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Lyla, in the Flesh
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.
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.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 13, 2026
284 people are currently reading
4933 people want to read
About the author
Nick Roberts
31 books2,501 followersNick 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
January 30, 2026
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Writers will understand the true horror of this book — having to work under the pressure of deadlines and rules around mandatory word counts. [shivers]
I flew through this book, devouring every minute and every word. The last two things Roberts has written have been deviations from his previous work, but only in the most spectacular of ways.
I felt like I knew Layla, and I could vividly picture the setting of The Claymont Residency. It was depicted with such care that I felt like I was there — in the flesh (no pun intended). And The Reader was such a great concept. The mysterious mind of an editor is an unknowable place for the author.
Roberts is on a tear with his recent books, and he has become an auto-read for me every time I see something new released…
Writers will understand the true horror of this book — having to work under the pressure of deadlines and rules around mandatory word counts. [shivers]
I flew through this book, devouring every minute and every word. The last two things Roberts has written have been deviations from his previous work, but only in the most spectacular of ways.
I felt like I knew Layla, and I could vividly picture the setting of The Claymont Residency. It was depicted with such care that I felt like I was there — in the flesh (no pun intended). And The Reader was such a great concept. The mysterious mind of an editor is an unknowable place for the author.
Roberts is on a tear with his recent books, and he has become an auto-read for me every time I see something new released…
January 14, 2026
I put this audiobook on just on a whim & ended up finishing it the same day. the writing was not the best by any means with some annoying sentence structure and details that were very obvious audibly, but THAT ENDING was so well done & it felt like a unique story overall, despite it starting out as though it was going to be predictable if that makes sense.
December 14, 2025
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)
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)
Review of advance copy
4.5 stars
Huge thank you to Libro.fm for the gifted ALC of Lyla, in the Flesh by Nick Roberts.
This story follows Lyla, an aspiring writer who keeps getting rejection after rejection from grad programs. Then out of nowhere, she gets this wild opportunity. A basically all-expenses-paid spot at the Claymont Residency for Writers. Super prestigious. Very elite. One of those things where you’re like, wait… is this actually real? It’s housed in this castle in Italy, which already feels unreal, and she’s obviously ecstatic because yeah, who wouldn’t be.
But the place comes with rules. Strict curfews. No cell phones. Everything is monitored. And then there’s this tier system where if you meet your goals and do exactly what’s expected of you, you get rewarded. Little incentives. Treats. Access. The better you perform, the more you’re given. It sounds motivating at first, but it doesn’t take long before it starts feeling weird.
Things get strange pretty quickly. Lyla starts hearing things at night. Seeing shadows. Just small creepy stuff that makes you pause and go, okay, that’s not normal. Then she notices things happening around the other writers too. Subtle changes. Odd behavior. Stuff you can’t quite explain, but you can tell something’s off.
She eventually meets the benefactors, Lester and Regina Sterling, and from there the suspicion really kicks in. Their presence feels tied to the strangeness of the castle, and Lyla starts poking around. Talking to people in town. Watching the other residents more closely. Pulling at threads. Slowly uncovering pieces of something that’s been buried there for a long time.
It leans psychological horror, with some paranormal stuff sneaking in too. But what really worked for me was Lyla herself. I liked her a lot. She’s young, she’s ambitious, she’s trying to build a life around something she loves. And she’s a horror writer.
Nick spends time digging into what it’s like to be a woman writing horror, and that mattered to me. Horror is one of those genres people love to dismiss, or judge, or side-eye the people who enjoy it. Add being a woman on top of that, and suddenly you’re not taken seriously at all. Which is wild, because horror exists everywhere. It’s subjective, it’s personal, and it shows up in everyday life whether people want to admit it or not.
Reading a story about a young woman who wants to write horror, who wants to prove people wrong about the genre and about herself, really clicked for me. That whole angle just felt good to read.
And as usual, Nick Roberts just knows how to tell a story. The vibes are there without feeling forced. You feel like you’re in the castle with Lyla. You feel those moments where you’re sitting there like… okay, what the hell is actually happening right now. It pulls you in without trying to impress you.
Every time I sit down with one of his books, it always feels like an experience. Always immersive, always engaging, and I always walk away happy I read it.
Huge thank you to Libro.fm for the gifted ALC of Lyla, in the Flesh by Nick Roberts.
This story follows Lyla, an aspiring writer who keeps getting rejection after rejection from grad programs. Then out of nowhere, she gets this wild opportunity. A basically all-expenses-paid spot at the Claymont Residency for Writers. Super prestigious. Very elite. One of those things where you’re like, wait… is this actually real? It’s housed in this castle in Italy, which already feels unreal, and she’s obviously ecstatic because yeah, who wouldn’t be.
But the place comes with rules. Strict curfews. No cell phones. Everything is monitored. And then there’s this tier system where if you meet your goals and do exactly what’s expected of you, you get rewarded. Little incentives. Treats. Access. The better you perform, the more you’re given. It sounds motivating at first, but it doesn’t take long before it starts feeling weird.
Things get strange pretty quickly. Lyla starts hearing things at night. Seeing shadows. Just small creepy stuff that makes you pause and go, okay, that’s not normal. Then she notices things happening around the other writers too. Subtle changes. Odd behavior. Stuff you can’t quite explain, but you can tell something’s off.
She eventually meets the benefactors, Lester and Regina Sterling, and from there the suspicion really kicks in. Their presence feels tied to the strangeness of the castle, and Lyla starts poking around. Talking to people in town. Watching the other residents more closely. Pulling at threads. Slowly uncovering pieces of something that’s been buried there for a long time.
It leans psychological horror, with some paranormal stuff sneaking in too. But what really worked for me was Lyla herself. I liked her a lot. She’s young, she’s ambitious, she’s trying to build a life around something she loves. And she’s a horror writer.
Nick spends time digging into what it’s like to be a woman writing horror, and that mattered to me. Horror is one of those genres people love to dismiss, or judge, or side-eye the people who enjoy it. Add being a woman on top of that, and suddenly you’re not taken seriously at all. Which is wild, because horror exists everywhere. It’s subjective, it’s personal, and it shows up in everyday life whether people want to admit it or not.
Reading a story about a young woman who wants to write horror, who wants to prove people wrong about the genre and about herself, really clicked for me. That whole angle just felt good to read.
And as usual, Nick Roberts just knows how to tell a story. The vibes are there without feeling forced. You feel like you’re in the castle with Lyla. You feel those moments where you’re sitting there like… okay, what the hell is actually happening right now. It pulls you in without trying to impress you.
Every time I sit down with one of his books, it always feels like an experience. Always immersive, always engaging, and I always walk away happy I read it.
January 19, 2026
4.5 stars, rounding up.
LYLA, IN THE FLESH, by Nick Roberts was a novel that took me completely by surprise in the best way possible. Lyla, an American who wants to write horror, hasn't been accepted into any further programs since getting her degree. While living back at her parents' home, she begins looking for different types of writing placements. When she comes to a "Writer's Retreat", that happens to be set in a remodeled castle in Italy, she immediately applies.
After getting accepted, she flies over to Italy--only then to be told the "rules" that the residents are to abide by in the castle. In addition to the mysterious benefactor's, the Sterlings, there is an unknown editor at the top floor. They refer to him as only "The Reader".
I should mention that the prologue started out with a bang! After that, it did take some time for our MC to actually arrive at the main destination (about 20%). That is honestly my only complaint--I was expecting the action to start right from the get go, after the initial beginning. However, when she does finally arrive and I read the small happenings that seemed . . . "off" . . . I was completely captivated. Everything steadily intensified, and even when I had some idea of what I thought would happen, the twists in the story threw me off!
This was a great read in every area I could have wished for. I'm looking forward to Nick Roberts next release!
Recommended.
LYLA, IN THE FLESH, by Nick Roberts was a novel that took me completely by surprise in the best way possible. Lyla, an American who wants to write horror, hasn't been accepted into any further programs since getting her degree. While living back at her parents' home, she begins looking for different types of writing placements. When she comes to a "Writer's Retreat", that happens to be set in a remodeled castle in Italy, she immediately applies.
After getting accepted, she flies over to Italy--only then to be told the "rules" that the residents are to abide by in the castle. In addition to the mysterious benefactor's, the Sterlings, there is an unknown editor at the top floor. They refer to him as only "The Reader".
I should mention that the prologue started out with a bang! After that, it did take some time for our MC to actually arrive at the main destination (about 20%). That is honestly my only complaint--I was expecting the action to start right from the get go, after the initial beginning. However, when she does finally arrive and I read the small happenings that seemed . . . "off" . . . I was completely captivated. Everything steadily intensified, and even when I had some idea of what I thought would happen, the twists in the story threw me off!
This was a great read in every area I could have wished for. I'm looking forward to Nick Roberts next release!
Recommended.
January 24, 2026
Dang, high expectations and they sadly were not met.
Honestly I’m just tired of the tropes on this particular storyline. I was bored to tears.
On to the next. 🥱
Honestly I’m just tired of the tropes on this particular storyline. I was bored to tears.
On to the next. 🥱
January 24, 2026
3.5 stars rounded up to 4!
January 29, 2026
Not my favorite of his books. Even tho it was relatively short I feel like there was a lot of filler in it. For example , the whole chapter about Layla at the airport and on the plane was not necessary imo. I also felt like there was not enough horror in this. Unlike the exorcist house series where there’s horror in practically every chapter , this story maybe had about 3 top scenes of actual horror. Overall not my favorite of his works! One thing iv learned from reading Robert’s books is that there is never going to be a happy ending lol.
February 4, 2026
be so fr rn
January 29, 2026
If this lady needs to hide away in a haunted-ass castle in order to write her book, maybe she should just not be a writer. We have enough of those already.
February 12, 2026
I will always pick up a new Nick Roberts novel. He has fully earned his status as an auto buy author for me, and this time, paired with that absolutely stunning cover, I was sold before I even knew what the book was about.
I loved this novel, which follows a struggling author given a once in a lifetime opportunity to change everything. The stress of needing to prove she is as talented as she claims she is, the pressure of creating something new, meeting deadlines, and having her work read and approved by a mysterious secret author, all added such an intense and engaging layer to the story.
Then there is the setting. The chance to live in a breathtaking castle in Italy. Thanks to Nick Roberts’ incredible atmosphere building, I truly felt like I had stepped out of a horse drawn carriage and straight into the novel itself. What I would not give to spend even one day there, especially in the “hauntingly” beautiful library.
It sounds like an absolute dream, even with all that pressure, right? Of course not. If you know anything about Nick Roberts, you know that facade is destined to shatter fast, like a New Year’s resolution by January 3rd.
I enjoyed every character. Nick consistently writes characters who feel relatable and real and full of imperfections, yet always engaging and well developed.
The ending was fantastic and so well written. That book title drop was absolutely well played, and I am desperately hoping this story continues in a book two. Please.
As always, an easy 5 Stars.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I loved this novel, which follows a struggling author given a once in a lifetime opportunity to change everything. The stress of needing to prove she is as talented as she claims she is, the pressure of creating something new, meeting deadlines, and having her work read and approved by a mysterious secret author, all added such an intense and engaging layer to the story.
Then there is the setting. The chance to live in a breathtaking castle in Italy. Thanks to Nick Roberts’ incredible atmosphere building, I truly felt like I had stepped out of a horse drawn carriage and straight into the novel itself. What I would not give to spend even one day there, especially in the “hauntingly” beautiful library.
It sounds like an absolute dream, even with all that pressure, right? Of course not. If you know anything about Nick Roberts, you know that facade is destined to shatter fast, like a New Year’s resolution by January 3rd.
I enjoyed every character. Nick consistently writes characters who feel relatable and real and full of imperfections, yet always engaging and well developed.
The ending was fantastic and so well written. That book title drop was absolutely well played, and I am desperately hoping this story continues in a book two. Please.
As always, an easy 5 Stars.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 7, 2026
Nick Roberts stays on my auto read list for a reason. His horror is clean, tight, and actually scary without drowning you in fluff. The pacing moves, the creep factor lands, and you do not feel the drag.
Lyla in the Flesh leans into familiar territory. Some tropes show up. A few elements feel like distant cousins of the Exorcist’s House series. If you have read his other work, you will for sure spot the DNA.
The tension builds in a steady, controlled way. The unease sticks. I stayed invested the whole time, which is my main requirement for horror. I want to feel dread, not boredom.
Not his most original concept. Still a solid, well executed read that proves he knows exactly how to keep you uncomfortable in the best way.
Lyla in the Flesh leans into familiar territory. Some tropes show up. A few elements feel like distant cousins of the Exorcist’s House series. If you have read his other work, you will for sure spot the DNA.
The tension builds in a steady, controlled way. The unease sticks. I stayed invested the whole time, which is my main requirement for horror. I want to feel dread, not boredom.
Not his most original concept. Still a solid, well executed read that proves he knows exactly how to keep you uncomfortable in the best way.
January 22, 2026
I received an Audio version of this from LibroFm, and was very interested in it from the description.
the story follows Lyla who wants to be a horror book writer, she gets selected to go to a writing school in Italy.
once there we learn the castle/school is essentially haunted and we learn more and more reasons for this as we go through the story.
The ending was good and bright the creep factor up, I do feel around the middle the story began to feel a little slow, but overall I think this book can be enjoyable for thriller/horror readers.
to me this book is in the same vibe as "We used to live here".
the story follows Lyla who wants to be a horror book writer, she gets selected to go to a writing school in Italy.
once there we learn the castle/school is essentially haunted and we learn more and more reasons for this as we go through the story.
The ending was good and bright the creep factor up, I do feel around the middle the story began to feel a little slow, but overall I think this book can be enjoyable for thriller/horror readers.
to me this book is in the same vibe as "We used to live here".
January 19, 2026
Nick’s writing is so addictive.
The majority of this book had a chokehold on me. I didn’t want to put it down. However, I felt the last 15% lacked a bit of that feeling for me making this a 4 star read.
The majority of this book had a chokehold on me. I didn’t want to put it down. However, I felt the last 15% lacked a bit of that feeling for me making this a 4 star read.
January 18, 2026
Loved the pacing and how this read like a horror thriller. The audiobook narration was fantastic.
January 25, 2026
Yeah, I’m not surprised to give another 5 stars to a Nick Roberts book. It did have some parts that really put creepy images in my head, but the overall sense of dread was just done so well. It just felt so uneasy and suspenseful, I didn’t wanna put it down.
December 12, 2025
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
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
January 17, 2026
The opening scene is an immediate hook, steeped in mystery, thick with tension, and humming with dread. From the very first pages, you’re left asking the right kind of questions: What’s in the woods? And just as unsettling, what’s waiting on the fifth floor?
As the story unfolds, the mystery only deepens. Each revelation feels deliberate, pulling the reader further into a gothic, paranormal maze where nothing is quite what it seems. The pacing is relentless, fast without feeling rushed, and every scene ends with that irresistible urge to turn just one more page.
The greatest triumph? I didn’t guess the ending. In a genre where twists can often feel predictable, this one genuinely surprised me. Lyla in the Flesh delivers exactly what a gothic paranormal mystery should: atmosphere, unease, mounting tension, and a payoff that sticks.
Creeping, compelling, and expertly paced! This is Nick Roberts doing what he does best.
As the story unfolds, the mystery only deepens. Each revelation feels deliberate, pulling the reader further into a gothic, paranormal maze where nothing is quite what it seems. The pacing is relentless, fast without feeling rushed, and every scene ends with that irresistible urge to turn just one more page.
The greatest triumph? I didn’t guess the ending. In a genre where twists can often feel predictable, this one genuinely surprised me. Lyla in the Flesh delivers exactly what a gothic paranormal mystery should: atmosphere, unease, mounting tension, and a payoff that sticks.
Creeping, compelling, and expertly paced! This is Nick Roberts doing what he does best.
December 3, 2025
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I went into this book blind, and it was such a pleasant treat! Having read quite a few of the author's other books, I thought I knew his style well, but Nick Roberts has a few tricks up his sleeve!
The prologue jumps right in, setting a spooky mood akin to the best of gothic horror. We're quickly pulled out of that mindset, though, as we're introduced to Lyla, an aspiring horror writer who gets accepted to a writing program where she'll get to live in a luxurious old castle in Italy while completing her first novel.
As soon as Lyla arrives at the castle, you can feel that something's off. The story unravels and the creepiness of the prologue returns as we learn about the residents of past and present, the owners of the castle, and The Reader.
I found this book easy to get immersed in, and I really appreciated the way it brought gothic horror vibes into a modern-day story. My only gripe was that I felt like Lyla was putting the puzzle together at the same pace as me, and I think it would've been an even more fun read if some revelations were less clearly stated.
The prologue jumps right in, setting a spooky mood akin to the best of gothic horror. We're quickly pulled out of that mindset, though, as we're introduced to Lyla, an aspiring horror writer who gets accepted to a writing program where she'll get to live in a luxurious old castle in Italy while completing her first novel.
As soon as Lyla arrives at the castle, you can feel that something's off. The story unravels and the creepiness of the prologue returns as we learn about the residents of past and present, the owners of the castle, and The Reader.
I found this book easy to get immersed in, and I really appreciated the way it brought gothic horror vibes into a modern-day story. My only gripe was that I felt like Lyla was putting the puzzle together at the same pace as me, and I think it would've been an even more fun read if some revelations were less clearly stated.
January 15, 2026
Lyla, in the Flesh by Nick Roberts
Narrated by Jeremy Carlisle Parker
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is an excellent psychological horror story! It’s full of creep, suspense, thrills and chills! There’s an overall darkness to the story, which adds to the spookiness factor.
Lyla, who recently graduated college, has always dreamed of being a horror writer. After being rejected into grad school, she is offered an amazing opportunity to attend a writers retreat in Italy, taking place at an old castle. There are a surprising amount of rules set up at this retreat and Lyla feels that something is off once she gets there.
The tension, suspense and mystery definitely builds throughout this story!
Who is the mysterious Reader? What’s going on at this castle?
The book is very well written and I was sucked in immediately to the storyline.
I listened to the audio and the narrator did a fantastic job! She was great with different voices and enthusiasm!
*This book is a must read/listen!! It’s out now!!*
Narrated by Jeremy Carlisle Parker
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is an excellent psychological horror story! It’s full of creep, suspense, thrills and chills! There’s an overall darkness to the story, which adds to the spookiness factor.
Lyla, who recently graduated college, has always dreamed of being a horror writer. After being rejected into grad school, she is offered an amazing opportunity to attend a writers retreat in Italy, taking place at an old castle. There are a surprising amount of rules set up at this retreat and Lyla feels that something is off once she gets there.
The tension, suspense and mystery definitely builds throughout this story!
Who is the mysterious Reader? What’s going on at this castle?
The book is very well written and I was sucked in immediately to the storyline.
I listened to the audio and the narrator did a fantastic job! She was great with different voices and enthusiasm!
*This book is a must read/listen!! It’s out now!!*
January 25, 2026
Nick Roberts delivers something refreshingly different here, proving his range as a writer. This novel unfolds as a deliberate slow burn, carefully setting the stage for what’s to come. From the moment you step into the Claymont writing retreat, there’s an immediate sense that something isn’t quite right. The tension builds, and the atmosphere he creates makes it impossible to put the book down. His imagery pulls you right into this old castle in Italy, letting you feel every unsettling detail.
When the slow burn finally ignites, the story goes full throttle toward a conclusion that is so chilling and perfectly executed. With very minimal gore or violence, the story relies on atmosphere and dread to deliver a haunting finale that will stick with you. This is a reminder of how powerful horror can be when it’s not in your face but when it just lingers in the shadows.
When the slow burn finally ignites, the story goes full throttle toward a conclusion that is so chilling and perfectly executed. With very minimal gore or violence, the story relies on atmosphere and dread to deliver a haunting finale that will stick with you. This is a reminder of how powerful horror can be when it’s not in your face but when it just lingers in the shadows.
February 6, 2026
lyla goes to a writing school. thinking it'll be a normal writing school was a mistake. who can lyla trust and who is on the fifth floor? I was not blown away by this book. I did however really like the last sentence.
January 19, 2026
This was a thoroughly enjoyable read, balancing an eerie, unsettling atmosphere with a story that kept me quietly on edge throughout.
I loved the slow-building spookiness and sense of isolation, which made the tension feel earned rather than forced, and the twist ending genuinely caught me off guard in the best way. It left me thinking about the story long after I’d finished, and more importantly, keen to dive into more of Roberts’ work.
I loved the slow-building spookiness and sense of isolation, which made the tension feel earned rather than forced, and the twist ending genuinely caught me off guard in the best way. It left me thinking about the story long after I’d finished, and more importantly, keen to dive into more of Roberts’ work.
January 18, 2026
I am a huge Nick Roberts fan, but this one didn’t hit like usual. It was a little different than I expected. It wasn’t bad, but not my typical 5 star read from him.
January 25, 2026
4.5 stars
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