Twist of Cain: A Coming-of-Age Horror Novel

by Michael J. Stiehl

Play the tape. Pay the price.

Chris Beckwith’s life sucks. His parents’ marriage is crumbling, he hasn’t been out in weeks, and now Donnie, the boy who used to be his closest friend, is dead.

After the funeral, the whispers begin. Donnie made one last mix tape before he died. A tape with something terrible on it. It’s already spreading, passed hand to hand. Played in basements, parked cars, and bedrooms late at night. People say it changes you. People say Donnie left behind something he shouldn't have.

Chris doesn’t believe the rumors, until he starts seeing things he can’t explain. The closer he gets to the truth, the clearer it becomes that the tape demands something from those who listen, and it’s getting what it wants.

Following the tape’s path leads to the biggest party of the year. One night. One reckoning that will leave no one unchanged. To get there, Chris is forced to confront a past he’s spent years trying to bury, and the secrets Donnie was keeping.

Twist of Cain is an occult coming-of-age horror novel about cursed objects, buried guilt, and the terrible price of forbidden knowledge. Perfect for fans of Grady Hendrix’s We Sold Our Souls, Nick Roberts, and slow-burn supernatural horror where the past refuses to stay dead.

Once you play the tape, there’s no rewinding it.

“It’s impossible to avoid being caught up in Stiehl’s spiraling horror story.”
—W.D. Gagliani, author of The Judas Hit and the Nick Lupo Series

Genres: Horror

199 pages, ebook

First published April 7, 2026

About the author

Michael J. Stiehl has had a lifelong passion for fiction, in particular horror, comics, adventure and science fiction, and is thrilled to finally be writing some of his own. Michael lives in the Chicago suburbs with his wife, two kids and his very silly poodle Jack. When not writing fiction, Michael spends his time riding bikes, camping, reading books, obsessively listening to music and playing D&D with his friends. In short, he hasn’t changed a bit since junior high.

Reviews

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twist of Cain is a 4–4.5 star, slow‑burn, occult‑soaked coming‑of‑age nightmare that feels like someone blended The Ring, a cursed mixtape, and every bad decision you made in high school into one spiralling descent you can’t look away from.

Chris Beckwith’s life is already circling the drain — crumbling family, dead best friend, zero social life — and then the whispers start. Donnie left behind a final mix tape. A tape that shouldn’t exist. A tape that changes people. A tape that wants something.

And because teenagers in horror novels have the survival instincts of a damp sponge, Chris listens.

That’s when the fun begins.
And by “fun,” I mean hallucinations, dread, guilt, and the kind of supernatural pressure that makes your spine sweat.

The tape is the star here — a cursed object with personality, hunger, and a very clear agenda. Every person who plays it becomes a little less themselves and a little more… claimed. The way Stiehl builds that creeping, inevitable corruption is chef’s kiss slow‑burn horror.

Chris’s journey is messy, painful, and deeply human. He’s grieving Donnie, avoiding his own past, and trying desperately to pretend he’s fine while the tape is basically whispering, “Sweetheart, you’re mine now.”

The story crescendos toward the biggest party of the year — one night, one reckoning, one final chance to face the truth Chris has been running from. And when the tape finally gets what it wants?
Oh, it gets it.

This book nails:

• cursed‑object horror done right
• the ache of teenage guilt and grief
• supernatural dread that builds like a pressure cooker
• a protagonist who’s flawed, scared, and painfully real
• that “the past refuses to stay dead” energy

It’s atmospheric, unsettling, and the kind of horror that lingers like a shadow in the corner of your room.

A 4–4.5 star, eerie, spiralling, occult coming‑of‑age horror that proves once you play the tape, you’re not just listening — you’re being listened to.

[Ren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of advanced copy received from BookSirens.

I really enjoyed this tale of a cursed mix tape set in the 1980s! It was so easy to step into main character Chris’s shoes and see the world through his eyes. Twist of Cain is an awesome horror story on its surface, but where it really shines is tackling themes of how we process grief and reckon the idea of our loved ones with who they really are as people. I definitely look forward to reading more in the future from the author!

[Scare-o-Lyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michael Stiehl was kind enough to send me an ARC of this to review.

Our teenage protagonist, Chris, has a best friend, Donnie. After an inciting incident, their friendship falters and they grow apart.

Donnie is known for making mixed tapes of metal music. Shortly after he takes his own life, a rumor begins that he left a final mixed tape related to his death. Chris is doubtful of the tape's existence, but quickly comes to find that not only does the tape exist, but it has a terrifying effect on those who listen to it.

I absolutely loved this! The teenage angst was so palpable! Friendships can feel overwhelmingly intense and tumultuous at that age and I thought that was depicted beautifully.

Chris is facing complex emotions surrounding grief and loss while simultaneously broaching the truth of who his former best friend really was. He also needs to come to terms with his own actions and what responsibilities he has going forward.

This was quite multi-faceted with elements both disturbing and touching. I was fully invested and would definitely recommend it!

[Amanda Kimble · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 out of 5 Stars

Twist of Cain: A Coming-of-Age Horror Novel by Michael J. Stiehl

This is the first book I've read by the author and wow. That's all I've got to say for this book. Twist of Cain will be the best book of the year.

Chris is the best friend of Donnie and he is trying to figure out who has the last tape. Then he goes to visit shortly after he died. He tells this to Donnie’s mom: “I’m glad my visiting made you feel better. I’m sorry I haven’t done it sooner.”

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twist of Cain: A Coming-of-Age Horror Novel by Michael J. Stiehl.
4 of 5 Stars.

I was hooked throughout by this intriguing story which is a mix of a teenage coming of age novel with a supernatural horror. Following the death of his ex-best friend Donnie, Chris hears whispers that he left behind a mix tape with something terrible on it. As the tape starts to spread, passed hand to hand and played in secret, so do the rumours. People say that Donnie left something he shouldn’t have behind, and that once you listen to the tape it changes you. Chris doesn’t believe the rumours until he starts seeing unexplained things, and decides to find out the truth behind the tape.

As he gets close to the truth he discovers that the mix tape demands something from anyone who listens to it. Chris must face his past and the secrets Donnie was keeping if he’s to stop something evil. Everything comes to ahead at the biggest party of the year which will leave no one unchanged. This slow-burn, atmospheric story is a real page turner. The chilling suspense builds chapter by chapter, and gave me an unsettling feeling, which made it impossible to stop reading! The story is full of twists and turns and I loved the references to 80’s nostalgia. I felt fully immersed in the story and found Chris to be a realistic and relatable character with plenty of teenage angst.

[Viola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book!

This was such a fun and spooky story. Slow paced but keeps you intrigued up until the end which makes it very easy to read. Loved the 80s vibes and heavy metal references. Very likeable (and relatable!) main protagonist and side characters.

I definitely recommend this book to everyone who likes 80s horror movies and anyone who's into good creepy stories :)

[Ashley | The.Anxious.Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this one. We’re introduced to Chris right away and he is such an angsty teen in a relatable way, and his character development made the story even more engaging. Telling the story from his perspective gave it that raw, personal feel that pulled me in right away.

The 80s nostalgia was so well done and added a fun, eerie atmosphere without overshadowing the plot. This isn’t a loud, over-the-top horror novel, but it’s still fast-paced and keeps you hooked the entire time.

It leans into supernatural horror but does it in a way that feels grounded rather than excessive. The whole book reads like Chris is sitting there telling you a ghost story and I loved that vibe.

It honestly gave me Are You Afraid of the Dark? energy in a way that totally works.

I had such a fun time with this one!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Salina Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a slow building type of book that isn’t my normal go to choice of genre but it was a great option for a horror/supernatural book for me. It wasn’t too gruesome, but it let you fully engaged with the twists and suspense all while adding in the character info. The story is told by the main character, Chris, and you get to follow along through his journey of figuring out what is going on after the death of his friend. What really kept me engaged along with the plot of the story was all of the 80s references and the music referencing that the author did. It brought me back to my childhood days and helped me relate to the character mindset, especially in the world of mixtapes. It was also helpful to reference places in Milwaukee, WI that I have also heard of. All around a great supernatural thriller that will keep you turning the pages and intrigued!

[S. Bittles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a great beginning that had me hooked right away. We get an introduction in a journalling POV that continues throughout. I feel this really helped to be able to submerse myself fully into this book, I read it in one sitting.

You can definitely feel the teenage angst, grief and turmoil our main character is facing while they write their journal. The Author has done a fantastic job with their world building and character introductions, I truly feel like I know everyone we get introduced to.

It was a slower start as we are getting background information on our characters, but once you hit chapter 8 it picks up immensely. I found I couldn’t stop reading, needing to know what happens next.

I really enjoyed this book and it has become a must have for my library!

[Jennifer Reimer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting read which blends supernatural with mystery and a past that should have stayed there. After the death of Chris’s best friend Donnie, he begins hearing rumors of a mysterious mixtape Donnie left behind—one that seems to change those who listen to it. As strange and unsettling events begin to unfold, a dark mystery, long-hidden secrets, and a past he’s tried to forget. This kept my attention, and I was intrigued to wanting to know what was going to happen. this was a great read and flowed very well throughout the book. The tension and suspension made this for a compelling read.

[Finn Cunningham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twist Of Cain by Michael J. Stiehl is an enthralling coming of age novel that will have you hooked, lined, and sinkered by the first pages! I was ecstatic to come across this author again after The Maidens Sleep, and this being a horror book pretty much guaranteed I was gonna read it, and I'm so glad I did! The 80's setting was a perfect choice, the plot is unique, and the supernatural elements were beautifully tuned! At the same time, this book also deals with grief, guilt, and everything that comes with those things. One of those reads that you'll remember for a long time. I can't wait to read more from this author!!

[Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba · Rating 4 out of 5]

17 chapters of a new coming of age horror. I don't typically read horror, but this was a solid story even if it was short. It was a semi quick read that I read in between several loads of laundry. A mix tape with something terrible on it that everyone is hearing or wants to hear. What's on this mix tape? Well, that's what everyone is dying to know. Chris didn't want to believe the rumors at first, but the Donnie he once knew was not the same one that recently passed away. All will be revealed at the biggest party of the year. Or will it? You will have to read to find out.

[Zoe Piengkham · Rating 5 out of 5]

The past coming back for you is the hardest! Throw in a curse, message from a dead friend, a something that cannot be explained. This is a good read! Raises the hairs and traps you in a paytereof quickly read pages! I loved it, best when read at night, in the dark. The story has great characters, a good dark feel of creepy and a hook that makes the desire to know more a Need to turn another page. Definitely recommend.

[Gila · Rating 4 out of 5]

The reason I love the phrase "Don't Judge a Book by Its Cover," is because of books like Twist of Cain. Horror is not my go-to genre generally, but I actually found this book suspenseful, well-written and with characters that are relatable and have some depth. Also, this book takes place in the 80s and the references to heavy metal, preppies, music and Aqua Net made me chuckle out loud. The writing kept me interested throughout.

[Michelle Marlow · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like the Stranger Things era type of horror, I feel as though you will enjoy this story. You start to understand the darker emotions and pieces of this story. Our main character, Chris, is dealing with life battles as well as something more. I was unable to set this down. If you like the long burn horror this is for you.

[Kati]

Couldn’t do it. Couldn’t finish. The narrator was way too annoying and as soon as I started piecing together what was going on, I decided not to waste anymore time.

[Szarygolab · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book.

Bardzo bardzo dobre, jeden z moich ulubionych konceptów, czyli cursed nagranie, grief horror (kocham) i do tego dużo 80’ nostalgii i mamy Twist of cain!
Początek dla mnie jakiś powolny, ale jak doszłam tak do 30/40% to akcja ruszyła z kopyta i nie mogłam się zatrzymać

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up to 5

Chris (or C.J., as he hates to be called) knows he doesn’t really know Donnie, not anymore, not after the years have created a rift in their friendship. But one thing he does know for sure is that he would absolutely not give his last-ever mixtape to just anyone, so how in the hell are supposed copies of his last tape being passed around?
As he follows the trail of cassette-shaped bread crumbs, he is forced to confront everything he didn’t know about Donnie, and what is truly on the last mixtape he ever made.

I really enjoyed this book. It had a great vibe to it, and the narration was just awesome. Loved C.J’s (he’d kill me for that) don’t-give-a-f**k attitude. The vibe was sort of Stephen King-esque, where lots of characters felt like they got fully fleshed out and given space. So often books, especially shorter books, treat side characters as a way to progress the story, but I feel like Stiehl gave everyone their space, making them feel real and grounded, even as things moved toward the fantastical. There were some heavy topics covered here, so be prepared for that, but ultimately, this is a great horror book. The only thing I would say is that I felt like more time could have been spent on certain aspects of this story, as when the ending came, I was kind of hoping for more, but all in all, it was a really enjoyable read; unnerving in all the best ways and full of references to some really great music. Definitely thinking about putting together a Twist of Cain playlist.
One thing that I really, really loved was the way that Stiehl explored the different ways we see people, and how we can be blind to their true nature simply because of when and how we knew them. I loved the way Stiehl explored C.J.’s blind spots, especially when it came to Donnie, showing how grief and guilt can colour how we remember people, but also their actions. I was really gutted when this book ended, and part of me is hopeful that Stiehl makes this into a series where C.J. and his buddies come across more weird and wonderful things and try to save the day. Know I might be hoping for too much, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
If you’re looking for a twisted read, with creepy elements as well as some truly heartfelt moments, the Twist of Cain is the book for you. Stiehl writes amazingly, the voice of his protagonist drawing you in from the very first page.

[Milt Theo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful, honest, and deeply nostalgic book! Steeped in 80s culture and giving off strong urban legend vibes, it has Chris, a totally relatable teenage boy as the narrator, telling his story of a friendship gone wrong, and the mayhem that later followed. Once friends with the nerdy Donnie, Chris (a metalhead) never realized how Donnie (apparently always weird and alone) was going off the deep end, ending up t*k*ng his own life. But then the rumors begun about a mixtape Donnie made just before he unalived himself - and listening to this tape gets you possessed. Chris tries to get ahead of the rumors, only to discover that they are actually true. But that's just the tip of the iceberg! Nothing is as it seems.

Chris' character growth in the book is phenomenal; school life, teenage angst, friendships and rivalries, girls and parents are all given their proper due, the author never missing a chance to throw around a bit of 80s nostalgia - be it the Walkman, Fangoria, or just metal music, it's all done with great attention to detail and an atmosphere of fun and tongue-in-cheek shenanigans. It's not precisely a YA novel - there's just too much wisdom within for that - but it never disappoints on that front. In fact, it can be read in one sitting, and enjoyed at any pace: Chris is just a really interesting character to follow around, even in his most cringey moments.

The supernatural elements are not given much explanation, since they're more akin to props allowing for a good story than crucial features with a clear understandings of their workings. Ultimately, the book is sheer fun, and if you enjoy coming-of-age horror and the cursed object trope, you'll love this book too!

[Horror Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a nostalgia fueled heavy metal supernatural story told from the perspective of our main character, Chris. He's a teen who loves heavy metal, and he generally tries to get along with others. He had a best friend named Donny but they had a falling out because Donny got into some dark stuff and started changing.

Unfortunately Donny took his own life. But he left behind something evil, a mixed tape that, when played, changes the people hearing it. Now it's up to Chris and his friends to stop something from happening that could cause a lot of death and destruction.

There are some twists in here so I don't want to say much more about the plot but this book really gives all those 80s vibes. Walkmans abound, rock n' roll is king, and the cliques are all present. Various characters come to life vividly as the author writes about them in a way that you'll probably recognise as realistic. There's teen angst, anger, and complicated relationships which is something we've all experienced at one point.

The narrative is written in first person by Chris and his thoughts and opinions on certain things are sometimes humorous but also realistic as well. He's not perfect nor a hero but he does step up to attempt to stop the carnage that's coming and that makes the reader root for him even harder.

Nostalgic, metal, with an evil mixed tape makes this book one you'll definitely want to read. I highly recommend it. I received an ARC of this book from the author. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.

[Kaela · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐ rounded up to 4.

Full disclaimer that my problems with this book solely reside with my extreme dislike for first-person, casual point of view writing. I understand that this was written as a first-hand account of the events that the main character, Chris, went through, but the first 30% of this book was definitely difficult for me to get through. Chris likes to ramble and spontaneously remember things that don't really have anything to do with the plot, which made it tedious in the beginning. But once I hit the 30% mark and the book actually hit the meat of the plot, I really started to enjoy the book.

Having been born in the early 90s, I obviously don't know what it's like to grow up in the 80s, but this book did a great job of being so perfectly 80s without shoving it in your face or being full of the stereotypical tropes you see in movies (neon print, big hair, and blue eyeshadow just to name a few). It just felt so causal that you almost forget that it's set in 1989 until someone mentions a payphone. I personally enjoyed all the metal references, but they might not land for some readers who have never enjoyed 70s/80s metal. Overall, this book definitely took me a minute to get into, but once I did, it was pretty smooth sailing. The ending wrapped up nicely and I enjoyed the character development Chris went through. I love possession stories and this was a great take on the trope.

Thank you Netgalley for the free ebook in exchange for my honest review.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC—my honest thoughts, as always, are my own.
Now let’s descend into the shadows...

There’s something deeply disturbing about stories that take familiar, almost sacred narratives—and peel them back to reveal something far more violent underneath.

I’ve always been drawn to darker reinterpretations of biblical themes, especially when they lean into the raw, human elements—jealousy, guilt, punishment, and the kind of violence that feels inevitable. Twist of Cain doesn’t shy away from that. If anything, it sinks its teeth into it and refuses to let go.
This isn’t just a retelling—it feels more like an excavation. A slow uncovering of something ancient and festering beneath the surface. The tension builds in a way that feels almost suffocating at times, with a heaviness that lingers long after certain scenes pass.

What really worked for me was the atmosphere. There’s a constant sense of dread threaded throughout the story, like everything is already doomed—you’re just watching it unfold in real time. And when things do take a darker turn, it doesn’t feel shocking… it feels earned, which somehow makes it even more unsettling.
I will say, the pacing dips slightly in places, but for me, the overall tone and psychological weight made up for it.

**Content Warning: Violence, religious themes, psychological distress, and dark reinterpretations of biblical material.**

If you enjoy your horror steeped in symbolism, inevitability, and a kind of quiet, creeping brutality—this one is absolutely worth picking up.

🕸️I’m that weird girl who reads the shadows—and you’ll follow willingly. 🕸️

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written, slow burn story.
First person view point from a Teen guy, that explains his own life as he sees it as thing around him are not always the best.
Self non living warning, punch up level violence, talk about death, grief, broken relationships, drugs, drinking, paranormal aspects.
The writing style is very chatty, descriptive, lots of swearing, teen talk and point of view on topics. The characters are believable even if you don't like them. Lots of late 80s references in metal music, movies, books and lifestyles.
Over the book is good if you like Grady Hendrix style of writing and story telling than this book will suit you best.
If you don't then skip it. Personally I enjoyed the concept of the story, the character development, I just didn't much like the overall writing style, it was too chatty, too tell not show, too many tangents. I appreciate the story but the issue is a me issue not the book.
I can see how well the story flows, the slow build up towards the discovery, the way the characters feel towards each other and life, how events effect them or not, how every character has there own voice, personally and it all shines through.
I'm just not a fan of this type of writing style and that's ok, it was a good story and I will be recommending this book to those that like this type of writing.
Thank you to the publisher and author for allowing me to review this book as a ARC. I really appreciate it.

[ScarlettAnomalyReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay that cover is fabulous, it reminds me kind of like those black light posters I remember as a kid, not exactly but the vibes of a really weird one, which after getting into this, totally understand and love.

Chris is young and dealing with the loss of Donnie, which even if your older, loosing a friend is never easy, but young, it feels like it's in HD.

But kids are kids and now there's a rumor floating about this mixed tape, one his friend supposedly made before he well ( did something to himself and he's no longer around) and if you listen to the tape you are possesed.

Chris tries to kill the rumors because while Donnie was in a dark place, thic can't be team right? But it is and it's even worse then what it seems.

Now on the surface it's like, well don't listen? But it's never that easy, look at the allure of cursed objects, there's just something taboo about it that makes you want to touch, listen, to see what happens and everyone is jonsing for this one.

This was so fun because of the nostalgia but emotional and horrifying, because Chris was just so real as a character, you understand that pain and loss and not knowing how to deal with that while trying to grow up at the same time. We were all kids once and dealt with loss and confusion. Dealt with classmates not being so kind and rumors in some way.

Does Chris keep going and trying to take care of this video tape or let Donnie's apparent last wish spread?

I loved this book oh my goodness.

[Roxsanne Lesieur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chris Beckwith is a young man making his way through school while at home his parents are not in a happy place, not to mention that his best friend, Donnie recently died and he hasn't left the house, or seen his other friends since, that is until the school rumour mill starts flying about Donnie and his hobby of making mix tapes, rumours which are strange and decidedly macabre.

Chris just ignores the rumours until he hears one involving a kid in school who he can't stand and this is where something chimes as wrong because his best friend never had anything to do with them. This sparks Chris' interest and sends him on a trip down memory lane, as well as confronting some of his deepest inadequacies and memories, not to mention the rumours become darker and things start to happen which he can't explain.

As he digs deeper, Chris unearths a tangled web of secrets, lies and guilt which culminates with him calling on his friends, talking about everything which is happening and heading to the biggest party of the year, but when he is too late to stop the tape playing, he realises just how dangerous it is, but can he figure out what the tape actually does before anymore damage is done?

This is a fast paced coming of age horror where nothing is what it seems and twists and turns are everywhere and nobody is safe from the horrors within.

[Kerry carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very gripping coming of age horror filled with twists turns, supernatural elements. I was hooked from the first page.

We are with Chris. Chris’s friend Donnie took his own life and since then rumours have been going around about a mix tape that was supposedly Donnie’s last one. The rumours get worse as stories start going around saying that what was on the tape wasn’t music, that it was dark and dangerous.
Chris feels the need to find and stop this tape from being played to stop people making fun of his friend who has passed. However what he uncovers as he finds out who has the tape leads to something darker and more dangerous.
The tape is does contain something dangerous and it wants something from everyone who listens to it.
To be able to stop this tape being played to the whole school he needs to face his past and also the secrets Donnie was keeping.
This is a slow burn story, that deals with supernatural elements, grief, guilt, danger and so much more. Chris is forced to look at and take responsibility for his actions all the while finally realising the secrets his friend was hiding.
This story builds up chapter by chapter and it sent chills down my spine as each part was revealed.

[Haly Hoards Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

4☆
TW: profanity, suicide, bullying.
If the use of profanity, especially the word, "*uck," upsets you this novel is not for you. 

So easy to read. The tension is drawn just right in Twist of Cain that you get that tightness in your gut and keep turning the pages to reveal what will happen next. 

Music, music is it's own theme throughout the entire book. For those who are metal and hard rock fans you will enjoy the references. Deadheads, you get lots of mentions! 80's music rocks this one! Crappy pun totally intended. 

I received an advance review copy (ARC) for free, and I am voluntarily leaving my opinions of this novel. Thank you to the author, publisher and Booksirens for this opportunity. 

I really enjoyed this horror novel. I would recommend it, especially if you have memories of the 1980s. 

Favorite Quote:
"Most people don't want to hear about things that fuck with their understanding of how the world works.  Most people crave the comfortable, seek the average, love the known, and always push inconvenient things under the rug. They don't like anything that intrudes on their tidy little lives and makes them sweat."
Chris Beckwith 

[Missy (myweereads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"That creepy feeling when you're home alone and hear a sound far off on the other side of the house you've never heard before. The way your mind runs wild and you've got goosebumps all up and down your arms because the safest, most familiar place in the world has, at that moment, become the scariest place on earth."

Michael J. Stiehl's new novel is about Chris a teenage metalhead, he's struggling with his family and now his best friend Donnie has died. After the funeral a mix tape made by Donnie is making the rounds. There is something not quite right about it. People are speculating it is changing them. Chris doesn't believe this until he witnesses things he can't explain. This leads him to finding the truth which means facing a past he's long tried to bury along with the secrets Donnie kept from him.

This was a wild coming of age occult psychological story. It was easy to relate to the back stories of some of these characters. The nostalgia of the 80s and my favourite trope of cursed objects were some of my favourite parts of this novel.

Many thanks to @netgalley and @victoryeditingngc for the arc.

[Ashleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twist of Cain by Michael J. Stiehl was a dark, gripping horror experience that pulled me into a story that didn’t quit from the jump. It was full of tension, secrets, and at times quite unsettling. What stood out most to me was the building atmosphere Stiehl created, which made this book really draw me in, always with the temptation of something more dangerous lurking around the corner, ready to jump out at me. The emotions elicited from grief, sadness, madness, and even desperation just made me want to forget the book entirely, so that I could read it again for the first time. The concept of going crazy from listening to a suicide tape was a new concept that I hadn’t read about previously, and that really made me need to pick this book up to experience it. As a lover of all horror-type novels, I have to say this one was one of my favorites so far for 2026. If you are looking for an emotional book with horror and tragedy, and characters that are deep and troubled, then this is a book you definitely need to pick up! Can’t wait to see what else Stiehl comes up with in the future for me to devour.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

Twist of Cain by Michael J. Stiehl is a slow-burn, atmospheric horror story that lingers long after the final page. It’s a coming-of-age story wrapped in layers of supernatural dread, while exploring how guilt, grief, and temptation can twist a person’s fate.
I don’t want to give too much away and spoil the story for you – so I recommend jumping in a little blind, like I did, and let the story surprise you.
Mr. Stiehl’s writing is deliberate and immersive, drawing you into a world where the past refuses to stay buried – the palpable tension slowly builds like a storm on the horizon, rather than the cheap, quick, jump-scare thrills that some authors resort to.
The ‘horror’ isn’t just in the supernatural elements, but in the way trauma and regret haunt the character/s as much as any ghost or curse could do. Sand Mr. Stiehl balances eerie imagery with moments of raw emotion, making the fear hit harder.
It’s unsettling, thoughtful, and quietly devastating - a story that doesn’t just scare you, but makes you feel the weight of its darkness.
Happy Reading…