Lyla, in the Flesh

by Nick Roberts

An unputdownable new psychological horror and suspense novel from award-winning author Nick Roberts.

A mysterious Italian castle. Terrible secrets. A dark truth.
After being rejected by her dream graduate schools, twenty-two-year-old Lyla Robbins receives an acceptance letter for a free ride to The Claymont Residency for Writers, an elite and mysterious program located in a modernized castle in the heart of Italy.

Lyla soon learns of the excessive rules regarding curfews, cell phones, and strict deadlines. While everyone else is focused on submitting work to the reclusive editor known only as The Reader, she sees shadowy figures in her room and notices eerie changes in her friends.

When philanthropic benefactors, Lester and Regina Sterling, arrive, Lyla investigates the connection between them and the darkness haunting the grounds. The further she digs, the more horrors she uncovers, leading to a shocking secret with sinister repercussions.

From Nick Roberts, award-winning author of The Exorcist's House trilogy, comes LYLA, IN THE FLESH, a chilling new horror novel about a young woman invited to attend a prestigious writing program at a mysterious castle in Italy, only to realize the walls are hiding terrible secrets, perfect for fans of We Used to Live Here, Suspiria, Get Out, and The Haunting of Hill House.

Genres: Horror

292 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication January 13, 2026

About the author

Nick Roberts is a native West Virginian and a doctoral graduate of Marshall University. He is an active member of the Horror Writers Association and the Horror Authors Guild. His works include Anathema, The Exorcist's House, It Haunts the Mind & Other Stories, and Mean Spirited. He currently resides in South Carolina with his family and is an advocate for people in recovery from substance use disorder.

Reviews

[Honey Dy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nick Roberts practically owns me at this point.

Every time I think he couldn't possibly top his last books, he shows up with something like Lyla, In the Flesh and proves I never should have doubted him.

From The Exorcist’s House trilogy to every twisted tale he’s written, he’s been one of my go-to horror authors—and this one just cemented it even more.

The second Lyla stepped into that castle, I could feel something watching her.

Those strict rules, those eerie deadlines, and those shadows creeping around her room, oh and her friends changing in ways that made my skin crawl—yeah, this book got under me fast.

Nick is so damn good at building tension that you don’t realise how deep you’re in the shit until its on your shoulders and up around your ears.

Oh but the fears did not stop there...when those rich folk finally turn up? The absolute dread was cranked...full force.

But, it was that final reveal behind Claymont that really took my breath away... and its because of this, and his writing style that reminds me why I’ll follow this dude anywhere, yep, even into haunted Italian castles where nothing is what it seems.

For someone that has read practically every book that Nick ever wrote, this one really delivered....and it's not just horror that scares you, its the type that lingers, stalks you, and makes you think twice about those dark corners in your own house.

Here's to another masterpiece from an author that needs no introduction. In my eyes he's just someone who keeps getting darker, sharper, and more terrifying.

Looking forward to getting an autographed copy of this, preferably hard back, when it comes out...IN THE FLESH (pun intended)

[Sarah Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lyla is an aspiring writing. She failed to get into a masters program due to her choice of genre. As Lyla was beginning to give up all hope as one day being a published author, she comes across a once in a lifetime opportunity to attend a writer’s retreat at an authentic castle in the heart of Italy. As Lyla arrives at Claymont, she instantly feels something is off. Are her intuitions correct or is she overthinking the entire thing?

I want to start by saying this is NOT like Nick’s other books. Nick managed to break from his usual prose to write this unique story. Although this story isn’t like his others, he still manages to instill that subtle dread that he is known for. As I was reading this story, the imagery managed to bring me to that castle in Italy as if I was a fly on the wall, watching. Even though I had many theories as to what was unfolding, I still could not have guessed where this was going.

Nick’s writing style is unique and always sets him apart from the rest. I love that he was able to break from his usual confounds to produce yet another spine-tingling horror.

Releases January 13, 2026

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's spooky enough to keep you interested but no anti-anxiety medication will be necessary. Unless you're a bigger boosissy than me, you won't cry. That being said, this is going to be my new standard introduction to horror when giving recs to other genre readers. I'll be purchasing multiple copies to gift to family and friends!

The first 75% of the book reads like a movie from the M. Night Shamalama catalog. You know something is gonna happen, you feel the itch up your spine, you're trying to guess the twist before it becomes glaringly obvious. Then you're stuck hiding in the bathroom on the last 25% telling your kids to leave you alone so you can finish it.

[Heather E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got lucky and got to be of the chosen few to receive an ARC of this book. Releasing January 2026! Thanks again, Nick!

Lyla Robbins dreams are finally becoming a reality. Rejection letter after rejection letter to graduate schools, Lyla finally catches a break when she is invited to a writing program at a modernized castle in Italy that sees her potential. Here, one is given every luxury at no expense, free of distractions. There are several questionable rules along the way and a mysterious stranger known only as The Reader who edits all the works of the students. Lyla quickly learns all is not as it seems here when she encounters shadows in her room, moving objects, and her peers acting out of sorts, just to name a few. Her time there investigating will reveal the true nature of the program and its dark history with an ending that will have you reeling! Claymont awaits.

This is not the run of the mill Nick Roberts novel we are accustomed to. This is a slow burn, supernatural dark thriller absolutely seeped in dread. He has strayed from his usual style but it is a very welcomed change of pace. You know immediately that something is amiss at castle Claymont but you juuuuust cant put your finger on it. The atmospheric writing of the castle and its questionable inhabitants adds to the tension and leaves you questioning damn near everything 🤣 Its not over the top with gore and violence, just the right amount peppered in there with a heaping helping of spook, all delivered at the right moments to keep you invested. After a while you may think you have a grasp on what is going on but brother, you are dead wrong. The climax of this story was absolutely not what I was expecting but so damn satisfying. I have no doubt that this book will be just as well received as Nick's other novels. Well done.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's spooky enough to keep you interested but no anti-anxiety medication will be necessary. Unless you're a bigger boosissy than me, you won't cry. That being said, this is going to be my new standard introduction to horror when giving recs to other genre readers. I will be purchasing multiple copies to gift friends and family!

The first 75% of the book reads like a movie from the M. Night Shamalama catalog. You know something is gonna happen, you feel the itch up your spine, you're trying to guess the twist before it becomes glaringly obvious. Then you're stuck hiding in the bathroom on the last 25% telling your kids to leave you alone so you can finish it.

[Carrie Shields · Rating 5 out of 5]

"𝐈 𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐟 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞. 𝐈'𝐦 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐭𝐫𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐲 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐫 𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐯𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡."

Lyla Robbins is a young aspiring writer who is interested in pursuing only one genre--horror. Her creative writing and essays in English class have earned her some raised eyebrows and some concerned phone calls home, but she refuses to hone her craft with something more mainstream. Her steadfast refusal has earned her a pile of rejection letters from various grad schools until she stumbles upon an opportunity that seems too good to be true. The Claymont Residency for Writers, an elite and mysterious program located in a modernized castle in the heart of Italy, will host aspiring writers with all expenses paid until their work in progress is finished. To her delight, she's accepted.

From the moment she arrives, the tension begins. Lyla briefly learns of the wealthy couple who have funded the program and is stunned to learn the plethora of rules regarding curfews, cell phones, and strict deadlines. When the existence of a reclusive editor dubbed The Reader was introduced, the tension became almost unbearable. This was a different type of story from the author's previous ones, this one earning its place as a masterclass in modern Gothic storytelling. The author creates an atmosphere so oppressively dark that it feels almost like a character lurking in the shadows of the castle. From the haunting prologue to the threads of the castle's dark history woven throughout the narrative, the author infuses it all with a contemporary sharpness that makes the horror feel real. Every scene is draped in mood, every detail sharpened to draw you deeper into a sense of foreboding.

However, the novel's real talent is the sustained, tightening sense of unease that elevates this book to something extraordinary. There are no cheap jump scares; instead, an air of psychological tension lingers long after each chapter ends. The dread builds slowly, methodically, until the mysterious benefactors, The Sterlings, arrive. Their presence amplifies the dread, transforming the simmering unease to full-blown horror. This was a haunting, immersive read that I thoroughly enjoyed, and I appreciated the subtle nods to several of the author's previous works. Many thanks to the author for having me on his ARC team once again. This book will publish January 13, 2026.

[Michael Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nick leans into mystery and slow-burn suspense rather than the terrifying dread seen in his previous work, such as The Exorcist’s House.

The story felt like a blend of dark academia, and gothic horror (don’t worry, you’ll still get the terror). Nick places extra focus on setting and atmosphere (most of the story takes place in a castle in Umbria, Italy). Not to mention the trappings of the uber-rich Sterlings, who spare no expense for the residents of The Claymont Residency for Writers.

The prologue reminds the reader of Nick’s ability to frighten, opening with a scene that conjures the terrifying dread readers have come to expect. It plants a seed of unease and mystery before the story unfolds.

First, Nick makes you fall in love with Lyla Robbin’s warmth, relationship with her parents, and her dream of being accepted into Claymont. Once inside the castle, the relationship dynamics feel YA-leaning, paired with a palpable sense of the author’s love for the craft of writing.

The most brilliant aspect of the novel is Nick’s concept of “The reader” (a mysterious and highly respected person that approves all the writing of the residents). “The Reader” can be interpreted in many ways, but for me, it resonated as a metaphor for the validation and acceptance authors crave, despite never fully understanding what moves a reader to emotionally connect with an author’s work, yet authors persist anyway. This undercurrent mirrors Lyla’s own insecurities about her West Virginian accent, imposter syndrome, and upbringing. (Are these aspects of Nick’s own journey?) I’ll let you decide that for yourself. One of the scenes that stood out for me was when Lyla laid her vulnerabilities out on the table while profiling each girl in her self-described coven. It was empowering. After that moment, it became impossible not to root for her.

As the horror surfaces, the novel flirts with a whodunit structure, teasing supernatural possibilities while subtly redirecting suspicion among the cast. Nick withholds just enough info to keep readers turning pages, knowing something terrible is always just around the corner, while deepening the mystery of which resident or staff member is responsible for past or present events.

Though the setting and tone are elegant and atmospheric, don’t mistake this for anything less than horror. The flavor is different, but it’s still terrifying in the best way, and it demonstrates how dynamic of an author Nick is.

[Kaela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lyla Robbins has hit the jackpot. After being rejected from every MFA program she applied to, she finally gets accepted to a prestigious writing retreat in Italy, all expenses paid. When she arrives, she can't believe her luck, but she quickly realizes that there may be more to the story than she thought. As she learns more about the program's history and benefactors, she must read between the lines to find out what's really going on before her story reaches a climax that she never saw coming.

This book is vastly different than any other book Nick has published at this point. It's such an atmospheric slow burn that it had me anxious before anything even happened. Incredibly detailed writing and character-driven scenes dominate the pages and will keep you guessing until the final chapters. I had about four different guesses as to where the story was heading, and I still wasn't able to completely figure it out before the ending. It's fun to see Nick change up his style with this book, and it's great to see that he isn't out of unique ideas to scare and entertain his readers.

Releasing January 13th, 2026, from Wicked House, be sure to pick up a copy and uncover the secrets within the Claymont. Thank you Nick, Roberts, for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

[Kristal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of Lyla, in the Flesh by Nick Roberts

The primary character, Lyla is a young woman going for her dream and hopes to accept a position with an all expenses paid writer’s program. The program goal is for its residents’ to stay until they finishes their novel. Of course, all is not as it seems as more characters are fleshed out and sinister events occur. The Sterlings are the wealthy couple footing the bill for the program in Italy, and who doesn’t love the finer things in life on someone else’s dime? Other writers in the program have distinctive personalities and add to the well rounded plot as Lyla gets to know them. The employees of the writer’s retreat hired by the Sterlings add to the overall suspense, as it’s difficult to know if their intentions are good, hollow, or evil.

The castle in Umbria, Italy I would say is a well fleshed out character unto itself. The descriptions old and modern lend itself to a need of wanting to know more about the town and castle lore of years past as we are given nuggets throughout the book.

The fun Easter eggs regarding Robert’s past works was an enjoyable little treat.

Lyla is a character that was developed with heart and likely has bits of the author himself sprinkled in for good measure. I am hopeful for a follow up in the future because I need to know what happens next. 🖤

Release date: January 13, 2026.

[Courtney Marcus-Deguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been dying to read this since Nick did the cover reveal. I know you should never judge a book by its cover, but Nick always manages to live up to the cover.

Thank you for the ARC and the opportunity to read and review for you!

First of all, I would like to say this is a solid 5/5 for me. This is entirely different from his other works, but still manages to capture his amazing story telling. I would say this is more of a slow burn, which I usually struggle with, but Lyla kept me compelled to keep moving forward. The build up and tension are absolutely amazing. The description of the castle, the grounds, and the town are so in depth, I could picture myself being right in Claymont. And of course, Nick made me absolutely fall in love with his characters, which I have to quit doing with his books. It’s like I forget the genre I’m reading because the characters always suck me right in. Do not miss this book, because it’s an amazing addition to the horror genre that will leave you with that bleak feeling we horror lovers crave.

[luceski · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Nick for the ARC! All thoughts are my own.

Lyla in the Flesh follows Lyla Robbins, a 22-yr old aspiring horror writer who feels left behind while everyone around her seems to be moving forward. When she’s accepted into the exclusive Claymont writers’ residency in Italy, it feels like the opportunity she’s been waiting for - a fully funded stay in a castle with one clear expectation: meet your writing goals.

As Lyla settles in, Claymont begins to feel increasingly unsettling. There are strict rules, unexplained occurrences and a growing sense that the residency isn’t quite what it claims to be. The setting creates a strong sense of unease, and the atmosphere builds slowly as things begin to feel more off-kilter.

This felt like a different direction for Nick Roberts, with a strong focus on mood and tension. While it didn’t resonate with me quite as strongly as The Exorcist’s House, I appreciated the concept and the eerie setting. The story leans more into mood than character for me, making it a fun, atmospheric read overall.

[Daunya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished this thanks to insomnia and the fact that the book is just that compelling. Horror is my strange little relaxation genre. Anyone else? 👻

I was especially curious to see how Nick would pivot into a haunting-style story, and he absolutely delivered. The atmospheric creepiness, the emotional layers, and those signature Nick moments of gore and shock blended into something fresh and unforgettable.

I also have to say that I thought I had the twist figured out and felt very proud of myself… until Nick completely blindsided me in the best possible way.

I genuinely loved this book. There were so many moments where I got lost in the story and forgot I was reading something written. Lyla’s voice felt that real.

More stories in this space, please. I’d read them all.

[Rowan Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so fun! While Nick's signature narrative voice is consistent with his previous works, this story is really unlike any of the rest. He leaned heavily into the environmental scares and Lyla's social anxieties and it totally worked!

This is one of his less ghoulish works and while it didn't tug at my particular heart strings as heavily as Anathema or fill me with the same dread as Mean Spirited, the dialog in Lyla feels more natural and I'm left feeling lighter and more entertained than I had the other titles. I like the switch up and I'll definitely be adding this to my list of horror recs for reluctant readers and newer-to-horror readers.

January 13, mark your calendars, y'all. Thank you, Nick, for the ARC!

[Mike Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be on the ARC team again for Nick Roberts’s latest book, Lyla, in the Flesh, and it was another fantastic read. While it’s a bit different from his usual work—not as bloody or gory—the slow build is incredible. The tension and creeping dread kept me on edge the entire time, just waiting for everything to explode.

I absolutely loved Lyla as a character, and the setting was perfect. An ancient castle? You really can’t ask for more than that. A gripping, atmospheric story that proves Nick Roberts doesn’t need nonstop gore to deliver something truly memorable. This one might have been tamer than usual IMO, but the way Nick builds the dread with just enough mystery and creepiness makes it a story that i think more than just us horror fans will enjoy!

[Brittany Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

A young horror writer, who has been turned down for all of her graduate program options, is accepted into a writer's residency in Italy, and after reading this, I no longer have any desire to visit any castles 😂



This is a departure from Nick Roberts usual style, and I think his best work to date. This is not chock full of jump scares and gore (but not absent, don't worry). This is atmospheric horror. I wouldn't call it a slow burn. It takes off pretty quickly, and never lets go. It's creepy and emotional, and damn solid writing! Make sure you get your copy in a couple of weeks! You will not want to miss this one!

[Damaris Quinones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is not what I’m used to reading from Nick but is 100% equally satisfying. Nick reels me in with each book that he writes and that is why he has been one of my favorite authors from the very first book I read.

The dread in this book that builds from chapter to chapter just had me hooked that I didn’t want to let go. This book is creepy, nail-biting and full of dreadful suspense. Just like all his other books I was looking over my shoulder at the dark corners in my room.

That ending (OMG 😱) left me floored. What I thought was going to happen was not at all what happened. Nick threw me a curved ball I wasn’t expecting. Nick solidifies my love for his writing yet again.

[Carisa Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

From creepy haunted houses to eerie gothic castle vibes, Nick has proven that he can write it all. This was different than his usual style but still included everything that makes his books great: the intense emotion that makes you fall in love with the characters, the imagery that makes you feel like you're right there with them,  the creepy scenes that make you not want to be anywhere near your closet at night, and an ending that no one could have guessed. I couldn't put this down, and I will be recommending it to everyone.

[Courtney Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lyla is an aspiring writer who gets the opportunity of a lifetime to hone in on her craft and create a masterpiece in story telling. Is everything that Claymont has to offer too good to be true? The beginning packs a heavy punch and it’ll keep you begging for more till the last page turn. I love the subtle nods to previous work. Nick’s writing is unwavering and he continues to excel with every publication.

[Margaret Griffith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spooky, but not terrifying, just gripping and nail biting and 😳, until we get in deeper and I'm thinking "This is very Poe-esque" and that "Nick Roberts knows how to make sure I'm gonna need a fresh manicure on Monday" A shout out to one of my favorite horror movies early on was fantastic, and speaking as someone who has read all of his books, Mr Roberts did not let me down with this one. The right amount of spook, the right amount of creepy and an ending as satisfying as I could want.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy freaking crap Nick does it again. This story was amazing 👏 It might be my new favorite Nick Roberts book 😀

Lyla is an aspiring horror writer who gets the opportunity of a lifetime to go to a writers retreat at an old castle in Italy, all expenses paid. Lyla may just find herself in a real-life horror novel as things might not be as amazing as they seem at The Claymont Residency for Writers.

[monika hoppe · Rating 5 out of 5]

The atmosphere in this book is set perfectly; it is creepy, nerve-racking, and nail-biting. It is a perfect psychological horror novel full of suspense and chilling vibes. The ending wasn't what I expected, and I loved that about Nick's work. When you think you have figured out the conclusion, he has the curveball you did not see coming! Grab this if you haven't.

[KB B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went in blind reading this book. It was definitely different than any other books I read from Nick. I felt like Lyla was a rollercoaster. The story just kept building and building. I give Lyla 5/5 and can see it continuing. Nick can captivate an audience and keep them tuned in until the end.

[Nick Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so happy I was granted access by myself to read this early!

[Brooke Proverb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a mind fuck! I’m still sorting out my emotions after reading this. I was hooked the whole time. It can’t END like that, right??

Will be impatiently waiting for a sequel…. 👀