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Marion
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Expected 7 Jul 26A bloody and wickedly funny twist on Hitchcock's iconic classic Psycho. Trapped in a world full of sexism, abusive men and glass ceilings, Marion is on the run. Then one fateful night at a rundown motel, she turns the knife on Norm, kicking off a murder spree – and with the knife in her hands, she'll prove she's no victim.
NORMAN WAS HER FIRST.
Marion is in deep. She's stolen money from the Manhattan ad agency where she works in a desperate bid to help her sister escape an abusive marriage, but the bus breaks down before she can make it to Saratoga Springs. It's late at night, and the only place with vacancies is an old set of cabins on the outskirts of town. She pays for a room in cash, and ends up chatting with Norm, the young innkeeper who's handsome, charming and a touch hung-up on his elderly mother. Back in her room, she steps into the shower, scrubbing off the late-summer heat, when the curtain is pulled back...
Norm Billings is there with a knife. He raises his arm to strike, but before he does, Marion knees him in the balls, grabs the knife, and stabs the life out of him. Now, she's covered in blood, and she's a woman on the run—not just a thief, but a killer, too. Where will she go? How will she save both herself and her sister? And what mysteries will she uncover as she does?
In Psycho, Hitchcock shocked audiences when he killed off his protagonist. But what if the leading lady had fought back? Marion offers an alternate history of the most famous dead blonde to ever grace the silver screen. Only this time, the knife is in her hands—and she's no victim.
NORMAN WAS HER FIRST.
Marion is in deep. She's stolen money from the Manhattan ad agency where she works in a desperate bid to help her sister escape an abusive marriage, but the bus breaks down before she can make it to Saratoga Springs. It's late at night, and the only place with vacancies is an old set of cabins on the outskirts of town. She pays for a room in cash, and ends up chatting with Norm, the young innkeeper who's handsome, charming and a touch hung-up on his elderly mother. Back in her room, she steps into the shower, scrubbing off the late-summer heat, when the curtain is pulled back...
Norm Billings is there with a knife. He raises his arm to strike, but before he does, Marion knees him in the balls, grabs the knife, and stabs the life out of him. Now, she's covered in blood, and she's a woman on the run—not just a thief, but a killer, too. Where will she go? How will she save both herself and her sister? And what mysteries will she uncover as she does?
In Psycho, Hitchcock shocked audiences when he killed off his protagonist. But what if the leading lady had fought back? Marion offers an alternate history of the most famous dead blonde to ever grace the silver screen. Only this time, the knife is in her hands—and she's no victim.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 2, 2026
18694 people want to read
About the author
Leah Rowan
1 book82 followersLeah Rowan is an author living in Brooklyn and the Catskills. Marion is her forthcoming thriller.
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April 14, 2026
What an absolutely irresistible premise: What if Marion Crane never became the “dead blonde” of cinema history? What if she stepped out of that shower with her own story—and her own knife?
Leah Rowan takes one of the most iconic horror moments of all time and boldly rewrites its DNA. Instead of becoming Norman Bates’ victim, Marion becomes the woman who stops him—and that single moment reroutes her life into a dark, gritty, strangely empowering odyssey.
From the very first chapter, the book grabbed me by the collar. The opening sequence is clever, cinematic, and immediately sets the tone for a story that blends pulp energy with a sharp emotional spine. But what impressed me most wasn’t just the reimagined violence—it was the heart behind Marion’s choices. She isn’t running because of greed or panic; she’s acting out of ferocious loyalty to her sister, Lauren, who’s trapped in a suffocating, psychologically bruising marriage.
Their bond is the pulse of this novel, grounding the twists with genuine emotional stakes. I loved the way Rowan captures the unspoken language between sisters—the guilt, the longing, the tiny protective lies, the fierce devotion. In many ways, the book becomes a meditation on what women endure behind closed doors, and who gets believed when they finally say “enough.”
As Marion steps into her new role—something between lost soul, vigilante, and accidental antiheroine—I couldn’t help imagining the alternate universe you described: a world where Marion becomes a blade-sharp avenger who refuses to let predators keep winning. The novel absolutely flirts with that fantasy, especially in its best moments, when Marion’s terror snaps into furious clarity.
While the first half is incredibly tight, the middle stretch does lose a little momentum. A few conversations felt like they were reaching for emotional weight they didn’t quite land, and the pacing wobbled as the plot expanded beyond its original focus. But as a debut? It’s fresh, daring, and immensely promising. Rowan clearly has a vision, and she isn’t afraid to play with legacy, archetype, or genre expectations.
Overall, Marion is a sharp, gutsy, imaginative re-telling that refuses to let familiar stories stay trapped in the past. It delivers thrills, tension, and a surprisingly intimate exploration of sisterhood, survival, and reclaiming narrative power.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for sharing this electrifying debut thriller—with its brilliantly twisted take on an iconic classic—in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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Leah Rowan takes one of the most iconic horror moments of all time and boldly rewrites its DNA. Instead of becoming Norman Bates’ victim, Marion becomes the woman who stops him—and that single moment reroutes her life into a dark, gritty, strangely empowering odyssey.
From the very first chapter, the book grabbed me by the collar. The opening sequence is clever, cinematic, and immediately sets the tone for a story that blends pulp energy with a sharp emotional spine. But what impressed me most wasn’t just the reimagined violence—it was the heart behind Marion’s choices. She isn’t running because of greed or panic; she’s acting out of ferocious loyalty to her sister, Lauren, who’s trapped in a suffocating, psychologically bruising marriage.
Their bond is the pulse of this novel, grounding the twists with genuine emotional stakes. I loved the way Rowan captures the unspoken language between sisters—the guilt, the longing, the tiny protective lies, the fierce devotion. In many ways, the book becomes a meditation on what women endure behind closed doors, and who gets believed when they finally say “enough.”
As Marion steps into her new role—something between lost soul, vigilante, and accidental antiheroine—I couldn’t help imagining the alternate universe you described: a world where Marion becomes a blade-sharp avenger who refuses to let predators keep winning. The novel absolutely flirts with that fantasy, especially in its best moments, when Marion’s terror snaps into furious clarity.
While the first half is incredibly tight, the middle stretch does lose a little momentum. A few conversations felt like they were reaching for emotional weight they didn’t quite land, and the pacing wobbled as the plot expanded beyond its original focus. But as a debut? It’s fresh, daring, and immensely promising. Rowan clearly has a vision, and she isn’t afraid to play with legacy, archetype, or genre expectations.
Overall, Marion is a sharp, gutsy, imaginative re-telling that refuses to let familiar stories stay trapped in the past. It delivers thrills, tension, and a surprisingly intimate exploration of sisterhood, survival, and reclaiming narrative power.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for sharing this electrifying debut thriller—with its brilliantly twisted take on an iconic classic—in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
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December 28, 2025
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Amidst a year of more disappointment than satisfaction stands a gem. What a great way to end 2025.
I requested this ARC because it sounded intriguing, but I also turned to the first page wary of the traps this story might fall into. Would this be nothing more than a generic retread of a classic tale? Would it be a derivative attention grab? It definitely had that potential, but Rowan skillfully evades both of those traps to deliver one of my favorite books of the year.
I was riveted by the story, turning each page with fervent curiosity. The twists and turns are unpredictable. Marion is incredibly relatable and sympathetic, despite the monstrousness that she eventually emits. If you think you know where this story is going, think again.
This pays homage to a classic, and does nothing to diminish its allure. This book is simply fun. I enjoyed every minute I spent reading it…
Amidst a year of more disappointment than satisfaction stands a gem. What a great way to end 2025.
I requested this ARC because it sounded intriguing, but I also turned to the first page wary of the traps this story might fall into. Would this be nothing more than a generic retread of a classic tale? Would it be a derivative attention grab? It definitely had that potential, but Rowan skillfully evades both of those traps to deliver one of my favorite books of the year.
I was riveted by the story, turning each page with fervent curiosity. The twists and turns are unpredictable. Marion is incredibly relatable and sympathetic, despite the monstrousness that she eventually emits. If you think you know where this story is going, think again.
This pays homage to a classic, and does nothing to diminish its allure. This book is simply fun. I enjoyed every minute I spent reading it…
February 24, 2026
It was so good! It's a very suspenseful and satisfying feminist rampage.
It successfully builds on this primal sensation of fear every woman experienced at least once in her life because of a man. The writing is great, the back and forth created a rapid pace and the tension remained until the very end.
I loved the characters and their dynamics, and I felt they were believable in their reactions and emotions.
I had a fantastic time and I can only recommend this book to every women who ever feared a man.
Thank you so much St. Martin's Press for this ARC!
It successfully builds on this primal sensation of fear every woman experienced at least once in her life because of a man. The writing is great, the back and forth created a rapid pace and the tension remained until the very end.
I loved the characters and their dynamics, and I felt they were believable in their reactions and emotions.
I had a fantastic time and I can only recommend this book to every women who ever feared a man.
Thank you so much St. Martin's Press for this ARC!
March 17, 2026
This was not your predictable role reversal, retelling of a classic. While the references to Psycho were there, this took on a completely unique, modernized approach, and I enjoyed every minute of it.
The novel starts out very familiar to those of us familiar with Psycho. Our FMC has fled her job with a $100,000 deposit she was to make. Unfortunately, for her, her bus breaks down in New Paltz, and all of the hotels are full except for one. After her chance encounter with Norm, she flips the script and refuses to be a victim.
From a different perspective, the reader is introduced to a private investigator looking for a missing woman whose trail also leads her to New Paltz.
Feminist rage tropes seem to be all the rage lately. I don’t think I could ever tire of them if they are as good as this one. I really liked how the author went with a classic story and was able to put her own flair on it to make it unique. It was fun seeing all of the references and making the correlation between the two. I was hesitant to pick this up because I was afraid there wasn’t much that could be done with the original story. But I was very wrong!
I wouldn’t necessarily classify this as horror/slasher, but more so a dark, slower, moving thriller.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
The novel starts out very familiar to those of us familiar with Psycho. Our FMC has fled her job with a $100,000 deposit she was to make. Unfortunately, for her, her bus breaks down in New Paltz, and all of the hotels are full except for one. After her chance encounter with Norm, she flips the script and refuses to be a victim.
From a different perspective, the reader is introduced to a private investigator looking for a missing woman whose trail also leads her to New Paltz.
Feminist rage tropes seem to be all the rage lately. I don’t think I could ever tire of them if they are as good as this one. I really liked how the author went with a classic story and was able to put her own flair on it to make it unique. It was fun seeing all of the references and making the correlation between the two. I was hesitant to pick this up because I was afraid there wasn’t much that could be done with the original story. But I was very wrong!
I wouldn’t necessarily classify this as horror/slasher, but more so a dark, slower, moving thriller.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 6, 2026
What Lit My Mood
I loved the twist on the iconic classic Psycho. This one flips the script with a feminist edge; the woman doesn’t die in the shower. Instead, she turns the knife on Norm, transforming the victim into the hero.
I’m an absolute sucker for a female-revenge-against-men trope, and when you add a bold reimagining of a classic into the mix, I’m all in.
Where My Mood Flickered
Nothing is ever “Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy,” like Marion’s mother’s voice in her head keeps reminding her. I actually loved those moments, her mom cheering her on from the sidelines—but the believability itself was a little hard to fully buy into.
The pacing is also a bit slow at the start, and I struggled to get hooked in those early chapters. But once the story hit that halfway mark? Total just one more chapter energy from there on out.
Listening versus Reading
I enjoyed both reading and listening to the narration by Natalie Naudus and Tawny Platis. Both voices were engaging, bringing the characters to life with distinct personalities. I preferred listening during the slower sections, so when my mind drifted off due to the pacing, I didn’t miss much
Mood Rating:
Satisfied – The revenge was deliciously satisfying, and by the second half, I was flying through the chapters.
A Witches Words buddy read with Debra and Mary Beth
I received both a digital and audio copy from the publisher through NetGalley
I loved the twist on the iconic classic Psycho. This one flips the script with a feminist edge; the woman doesn’t die in the shower. Instead, she turns the knife on Norm, transforming the victim into the hero.
I’m an absolute sucker for a female-revenge-against-men trope, and when you add a bold reimagining of a classic into the mix, I’m all in.
Where My Mood Flickered
Nothing is ever “Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy,” like Marion’s mother’s voice in her head keeps reminding her. I actually loved those moments, her mom cheering her on from the sidelines—but the believability itself was a little hard to fully buy into.
The pacing is also a bit slow at the start, and I struggled to get hooked in those early chapters. But once the story hit that halfway mark? Total just one more chapter energy from there on out.
Listening versus Reading
I enjoyed both reading and listening to the narration by Natalie Naudus and Tawny Platis. Both voices were engaging, bringing the characters to life with distinct personalities. I preferred listening during the slower sections, so when my mind drifted off due to the pacing, I didn’t miss much
Mood Rating:
Satisfied – The revenge was deliciously satisfying, and by the second half, I was flying through the chapters.
A Witches Words buddy read with Debra and Mary Beth
I received both a digital and audio copy from the publisher through NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A unique take on the Psycho book/movie but It's not necessary to be familiar with the Psycho story prior to reading or listening to this one. Even though parts of the story are a little far-fetched and involve some complicated logistics, it was an enjoyable read/listen and I was kept intrigued wondering how "Marion" was going to get out of the various situations she found herself in. I don't know how the author kept all the dead bodies straight. Running parallel to Marion's story is the story of Hannah, a brand-new private investigator who's definitely on her way to becoming a success in this line of work. On top of all that is a story of sisterly love and maternal bonds that overcome historical grudges. Releasing in June 2026, this would be a good book to take on vacation with you. Just don't stay at the Billings Motel ... or the Bates Motel for that matter!
I was fortunate to have an electronic copy as well as the audiobook and I can't say that I enjoyed one more than the other but the audiobook seemed to go pretty quickly and was ably narrated by Natalie Naudus and Tawny Platis. Neither of them stood out to me but they both did an acceptable job. I had to listen at 1.25 speed which doesn't happen very often.
Thank you to MacMillan Audio, via Netgalley, for approving my request to listen to the audiobook and to St. Martin's Press, also via Netgalley. for providing a copy of the e-ARC. All opinions expressed are my own. This review will be published on Goodreads and Netgalley on March 26, 2026 and on amazon.ca on or after June 2, 2026.
Publication Date: June 2, 2026
I was fortunate to have an electronic copy as well as the audiobook and I can't say that I enjoyed one more than the other but the audiobook seemed to go pretty quickly and was ably narrated by Natalie Naudus and Tawny Platis. Neither of them stood out to me but they both did an acceptable job. I had to listen at 1.25 speed which doesn't happen very often.
Thank you to MacMillan Audio, via Netgalley, for approving my request to listen to the audiobook and to St. Martin's Press, also via Netgalley. for providing a copy of the e-ARC. All opinions expressed are my own. This review will be published on Goodreads and Netgalley on March 26, 2026 and on amazon.ca on or after June 2, 2026.
Publication Date: June 2, 2026
December 15, 2025
I was hooked after seeing the dagger graphic on the title page and then came the prologue. The two timelines were an ingenious way to tell the brilliant reimagining of Psycho and to perhaps cause you to make assumptions like I did. The ending was one I never saw coming and I loved every word of it. You definitely don't want to miss this one!
March 14, 2026
✨✨✨I support women’s rage!✨✨✨
You had me at retelling of Psycho where she lives and fights back!! 👏 This is one of those books I feel like was made just for me. I absolutely LOVED it!!!
I knew pretty much as soon as I started Marion that I was going to LOVE it and I was right! I was COMPELLED and engaged from page one. Marion is definitely a new favorite book for me!
I don’t want to give any spoilers so I’ll keep my review short. I love everything about this book and I love what it has to say about how society is towards women, but it’s never preachy which I appreciate. Marion is such a fun feminine rage/classic horror reimagining!! I’m OBSESSED.
This is a must read if the summary sounds good to you then I think you will for sure like it!
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 June 2, 2026.
Also, you can find me on the Pagebound app—— boobunny86
You had me at retelling of Psycho where she lives and fights back!! 👏 This is one of those books I feel like was made just for me. I absolutely LOVED it!!!
I knew pretty much as soon as I started Marion that I was going to LOVE it and I was right! I was COMPELLED and engaged from page one. Marion is definitely a new favorite book for me!
I don’t want to give any spoilers so I’ll keep my review short. I love everything about this book and I love what it has to say about how society is towards women, but it’s never preachy which I appreciate. Marion is such a fun feminine rage/classic horror reimagining!! I’m OBSESSED.
This is a must read if the summary sounds good to you then I think you will for sure like it!
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 June 2, 2026.
Also, you can find me on the Pagebound app—— boobunny86
March 16, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing an ALC in exchange for honest feedback.
This was definitely a fun reimagining of Psycho! We finally have an answer to the infamous shower scene question: what if she fought back? And the answer is absolute bloody chaos in the best possible way. Marion flips the script, grabs the knife, and becomes the one leaving a trail of blood and bodies behind.
I absolutely loved the dark humor throughout! It kept the story weirdly entertaining despite the twisted plot and graphic horror. The FMC was messy and morally questionable which made her that much more fun to follow along with.
Overall this was such a fun ride that was fast-paced, chaotic, and bloody - just the way I like it. Looking forward to picking up my shelf trophy.
This was definitely a fun reimagining of Psycho! We finally have an answer to the infamous shower scene question: what if she fought back? And the answer is absolute bloody chaos in the best possible way. Marion flips the script, grabs the knife, and becomes the one leaving a trail of blood and bodies behind.
I absolutely loved the dark humor throughout! It kept the story weirdly entertaining despite the twisted plot and graphic horror. The FMC was messy and morally questionable which made her that much more fun to follow along with.
Overall this was such a fun ride that was fast-paced, chaotic, and bloody - just the way I like it. Looking forward to picking up my shelf trophy.
January 6, 2026
I enjoyed the storyline from Marion’s POV; however, my first impression of Hannah’s POV nearly made me DNF this book. I’m glad I gave it a fair chance, but overall it just didn’t hit for me. Two stars feels generous.
My main issue is that I read to escape the real world, and the political and racial themes felt heavy handed. While those elements absolutely have a place in certain stories, here they added nothing to the plot and only distracted from it, which was frustrating. Had those themes been left out entirely this easily could have been a four-star read for me.
Than you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this ARC copy and my honest review.
Expected Publishing date: June 2, 2026.
My main issue is that I read to escape the real world, and the political and racial themes felt heavy handed. While those elements absolutely have a place in certain stories, here they added nothing to the plot and only distracted from it, which was frustrating. Had those themes been left out entirely this easily could have been a four-star read for me.
Than you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this ARC copy and my honest review.
Expected Publishing date: June 2, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’d like to send a thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this ARC.
Leah Rowan brings her debut Marion into a modern day reimagining. The debut transforms the “blonde victim” into a survival story being on the run. Marion is a twisty exploration of survival and the perfect retelling for those who wanted to see Marion Crane get a second chance.
Pub date. June 2nd, 2026.
March 8, 2026
Marion is a psychological thriller that reimagines Hitchcock’s Psycho in an original way—flipping the script to see what might happen if Marion turned the knife on Norman. It’s a slow-burn thriller that builds tension and sets up the story threads in the first half before becoming more intricate, twisty, and unpredictable, all while keeping the Psycho narrative loosely in focus. Layered in are themes of marital abuse, protective sisterly bonds, toxic masculinity, and corrupt work ethics, creating a multilayered narrative that’s generating early buzz—but it’s a story that rewards patience and may not be for every reader.
The story centers on Marion, a woman on the run after a risky choice lands her in deeper trouble. Carrying a large sum of money, she stops at the isolated Billings Motel, hoping for a brief refuge. What seems safe quickly turns threatening, as eerie encounters and growing paranoia reveal the motel—and its owner—is more dangerous than she realized. Every decision becomes a high-stakes gamble in a fight for survival.
The novel is told through two POVs—Marion, in the days leading up to and during her stay at the Billings Motel, and Hannah, an aspiring investigator looking into the disappearance of a woman weeks later. The timelines shift back and forth, keeping readers guessing with clever misdirections before eventually intertwining. Marion is far from an average protagonist—she’s morally flawed and sometimes unlikeable—but her quick thinking and resourcefulness make her compelling to follow. Hannah is equally clever and determined, and her drive to prove she can succeed as a full-time investigator despite her parents’ doubts makes her easy to root for. Adding in Marion’s attempts to help her sister escape a dangerous situation, risky dealings with her coworker David, and the large sum of money she carries help keep readers hooked even when nothing seems to be happening.
Though the pacing is uneven, the short chapters keep the story moving even when the first half is more focused on setting up what’s to come. This isn’t a direct adaptation of Psycho—Marion’s life outside the motel introduces significant changes that take the story in unexpected directions. The second half is twistier and more unpredictable—and the final reveal feels a bit out of left field, requiring you to suspend your disbelief, but if you’re prepared for that, you’ll find the ride enjoyable—even if the ending isn’t entirely satisfying.
Overall, Marion is an interesting retelling of one of the most iconic suspense stories ever told—a tall order for any author. Readers who enjoy psychological thrillers with morally gray protagonists, dual timelines, and stories that truly pay off in the second half will enjoy this book the most!
The story centers on Marion, a woman on the run after a risky choice lands her in deeper trouble. Carrying a large sum of money, she stops at the isolated Billings Motel, hoping for a brief refuge. What seems safe quickly turns threatening, as eerie encounters and growing paranoia reveal the motel—and its owner—is more dangerous than she realized. Every decision becomes a high-stakes gamble in a fight for survival.
The novel is told through two POVs—Marion, in the days leading up to and during her stay at the Billings Motel, and Hannah, an aspiring investigator looking into the disappearance of a woman weeks later. The timelines shift back and forth, keeping readers guessing with clever misdirections before eventually intertwining. Marion is far from an average protagonist—she’s morally flawed and sometimes unlikeable—but her quick thinking and resourcefulness make her compelling to follow. Hannah is equally clever and determined, and her drive to prove she can succeed as a full-time investigator despite her parents’ doubts makes her easy to root for. Adding in Marion’s attempts to help her sister escape a dangerous situation, risky dealings with her coworker David, and the large sum of money she carries help keep readers hooked even when nothing seems to be happening.
Though the pacing is uneven, the short chapters keep the story moving even when the first half is more focused on setting up what’s to come. This isn’t a direct adaptation of Psycho—Marion’s life outside the motel introduces significant changes that take the story in unexpected directions. The second half is twistier and more unpredictable—and the final reveal feels a bit out of left field, requiring you to suspend your disbelief, but if you’re prepared for that, you’ll find the ride enjoyable—even if the ending isn’t entirely satisfying.
Overall, Marion is an interesting retelling of one of the most iconic suspense stories ever told—a tall order for any author. Readers who enjoy psychological thrillers with morally gray protagonists, dual timelines, and stories that truly pay off in the second half will enjoy this book the most!
April 8, 2026
A Modern, Twisted Homage to a Classic Thriller
Wow. As a lifelong fan of the classic psychological thriller Psycho, I was immediately drawn to this novel, Marion, and I have to say, it exceeded all expectations. Leah Rowan has crafted a truly chilling and highly enjoyable read that captures the spirit of the original story while offering a fresh, modern, and deeply twisted perspective. I was so engrossed in the dark and compelling narrative of Marion and Norm Billings that I devoured the entire book in a single sitting.
A Familiar Foundation, a Modern Setting
The central story bears a foundational resemblance to the iconic Hitchcock film, but Rowan masterfully grounds the narrative in the present day, giving it a contemporary edge that feels both relevant and terrifying. The novel retains the essential tension and psychological depth of the source material but introduces nuanced complexities that make it stand entirely on its own. While the core themes of obsession, deception, and hidden identities remain, the modern setting allows for new layers of dread and suspense to unfold.
Intriguing Perspectives and Character Depth
One of the novel's greatest strengths is its use of shifting points of view. By giving the reader access to the inner lives of several different characters, Rowan builds a multi-layered world that is truly captivating. I was genuinely intrigued by each character's motivation and perspective, and following the development of the storyline from start to finish was a deeply satisfying experience. I especially appreciate how the author explores the darker aspects of female characters—I really love a story where the women are the ones in control, the ones who are the ultimate killers. It’s a refreshing and powerful subversion of typical thriller tropes.
A Highly Recommended Thrill
Marion is a tense, expertly paced, and deeply psychological thriller that I wholeheartedly recommend. It’s a book that gets under your skin, and the ending will stay with you long after you've finished the final page. In fact, I'm already experiencing the urge to re-read it to catch all the subtle clues and brilliant narrative maneuvers I might have missed the first time around.
Thank you to #NetGalley for providing me with this Advanced Reader Copy (ARC).
Publisher: #StMartin’sPress
Book Title: #Marion
Author: #LeahRowan
Wow. As a lifelong fan of the classic psychological thriller Psycho, I was immediately drawn to this novel, Marion, and I have to say, it exceeded all expectations. Leah Rowan has crafted a truly chilling and highly enjoyable read that captures the spirit of the original story while offering a fresh, modern, and deeply twisted perspective. I was so engrossed in the dark and compelling narrative of Marion and Norm Billings that I devoured the entire book in a single sitting.
A Familiar Foundation, a Modern Setting
The central story bears a foundational resemblance to the iconic Hitchcock film, but Rowan masterfully grounds the narrative in the present day, giving it a contemporary edge that feels both relevant and terrifying. The novel retains the essential tension and psychological depth of the source material but introduces nuanced complexities that make it stand entirely on its own. While the core themes of obsession, deception, and hidden identities remain, the modern setting allows for new layers of dread and suspense to unfold.
Intriguing Perspectives and Character Depth
One of the novel's greatest strengths is its use of shifting points of view. By giving the reader access to the inner lives of several different characters, Rowan builds a multi-layered world that is truly captivating. I was genuinely intrigued by each character's motivation and perspective, and following the development of the storyline from start to finish was a deeply satisfying experience. I especially appreciate how the author explores the darker aspects of female characters—I really love a story where the women are the ones in control, the ones who are the ultimate killers. It’s a refreshing and powerful subversion of typical thriller tropes.
A Highly Recommended Thrill
Marion is a tense, expertly paced, and deeply psychological thriller that I wholeheartedly recommend. It’s a book that gets under your skin, and the ending will stay with you long after you've finished the final page. In fact, I'm already experiencing the urge to re-read it to catch all the subtle clues and brilliant narrative maneuvers I might have missed the first time around.
Thank you to #NetGalley for providing me with this Advanced Reader Copy (ARC).
Publisher: #StMartin’sPress
Book Title: #Marion
Author: #LeahRowan
March 26, 2026
**SPOILERS**
In the first paragraph, the main character (whose actual name I forget), says she’s not like other girls because she does something “bad”. Already a red flag, but I kept reading because the concept was super interesting to me. Unfortunately, the entire plot revolves around the contradiction that every man is evil by nature, but evil women are only evil because of an evil man. I think there’s a way to do this that wasn’t this.
For example, every man Marion meets seems nice at first but then wants to kill or abuse her. She ends up killing Norman and criticizes him for having mommy issues, but then becomes haunted by her own mother’s voice and kills 2 more men, justifying it by saying that her mom would’ve wanted her to be an independent woman who takes matters into her own hands. And it’s not portrayed as ironic, it’s portrayed as justified.
In an alternate POV, a PI character says Norms mom is not to blame for Norms actions (agree), because Norm was an evil man who made his own choices even though his mom knew there was something wrong and instead of helping him, abandoned him which led to him becoming obsessed with her and killing women to replace her (disagree). I think both of them played a part in that failed relationship and while it’s obviously not the mom’s fault, the PI excused her because of how moms are often blamed for their sons’ bad behavior. Again, there’s a nuanced way to portray this and this was not it.
By the end, Marion has killed her boss/coworker and her sister’s husband/boyfriend. The husband/boyfriend was suspected of killing the sister, so Marion (with Mom in her head) kills him. The sister actually isn’t dead, but thanks Marion because the boyfriend was abusive and she didn’t know how to leave him. They then call their mom to help them hide the body and it’s revealed that she is a drunk because she knew about the boyfriend being an abuser(??). So the boyfriend causes the mom to be absent and a drunk but it’s not Norm’s mom fault that Norm is crazy because she abandoned him when she knew he had issues? Again, there’s a contradiction here that men being evil is nature and women being evil is nurture by men.
All in all, I’d say that I understand what the message is going for and I wouldn’t have a problem with it if it didn’t end up being: men are bad because they’re men and women are only ever bad because of men. I think making the overly-feminine gay man the only guy that does nothing wrong was frustrating since the women are all genuinely bad people who blame their actions on bad men, and not in a smart, ironic way. The epilogue of the book even says something like, all women have a killer inside of them and it might come out if you’re pushed too far by men. Huh??
I would’ve really enjoyed this book if the commentary was well done because I agree with the argument the book is sold on. Seeing how a super well known woman would be affected by a murder had *she* survived is really intriguing and there’s a lot of messaging that can go into that. Unfortunately, the messaging here is a mess and told rather than shown.
Anyway, 1.25 because there’s no Costco in Poughkeepsie.
In the first paragraph, the main character (whose actual name I forget), says she’s not like other girls because she does something “bad”. Already a red flag, but I kept reading because the concept was super interesting to me. Unfortunately, the entire plot revolves around the contradiction that every man is evil by nature, but evil women are only evil because of an evil man. I think there’s a way to do this that wasn’t this.
For example, every man Marion meets seems nice at first but then wants to kill or abuse her. She ends up killing Norman and criticizes him for having mommy issues, but then becomes haunted by her own mother’s voice and kills 2 more men, justifying it by saying that her mom would’ve wanted her to be an independent woman who takes matters into her own hands. And it’s not portrayed as ironic, it’s portrayed as justified.
In an alternate POV, a PI character says Norms mom is not to blame for Norms actions (agree), because Norm was an evil man who made his own choices even though his mom knew there was something wrong and instead of helping him, abandoned him which led to him becoming obsessed with her and killing women to replace her (disagree). I think both of them played a part in that failed relationship and while it’s obviously not the mom’s fault, the PI excused her because of how moms are often blamed for their sons’ bad behavior. Again, there’s a nuanced way to portray this and this was not it.
By the end, Marion has killed her boss/coworker and her sister’s husband/boyfriend. The husband/boyfriend was suspected of killing the sister, so Marion (with Mom in her head) kills him. The sister actually isn’t dead, but thanks Marion because the boyfriend was abusive and she didn’t know how to leave him. They then call their mom to help them hide the body and it’s revealed that she is a drunk because she knew about the boyfriend being an abuser(??). So the boyfriend causes the mom to be absent and a drunk but it’s not Norm’s mom fault that Norm is crazy because she abandoned him when she knew he had issues? Again, there’s a contradiction here that men being evil is nature and women being evil is nurture by men.
All in all, I’d say that I understand what the message is going for and I wouldn’t have a problem with it if it didn’t end up being: men are bad because they’re men and women are only ever bad because of men. I think making the overly-feminine gay man the only guy that does nothing wrong was frustrating since the women are all genuinely bad people who blame their actions on bad men, and not in a smart, ironic way. The epilogue of the book even says something like, all women have a killer inside of them and it might come out if you’re pushed too far by men. Huh??
I would’ve really enjoyed this book if the commentary was well done because I agree with the argument the book is sold on. Seeing how a super well known woman would be affected by a murder had *she* survived is really intriguing and there’s a lot of messaging that can go into that. Unfortunately, the messaging here is a mess and told rather than shown.
Anyway, 1.25 because there’s no Costco in Poughkeepsie.
January 10, 2026
I love unhinged women
March 5, 2026
*Audiobook
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨✨ (3.5/5)
“It’s a wild feeling, the feeling after your first murder.”
“I would do anything for you.”
Thanks to Macmillan Audio / St. Martin’s Press for my gifted copy of this one in exchange for my honest thoughts.
I did this one as an audiobook and felt the audio narration was well done and the narrator was a good choice for this read.
If you’re into fem-vigilantism and slashers, then this may be the perfect book for you!
The last 20% or so of the book was my fav. The pacing sped up and I was on the edge of my seat.
I liked the “justice” and karma contained in these pages but I do wish it was a little faster paced. It lagged a little in the middle, so it lost my attention a bit. I think it would be fun as a movie.
Overall it was fun and I’m glad I checked it out.
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨✨ (3.5/5)
“It’s a wild feeling, the feeling after your first murder.”
“I would do anything for you.”
Thanks to Macmillan Audio / St. Martin’s Press for my gifted copy of this one in exchange for my honest thoughts.
I did this one as an audiobook and felt the audio narration was well done and the narrator was a good choice for this read.
If you’re into fem-vigilantism and slashers, then this may be the perfect book for you!
The last 20% or so of the book was my fav. The pacing sped up and I was on the edge of my seat.
I liked the “justice” and karma contained in these pages but I do wish it was a little faster paced. It lagged a little in the middle, so it lost my attention a bit. I think it would be fun as a movie.
Overall it was fun and I’m glad I checked it out.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This story is an alternate beginning to the movie Physcho. Marion has the chance to kill her killer and live her life.
Marion is just trying to help her sister out of her abusive relationship, which leads to stealing money to try to help.
She ends up at Norms hotel, when her getaway bus breaks down. Here she is almost killed in the iconic shower scene from Physcho, but she gets away. Loved the book! Not a fan of Marions choices, actions. We've got this reverse Physcho thing going on. Marion isnt killed by Norman, she turns into the killer, with her mother in her head urging her to kill.
Marion is just trying to help her sister out of her abusive relationship, which leads to stealing money to try to help.
She ends up at Norms hotel, when her getaway bus breaks down. Here she is almost killed in the iconic shower scene from Physcho, but she gets away. Loved the book! Not a fan of Marions choices, actions. We've got this reverse Physcho thing going on. Marion isnt killed by Norman, she turns into the killer, with her mother in her head urging her to kill.
April 18, 2026
2.75⭐️ idk…I either needed this book to be weirder or maybe not so weird? Pick a lane. There would be moments that I would think “oh hell yeah, weird girl vibes!” And then it would promptly go away and I’d be left thinking…wait what?
The story follows an alternate reality where one of Norman Bates’s victims turns the knife on him, and then unlocks a deeply rooted urge to go on a killing spree.
To be so for real, the premise is so freaking cool. I was convinced this would be a slam dunk for me, but it just didn’t land. And honestly? I’m kind of bummed about it because my expectations were high.
The story follows an alternate reality where one of Norman Bates’s victims turns the knife on him, and then unlocks a deeply rooted urge to go on a killing spree.
To be so for real, the premise is so freaking cool. I was convinced this would be a slam dunk for me, but it just didn’t land. And honestly? I’m kind of bummed about it because my expectations were high.
December 11, 2025
We all know the story, we all know the iconic scene but what if it went differently? What if Norman Bates wasn’t fast enough and Marion fought back and won? This was the twist on Psycho I never knew I needed.
This book was absolutely unhinged. This kept me on the edge of my seat with twist after twist. These characters had me hooked, I was rooting for everyone (except you, Norm). This is the feminist revenge thriller we all need!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
This book was absolutely unhinged. This kept me on the edge of my seat with twist after twist. These characters had me hooked, I was rooting for everyone (except you, Norm). This is the feminist revenge thriller we all need!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
December 24, 2025
Honestly, I spent the first 50% deciding whether I actually wanted to read this. I pushed through and I’m so happy that I did. I never gave thought to Psycho happening any other way than it did. I like that this book flipped it on its head. I also kind of liked how you never find out who the FMC actually was. She was just “Marion.” Honestly, I think we’ve all got a bit of “Marion” in us.
Thanks to NetGalley for this arc!
Thanks to NetGalley for this arc!
April 18, 2026
Definitely twisty! Made me hold my breath a few times. The intense scenes are excellently written, you feel like you are right there! The ending wasn’t what I at first expected, but I really enjoyed it! An excellent thriller book!!!
March 16, 2026
A must read for lovers of thrillers. This was such a fun twist on a classic story (psycho) and I completely devoured it. I couldn’t put it down. I was desperate to know what would happen next, and the POV changes really kept me guessing. Highly recommend!
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted arc
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted arc
January 27, 2026
This was one hell of a reimagining of the iconic film, “Psycho.” From start to finish, this debut novel had me on pins & needles. But the story was so much more than Marion surviving Norm’s brutal stabbing. It was about all the frightening moments that women go through on a daily basis at the hands of men, sexual harassment in the workplace & out on the town, domestic abuse at home, all of it! And how these women are never taken seriously and the men get away with it and just keep doing it. It was about the inner “Marion” that is inside all women that may or may not come out in a moment of true terror and actually taking a stand…and maybe getting away with it. Totally brilliant story. I can’t wait to read more from this author.
Many thanks to NetGalley & St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
Many thanks to NetGalley & St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
March 31, 2026
🔪🔪 Marion 🔪🔪
This was feminine rage perfection. That innate desire to protect other women, mixed with the wariness and rage that comes from living in a patriarchal society. A society that doesn't do enough to keep women safe and doesn't believe them when they come forward.
But also, this story reflects the bonds of sisterhood and family, even if your family is imperfect. Because women protect women, always have and always will.
The audiobook made this 10x better! I loved both narrators and their performances.
🩸 What to Expect
• Psycho inspired
• Vigilante revenge
• Morally gray MCs
• Psychological thriller
• Revenge horror
• Dark survival
_ _ _ _
🎧 Audio Score: 5 Stars
🎙️ Narration Style: Dual narration (Natalie Naudus; Tawny Platis)
📅 Pub Date: June 2, 2026
Thank you to Macmillan Audio, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for the advanced listening copy. All thoughts are my own.
This was feminine rage perfection. That innate desire to protect other women, mixed with the wariness and rage that comes from living in a patriarchal society. A society that doesn't do enough to keep women safe and doesn't believe them when they come forward.
But also, this story reflects the bonds of sisterhood and family, even if your family is imperfect. Because women protect women, always have and always will.
The audiobook made this 10x better! I loved both narrators and their performances.
🩸 What to Expect
• Psycho inspired
• Vigilante revenge
• Morally gray MCs
• Psychological thriller
• Revenge horror
• Dark survival
_ _ _ _
🎧 Audio Score: 5 Stars
🎙️ Narration Style: Dual narration (Natalie Naudus; Tawny Platis)
📅 Pub Date: June 2, 2026
Thank you to Macmillan Audio, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for the advanced listening copy. All thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Well. Clearly, I read a different book than everyone else did. Forewarning: my review is going to be unpopular and probably nonsensical at points. You have been warned.
*A thank you goes out to NetGalley for the ARC*
I have a lot of mixed emotions about this book. The first 30% of it was so slow, to the point where I strongly considered DNFing it. I'm actually surprised that I didn't--I am usually not the type to keep going when I am extremely bored with a book. But I kept going. And it did get better. The pace did pick up.
According to the description, this book "is a feminist thriller that reimagines Psycho, where Marion Crane fights back and kills Norman Bates, becoming a fugitive on the run." I don't know if it's because I am desensitized to horror or what, but the majority of the time, I kept wondering where the thriller bit was. Because yes, this had hints of Psycho, but that played a very tiny role in this story. Rather, it's about a nameless female character who is extremely unlikeable (which is fine! I like unlikeable characters! just not this one), a bit spoiled and entitled, who in one breath talks about using her beauty to get what she wants and hating it in the next. We contain multitudes. Long story short, I did not like Marion. I found myself not caring about her tragic backstory, about her current situation, and just not caring about her in general.
This book focuses on feminist rage, subverting and smashing the patriarchy, and taking back control. All things that are important, given the state of the USA, but honestly....it wasn't enough to make this book compelling. I wanted more horror, more anger, more graphic details. I wanted a proper horror that truly was like Psycho, not just in name but also in the writing.
The book is told from dual points of view: Marion and an investigator named Hannah. I liked Hannah. If she had been the main character of the book, I might have enjoyed it more. Marion, despite what she thought about herself, was not that smart and .
I'm sure a lot of people will love this book. Ultimately, it wasn't for me, and isn't worthy of more than a 2 star rating.
*A thank you goes out to NetGalley for the ARC*
I have a lot of mixed emotions about this book. The first 30% of it was so slow, to the point where I strongly considered DNFing it. I'm actually surprised that I didn't--I am usually not the type to keep going when I am extremely bored with a book. But I kept going. And it did get better. The pace did pick up.
According to the description, this book "is a feminist thriller that reimagines Psycho, where Marion Crane fights back and kills Norman Bates, becoming a fugitive on the run." I don't know if it's because I am desensitized to horror or what, but the majority of the time, I kept wondering where the thriller bit was. Because yes, this had hints of Psycho, but that played a very tiny role in this story. Rather, it's about a nameless female character who is extremely unlikeable (which is fine! I like unlikeable characters! just not this one), a bit spoiled and entitled, who in one breath talks about using her beauty to get what she wants and hating it in the next. We contain multitudes. Long story short, I did not like Marion. I found myself not caring about her tragic backstory, about her current situation, and just not caring about her in general.
This book focuses on feminist rage, subverting and smashing the patriarchy, and taking back control. All things that are important, given the state of the USA, but honestly....it wasn't enough to make this book compelling. I wanted more horror, more anger, more graphic details. I wanted a proper horror that truly was like Psycho, not just in name but also in the writing.
The book is told from dual points of view: Marion and an investigator named Hannah. I liked Hannah. If she had been the main character of the book, I might have enjoyed it more. Marion, despite what she thought about herself, was not that smart and .
I'm sure a lot of people will love this book. Ultimately, it wasn't for me, and isn't worthy of more than a 2 star rating.
April 1, 2026
I always appreciate it when classic movies and/or books are given new life in modern times!
If you're not familiar with the Alfred Hitchcock movie 'Psyco,' I highly recommend checking it out! That movie forever changed the film making landscape, inspiring generations of thriller screen writers, directors, literary writers, and reader alike.
In the movie, Norman Bates runs the Bates Motel with his mother. A beautiful blonde woman, named Marion Crane, checks into the motel and Hollywood was forever changed by the events within the walls of the infamous motel.
In the book 'Marion' by Leah Rowan, we see the nod to Hitchcock by having a motel owner, Norm, who runs, and lives, in the Billings Motel with his mother and cat named Alfred. Another beautiful blonde, so far unnamed in the book, checks in and the events within its walls cause her to tap into 'Marion' - a figure of her imagination who can do the hard things she's so far been incapable of.
Our FMC is unnamed until she takes on the persona of 'Marion' who is tired of the men who look a little too long, who don't maintain eye contact, who don't take women seriously in the work place, and the fear we often feel if a male is walking a little too closely, seems a little too friendly, or wants to strike up a random conversation. Our hackles rise and many of us are able to escape, physically unscathed. But those situations stay in our minds and accumulate. Some women, when pushed to the end of their ropes, take matters into their own hands as is the case in 'Marion.'
Listening to the audio version helped me truly get inside the head of Marion which made the novel that much more immersive for me!
I really enjoyed this FOUR STAR read and most definitely recommend it for classic, modern, and new thriller fans!
If you're not familiar with the Alfred Hitchcock movie 'Psyco,' I highly recommend checking it out! That movie forever changed the film making landscape, inspiring generations of thriller screen writers, directors, literary writers, and reader alike.
In the movie, Norman Bates runs the Bates Motel with his mother. A beautiful blonde woman, named Marion Crane, checks into the motel and Hollywood was forever changed by the events within the walls of the infamous motel.
In the book 'Marion' by Leah Rowan, we see the nod to Hitchcock by having a motel owner, Norm, who runs, and lives, in the Billings Motel with his mother and cat named Alfred. Another beautiful blonde, so far unnamed in the book, checks in and the events within its walls cause her to tap into 'Marion' - a figure of her imagination who can do the hard things she's so far been incapable of.
Our FMC is unnamed until she takes on the persona of 'Marion' who is tired of the men who look a little too long, who don't maintain eye contact, who don't take women seriously in the work place, and the fear we often feel if a male is walking a little too closely, seems a little too friendly, or wants to strike up a random conversation. Our hackles rise and many of us are able to escape, physically unscathed. But those situations stay in our minds and accumulate. Some women, when pushed to the end of their ropes, take matters into their own hands as is the case in 'Marion.'
Listening to the audio version helped me truly get inside the head of Marion which made the novel that much more immersive for me!
I really enjoyed this FOUR STAR read and most definitely recommend it for classic, modern, and new thriller fans!
April 14, 2026
4.75 ⭐ ALC Review - If you always wanted get revenge on Norman Bates, definitely add this to your TBR!
💰 For Fans of:
- suspense thriller
- feminine rage
- strong sister relationship
- she finally snaps
- private investigator
- multiple POV
- back and forth timeline
- story slowly unfolds
- high intensity
✏️ Spoiler-Free ARC Review
What happens Norman Bates picks a woman who finally snaps? “Marion” is caught in a mess and her mother has always taught her to fight back. So what happens when she’s stressed and feels pushed to her limits?
We know who did it and why, but how did it all go down? And will they get away with it?
In this incredible book, we hear a story of not only women wronged and fighting back, but a story of the bond between sisters and between mother and daughter. Marion hears her mom’s voice in her head the whole time all the craziness is happening and after her sister comes to her with her husband troubles.
Since this book is nonlinear, it really unfolded in a saw that by the time everything slides into place, you’re already so interested and invested that you HAVE to see it through. Is there justice? If so, in what way? Does it all work out? How can it??
I loved this audiobook and almost wish I had gotten the e-book so I could highlight all the passages that I absolutely loved hearing. I will definitely be telling others to read and listen to this book!
🖤 Thank you to author Leah Rowan, publisher St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the free advanced listener copy. As always, my reviews are honest, my own, and voluntary!
📚 Book: Marion by Leah Rowan
📅 Release Date: June 2, 2026
⭐ Rating: 4.75 out of 5
💰 For Fans of:
- suspense thriller
- feminine rage
- strong sister relationship
- she finally snaps
- private investigator
- multiple POV
- back and forth timeline
- story slowly unfolds
- high intensity
✏️ Spoiler-Free ARC Review
What happens Norman Bates picks a woman who finally snaps? “Marion” is caught in a mess and her mother has always taught her to fight back. So what happens when she’s stressed and feels pushed to her limits?
We know who did it and why, but how did it all go down? And will they get away with it?
In this incredible book, we hear a story of not only women wronged and fighting back, but a story of the bond between sisters and between mother and daughter. Marion hears her mom’s voice in her head the whole time all the craziness is happening and after her sister comes to her with her husband troubles.
Since this book is nonlinear, it really unfolded in a saw that by the time everything slides into place, you’re already so interested and invested that you HAVE to see it through. Is there justice? If so, in what way? Does it all work out? How can it??
I loved this audiobook and almost wish I had gotten the e-book so I could highlight all the passages that I absolutely loved hearing. I will definitely be telling others to read and listen to this book!
🖤 Thank you to author Leah Rowan, publisher St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the free advanced listener copy. As always, my reviews are honest, my own, and voluntary!
📚 Book: Marion by Leah Rowan
📅 Release Date: June 2, 2026
⭐ Rating: 4.75 out of 5
April 20, 2026
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
"A twist on Hitchcock’s iconic classic Psycho—where the leading lady doesn't die, but instead turns the knife on Norm,.. Marion [self-named; we never learn her given name] is in deep. She's stolen money from the Manhattan ad agency where she works in a desperate bid to help her [beloved] sister [Lauren] escape an abusive marriage, but the bus breaks down before she can make it to Saratoga Springs. It's late at night, and the only place with vacancies is an old set of cabins on the outskirts of town. She pays for a room in cash, and ends up chatting with Norm, the young innkeeper who's handsome, charming and a touch hung-up on his elderly mother. Back in her room, she steps into the shower, scrubbing off the late-summer heat, when the curtain is pulled back..." And so it [somewhat begins--there's much more backstory].
A definite outlier on this tome, I was captured at the start but as I plowed on became more and more disillusioned--at about one-third in! Clever at the start--a definite--"aha" but then I just did'nt buy into any of it. And I got soooo tired of Marion!
The cast: two sisters devoted to one another. A functioning mother who later became an alcoholic but "speaks" to Marion in italicized portions throughout the book. Hannah, a wanna be private investigator working on another case, but becomes involved in the three murders at the Billings [stand-in for Bates] Motel.. And a host of other characters: Myra, a waitress and Norm's mother. David, Marion's boss, and Rodrigo, her work buddy. And more locals, etc.
Easy enough to read but just didn't do it for me.
And the ending--meh.
"A twist on Hitchcock’s iconic classic Psycho—where the leading lady doesn't die, but instead turns the knife on Norm,.. Marion [self-named; we never learn her given name] is in deep. She's stolen money from the Manhattan ad agency where she works in a desperate bid to help her [beloved] sister [Lauren] escape an abusive marriage, but the bus breaks down before she can make it to Saratoga Springs. It's late at night, and the only place with vacancies is an old set of cabins on the outskirts of town. She pays for a room in cash, and ends up chatting with Norm, the young innkeeper who's handsome, charming and a touch hung-up on his elderly mother. Back in her room, she steps into the shower, scrubbing off the late-summer heat, when the curtain is pulled back..." And so it [somewhat begins--there's much more backstory].
A definite outlier on this tome, I was captured at the start but as I plowed on became more and more disillusioned--at about one-third in! Clever at the start--a definite--"aha" but then I just did'nt buy into any of it. And I got soooo tired of Marion!
The cast: two sisters devoted to one another. A functioning mother who later became an alcoholic but "speaks" to Marion in italicized portions throughout the book. Hannah, a wanna be private investigator working on another case, but becomes involved in the three murders at the Billings [stand-in for Bates] Motel.. And a host of other characters: Myra, a waitress and Norm's mother. David, Marion's boss, and Rodrigo, her work buddy. And more locals, etc.
Easy enough to read but just didn't do it for me.
And the ending--meh.
March 5, 2026
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. The writing style wasn't my favorite - I'm not a huge fan of first person POV side narration/side comments when it's overly sarcastic. (E.g. "...never get annoyed or angry or - gasp - emotional." pg 1) I felt like I was able to look past it because the main character was likeable and very funny otherwise.
I really enjoyed the "plot twist" of Marion getting the upper hand in the Psycho universe and how the rest of her story unfolds as the survivor in the story. I thought it was thrilling and it really kept me hooked.
The only issues I really had with it, and why it wasn't a five-star read for me, were the ending and overtly modern feminist speeches. Let me explain:
There are many times when the main characters "went off," for lack of a better phrase, or preached about certain social issues (e.g. ineffective police especially in cases involving marginalized people) and it felt out of place. Maybe it's because I am liberal and already aware of these stats, but I didn't need them to be over explained to me.
In terms of the ending, I felt like it was wrapped up in a beautiful bow and really had me surprised, I just didn't love how some of the characters were involved.
The last thing, and this is a more humorous editing error, the author mentions Bart Simpson's favorite donut, but the donut-lover in that household is Homer, not Bart.
In truth, I feel like there are a lot of criticisms in this review, but I really did love the book and can't wait to recommend it to my book clubs.
Favorite Line:
"The only way through is out." pg 39
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC of this novel. And thank you Leah Rowan for writing such an enjoyable story.
I really enjoyed the "plot twist" of Marion getting the upper hand in the Psycho universe and how the rest of her story unfolds as the survivor in the story. I thought it was thrilling and it really kept me hooked.
The only issues I really had with it, and why it wasn't a five-star read for me, were the ending and overtly modern feminist speeches. Let me explain:
There are many times when the main characters "went off," for lack of a better phrase, or preached about certain social issues (e.g. ineffective police especially in cases involving marginalized people) and it felt out of place. Maybe it's because I am liberal and already aware of these stats, but I didn't need them to be over explained to me.
In terms of the ending, I felt like it was wrapped up in a beautiful bow and really had me surprised, I just didn't love how some of the characters were involved.
The last thing, and this is a more humorous editing error, the author mentions Bart Simpson's favorite donut, but the donut-lover in that household is Homer, not Bart.
In truth, I feel like there are a lot of criticisms in this review, but I really did love the book and can't wait to recommend it to my book clubs.
Favorite Line:
"The only way through is out." pg 39
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC of this novel. And thank you Leah Rowan for writing such an enjoyable story.
April 6, 2026
Marion is described as a reimagining of Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho, where, instead of dying, the blonde protagonist, Marion, fights back and kills Norman Bates, kicking off her crime spree.
While I've never seen Psycho (oops!!), I love a thriller where the women are in control and not just helpless victims.
I listened to the audio, dual narrated by Natalie Naudus and Tawny Platis. I love a dual narration, and Naudus is one of my favorite narrators (idk how to describe her voice but it's like she purrs into the microphone). Naudus and Platis perfectly fit the charcters and the pacing was just right.
Besides turning the tables on Norman, Marion is a story about complex mother/child relationships. This is a bad summarization of the exact quote, but author Leah Rowan says something like, "Women are the cause and solution of all problems." AIN'T THAT THE TRUTH. Norman isn't the only one with mommy issues in Marion.
Ultimately, Rowan asks: what would a woman do if pushed??? Haven't all women have some negative experiences with men and fantasize doing something about it??! Is there a little Marion in all of us??! By the end I was searching for my inner Marion, which is why Marion is my first 5 star read of 2026!
This was my first advanced reader copy on NetGalley, thank you St. Martin's Publishing Group & Macmillan for getting me out of my spring reading slump!!
While I've never seen Psycho (oops!!), I love a thriller where the women are in control and not just helpless victims.
I listened to the audio, dual narrated by Natalie Naudus and Tawny Platis. I love a dual narration, and Naudus is one of my favorite narrators (idk how to describe her voice but it's like she purrs into the microphone). Naudus and Platis perfectly fit the charcters and the pacing was just right.
Besides turning the tables on Norman, Marion is a story about complex mother/child relationships. This is a bad summarization of the exact quote, but author Leah Rowan says something like, "Women are the cause and solution of all problems." AIN'T THAT THE TRUTH. Norman isn't the only one with mommy issues in Marion.
Ultimately, Rowan asks: what would a woman do if pushed??? Haven't all women have some negative experiences with men and fantasize doing something about it??! Is there a little Marion in all of us??! By the end I was searching for my inner Marion, which is why Marion is my first 5 star read of 2026!
This was my first advanced reader copy on NetGalley, thank you St. Martin's Publishing Group & Macmillan for getting me out of my spring reading slump!!
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