Ellie’s fascination with the I-64 murders turns into full-blown obsession when she sees her own face on TV except it’s not her. The 17th victim is her identical copy. Fueled by deep curiosity, she writes a bestselling novel inspired by her own research on the I-64 victims and launches The Spider Web a site that helps identify missing persons and helped identify some of the I-64 victims. But as the bodies keep piling up and unsettling memories creep in, Ellie realizes the truth might be lurking in the shadows of her own mind. And worse she might already know the killer.

When I say I never saw that ending coming, I mean if you gave me 100 guesses and a psychic, I still wouldn't get it right but the ending was sooooo satisfying. This book had everything I crave in a thriller twists, turns, and that deliciously unsettling feeling that keeps you up way past bedtime. J.H. Market is a mastermind, and I’d give anything to sit down with him just to figure out how his brain works because wow just wow.

Thank you @netgalley
and @crookedlanebooks for this EARC in loved it so much!

This one had me hooked from the start. A true crime writer who sees her face on a murder victim? That’s the kind of creepy I love. Ellie’s obsession with the Spider killer felt totally believable, especially since she’s already knee-deep in this world with her followers and databases. The whole “citizen detective meets serial killer” thing was done really well without feeling over the top.

The pacing kept things interesting, and I liked how the book explored people society often overlooks—it made the mystery feel heavier in a good way. I wasn’t expecting the therapist twist (yikes), and while a few parts felt a little far-fetched, I was totally in for the ride.

If you’re into crime stories with a side of obsession, some moral murkiness, and a main character who won’t let things go (in the best way), this one’s worth the read.

Another solid thriller from Markert about a serial killer known as "The Spider" who is responsible for the murder of twenty-eight women and the connections to a foster care-type group many years ago that was known as "The Farm". Unlawful experiments, twins, abuse and revenge are all at play here in a tight plot that offers some real surprises and plenty of suspense. Well-written characters help move the story along to a strong conclusion. Markert has become a reliable addition to the genre. 4-4.5 stars. Thanks to Netgalley for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

**4.5 Stars**

𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬
Ellie Isles became captivated by the I-64 murders when she noticed her own likeness on one of the victims. Although the woman was not her, the resemblance was striking. Driven to uncover the story behind her doppelgänger’s tragic fate, Ellie authored a bestselling true crime book about the elusive serial killer known as “the Spider.” Four years later, the Spider remains at large, and the number of his victims continues to rise. Many bodies are still unidentified, but thanks to Ellie’s extensive online community of true crime enthusiasts, that is gradually changing. Together, they have compiled a vast database aimed at tracking individuals who are at risk of becoming Jane and John Does. With Ellie successfully identifying several victims, the law enforcement task force pursuing the Spider enlists her assistance.
𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬
I absolutely loved this book! The suspense, tension, and sense of dread built beautifully throughout, leaving me on the edge of my seat with every turn of the page. As the story unfolded, I appreciated how the author layered in the characters' pasts, giving readers a deeper understanding of who they are and what shaped them. It was a slow burn, but the revelations were so rewarding. That being said, while the ending was undeniably well-executed, I couldn't shake the feeling that I wanted just a bit more closure. Overall, this psychological thriller is a must-read for fans of suspense and character-driven stories. It will keep you hooked until the very end. Highly recommend!

Thank You @Netgalley and @Crookedlanebooks for allowing me to review this ARC.

Spider to the Fly by J.H. Markert is a chilling and atmospheric thriller that expertly blends psychological tension with a creeping sense of dread. From the very first page, Markert creates an unsettling mood, pulling readers into a twisted web of secrets, deception, and danger. The story unfolds with a gripping mix of slow-burn suspense and shocking revelations, keeping the tension high throughout.

The characters are well-drawn, particularly the protagonist, whose journey into the darker corners of the mystery is both compelling and unnerving. Markert does an excellent job of exploring themes of manipulation and fear, making every interaction feel charged with hidden motives. Some twists are more predictable than others, but the novel’s eerie tone and strong character dynamics keep it engaging. The writing is immersive, creating a vivid sense of place that enhances the novel’s ominous atmosphere.

The pacing is well-handled, though some sections could have been tightened to maintain momentum. However, the final act delivers a satisfying and haunting conclusion that lingers long after the last page. Spider to the Fly is a gripping psychological thriller with a dark, unsettling edge—a solid 4-star read for fans of eerie, suspenseful storytelling.

Sleep Tight by this author was really good, so obviously I wanted to read this book. Thank you to Netgalley for this arc. Ellie is obsessed with the I-64 murders when she saw her face on one of the victims. She becomes obsessed with finding out how this person who isn't her, died.

Thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for this ARC of J. H. Markert's 'Spider to the Fly.'

This is an enjoyable, twisty and turny serial killer thriller.

The Spider has been murdering and dumping (mainly) marginalized women along I-64 in Kentucky for nearly two decades and then Ellie -the seeming twin of one of the victims - becomes obsessed with finding him, writing a bestselling book and establishing a thriving online community dedicated to naming the victims and finding the killer. And then, all of a sudden, the problem - many problems - land on her doorstep.

Ellie knows more than everyone about the killer and his victims so she develops a love-hate relationship with law enforcement and, as such, is central to the plot and the story in multiple ways.

You have to be on the ball to keep up with the twist, turns, and twins but it's good fun.

Wow!! I have never read a Markert book before but this got me hook, line, and sinker. Suspenseful and creepy and loads of fun. Lots of twists with untrustworthy characters (really, the best kind of mystery). Will be looking out for more of Markert's books in the future!

🌟🌟🌟 and 1/2
The build up and overall premise of this novel were done very well, however the ending felt a little lacking. I'm always down for a twist, but not a big fan when an ending goes around multiple twists and turns. I was also sad for one of the characters ending after the build up in the end. I would still absolutely recommend this novel and it's a great read, especially for mystery lovers.

I love J. H. Markert's books, and this one was no exception. After seeing a serial killer's victim looks exactly like her, Ellie ends up writing a true crime novel about the killer and gets engrossed in catching them. Who doesn't like a true crime aficionado who is trying to help solve a crime? This book, like Markert's others, kept building as it went on with twists and turns I definitely did not see coming! Obviously, since this book revolves around a serial killer, it was dark and creepy. It did not take me long to get through because Markert kept sprinkling more twists into this tale. I won't lie, the ending was a bit sad, and I am still thinking of this book!

A great read which gave me cult vibes mixing in silence of the lambs with another under tone of what happened when the spider was a child. It quick fast paced with so much going on you cannot believe many of the characters stories.

I cannot say enough about what a RIDE Spider to the Fly was. I have only read one of J.H. Markert’s other works (Sleep Tight), but Spider to the Fly was absolutely next-level, and I devoured it in a single day.

Ellie Isles has some issues. She’s a single mom to a teenage daughter, Amber, and found herself obsessed with the I-64 murders once she realized one of the victims looked hauntingly similar to her. Ellie wrote a book about the murders, Bloody Highway, and founded a website centered around true crime and amateur sleuthing, which also maintains a database of information on homeless and unhoused to help with identifying John and Jane Does. The website is called the Spider Web. She has been going to therapy for a year to work through some past trauma, and her therapist, Dr. Ian Brock, seems to be making headway.

The Brocks are near royalty in the small town of Ransom - Ian is the adopted son of Bart and Karina Brock, and their philanthropic pursuits bled over into their home life, as the adopted parents of Ian, Stephanie, Royal and Kevin. Ian is the father of twin boys - Jon and Jeremy, and his wife, Annie, has always silently stood behind him though she always had a feeling that something wasn’t right.

When the Brock family home is burned to the ground and Dr. Ian Brock has to leave an appointment with Ellie suddenly, the story that follows is equal parts unbelievable and unputdownable as the story weaves itself into a web that nobody could possibly see coming.

A serial killer novel on its’ surface, Spider to the Fly will leave readers awestruck and thinking “what did I actually just read” in the best way possible.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this novel prior to publication!

This was a tense, unsettling, and very dark book that was simply incredibly well written. I also couldn't have asked for a better ending!

A terrifying new tale of twisted horror by the new Master of Horror: J.H. MARKERT.

If you love a good scare and stories with twists and turns you’ll never see coming, then Spider To The Fly has to be at the top of your 2025 #tbrlist (to be read list.)

You need to know that this book stays with you. Every time you leave your house, and even when you are by yourself & home alone, you will think about Spider To The Fly and Serial Killers.

Driving in your car … Spider To The Fly.

SERIAL KILLERS

Grocery Shopping … Spider To The Fly.

SERIAL KILLERS

Walking in the woods … Spider To The Fly.

SERIAL KILLERS

It is impossible not to think about this book and wonder if it is based on a true story.

It definitely could be.

I would love to know what other people think. Do you think something similar to the plot in this book actually happened in real life?

I do.

I couldn’t put this book down. It didn’t matter that it was 4am and I had to get up in a couple hours, I HAD TO keep reading.

I devoured this book.

SPIDER TO THE FLY is meticulously plotted and cleverly believable – so horrifically plausible.

Peter Farris calls J.H. MARKERT the “clear heir to Stephen King.” I say that he has pushed Stephen King off the top of the horror shelf and J.H. MARKERT is now not only the king, he is the Emperor of All Things Horrific.

Although this book does not come out until September, you can pre-order it now so that it arrives on your doorstep on release day.

I rate SPIDER TO THE FLY as 5 out of 5 Stars and give it a 10 out of 10 Star rating for scaring readers half to death.
Thank you to #NetGalley #JHMarkert and #CrookedLaneBooks for giving me a free advance review copy of this ebook.

I loved this book so much that I am trying to find out how to get my hands on a hardcover copy for my collection and to have an autographed hardcover copy would make my year.

BUY THIS BOOK – IF YOU LOVE HORROR, IT DESERVES A SPECIAL PLACE ON YOUR BOOKSHELF!!!

Markert is aan of many talents. I absolutely love his older books that were more " magical realism". A lot of people don't even know it's the same author. I actually didn't till I looked it up because of similarities in writing. He has books under James Markert as well.
He has since started writing more scary, thriller, horror types. They are just as well written. I personally like the magical realism more, but will definitely read them all..
This was my favorite thriller by him, so far.

While reading this I very much felt the tension a fly is feeling as a spider is approaching. This book is dark and unsettling. It had me looking over my shoulders as I was reading it at night.

The plot is very original and while I guessed some twists I did not guess them all. Ellie is a strong main character and I feel she could easily lead a series if the author decides. I have a feeling this book would make a great TV series or movie. I am giving it 4.5 stars rounded up.

Thank you to Crooked Lane Books, J.H. Market, and Netgalley for allowing me to read this ARC.

This story definitely lived up to the title!! What a crazy web of how everyone is connected and all the lives affected in the process. Ellie is so resilient and strong as well as her daughter! The plot build up was perfectly written! I was never bored or not intrigued by every page. I will continue to read this authors work and definitely be recommending this to everyone!!! So grateful I got the opportunity do read this!

This was a good read. The ending was really well written and I really enjoyed how it was set up. The twist was very good and the fact that the baddie was who he was, was nuts! I recommend this book for anyone who loves true crime and following a detective storyline.

Thank you Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

J.H. Markert’s “Spider to the Fly” is a chilling psychological thriller that blends true crime obsession, deep-seated trauma, and a relentless serial killer into an intricate web of mystery. Following Ellie Isles—a woman whose fascination with the elusive "Spider" killer stems from a victim who eerily resembles her—Markert crafts a suspenseful, twist-filled story that keeps you hooked from start to finish.

Ellie has dedicated years to tracking unidentified victims through her online community, a space where true crime enthusiasts work to give names to the nameless. This aspect of the story is particularly compelling, shedding light on the forgotten and overlooked victims of crime in a way that feels both tragic and noble. Through her work, Ellie has gained access to inside information from law enforcement, a premise that feels both plausible and fresh. But when a new break in the case sets off a series of shocking revelations, Ellie finds herself tangled in something far bigger than she ever imagined.

Markert’s prose is atmospheric and immersive, creating a sense of creeping dread that lingers on every page. His writing is undeniably engaging, and once the story picks up, it’s impossible to put down. Twists abound, and while some readers may see them coming, others will be left reeling. The killer, known as the Spider, is one of the book’s most unsettling elements—his grotesque signature and ritualistic nature add a disturbing layer to the mystery.

However, where “Spider to the Fly” excels in concept and tension, it occasionally falters in execution, mainly with the character writing. Ellie is an intriguing protagonist, but her obsession sometimes feels repetitive, leaving her character development feeling somewhat stagnant. The book juggles multiple narrative threads—Ellie’s past, the serial killer chase, law enforcement’s involvement, and unsettling family dynamics—but at times, it struggles to balance them, leading to an occasionally disjointed pacing.

That being said, Markert’s talent for crafting eerie, suspenseful storytelling is undeniable. “Spider to the Fly” is a gripping, layered thriller that delivers moments of true horror without relying on supernatural elements—proving that human monsters can be just as terrifying. Fans of dark thrillers and true crime-inspired fiction will find plenty to enjoy.

Ohhhh this is creeeeepy and dark! Just what i want from a good horror novel. This may honestly be my top J.H. Markert book!