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The Devil in Mia
Life is no bowl of cherries for the Smiths. Matt is a selfish prick with a drinking problem, and his long-suffering wife has fallen foul of a most unsavoury guest. As merry hell begins to break loose and it becomes clear that her life is in mortal danger, Matt finds himself dealing with more than one demon. The question is, will he finally prove man enough to rise to the occasion?
Book number two in the Hartmouth Horrors series of standalone novellas, this dark little tale crackles with irreverent nastiness.
Book number two in the Hartmouth Horrors series of standalone novellas, this dark little tale crackles with irreverent nastiness.
- GenresHorror
135 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 20, 2025
2 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
About the author
Jan Miklaszewicz
17 books60 followersBorn and raised in Plymouth, England, Jan is a father, a husband, and a former poet. Readers enjoy his work for its directness and sense of humour, as well as its smooth, free-flowing prose.
Unsurprisingly, much of his back catalogue is poetry, with four collections, two narrative poems, two anthologies, and an instructional guide for children to his name.
More recently Jan has pivoted to fiction, starting with a collection of offbeat shorts before moving into darker territory, conceiving the Hartmouth Horrors series of standalone novellas, and it is on this twisted fare that he will be focusing for the foreseeable future.
Unsurprisingly, much of his back catalogue is poetry, with four collections, two narrative poems, two anthologies, and an instructional guide for children to his name.
More recently Jan has pivoted to fiction, starting with a collection of offbeat shorts before moving into darker territory, conceiving the Hartmouth Horrors series of standalone novellas, and it is on this twisted fare that he will be focusing for the foreseeable future.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
November 25, 2025
Mia is getting more and more possessed by a demon. Here you'll read her story, her relationship to Matt and some secrets in the family. Can she be saved from eternal hell? Interesting horror pastiche that strongly reminded me on The Exorcist at parts. The ending dragged a bit and the denouement a bit too smooth. Otherwise the ideal dark read for cold winter evenings. Really recommended!
October 29, 2025
What begins as a slice of domestic dysfunction quickly unravels into a nightmare. Matt, the alcoholic husband, and Mia, his self-absorbed wife, are two deeply flawed people circling the drain, and their downfall makes for compulsive reading.
This tale reminded me of Come Closer or The Haunting of Sheila Lee, both of which contain creeping dread, loads of suspense and questions, and an untrustworthy protagonist.
Miklaszewicz’s prose is distinctly British: natural, flowy, and cheeky in all the right places. It’s the kind of writing that makes you smirk one moment and cringe the next. The tone is irreverent, the dialogue precise, and even in the most grotesque moments, there’s a rhythm that keeps you hooked.
The chapters were short and snappy with no dull moments. Not only is this an obvious and outward horror, but the rot at the heart of marriage is a focus here, too. Jan does a fantastic job at getting the reader settled into an average, everyday home just to infiltrate it with evil and turn everything on its head.
The story itself is disturbing in the best way. What I appreciated most was how The Devil in Mia never pretends to be anything other than what it is: a dark, nasty little tale with bite. It’s grotesque, funny, tragic, and unnervingly human. Not for the faint of heart, but absolutely for readers who enjoy their horror laced with wit and decay.
A FanFiAddict review
This tale reminded me of Come Closer or The Haunting of Sheila Lee, both of which contain creeping dread, loads of suspense and questions, and an untrustworthy protagonist.
Miklaszewicz’s prose is distinctly British: natural, flowy, and cheeky in all the right places. It’s the kind of writing that makes you smirk one moment and cringe the next. The tone is irreverent, the dialogue precise, and even in the most grotesque moments, there’s a rhythm that keeps you hooked.
The chapters were short and snappy with no dull moments. Not only is this an obvious and outward horror, but the rot at the heart of marriage is a focus here, too. Jan does a fantastic job at getting the reader settled into an average, everyday home just to infiltrate it with evil and turn everything on its head.
The story itself is disturbing in the best way. What I appreciated most was how The Devil in Mia never pretends to be anything other than what it is: a dark, nasty little tale with bite. It’s grotesque, funny, tragic, and unnervingly human. Not for the faint of heart, but absolutely for readers who enjoy their horror laced with wit and decay.
A FanFiAddict review
October 22, 2025
Jan has this quality as a writer that I truly appreciate and admire. Within a novella, he's able to put the reader through the wringer emotionally.
Do I think this is for everyone?
No. No way is it for everyone. If you have a delicate sensibility, this is not the book for you. (Note the description of the book and that it's from the 'Hartmouth Horrors' series).
This book is for people who don't shy away from gore and uncomfortable situations. There are moments in this punchy story that had me in the verge of gagging (I LOVE extreme horror, but this just got me). I truly, honestly adore the stories that Jan produces and will read literally anything he puts out.
His evolution from short form to novella has been a beauty to behold and I for hope that he never stops writing.
Succinct, impactful, disgusting, funny and I couldn't put it down.
Smashed it again, Miklaszewicz.
Do I think this is for everyone?
No. No way is it for everyone. If you have a delicate sensibility, this is not the book for you. (Note the description of the book and that it's from the 'Hartmouth Horrors' series).
This book is for people who don't shy away from gore and uncomfortable situations. There are moments in this punchy story that had me in the verge of gagging (I LOVE extreme horror, but this just got me). I truly, honestly adore the stories that Jan produces and will read literally anything he puts out.
His evolution from short form to novella has been a beauty to behold and I for hope that he never stops writing.
Succinct, impactful, disgusting, funny and I couldn't put it down.
Smashed it again, Miklaszewicz.
October 22, 2025
Hartmouth is turning out not to be such a lovely place after all, as Eyes Wide Open, the first in Jan Miklaszewicz’s Hartmouth Horrors collection, suggested it was.
Once again, Jan has produced a captivating novella that delivers exactly what one expects from a horror.
He draws you into an everyday world with excellent prose and dialogue, but with every turn of the page, the sense of unease ramps up. Before you know it, the prologue you’d completely forgotten about becomes all too clear.
It’s grim, gruesome, and unnerving.
As I said, just what you’d expect from a horror.
Once again, Jan has produced a captivating novella that delivers exactly what one expects from a horror.
He draws you into an everyday world with excellent prose and dialogue, but with every turn of the page, the sense of unease ramps up. Before you know it, the prologue you’d completely forgotten about becomes all too clear.
It’s grim, gruesome, and unnerving.
As I said, just what you’d expect from a horror.
November 22, 2025
Jan returns to Hartmouth to deliver an excellent second novella!
However, I don't think I will be moving to Hartmouth anytime soon, ha.
In this review I will not be talking about the plot as to avoid spoilers, as readers are in for a real treat. What Jan is a master at is luring you in from the very first page; there are no dull moments yet again. He writes with a smooth and colloquial elegance - hailing from the UK myself so I maybe a little biased but I love how Jan captures the essence of a small English town; the distinct pubs that have old decor and the distinct smell of stale ale and cigarettes. Not only does Jan capture this in the environmental descriptions, but also in the realistic dialogue between characters. I can assure you Jan captures this extremely well.
One of the areas Jan has improved upon from Eyes Wide Open is character depth and development. In Eyes Wide Open the story followed a group of students which, because of the larger cast of characters, suffered a little in getting to know their backgrounds and deeper history. This isn't a problem here - without going into spoiler territory - Matt and Mia are layered and have flaws and rough histories. This elevates it to another level, and I am glad Jan chose to focus on a smaller cast; great choice!
If you are after a frenetic and thrilling horror read, I highly recommending reading The Devil in Mia!
However, I don't think I will be moving to Hartmouth anytime soon, ha.
In this review I will not be talking about the plot as to avoid spoilers, as readers are in for a real treat. What Jan is a master at is luring you in from the very first page; there are no dull moments yet again. He writes with a smooth and colloquial elegance - hailing from the UK myself so I maybe a little biased but I love how Jan captures the essence of a small English town; the distinct pubs that have old decor and the distinct smell of stale ale and cigarettes. Not only does Jan capture this in the environmental descriptions, but also in the realistic dialogue between characters. I can assure you Jan captures this extremely well.
One of the areas Jan has improved upon from Eyes Wide Open is character depth and development. In Eyes Wide Open the story followed a group of students which, because of the larger cast of characters, suffered a little in getting to know their backgrounds and deeper history. This isn't a problem here - without going into spoiler territory - Matt and Mia are layered and have flaws and rough histories. This elevates it to another level, and I am glad Jan chose to focus on a smaller cast; great choice!
If you are after a frenetic and thrilling horror read, I highly recommending reading The Devil in Mia!
November 22, 2025
THE DEVIL IN MIA is a must read.
Miklaszewicz has an uncanny knack for drawing the reader in by portraying people's shortcomings and selfishness in a way that makes one sympathize with the characters, even when you're not sure you even like them. Though the reader is fully aware of what's coming, this short but slow build, erupts likes a left hook, in way that is impossible to put down. An unsettling mix of vulgarity and sweetness, this story will possess you.
I'd love to hear this one narrated by Malcolm McDowell.
Miklaszewicz has an uncanny knack for drawing the reader in by portraying people's shortcomings and selfishness in a way that makes one sympathize with the characters, even when you're not sure you even like them. Though the reader is fully aware of what's coming, this short but slow build, erupts likes a left hook, in way that is impossible to put down. An unsettling mix of vulgarity and sweetness, this story will possess you.
I'd love to hear this one narrated by Malcolm McDowell.
December 10, 2025
We are back in Hartmouth for another adventure by the seaside, as we look into the withering marriage between Matt and Mia, whose lives are turned on their heads - and around, and up walls - by a very real possession. Matt must face his mother-in-law and his disbelieving friends as he battles to save his wife.
This book will leave you with a certain regard for the more mundane things in life - like small, yappy dogs and cat-litter boxes, and with an overwhelming sense of pity for two people whose lives will never be the same again. Read it, if you dare, and I dare you to read it. A brilliantly written and beautifully crafted novella by Jan Miklaszewicz, who deserves the divine compliment of master storyteller. Go to Hartmouth, you will not regret it.
This book will leave you with a certain regard for the more mundane things in life - like small, yappy dogs and cat-litter boxes, and with an overwhelming sense of pity for two people whose lives will never be the same again. Read it, if you dare, and I dare you to read it. A brilliantly written and beautifully crafted novella by Jan Miklaszewicz, who deserves the divine compliment of master storyteller. Go to Hartmouth, you will not regret it.
October 29, 2025
Having read and enjoyed the first book in this collection, I started The Devil In Mia with high hopes for a frightening fest of fear. At the expense of the characters who were put in a hopeless situation, my expectations were met and then exceeded in the most terrifying fashion.
If you are looking for a gritty horror story that takes possession of your attention and tickles your fancy, then this book - and really any tale by this author - is for you.
I can’t wait to read more!
If you are looking for a gritty horror story that takes possession of your attention and tickles your fancy, then this book - and really any tale by this author - is for you.
I can’t wait to read more!
October 25, 2025
Well Jan does it again. The Hartmouth horrors continue with Matt and Mia on a slow descent into hell.
Written to almost clean perfection, I love the style so much in its clean, sharp and diamond clear delivery that it makes it very hard to put down.
Excellent, my only gripe being I wanted a longer ending, otherwise it was fantastic. Five horrible stars.
Written to almost clean perfection, I love the style so much in its clean, sharp and diamond clear delivery that it makes it very hard to put down.
Excellent, my only gripe being I wanted a longer ending, otherwise it was fantastic. Five horrible stars.
March 9, 2026
I was blown away by the economy of the prose and the excellent working class characterizations. Can't wait to check out more from this series.
April 27, 2026
'The Devil in Mia' by author Jan Miklaszewicz is the second in his Hartmouth Horrors novella series, but the third I read, having started with 'Eyes Wide Open' and then jumped straight to 'Drudge'. Having just finished 'Devil', I'm happy to report that Miklaszewicz has pulled off a hat trick with this trilogy. Every volume is a banger in its own right and 'Devil' is no exception.
Matt and Mia are stuck in a rut. Their marriage has lost it's spark and home life isn't good. Mia is dealing with some really rough unresolved issues stemming from her childhood, and Matt is treading water at his hospital job and drinking way more than he should. With a load of spare time on her hands as she's unemployed during the winter months - the coastal town of Hartmouth's off-season - Mia turns to the occult hoping for some help. Unfortunately, she makes things worse and something comes through that takes control of her, leaving the ill-prepared Matt to try and fight to save not just her life but her very soul.
'The Devil in Mia' is fantasic from start to finish. The characters and their relationship are very relatable to anyone who's ever been there before, and the horror element really ticks that up a notch. I love the fact that Miklaszewicz never over-explains how the evil got here. He drops a couple of hints and leaves it at that, which is extremely refreshing when a lot of mainstream horror fiction I've been reading seems to be doing just the opposite. It was also cool to see one of the side-characters from 'Eyes Wide Open' make an appearance here.
If you're a fan of nasty, uncomfortable, character-driven horror, than Jan Miklaszewicz is just the author for you. 'The Devil in Mia' delivers in spades, as does every novella in the Hartmouth Horrors series. Really looking forward to seeing what sick and twisted stuff Jan has up his sleeve. Highly reccomended.
Matt and Mia are stuck in a rut. Their marriage has lost it's spark and home life isn't good. Mia is dealing with some really rough unresolved issues stemming from her childhood, and Matt is treading water at his hospital job and drinking way more than he should. With a load of spare time on her hands as she's unemployed during the winter months - the coastal town of Hartmouth's off-season - Mia turns to the occult hoping for some help. Unfortunately, she makes things worse and something comes through that takes control of her, leaving the ill-prepared Matt to try and fight to save not just her life but her very soul.
'The Devil in Mia' is fantasic from start to finish. The characters and their relationship are very relatable to anyone who's ever been there before, and the horror element really ticks that up a notch. I love the fact that Miklaszewicz never over-explains how the evil got here. He drops a couple of hints and leaves it at that, which is extremely refreshing when a lot of mainstream horror fiction I've been reading seems to be doing just the opposite. It was also cool to see one of the side-characters from 'Eyes Wide Open' make an appearance here.
If you're a fan of nasty, uncomfortable, character-driven horror, than Jan Miklaszewicz is just the author for you. 'The Devil in Mia' delivers in spades, as does every novella in the Hartmouth Horrors series. Really looking forward to seeing what sick and twisted stuff Jan has up his sleeve. Highly reccomended.
December 30, 2025
I finished this book in one sitting.
Well… I had dinner in between and brought the kids to bed, but other than that, it was one sitting.
The writing is direct and sometimes foul-mouthed in a singularly humorous and striking manner. The dialogue is crisp, descriptions are clear, and most important of all, the plot will not let you go.
I was truly enraptured from beginning to end, with bursts of laughter in between, mainly at all the new words and sayings I have learned that I will not ever repeat in public, unless I am sure it is absolutely safe.
Marvellous.
Well… I had dinner in between and brought the kids to bed, but other than that, it was one sitting.
The writing is direct and sometimes foul-mouthed in a singularly humorous and striking manner. The dialogue is crisp, descriptions are clear, and most important of all, the plot will not let you go.
I was truly enraptured from beginning to end, with bursts of laughter in between, mainly at all the new words and sayings I have learned that I will not ever repeat in public, unless I am sure it is absolutely safe.
Marvellous.
November 20, 2025
I loved this!! Jan's writing style is like a song with really disturbing lyrics!
March 30, 2026
Does for possession stories what Shaun of the Dead did for zombies
Twisted, threatening and yes, disgusting where it needs to be, but at its core this is a witty, inventive and often hilarious take on the demonic possession story. It takes its time to let you immerse yourself in the setting and find reasons to care about the characters before it takes off, and then the fun really begins.
Twisted, threatening and yes, disgusting where it needs to be, but at its core this is a witty, inventive and often hilarious take on the demonic possession story. It takes its time to let you immerse yourself in the setting and find reasons to care about the characters before it takes off, and then the fun really begins.
October 23, 2025
Thanks to Jan for the ARC.
I physically could not tear myself away from this book. The Devil in Mia follows Mia and Matt, a married couple whose life together takes a terrible, terrible twist. This novella is fantastically written; so disgustingly descriptive and with characters who feel like people you may meet on the street. I loved the domesticity of this horror, and the small town setting really elevated the paranoid feel of unease within the book. I devoured it, and am already desperate for the next Hartmouth Horror.
I physically could not tear myself away from this book. The Devil in Mia follows Mia and Matt, a married couple whose life together takes a terrible, terrible twist. This novella is fantastically written; so disgustingly descriptive and with characters who feel like people you may meet on the street. I loved the domesticity of this horror, and the small town setting really elevated the paranoid feel of unease within the book. I devoured it, and am already desperate for the next Hartmouth Horror.
October 24, 2025
I had the honor of getting to read an ARC!
"The Devil In Mia" is, well...
it's written deliciously.🫣
—Dynamic characters
—Great dialogue
—Disturbing
Jan has a beautiful way with words and a great sense of humor—
which rounds out his nastiness perfectly!
Thanks, Jan!🙌
"The Devil In Mia" is, well...
it's written deliciously.🫣
—Dynamic characters
—Great dialogue
—Disturbing
Jan has a beautiful way with words and a great sense of humor—
which rounds out his nastiness perfectly!
Thanks, Jan!🙌
October 29, 2025
You’re close with the mortuary team, right?
December 30, 2025
A superb second scare-fest from Miklaszewicz. Creepy, unsettling, thrilling, nasty.
And utterly compelling.
As with his first book he’s created a cast of well-drawn, relatable, flawed characters worth caring about, particularly our protagonist who approaches the supernatural situation with the weary, pragmatic attitude of a working-class Brit. Although the dialogue is witty and often humorous, this crucially doesn’t reduce the tension or undermine the horror because you can feel the angst and discomfort the characters are trying to mask through humour. Brilliantly done.
Hollywood take note - this is how you do it right.
TDIM is even more intense than Miklaszewicz’s first novella. Perhaps because the demonic possession can read as an analogy for the real-life horror of seeing a loved one deteriorate through mental illness, drug addiction or terminal sickness. Tragic and disturbing, but as the dread escalated and the insidious entity emerged, I found myself ripping through the pages, unable to put the book down.
I cannot wait to see what other horrors Hartmouth has in store for us.
And utterly compelling.
As with his first book he’s created a cast of well-drawn, relatable, flawed characters worth caring about, particularly our protagonist who approaches the supernatural situation with the weary, pragmatic attitude of a working-class Brit. Although the dialogue is witty and often humorous, this crucially doesn’t reduce the tension or undermine the horror because you can feel the angst and discomfort the characters are trying to mask through humour. Brilliantly done.
Hollywood take note - this is how you do it right.
TDIM is even more intense than Miklaszewicz’s first novella. Perhaps because the demonic possession can read as an analogy for the real-life horror of seeing a loved one deteriorate through mental illness, drug addiction or terminal sickness. Tragic and disturbing, but as the dread escalated and the insidious entity emerged, I found myself ripping through the pages, unable to put the book down.
I cannot wait to see what other horrors Hartmouth has in store for us.
November 21, 2025
The Devil in Mia is the second book in a series, and it brings forth a bounty. If Eyes Wide Open was breakfast, this one is a hearty lunch. Speaking of lunch, you might lose it reading more than one of the horrific scenes. There is a fair amount of humor, although the characters wouldn't agree. Jan's storytelling only seems to get better with each new arrival, and I look forward to whatever he has planned for dinner as the coup de gras to this trio.
April 10, 2026
Jan Miklaszewicz brings us the sightseer’s horror guide to Hartmouth with the outstanding novella The Devil in Mia, giving us a solid reason not to book a relaxing weekend there. Jan deftly sets the tone with a prologue that successfully grips hold of you and doesn’t let go until the final page.
TDiM is a relatively short read, but Jan successfully manages to pack a hell of a whack within its constraints. The narrative flows fluently and doesn’t suffer from unnecessary fluff and filler. The dialogue is familiar, concise and possesses fantastic verisimilitude, allowing it to effectively give the story a natural edge which grounds you within the world, and is one of its greatest strengths.
However, all that alone is not enough to make it a good read. Fortunately, TDiM is also a cracking example of how you don’t need 350+ pages to write a shit-hot story. The characters aren’t perfect, by any stretch of imagination. One might even call them normal, and this is what makes Mia and Matt so fascinating to read. They are relatable to the point that they could very well be your next-door-neighbours (good luck).
TDiM begins with a wonderfully unsettling atmosphere, and things certainly don’t get any easier or less so for Mia and Matt. Their story is darkly disturbing, and I lapped up every horrific page of their journey. The chapters are short and punchy and convey no more or less than is required to drive this twisted tale forward to its satisfying conclusion.
At times humorous in its language, terrifying in its manifestation, and delivered with great craftsmanship, The Devil in Mia is a possession not so easily exorcised when you have closed the final chapter. This is an incredibly effective horror, and this sits as a definite must-read for fans of the genre. I can’t wait to see what other horrors Jan brings us from the Devil’s favourite holiday destination. Outstanding!
TDiM is a relatively short read, but Jan successfully manages to pack a hell of a whack within its constraints. The narrative flows fluently and doesn’t suffer from unnecessary fluff and filler. The dialogue is familiar, concise and possesses fantastic verisimilitude, allowing it to effectively give the story a natural edge which grounds you within the world, and is one of its greatest strengths.
However, all that alone is not enough to make it a good read. Fortunately, TDiM is also a cracking example of how you don’t need 350+ pages to write a shit-hot story. The characters aren’t perfect, by any stretch of imagination. One might even call them normal, and this is what makes Mia and Matt so fascinating to read. They are relatable to the point that they could very well be your next-door-neighbours (good luck).
TDiM begins with a wonderfully unsettling atmosphere, and things certainly don’t get any easier or less so for Mia and Matt. Their story is darkly disturbing, and I lapped up every horrific page of their journey. The chapters are short and punchy and convey no more or less than is required to drive this twisted tale forward to its satisfying conclusion.
At times humorous in its language, terrifying in its manifestation, and delivered with great craftsmanship, The Devil in Mia is a possession not so easily exorcised when you have closed the final chapter. This is an incredibly effective horror, and this sits as a definite must-read for fans of the genre. I can’t wait to see what other horrors Jan brings us from the Devil’s favourite holiday destination. Outstanding!
March 21, 2026
The Devil in Mia by Jan Miklaszewicz is an excellent follow-up to Eyes Wide Open. While the first book delivered a fun, gory slasher vibe, this one feels like a fresh, modern take on The Exorcist: intense, psychological, and unflinchingly dark.
Possession stories often follow a predictable formula, but Miklaszewicz sidesteps the clichés masterfully. He builds on the strengths of his debut by ramping up the tension while staying true to the genre's core without ever feeling repetitive. The result is a tightly wound novella that descends into madness like a staircase with no handrail — each chapter propels the story forward relentlessly.
Unlike Eyes Wide Open, which dragged slightly in the middle for my taste, every scene here feels essential. The pacing is impeccable; nothing is wasted.
Miklaszewicz's dialogue remains one of his biggest strengths — sharp, naturalistic, and even more effective this time around. I especially love his liberal use of ellipses ("...") in conversations. Some readers might find it quirky, but for me, it perfectly captures hesitation, menace, and the weight of unspoken dread. You can practically see the characters' faces twisting in those pauses.
The imagery is vile in the best possible way — grotesque, depraved, and visceral. I'm not usually drawn to this brand of "body horror meets demonic possession", yet I was hooked by the demon's sheer nastiness and the way it corrupts everything it touches.
If you enjoyed Eyes Wide Open, do yourself a favor and pick up The Devil in Mia. Both are strong entries in the Hartmouth Horrors series, but this one shows clear growth in the author's craft — more confident, more harrowing, and deeply satisfying. Jan has earned himself a lifelong fan in me. I'm already counting down to his next one, Drudge.
Highly recommended for fans of dark, character-driven horror with real bite.
Possession stories often follow a predictable formula, but Miklaszewicz sidesteps the clichés masterfully. He builds on the strengths of his debut by ramping up the tension while staying true to the genre's core without ever feeling repetitive. The result is a tightly wound novella that descends into madness like a staircase with no handrail — each chapter propels the story forward relentlessly.
Unlike Eyes Wide Open, which dragged slightly in the middle for my taste, every scene here feels essential. The pacing is impeccable; nothing is wasted.
Miklaszewicz's dialogue remains one of his biggest strengths — sharp, naturalistic, and even more effective this time around. I especially love his liberal use of ellipses ("...") in conversations. Some readers might find it quirky, but for me, it perfectly captures hesitation, menace, and the weight of unspoken dread. You can practically see the characters' faces twisting in those pauses.
The imagery is vile in the best possible way — grotesque, depraved, and visceral. I'm not usually drawn to this brand of "body horror meets demonic possession", yet I was hooked by the demon's sheer nastiness and the way it corrupts everything it touches.
If you enjoyed Eyes Wide Open, do yourself a favor and pick up The Devil in Mia. Both are strong entries in the Hartmouth Horrors series, but this one shows clear growth in the author's craft — more confident, more harrowing, and deeply satisfying. Jan has earned himself a lifelong fan in me. I'm already counting down to his next one, Drudge.
Highly recommended for fans of dark, character-driven horror with real bite.
February 27, 2026
Written with a sly, very British irreverence (but never mockingly so), The Devil in Mia is a story about neglect – self-neglect and marital neglect. Jan Miklaszewicz writes crisp, clean prose that moves the story along nicely, yet it never feels rushed. Mia may be the one possessed, but it’s her floundering, alcoholic husband, Matt, who is the focus of the torment. He’s battling himself as much as anything else: his apathy and his alcoholism.
And that’s the real strength of The Devil in Mia. It takes the well-known and well-loved Exorcist/possession trope and drops it into a mundane, low-income, working-class world. These people feel real. Their marriage, long before the potty-mouthed hellspawn enters the story, was already in trouble. The horror element is striking precisely because it feels oddly real, grounded, and possible – like a bit of exaggerated gossip you might hear on the street.
This is the second Hartmouth Horror title I’ve read (Eyes Wide Open is equally as good), and the beauty of these stories is that although they’re connected, they can be read independently.
I cannot recommend The Devil in Mia enough. It's a high-quality, often nasty, character-driven tale that'll get under your skin as much as the demon gets under Mia’s.
And that’s the real strength of The Devil in Mia. It takes the well-known and well-loved Exorcist/possession trope and drops it into a mundane, low-income, working-class world. These people feel real. Their marriage, long before the potty-mouthed hellspawn enters the story, was already in trouble. The horror element is striking precisely because it feels oddly real, grounded, and possible – like a bit of exaggerated gossip you might hear on the street.
This is the second Hartmouth Horror title I’ve read (Eyes Wide Open is equally as good), and the beauty of these stories is that although they’re connected, they can be read independently.
I cannot recommend The Devil in Mia enough. It's a high-quality, often nasty, character-driven tale that'll get under your skin as much as the demon gets under Mia’s.
October 21, 2025
THE DEVIL IN MIA by Jan Miklaszewicz starts with a snapshot of a mundane slice of life but soon turns very sour as a rot creeps in around the edges. Matt and Mia are an ordinary couple who fall foul of a negative force that starts to tear them apart.
Miklaszewicz keeps the focus tight. The nuance of the interaction between the two main characters is so great, and when Mia starts to descend into a blackness that represents so many things, there's real tragedy in the way Matt tries to hold things together, but with an ever weakening grip, both on the situation, and himself.
Then other characters come in, and with beautifully written dialogue throughout, the story is funny and sardonic, and grotesque. Miklaszewicz is smart in the way he uses rich allegory to shine a light on problems in marital and familial relationships that are prevalent in society.
And it has one of the creepiest prologues I think I've ever read. A cracking novella.
Miklaszewicz keeps the focus tight. The nuance of the interaction between the two main characters is so great, and when Mia starts to descend into a blackness that represents so many things, there's real tragedy in the way Matt tries to hold things together, but with an ever weakening grip, both on the situation, and himself.
Then other characters come in, and with beautifully written dialogue throughout, the story is funny and sardonic, and grotesque. Miklaszewicz is smart in the way he uses rich allegory to shine a light on problems in marital and familial relationships that are prevalent in society.
And it has one of the creepiest prologues I think I've ever read. A cracking novella.
November 1, 2025
*Fair warning- graphic scenes of various nature and a quick descent to them.*
Everyone we love has a part of themselves that they hide from us. We know, and we watch them.
A stolen drink here or there...
A harmless flirtation...
A past that they gloss over ("for our good", of course)...
What happens if we choose to search harder for the answers and get more than we expected?
The Devil in Mia is a rapid-fire answer to what can go wrong when you search in the wrong places. This is the second offering of Hartmouth Horrors that I've read. The characters and dialogue immersed me far more quickly than I had anticipated.
You won't be spoon-fed anything here. But if you are like me, you will eat in one violent and darkly arresting sitting. Who is the villain? Is there one, or many? And more than anything I was left asking... what the HELL is wrong in Hartsmouth?
Eagerly awaiting more offerings. The third can't come quickly enough!
Everyone we love has a part of themselves that they hide from us. We know, and we watch them.
A stolen drink here or there...
A harmless flirtation...
A past that they gloss over ("for our good", of course)...
What happens if we choose to search harder for the answers and get more than we expected?
The Devil in Mia is a rapid-fire answer to what can go wrong when you search in the wrong places. This is the second offering of Hartmouth Horrors that I've read. The characters and dialogue immersed me far more quickly than I had anticipated.
You won't be spoon-fed anything here. But if you are like me, you will eat in one violent and darkly arresting sitting. Who is the villain? Is there one, or many? And more than anything I was left asking... what the HELL is wrong in Hartsmouth?
Eagerly awaiting more offerings. The third can't come quickly enough!
October 24, 2025
Another cracker from Miklaszewicz. At this rate the Hartmouth Horror series will become insta-buys for me.
The Devil in Mia has loose connections to Eyes Wide Open but you can comfortably read it in isolation.
It could along at a fair old place and can be consumed (by design, I think) in one frenzied sitting. Or you can just add easily snack on a chapter a night and revel in the irreverence and the horror.
With a slimmed down cast compared to Eyes Wide Open we get to know our characters a little better here and that works in favour of the more personal horrors on offer
I'm a big fan of stripped back prose and that's what's on offer here (perhaps to a fault in some places. The occasional speech tag would have been handy).
Fast, fun and uncompromising. Can't wait for the next one, frankly.
The Devil in Mia has loose connections to Eyes Wide Open but you can comfortably read it in isolation.
It could along at a fair old place and can be consumed (by design, I think) in one frenzied sitting. Or you can just add easily snack on a chapter a night and revel in the irreverence and the horror.
With a slimmed down cast compared to Eyes Wide Open we get to know our characters a little better here and that works in favour of the more personal horrors on offer
I'm a big fan of stripped back prose and that's what's on offer here (perhaps to a fault in some places. The occasional speech tag would have been handy).
Fast, fun and uncompromising. Can't wait for the next one, frankly.
January 10, 2026
What a pleasant surprise!
Does Jan Miklaszewicz have what it takes? Is he a true Storyteller? ABSOLUTELY YES!!!
Given the title, and that I'm a huge fan of The Exorcist, I had some expectations. The story was wonderfully different than what I expected.
The story focuses more on Matt, a very likable character. He has his flaws, he is very human, but inside, he is a pretty decent guy. We really get to know him in this pretty short book.
The antagonist is wicked and yet somewhat playful, a heck of a lot of fun to read!
At about 100 pages, the story goes by very quickly. For me, I wish it was a bit longer. I would like to have had more from Mia - to have gotten to know her as well as Matt.
The ending made sense, it was good. I felt it was a bit rushed.
I can't imagine anyone not enjoying this little tale - it really is fun to read!!!!!
Does Jan Miklaszewicz have what it takes? Is he a true Storyteller? ABSOLUTELY YES!!!
Given the title, and that I'm a huge fan of The Exorcist, I had some expectations. The story was wonderfully different than what I expected.
The story focuses more on Matt, a very likable character. He has his flaws, he is very human, but inside, he is a pretty decent guy. We really get to know him in this pretty short book.
The antagonist is wicked and yet somewhat playful, a heck of a lot of fun to read!
At about 100 pages, the story goes by very quickly. For me, I wish it was a bit longer. I would like to have had more from Mia - to have gotten to know her as well as Matt.
The ending made sense, it was good. I felt it was a bit rushed.
I can't imagine anyone not enjoying this little tale - it really is fun to read!!!!!
October 15, 2025
Jan does it again.
This was a fun little possession story that packs a big punch. More than a little gross at times too, in all the right ways.
An extra fun read if you've read Eyes Wide Open already as well — independent stories set in the same fictional English town of Hartmouth, but with some fun crossover between them. Makes me very excited for the next instalment in the series.
So yes, brace for horror, and brace for English characters speaking with English accents in a narrative written with UK spelling. If you can't handle that, why in the hey-ho did you pick it up in the first place?
This was a fun little possession story that packs a big punch. More than a little gross at times too, in all the right ways.
An extra fun read if you've read Eyes Wide Open already as well — independent stories set in the same fictional English town of Hartmouth, but with some fun crossover between them. Makes me very excited for the next instalment in the series.
So yes, brace for horror, and brace for English characters speaking with English accents in a narrative written with UK spelling. If you can't handle that, why in the hey-ho did you pick it up in the first place?
January 22, 2026
If there was an award for horror antagonists with the foulest mouths, then surely the titular 'devil' in this grotty little tome would be a front runner. Darkly funny and with a pungent style all of its own, The Devil In Mia really nails the banal horror of addiction down to an uncanny tee.
Alky in denial Matt not only struggles to deal with his wife's demonic possession, but also his total inability to refuse a drink no matter how inopportune the moment. The demon was the real star of the book for me, an agent of malignance with a repertoire that would make Roy Chubby Brown blush. Another scabby stand out from Mr Miklaszewicz
Alky in denial Matt not only struggles to deal with his wife's demonic possession, but also his total inability to refuse a drink no matter how inopportune the moment. The demon was the real star of the book for me, an agent of malignance with a repertoire that would make Roy Chubby Brown blush. Another scabby stand out from Mr Miklaszewicz
April 26, 2026
I settled down with The Devil in Mia the other evening, and finished it in one sitting. The lean, clean prose carried me rapidly through the story and kept me turning the pages, even more so than Jan's last novella, Eyes Wide Open.
The tight focus on Matt and Mia provides deep and relatable characterisation. Their relationship is recognisable and real, making the ordeal they're facing all the more horrifying.
A story about both personal and literal demons, this is as much about relationships, addiction, avoidance and recovery as it is about demonic possession. A perfect mix of kitchen sink drama and horror, this second Hartmouth tale is highly recommended.
The tight focus on Matt and Mia provides deep and relatable characterisation. Their relationship is recognisable and real, making the ordeal they're facing all the more horrifying.
A story about both personal and literal demons, this is as much about relationships, addiction, avoidance and recovery as it is about demonic possession. A perfect mix of kitchen sink drama and horror, this second Hartmouth tale is highly recommended.
April 7, 2026
Great read! Well written, well researched.
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