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Marla
From beloved horror author Jonathan Janz, Marla is a slow-burn, full-throttle horror novel about the families we inherit, the guilt we carry, and the terrible gravity of a gaze you can’t forget. Turn the page—if you dare.
In King’s Branch, Indiana, everyone knows the Gorman House. Everyone whispers about the girl in the upstairs window.
Detective Carl Lancaster is driving the same back road he’s driven a thousand times when he glances up—and meets a stare that freezes him to the bone. Minutes later, a body turns up. Coincidence, he tells himself. Then it happens again.
Annie Frost, a child–protection social worker with a crumbling home life, is used to walking into other people’s nightmares. But a tense visit with a volatile family ties her fate to the Gorman house—and to a secret she’s spent her entire life suppressing.
Dylan Ellison, twenty-one and drifting, comes home for the summer and finds himself drawn to the beautiful, enigmatic Marla Gorman. Curiosity becomes obsession; fascination becomes fear.
As strange deaths ripple through the county and rumors sharpen into patterns, Carl, Annie, and Dylan are pulled toward the same locked a creaking Victorian filled with moonlit hallways, a shadowed toy room, and a presence that smiles without kindness. In a town that wears its love of horror like a badge, suspicion is contagious, memory is dangerous, and some windows look back.
In King’s Branch, Indiana, everyone knows the Gorman House. Everyone whispers about the girl in the upstairs window.
Detective Carl Lancaster is driving the same back road he’s driven a thousand times when he glances up—and meets a stare that freezes him to the bone. Minutes later, a body turns up. Coincidence, he tells himself. Then it happens again.
Annie Frost, a child–protection social worker with a crumbling home life, is used to walking into other people’s nightmares. But a tense visit with a volatile family ties her fate to the Gorman house—and to a secret she’s spent her entire life suppressing.
Dylan Ellison, twenty-one and drifting, comes home for the summer and finds himself drawn to the beautiful, enigmatic Marla Gorman. Curiosity becomes obsession; fascination becomes fear.
As strange deaths ripple through the county and rumors sharpen into patterns, Carl, Annie, and Dylan are pulled toward the same locked a creaking Victorian filled with moonlit hallways, a shadowed toy room, and a presence that smiles without kindness. In a town that wears its love of horror like a badge, suspicion is contagious, memory is dangerous, and some windows look back.
376 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2022
About the author
Jonathan Janz
54 books2,208 followersJonathan Janz is an author and public school teacher. MARLA, his latest release, received a starred Publishers Weekly review, which said, "A profound sense of supernatural creepiness permeates this superb, blood-chilling horror novel. Fans of Stephen King’s Castle Rock books will be hooked."
His acclaimed sci-fi horror novel VEIL is also available everywhere books are sold, and you can find his story "Lenora" in THE END OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT: NEW TALES OF STEPHEN KING'S THE STAND. He’s represented for Film & TV by Adam Kolbrenner of Lit Entertainment, and his literary agent is Lane Heymont.
Jonathan’s main interests are his wonderful wife and his three amazing children. You can sign up for his newsletter (http://jonathanjanz.us12.list-manage....), and you can follow him on Instagram, Facebook, Amazon, Threads, Bluesky, TikTok, Goodreads, and the hellscape known as Twitter.
His acclaimed sci-fi horror novel VEIL is also available everywhere books are sold, and you can find his story "Lenora" in THE END OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT: NEW TALES OF STEPHEN KING'S THE STAND. He’s represented for Film & TV by Adam Kolbrenner of Lit Entertainment, and his literary agent is Lane Heymont.
Jonathan’s main interests are his wonderful wife and his three amazing children. You can sign up for his newsletter (http://jonathanjanz.us12.list-manage....), and you can follow him on Instagram, Facebook, Amazon, Threads, Bluesky, TikTok, Goodreads, and the hellscape known as Twitter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 373 reviews
October 8, 2026
Enjoyed this a LOT. Genuinely creepy. Had me seeing shadows in my own house but I was endlessly intrigued by Marla and hung on every word!
October 31, 2022
Marla is book 17 in Earthling Publishing's Halloween Series.
I actually beta-read an early version of this book and was honored to discuss my reading experience over the phone with the author.
I've read several, if not a dozen Janz books and this one is set apart as one of his most spooky offerings, in my humble opinion.
Marla Gorman is a reclusive woman who lives with her mother in a creepy old house in a small town. Of course, all the locals have their stories and opinions about that situation. In classic horror tradition, a string of grisly murders gets the townspeople and local law enforcement all riled up. Fingers start pointing toward Marla.
The death toll rises, and rumors of the frozen expression of fear on the corpses leak to the public, a slasher-esque urban legend rises up.
Pitch-perfect tension and suspense. This is a real Halloween story that is best enjoyed during the spooky season.
I actually beta-read an early version of this book and was honored to discuss my reading experience over the phone with the author.
I've read several, if not a dozen Janz books and this one is set apart as one of his most spooky offerings, in my humble opinion.
Marla Gorman is a reclusive woman who lives with her mother in a creepy old house in a small town. Of course, all the locals have their stories and opinions about that situation. In classic horror tradition, a string of grisly murders gets the townspeople and local law enforcement all riled up. Fingers start pointing toward Marla.
The death toll rises, and rumors of the frozen expression of fear on the corpses leak to the public, a slasher-esque urban legend rises up.
Pitch-perfect tension and suspense. This is a real Halloween story that is best enjoyed during the spooky season.
May 30, 2022
Jonathan Janz is an author who impresses you with plot, makes you care about his characters, and blows you away with his endings. I have devoured and loved every one of his books, and Marla is no different. If the striking cover with Marla’s terrifying face on it doesn’t grab you, then strap in because I’m here to convince you.
In the small town of King’s Branch, Detective Carl Lancaster and his partner, RJ Williams investigate a spree of murders. However something else strange is happening. Detective Lancaster has seen Marla at every crime scene. The problem is, Marla is nothing but an urban legend - the town gossip. They say Marla is held up with her mother in a creepy gothic house. She’s elusive and the townspeople don’t really know her story. The detectives are determined to figure out how Marla is connected to the murders and what’s going on in King’s Branch.
As much as I adore the secondary characters, this is the story of Marla. The heightened suspense creates an ominous tone and a nightmarish feel. Janz has a way of enticing his readers and I was fully invested in every scene. With concise prose, concrete characters, sharp dialogue, and plenty of eerie moments, you’ll be compelled to witness Marla in all of her horrific and mysterious splendor. If you want to solve murders, spend time in a small, familiar town, and figure out the enigmatic Marla, then you need this book!
Available only as a limited hardcover through Earthling Publications.
In the small town of King’s Branch, Detective Carl Lancaster and his partner, RJ Williams investigate a spree of murders. However something else strange is happening. Detective Lancaster has seen Marla at every crime scene. The problem is, Marla is nothing but an urban legend - the town gossip. They say Marla is held up with her mother in a creepy gothic house. She’s elusive and the townspeople don’t really know her story. The detectives are determined to figure out how Marla is connected to the murders and what’s going on in King’s Branch.
As much as I adore the secondary characters, this is the story of Marla. The heightened suspense creates an ominous tone and a nightmarish feel. Janz has a way of enticing his readers and I was fully invested in every scene. With concise prose, concrete characters, sharp dialogue, and plenty of eerie moments, you’ll be compelled to witness Marla in all of her horrific and mysterious splendor. If you want to solve murders, spend time in a small, familiar town, and figure out the enigmatic Marla, then you need this book!
Available only as a limited hardcover through Earthling Publications.
August 1, 2026
King's Branch is a small town and every small town has its own secrets and folklore. In King's Branch, those things are all about Marla. During a series of murders, Marla becomes the focus of investigation for a number of reasons, none of them really sane. (Just because you see a face leering out of a window, that doesn't mean they've murdered anyone.) But in this case, Marla's leer becomes the main focus and Jonathan Janz amps up the tension with a townful people getting their due. What fun!
There were a few things, character's actions mostly, that didn't come off as quite believable, but when you're having this much fun, that kind of thing takes a back seat.
MARLA feels like old school horror to me. Those horror books I read back in the late 70's and ALL of the 80's had a special feel to them that isn't entirely nostalgia. This book feels like that. It also felt that this was an ode to the books of that era. I feel Stephen King in there, (King's Branch? Also, Carrie?), as well as one of my favorite tropes: evil in a small town. (Salem's Lot, anyone?)
Whether or not these things were in Janz's mind while writing, these are the things that came to my mind. MARLA was fun as hell, and I recommend it, especially to fans of King's early writings and to fans of 80-90's horror! Come feel Marla's leer!
*ARC from publisher
There were a few things, character's actions mostly, that didn't come off as quite believable, but when you're having this much fun, that kind of thing takes a back seat.
MARLA feels like old school horror to me. Those horror books I read back in the late 70's and ALL of the 80's had a special feel to them that isn't entirely nostalgia. This book feels like that. It also felt that this was an ode to the books of that era. I feel Stephen King in there, (King's Branch? Also, Carrie?), as well as one of my favorite tropes: evil in a small town. (Salem's Lot, anyone?)
Whether or not these things were in Janz's mind while writing, these are the things that came to my mind. MARLA was fun as hell, and I recommend it, especially to fans of King's early writings and to fans of 80-90's horror! Come feel Marla's leer!
*ARC from publisher
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Marla is set in the small town of King's Branch. Many small towns, as a lot of us know, have their own local legends and lore, spooky houses to avoid and things of that nature.
For King's Branch, it's Marla Gorman. Marla is a teen girl who lives with her Mom in a rickety farmhouse on the edge of town. She seems harmless enough by that description, but Marla is a recluse, which makes people wonder. No one ever sees her out and about, but plenty of rumors circulate about her and her mother as you would expect.
On the night of the first murder our main character, Detective Carl Lancaster, catches sight of Marla leering down at him from a window of her home. Though seemingly insignificant, the momentary interaction leaves him chilled.
The night of the second murder, Detective Lancaster sees Marla again. This time under more unsettling circumstances, and the interaction happened at the exact moment of the second man's death. Even though they were far away from the murder scene, Lancaster is confident Marla's involved somehow and he won't stop until he figures out how.
We don't just follow Detective Lancaster's perspective however, we get a few other perspectives as well, which really enhanced the feel of this whole town being involved in this unraveling drama.
None of them could've anticipated the truth about Marla. That's only clear as the action escalates and we get more detailed glimpses into Marla's dark and secretive world. The truth was certainly not what I expected.
I had a lot of fun with this book. It definitely has an 80s/90s Horror vibe to it that I loved. The action kicks off quickly, and it's pedal to the floor the whole way.
There's a lot of action and the tension steadily increases throughout. I enjoyed Detective Lancaster's perspective a lot. He's a very likable MC, and I was rooting for him to succeed.
I think Janz did a great job creating this town, and all the various residents as well. The legend of Marla felt real, and for anyone who has ever lived in a small town, I think you'll find those aspects believable.
The way the other townsfolk were curious about Marla and her Mom, and all their many speculations, I could definitely picture that happening IRL.
I easily read this in a day, and yeah, it ended up being just what I was hoping for. Will it be for everyone? Certainly not, but luckily it worked for me and my tastes in more vintage feeling Horror.
I haven't read a Jonathan Janz novel in many years, and this was a great reminder that I need to pick up more. I've been exploring his backlist to see what I need to get to next.
Thank you to the publisher, Blackstone Publishing, for providing me with a copy to read and review. This is an exciting ride, and I'm very happy to have made time for it. Marla is a memorable girl!
For King's Branch, it's Marla Gorman. Marla is a teen girl who lives with her Mom in a rickety farmhouse on the edge of town. She seems harmless enough by that description, but Marla is a recluse, which makes people wonder. No one ever sees her out and about, but plenty of rumors circulate about her and her mother as you would expect.
On the night of the first murder our main character, Detective Carl Lancaster, catches sight of Marla leering down at him from a window of her home. Though seemingly insignificant, the momentary interaction leaves him chilled.
The night of the second murder, Detective Lancaster sees Marla again. This time under more unsettling circumstances, and the interaction happened at the exact moment of the second man's death. Even though they were far away from the murder scene, Lancaster is confident Marla's involved somehow and he won't stop until he figures out how.
We don't just follow Detective Lancaster's perspective however, we get a few other perspectives as well, which really enhanced the feel of this whole town being involved in this unraveling drama.
None of them could've anticipated the truth about Marla. That's only clear as the action escalates and we get more detailed glimpses into Marla's dark and secretive world. The truth was certainly not what I expected.
I had a lot of fun with this book. It definitely has an 80s/90s Horror vibe to it that I loved. The action kicks off quickly, and it's pedal to the floor the whole way.
There's a lot of action and the tension steadily increases throughout. I enjoyed Detective Lancaster's perspective a lot. He's a very likable MC, and I was rooting for him to succeed.
I think Janz did a great job creating this town, and all the various residents as well. The legend of Marla felt real, and for anyone who has ever lived in a small town, I think you'll find those aspects believable.
The way the other townsfolk were curious about Marla and her Mom, and all their many speculations, I could definitely picture that happening IRL.
I easily read this in a day, and yeah, it ended up being just what I was hoping for. Will it be for everyone? Certainly not, but luckily it worked for me and my tastes in more vintage feeling Horror.
I haven't read a Jonathan Janz novel in many years, and this was a great reminder that I need to pick up more. I've been exploring his backlist to see what I need to get to next.
Thank you to the publisher, Blackstone Publishing, for providing me with a copy to read and review. This is an exciting ride, and I'm very happy to have made time for it. Marla is a memorable girl!
May 8, 2026
CREEPY. 🏚️ STRANGE. 🌀 UNSETTLING. 🪟 A deeply eerie small-town horror story with an ominous house, strange deaths, and a girl, Marla Gorman, at the center of it all who feels wrong from the get-go. This book is atmospheric, weird, disturbing, and genuinely fun in that “why am I reading this in the dark?” kind of way.
Whew. What a genuinely creepy time. 😳
Marla is unsettling, disturbing, and so deeply eerie. Also, the cover sends chills up my spine. My little one has seen it a few times while I’ve been carrying my e-reader around the house, and each time has yelled, “Ah!! BOOGIE!!!” — which is a pretty accurate review of the book. 😂
I liked this quite a bit. Janz does a great job with the horror elements, especially in the way he builds the atmosphere around (and inside) the Gorman house. It has that old horror movie feeling, with a little bit of Supernatural episode energy and some Twin Peaks weirdness threaded through it.
I went into this story pretty blind, and I think that is the best way to do it. Right away, you know something is going on with Marla, and it is absolutely not pleasant. But Janz lets the dread build in a way that feels psychological, atmospheric, and strange before the story starts turning the screws. There are enough twists and reveals to keep the book moving, but a lot of the fun is in reading along and trying to figure out what the fuck is up with this girl.
I also enjoyed the characters. They were fun to read, and I was entertained by the banter. The cops as detective duo gave me classic crime-partner vibes, except they have the deeply unfortunate experience of stumbling into something paranormal. The side characters added more texture and feeling to the story too, which helped the horror feel more grounded and emotionally charged.
I liked that the story had more going on under the surface without making a huge production of it. There’s fear here, but also guilt, family damage, and that deep urge to explain the things we don’t understand, even when the explanation might be worse.
That said, the few things that didn’t fully work for me were mostly on the writing side. There were moments where the prose felt a little perfunctory, like the story was hurrying through a beat instead of letting it breathe. A few character revelations also felt slightly unearned to me, with some convenient developments that moved the plot along but made me pause and question how easily certain things clicked into place. None of this ruined the experience by any means, but it did occasionally pull me out of the story just enough to notice the machinery underneath.
I also really liked where the ending went, but I did wish it had taken its time a little longer in the aftermath. There are still some pieces left unexplained, and while I don’t mind ambiguity in horror, a few of those lingering questions felt less like eerie mystery and more like loose threads I wanted the book to tug on just a bit more.
This would make such a wicked movie, truly, but I think I’d be too scared to ever watch it. The book already gave my easily terrified brain more than enough to work with.
4/5 stars from me. Such a fun and spooky ride
Many thanks to Blackstone Publishing for the gifted ARC.
👁 👁
Whew. What a genuinely creepy time. 😳
Marla is unsettling, disturbing, and so deeply eerie. Also, the cover sends chills up my spine. My little one has seen it a few times while I’ve been carrying my e-reader around the house, and each time has yelled, “Ah!! BOOGIE!!!” — which is a pretty accurate review of the book. 😂
I liked this quite a bit. Janz does a great job with the horror elements, especially in the way he builds the atmosphere around (and inside) the Gorman house. It has that old horror movie feeling, with a little bit of Supernatural episode energy and some Twin Peaks weirdness threaded through it.
I went into this story pretty blind, and I think that is the best way to do it. Right away, you know something is going on with Marla, and it is absolutely not pleasant. But Janz lets the dread build in a way that feels psychological, atmospheric, and strange before the story starts turning the screws. There are enough twists and reveals to keep the book moving, but a lot of the fun is in reading along and trying to figure out what the fuck is up with this girl.
I also enjoyed the characters. They were fun to read, and I was entertained by the banter. The cops as detective duo gave me classic crime-partner vibes, except they have the deeply unfortunate experience of stumbling into something paranormal. The side characters added more texture and feeling to the story too, which helped the horror feel more grounded and emotionally charged.
I liked that the story had more going on under the surface without making a huge production of it. There’s fear here, but also guilt, family damage, and that deep urge to explain the things we don’t understand, even when the explanation might be worse.
That said, the few things that didn’t fully work for me were mostly on the writing side. There were moments where the prose felt a little perfunctory, like the story was hurrying through a beat instead of letting it breathe. A few character revelations also felt slightly unearned to me, with some convenient developments that moved the plot along but made me pause and question how easily certain things clicked into place. None of this ruined the experience by any means, but it did occasionally pull me out of the story just enough to notice the machinery underneath.
I also really liked where the ending went, but I did wish it had taken its time a little longer in the aftermath. There are still some pieces left unexplained, and while I don’t mind ambiguity in horror, a few of those lingering questions felt less like eerie mystery and more like loose threads I wanted the book to tug on just a bit more.
This would make such a wicked movie, truly, but I think I’d be too scared to ever watch it. The book already gave my easily terrified brain more than enough to work with.
4/5 stars from me. Such a fun and spooky ride
Many thanks to Blackstone Publishing for the gifted ARC.
👁 👁
April 1, 2026
Boy-oh-boy am I surely grateful to Blackstone right now! I finally read my first Jonathan Janz novel and that means I need to pick up my copy of Veil ASAP. I really want to thank @books_and_biceps9155 for giving me the push.
In the town of King’s Branch, Indiana, people are turning up dead. Their faces frozen in horror and with their eyes a bloody mess. It’s obvious they’ve been mur.dered but in the most unusual ways.
Then, there’s the Gorman House. An old debilitated and creepy old house that Marla and her mother live in. There’s been whispers that something’s wrong with Marla. Why doesn’t she leave the house? Why does she give you that creepy stare from her bedroom window?
Let me tell you that I devoured this novel. Think gothic witchy vibes with a little bit of Carrie thrown in. Hell yeah, right?! One of my favorite parts of his writing is how he gives the story some heart. You get inside of these character’s heads and care for them. OH, and there’s even a dog 🐕.
You gotta add this one to your TBR! It’s unsettling, creepy, and atmospheric and I absolutely loved it! A perfect time for Summerween too. I’ve gotta get a finished copy of this bad boy for sure. I highly recommend it.
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
In the town of King’s Branch, Indiana, people are turning up dead. Their faces frozen in horror and with their eyes a bloody mess. It’s obvious they’ve been mur.dered but in the most unusual ways.
Then, there’s the Gorman House. An old debilitated and creepy old house that Marla and her mother live in. There’s been whispers that something’s wrong with Marla. Why doesn’t she leave the house? Why does she give you that creepy stare from her bedroom window?
Let me tell you that I devoured this novel. Think gothic witchy vibes with a little bit of Carrie thrown in. Hell yeah, right?! One of my favorite parts of his writing is how he gives the story some heart. You get inside of these character’s heads and care for them. OH, and there’s even a dog 🐕.
You gotta add this one to your TBR! It’s unsettling, creepy, and atmospheric and I absolutely loved it! A perfect time for Summerween too. I’ve gotta get a finished copy of this bad boy for sure. I highly recommend it.
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 1, 2026
4.5/5
Bro, I was scared lol.
The large cast of characters could be confusing. Like Brian and Bill - both abusive aholes that were easy to confuse. I found myself at one point thinking "why doesn't Annie recognize Dylan? Wouldn't that be her kid if she's married to Bill?" She wasn't. She was married to Brian. Overall I enjoyed it. I'm about to peer pressure friends and family to read it so I'm not alone in my fear lol.
Bro, I was scared lol.
The large cast of characters could be confusing. Like Brian and Bill - both abusive aholes that were easy to confuse. I found myself at one point thinking "why doesn't Annie recognize Dylan? Wouldn't that be her kid if she's married to Bill?" She wasn't. She was married to Brian. Overall I enjoyed it. I'm about to peer pressure friends and family to read it so I'm not alone in my fear lol.
August 20, 2026
Janz just gets better and better I could not put this down and read it in two sittings mainly during the night, what a creep fest it sure has the creepy vibes (as my daughter would say). There is an urban legend in the town of King's Branch and her name is Marla, for a few of the residents though some urban legends have a basis in fact, as all the secrets and lies in town start to unravel 2 detectives are thrust into the middle of the danger.
This is by far the best Janz book since 'The Nightmare Girl' (my opinion), Marla unfolds like the best of Stephen King (and that's not hyperbole) I did not want this to end and can't wait until Janz drops a new title.
You really feel for these characters and there is a true emotional journey for some of them, so if thats your thing you could do worse.
41/2 stars (wish goodreads would do quarter and half stars)
This is by far the best Janz book since 'The Nightmare Girl' (my opinion), Marla unfolds like the best of Stephen King (and that's not hyperbole) I did not want this to end and can't wait until Janz drops a new title.
You really feel for these characters and there is a true emotional journey for some of them, so if thats your thing you could do worse.
41/2 stars (wish goodreads would do quarter and half stars)
January 21, 2024
Where is this book, I need it, 5 stars already cos it's janz
Updated review after I've actually read..surprise it's still 5 stars!
.
.
I finally read Marla! I'm a big Janz fan, a Janzie? All of his books I've read so far have been my favourites and they take pride of place on my bookshelves, I'm late to the party I know I struggled to find a copy untill my friend Mark very kindly gifted me his! I was overly cautious turning the pages as I didn't wanna tarnish this precious copy 😂 I find Janz particularly skilled at the following, you might wanna sit down its a long list..meshing genres together to deftly create something of a horror smorgasbord, police procedural, mystery/thriller, gothic, family drama and horror, Marla has all of this and a propulsive plot that keeps you walking a tightrope of suspense and just when you think you've figured it out, you haven't, is this a slasher? a supernatural? plot twists abound! Creating nuanced characters that you can't help but invest in and really root for (some you don't) paired with faultless depictions of humanity and relationships makes his stories linger long after you've finished reading, dialogue between characters that feels authentic and honest to god laugh out loud funny, multiple POVs that never distract from the narrative, the characterization as always, is, I believe one of Janz strongest weapons, icky gooey gory gruesome imagery that makes me cringe but can't help but go back for more, this was incredibly creepy and tense and a perfect book for Halloween time (Halloween is everyday right?) Utterly captivating and blood chilling I believe Marla is up there with some of the horror cult classics (I think it actually is I'm just late to the party remember), reminiscent of King but Janz has entirely his own distinct style, peppering the ongoing tension and horror with just enough humour to ease the reader along his nightmarish tales
I'm so glad I got to read this! Have you read this? Have you read Children of the Dark? I won't tell you again... 👀
Updated review after I've actually read..surprise it's still 5 stars!
.
.
I finally read Marla! I'm a big Janz fan, a Janzie? All of his books I've read so far have been my favourites and they take pride of place on my bookshelves, I'm late to the party I know I struggled to find a copy untill my friend Mark very kindly gifted me his! I was overly cautious turning the pages as I didn't wanna tarnish this precious copy 😂 I find Janz particularly skilled at the following, you might wanna sit down its a long list..meshing genres together to deftly create something of a horror smorgasbord, police procedural, mystery/thriller, gothic, family drama and horror, Marla has all of this and a propulsive plot that keeps you walking a tightrope of suspense and just when you think you've figured it out, you haven't, is this a slasher? a supernatural? plot twists abound! Creating nuanced characters that you can't help but invest in and really root for (some you don't) paired with faultless depictions of humanity and relationships makes his stories linger long after you've finished reading, dialogue between characters that feels authentic and honest to god laugh out loud funny, multiple POVs that never distract from the narrative, the characterization as always, is, I believe one of Janz strongest weapons, icky gooey gory gruesome imagery that makes me cringe but can't help but go back for more, this was incredibly creepy and tense and a perfect book for Halloween time (Halloween is everyday right?) Utterly captivating and blood chilling I believe Marla is up there with some of the horror cult classics (I think it actually is I'm just late to the party remember), reminiscent of King but Janz has entirely his own distinct style, peppering the ongoing tension and horror with just enough humour to ease the reader along his nightmarish tales
I'm so glad I got to read this! Have you read this? Have you read Children of the Dark? I won't tell you again... 👀
September 4, 2026
1.5 stars rounded down.
There's a strain of contemporary "horror" that keeps bouncing off me, and this is squarely in it. Maybe it's the atmosphere-as-substitute-for-substance thing, the sense that mood is doing the work that structure and sentences ought to be doing. Whatever it is, I hit it again in Alex Woodroe's The Night Ship and in CJ Leede's Headlights--two books that arrived on a similar wave and left me equally cold. At least I finished this one. I couldn't even get all the way through Headlights. Maybe it's just that I'm not a BookTok guy. Possibly that's the entire explanation and I should leave it there.
One reviewer sympathetic to the book noted that the prose occasionally felt perfunctory, rushing a beat rather than letting it breathe, and that certain revelations landed as unearned. Another conceded that the book holds few real surprises, that Marla's menace is established with no ambiguity in the opening pages, and that the plot travels in exactly one direction from there. If I can see the machinery and I already know the destination, the four hundred pages between here and there had better be doing something on a line level or at least keeping it fun and, for me, they weren't. That's not to say it isn't an easy read. It was, and quite brisk at that. But ultimately, it read like the greatest sin in modern big publishing, the chasing of a wordcount.
Give me cheap, mean, stupid pulp and I'll be perfectly happy. What I can't get on with is this particular alloy: prestige-horror ambition welded onto not very much, sold at literary-novel weight. Good premise, but all told there wasn't much there. It left me feeling like a Netflix miniseries, gone the second you turn it off (or in this case, close the cover).
Read on a too-done-up hardcover from the library. What's with the new trend of stained pages?
There's a strain of contemporary "horror" that keeps bouncing off me, and this is squarely in it. Maybe it's the atmosphere-as-substitute-for-substance thing, the sense that mood is doing the work that structure and sentences ought to be doing. Whatever it is, I hit it again in Alex Woodroe's The Night Ship and in CJ Leede's Headlights--two books that arrived on a similar wave and left me equally cold. At least I finished this one. I couldn't even get all the way through Headlights. Maybe it's just that I'm not a BookTok guy. Possibly that's the entire explanation and I should leave it there.
One reviewer sympathetic to the book noted that the prose occasionally felt perfunctory, rushing a beat rather than letting it breathe, and that certain revelations landed as unearned. Another conceded that the book holds few real surprises, that Marla's menace is established with no ambiguity in the opening pages, and that the plot travels in exactly one direction from there. If I can see the machinery and I already know the destination, the four hundred pages between here and there had better be doing something on a line level or at least keeping it fun and, for me, they weren't. That's not to say it isn't an easy read. It was, and quite brisk at that. But ultimately, it read like the greatest sin in modern big publishing, the chasing of a wordcount.
Give me cheap, mean, stupid pulp and I'll be perfectly happy. What I can't get on with is this particular alloy: prestige-horror ambition welded onto not very much, sold at literary-novel weight. Good premise, but all told there wasn't much there. It left me feeling like a Netflix miniseries, gone the second you turn it off (or in this case, close the cover).
Read on a too-done-up hardcover from the library. What's with the new trend of stained pages?
December 31, 2023
I'm not even going to TRY posting a review right now while GR is having all of these technical issues, but I will go ahead and say that this book was absolutely incredible!! Another win from Jonathan Janz ♥ review coming soon!
October 24, 2022
JonathanJanz has crafted a real page turner here. Eerie and suspenseful and a whole hell of a lot of fun for horror fans. Marla is one of Janz’s greatest creations, and whatever you do, don’t look into her eyes! 😳😬😱🎃
July 1, 2026
4.75 stars - one ick I cant forgive. (it's mentioning HP at all, icky)
Review https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTSDTkTEM/
Review https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTSDTkTEM/
Did Not Finish
August 20, 2026DNF at 80%, I hope Marla killed everyone after I stopped reading
October 2, 2022
It's October 1st - officially starting the spooky season for those who don't celebrate all year long like I do. And what a way to start the month! Janz is quickly becoming a favorite horror author of mine and MARLA is my third by this author, and so far my favorite, that I've read.
There's something so deliciously eerie and creepy about the rumors of a reclusive woman in a gothic house that keeps the law enforcement on their toes (at least in this case) and the teens in their glory of testing themselves. Murders, with the faces found in fear, reminded me somewhat of how Samara left her victims in The Ring. But what is truly happening with these atrocities and why is everyone so obsessed with MARLA?
The fun for me is that Marla is the name of my former boss as one of the tertiary characters' names is Jason Karr... which is the name of a friend of mine (though I hope he hasn't met the same fate). I couldn't help but picture them as I read though Marla is certainly not nearly as scary. I also truly love these types of stories. Part slasher with an underlying supernatural feel, Janz truly brings Marla to life.
We get a lot of the various characters and the various POVs keep you right in the action. And you get to know them well enough to care about what happens to them. But we are centered around Marla. You can just feel her leering coming straight off the pages (as if you didn't already feel her just from the glorious cover). When we get towards the end of the story and things start to become cohesive, we truly get a feel of the evil within.
While I wasn't surprised at the last chapter, I really loved the ending prior where we learn about what and who Marla is, where she gets her power and why the people in this town are important to her. There is an increased tension that palpitates with every page turned and keeps you glued to the pages. I know I certainly don't want to be looking into her eyes (and that's hard to do with a cover that seems to follow you everywhere).
I think I'm definitely in the #janzfanz circle of horror fans. Rejoice, be merry and be careful out there.
There's something so deliciously eerie and creepy about the rumors of a reclusive woman in a gothic house that keeps the law enforcement on their toes (at least in this case) and the teens in their glory of testing themselves. Murders, with the faces found in fear, reminded me somewhat of how Samara left her victims in The Ring. But what is truly happening with these atrocities and why is everyone so obsessed with MARLA?
The fun for me is that Marla is the name of my former boss as one of the tertiary characters' names is Jason Karr... which is the name of a friend of mine (though I hope he hasn't met the same fate). I couldn't help but picture them as I read though Marla is certainly not nearly as scary. I also truly love these types of stories. Part slasher with an underlying supernatural feel, Janz truly brings Marla to life.
We get a lot of the various characters and the various POVs keep you right in the action. And you get to know them well enough to care about what happens to them. But we are centered around Marla. You can just feel her leering coming straight off the pages (as if you didn't already feel her just from the glorious cover). When we get towards the end of the story and things start to become cohesive, we truly get a feel of the evil within.
While I wasn't surprised at the last chapter, I really loved the ending prior where we learn about what and who Marla is, where she gets her power and why the people in this town are important to her. There is an increased tension that palpitates with every page turned and keeps you glued to the pages. I know I certainly don't want to be looking into her eyes (and that's hard to do with a cover that seems to follow you everywhere).
I think I'm definitely in the #janzfanz circle of horror fans. Rejoice, be merry and be careful out there.
October 4, 2026
The book is about a non-ageing, recluse young woman who can kill people from distance by the supernatural power of her mind, two breaking up families, a bunch of annoying teenagers and two policemen who are out of their depth. This book has very favourable ratings and reviews, but it clearly was not for me. It is classified as a paranormal horror and thriller, but I found it lacking both in frightening element and in atmospere. It has one or two bright moments, therefore I give it two and a half star, rouned up.
August 31, 2026
Genuinely baffled at all the great reviews?
The book's strongest ideas - inherited violence, domestic abuse, female monstrosity - are just mere suggestions instead of being fully explored.
The dialogue was just... bad. No one talks like that.
There were too many POVs, too many characters, and none of them properly developed - Marla herself, who had the potential to have been a great character, is the least developed of them all.
I could forgive most of this, had it been an exciting read, but it was so unbearably boring?
All in all, a huge disappointment.
October 7, 2026
This was genuinely scary. The cover absolutely matches the vibes of the story. I was delighted to be haunted by it.
July 12, 2026
This was my first Jonathan Janz book and it for sure won’t be my last. Marla was a force to be reckoned with and I loved every minute of it. The writing was excellent and the story excellently told, it genuinely had me creeped out more than a few times, wondering if I was going to see Marla lurking around a corner or waiting for me in another room. I got attached to the characters in a way I wasn’t expecting and the ending was absolutely perfect.
Thank you to the author, NetGalley and Blackstone publishing for the early copy.
Thank you to the author, NetGalley and Blackstone publishing for the early copy.
January 13, 2023
Oh man. This book.
I just put it down so probably not the best time to write a review as these are only my initial thoughts. I’ve read many of the “classic” horror books and most of them are considered classics for a very good reason. But now there’s Marla by Jonathan Janz, and I think this just might be the scariest book I’ve ever read. Scarier than The Shining, Pet Sematary, or IT.Scarier than Swan Song or Rosemary’s Baby. This book had me on the edge almost the whole way through (which is extremely difficult when you have a weird work schedule and not enough time to read).
For my money, Marla is right up there with all the great horror novels. I implore you to find a copy and start reading asap.
Second read: My opinion is unchanged. This is a great horror novel and one I hope will find the audience it deserves.
I just put it down so probably not the best time to write a review as these are only my initial thoughts. I’ve read many of the “classic” horror books and most of them are considered classics for a very good reason. But now there’s Marla by Jonathan Janz, and I think this just might be the scariest book I’ve ever read. Scarier than The Shining, Pet Sematary, or IT.Scarier than Swan Song or Rosemary’s Baby. This book had me on the edge almost the whole way through (which is extremely difficult when you have a weird work schedule and not enough time to read).
For my money, Marla is right up there with all the great horror novels. I implore you to find a copy and start reading asap.
Second read: My opinion is unchanged. This is a great horror novel and one I hope will find the audience it deserves.
April 21, 2022
‘Jonathan Janz is one of the few horror writers working today who can truly unnerve his readers. ‘Marla’ is a grippingly suspenseful story, full of brutality, tantalising mystery and sacrifice. From the very first sentence Janz puts us on edge and it doesn’t let up until the final page, where I was a quivering wreck and struggling for breath. There is an unsettling eeriness that permeates each line, ensuring that every page is bleached in torment and beguiling prose - ‘Marla’ showcases one of the genres most chilling voices. Janz has crafted a nightmare of a book!’
Ross Jeffery
Bram Stoker Award-nominated Author of Tome
Ross Jeffery
Bram Stoker Award-nominated Author of Tome
August 18, 2026
Audiobook Review
A huge thank you to Blackstone Publishing for the gifted copy of this book!
Vibes: True Detective X Carrie
My Thoughts:
Once you set eyes on MARLA by Jonathan Janz, you won’t be able to look away. The story centers around Marla Gorman who is basically the boogieman of her small town. Some say she’s a witch, others say she’s a recluse, but everyone agrees there’s something strange about Marla. When a string of unnatural murders occur, Marla appears to be connected, but is she really to blame or just another outcast being used as a scapegoat?
I thoroughly enjoyed this one. It’s a captivating, propulsive read that begs to be binged. Part supernatural horror, part crime thriller, the story is filled with small town drama and family dynamics that feel all too real. There’s some pretty creepy moments, but the scares are balanced by a cast of heartfelt characters. I’ll forever be obsessed with the mystery surrounding Marla. She’s such a fantastic character, and one I won’t forget anytime soon. And that ending!!
The audiobook narration is excellent. The narrators do an amazing job of making each character feel distinct. I was instantly drawn in by their voices and kept rapt by their performances. Both narrators add a whole other layer to the tension already on the page. I highly recommend giving it a listen!
My Rating: 5/5 stars
Narration: 5/5 stars
✔️ Highly Recommend!
A huge thank you to Blackstone Publishing for the gifted copy of this book!
Vibes: True Detective X Carrie
My Thoughts:
Once you set eyes on MARLA by Jonathan Janz, you won’t be able to look away. The story centers around Marla Gorman who is basically the boogieman of her small town. Some say she’s a witch, others say she’s a recluse, but everyone agrees there’s something strange about Marla. When a string of unnatural murders occur, Marla appears to be connected, but is she really to blame or just another outcast being used as a scapegoat?
I thoroughly enjoyed this one. It’s a captivating, propulsive read that begs to be binged. Part supernatural horror, part crime thriller, the story is filled with small town drama and family dynamics that feel all too real. There’s some pretty creepy moments, but the scares are balanced by a cast of heartfelt characters. I’ll forever be obsessed with the mystery surrounding Marla. She’s such a fantastic character, and one I won’t forget anytime soon. And that ending!!
The audiobook narration is excellent. The narrators do an amazing job of making each character feel distinct. I was instantly drawn in by their voices and kept rapt by their performances. Both narrators add a whole other layer to the tension already on the page. I highly recommend giving it a listen!
My Rating: 5/5 stars
Narration: 5/5 stars
✔️ Highly Recommend!
September 21, 2026
One of my most anticipated books of the year and it really delivered!! So glad that the story lived up to that iconic cover.
Jonathan Janz is a master of horror. Visual storytelling, great characters, and dialogue. This is small town (I love small town horror!) with secrets, a creepy house and lots of mystery. It’s well paced and has a great build up. Highly recommended.
Jonathan Janz is a master of horror. Visual storytelling, great characters, and dialogue. This is small town (I love small town horror!) with secrets, a creepy house and lots of mystery. It’s well paced and has a great build up. Highly recommended.
November 12, 2022
MARLA, by Jonathan Janz, is Earthling Publication's Halloween 2022 selection.
All small towns have their local "haunted house", or resident "witch" for others to spread outlandish rumors about. In the town of King's Branch, it happens to be Marla--a young woman, never seen, who has lived with her mother, Irene, all her life. Homeschooled, nobody can even say what she looks like--except in those exaggerated tales.
Until the night Detective Carl Lancaster drives past the Gorman home and sees Marla leering at him from an upstairs window.
"Carl Lancaster believed in evil. After eleven years as a police detective, how could he not?"
Janz nails the small town atmosphere in this novel; their superstitions, rivalries, dramas, cliques, and secrets. The characterization is superb, and I easily felt that I knew each character as the book went on.
". . . You needed imagination to comprehend something like this . . ."
As more people are involved, and the body count rises, a thriller aspect edges its way into the novel as well. The complexity as you mentally weave the strands together in your mind makes MARLA a very difficult novel to put down.
"There's something wrong in the Gorman House."
It's getting increasingly rare to surprise me--in a good way--with any twist lately, but MARLA did just that.
Highly recommended.
All small towns have their local "haunted house", or resident "witch" for others to spread outlandish rumors about. In the town of King's Branch, it happens to be Marla--a young woman, never seen, who has lived with her mother, Irene, all her life. Homeschooled, nobody can even say what she looks like--except in those exaggerated tales.
Until the night Detective Carl Lancaster drives past the Gorman home and sees Marla leering at him from an upstairs window.
"Carl Lancaster believed in evil. After eleven years as a police detective, how could he not?"
Janz nails the small town atmosphere in this novel; their superstitions, rivalries, dramas, cliques, and secrets. The characterization is superb, and I easily felt that I knew each character as the book went on.
". . . You needed imagination to comprehend something like this . . ."
As more people are involved, and the body count rises, a thriller aspect edges its way into the novel as well. The complexity as you mentally weave the strands together in your mind makes MARLA a very difficult novel to put down.
"There's something wrong in the Gorman House."
It's getting increasingly rare to surprise me--in a good way--with any twist lately, but MARLA did just that.
Highly recommended.
June 11, 2022
Every Halloween, horror fans rejoice. For many, it’s to celebrate the spooky season, as the time of the weirdos arrives. But there’s another great reason to get excited. Earthling Publications limited Halloween hardcovers! Last year’s entry, Boys in the Valley by Philip Fracassi, was one of my top books of 2021. It will, deservedly, be released by Tor Nightfire in 2023. Where to go from there?
The master of the macabre, of course. Nary a horror subgenre exists that Jonathan Janz has yet to put his spin on. Small-town murder mystery might be the closest one can come to nailing this book down, but it’s not that simple or straightforward. Marla has notes of a slasher, but with a larger looming element of supernatural secrecy.
Where Janz shines is in keeping the reader guessing. Marla revels in a quality that keeps its audience slightly off-kilter throughout the runtime. The story is told through multiple points of view, each one providing a different look at the unsettling events transpiring in King’s Branch, then moving on before allowing the reader to dig their heels in and gain firm footing. The balance of POV’s is also a strength. Janz manages to create the aforementioned tension through movement while still allowing us to get to know Dylan Ellison and Detective Lancaster, sprinkling personality and characterization in without distracting from the linear narrative.
The characters matter, therefore the stakes matter. This pays off in spades during act three when the author ties all of the dangling threads together. Jonathan Janz crafts an ending that is ambiguous enough to keep the reader thinking after the story ends, but also satisfying enough to say “That was a hell of a book.”
Earthling Publications and Jonathan Janz have both done it again. Marla is a hell of a book.
The master of the macabre, of course. Nary a horror subgenre exists that Jonathan Janz has yet to put his spin on. Small-town murder mystery might be the closest one can come to nailing this book down, but it’s not that simple or straightforward. Marla has notes of a slasher, but with a larger looming element of supernatural secrecy.
Where Janz shines is in keeping the reader guessing. Marla revels in a quality that keeps its audience slightly off-kilter throughout the runtime. The story is told through multiple points of view, each one providing a different look at the unsettling events transpiring in King’s Branch, then moving on before allowing the reader to dig their heels in and gain firm footing. The balance of POV’s is also a strength. Janz manages to create the aforementioned tension through movement while still allowing us to get to know Dylan Ellison and Detective Lancaster, sprinkling personality and characterization in without distracting from the linear narrative.
The characters matter, therefore the stakes matter. This pays off in spades during act three when the author ties all of the dangling threads together. Jonathan Janz crafts an ending that is ambiguous enough to keep the reader thinking after the story ends, but also satisfying enough to say “That was a hell of a book.”
Earthling Publications and Jonathan Janz have both done it again. Marla is a hell of a book.
May 1, 2026
Marla was a tough one for me. I usually like everything Janz puts out. I’m constantly recommending Exorcist Falls to anyone looking for possession horror. It’s simply top-notch. Marla doesn’t quite get there for me. The idea of a Carrie-like girl holed up with her domineering mother in the local haunted house sounded like it was a slam dunk. My issue wasn’t necessarily the story, but the characters and some of the dialogue. They felt forced to me. There were decisions made by the detectives and their chief that felt unrealistic, that they would never happen in the real world. There were moments where Marla had some genuine atmosphere going on, though. When some characters were trudging through the dark in the house, you could feel the tension ratchet up. That’s Janz at his best. He really does a marvellous job with the atmosphere. Always has. Marla, by no means, is a bad story. For me, it didn’t elevate to Janz’s usual level of excellence. You may disagree. That’s the beauty of horror.
3 Neck Bruises out of 5
3 Neck Bruises out of 5
October 21, 2026
MARLA by Jonathan Janz 🖤
What the hell is happening in King’s Branch? & Marla Gorman… WHAT ARE YOU?! 👀
I’ve been highly anticipating this one, and I’m happy to say it kept me locked in from beginning to end!
The characters really added to the mystery for me. Between Detective Lancaster trying to connect the dots, Annie’s complicated connection to the story, and Dylan’s fascination with Marla, everyone seems to have their own piece of the puzzle.
& Marla - you enigma of a character you. 😩
Add in a creepy house, small town rumors, and a whole lot of secrets, and you have a recipe for one very unsettling story.
The more you learn, the more questions you have, & I was 100% here for it!
I listened to the audiobook, and this was such a fun way to experience this creepy, small town horror story. 👻
The pacing was good, the narrators did a great job, the atmosphere was spot on & the epilogue was *chefs kiss*
Overall, this one was great!
If you love eerie small towns, mysterious characters, and stories that keep you wondering what the hell is actually going on, add this one to your list! 👏🏻
Now excuse me while I continue questioning EVERYTHING that happened in King’s Branch. 😆
⭐ Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
What the hell is happening in King’s Branch? & Marla Gorman… WHAT ARE YOU?! 👀
I’ve been highly anticipating this one, and I’m happy to say it kept me locked in from beginning to end!
The characters really added to the mystery for me. Between Detective Lancaster trying to connect the dots, Annie’s complicated connection to the story, and Dylan’s fascination with Marla, everyone seems to have their own piece of the puzzle.
& Marla - you enigma of a character you. 😩
Add in a creepy house, small town rumors, and a whole lot of secrets, and you have a recipe for one very unsettling story.
The more you learn, the more questions you have, & I was 100% here for it!
I listened to the audiobook, and this was such a fun way to experience this creepy, small town horror story. 👻
The pacing was good, the narrators did a great job, the atmosphere was spot on & the epilogue was *chefs kiss*
Overall, this one was great!
If you love eerie small towns, mysterious characters, and stories that keep you wondering what the hell is actually going on, add this one to your list! 👏🏻
Now excuse me while I continue questioning EVERYTHING that happened in King’s Branch. 😆
⭐ Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
September 2, 2026
✨Um, is Marla looking at me right now? Tell me the truth! 🙀 😂 ✨
I really enjoyed this book and the writing is very well done!! Marla is a spooky story that genuinely gets more tense and creepy!! The pacing of this one was so spot on for me. Everything just builds up perfectly to add to the tension, ominous atmosphere, and really caring about what happens to these characters. Absolutely loved the ending! I enjoyed this book so much!
This is the first book I’ve read by the author and I can’t wait to read more from Jonathan Janz!
This is my first audiobook arc (I do read all forms: physical, ebooks, and audiobooks) so let me also say that I really loved the narrators! Excellent job!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a free audiobook copy in exchange for an honest review. This audiobook is expected to be released October 20, 2026.
I really enjoyed this book and the writing is very well done!! Marla is a spooky story that genuinely gets more tense and creepy!! The pacing of this one was so spot on for me. Everything just builds up perfectly to add to the tension, ominous atmosphere, and really caring about what happens to these characters. Absolutely loved the ending! I enjoyed this book so much!
This is the first book I’ve read by the author and I can’t wait to read more from Jonathan Janz!
This is my first audiobook arc (I do read all forms: physical, ebooks, and audiobooks) so let me also say that I really loved the narrators! Excellent job!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a free audiobook copy in exchange for an honest review. This audiobook is expected to be released October 20, 2026.
October 22, 2026
This was like reading a version of Tales from the Crypt! It was good but in an oddly weird way 🤷🏻♀️ like Marla was just evil……or did she bring the evil out people🤷🏻♀️ Definitely a different read but I enjoyed this one!
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