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Spider
Jenna is in her early thirties with a stable job, and hopes of a promotion are on the horizon. Life has had its ups and downs, but for the most part it’s been smooth sailing.
Until it starts.
She begins experiencing tinnitus, a symptom most of us will face at least once in our lifetime. It’s very common, so no immediate sign for alarm. Jenna’s friends also reassure her that there’s nothing to worry about, which provides some relief.
In Jenna’s case, however, there is very much cause for alarm. Her reality begins to spin out of control, and she’s left grasping for answers as her condition keeps... growing... worse.
Would you like to learn another fact about Jenna? She hates spiders.
Sanity is not the only thing unraveling in her life, for something sinister is creeping beneath the layers.
And this something is threatening her survival.
Until it starts.
She begins experiencing tinnitus, a symptom most of us will face at least once in our lifetime. It’s very common, so no immediate sign for alarm. Jenna’s friends also reassure her that there’s nothing to worry about, which provides some relief.
In Jenna’s case, however, there is very much cause for alarm. Her reality begins to spin out of control, and she’s left grasping for answers as her condition keeps... growing... worse.
Would you like to learn another fact about Jenna? She hates spiders.
Sanity is not the only thing unraveling in her life, for something sinister is creeping beneath the layers.
And this something is threatening her survival.
- GenresHorror
120 pages, Hardcover
Published March 10, 2026
About the author
Janelle Schiecke
5 books166 followersJanelle Schiecke is an indie horror author based in New Jersey.
She's published five horror books, and is currently writing a sequel to The Clatter Man.
For author updates, sneak peeks, and all things spooky, you can subscribe to her newsletter here: https://janelleschiecke.substack.com.
Despite the dark nature of her stories, Janelle lives a very happy and cozy life. When not writing, she loves spending time with her family and friends, traveling with her family, reading with her cats snuggled up close, and watching horror movies.
Yes, she loves Shudder and Tubi.
You can follow Janelle on her social media accounts below:
Twitter/X: https://x.com/J_Schiecke
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janelle.sch...
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@janelle.schiecke
Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/aMbPB
She's published five horror books, and is currently writing a sequel to The Clatter Man.
For author updates, sneak peeks, and all things spooky, you can subscribe to her newsletter here: https://janelleschiecke.substack.com.
Despite the dark nature of her stories, Janelle lives a very happy and cozy life. When not writing, she loves spending time with her family and friends, traveling with her family, reading with her cats snuggled up close, and watching horror movies.
Yes, she loves Shudder and Tubi.
You can follow Janelle on her social media accounts below:
Twitter/X: https://x.com/J_Schiecke
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janelle.sch...
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@janelle.schiecke
Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/aMbPB
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
March 28, 2026
Jenna killed a spider as she's afraid of those critters. From then on she's feeling different. Headache, Earache, Tinnitus and the feeling of not being herself altogether. Can the doctor help her? What about her visit to the hospital her landlords drive her to? Well, in this novella Janelle draws all strings. She starts the story in a harmless way and turns the plot into full fledged horror. I especially loved the change of perspective to the "evil" working in Jenna's brain (no spoilers here). Entertaining, terrifying as the story might affect all of us. Okay, the part with the Russians was a bit exaggerated it could also be made from our side... really entertaining, a quick read and eerie. Highly recommended!
April 19, 2026
Spine-tinglingly creepy!
After reading the excellent Death Cult, I couldn't wait to read more by Schiecke, and Spider certainly didn't disappoint.
From the burrowing sense of dread to the horrifying finale, the story was brilliantly woven.
Highly recommended!
After reading the excellent Death Cult, I couldn't wait to read more by Schiecke, and Spider certainly didn't disappoint.
From the burrowing sense of dread to the horrifying finale, the story was brilliantly woven.
Highly recommended!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Well, this was absolutely horrific, in all the best ways. Janelle had me terrified with this novel, especially as someone who is very very afraid of spiders.
Janelle did a wonderful job of describing the little terrors that spiders are. Her descriptions had my skin crawling and I couldn't stop feeling like there was something on me and caused me to want to scratch while reading.
I of course loved the little easter egg to The Clatter Man, which was one of my favourite reads of 2025 and was my underrated book of the year.
With each book Janelle releases, she really does just get better and better at her craft. A rising star in the horror author community that everyone needs to look out for.
Did this book help me get over my fear of spiders? Absolutely not. Did it make me think of sleeping with my ears covered for the rest of my life so no itty bitty 8 legged fiends could find themselves burrowing away into my brain? Damn right it did. Would I highly recommend this book to people? Yes. 100%. Absolutely no doubt about it.
Thank you to Janelle for the ARC copy of this novel, I devoured it and I can't wait to see what you bring us next, which I am sure you are well aware🖤🕷️
Janelle did a wonderful job of describing the little terrors that spiders are. Her descriptions had my skin crawling and I couldn't stop feeling like there was something on me and caused me to want to scratch while reading.
I of course loved the little easter egg to The Clatter Man, which was one of my favourite reads of 2025 and was my underrated book of the year.
With each book Janelle releases, she really does just get better and better at her craft. A rising star in the horror author community that everyone needs to look out for.
Did this book help me get over my fear of spiders? Absolutely not. Did it make me think of sleeping with my ears covered for the rest of my life so no itty bitty 8 legged fiends could find themselves burrowing away into my brain? Damn right it did. Would I highly recommend this book to people? Yes. 100%. Absolutely no doubt about it.
Thank you to Janelle for the ARC copy of this novel, I devoured it and I can't wait to see what you bring us next, which I am sure you are well aware🖤🕷️
October 19, 2026
Schiecke creates believable characters who step out of the book into real life. I particularly loved Ziggy and Jenna’s concern for him. The writing flows beautifully with tension built on each page. It was a fast and enjoyable novella. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.
March 13, 2026
Creepy Novella
This is a creepy little novella. Jenna is suffering from some tinnitus that is slowly getting worse but she has a big promotion at work that is within her reach so she pushes on. Is something in her head, or is it just her arachnophobia messing with her. Simple premise but done really well.
Highly recommended, it doesn't overstay its welcome and keeps your interest. Enjoy the way the author raps it up, thought it was clever. Definitely will give you the willies at times.
This is a creepy little novella. Jenna is suffering from some tinnitus that is slowly getting worse but she has a big promotion at work that is within her reach so she pushes on. Is something in her head, or is it just her arachnophobia messing with her. Simple premise but done really well.
Highly recommended, it doesn't overstay its welcome and keeps your interest. Enjoy the way the author raps it up, thought it was clever. Definitely will give you the willies at times.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Your worst nightmare imagined, come true. Good thing this is under control
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had the distinct pleasure of ARC reading this horror novella.
Jenna is living life: A stable job, promotion in the works and a solid friends circle. However, all that changes after a late night encounter with a spider sends her life into a downward spiral. Is it all in her head? Or is there something much more sinister at play?
This book was great! I actually cringed at a certain part. IYKYK. And much like all of Janelle's novellas, I could see this translating so well to screen. I absolutely love her love for old school horror. It comes out perfectly in her writing. My fear of spiders (and now tinnitus) is at an all-time high. Thank you, Janelle.
Jenna is living life: A stable job, promotion in the works and a solid friends circle. However, all that changes after a late night encounter with a spider sends her life into a downward spiral. Is it all in her head? Or is there something much more sinister at play?
This book was great! I actually cringed at a certain part. IYKYK. And much like all of Janelle's novellas, I could see this translating so well to screen. I absolutely love her love for old school horror. It comes out perfectly in her writing. My fear of spiders (and now tinnitus) is at an all-time high. Thank you, Janelle.
June 13, 2026
This is my second read from Schieke, following on from the excellent The Clatter Man which I read last year. And this is another strong horror entry.
That being said,reading this was a terrible idea as an arachnophobe, it really played on the idea of the nervous 'wheres it gone' feeling you get when one skitters away, and definitely gave me some palpable feelings of uneasiness, and, at a couple of points, what I can only describe as an intense feeling of ickyness (not sure that's an actual word, but it works)
I can however say with confidence, that Janelle Schiecke is one of the handful of Horror Authors that are becoming auto-buys for me, and this is an easy recommendation (unless your are arachnophobic, in which case run for the hills)
That being said,reading this was a terrible idea as an arachnophobe, it really played on the idea of the nervous 'wheres it gone' feeling you get when one skitters away, and definitely gave me some palpable feelings of uneasiness, and, at a couple of points, what I can only describe as an intense feeling of ickyness (not sure that's an actual word, but it works)
I can however say with confidence, that Janelle Schiecke is one of the handful of Horror Authors that are becoming auto-buys for me, and this is an easy recommendation (unless your are arachnophobic, in which case run for the hills)
Review of advance copy received from Author
This story was definitely a fun one!
It's all the right kinds of gross and unsettling that the title suggests.
It all happens fast, a steady escalation of yuck, ending with a WTF🤯🤮
It's all the right kinds of gross and unsettling that the title suggests.
It all happens fast, a steady escalation of yuck, ending with a WTF🤯🤮
March 10, 2026
Schiecke crafts a slow-burning dread which builds nicely to a terrifying climax. One that the reader knows is coming, but one in which you really have no idea just how it is going to play out until you finally get there.
And in a nutshell, this is what makes Spider work so well. It provides an engaging mystery, woven around a strong relatable character with an underlying fear that something incredibly awful is going to happen … and that creepy crawling eight legged freaks are of course going to be the catalyst for the eventual climactic gut-punch!
Schiecke blends a thrilling mystery with insane body-horror, wrapped up in a creature feature with a difference. And she does so with a pay off that is extremely satisfying
And in a nutshell, this is what makes Spider work so well. It provides an engaging mystery, woven around a strong relatable character with an underlying fear that something incredibly awful is going to happen … and that creepy crawling eight legged freaks are of course going to be the catalyst for the eventual climactic gut-punch!
Schiecke blends a thrilling mystery with insane body-horror, wrapped up in a creature feature with a difference. And she does so with a pay off that is extremely satisfying
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a fun little horror novella. Strong character development and great build-up to the really gross, gut-punching nastiness to come. My only complaints were some awkward phrasing here and there and a lot less spider action than expected (but what we got was pretty gross and enjoyable, never fear). Decent and quick if you're in need of a horror fix.
March 10, 2026
wow! I’ll be wondering what that ringing is for along time
This was a book I couldn’t put down. Left me itchy and wondering what that ringing is. Very creepy, crawly and wondering, “could this happen?”
🕷️🕸️🧠
This was a book I couldn’t put down. Left me itchy and wondering what that ringing is. Very creepy, crawly and wondering, “could this happen?”
🕷️🕸️🧠
March 13, 2026
As a severe arachnophobe I was very afraid to read this book, but it was by my favourite horror author so how could I not!
From the first few pages I was grimacing in terror as Spider began its journey to being the first horror iteration to scare me in 25 years.
I rode in fear with Jenna as she goes on a journey from a small ringing in her ears to a full blown body horror situation.
This book had me having nightmares for a week after reading and I am constantly checking my bed for those creepy crawlies.
A great read for any horror lovers!
From the first few pages I was grimacing in terror as Spider began its journey to being the first horror iteration to scare me in 25 years.
I rode in fear with Jenna as she goes on a journey from a small ringing in her ears to a full blown body horror situation.
This book had me having nightmares for a week after reading and I am constantly checking my bed for those creepy crawlies.
A great read for any horror lovers!
Review of advance copy
Janelle Schiecke, Mistress of the Dark and Disturbed, should be her new title.
Or maybe “Bullseye,” because thus far with every story she’s produced, she doesn’t miss!
Spider is the new tale of terror that she weaves, and it flares up all of the symptoms of arachnophobia one may have. Janelle brilliantly builds the tension through every chapter, compounding the impending doom of fright and body horror she intends to inflict upon the reader by story’s end.
With the specialty of writing novellas, Janelle – I mean Bullseye, Mistress Markswoman of the Dark and Disturbed (nailed it!) – masterfully pushes the pace, following Jenna through her daily life while she deals with an ailment she can’t quite pin down. These normal activities are sculpted to perfection and flare to build out Jenna’s world all while forcing the reader to allude to the horror soon to come...
But you're wrong.
At one point, a scene literally made my skin crawl and the hair on my neck stood up throughout that chapter. I have no illusions of being soft, but like so many around the globe, I am not a big fan of spiders, and Janelle feeds on this shared apprehension at every turn. The thought of a spider being inside of me brings back childhood memories – similar to what Janelle mentions in the afterword – where I’d wake up and find a spider of some species crawling across the ceiling above my bed. And given that I slept on the top of a bunk bed on the second floor with a slanted ceilinged room, that put any arachnid literally inches from my face. So, this story resonates glaringly when I think back to those highly imaginative times where creativity goes south with youthful wonder, thinking, “Do they crawl inside of me when I’m sleeping?” Urban myth would have you believe they do, and arachnologists debunk such things, but who knows… because you’re sleeping and hopefully no one is watching you while you do that.
Spider is another Schiecke masterpiece that delivers on every creepy crawly level, again exhibiting her immense talent for the genre she loves so much, leaving us wondering about a much larger issue or story for the future I haven’t seen since I read Steve Stark’s incredible debut, A Hot Dose of Hell.
Read with caution, and highly recommended.
Or maybe “Bullseye,” because thus far with every story she’s produced, she doesn’t miss!
Spider is the new tale of terror that she weaves, and it flares up all of the symptoms of arachnophobia one may have. Janelle brilliantly builds the tension through every chapter, compounding the impending doom of fright and body horror she intends to inflict upon the reader by story’s end.
With the specialty of writing novellas, Janelle – I mean Bullseye, Mistress Markswoman of the Dark and Disturbed (nailed it!) – masterfully pushes the pace, following Jenna through her daily life while she deals with an ailment she can’t quite pin down. These normal activities are sculpted to perfection and flare to build out Jenna’s world all while forcing the reader to allude to the horror soon to come...
But you're wrong.
At one point, a scene literally made my skin crawl and the hair on my neck stood up throughout that chapter. I have no illusions of being soft, but like so many around the globe, I am not a big fan of spiders, and Janelle feeds on this shared apprehension at every turn. The thought of a spider being inside of me brings back childhood memories – similar to what Janelle mentions in the afterword – where I’d wake up and find a spider of some species crawling across the ceiling above my bed. And given that I slept on the top of a bunk bed on the second floor with a slanted ceilinged room, that put any arachnid literally inches from my face. So, this story resonates glaringly when I think back to those highly imaginative times where creativity goes south with youthful wonder, thinking, “Do they crawl inside of me when I’m sleeping?” Urban myth would have you believe they do, and arachnologists debunk such things, but who knows… because you’re sleeping and hopefully no one is watching you while you do that.
Spider is another Schiecke masterpiece that delivers on every creepy crawly level, again exhibiting her immense talent for the genre she loves so much, leaving us wondering about a much larger issue or story for the future I haven’t seen since I read Steve Stark’s incredible debut, A Hot Dose of Hell.
Read with caution, and highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Janelle's done it again.
I received this book as an ARC, and I am literally never disappointed by this author. Sometimes I feel as though this author writes for me (although I know she doesn't) because of how much I enjoy her work.
On the day that I received my copy of Spider, I got into bed and snuggled in tight. I was ready to be a little stressed upon reading, because I'm terrified of spiders (so the horror for me was already built in to the premise). I didn't expect to enjoy it in the same way as her other work, purely for the fact that I truly cannot stand to look at or think about spiders.
Something that Janelle continues to do, is tell a punchy story which doesn't let up. You're never wondering what her point is, or where she's leading us. You trust her. This queen of horror knows what she's doing and is exploring different styles of storytelling, nailing it for this reader.
I've put a quick note at the bottom of this review of the things I enjoyed the most. I still hate spiders, and now I don't look at the walls during bed time. That's what Schiecke has done to me. I can't look at the walls in the dark, and I don't like wind chimes anymore.
There may be a spoiler below, so please stop reading this review if you don't want any spoilers.
***********POTENTIAL SPOILERS BELOW****************
What really made this story for me, was the psychological deterioration of the MC and the look inside her brain/skull where we get to see the progress of this creature and what it's doing. One of my favourite tropes is (not even sure if it's a trope but it's something I look for in a book) when your main character loses themselves, their mind or control altogether.
I received this book as an ARC, and I am literally never disappointed by this author. Sometimes I feel as though this author writes for me (although I know she doesn't) because of how much I enjoy her work.
On the day that I received my copy of Spider, I got into bed and snuggled in tight. I was ready to be a little stressed upon reading, because I'm terrified of spiders (so the horror for me was already built in to the premise). I didn't expect to enjoy it in the same way as her other work, purely for the fact that I truly cannot stand to look at or think about spiders.
Something that Janelle continues to do, is tell a punchy story which doesn't let up. You're never wondering what her point is, or where she's leading us. You trust her. This queen of horror knows what she's doing and is exploring different styles of storytelling, nailing it for this reader.
I've put a quick note at the bottom of this review of the things I enjoyed the most. I still hate spiders, and now I don't look at the walls during bed time. That's what Schiecke has done to me. I can't look at the walls in the dark, and I don't like wind chimes anymore.
There may be a spoiler below, so please stop reading this review if you don't want any spoilers.
***********POTENTIAL SPOILERS BELOW****************
What really made this story for me, was the psychological deterioration of the MC and the look inside her brain/skull where we get to see the progress of this creature and what it's doing. One of my favourite tropes is (not even sure if it's a trope but it's something I look for in a book) when your main character loses themselves, their mind or control altogether.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Man, I love bugs and insects. And although spiders aren't bugs or insects, I love archnids as well. But after reading this novella, I just might be a bit more cautious around them!
A woman suffering from arachnophobia sees a spider in her room one night and does what any person would do. Smashes it. But this is going to lead to something absolutely horrifying. Pretty soon she starts to experience certain physical ailments, blurry vision, headaches, not remembering things and more. She's up for a big promotion at work but as her condition starts deteriorating, she's in danger of losing it all.
And, yeah, it's all about the spiders. I don't want to give anything away but let's just say this one is absolutely skin crawling. It's got terrifying body horror, psychological horror, and a narrative which demands you to not look any further, although you absolutely will. This is sort of a creature feature type novella except the "creature" in question is something we're all familiar with.
The pacing is spot on and the scares are real. If you have arachnophobia or are just scared of spiders, IT WON'T HELP! But things are going to get delightfully disgusting and that's the best kind of horror. I highly recommend it.
I received an ARC from the author. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
A woman suffering from arachnophobia sees a spider in her room one night and does what any person would do. Smashes it. But this is going to lead to something absolutely horrifying. Pretty soon she starts to experience certain physical ailments, blurry vision, headaches, not remembering things and more. She's up for a big promotion at work but as her condition starts deteriorating, she's in danger of losing it all.
And, yeah, it's all about the spiders. I don't want to give anything away but let's just say this one is absolutely skin crawling. It's got terrifying body horror, psychological horror, and a narrative which demands you to not look any further, although you absolutely will. This is sort of a creature feature type novella except the "creature" in question is something we're all familiar with.
The pacing is spot on and the scares are real. If you have arachnophobia or are just scared of spiders, IT WON'T HELP! But things are going to get delightfully disgusting and that's the best kind of horror. I highly recommend it.
I received an ARC from the author. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
March 17, 2026
Janelle does it again!
I LOVED this. This is the 2nd book of hers I've read, and I actually enjoyed it more than The Clatter Man. This felt completely fresh and original, and there were more than a few times I had to look up at my wife, start explaining the scene and she'd go "wow ok, nope I'm good thanks!" which I think for a horror author, is the highest praise they can get!
Being afraid of spiders is such a natural thing, even though, yes yes, they are more afraid of us or whatever BIG SPIDER wants us to think. But these spiders? Fuckkkkkkkkkkk them. I do not like them.
Janelle did a great job, especially with her descriptions which really jumped off the page and felt real. There were a few portions where eyes were involved, and...well, let's just say I'm glad I got LASIK.
As I read more and more, I'm continually impressed with how much she gets into a relatively small page count. It just goes to show it doesn't matter how long or short a book is, but what's inside that really matters, and I don't know if there's another author that packs such big punches into shorter books. Janelle remains a must-read author for me, and I'm so stoked to see what she makes me cringe over next.
I LOVED this. This is the 2nd book of hers I've read, and I actually enjoyed it more than The Clatter Man. This felt completely fresh and original, and there were more than a few times I had to look up at my wife, start explaining the scene and she'd go "wow ok, nope I'm good thanks!" which I think for a horror author, is the highest praise they can get!
Being afraid of spiders is such a natural thing, even though, yes yes, they are more afraid of us or whatever BIG SPIDER wants us to think. But these spiders? Fuckkkkkkkkkkk them. I do not like them.
Janelle did a great job, especially with her descriptions which really jumped off the page and felt real. There were a few portions where eyes were involved, and...well, let's just say I'm glad I got LASIK.
As I read more and more, I'm continually impressed with how much she gets into a relatively small page count. It just goes to show it doesn't matter how long or short a book is, but what's inside that really matters, and I don't know if there's another author that packs such big punches into shorter books. Janelle remains a must-read author for me, and I'm so stoked to see what she makes me cringe over next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Spider is the latest novella from indie horror writer Janelle Schiecke and in ways is her best story yet. Skin-crawling tale is of thirty-something Jenna who has severe arachnophobia. Having encountered a spider in her bedroom one morning and then having a strange ringing start in her ears and pressure and pain form in her head, Jenna's paranoia and imagination go into overdrive. Jenna starts to believe there is a spider living in her head, thought that is scientifically impossible... isn't it?
That's the fun of this story of phobia-based terror as Jenna is a woman with a strong fear and a lot of anxieties. This makes her a prime candidate for paranoia and an unleashed imagination when she starts to believe there is something creeping around inside her head. If you have a fear of spider's this tale will be rough road ahead, but it is a lot of fun as Jenna progressively starts to believe her worst nightmare has come true. Schiecke weaves a web of goosebump inducing and sometimes outright gross moments as our likeable and embattled heroine has spiders on the brain... and maybe inside as well? Another enjoyable horror from Janelle Schiecke that is a fast and unnerving read.
That's the fun of this story of phobia-based terror as Jenna is a woman with a strong fear and a lot of anxieties. This makes her a prime candidate for paranoia and an unleashed imagination when she starts to believe there is something creeping around inside her head. If you have a fear of spider's this tale will be rough road ahead, but it is a lot of fun as Jenna progressively starts to believe her worst nightmare has come true. Schiecke weaves a web of goosebump inducing and sometimes outright gross moments as our likeable and embattled heroine has spiders on the brain... and maybe inside as well? Another enjoyable horror from Janelle Schiecke that is a fast and unnerving read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was given an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
Chapter one; we meet Jenna, an instantly likable character who has a bad case of arachnophobia.
She has an unwelcome guest before she finally gets into bed and goes to sleep.
She wakes up with a pounding headache and memories of a lousy blind date she'd recently endured.
When she gets herself together, she heads out to a new Italian bistro to meet her two best friends, Lisa and Marissa. They chat about the blind date and Jenna's two-year relationship that ended badly. While they are chatting, Jenna gets a loud ringing in her ear. They attribute it to a case of tinnitus.
I thought it was cool when Lisa gave Jenna the name of her doctor.
Then our dear Lisa drops a wonderful easter egg.
There is no way that I'd drop spoilers to ruin this great story! I will say that I love the MRI scene, and was shocked by the 'exit the elevator' turn of events.
A final thought that has been haunting me...
WHAT WILL JANELLE'S NEXT CREATION BE ?
Goosebumps creep up my arms at just the thought.
Grab all of Janelle Schiecke's books, you will never be disappointed !
Chapter one; we meet Jenna, an instantly likable character who has a bad case of arachnophobia.
She has an unwelcome guest before she finally gets into bed and goes to sleep.
She wakes up with a pounding headache and memories of a lousy blind date she'd recently endured.
When she gets herself together, she heads out to a new Italian bistro to meet her two best friends, Lisa and Marissa. They chat about the blind date and Jenna's two-year relationship that ended badly. While they are chatting, Jenna gets a loud ringing in her ear. They attribute it to a case of tinnitus.
I thought it was cool when Lisa gave Jenna the name of her doctor.
Then our dear Lisa drops a wonderful easter egg.
There is no way that I'd drop spoilers to ruin this great story! I will say that I love the MRI scene, and was shocked by the 'exit the elevator' turn of events.
A final thought that has been haunting me...
WHAT WILL JANELLE'S NEXT CREATION BE ?
Goosebumps creep up my arms at just the thought.
Grab all of Janelle Schiecke's books, you will never be disappointed !
August 1, 2026
My TBR list is as long as my arm, but I’d been particularly keen to get to Spider by Janelle Schiecke. I’d loved her previous books – the brutal splatterpunk Death Cult and the sensational slasher The Clatter Man. My hopes were high, and I’m delighted to say Spider didn’t let me down. I was invested from the start and finished it in a single sitting.
This short novella is a clever blend of psychological horror and body horror, and our poor protagonist, Jenna, is a fully realised, three-dimensional person with relatable strengths and flaws. The battle between her real-world, everyday concerns and the terror that something truly horrific is happening to her from within is handled remarkably well.
I don’t want to give too much away, so I’ll end by saying there’s an art to doing body horror well, and Spider – doubly so if you’re an arachnophobe – truly gets under your skin. The line “But if the danger is inside of you, there’s no escaping it” perfectly encapsulates the story's creeping dread.
An excellent, unsettling read.
This short novella is a clever blend of psychological horror and body horror, and our poor protagonist, Jenna, is a fully realised, three-dimensional person with relatable strengths and flaws. The battle between her real-world, everyday concerns and the terror that something truly horrific is happening to her from within is handled remarkably well.
I don’t want to give too much away, so I’ll end by saying there’s an art to doing body horror well, and Spider – doubly so if you’re an arachnophobe – truly gets under your skin. The line “But if the danger is inside of you, there’s no escaping it” perfectly encapsulates the story's creeping dread.
An excellent, unsettling read.
August 4, 2026
This one was so much fun! I had an absolute blast reading this one. Although, I'm a bit terrified at the same time. I'm also taking a trip to Ohio this weekend and the coincidences have me a bit freaked out but that's just my anxiety talking! Spiders please stay away from me. This was a great take on the body horror trope.
Spider follows Jenna. Things are going pretty well for her at work and she might be getting a promotion but she just got out of a long term relationship and feels like she's at a loss for finding a match. Meanwhile, she has a weird spout of tinnitus that comes on out of nowhere when she is at lunch with her girlfriends that gradually gets worse as days go on. Desperate for relief, she goes to the doctor to get some answers and thinks she is fixed up but then things get MUCH worse.
Probably don't read this one before bed. Just sayin' LOL.
Spider follows Jenna. Things are going pretty well for her at work and she might be getting a promotion but she just got out of a long term relationship and feels like she's at a loss for finding a match. Meanwhile, she has a weird spout of tinnitus that comes on out of nowhere when she is at lunch with her girlfriends that gradually gets worse as days go on. Desperate for relief, she goes to the doctor to get some answers and thinks she is fixed up but then things get MUCH worse.
Probably don't read this one before bed. Just sayin' LOL.
October 6, 2026
Spider by Janelle Schiecke is a phenomenal masterpiece! This is the first ever book that had me addicted to it. I’m not exaggerating when I say that either! A captivating and tense story with very grotesque and squeamish scenes. Well-written characters, especially the main character Jenna. Love a great horror story where you feel sympathetic for the pain they endure.
My only con with this book is that I wish we spent more time with the other characters like Mr. Lawson, Lisa, and Dr. Gates. They’re so interesting and well-written that I wanted to see more of them. To clarify, my con is not a huge detriment to the book. Just something I personally wanted to see.
Nevertheless, Spider by Janelle Schiecke is a great read for the Halloween season and overall a great read if you’re a fan of body horror and horror in general. A great book!
9/10
My only con with this book is that I wish we spent more time with the other characters like Mr. Lawson, Lisa, and Dr. Gates. They’re so interesting and well-written that I wanted to see more of them. To clarify, my con is not a huge detriment to the book. Just something I personally wanted to see.
Nevertheless, Spider by Janelle Schiecke is a great read for the Halloween season and overall a great read if you’re a fan of body horror and horror in general. A great book!
9/10
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another great story from Janelle Schiecke. A really great take on a classic childhood phobia that can grow into something debilitating later in adulthood. The slow creep of a subtle ringing in the ears while you let your mind go wild with thoughts of a much bigger problem. Like the kind of people that get a bad reaction from something and go down a rabbit hole on WebMD. Janelle even throws in some great references in the story including her classic character The Clatterman. Also a subtle reference to a great horror movie Last House On The Left. If you get up with a fear of spiders or a fascination with spiders, Spider will have you hooked to find the ultimate solution. If there are any fans of the movie Arachnophobia, you will enjoy this one as well.
March 10, 2026
This book was amazing! Like a Tales from the Crypt meets The Twilight Zone! The main character Jenna you feel for her and actually care about whats happening to her as the story progresses! And the climax of the story is horrifying to say the least!
This is the third novel I've read by Jenelle Schiecke
and her novellas are top notch fear fests! Her last book The ClatterMan was wonderful too! So in short
if you're afraid of spiders and love to be scared, This book is for you! Heck even if you "love"spiders, (yeah you! The weird dudes who are reading this!😂)Buy the book! It's awesome! And you can thank me later! I can't wait to read what Janelle has in store for us next!! Enjoy!!---Daryl
This is the third novel I've read by Jenelle Schiecke
and her novellas are top notch fear fests! Her last book The ClatterMan was wonderful too! So in short
if you're afraid of spiders and love to be scared, This book is for you! Heck even if you "love"spiders, (yeah you! The weird dudes who are reading this!😂)Buy the book! It's awesome! And you can thank me later! I can't wait to read what Janelle has in store for us next!! Enjoy!!---Daryl
Review of advance copy received from Author
A unique skin-crawling horror experience
Janelle Schiecke delivers a unique skin-crawling horror experience that will stay in reader’s heads and mine for quite some time. Using fear as a vessel alongside a fantastic plot where tension gradually builds; I could not look away while frantically turning pages to see what would unfold next.
‘Spider’ gets the vote as Schiecke’s most unique and different read while also retaining that brand of strong storytelling from a writer really in their element. The ultimate ‘what if’ scenario sits centre stage in this tale of ‘Jenna’ who has career aspirations and a busy life which slowly tunes out after she encounters her worst fear. But the level of fear that revolves around her arachnophobia only gets worse with a premise that heightens everything to deliver a sensory horror tale.
The concept of phobia and how it invades our thoughts is a great theme here while being explored very well. For anyone looking to be immersed and also freaked out a little (in a good and entertaining way) then this is the tale for you! The cover art is exceptional also!
‘But if the danger is inside of you, there’s no escaping it. You’re simply along for the ride… hell, you are the ride.’
Janelle Schiecke delivers a unique skin-crawling horror experience that will stay in reader’s heads and mine for quite some time. Using fear as a vessel alongside a fantastic plot where tension gradually builds; I could not look away while frantically turning pages to see what would unfold next.
‘Spider’ gets the vote as Schiecke’s most unique and different read while also retaining that brand of strong storytelling from a writer really in their element. The ultimate ‘what if’ scenario sits centre stage in this tale of ‘Jenna’ who has career aspirations and a busy life which slowly tunes out after she encounters her worst fear. But the level of fear that revolves around her arachnophobia only gets worse with a premise that heightens everything to deliver a sensory horror tale.
The concept of phobia and how it invades our thoughts is a great theme here while being explored very well. For anyone looking to be immersed and also freaked out a little (in a good and entertaining way) then this is the tale for you! The cover art is exceptional also!
‘But if the danger is inside of you, there’s no escaping it. You’re simply along for the ride… hell, you are the ride.’
March 10, 2026
Gripping from beginning to end!
Long after you read Janelle
Schiecke's latest novella, SPIDER it will stay burrowed in your head.
Reading Spider was like a wild ride for me... in fact it was sort of nostalgic and a little bit personal.
And... I can't wait to re- read it... in fact... I kinda wish it were longer.
It's just that awesome.
Janelle has crafted a tale that will stay with you long after you read it.
The fact about spiders infesting a person’s brain is absolute horror post de facto.
I mean… it couldn’t happen.
Or could it.
Another amazing piece from an author with three amazing horror gothic already under belt.
Read Spider… with the lights on… fly swatter in hand.
CJ and Michele
Long after you read Janelle
Schiecke's latest novella, SPIDER it will stay burrowed in your head.
Reading Spider was like a wild ride for me... in fact it was sort of nostalgic and a little bit personal.
And... I can't wait to re- read it... in fact... I kinda wish it were longer.
It's just that awesome.
Janelle has crafted a tale that will stay with you long after you read it.
The fact about spiders infesting a person’s brain is absolute horror post de facto.
I mean… it couldn’t happen.
Or could it.
Another amazing piece from an author with three amazing horror gothic already under belt.
Read Spider… with the lights on… fly swatter in hand.
CJ and Michele
March 10, 2026
Long after you read Janelle
Schiecke's latest novella, SPIDER it will stay burrowed in your head.
Reading Spider was like a wild ride for me... in fact it was sort of nostalgic and a little bit personal.
And... I can't wait to re- read it... in fact... I kinda wish it were longer.
It's just that awesome.
Janelle has crafted a tale that will stay with you long after you read it.
The fact about spiders infesting a person's brain is absolute horror post de facto.
I mean... it couldn't happen…
Or could it?
Another amazing piece from an author with three amazing horror gothic novellas already under her belt.
Read Spider... with the lights on... fly swatter in hand.
-CJ
Schiecke's latest novella, SPIDER it will stay burrowed in your head.
Reading Spider was like a wild ride for me... in fact it was sort of nostalgic and a little bit personal.
And... I can't wait to re- read it... in fact... I kinda wish it were longer.
It's just that awesome.
Janelle has crafted a tale that will stay with you long after you read it.
The fact about spiders infesting a person's brain is absolute horror post de facto.
I mean... it couldn't happen…
Or could it?
Another amazing piece from an author with three amazing horror gothic novellas already under her belt.
Read Spider... with the lights on... fly swatter in hand.
-CJ
March 12, 2026
There are moments in Janelle Schiecke's SPIDER which creeped-out this arachnophobe to the core. But that was always the intention, right?
When Jenna starts to experience tinnitus she passes it off as everything but what it might actually be. As she tries to keep her life on track, the escalating events build at a perfect pace and reach a terrifying conclusion. There are hints at a wider context which, if this was made into a movie (and I'd love that), there is a backstory that could also be explored. Something for a follow up maybe.
SPIDER is a fine dose of spine-tingling horror from Schiecke.
When Jenna starts to experience tinnitus she passes it off as everything but what it might actually be. As she tries to keep her life on track, the escalating events build at a perfect pace and reach a terrifying conclusion. There are hints at a wider context which, if this was made into a movie (and I'd love that), there is a backstory that could also be explored. Something for a follow up maybe.
SPIDER is a fine dose of spine-tingling horror from Schiecke.
September 23, 2026
Wow... this was a short one but packed one hell of a punch. I dont think I will be sleeping with the lights off for a while! I admit, I also have an irrational fear of spiders and have no idea why i chose this book to get me into the Halloween spirit but I did and will pay the price. The writing was superb. I felt for poor Jenna and had the creeps along with her the entire book. Shout out to the skill it took to write from the spiders point of view! That was pretty cool. I am a huge fan of horror and already read and loved The Clatter Man. I will be reading more from Janelle, she definitely knows horror. Happy Halloween!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A skin-crawling blend of psychological and body horror, this novella starts with a little discomfort that grows into worry, then dread, and finally outright terror. The story is anchored by a relatable main character with a real, recognisable life, and this balance between human concerns and arachnid terror is one of Spider's greatest strengths.
Great writing, grounded characters, and enough chills to satisfy any horror fan, this is highly recommended (even if you're not fond of our little eight-legged friends).
Great writing, grounded characters, and enough chills to satisfy any horror fan, this is highly recommended (even if you're not fond of our little eight-legged friends).
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