis' POV and she is clearly unreliable. She knows she is and she reveals why to the reader slowly over time. And she makes bad choices. But also, this church her parents are leaders in-- wow. They are intense. And not complying, especially by breaking your wedding vows-- is VERY bad.
Oh and there is lots of digging
Now, are the attacks against Mavis and Jerrod (her husband), are they really happening or is Mavis the victim of severe trauma. I think both.
A book that can be described as Gone Girl by Flynn meets Camp Damascus by Tingle, with the family trauma and psychological horror as seen in books like Model Home by Solomon.
Three Words That Describe This Book: religious cult horror, secrets and trauma, supernatural thriller
This is a supernatural horror about a marriage under attack.
Or it is a psychological suspense novel about a woman with serious family trauma and secrets who is unreliable and mentally unstable.
Or it is a cult horror novel about a church and a congregation that require vows not be broken or else-- and the or else is not just terrifying to think about-- readers see the consequences ion the page
Or it is all of the above and that combination makes the novel more enjoyable to readers. It can be what they want it to be with the author doing the work to make it work for all readers.
The entire book is only from Mavis' POV and she is clearly unreliable. She knows she is and she reveals why to the reader slowly over time. And she makes bad choices. But also, this church her parents are leaders in-- wow. They are intense. And not complying, especially by breaking your wedding vows-- is VERY bad.
Oh and there is lots of digging
Now, are the attacks against Mavis and Jerrod (her husband), are they really happening or is Mavis the victim of severe trauma. I think both.
A book that can be described as Gone Girl by Flynn meets Camp Damascus by Tingle, with the family trauma and psychological horror as seen in books like Model Home by Solomon.
December 26, 2025
1 ⭐
First off, thank you to Bethany C. Morrow and Tor Publishing Group for allowing me to read this early. I couldn't finish this book. I read 48% and it just wasn't for me. From what I read, I didn't find anything to be "horror" or suspenseful. But I understand how some might find church cult drama and hardly (imo) descriptive, unaliving horror. The biggest horror for me was the disjointed babbling by Mavis and the lack of explanation of situations, but over-explaining unimportant things with a whole chapter. This book definitely fell short for me.
First off, thank you to Bethany C. Morrow and Tor Publishing Group for allowing me to read this early. I couldn't finish this book. I read 48% and it just wasn't for me. From what I read, I didn't find anything to be "horror" or suspenseful. But I understand how some might find church cult drama and hardly (imo) descriptive, unaliving horror. The biggest horror for me was the disjointed babbling by Mavis and the lack of explanation of situations, but over-explaining unimportant things with a whole chapter. This book definitely fell short for me.
November 19, 2025
Thanks to Tor Nightfire for sending me this ARC.
This kind of felt like a revenge story... but more like self-revenge mingled with self-sabotage.
The story follows an abused, manipulated, and grossly oppressed FMC as she is thrown into a world of deciet, anxiety and a string of bizarre events. As a reader you quickly find yourself questioning her sanity, but by the end you're questioning the sanity of everyone around her.
This reads like a quick thriller with some fun moments..
This kind of felt like a revenge story... but more like self-revenge mingled with self-sabotage.
The story follows an abused, manipulated, and grossly oppressed FMC as she is thrown into a world of deciet, anxiety and a string of bizarre events. As a reader you quickly find yourself questioning her sanity, but by the end you're questioning the sanity of everyone around her.
This reads like a quick thriller with some fun moments..
October 26, 2025
I’m being nice with my rating because I received a free copy of this book through a giveaway. The concept for this book is there. The main idea is a good one. I felt like the writing got in the way of the storytelling a few times. The writing was unnecessarily convoluted. There were also some moments in the story that were good plot points, and then others that didn’t make much sense and took away from the value of the work as a whole. One good thing I liked about it is that it is fast-paced and a quick read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2025
ARC review
3.5/5 - rounded up.
this was a good read and had a nice dose of feminine rage or a 'coming to' moment when a woman realizes she has her own power.
those type of books have been hitting nicely for me this past year since i left my toxic marriage, and rage is a common emotion!
a woman is obsessed with being the perfect wife to her husband after a failed marriage (a big no-no in her religious family and upbringing). then a series of bizarre and escalating attacks begin on her and her husband, and she has to figure out why and how to stop it.
no spoilers, but the reason why the attacks were happening was based on a neat concept i had never heard of until reading this book. i think it was mostly executed pretty well.
the pacing was something i really enjoyed - the story opened with a bang, and things kept happening rapid-fire from there. some of the scenes were BRUTAL! particularly when i wouldn't say the book scared me but it definitely made me deeply uncomfortable a few times.
the writing was a bit... maybe overdone or convoluted in places, where i had a hard time following exactly what was being revealed. i don't know how to explain it, but i would find myself confused and need to reread and then i would usually understand what the author was trying to portray. BUT!
there were a lot of quotes that i really enjoyed, like this one:
This so accurately describes how unfair it can feel to have such strong inner emotions or turmoil but appear perfectly fine on the outside.
Overall, a fun and quick read for fans of feminine rage or cult-ish, somewhat gruesome horror.
Thank you so much Tor Nightfire for giving me a chance on an ARC!
3.5/5 - rounded up.
this was a good read and had a nice dose of feminine rage or a 'coming to' moment when a woman realizes she has her own power.
those type of books have been hitting nicely for me this past year since i left my toxic marriage, and rage is a common emotion!
a woman is obsessed with being the perfect wife to her husband after a failed marriage (a big no-no in her religious family and upbringing). then a series of bizarre and escalating attacks begin on her and her husband, and she has to figure out why and how to stop it.
no spoilers, but the reason why the attacks were happening was based on a neat concept i had never heard of until reading this book. i think it was mostly executed pretty well.
the pacing was something i really enjoyed - the story opened with a bang, and things kept happening rapid-fire from there. some of the scenes were BRUTAL! particularly when i wouldn't say the book scared me but it definitely made me deeply uncomfortable a few times.
the writing was a bit... maybe overdone or convoluted in places, where i had a hard time following exactly what was being revealed. i don't know how to explain it, but i would find myself confused and need to reread and then i would usually understand what the author was trying to portray. BUT!
there were a lot of quotes that i really enjoyed, like this one:
This so accurately describes how unfair it can feel to have such strong inner emotions or turmoil but appear perfectly fine on the outside.
Overall, a fun and quick read for fans of feminine rage or cult-ish, somewhat gruesome horror.
Thank you so much Tor Nightfire for giving me a chance on an ARC!
November 22, 2025
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.
Bethany C. Morrow’s The Body is a haunting, genre-bending novel that fuses psychological suspense with social commentary, exploring how identity, trauma, and truth collide in the most unsettling ways. It’s a book that lingers long after the final page, not because of its twists alone, but because of the questions it forces the reader to confront.
The Body is about the aftermath of violence—how communities respond, how survivors carry scars, and how truth is often contested in the shadow of power. Morrow crafts a narrative that is both intimate and expansive, centering on characters whose lives are irrevocably altered by a single act, yet refusing to reduce them to victims alone.
Morrow’s characters are layered, flawed, and deeply human. Their voices carry urgency and vulnerability, making the reader feel the weight of their choices and silences.
The novel’s settings—whether domestic interiors or public spaces—are charged with unease. Morrow uses the environment as a mirror for psychological states, heightening tension without resorting to melodrama.
This book interrogates how bodies are politicized, how trauma is inherited, and how narratives of violence are shaped by who gets to tell them. It’s as much about memory and erasure as it is about crime or mystery.
Morrow balances suspense with reflection, allowing the story to unfold in layers. The pacing is deliberate, ensuring that revelations feel earned rather than forced.
Her prose is sharp yet empathetic, weaving lyrical passages with stark realism. Dialogue carries emotional weight, often revealing more in what is left unsaid than in what is spoken.
The Body succeeds as a thriller and a meditation on identity. It’s not simply about solving a mystery but about confronting the ways society defines and distorts truth.
For readers who value crime fiction with psychological depth and cultural resonance, Morrow delivers a novel as thought-provoking as it is gripping.
Bethany C. Morrow’s The Body is a haunting, genre-bending novel that fuses psychological suspense with social commentary, exploring how identity, trauma, and truth collide in the most unsettling ways. It’s a book that lingers long after the final page, not because of its twists alone, but because of the questions it forces the reader to confront.
The Body is about the aftermath of violence—how communities respond, how survivors carry scars, and how truth is often contested in the shadow of power. Morrow crafts a narrative that is both intimate and expansive, centering on characters whose lives are irrevocably altered by a single act, yet refusing to reduce them to victims alone.
Morrow’s characters are layered, flawed, and deeply human. Their voices carry urgency and vulnerability, making the reader feel the weight of their choices and silences.
The novel’s settings—whether domestic interiors or public spaces—are charged with unease. Morrow uses the environment as a mirror for psychological states, heightening tension without resorting to melodrama.
This book interrogates how bodies are politicized, how trauma is inherited, and how narratives of violence are shaped by who gets to tell them. It’s as much about memory and erasure as it is about crime or mystery.
Morrow balances suspense with reflection, allowing the story to unfold in layers. The pacing is deliberate, ensuring that revelations feel earned rather than forced.
Her prose is sharp yet empathetic, weaving lyrical passages with stark realism. Dialogue carries emotional weight, often revealing more in what is left unsaid than in what is spoken.
The Body succeeds as a thriller and a meditation on identity. It’s not simply about solving a mystery but about confronting the ways society defines and distorts truth.
For readers who value crime fiction with psychological depth and cultural resonance, Morrow delivers a novel as thought-provoking as it is gripping.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
❝𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘔𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘴 𝘥𝘪𝘥𝘯'𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘱𝘴𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘪𝘢𝘤 𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘴𝘦. 𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘦𝘭𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘩𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘯𝘰 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘥𝘪𝘥𝘯'𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰. 𝘐𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘪𝘯 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘵.❞
𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙏𝙤𝙧 𝙋𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙂𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙥 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙫𝙞𝙖 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙂𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮. 𝘼𝙡𝙡 𝙤𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙤𝙬𝙣.
It starts off with a literal bang and then bounces between intense events happening, inner thoughts and the aftermath of religious “good girl” training. It had an interesting plot but the monologuing and random attacks felt wedged vs blended in.
I could see that the author demonstrated a good understanding of a traumatized character’s thought process through the book. This is a good (albeit extreme) example of what damage occurs to many women and when emotionally abused by religious family and a narcissist ex, and how that trauma intensely ruminates into patterns of self-objectification, inner-misogyny, and a sharp self-critic, among other things. I understood the references, the biblical gaslighting and how it affected her overtime.
Morrow’s writing was great however I wish the flashbacks were edited better. The main character felt problematic, even after her redemptive arc. There was a lot of thought-loops going on for pages... I appreciated how 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘰𝘥𝘺 stood for the Body of a church but its delivery would have been really really poignant had it been balanced out better. There was too much time in Mavis’s head that I didn’t care about any of the other characters enough for it to hit home. Having her spiral chapter after chapter — while realistic for trauma loops, it made for a slow, chaotic & confusing tale. The ending was confusing. The Vow, once explained, was cool…but the delivery was disorienting and a bit convoluted.
Overall 3/5 for me.
𝗧𝗪: Religious Abuse, Car Crash, Intense Home Invasion, Death & Murder, Psychological breakdowns & Paranoia, Emotional abuse, Cheating and divorce, Relogious Cult, Gore and blood, Disembowelment, PTSD, Mental illness, Burried and Stoning
𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙏𝙤𝙧 𝙋𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙂𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙥 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙫𝙞𝙖 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙂𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮. 𝘼𝙡𝙡 𝙤𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙤𝙬𝙣.
It starts off with a literal bang and then bounces between intense events happening, inner thoughts and the aftermath of religious “good girl” training. It had an interesting plot but the monologuing and random attacks felt wedged vs blended in.
I could see that the author demonstrated a good understanding of a traumatized character’s thought process through the book. This is a good (albeit extreme) example of what damage occurs to many women and when emotionally abused by religious family and a narcissist ex, and how that trauma intensely ruminates into patterns of self-objectification, inner-misogyny, and a sharp self-critic, among other things. I understood the references, the biblical gaslighting and how it affected her overtime.
Morrow’s writing was great however I wish the flashbacks were edited better. The main character felt problematic, even after her redemptive arc. There was a lot of thought-loops going on for pages... I appreciated how 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘰𝘥𝘺 stood for the Body of a church but its delivery would have been really really poignant had it been balanced out better. There was too much time in Mavis’s head that I didn’t care about any of the other characters enough for it to hit home. Having her spiral chapter after chapter — while realistic for trauma loops, it made for a slow, chaotic & confusing tale. The ending was confusing. The Vow, once explained, was cool…but the delivery was disorienting and a bit convoluted.
Overall 3/5 for me.
𝗧𝗪: Religious Abuse, Car Crash, Intense Home Invasion, Death & Murder, Psychological breakdowns & Paranoia, Emotional abuse, Cheating and divorce, Relogious Cult, Gore and blood, Disembowelment, PTSD, Mental illness, Burried and Stoning
December 3, 2025
The Body is a tense, unsettling horror that adds emotional weight. It explores the trauma of forced faith by showing the psychological complexity. It does this by giving the reader a deeper view when it comes to thoughts and feelings of the narrator. The story starts of extremely strong. Its fast paced and intriguing but towards the middle it does drop off a bit with continued flashbacks that started to create an uneven pace. With that said, the story does turn right back around and pick right back up through to the end. This story combines horror with social commentary and a bit of a psychological critique. It will ask some uncomfortable questions about religious belief and redemption.
Mavis is our MC and our very unreliable narrator throughout the story. Traumatized by religious extremism, she struggles with self-worth and deep guilt and Marrow writes in a way that we can feel every bit of it. The author does extremely well at crating a thought provoking atmosphere that has the reader questioning reality just as much as our MC Mavis. My issue with Mavis is just that I could not “bond” with her. She actually aggravated me more then anything. I guess I just wanted her to be stronger but her entire personality is based on religious oppression and her husband with little growth. But that may be the point.
Overall, The Body is deeply atmospheric with a feeling of dread from beginning to end but the narrative seemed fragmented at times and a bit confusing. Still a good read, just not a “wow” read for me.
Mavis is our MC and our very unreliable narrator throughout the story. Traumatized by religious extremism, she struggles with self-worth and deep guilt and Marrow writes in a way that we can feel every bit of it. The author does extremely well at crating a thought provoking atmosphere that has the reader questioning reality just as much as our MC Mavis. My issue with Mavis is just that I could not “bond” with her. She actually aggravated me more then anything. I guess I just wanted her to be stronger but her entire personality is based on religious oppression and her husband with little growth. But that may be the point.
Overall, The Body is deeply atmospheric with a feeling of dread from beginning to end but the narrative seemed fragmented at times and a bit confusing. Still a good read, just not a “wow” read for me.
December 19, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Tor Publishing for the ARC.
Mavis comes from an extremely religious family/community with very strict parents. She has never been made to feel accomplished or good about herself. Things have gotten better since meeting and marrying Jerrod, but soon, a series of accidents and life threatening events forces the couple to look deeper.
Ok I liked the premise a lot. Mavis seems to not really be in control of her thoughts, emotions and sometimes actions. I can’t blame her because her parents were awful, but at some point I do expect her to seek help I guess? She’s self destructive and selfish, and while I sympathize with the character, it was very difficult to like her, especially as the story progressed. Which is fine, I don’t think it’s possible to relate to every single character.
There’s also the element of religious horror which comes up later, and I actually quite dig that. I’ve never heard of congregational vows so this was enlightening. I really like the way this was used to add to the suspense and explanation to all the batshit things that here happening to Mavis and Jerrod.
I do wish there was more of a wrap up to all the collateral damage around her as I find it super interesting. More personality could have been shown for the other characters too, and perhaps some more backstory. I just didn’t feel connected to Mavis or anyone else? I’m not sure how I like the ending. Not the one I was expecting but also does not surprise me! Still would rec this to people who enjoy domestic and religious horror!
Mavis comes from an extremely religious family/community with very strict parents. She has never been made to feel accomplished or good about herself. Things have gotten better since meeting and marrying Jerrod, but soon, a series of accidents and life threatening events forces the couple to look deeper.
Ok I liked the premise a lot. Mavis seems to not really be in control of her thoughts, emotions and sometimes actions. I can’t blame her because her parents were awful, but at some point I do expect her to seek help I guess? She’s self destructive and selfish, and while I sympathize with the character, it was very difficult to like her, especially as the story progressed. Which is fine, I don’t think it’s possible to relate to every single character.
There’s also the element of religious horror which comes up later, and I actually quite dig that. I’ve never heard of congregational vows so this was enlightening. I really like the way this was used to add to the suspense and explanation to all the batshit things that here happening to Mavis and Jerrod.
I do wish there was more of a wrap up to all the collateral damage around her as I find it super interesting. More personality could have been shown for the other characters too, and perhaps some more backstory. I just didn’t feel connected to Mavis or anyone else? I’m not sure how I like the ending. Not the one I was expecting but also does not surprise me! Still would rec this to people who enjoy domestic and religious horror!
November 22, 2025
I won an ARC giveaway for this title. Thanks to Tor Nightfire for my review copy.
I sunk my teeth into 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘰𝘥𝘺 semi-blind because the cover looked murderous and I wanted in on the scandal and all its sins. Who doesn’t love a religious cult fiction?
REVIEW
This book centers on Mavis and Jerrod’s commitment to each other. Well-churched and predisposed for matrimony, surely neither of them could have violated their strict marital vows? But when a string of accidents landed her twice in a hospital, things started to spiral and become even more bizarre. The real question is, will either of them survive a happily ever after from hell?
There’s a good measure of the paranormal paired with an odd congregation behaving very much like cultish zombies. One of the central themes is that marriage vows aren’t to be taken lightly, unless you’re begging for a certain death wish. There are a few insufferable characters in this book you would love to hate and I couldn’t decide which was worst - Mavis’s irreproachable mother, Marie Carson or her chauvinistic ex, Cyrus.
One thing I did notice and appreciated was the clean language, the only things foul here were the characters. And I wasn’t sure if Mavis would’ve benefited from therapy because her talons need to be kept in check. Her internal monologues made my head spin.
Overall, 3.5 stars for the psychotic episodes & a chain of unfortunate events!
I sunk my teeth into 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘰𝘥𝘺 semi-blind because the cover looked murderous and I wanted in on the scandal and all its sins. Who doesn’t love a religious cult fiction?
REVIEW
This book centers on Mavis and Jerrod’s commitment to each other. Well-churched and predisposed for matrimony, surely neither of them could have violated their strict marital vows? But when a string of accidents landed her twice in a hospital, things started to spiral and become even more bizarre. The real question is, will either of them survive a happily ever after from hell?
There’s a good measure of the paranormal paired with an odd congregation behaving very much like cultish zombies. One of the central themes is that marriage vows aren’t to be taken lightly, unless you’re begging for a certain death wish. There are a few insufferable characters in this book you would love to hate and I couldn’t decide which was worst - Mavis’s irreproachable mother, Marie Carson or her chauvinistic ex, Cyrus.
One thing I did notice and appreciated was the clean language, the only things foul here were the characters. And I wasn’t sure if Mavis would’ve benefited from therapy because her talons need to be kept in check. Her internal monologues made my head spin.
Overall, 3.5 stars for the psychotic episodes & a chain of unfortunate events!
November 24, 2025
*Thanks to NetGalley, Tor Nightfire, and Bethany C. Morrow for this ARC. This review contains my honest, authentic thoughts and opinions.*
I actually feel super blessed to be able to read an ARC from Tor Nightfire. Some of my FAVORITE authors are published by them. Because of that, I had some pretty high hopes for this book.
Mavis Dwyer has had a tough life, living in the shadow of her constantly critical parents. Now that she has her own family, a husband she adores, she tries to move away from a past that centered on control. When a near-death experience triggers several…bizarre…interactions, Mavis is forced to confront the religious group she left, which is helmed by her parents.
I found the mystery of the novel the most compelling part. Morrow sprinkles unsettling details in a way that kept me questioning what was really going on behind the scenes: why is this happening to Mavis? And when I received an answer to that question: what is she going to do about it? I definitely did not see the ending coming, which was fun, but I also questioned WHY it happened that way. I think my one gripe (and it’s just my opinion) is with the Epilogue. I didn’t think it fit with the characterization (trying to avoid spoilers here). Otherwise, I’d say Morrow is a masterful storyteller - withholding just enough details that we’re forced to keep going to find out what the hell is going to happen next.
I actually feel super blessed to be able to read an ARC from Tor Nightfire. Some of my FAVORITE authors are published by them. Because of that, I had some pretty high hopes for this book.
Mavis Dwyer has had a tough life, living in the shadow of her constantly critical parents. Now that she has her own family, a husband she adores, she tries to move away from a past that centered on control. When a near-death experience triggers several…bizarre…interactions, Mavis is forced to confront the religious group she left, which is helmed by her parents.
I found the mystery of the novel the most compelling part. Morrow sprinkles unsettling details in a way that kept me questioning what was really going on behind the scenes: why is this happening to Mavis? And when I received an answer to that question: what is she going to do about it? I definitely did not see the ending coming, which was fun, but I also questioned WHY it happened that way. I think my one gripe (and it’s just my opinion) is with the Epilogue. I didn’t think it fit with the characterization (trying to avoid spoilers here). Otherwise, I’d say Morrow is a masterful storyteller - withholding just enough details that we’re forced to keep going to find out what the hell is going to happen next.
November 29, 2025
The book immediately pulled me in through a description of Mavis' panic attack, which she suffers shortly before a car accident. It was uncomfortable, but realistic and intriguing to be in her head and I love an unreliable narrator. I also love religious cult horror, so on paper this book was supposed to pull me in and be everything I expected... but unfortunately, it quickly became a slog to read. I think it was a problem both with pacing and with spending too much time in Mavis' head: I get that her perpsective is limited and biased, but maybe there are ways around it (or even other POVs?) to showcase more worldbuilding and to make the reader care about other characters. Mavis' relationship with her husband, Jerrod, is crucial for the plot but due to her upbringing and past Mavis idealizes him and we never get to care about this 'perfect man' as a character and a person. It is satisfying to see how she sees him more clearly (though still in a flawed way) closer to the end of the book, but it comes too late to make the reader get to know this character.
I liked the resolution and found it believable, but it was not enough to redeem the whole novel for me. However, the slower pace might suit other readers: give this novel a chance if you like stories about suppressed women who rage, exploration of religious trauma, unreliable narrators and slowburn horror.
I thank Tor Publishing Group and Netgalley for offering me this book for an honest review!
I liked the resolution and found it believable, but it was not enough to redeem the whole novel for me. However, the slower pace might suit other readers: give this novel a chance if you like stories about suppressed women who rage, exploration of religious trauma, unreliable narrators and slowburn horror.
I thank Tor Publishing Group and Netgalley for offering me this book for an honest review!
November 19, 2025
The Body by Bethany C. Morrow is a speculative, psychologically driven novel that follows Mavis, a young woman navigating the aftermath of a mysterious tragedy that has left her community shaken. As the story unfolds, Mavis becomes entwined in questions of identity, grief, and truth. The book often feels as much about her unraveling mind as about the strange events surrounding her.
I’ll be honest: I struggled with the beginning. Mavis is an undeniably unlikeable narrator. She is self-absorbed, erratic, and often frustrating, which made it difficult to connect with her or the story early on. However, the middle section redeemed the experience for me. Once the narrative shifted more into action and external conflict rather than sitting so firmly in Mavis’ head, the pacing improved and the plot became genuinely engaging.
Unfortunately, the ending didn’t quite land. After the momentum built in the middle, the resolution felt confusing and unsatisfying, leaving more questions than answers in a way that didn’t feel intentional. I closed the book not entirely sure what it wanted to say.
Overall, The Body has compelling ideas and moments of strong tension, but the uneven pacing and bewildering finale kept it from fully working for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I’ll be honest: I struggled with the beginning. Mavis is an undeniably unlikeable narrator. She is self-absorbed, erratic, and often frustrating, which made it difficult to connect with her or the story early on. However, the middle section redeemed the experience for me. Once the narrative shifted more into action and external conflict rather than sitting so firmly in Mavis’ head, the pacing improved and the plot became genuinely engaging.
Unfortunately, the ending didn’t quite land. After the momentum built in the middle, the resolution felt confusing and unsatisfying, leaving more questions than answers in a way that didn’t feel intentional. I closed the book not entirely sure what it wanted to say.
Overall, The Body has compelling ideas and moments of strong tension, but the uneven pacing and bewildering finale kept it from fully working for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Soooo… this book. It’s totally bingeable, but wow is it triggering. Have I mentioned how much I loathe infidelity as a plot device... especially when the female MC refuses to ask the questions she needs answered and instead spirals through every horrible scenario her brain can conjure?
Raised under the thumb of strict religious parents and now terrified that her husband Jerrod might be cheating, Mavis is already mentally spiraling when she gets into a car accident rushing home to beat him there. She’s mid–panic attack, her mind a cyclone of worst‑case scenarios, desperate to get inside, shower, and start dinner, but the universe has other plans. She survives with only minor injuries, but her luck? That’s another story.
Because the accident is just the beginning. That night, she spots a neighbor in a nightshirt digging a hole in her backyard. The next day, while she and Jerrod are buying an outdoor camera, a man tries to drop a ceiling fan on her and ends up brutally attacking two shoppers who intervene. Then comes the break‑in… and… well, the hits keep coming.
The Body takes the marriage vow “till death do us part” and twists it into something more sinister — and far more deliciously unhinged. Morrow pushes you to confront the darker side of devotion, both religious and marital. By the end, you’re not sure whether to look away… or turn the page faster.
Raised under the thumb of strict religious parents and now terrified that her husband Jerrod might be cheating, Mavis is already mentally spiraling when she gets into a car accident rushing home to beat him there. She’s mid–panic attack, her mind a cyclone of worst‑case scenarios, desperate to get inside, shower, and start dinner, but the universe has other plans. She survives with only minor injuries, but her luck? That’s another story.
Because the accident is just the beginning. That night, she spots a neighbor in a nightshirt digging a hole in her backyard. The next day, while she and Jerrod are buying an outdoor camera, a man tries to drop a ceiling fan on her and ends up brutally attacking two shoppers who intervene. Then comes the break‑in… and… well, the hits keep coming.
The Body takes the marriage vow “till death do us part” and twists it into something more sinister — and far more deliciously unhinged. Morrow pushes you to confront the darker side of devotion, both religious and marital. By the end, you’re not sure whether to look away… or turn the page faster.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Publishing for a copy of this book!
The Body is what I would describe as religious cult psychological horror. I was completely sucked in by the writing. The author does an incredible job capturing anxiety and panic in a very visceral way. I started out simply curious with how it was going to go with the first chapter, but very quickly became captivated and next thing I knew I finished the first 40% in one sitting. That first 40% was intense. Honestly, this book is screaming for a Jordan Peele produced and directed film adaptation. There were moments that felt eerie and unsettling, but not in an obvious way. It was in a quieter way that makes you hesitate before you turn the page.
About halfway through I did feel the intensity drop off pretty quickly, and though it tried, it never really quite got back to the same heights that it had already reached. It wasn't enough of a drop to make me completely lose interest, but it was enough to make me aware of the shift. I was also a bit confused by the ending. I didn't fully understand the reasoning or motivations behind the FMC’s actions in the end.
Overall, I was hooked by this book, even with a slightly uneven finish. I would still recommend reading if you like psychological horror with culty vibes. 3.75 stars, rounded up.
The Body is what I would describe as religious cult psychological horror. I was completely sucked in by the writing. The author does an incredible job capturing anxiety and panic in a very visceral way. I started out simply curious with how it was going to go with the first chapter, but very quickly became captivated and next thing I knew I finished the first 40% in one sitting. That first 40% was intense. Honestly, this book is screaming for a Jordan Peele produced and directed film adaptation. There were moments that felt eerie and unsettling, but not in an obvious way. It was in a quieter way that makes you hesitate before you turn the page.
About halfway through I did feel the intensity drop off pretty quickly, and though it tried, it never really quite got back to the same heights that it had already reached. It wasn't enough of a drop to make me completely lose interest, but it was enough to make me aware of the shift. I was also a bit confused by the ending. I didn't fully understand the reasoning or motivations behind the FMC’s actions in the end.
Overall, I was hooked by this book, even with a slightly uneven finish. I would still recommend reading if you like psychological horror with culty vibes. 3.75 stars, rounded up.
November 6, 2025
This is a story about a woman who is trying to be the perfect wife for her husband. She's had a religious upbringing and condemnation from her parents which has made her feel unwanted and unworthy. But when they were married, the congregation also took a unified vow to make sure they stayed faithful to each other.
Now, betrayels come to light and the congregation from seven years prior seem to become possessed and are actively trying to kill this couple. Things will get out of control and the religious and marriage aspects come to the forefront.
I found this novel to be interesting and it certainly kept my attention. I was slightly confused as there seemed to be no reason for any of this to happen. No explanations were given and it left me feeling as if I'd missed something.
However, the strange, creepy, and violent events as this couple tries not to die works wonderfully and gives a dreadful vibe. Overall though, I would recommend it because it's different and entertaining.
I received an ARC of this book through Netgalley. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
Now, betrayels come to light and the congregation from seven years prior seem to become possessed and are actively trying to kill this couple. Things will get out of control and the religious and marriage aspects come to the forefront.
I found this novel to be interesting and it certainly kept my attention. I was slightly confused as there seemed to be no reason for any of this to happen. No explanations were given and it left me feeling as if I'd missed something.
However, the strange, creepy, and violent events as this couple tries not to die works wonderfully and gives a dreadful vibe. Overall though, I would recommend it because it's different and entertaining.
I received an ARC of this book through Netgalley. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
Want to read
April 12, 2025"The Body is a pulse-pounding supernatural horror story from bestselling author Bethany C. Morrow, where one woman must survive a series of bizarre and escalating attacks on her marriage.
Mavis broke from her parents’ congregation years ago, but she still hasn’t recovered. Their impossible expectations and soul-shredding critiques have dug deep into her mind, and she’s taunted by the knowledge that even when she’s done nothing wrong, she’ll never be right.
Now Mavis is afraid she’s about to lose the only thing she has: her husband, Jerrod. The man she’s always known was too good to be true. No one thinks she deserves him—not even after surviving the serial cheater they wanted her to stick by—and soon they’ll all find out they were right.
Mavis is already unraveling when a brush with death shows her what real fear looks like. Soon, she’s under constant attack from all directions. As the assaults turn increasingly vicious and bizarre, Mavis realizes that Hell isn’t reserved for the afterlife.
And sinner or not, no one is coming to save her.
November 27, 2025
First and foremost, I truly enjoyed Mavis and how Morrow wrote her. She felt tragic, hopeful, three dimensional, and ever shifting throughout the story to me- a true sign of a stellar writer is someone who makes their characters stand out in such a way. This is mostly a slow burn supernatural horror, tension rich and sensual somewhat in it's brutal body horror descriptions. Religious trauma abounds and seeps through the dialogue, and it's honestly depicted in a kinda unique way to me? Some of the goings on reminded me of 90s eras King, and that is always a fun comparison to find in current literature (for me, a fan). Aside from Mavis, I found so many people to be irredeemable and confused on why they didn't get the same treatment early Mavis did. I also missed the 'why' I think, which made a lot of parts just ramble on. For what did not work for me, I think I found so much that did, as well. Thanks so much to the author and Tor Publishing Group for the chance to read and review this eARC. All opinions are my own!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I do not understand why I am not seeing this book listed as a must read of 2026 (except for me).
This book has layers of nuance, symbolism, spiritualism, trust, respect. I felt like I was reading horror and classic literature concurrently. Ms. Morrow knows how to write her characters in such a way that you feel Mavis' emotions as you read her experience. I felt anxiety, dread, hope, fear, anger at the right beats because of how well we understand the world that Mavis is trying to navigate mostly on her own. We understand her decisions, we understand what is at stake.
I was not familiar with this author or her work, but I will be adding Ms. Morrow to my auto purchase list, and I am looking forward to reading her other published novels. She talks to the reader. She respects her audience. She creates a vivid world that is also realistic. And the ending made complete sense without stretching truths built in the book to make it 'work.' Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. #horror #religioustrauma #adultfiction.
This book has layers of nuance, symbolism, spiritualism, trust, respect. I felt like I was reading horror and classic literature concurrently. Ms. Morrow knows how to write her characters in such a way that you feel Mavis' emotions as you read her experience. I felt anxiety, dread, hope, fear, anger at the right beats because of how well we understand the world that Mavis is trying to navigate mostly on her own. We understand her decisions, we understand what is at stake.
I was not familiar with this author or her work, but I will be adding Ms. Morrow to my auto purchase list, and I am looking forward to reading her other published novels. She talks to the reader. She respects her audience. She creates a vivid world that is also realistic. And the ending made complete sense without stretching truths built in the book to make it 'work.' Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. #horror #religioustrauma #adultfiction.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an ARC from Netgalley. all views are my own.
I was disappointed in this story. While the premise seemed intriguing - a series of supernatural attacks follow a woman as she navigates her marriage - the execution left much to be desired. The first several chapters are confusing, particularly without knowing the context of Cyrus. The author should have given a bit more about the Cyrus backstreet earlier in the novel, and it would have helped strengthen the reasons for Mavis's actions. Jerrod has little to no motivation throughout, and the Djidji subplot seems half-hearted. The ER doctor bits attempt gallows humor but really just scream "gallows".
The story picks up about two-thirds of the way to the end and truly lives up to the supernatural religious thriller theme. However, the ending falls flat, and the motivations for Mavis's actions are never explained. The author tries to achieve Rosemary's Baby but never quite gets there.
I give this a generous three stars. I hoped for an exciting one-night stand but instead got day 250 into a ten-year marriage.
I was disappointed in this story. While the premise seemed intriguing - a series of supernatural attacks follow a woman as she navigates her marriage - the execution left much to be desired. The first several chapters are confusing, particularly without knowing the context of Cyrus. The author should have given a bit more about the Cyrus backstreet earlier in the novel, and it would have helped strengthen the reasons for Mavis's actions. Jerrod has little to no motivation throughout, and the Djidji subplot seems half-hearted. The ER doctor bits attempt gallows humor but really just scream "gallows".
The story picks up about two-thirds of the way to the end and truly lives up to the supernatural religious thriller theme. However, the ending falls flat, and the motivations for Mavis's actions are never explained. The author tries to achieve Rosemary's Baby but never quite gets there.
I give this a generous three stars. I hoped for an exciting one-night stand but instead got day 250 into a ten-year marriage.
December 1, 2025
2/5: The Body
Mavis grew up in a super religious family and married Jerrod (who is the "perfect" husband) and she is living the "perfect" life, until she ends up in a car accident and her life goes sideways.
Pros:
-ummmmmmm *scratching head*...I guess the psychological tension was pretty on-point?
Meh:
-more gory thriller than horror vibes
-a home invasion scene (I personally don't especially love home invasion plot points, but can't really call it a negative...it's just a negative for ME)
Cons:
-Mavis is an awful person
-not enough cult. If there's going to be religious horror, then GIVE IT TO ME
-it's supposed to be female rage but instead I just want to rage against Mavis' stupidity
-the dual timeline was just jumpy and unpredictable. It didn't work for me.
.......
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All views expressed are my own.
Mavis grew up in a super religious family and married Jerrod (who is the "perfect" husband) and she is living the "perfect" life, until she ends up in a car accident and her life goes sideways.
Pros:
-ummmmmmm *scratching head*...I guess the psychological tension was pretty on-point?
Meh:
-more gory thriller than horror vibes
-a home invasion scene (I personally don't especially love home invasion plot points, but can't really call it a negative...it's just a negative for ME)
Cons:
-Mavis is an awful person
-not enough cult. If there's going to be religious horror, then GIVE IT TO ME
-it's supposed to be female rage but instead I just want to rage against Mavis' stupidity
-the dual timeline was just jumpy and unpredictable. It didn't work for me.
.......
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All views expressed are my own.
December 2, 2025
The Body started out a bit slow for me and it took me a bit to get absorbed into the story and the narration from main character, Mavis. She’s an unreliable narrator and I wasn’t quite sure if she was slowly losing her mind or if the odd and terrible things that were happening were true. But about half way through the story really picks up with lots of crazy religious horror.
Mavis and Jerrod have been married for 7 years. They belong to a strange church that’s very cult like. Mavis’s parents are important in the church and at the ceremony everyone vowed to watch over the couple and to make sure they were true to each other. But Mavis has intrusive thoughts and years of emotional abuse. Then odd accidents and attacks start to happen and it all leads back to the vow the church members made at her wedding.
A wild, sometimes disjointed story, but really intriguing main character.
Mavis and Jerrod have been married for 7 years. They belong to a strange church that’s very cult like. Mavis’s parents are important in the church and at the ceremony everyone vowed to watch over the couple and to make sure they were true to each other. But Mavis has intrusive thoughts and years of emotional abuse. Then odd accidents and attacks start to happen and it all leads back to the vow the church members made at her wedding.
A wild, sometimes disjointed story, but really intriguing main character.
December 5, 2025
This quick but challenging novel had me both riveted and repelled. The protagonist Mavis, with her paranoia and compulsive self-preservation, is a character that simultaneously evoked my sympathy and frustration. Really, I wanted to reach through the pages and shake her.
Yet, I found her incredibly authentic. I found myself talking to my husband about this book and my reactions to it, because it weaves religious trauma, powerlessness, and patriarchal structures into context for the most despicable motivations of the characters. The discomfort serves a purpose, making the story all the more impactful.
What makes this book particularly powerful is that true reckoning is never achieved. The seven deadly sins are not conquered in the end, and this page-turner becomes a thrilling cautionary tale and thought provoking parable of one of America's darkest societal ills.
Yet, I found her incredibly authentic. I found myself talking to my husband about this book and my reactions to it, because it weaves religious trauma, powerlessness, and patriarchal structures into context for the most despicable motivations of the characters. The discomfort serves a purpose, making the story all the more impactful.
What makes this book particularly powerful is that true reckoning is never achieved. The seven deadly sins are not conquered in the end, and this page-turner becomes a thrilling cautionary tale and thought provoking parable of one of America's darkest societal ills.
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December 22, 2025Actual Rating 3.75
It took me a bit to really start getting into this book. But I am glad that I pushed through my struggles. In the Body we follow Mavis, and mysterious incidents keep following her around. My biggest struggle with reading this was Mavis, she is an extremely unlikable and annoying character. Though after you meet her parents, you kind of get it as they are pretty unlikable as well. The overall concept of the story is really good, I would have just liked to have liked our main character some. Mavis does improve a little as the story goes on, but then goes right back to being unlikable towards the end. I do however really like the idea of the choices you making coming to haunt you in a physical way.
I think if you enjoy horror and don't mind your main character being annoying/unlikable, you should pick this up. The last 50% of the book is pretty great.
It took me a bit to really start getting into this book. But I am glad that I pushed through my struggles. In the Body we follow Mavis, and mysterious incidents keep following her around. My biggest struggle with reading this was Mavis, she is an extremely unlikable and annoying character. Though after you meet her parents, you kind of get it as they are pretty unlikable as well. The overall concept of the story is really good, I would have just liked to have liked our main character some. Mavis does improve a little as the story goes on, but then goes right back to being unlikable towards the end. I do however really like the idea of the choices you making coming to haunt you in a physical way.
I think if you enjoy horror and don't mind your main character being annoying/unlikable, you should pick this up. The last 50% of the book is pretty great.
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