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The Burn Line
Not yet published
Expected 25 Aug 26There's something lurking in the stifling darkness and labyrinthine tunnels that run below London... something old, something vicious, and something very, very hungry.
It's the hottest summer on record and London is dying. Prices are high, pay is low, and stressed commuters are packed onto London Underground trains again like the pandemic never happened. To add to the misery, the temperatures underground just keep climbing and climbing, the heat trapped in the clay with nowhere to go.
Then one fateful morning five travellers on an unlucky tube carriage find themselves bound together as witnesses to a single horrific event - an event they can't quite seem to remember.
They make an unlikely team - a weary tube driver, a disillusioned civil servant, an ambitious city trader, an overwhelmed hotel worker, and an unhoused young man just trying to get by - but now they must come together to confront what they have seen and stop it in its tracks before it kills them all.
From the dark and twisted mind behind Thirteen Storeys, Family Business, and podcast sensation The Magnus Archives, The Burn Line is a sinister and socially conscious horror masterclass perfect for fans of Stephen King, Jordan Peele, and Black Mirror.
It's the hottest summer on record and London is dying. Prices are high, pay is low, and stressed commuters are packed onto London Underground trains again like the pandemic never happened. To add to the misery, the temperatures underground just keep climbing and climbing, the heat trapped in the clay with nowhere to go.
Then one fateful morning five travellers on an unlucky tube carriage find themselves bound together as witnesses to a single horrific event - an event they can't quite seem to remember.
They make an unlikely team - a weary tube driver, a disillusioned civil servant, an ambitious city trader, an overwhelmed hotel worker, and an unhoused young man just trying to get by - but now they must come together to confront what they have seen and stop it in its tracks before it kills them all.
From the dark and twisted mind behind Thirteen Storeys, Family Business, and podcast sensation The Magnus Archives, The Burn Line is a sinister and socially conscious horror masterclass perfect for fans of Stephen King, Jordan Peele, and Black Mirror.
384 pages, Paperback
Expected publication July 9, 2026
About the author
Jonathan Sims
14 books1,314 followersJonathan Sims is a writer, performer and games designer whose work primarily focuses on the macabre, the grotesque, and the gentle touch of creeping dread. He is the mind and the voice behind acclaimed horror podcast The Magnus Archives, as well as story-game design duo MacGuffin & Co., and some of your favourite nightmares. He lives in Walthamstow with the two best cats and an overwhelming backlog of books that he really should get round to.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
i'm really struggling to rate & review this one... it's not bad at all, it just didn't blow me away either. i liked it enough to pick up something else from this author in the future though.
as a southern girl who often feels like her skin is melting off when she steps outside during the summer, i loved the setting of a stifling, claustrophobic underground London. the psychological horror elements are done really well & i think the author did a good job of adding his own fresh twist to the creatures here that most of us are familiar with. they're genuinely a little creepy. anytime i'm given a diverse cast that's always a plus too! (Tash was my favorite.)
where i get conflicted on the rating is the pacing & writing. parts one & five were the strongest sections of the book for me. the beginning has great tension, & the way the creatures are described immediately made me picture something similar to , which i LOVED. but the further i got into part two, the pacing started to drag for me & i had that issue until about halfway through part four. the writing was good overall, but it fell a little flat in certain areas.
the covid references were just really random to me, not because it makes the book feel dated or anything like that, i think with the news of the hantavirus it definitely feels more relevant BUT i just don't think it added anything to the plot? it never really tied into anything significant. it felt more like the author was mentioning covid just to mention it. i honestly kept forgetting the story was supposed to be set during covid & then a few chapters later there'd be another reference & i'd just be like "oh right..."
i’m not too into podcasts, but this definitely piqued my interest to check out The Magnus Archives, & i’ll definitely be checking out more books from this author.
Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for this arc in exchange for an honest review
as a southern girl who often feels like her skin is melting off when she steps outside during the summer, i loved the setting of a stifling, claustrophobic underground London. the psychological horror elements are done really well & i think the author did a good job of adding his own fresh twist to the creatures here that most of us are familiar with. they're genuinely a little creepy. anytime i'm given a diverse cast that's always a plus too! (Tash was my favorite.)
where i get conflicted on the rating is the pacing & writing. parts one & five were the strongest sections of the book for me. the beginning has great tension, & the way the creatures are described immediately made me picture something similar to , which i LOVED. but the further i got into part two, the pacing started to drag for me & i had that issue until about halfway through part four. the writing was good overall, but it fell a little flat in certain areas.
the covid references were just really random to me, not because it makes the book feel dated or anything like that, i think with the news of the hantavirus it definitely feels more relevant BUT i just don't think it added anything to the plot? it never really tied into anything significant. it felt more like the author was mentioning covid just to mention it. i honestly kept forgetting the story was supposed to be set during covid & then a few chapters later there'd be another reference & i'd just be like "oh right..."
i’m not too into podcasts, but this definitely piqued my interest to check out The Magnus Archives, & i’ll definitely be checking out more books from this author.
Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for this arc in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Review in the June 2026 issue of Library Journal
Three Words That Describe This Book: Multiple Points of view, Social Commentary, Horror-Mystery
Draft Review: Fans of the Magnus Archives podcast rejoice, its creator has written his first book, an entertaining and immersive eldritch horror-mystery set during a sweltering heat wave, featuring a monster in the London Underground. In consecutive chapters to open the novel, readers meet five strangers on a train car. One by one they tell their story of that fateful day as each experiences an unsettling moment of dissociation, notices a distinctly awful smell unlike any bad odor they have encountered on the Underground before, and comes away with a gray, flaky film clinging to them. The dread and unease from that fleeting moment follows each, first as a nagging bad feeling, then manifesting into a pale humanoid creature, stalking them. A story where every detail matters, bonkers in all the right ways, producing claustrophobic chills, and providing a biting social commentary, readers will dive into the tunnels and root for this motley group of former strangers turned found family as they work together to stop a terrifying monster and save the people of London (and themselves) from a terrible fate.
Verdict: With a huge built-in audience, libraries need to have this one available, but it is also an excellent suggestion for fans of Chuck Tingle, Alma Katsu’s Fiend, and Jeffrey Cranor and Joseph Fink’s Welcome to Night Vale.
Other words: Eldritch, found family. bonkers (but just the right amount, still serious horror), dark humor, stifling, claustrophobic immersive, popular podcast now writing a book, entertaining, terrifying, multiple points of view
First, it must be said that the author is the creator of the very popular original, horror-mystery podcast The Magnus Archives. It has a Welcome to Nightvale feel, but instead of a town it is focused on an archive and the supernatural mysteries that come from that.
So right away, you have an audience for this book at your library-- the millions of people who have enjoyed the podcast. Also fans of Welcome to Nightvale and its spin off books.
The story is original, entertaining, with an eldritch feel, and so stiflingly claustrophobic. We start on a London Underground car. It is the middle of the worst heat wave in London ever. This is important to the story because everyone is sweatier and more out of it than normal.
There are 6 people on the car. Part 1 of the novel is 5 of those people telling the story of their day on that train car. Elise (works for the transit ministry as a coder), Senyo (an Underground driver and union leader), Tash (an overnight hotel clerk), Will (a finance guy), and Aaron (young homeless man).
One by one they tell their story of that day. This is a great way to start the book because readers get to meet each character from inside their head. It sets up the fact that all 5 had a moment of dissociation on the train and that they knew something strange happened. They also note a strange bad smell-- very different from regular Underground smells and a weird flaky film that gets on them. The dread and unease from that experience followed them throughout their days and even moved into something stalking them (maybe) at home in their nights.
(Side note, I had two books with smell playing a big part in the story for this column-- Fabulous Bodies is the other)
And it increases the mystery around the 6th person. Which comes into play.
But the bouncing around of character helps to keep the story moving and allow the reader to understand the motivations of each character before they understand each other.
Here is the thing that Sims does well-- all the details matter. The five characters notice and work on things in their jobs, things that all get used in the story-- but not in a way that feels forced. I liked that. So for example, the heat wave and how and why the Underground is so hot and how people have been trying to fix that for years that comes into play. That is one example.
I always appreciate when the details that build characters and place also playing a role in the plot.
Like all good horror, the story is resolved but the chance of the monster coming back to find them is very possible. Sequel?
The social commentary about how hard it is to live in London with rising costs, racism, and how poorly the homeless are treated, and how the rich are getting richer, etc...it is all woven in to the story.
The monster deep in the tunnels is well built. It is more than they even realize at first and how they seek it all out and fight it is believable. Everyone uses the skills and professions they have to help solve the mystery. They really need to work together as a unit to save themselves from being the next victim. For example, Senyo has access to the Underground CCV for each car at anytime. Will has access to a very rich man who may know something about all of this. etc...
And in the process-- the found family they create is heartwarming. Even after the terror.
This is a solid, entertaining horror story with some social commentary. The mixture of dark humor with serious social issues and terror was done well, but it is a little over the top at times. That makes is a fun read and I cannot fault the author for that.
Paris nicely with Alma Katus's Fiend (ancient evil tied to the rich and social commentary) and Fabulous Bodies by Chuck Tingle (bonkers, smell plays a part, social commentary, mystery aspects) And of course fans of Welcome to Nightvale.
Three Words That Describe This Book: Multiple Points of view, Social Commentary, Horror-Mystery
Draft Review: Fans of the Magnus Archives podcast rejoice, its creator has written his first book, an entertaining and immersive eldritch horror-mystery set during a sweltering heat wave, featuring a monster in the London Underground. In consecutive chapters to open the novel, readers meet five strangers on a train car. One by one they tell their story of that fateful day as each experiences an unsettling moment of dissociation, notices a distinctly awful smell unlike any bad odor they have encountered on the Underground before, and comes away with a gray, flaky film clinging to them. The dread and unease from that fleeting moment follows each, first as a nagging bad feeling, then manifesting into a pale humanoid creature, stalking them. A story where every detail matters, bonkers in all the right ways, producing claustrophobic chills, and providing a biting social commentary, readers will dive into the tunnels and root for this motley group of former strangers turned found family as they work together to stop a terrifying monster and save the people of London (and themselves) from a terrible fate.
Verdict: With a huge built-in audience, libraries need to have this one available, but it is also an excellent suggestion for fans of Chuck Tingle, Alma Katsu’s Fiend, and Jeffrey Cranor and Joseph Fink’s Welcome to Night Vale.
Other words: Eldritch, found family. bonkers (but just the right amount, still serious horror), dark humor, stifling, claustrophobic immersive, popular podcast now writing a book, entertaining, terrifying, multiple points of view
First, it must be said that the author is the creator of the very popular original, horror-mystery podcast The Magnus Archives. It has a Welcome to Nightvale feel, but instead of a town it is focused on an archive and the supernatural mysteries that come from that.
So right away, you have an audience for this book at your library-- the millions of people who have enjoyed the podcast. Also fans of Welcome to Nightvale and its spin off books.
The story is original, entertaining, with an eldritch feel, and so stiflingly claustrophobic. We start on a London Underground car. It is the middle of the worst heat wave in London ever. This is important to the story because everyone is sweatier and more out of it than normal.
There are 6 people on the car. Part 1 of the novel is 5 of those people telling the story of their day on that train car. Elise (works for the transit ministry as a coder), Senyo (an Underground driver and union leader), Tash (an overnight hotel clerk), Will (a finance guy), and Aaron (young homeless man).
One by one they tell their story of that day. This is a great way to start the book because readers get to meet each character from inside their head. It sets up the fact that all 5 had a moment of dissociation on the train and that they knew something strange happened. They also note a strange bad smell-- very different from regular Underground smells and a weird flaky film that gets on them. The dread and unease from that experience followed them throughout their days and even moved into something stalking them (maybe) at home in their nights.
(Side note, I had two books with smell playing a big part in the story for this column-- Fabulous Bodies is the other)
And it increases the mystery around the 6th person. Which comes into play.
But the bouncing around of character helps to keep the story moving and allow the reader to understand the motivations of each character before they understand each other.
Here is the thing that Sims does well-- all the details matter. The five characters notice and work on things in their jobs, things that all get used in the story-- but not in a way that feels forced. I liked that. So for example, the heat wave and how and why the Underground is so hot and how people have been trying to fix that for years that comes into play. That is one example.
I always appreciate when the details that build characters and place also playing a role in the plot.
Like all good horror, the story is resolved but the chance of the monster coming back to find them is very possible. Sequel?
The social commentary about how hard it is to live in London with rising costs, racism, and how poorly the homeless are treated, and how the rich are getting richer, etc...it is all woven in to the story.
The monster deep in the tunnels is well built. It is more than they even realize at first and how they seek it all out and fight it is believable. Everyone uses the skills and professions they have to help solve the mystery. They really need to work together as a unit to save themselves from being the next victim. For example, Senyo has access to the Underground CCV for each car at anytime. Will has access to a very rich man who may know something about all of this. etc...
And in the process-- the found family they create is heartwarming. Even after the terror.
This is a solid, entertaining horror story with some social commentary. The mixture of dark humor with serious social issues and terror was done well, but it is a little over the top at times. That makes is a fun read and I cannot fault the author for that.
Paris nicely with Alma Katus's Fiend (ancient evil tied to the rich and social commentary) and Fabulous Bodies by Chuck Tingle (bonkers, smell plays a part, social commentary, mystery aspects) And of course fans of Welcome to Nightvale.
April 8, 2026
A story that’s equal parts creepy & intense. You’ll be rooting for the main characters and the bonds of friendship & family they form in this wholly original horror standalone!
April 25, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
This is a really good example of the kind of thing you can do with horror as a social commentary. More than anything, this book is a big, bundled class discussion and dissection, and the things that happen to the characters are in aid of that discussion.
The thing is, the characters are equally well fleshed out and developed, and so you get a delicious horror banquet that hits all the right notes in all the right places.
While we have five characters to follow, all of which are interesting but not overwhelming. All of them are well developed, and they don’t tend to take too much or too little of the narrative. I think my favourite characters were Elise and Aaron, just because they were so well written. The description of the public service was very apt, and I laughed more than once at some of the absurdity.
The monster threat in this was exceptional, and I think a really good twist on the normal lore. It just felt like it had a lot more work and care put into it, and I really appreciated it from a horror standpoint. The only thing I did feel could have been improved was the ending, but even that was only by a little bit.
The writing was exceptional too, and I think it’s definitely a testament to what horror should be- social commentary, a touch of wry humour, and, at the heart of it all, really good characters who make reading the book a delight.
This is a really good example of the kind of thing you can do with horror as a social commentary. More than anything, this book is a big, bundled class discussion and dissection, and the things that happen to the characters are in aid of that discussion.
The thing is, the characters are equally well fleshed out and developed, and so you get a delicious horror banquet that hits all the right notes in all the right places.
While we have five characters to follow, all of which are interesting but not overwhelming. All of them are well developed, and they don’t tend to take too much or too little of the narrative. I think my favourite characters were Elise and Aaron, just because they were so well written. The description of the public service was very apt, and I laughed more than once at some of the absurdity.
The monster threat in this was exceptional, and I think a really good twist on the normal lore. It just felt like it had a lot more work and care put into it, and I really appreciated it from a horror standpoint. The only thing I did feel could have been improved was the ending, but even that was only by a little bit.
The writing was exceptional too, and I think it’s definitely a testament to what horror should be- social commentary, a touch of wry humour, and, at the heart of it all, really good characters who make reading the book a delight.
April 16, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for a copy of this e-ARC!
The Burn Line was my first exposure to Jonathan Sims and it is safe to say I believe that the hype is well deserved. This book was eerie, placing a new spin on a beloved horror trope of mine, vampires. Sims’ ability to produce dread is fantasy, the description of these monsters are revolting and nasty, the body horror was excellent when it became present.
However, the biggest gripe I had with this story was the character’s relationships. I enjoyed all of the individual characters from what we got of them, but I think this story would’ve benefited a lot more from either: a) being longer to show rather than tell the development between the cast, especially with the family dynamic. Yes, the situation is high stakes, and there’s a nasty white freak chasing them around; but, whenever the dynamics between the characters were mentioned I found myself wanting more out of it (ie Tash and Elise, Aaron and Senyo) or b) having the amount of POVs cut down to strengthen individual characterization, as I personally felt as though it felt spread thin.
I would have found myself rooting for them and their individual arcs a lot more if I were shown bonding rather than largely told about it. A lot of it seemed to have happened off page and that aspect disappointed me the most in this story, especially when it becomes so vital to the narrative later on.
The Burn Line was my first exposure to Jonathan Sims and it is safe to say I believe that the hype is well deserved. This book was eerie, placing a new spin on a beloved horror trope of mine, vampires. Sims’ ability to produce dread is fantasy, the description of these monsters are revolting and nasty, the body horror was excellent when it became present.
However, the biggest gripe I had with this story was the character’s relationships. I enjoyed all of the individual characters from what we got of them, but I think this story would’ve benefited a lot more from either: a) being longer to show rather than tell the development between the cast, especially with the family dynamic. Yes, the situation is high stakes, and there’s a nasty white freak chasing them around; but, whenever the dynamics between the characters were mentioned I found myself wanting more out of it (ie Tash and Elise, Aaron and Senyo) or b) having the amount of POVs cut down to strengthen individual characterization, as I personally felt as though it felt spread thin.
I would have found myself rooting for them and their individual arcs a lot more if I were shown bonding rather than largely told about it. A lot of it seemed to have happened off page and that aspect disappointed me the most in this story, especially when it becomes so vital to the narrative later on.
Want to Read
April 2, 2026A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
June 16, 2026
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars
✨✨Atmospheric and tense, but a bit too slow at times✨✨
The Burn Line is a very atmospheric, creepy, and tense read! I really enjoyed it for the most part.
The setting of a stifling hot London Underground and 5 travelers trying to figure out what’s going on, why they can’t remember some stuff, and what is killing people was really intriguing. I definitely wanted to keep reading and figure it all out!!!
I did struggle with what to rate this one and that doesn’t happen to me often. Some of the pacing was a little off for me, it was really slow in some parts. The rest was pretty fast paced though and I did really like how well done the tension building is. I think maybe it was because of how many POVs there are why it was slow at times.
I’m pretty happy with the ending. As a whole, I really liked The Burn Line!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a free ebook copy in exchange for an honest review. This book is expected to be released August 25, 2026 .
✨✨Atmospheric and tense, but a bit too slow at times✨✨
The Burn Line is a very atmospheric, creepy, and tense read! I really enjoyed it for the most part.
The setting of a stifling hot London Underground and 5 travelers trying to figure out what’s going on, why they can’t remember some stuff, and what is killing people was really intriguing. I definitely wanted to keep reading and figure it all out!!!
I did struggle with what to rate this one and that doesn’t happen to me often. Some of the pacing was a little off for me, it was really slow in some parts. The rest was pretty fast paced though and I did really like how well done the tension building is. I think maybe it was because of how many POVs there are why it was slow at times.
I’m pretty happy with the ending. As a whole, I really liked The Burn Line!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a free ebook copy in exchange for an honest review. This book is expected to be released August 25, 2026 .
May 23, 2026
You see that one month gap earlier this year where I appear to not read anything? Yeah, I was binging the entirety of The Magnus Archives.
I was truly, endlessly impressed by the horror anthology, how it all culminated, and how utterly brilliant Jonathan Sims’ mind is.
So, imagine my utter delight when I find THE BURN LINE on Netgalley (thank you to them & Poisoned Pen Press!) and was approved for an e-ARC less than 24 hours after requesting it. Naturally, I dived in immediately, even though my TBR is growing longer than the Great Wall of China.
In The Burn Line, six strangers in London emerge from the Underground rattled and anxious from an experience they can’t remember, but is affecting them in their day to day life in a way they can’t explain. The only thing that connects them is this incident, and their terror is made all the more oppressive by Sims’ description of the oppressive London heat wave and burden of barely scraping by in a world made for the elite and wealthy.
The multiple perspectives that this book offered was brilliant and kept me endlessly compelled— you’re kept on the edge of your seat as they attempt to figure out what exactly happened while still trying to get by in their day to day lives. There were many elements that were reminiscent of The Magnus Archives and heightened my experience reading The Burn Line, although I am not sure—for readers unfamiliar with TMA—whether this would be interpreted as foreboding or as an element that muddles the remainder of the plot.
Although the beginning of the book was a bit slow to take off (and you don’t learn about the true origins of “the incident” until the later portion of the novel), the latter half of TBL was worth the wait. The last 30% of the book in particular reminded me of the video game The Quarry—and, since I have been looking to fill that void since its release, I am happily satiated.
My only other qualm with THE BURN LINE was how jarring it was realizing the time period it took place in. TBL takes place in the direct aftermath of the worst of the pandemic and also directly following when the Queen of England dies. Thus, being transported back into a time where everyone is wearing masks and mourning her royal majesty was a bit,,, peculiar. I think this novel could have greatly benefited from a qualifier that it takes place in 2022 (in the synopsis?), as reading it four years after the events of the book did somewhat remove me from the plot.
Otherwise, this was a near perfect read. Perhaps I’m biased because of my enjoyment of The Magnus Archives, but this was such a good horror read for me. I’m so happy I took a chance on this and will make Jonathan Sims one of my auto-buy authors from this point forward.
I was truly, endlessly impressed by the horror anthology, how it all culminated, and how utterly brilliant Jonathan Sims’ mind is.
So, imagine my utter delight when I find THE BURN LINE on Netgalley (thank you to them & Poisoned Pen Press!) and was approved for an e-ARC less than 24 hours after requesting it. Naturally, I dived in immediately, even though my TBR is growing longer than the Great Wall of China.
In The Burn Line, six strangers in London emerge from the Underground rattled and anxious from an experience they can’t remember, but is affecting them in their day to day life in a way they can’t explain. The only thing that connects them is this incident, and their terror is made all the more oppressive by Sims’ description of the oppressive London heat wave and burden of barely scraping by in a world made for the elite and wealthy.
The multiple perspectives that this book offered was brilliant and kept me endlessly compelled— you’re kept on the edge of your seat as they attempt to figure out what exactly happened while still trying to get by in their day to day lives. There were many elements that were reminiscent of The Magnus Archives and heightened my experience reading The Burn Line, although I am not sure—for readers unfamiliar with TMA—whether this would be interpreted as foreboding or as an element that muddles the remainder of the plot.
Although the beginning of the book was a bit slow to take off (and you don’t learn about the true origins of “the incident” until the later portion of the novel), the latter half of TBL was worth the wait. The last 30% of the book in particular reminded me of the video game The Quarry—and, since I have been looking to fill that void since its release, I am happily satiated.
My only other qualm with THE BURN LINE was how jarring it was realizing the time period it took place in. TBL takes place in the direct aftermath of the worst of the pandemic and also directly following when the Queen of England dies. Thus, being transported back into a time where everyone is wearing masks and mourning her royal majesty was a bit,,, peculiar. I think this novel could have greatly benefited from a qualifier that it takes place in 2022 (in the synopsis?), as reading it four years after the events of the book did somewhat remove me from the plot.
Otherwise, this was a near perfect read. Perhaps I’m biased because of my enjoyment of The Magnus Archives, but this was such a good horror read for me. I’m so happy I took a chance on this and will make Jonathan Sims one of my auto-buy authors from this point forward.
April 7, 2026
4 Stars!
I received an e-ARC of The Burn Line, but that did not affect my rating or review.
This was really unsettling in a way I liked. One of my favorite things about it was the way the creature was described. I thought the descriptions of its physical appearance, the way it moved, and the way it kept appearing and disappearing were all really effective. It was deeply creepy and horrible, and the fact that it stayed mysterious for so much of the book made it even more unsettling.
The barely seen, hard-to-understand creatures are always the scariest to me, and I thought this book handled that really well. The whole thing felt unstable and off in a way that made the horror work even better.
If you like creepy atmosphere, urban horror, and mysterious creature horror, I’d definitely recommend it.
I received an e-ARC of The Burn Line, but that did not affect my rating or review.
This was really unsettling in a way I liked. One of my favorite things about it was the way the creature was described. I thought the descriptions of its physical appearance, the way it moved, and the way it kept appearing and disappearing were all really effective. It was deeply creepy and horrible, and the fact that it stayed mysterious for so much of the book made it even more unsettling.
The barely seen, hard-to-understand creatures are always the scariest to me, and I thought this book handled that really well. The whole thing felt unstable and off in a way that made the horror work even better.
If you like creepy atmosphere, urban horror, and mysterious creature horror, I’d definitely recommend it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
✦
3.5/5
There is a heavy, echoing sort of tension to this story that makes reading it feel as claustrophobic as living it would.
I found myself really liking the general direction of the plot, and I absolutely loved the characters: almost everyone was genuinely likable, and I appreciated that their personal growth felt like it naturally belonged to them rather than just being filler for the mystery. Seeing them all slowly lean on each other felt earned and very real for the world they’re stuck in.
I did find the second half of the book bit of a mixed bag, though: some of the twists didn't quite land for me, and they felt either too fake and forced on the characters or a bit too easy to spot. Even if those payoffs lacked the sharp punch I was hoping for, the moody atmosphere and the people made it a solid, lingering read.
✦
I thought it was “eat the rich”, not get eaten by them??
✦
3.5/5
There is a heavy, echoing sort of tension to this story that makes reading it feel as claustrophobic as living it would.
I found myself really liking the general direction of the plot, and I absolutely loved the characters: almost everyone was genuinely likable, and I appreciated that their personal growth felt like it naturally belonged to them rather than just being filler for the mystery. Seeing them all slowly lean on each other felt earned and very real for the world they’re stuck in.
I did find the second half of the book bit of a mixed bag, though: some of the twists didn't quite land for me, and they felt either too fake and forced on the characters or a bit too easy to spot. Even if those payoffs lacked the sharp punch I was hoping for, the moody atmosphere and the people made it a solid, lingering read.
✦
I thought it was “eat the rich”, not get eaten by them??
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2026
Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Utterly original and un-put-down-able! I am usually not one for “creature” horror but this was fantastic. I love the fact that the reader is kept in the dark for a lot of the story and you have to piece together what happened. I love the characters, I love the “eat the rich” attitude throughout, and I loved the omnipotent narrator voice that took over at times. And did you catch that Thirteen Storeys Easter egg in there? Chefs kiss. I was thoroughly immersed in this world in the dark underground where you know it’s not just nothing in the dark. One of my favorite books of the year so far 👏
Utterly original and un-put-down-able! I am usually not one for “creature” horror but this was fantastic. I love the fact that the reader is kept in the dark for a lot of the story and you have to piece together what happened. I love the characters, I love the “eat the rich” attitude throughout, and I loved the omnipotent narrator voice that took over at times. And did you catch that Thirteen Storeys Easter egg in there? Chefs kiss. I was thoroughly immersed in this world in the dark underground where you know it’s not just nothing in the dark. One of my favorite books of the year so far 👏
Want to Read
April 6, 2026gimme gimme gimmee !!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Burn Line by Jonathan Sims
4🔮orbs
Est. Pub. Date: Aug. 25, 2026
Poisoned Pen Press
Underground…
💡 Orbs Prologue: Coming to you live from the steamy London tubes, this is Q3 News Live reporter Chewable Orb. "Orb, what can you tell us?” “Well, Karen, there seems to be quite a bit of terror and commotion coming from underneath London as we speak. I have yet to track down its source, but hopefully I can grab a bystander to get their take.” Strategically working my way down to the center of the hive, per se, I pick out what appears to be a homeless man in a bit of shock. “Sir, Orb from Q3 News, what’s your name, and what can you tell us?”... “Yes, my name is Aaron, and well…it was quite disorienting if I am being honest,” he says. “I see, like an amusement park ride, then?” … “Well, no, not even close. This was far more evil, and the smell... believe me when I tell you this was something we all should be afraid of.” Aaron shudders….
🧐 A small glimpse: Author Jonathan Sims has deviously brought together five random strangers under some rather uniquely terrifying circumstances. During a rather mundane encounter, something happened that altered their lives simultaneously. Riding the tubes in London should be, for the most part, a safe affair. However, Sims has thrown a bit of a wrinkle that might have you looking closely at your surroundings as you "mind the gap." What happens when people from diverse backgrounds face a life-and-death dilemma that requires all their unique skills to stave off impending doom?
👍 Orbs Pros: The setting! OK, so I may be the only one, but being underneath in the London tubes proved to be anxiety-ridden. Jonathan plays upon this fear and amps it up to level 10 on the fear-o-meter. For what comes lurking in the darkness of the tunnels? The baddies! What are they? Sims did an excellent job of concealing the antagonists, just to make the reader wonder what the heck these things were until the novel’s conclusion. The characters! Some are lovable, others not so much. There was a good balance of both, adding a great tug-of-war of reader emotions throughout. Genuinely creepy! I just love books that have fun with the horror genre. This one certainly does that!
👎 Orbs Cons: Too many characters! Quite possibly. Due to the laborious nature of character-building, there were moments a character or two grated on me to the point of wondering why they were included. I lovingly referred to the book as “The Slow-Burn Line.” In any case, I understand why Sims fleshed the book out this way, and ultimately, I do believe I was rewarded for all of the characters’ backstories I was privy to.
Highly Recommended! This was plain fun! I didn’t find this to be overly gory and would recommend this to most. Because of the use of the sweltering London Underground and creative "creatures," this brings something different to the horror table.
💡 Orbs Epilogue: “Can you explain what you mean, Aaron? How was it evil?”... “I watched it, this thing, slither bonelessly through its own stench, a transparent cloud of death and despair. It reached up and entered through a small crack in the train window. A well-dressed man was sitting nearest the window. I know this because he had given me some coins before entering the Northern Line, and my eyes tracked him. A bit of amnesia overtook my mind, enough to forget. In a state of paralysis, I resumed only to watch as both the creature and the man were gone. Poof! And yet somehow this was all unnatural, like I innately knew something horrendous had taken place."... "Sounds horrific, Aaron, and as we stand here, I am beginning to take in something quite foul, the stench..." crackle...crackle. Total silence as the feed cuts out… “Orb, can you hear us? Ladies and gentlemen, we are terribly sorry for the technical difficulties. This has been Q3 news, and I am Karen O’Karen signing off. What the heck is happening down there, Charlie?” Karen’s forehead flushed with sweat. I have to take the Northern Line home…
Many thanks to Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC through NetGalley. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
4🔮orbs
Est. Pub. Date: Aug. 25, 2026
Poisoned Pen Press
Underground…
💡 Orbs Prologue: Coming to you live from the steamy London tubes, this is Q3 News Live reporter Chewable Orb. "Orb, what can you tell us?” “Well, Karen, there seems to be quite a bit of terror and commotion coming from underneath London as we speak. I have yet to track down its source, but hopefully I can grab a bystander to get their take.” Strategically working my way down to the center of the hive, per se, I pick out what appears to be a homeless man in a bit of shock. “Sir, Orb from Q3 News, what’s your name, and what can you tell us?”... “Yes, my name is Aaron, and well…it was quite disorienting if I am being honest,” he says. “I see, like an amusement park ride, then?” … “Well, no, not even close. This was far more evil, and the smell... believe me when I tell you this was something we all should be afraid of.” Aaron shudders….
🧐 A small glimpse: Author Jonathan Sims has deviously brought together five random strangers under some rather uniquely terrifying circumstances. During a rather mundane encounter, something happened that altered their lives simultaneously. Riding the tubes in London should be, for the most part, a safe affair. However, Sims has thrown a bit of a wrinkle that might have you looking closely at your surroundings as you "mind the gap." What happens when people from diverse backgrounds face a life-and-death dilemma that requires all their unique skills to stave off impending doom?
👍 Orbs Pros: The setting! OK, so I may be the only one, but being underneath in the London tubes proved to be anxiety-ridden. Jonathan plays upon this fear and amps it up to level 10 on the fear-o-meter. For what comes lurking in the darkness of the tunnels? The baddies! What are they? Sims did an excellent job of concealing the antagonists, just to make the reader wonder what the heck these things were until the novel’s conclusion. The characters! Some are lovable, others not so much. There was a good balance of both, adding a great tug-of-war of reader emotions throughout. Genuinely creepy! I just love books that have fun with the horror genre. This one certainly does that!
👎 Orbs Cons: Too many characters! Quite possibly. Due to the laborious nature of character-building, there were moments a character or two grated on me to the point of wondering why they were included. I lovingly referred to the book as “The Slow-Burn Line.” In any case, I understand why Sims fleshed the book out this way, and ultimately, I do believe I was rewarded for all of the characters’ backstories I was privy to.
Highly Recommended! This was plain fun! I didn’t find this to be overly gory and would recommend this to most. Because of the use of the sweltering London Underground and creative "creatures," this brings something different to the horror table.
💡 Orbs Epilogue: “Can you explain what you mean, Aaron? How was it evil?”... “I watched it, this thing, slither bonelessly through its own stench, a transparent cloud of death and despair. It reached up and entered through a small crack in the train window. A well-dressed man was sitting nearest the window. I know this because he had given me some coins before entering the Northern Line, and my eyes tracked him. A bit of amnesia overtook my mind, enough to forget. In a state of paralysis, I resumed only to watch as both the creature and the man were gone. Poof! And yet somehow this was all unnatural, like I innately knew something horrendous had taken place."... "Sounds horrific, Aaron, and as we stand here, I am beginning to take in something quite foul, the stench..." crackle...crackle. Total silence as the feed cuts out… “Orb, can you hear us? Ladies and gentlemen, we are terribly sorry for the technical difficulties. This has been Q3 news, and I am Karen O’Karen signing off. What the heck is happening down there, Charlie?” Karen’s forehead flushed with sweat. I have to take the Northern Line home…
Many thanks to Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC through NetGalley. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Deep in the stifling, baking, sweltering tunnels of the London Underground, something evil is lurking, ready to ruin the day of innocent Londoners just trying to survive... Tourists.
And also... monsters, apparently.
The Burn Line is Johnathan Sims's third forray into full-length horror novels, and it was shockingly well-timed that I read this through the hottest May on record since, well, ever. It's truly atmospheric to read this when you too are roasting alive on public transport. Of the three Sims books released so far, The Burn Line is certainly the book that has given me the most to think about after turning the last page.
There is so much to like about The Burn Line, but we have to start with the main characters. Senyo, Tash, Aaron, Elise, and Will, are all incredibly well-rounded characters who have their own unique narrative voices and play off of each other in a way that's compelling and entertaining. My biggest shout out goes to Senyo - father, husband, Unionist, second-gen(?) immigrant, Tube train driver, thicc king, and all-round badass - one of my favourite fictional characters in recent memory.
The opening few chapters of the book all start from the same point in time, hopping across the POV of each of the main crew, and absolutely nailing the feeling of creeping dread as they all come to realise that /something/ happened to them down in the oppressive heat of their shared Tube carriage. Throughout reading, I was consistently impressed with just how well Sims managed to keep the spooks going even when the characters were going about their day-to-day lives. The spooks are so strong, in fact, that reading a mid-book section where a character is watching CCTV of a carriage had me shivering and looking over my shoulder in the middle of a sun-drenched park. I really appreciated the use of the Tube as a setting - a location that I think is criminally underrated in the horror genre in general (the only other time I can immediately recall it being used is in the 2004 film "Creep"). Throughout the book there are also several surprisingly funny moments, with a special shout-out needed for the brutal skewering of the media response to the Queen's death, which was so accurate I sat and read four pages out to my wife whilst giggling away.
Overall, The Burn Line truly showcases some of Johnny Sims's biggest strengths as a writer - dynamic, well-rounded characters, tightly written scares blending together enough fear factors that there's sure to be a spook for everyone, and a sharp-edged wit to keep the reader engaged.
Soooooo... given that I would openly declare |The Burn Line as Sims at his best, why did I give Thirteen Stories five stars, but this gets four? Really it comes down to three words from the blurb - "socially conscious horror".
Before you scroll away, I need to impress upon anyone reading this that I am an annoying woke-y lefty and damn proud of that fact. I feel like I am probably exactly who Sims and/or his marketing team really want to be excited by this book! But I'm also practically allergic to what I refer to as "baby's first diversity" books. I'm already knee-deep in the discourse, so I find it to be the most maddening thing in the world when an author stops mid-story to give the reader a Diversity 101 lesson for a couple of pages, rather than weave it in to the story. In some ways, Sims REALLY nails avoiding this trope without being cloying ("Senyo didn't really understand it, but was supporting them like the internet said to" being a prime example), however the story does still drag at times whilst Sims hits you around the head with the morals.
Thirteen Stories is consistently good, with standout scenes, whereas The Burn Line has much clearer faults alongside outright brilliance. I feel about The Burn Line how I feel about Wake Up Dead Man in the Knives Out universe - the first one might still be the best overall, but the third one is my favourite.
(There's also something so funny about Londoners going goo-goo eyed over North-North London - sorry, I mean "Manchester", to give it it's historical name - at every given opportunity, as if their mass Exodus up there isn't just... replicating the same problems as London had and driving lifelong Mancunians out due to property price hikes. The call is coming from inside the house!)
8/10
And also... monsters, apparently.
The Burn Line is Johnathan Sims's third forray into full-length horror novels, and it was shockingly well-timed that I read this through the hottest May on record since, well, ever. It's truly atmospheric to read this when you too are roasting alive on public transport. Of the three Sims books released so far, The Burn Line is certainly the book that has given me the most to think about after turning the last page.
There is so much to like about The Burn Line, but we have to start with the main characters. Senyo, Tash, Aaron, Elise, and Will, are all incredibly well-rounded characters who have their own unique narrative voices and play off of each other in a way that's compelling and entertaining. My biggest shout out goes to Senyo - father, husband, Unionist, second-gen(?) immigrant, Tube train driver, thicc king, and all-round badass - one of my favourite fictional characters in recent memory.
The opening few chapters of the book all start from the same point in time, hopping across the POV of each of the main crew, and absolutely nailing the feeling of creeping dread as they all come to realise that /something/ happened to them down in the oppressive heat of their shared Tube carriage. Throughout reading, I was consistently impressed with just how well Sims managed to keep the spooks going even when the characters were going about their day-to-day lives. The spooks are so strong, in fact, that reading a mid-book section where a character is watching CCTV of a carriage had me shivering and looking over my shoulder in the middle of a sun-drenched park. I really appreciated the use of the Tube as a setting - a location that I think is criminally underrated in the horror genre in general (the only other time I can immediately recall it being used is in the 2004 film "Creep"). Throughout the book there are also several surprisingly funny moments, with a special shout-out needed for the brutal skewering of the media response to the Queen's death, which was so accurate I sat and read four pages out to my wife whilst giggling away.
Overall, The Burn Line truly showcases some of Johnny Sims's biggest strengths as a writer - dynamic, well-rounded characters, tightly written scares blending together enough fear factors that there's sure to be a spook for everyone, and a sharp-edged wit to keep the reader engaged.
Soooooo... given that I would openly declare |The Burn Line as Sims at his best, why did I give Thirteen Stories five stars, but this gets four? Really it comes down to three words from the blurb - "socially conscious horror".
Before you scroll away, I need to impress upon anyone reading this that I am an annoying woke-y lefty and damn proud of that fact. I feel like I am probably exactly who Sims and/or his marketing team really want to be excited by this book! But I'm also practically allergic to what I refer to as "baby's first diversity" books. I'm already knee-deep in the discourse, so I find it to be the most maddening thing in the world when an author stops mid-story to give the reader a Diversity 101 lesson for a couple of pages, rather than weave it in to the story. In some ways, Sims REALLY nails avoiding this trope without being cloying ("Senyo didn't really understand it, but was supporting them like the internet said to" being a prime example), however the story does still drag at times whilst Sims hits you around the head with the morals.
Thirteen Stories is consistently good, with standout scenes, whereas The Burn Line has much clearer faults alongside outright brilliance. I feel about The Burn Line how I feel about Wake Up Dead Man in the Knives Out universe - the first one might still be the best overall, but the third one is my favourite.
(There's also something so funny about Londoners going goo-goo eyed over North-North London - sorry, I mean "Manchester", to give it it's historical name - at every given opportunity, as if their mass Exodus up there isn't just... replicating the same problems as London had and driving lifelong Mancunians out due to property price hikes. The call is coming from inside the house!)
8/10
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The found family that developed!!! I loved them. I also LOVE a creature feature and this one was so fun!!! Before I get into that, though, I have to say this was a really solid read, even though I was honestly hesitant starting out. I wasn't dragged in immediately due to the repetition of setting up each characters similar experiences, but I started having a blast once I reached further into the story where our cast really started connecting.
Here we have five characters who experienced some missing time while on the subway. Each one has weird experiences afterwards, leading to them finally connecting and trying to resolve their issue.. being 'Ghouls'. These creatures actually creeped me out - Sims does a great job describing their odd movements and how they "rot" everything around them. The idea of being frozen in place and simply forgetting when encountering them was genuinely unsettling. The overall atmosphere was claustrophobic and gloomy and just felt... thick.
While suspicious of a certain character and seeing some type of twist coming, I still didn't expect it to come about the way it did. Their first encounter with him also made me gasp out loud at what he had shared with our cast. Does it seem silly in hindsight? Yes, but when you're in the characters heads, what other choice do you have but to trust him hesitantly as well??
The found family didn't click with me until they were in the tunnels near the latter half of the book, but it came together and I really liked the epilogue. I felt that each character had their own quirks and felt like real individuals rather than one dimensional placeholders in the story just meant to move the plot forward, which is a contrast from other creature features I've read in the past.
We also see a lot of social commentary here on the rich, the poor, and, of course, capitalism. Some of it was definitely "in your face" and Sims made his stance rather clear. I will mention that it felt forced on the rare occasion, but most of the time it did blend in with the plot and didn't feel too out of place. Sims had a fun time writing about the weird things the rich get up too, and I had a fun time reading about the consequences of their actions.
4.25/5 stars
The found family that developed!!! I loved them. I also LOVE a creature feature and this one was so fun!!! Before I get into that, though, I have to say this was a really solid read, even though I was honestly hesitant starting out. I wasn't dragged in immediately due to the repetition of setting up each characters similar experiences, but I started having a blast once I reached further into the story where our cast really started connecting.
Here we have five characters who experienced some missing time while on the subway. Each one has weird experiences afterwards, leading to them finally connecting and trying to resolve their issue.. being 'Ghouls'. These creatures actually creeped me out - Sims does a great job describing their odd movements and how they "rot" everything around them. The idea of being frozen in place and simply forgetting when encountering them was genuinely unsettling. The overall atmosphere was claustrophobic and gloomy and just felt... thick.
While suspicious of a certain character and seeing some type of twist coming, I still didn't expect it to come about the way it did. Their first encounter with him also made me gasp out loud at what he had shared with our cast. Does it seem silly in hindsight? Yes, but when you're in the characters heads, what other choice do you have but to trust him hesitantly as well??
The found family didn't click with me until they were in the tunnels near the latter half of the book, but it came together and I really liked the epilogue. I felt that each character had their own quirks and felt like real individuals rather than one dimensional placeholders in the story just meant to move the plot forward, which is a contrast from other creature features I've read in the past.
We also see a lot of social commentary here on the rich, the poor, and, of course, capitalism. Some of it was definitely "in your face" and Sims made his stance rather clear. I will mention that it felt forced on the rare occasion, but most of the time it did blend in with the plot and didn't feel too out of place. Sims had a fun time writing about the weird things the rich get up too, and I had a fun time reading about the consequences of their actions.
4.25/5 stars
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 stars, rounded to 4
Thank you NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
First and foremost, The Burn Line is dripping in descriptions of tactile sensation, and I ate up every bit of it. London is drowning itself in sweat, and our motley cast of characters descend into the Underground to bake and broil themselves some more and come back up...haunted?
Each of our protagonists' brushes with the supernatural are paired with their overwhelming, monotonous reality. So which cooks a city faster: the putrefying grotesquerie of a never-ending heat wave, or capital?
My favorite way this conundrum unfolds is through the foiled experiences of two out of the five protagonists, Aaron and Will. As an unhoused person, Aaron's every brush with London at large stamps out even more of his personhood. Unexpectedly, this same experience is mirrored in Will, a banker for the one percent who is managing large levels of wealth that are just out of reach for him to attain. Will, funneling all of energy and determination into this idol of success, is whittling away his humanity just like society whittles it away for Aaron.
What kept this book from being a five-star read for me was the fact that no single character feels fully realized. On their own, these characters exist to embody a different aspect of living under late-stage capitalism and to react to the monster just outside of their vision. Once they gather together, the group coheres into a unit, spurred on solely by the demands of the plot, their own wants and flaws sprinkled in like seasoning instead of substance. This book is single-mindedly focused on weaving a web of society as a machine, where every character is an interchangeable piece of a larger puzzle, confronting the horror beyond their imagination and the horror of their everyday existence.
However, my analysis of these characters begs a question I can't answer. The Burn Line sands down all possibilities of its characters' emotions and expressions until they are trudging along in the darkness together, undifferentiated...but is this the fault of the book? Or is this the fault of capital?
Thank you NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
First and foremost, The Burn Line is dripping in descriptions of tactile sensation, and I ate up every bit of it. London is drowning itself in sweat, and our motley cast of characters descend into the Underground to bake and broil themselves some more and come back up...haunted?
Each of our protagonists' brushes with the supernatural are paired with their overwhelming, monotonous reality. So which cooks a city faster: the putrefying grotesquerie of a never-ending heat wave, or capital?
My favorite way this conundrum unfolds is through the foiled experiences of two out of the five protagonists, Aaron and Will. As an unhoused person, Aaron's every brush with London at large stamps out even more of his personhood. Unexpectedly, this same experience is mirrored in Will, a banker for the one percent who is managing large levels of wealth that are just out of reach for him to attain. Will, funneling all of energy and determination into this idol of success, is whittling away his humanity just like society whittles it away for Aaron.
What kept this book from being a five-star read for me was the fact that no single character feels fully realized. On their own, these characters exist to embody a different aspect of living under late-stage capitalism and to react to the monster just outside of their vision. Once they gather together, the group coheres into a unit, spurred on solely by the demands of the plot, their own wants and flaws sprinkled in like seasoning instead of substance. This book is single-mindedly focused on weaving a web of society as a machine, where every character is an interchangeable piece of a larger puzzle, confronting the horror beyond their imagination and the horror of their everyday existence.
However, my analysis of these characters begs a question I can't answer. The Burn Line sands down all possibilities of its characters' emotions and expressions until they are trudging along in the darkness together, undifferentiated...but is this the fault of the book? Or is this the fault of capital?
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an e-ARC and am giving my honest review. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this opportunity!
Okay, listen. Do I have a few Magnus Archives tattoos and jumped at the opportunity to read Jonny Sims' new book? Jump would be an understatement, but yes. I knew I was going to love this book and, honestly, didn't even read the summary. As expected, this was phenomenal. The characters were all so incredibly interesting and well written, all being screwed over by capitalism but on different points of the spectrum of livelihoods. Aaron, a sweet unhoused man, Senyo, a transport worker with a nonbinary child and a very understanding wife, Tash, a transfem ball of chaos, Elise, a sweet woman who works with data, and Will, a man who looks and acts a bit higher-class but is struggling like the rest of them.
This novel explored the grotesque and disgusting lows the higher-class would go to in order to stay higher-class, while simultaneously showing us the power of the people. All of the people.
I loved how well things worked together in this book. Each character having their own specialties and them coming to use. How they managed to figure out what was happening despite literally everything working against them. Sims' commentary on the way unhoused individuals are treated in today's society was also incredibly interesting, especially as someone who is American. He did a phenomenal job of also showing Aaron's day-to-day beyond being tracked by an unknown monster. I really can't recommend the way this book explores economic classes without giving an out for the upper-upper class. There is no "well this one is okay actually," and while that may be more realistic, I much more appreciated the lack of realism in this case.
The horror was phenomenal, of course. Sims never goes lightly on the details of the creatures and situation his characters are facing, and that really shined here. There were times where it felt like I could smell that sickening sweet rot along with the characters I was reading.
Okay, listen. Do I have a few Magnus Archives tattoos and jumped at the opportunity to read Jonny Sims' new book? Jump would be an understatement, but yes. I knew I was going to love this book and, honestly, didn't even read the summary. As expected, this was phenomenal. The characters were all so incredibly interesting and well written, all being screwed over by capitalism but on different points of the spectrum of livelihoods. Aaron, a sweet unhoused man, Senyo, a transport worker with a nonbinary child and a very understanding wife, Tash, a transfem ball of chaos, Elise, a sweet woman who works with data, and Will, a man who looks and acts a bit higher-class but is struggling like the rest of them.
This novel explored the grotesque and disgusting lows the higher-class would go to in order to stay higher-class, while simultaneously showing us the power of the people. All of the people.
I loved how well things worked together in this book. Each character having their own specialties and them coming to use. How they managed to figure out what was happening despite literally everything working against them. Sims' commentary on the way unhoused individuals are treated in today's society was also incredibly interesting, especially as someone who is American. He did a phenomenal job of also showing Aaron's day-to-day beyond being tracked by an unknown monster. I really can't recommend the way this book explores economic classes without giving an out for the upper-upper class. There is no "well this one is okay actually," and while that may be more realistic, I much more appreciated the lack of realism in this case.
The horror was phenomenal, of course. Sims never goes lightly on the details of the creatures and situation his characters are facing, and that really shined here. There were times where it felt like I could smell that sickening sweet rot along with the characters I was reading.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for giving me an ARC.
This was a really fantastic horror. I appreciated the multiple pov's that set up each character because it meant I had time to get to know them and get attached before the action started. It also enabled the reader to experience what happened from different vantage points, which made piecing together the different fragments of the mystery slightly easier (although I didn't know what was going on until the third act, I'm bad at mysteries).
I loved the amount of representation. All of the characters brought something to the narrative from their own lived experience that enhanced my enjoyment and made it feel much more realistic. I especially loved Aaron; because he's homeless most people dismissed him, but he was the one who pulled everyone else together and attempted to vocalise and articulate what had happened to them. Without him, the others wouldn't have started to realise that something happened on the tube that they all forgot.
Senyo worked wonderfully as the foundation of the group. His calm exterior and natural leadership made him the perfect person to put into action what the group was going to do next. I loved his relationship with his wife and child. And he's a union man! I grew quickly attached to Senyo; his pride in his work and his genuine love for the transport system was so cool. I loved Tasha and her expensive mattress; she was so iconic and her relationship with Elise was so sweet.
The narrative was really well paced. I liked the first section being used as an opportunity for the reader to get to know the characters, slowly building up encounters they had with the ghouls, until the final act where it all culminated into a fast-paced, thrilling battle.
I loved the general eat the rich theme of the book. There was so much amazing social commentary wrapped up in a fun horror about a group of strangers who experience something they can't explain.
This was a really fantastic horror. I appreciated the multiple pov's that set up each character because it meant I had time to get to know them and get attached before the action started. It also enabled the reader to experience what happened from different vantage points, which made piecing together the different fragments of the mystery slightly easier (although I didn't know what was going on until the third act, I'm bad at mysteries).
I loved the amount of representation. All of the characters brought something to the narrative from their own lived experience that enhanced my enjoyment and made it feel much more realistic. I especially loved Aaron; because he's homeless most people dismissed him, but he was the one who pulled everyone else together and attempted to vocalise and articulate what had happened to them. Without him, the others wouldn't have started to realise that something happened on the tube that they all forgot.
Senyo worked wonderfully as the foundation of the group. His calm exterior and natural leadership made him the perfect person to put into action what the group was going to do next. I loved his relationship with his wife and child. And he's a union man! I grew quickly attached to Senyo; his pride in his work and his genuine love for the transport system was so cool. I loved Tasha and her expensive mattress; she was so iconic and her relationship with Elise was so sweet.
The narrative was really well paced. I liked the first section being used as an opportunity for the reader to get to know the characters, slowly building up encounters they had with the ghouls, until the final act where it all culminated into a fast-paced, thrilling battle.
I loved the general eat the rich theme of the book. There was so much amazing social commentary wrapped up in a fun horror about a group of strangers who experience something they can't explain.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I have a really hard time reviewing this one because there are parts of it that were great and parts of it that dragged so badly I caught myself debating whether or not I should DNF it.
The horror elements were really well executed, and the creatures and lore were both interesting. It felt genuinely fresh and suspenseful. But the long periods of monotony in between, especially in the first few sections, totally diffused all that tension, to the point where there was no real build. As a result, every time I got to one of the "horror" scenes, the tension had to build again from scratch instead of building upon what had already been established. The narrative could be genuinely incredible if the pacing were tightened up and about a hundred pages were cut.
The other thing I had a hard time with was how flat all of the characters felt. I didn't feel a connection to any of them; I didn't have any sort of hook when they were introduced to make me care about any of them, except for Aaron. I could see where an attempt was made to lay out the hook and where the narrative explicitly told me that I needed to care about the characters, but that's the problem. I was being told, and the telling was louder than anything else in the first part of the novel. The narrative was explaining to me why I ought to care about the characters instead of just showing human beings living their lives and having experiences that become increasingly more terrifying and unexplainable. It felt like the author didn't trust the readers to understand or be empathetic enough, which turns into lecturing pretty quickly, and that makes me feel like the author is treating me as an adversary, not as someone experiencing a story.
The worst part is how much potential the story had. I can see all of the really amazing moments that just weren't allowed to reach their full potential. I know how good the author's other work is. Unfortunately, this feels like a second draft, not a finished novel.
The horror elements were really well executed, and the creatures and lore were both interesting. It felt genuinely fresh and suspenseful. But the long periods of monotony in between, especially in the first few sections, totally diffused all that tension, to the point where there was no real build. As a result, every time I got to one of the "horror" scenes, the tension had to build again from scratch instead of building upon what had already been established. The narrative could be genuinely incredible if the pacing were tightened up and about a hundred pages were cut.
The other thing I had a hard time with was how flat all of the characters felt. I didn't feel a connection to any of them; I didn't have any sort of hook when they were introduced to make me care about any of them, except for Aaron. I could see where an attempt was made to lay out the hook and where the narrative explicitly told me that I needed to care about the characters, but that's the problem. I was being told, and the telling was louder than anything else in the first part of the novel. The narrative was explaining to me why I ought to care about the characters instead of just showing human beings living their lives and having experiences that become increasingly more terrifying and unexplainable. It felt like the author didn't trust the readers to understand or be empathetic enough, which turns into lecturing pretty quickly, and that makes me feel like the author is treating me as an adversary, not as someone experiencing a story.
The worst part is how much potential the story had. I can see all of the really amazing moments that just weren't allowed to reach their full potential. I know how good the author's other work is. Unfortunately, this feels like a second draft, not a finished novel.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This atmospheric horror novel is set during a London heatwave. A number of passengers are on a Central Line tube train when they witness something they can't quite recall. The passengers include a woman on her way to a new job, a tube driver, a hotel receptionist, an asset manager and a homeless man. Although they leave the train and continue with their day, strange things start occurring. An unpleasant smell appears suddenly, doors which should be firmly locked are left ajar, and strange noises wake them up. Gradually, the group of passengers find each other and try to trace another passenger they all remember but cannot track down. Together, they need to discover what happened that day and why they all feel unsafe since those events. Indeed, it soon becomes apparent that something has followed them from the darkness and that they are all in danger.
Having read other reviews of this book, I realise that Jonathan Sims hosts a popular podcast and has written other books with a supernatural theme. That is presumably why this feels so assured, although I do have slightly mixed feelings about it.
On the plus side, the writing is good. The first half of the novel has a lot of tension, and I enjoyed getting to know the characters as they realise that all is not well. However, there was also a lot of what I can only term as student politics. Everyone rich is seen as stupid and unworthy of their position; there is a lot of positivity around unions and strikes and an awful lot of reverse snobbery, which I found quite distasteful. Perhaps those who know the author's work are aware of his political views, which is fine. I found it too simplistic that such a disparate group of characters shared so many views, and it took me away from the story.
I received a copy of the book from NetGalley for review.
Having read other reviews of this book, I realise that Jonathan Sims hosts a popular podcast and has written other books with a supernatural theme. That is presumably why this feels so assured, although I do have slightly mixed feelings about it.
On the plus side, the writing is good. The first half of the novel has a lot of tension, and I enjoyed getting to know the characters as they realise that all is not well. However, there was also a lot of what I can only term as student politics. Everyone rich is seen as stupid and unworthy of their position; there is a lot of positivity around unions and strikes and an awful lot of reverse snobbery, which I found quite distasteful. Perhaps those who know the author's work are aware of his political views, which is fine. I found it too simplistic that such a disparate group of characters shared so many views, and it took me away from the story.
I received a copy of the book from NetGalley for review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Special thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press!!
I’m a bit of a fanboy of Jonathan Sims. His podcasts, voice acting, and books all helped to keep me sane since finding The Magnus Archives in the dark days of 2021. So this novel being set during that that time feels very important and also cathartic. The pandemic was horrifying, lonely, and very deadly. The Burn Line feeds right into all of those anxieties, but also offers us a unique cast of characters that form a sort of chosen family after surviving….something….on the London Underground together.
If you’re familiar with Jonathan Sims writing you’ll know that he’s a master of giving every character a unique voice and perspective , and that they are always fully realized. The main imagery and stories this brought to mind outside of his prior work was the OG Twilight Zone, Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors, and Clive Barker’s Midnight Meat Train. This is not to say the burn Line is in any way derivative. More so the underpinnings of social commentary being told via weird fiction and horror really hit ferociously in the novel. I think that Rod Serling would be proud.
Each section of the novel is divided into chapters told from each of the survivors perspectives. This really allows you to get to know each of them very intimately.Each of their insecurities and self perception are viewed differently from person to person, which allows you to see the characters that you grow to love so much more in depth.
Gender, race, sexuality, and class mobility are all topics covered here, but it never feels pandering.
I want to go on and on but I feel like going into this fiery novel cold is a real gift you can give yourself.
Mind the gap.
I’m a bit of a fanboy of Jonathan Sims. His podcasts, voice acting, and books all helped to keep me sane since finding The Magnus Archives in the dark days of 2021. So this novel being set during that that time feels very important and also cathartic. The pandemic was horrifying, lonely, and very deadly. The Burn Line feeds right into all of those anxieties, but also offers us a unique cast of characters that form a sort of chosen family after surviving….something….on the London Underground together.
If you’re familiar with Jonathan Sims writing you’ll know that he’s a master of giving every character a unique voice and perspective , and that they are always fully realized. The main imagery and stories this brought to mind outside of his prior work was the OG Twilight Zone, Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors, and Clive Barker’s Midnight Meat Train. This is not to say the burn Line is in any way derivative. More so the underpinnings of social commentary being told via weird fiction and horror really hit ferociously in the novel. I think that Rod Serling would be proud.
Each section of the novel is divided into chapters told from each of the survivors perspectives. This really allows you to get to know each of them very intimately.Each of their insecurities and self perception are viewed differently from person to person, which allows you to see the characters that you grow to love so much more in depth.
Gender, race, sexuality, and class mobility are all topics covered here, but it never feels pandering.
I want to go on and on but I feel like going into this fiery novel cold is a real gift you can give yourself.
Mind the gap.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Love Jonathan Sims' writing in The Magnus Archives, so obviously had to pick up this book! It had a lot of what I really liked about TMA's writing -- so many minute details that really show the world, show the amount of research that's been put in, and just makes it feel like a very real setting. There's so much British bureaucracy and little details of London that cement the time and place of this story for me. There were also some really awesome atmospheric moments, especially in the second half of the book, which is very action-packed. All in all, a tightly written story that set out to do exactly what it intended to do. The ending was really heart-warming, too.
A downside of this book for me was the beginning. There felt like a lot of extraneous detail, often described far too prosaically, but I'm glad I stuck through nonetheless. I also felt like the theme of peerage (and the corruption in the system) was beating us over the head -- it's definitely an important theme but it got re-stated so often and didn't say anything new! The central cast of characters did reflect a range of classes present in London, ranging from an unhoused young man to an upper middle class stockbroker, but some details about each of the characters did make them feel a little token-ish. I also didn't really feel like I got to know the characters as people, but rather pieces of the story. I got to know their background, sometimes family, job/housing situation, but it made them feel more like representations than anything. More on their quirks, interests, what makes them tick, etc, would have really contributed a lot and made some events of the story more tragic.
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC!
A downside of this book for me was the beginning. There felt like a lot of extraneous detail, often described far too prosaically, but I'm glad I stuck through nonetheless. I also felt like the theme of peerage (and the corruption in the system) was beating us over the head -- it's definitely an important theme but it got re-stated so often and didn't say anything new! The central cast of characters did reflect a range of classes present in London, ranging from an unhoused young man to an upper middle class stockbroker, but some details about each of the characters did make them feel a little token-ish. I also didn't really feel like I got to know the characters as people, but rather pieces of the story. I got to know their background, sometimes family, job/housing situation, but it made them feel more like representations than anything. More on their quirks, interests, what makes them tick, etc, would have really contributed a lot and made some events of the story more tragic.
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
2⭐️ (ARC review, not finished copy.) Really disappointed in this one. Overall, I thought the first 1/3 was a little frustratingly slow, thought the second 1/3 was pretty good, and thought the last 1/3 was deeply ridiculous.
The writing's biggest flaw is that it over-explains everything- not just once or twice, but over and over and over until you feel like the characters are turning to directly face the camera and deliver the book's thesis statement in case you the reader have somehow missed The Point. Do you get that And don't worry, all the Good Characters that you're supposed to root for will make sure to assure you that they have all the correct class-conscious opinions, and the only exception
Anyways - I really wanted to like this book. There are parts that are genuinely good horror, including the monster descriptions, and especially the drawn-out dread before you learn what the monsters are. Overall, though, it feels like the book is too scared of the possibility of being misinterpreted to tell its own story. Very frustrating, especially since as a fan of the author's other works I know he can and has written better than this.
The writing's biggest flaw is that it over-explains everything- not just once or twice, but over and over and over until you feel like the characters are turning to directly face the camera and deliver the book's thesis statement in case you the reader have somehow missed The Point. Do you get that And don't worry, all the Good Characters that you're supposed to root for will make sure to assure you that they have all the correct class-conscious opinions, and the only exception
Anyways - I really wanted to like this book. There are parts that are genuinely good horror, including the monster descriptions, and especially the drawn-out dread before you learn what the monsters are. Overall, though, it feels like the book is too scared of the possibility of being misinterpreted to tell its own story. Very frustrating, especially since as a fan of the author's other works I know he can and has written better than this.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4 out of 5 shivers of terror! My sincere thanks to NetGalley & Poisoned Pen Press for the advanced reader copy of this book.
This story was suspenseful, somewhat twisty and had a fresh take on a classic horror creature you're probably familiar with. Five complete strangers find themselves haunted after an incident on their train commutes, but they can't quite place what is wrong. One by one they start to realize they are each being hunted and must work together to solve the mystery of what is happening to them.
I found this really entertaining and hard to put down. The horror scenes were written very well and I appreciated how good the dialogue was. You could easily pick out each character chapter by how differently it was written for each characters point of view. There was one twist I kind of saw coming, but other parts I did not know what to expect. I was connected to each of the characters, so my only issue is I wish there was a little more time to get to know them and their motivations (aside from the obvious survival aspect). This might sound weird, but I also wish we got to see them struggle more together as a group before the final act, or as pairs and bond more through the horror. What we did get was well done, so I just felt myself wanting more there. You also get the realistic horror of how other people treat each other and the classism that is still pretty present in real life. I personally didn't need covid brought into the story, I don't think it brought any value to it.
I would recommend this to book to anyone wanting a good dark, suspenseful creature horror with a little bit of found family mixed into it.
This story was suspenseful, somewhat twisty and had a fresh take on a classic horror creature you're probably familiar with. Five complete strangers find themselves haunted after an incident on their train commutes, but they can't quite place what is wrong. One by one they start to realize they are each being hunted and must work together to solve the mystery of what is happening to them.
I found this really entertaining and hard to put down. The horror scenes were written very well and I appreciated how good the dialogue was. You could easily pick out each character chapter by how differently it was written for each characters point of view. There was one twist I kind of saw coming, but other parts I did not know what to expect. I was connected to each of the characters, so my only issue is I wish there was a little more time to get to know them and their motivations (aside from the obvious survival aspect). This might sound weird, but I also wish we got to see them struggle more together as a group before the final act, or as pairs and bond more through the horror. What we did get was well done, so I just felt myself wanting more there. You also get the realistic horror of how other people treat each other and the classism that is still pretty present in real life. I personally didn't need covid brought into the story, I don't think it brought any value to it.
I would recommend this to book to anyone wanting a good dark, suspenseful creature horror with a little bit of found family mixed into it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Five random strangers on the tube in London find themselves coming to with the strange sensation that something happened-yet none of them can remember. This story follows each of the strangers going about their lives in the sweltering heat, trying to recall this eerie feeling that seems to be stalking them.
I really love the writing style of Jonathan Sims, and I was drawn in immediately to this premise. I love the tension and the slow build, as well as the perspective of each character. They each had their own unique voices and I really wanted to know what was going on.
Yet, as I went on and began to find out what was going on, I was more and more disappointed. I was hoping for more of the horror aspect and my interest waned as I realized it was more about social commentary. It's possible it's just not for me at this particular moment and what I wanted to read, and I would not dissuade anyone else from reading! It's just not for me personally and what I was hoping for!
Ultimately, my personal opinion is that this was hard to get through, though the idea itself is compelling. I got far enough in for the reveal but personally found it to ruin the story for me. I was hoping for something more...climactic? I DNF'd around 75% in and couldn't continue.
Writing and tension to the buildup were great though. I just couldn't force myself to read after, which is a personal issue. Still love Sims as a writer and storyteller and would read other writing. I may even pick this back up at a later date when I'm more inclined for this type of story.
I received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really love the writing style of Jonathan Sims, and I was drawn in immediately to this premise. I love the tension and the slow build, as well as the perspective of each character. They each had their own unique voices and I really wanted to know what was going on.
Yet, as I went on and began to find out what was going on, I was more and more disappointed. I was hoping for more of the horror aspect and my interest waned as I realized it was more about social commentary. It's possible it's just not for me at this particular moment and what I wanted to read, and I would not dissuade anyone else from reading! It's just not for me personally and what I was hoping for!
Ultimately, my personal opinion is that this was hard to get through, though the idea itself is compelling. I got far enough in for the reveal but personally found it to ruin the story for me. I was hoping for something more...climactic? I DNF'd around 75% in and couldn't continue.
Writing and tension to the buildup were great though. I just couldn't force myself to read after, which is a personal issue. Still love Sims as a writer and storyteller and would read other writing. I may even pick this back up at a later date when I'm more inclined for this type of story.
I received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Netgalley and to the publisher for the opportunity to review this book!
The Burn Line
5 strangers experience something terrifying on the tube in the London Underground, but they can't remember what happened. Each walk away still strangers, but all sharing a sense of dread that follows. Strange smells permeate the air at odd times and weird moments of disassociation plague their lives along with a creeping dread that something is stalking them. Eventually the five meet and are able to remember the horror that happened that night and realize the horror they have to face if they want to survive.
I am a huge fan of Jonathan Sims, I've read his other two books and was delighted he had written another, something to keep me busy while I wait for the next season of Magnus Archives (hint hint Jonathan). He is a true master of the descriptive word and I felt every sensory experience written; every drop of sweat in the oppressive heat and the suffocating darkness of the underground. The characters were well thought out and represented different socioeconomic statuses. The story is a bit of a slow burn and can take a while to really get going. I did connect deeply to the story, especially with everything happening in the world today, and I really rooted for each character. The only thing keeping this book from 5 stars is the final "battle" was a little anticlimactic for me but all in all a great creepy read!
The Burn Line
5 strangers experience something terrifying on the tube in the London Underground, but they can't remember what happened. Each walk away still strangers, but all sharing a sense of dread that follows. Strange smells permeate the air at odd times and weird moments of disassociation plague their lives along with a creeping dread that something is stalking them. Eventually the five meet and are able to remember the horror that happened that night and realize the horror they have to face if they want to survive.
I am a huge fan of Jonathan Sims, I've read his other two books and was delighted he had written another, something to keep me busy while I wait for the next season of Magnus Archives (hint hint Jonathan). He is a true master of the descriptive word and I felt every sensory experience written; every drop of sweat in the oppressive heat and the suffocating darkness of the underground. The characters were well thought out and represented different socioeconomic statuses. The story is a bit of a slow burn and can take a while to really get going. I did connect deeply to the story, especially with everything happening in the world today, and I really rooted for each character. The only thing keeping this book from 5 stars is the final "battle" was a little anticlimactic for me but all in all a great creepy read!
May 29, 2026
ARC courtesy of NetGalley.
I am always excited for Jonathan Sims' projects, and this was no exception. It did end up being more of a 3.5 than the 4 or 5 stars I'd anticipated, but it's still strong in all the aspects I enjoy in Sims. He knows how to build an atmosphere, and how to maintain it throughout different points in the story.
In this particular instance, the beginning does feel a little repetitive as every character sort of goes through the same experience, but then I found it to be a great deliberate tool highlight their differences in circumstance and perspective, which are paramount to the core and message of the story.
While the metaphorical use of the vampire-like creature does feel too on the nose for me, I appreciate what Sims is trying to say and understand the sense of despair in this work. Aaron was by far my favorite character as he is not the type of person a lot of stories get told about.
I do wish the book had been longer and taken a more Stephen-King-esque scenic route, especially to develop not just the relationships between the core group of characters who keep saying how bonded they are and how meaningful they are to each other without getting to interact much and actually develop those bonds, but I also feel a much longer timeline and time felt in the book would've really stuck the landing on how these evils prevail, if that makes any sense.
Still, Sims is Sims and I do love him.
I am always excited for Jonathan Sims' projects, and this was no exception. It did end up being more of a 3.5 than the 4 or 5 stars I'd anticipated, but it's still strong in all the aspects I enjoy in Sims. He knows how to build an atmosphere, and how to maintain it throughout different points in the story.
In this particular instance, the beginning does feel a little repetitive as every character sort of goes through the same experience, but then I found it to be a great deliberate tool highlight their differences in circumstance and perspective, which are paramount to the core and message of the story.
While the metaphorical use of the vampire-like creature does feel too on the nose for me, I appreciate what Sims is trying to say and understand the sense of despair in this work. Aaron was by far my favorite character as he is not the type of person a lot of stories get told about.
I do wish the book had been longer and taken a more Stephen-King-esque scenic route, especially to develop not just the relationships between the core group of characters who keep saying how bonded they are and how meaningful they are to each other without getting to interact much and actually develop those bonds, but I also feel a much longer timeline and time felt in the book would've really stuck the landing on how these evils prevail, if that makes any sense.
Still, Sims is Sims and I do love him.
April 20, 2026
Many thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for an ARC of this in exchange for an honest review.
I was maybe going to be a liiiittle biased going into this one, I’m a huge fan of Sims and his work. I loved Thirteen Stories and slightly obsessed with The Magnus Archives. I know the man can write an excellent horror but something about this peaked my interest in a way that horror doesn’t really seem to do anymore.
The premise was so interesting and executed phenomenally. I loved the characters, they all felt so real, so human. This is something Sims excels in, he’s excellent at characters that feel grounded and so real I feel as though I could bump into them in the street. The different POVs worked so well, I was turning the pages aching for more from all the different players in this.
The scene setting is just chefs kiss. So so good. He knows exactly how to dress a scene in mystery and fear and just enough disbelief that it leaves you questioning not only yourself but what the characters see too. The pages drip with grime and dirt and heat that you can imagine yourself right there in that place with that character.
Sims has just proved once again he’s phenomenal at horror. He knows exactly what to include and what not to include. He’s already an instant buy author for me, but I’m glad this solidified my faith in him.
I was maybe going to be a liiiittle biased going into this one, I’m a huge fan of Sims and his work. I loved Thirteen Stories and slightly obsessed with The Magnus Archives. I know the man can write an excellent horror but something about this peaked my interest in a way that horror doesn’t really seem to do anymore.
The premise was so interesting and executed phenomenally. I loved the characters, they all felt so real, so human. This is something Sims excels in, he’s excellent at characters that feel grounded and so real I feel as though I could bump into them in the street. The different POVs worked so well, I was turning the pages aching for more from all the different players in this.
The scene setting is just chefs kiss. So so good. He knows exactly how to dress a scene in mystery and fear and just enough disbelief that it leaves you questioning not only yourself but what the characters see too. The pages drip with grime and dirt and heat that you can imagine yourself right there in that place with that character.
Sims has just proved once again he’s phenomenal at horror. He knows exactly what to include and what not to include. He’s already an instant buy author for me, but I’m glad this solidified my faith in him.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Five people find themselves coming together after one hazy commute on the London Central line; something horrible happened in that train car and why can't they remember it? The book is told from multiple perspectives of these characters: they are people from vast different walks of life who find themselves forming a desperate community built on trauma.
This is my third Jonathan Sims novel (I like Thirteen Storeys, got on reasonably well with Family Business - I'm also a huge Magnus Archives fan). Sims is incredibly good at building his characters, and making them feel empathetic and individual, and this takes centre stage in The Burn Line.
The horror plot is schlocky but fun: A tale of creeping horrors in the London underground feels somewhat timeless, as the underground is steeped in ghost stories and urban legends.
I will say, the specific flavour of haunting in The Burn Line comes with a very precise social commentary that builds on a lot of the themes of Thirteen Storeys, but felt way more 'on the nose' and obvious. I thought the topics were handled clumsily in ways that meant I predicted every single twist miles ahead (obvious villains are obvious).
Overall, despite the issues I had with the unsubtlety, The Burn Line is a good, fun time, with characters I enjoyed spending time with.
Thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for my copy
This is my third Jonathan Sims novel (I like Thirteen Storeys, got on reasonably well with Family Business - I'm also a huge Magnus Archives fan). Sims is incredibly good at building his characters, and making them feel empathetic and individual, and this takes centre stage in The Burn Line.
The horror plot is schlocky but fun: A tale of creeping horrors in the London underground feels somewhat timeless, as the underground is steeped in ghost stories and urban legends.
I will say, the specific flavour of haunting in The Burn Line comes with a very precise social commentary that builds on a lot of the themes of Thirteen Storeys, but felt way more 'on the nose' and obvious. I thought the topics were handled clumsily in ways that meant I predicted every single twist miles ahead (obvious villains are obvious).
Overall, despite the issues I had with the unsubtlety, The Burn Line is a good, fun time, with characters I enjoyed spending time with.
Thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for my copy
June 8, 2026
Five strangers experience something beyond comprehension while riding the subway in London. As they recover their memories and band together to solve the mystery, they find themselves in real peril. I’d describe it as Final Destination meets The Strand, with the tone of a The Magnus Archives episode.
As a side note, I got about 35% into the ARC and thought, 'man, this feels like a The Magnus Archives episode', only to come back here and realize the author is the mind behind that podcast.
Anyway, the book was very good. All five characters are distinct and likable in their own ways. That does not mean they are perfect. Lord knows they have their flaws. But they fall into a group dynamic that feels believable, and I was genuinely rooting for all of them.
About halfway through, I lost a little interest. The main bad guy is introduced and shares a bunch of information with the group, and it becomes immediately apparent that one of two things is about to happen: either Jonathan Sims has jumped the shark and the book is a stinker, or we are getting a twist. I’m not going to tell you which it was, but I saw it coming from a mile away.
Very fun book if you like strong character work, creepy paranormal shit, urban horror, and hating the rich.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
As a side note, I got about 35% into the ARC and thought, 'man, this feels like a The Magnus Archives episode', only to come back here and realize the author is the mind behind that podcast.
Anyway, the book was very good. All five characters are distinct and likable in their own ways. That does not mean they are perfect. Lord knows they have their flaws. But they fall into a group dynamic that feels believable, and I was genuinely rooting for all of them.
About halfway through, I lost a little interest. The main bad guy is introduced and shares a bunch of information with the group, and it becomes immediately apparent that one of two things is about to happen: either Jonathan Sims has jumped the shark and the book is a stinker, or we are getting a twist. I’m not going to tell you which it was, but I saw it coming from a mile away.
Very fun book if you like strong character work, creepy paranormal shit, urban horror, and hating the rich.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
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