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!

First, let's clear up one thing before we proceed: vacuum your floors before you read this book so you don't think that a big piece of lint is a spider coming to attack you, okay? ((I've never swept more aggressively, but my floors look great now, so I suppose I can thank J.H. Markert for that one.))

Now that we've cleared THAT up, get Spider to the Fly added to your TBR RIGHT NOW. This thriller is deliciously bingeable and utterly twisted in all of the best ways. I really enjoyed the way the true crime angle was used in this book, and the "long lost twin" storyline felt fresh and not like the same recycled thing we see dished out ad nauseum. With the multiple angles and viewpoints, I was initially concerned that the pacing would feel off, but that was not the case here at all.

The characters in this book are also developed perfectly for what they need to be, which isn't a feat easily achieved. Even the characters who aren't likeable are fascinating, and the ones who are likeable are still presented with their own flaws.

Now, I don't include spoilers in my reviews, so I'll share this next part with vague detail: I have seen other reviews mentioning certain things as far-fetched. But, a) this is a work of fiction, and b) if you are familiar with the shady side of history, certain things are not as far-fetched as one may think. ((That will make perfect sense once you read the book, which we have already established you are doing, remember?))

This book is the perfect blend of crime thriller and suspense, so if that's your book vibe, then this is going to be a must-read for you. Markert is always an instant-buy author for me and Spider to the Fly goes to prove that he doesn't miss!

((While the viewpoints shared are my own, I want to thank NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books, and J.H. Markert for this complimentary copy.))

AHHHHHHH THIS BOOK WAS SO SCARY! Total vibes of an old-school horror movie like Freddy Krueger. I fell into this world like I was falling into quicksand. This had perfect levels of creepy, intriguing, and outright jumpscares. Completely caught off guard by the ending, reading this is a whirlwind. Now I am going to have to go back and read the author's back titles.

Ellie is a single mom and true crime author. She has been following the Spider serial killer who kills women along an interstate (in a gross but specific way) since his 17th victim looked exactly like her. She has a social media following of people who like true crime participating and trying to help catch the killer. Secrets are revealed throughout the entire book- big reveals at 30%, 45%, 60%- lots to keep the reader guessing.

I found it intensely readable, liked the characters and the pacing. There are a lot of characters to keep track of, so I did find myself doing a "Search" in my kindle for the characters name, but I found it very juicy and anxiety inducing.

spoiler: <spoiler>Was the father of Amber, Ellie's daughter, the guy with the tattoos, ever revealed? I read this quickly because I was stressed but this was an open end that I didn't see...? Anyone else?</spoiler>

Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC. Book to be published September 2, 2025.

This was such a good book. I loved the story and the writing so much. The characters were great and the story flowed smoothly. Will definitely read more books by this author in the future.

The suspense!! I loved this more than Sleep Tight, fun thriller that keeps you wanting to read! The pacing was great and the characters added to the suspense!

2.5 stars

The I 64 serial killer has been preying on young women between Lexington and Louisville, Kentucky for years (hmpf. There’s a lot more to I 64 than that small stretch. Odd name.). Ellie Isles became interested in the murders when she discovered she was basically identical to one of the victims. Now she runs the premier website about the murders and the police are looking for her help with the newest kill, especially after Ellie’s therapist is arrested for the killings and those of his parents and brother. (Ellie had a very traumatic childhood which saw her in and out of foster placements.).

Is Ellie’s therapist guilty? Is Ellie related in some way?

I remember liking Markert’s recent SLEEP TIGHT, but this was a whole lotta “of all the gin joints,” plus I don’t think hypnosis works like these people seem to think it does. All of these people. Including the people that I’m assuming are, you know, educated in how to do it. It like they sent away for one of those “Amaze Your Friends, send $2.99 and a SASE” pamphlets they use to advertise in the back of comic books. Those were good times.

Rounding this up to a 3 is generous, but it’s the first summerish day here, so I’m feeling a spirit of goodwill, dammit!

J.H. Markert has been called the heir to Stephen King, but after reading “Spider to the Fly,” I think that’s a bit of a stretch. While the novel has an intriguing premise—blending true crime and horror elements—it ultimately didn’t work for me.

The story follows journalist Ellie Isles as she returns to her hometown, where she is drawn into a chilling mystery involving a notorious serial killer. As she investigates, Ellie is forced to identify bodies connected to the case, only to make a shocking discovery—one of them appears to be her own. The concept is undeniably twisted and full of potential, but the execution feels uneven. The pacing drags, the horror elements don’t fully land, and the psychological tension that should make a story like this gripping just wasn’t there.

Although the idea of Ellie confronting her own supposed death is fascinating, it never quite reaches its full potential. The novel flirts with deep, unsettling horror but never fully commits, leaving it feeling more like a slow-burn mystery with horror elements rather than a truly terrifying read. If you enjoy atmospheric thrillers, Spider to the Fly might still be worth checking out, but for me, it fell short of its promise.

Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Spider to the Flyis gripping, addictive, dark, tense, twisted, and hard to put down page turner! There is a diabolical serial killer who leaves 'interesting' clues behind. This book was a great cat-and-mouse thriller that caught my attention and had me trying to solve the case!

Ellie was shocked when one of the I-64 Strangler victims looked exactly like her! What are the chances that she has a doppelganger out there? Ellie was adopted, could this woman be her twin or just an unlucky look alike??? Ellie goes on to become a true crime writer and runs a true crime network and database. When law enforcement can't make headway in the ongoing murders, they turn to Ellie for assistance.

I enjoyed how the author showed on how online true crime buffs can help solve crimes or at least give them a new way of looking at both the suspect and/or killers and the victims. Speaking of killers, the one in this book is a twisted and devious killer. Like a spider spins it's web, J.H. Markert spins this intricate tale with precision. I had no idea where things were going to go or what tangled path Markert was going to take me down, but I was there for the ride.

The tension, dread, suspense, and danger intensified as the book progressed. This book has many layers and readers slowly get to learn more about the characters and their pasts/younger days. While I did want a little more about the character's childhoods and had a few questions remaining, I closed this book a happy reader.

Creepy, dark, twisted, and compelling.

Ellie is obsessed with the Strangler. Killing a line of victims for years and many are still Jane/John Does.

Ellie writes a true crime book and becomes a best selling author, amassing an enormous database of at risk people. The police are getting nowhere and Ellie is their best shot.

What keeps her going is the face she saw on one of the victims. Her face. Is she a twin? She is going to find out.

Spiders, Flies, Foster Kids, and all the horror and suspense you can handle!

Absolutely loved it!


NetGalley/ Crooked Lane Books September 02, 2025

I was so excited to give this one a shot. True crime junkie, serial killer, some of my faves. I thought I would try and give horror another shot with themes I know and love. Unfortunately, it still didn't work for me. There is something in that genre that just doesn't appeal to me and I think I have to make due that it isn't for me. It didn't hold my attention and I had to DNF.

Wow okay I’m definitely re reading this one at some point! I was drawn in from the very first page, there were so many twist and turns i genuinely couldn’t figure anything out (in the best way) and usually I’m able to have an idea on what’s going to happen!!

Spider to the Fly is a gripping serial killer thriller that pulls you in and refuses to let go. Ellie Isles is a fascinating protagonist—flawed, obsessive, and utterly compelling—as she chases the truth behind the I-64 Strangler. The mix of true crime obsession, doppelgänger mystery, and a relentless hunt for justice creates a dark, chilling atmosphere.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing me with an eARC of Spider to the Fly prior to its publication.

Ellie Isles is definitely a helicopter mom. Although eighteen and almost ready for college, her daughter Amber is kept under tight control. Or so Ellie thinks.

Due to her difficult childhood, Ellie has always been suspicious of others, and the lives of the famous Brock family have definitely been in her sights ever since their adopted daughter Sherry was murdered by the I-64 killer. Absolutely convinced that Sherry was her twin despite the Brocks refusal to accept the idea, Ellie has been determined to prove otherwise, not realising just what horrors she is about to uncover.

I love this 5* author and his working of the genre. Always clever writing and great plots, a new book by Markert is a treat.

The premise of this book was excellent and a very clever plot line. Fast moving and twisty, the reader is sent from one supposition to another, never quite knowing where the Spider was.

The only negative I have is that the arc seemed like a very early working of the book, and whilst I appreciate an arc is most definitely not the final article, this seemed to be too raw and needed work, with a fair few errors, and a bit muddy in the middle. I’m sure this will all be sorted before the final edit.

A good 4.5* that will easily be upped when the book is finalised.

Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books.

I love the author and how they tackle horror in their novels. It reminds me of old school literary horror. The story is plot and character driven.

Thank you Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for the egalley of this book.

Ellie Isles first became obsessed with the I-64 murders when she saw her own face on one of the victims. Identical to every detail, the woman wasn’t her, but she could have been. Compelled to discover the story of her doppleganger’s death, Ellie wrote a bestselling true crime book about the serial killer, dubbed “the Spider.”

Four years later, the Spider still hasn't been caught, and his victim count is climbing. Many of the bodies remain unidentified, but with Ellie’s online network of true crime followers, that’s slowly changing. Together they’ve pooled information to create a massive database that tracks people at risk of becoming Jane and John Does–the homeless, the drug-addicted, and downtrodden–with the hopes that if they become victims, they might at least be identified.

Now that Ellie has successfully identified multiple victims, the law enforcement task force tracking down the Spider pulls her in to help–and after Ellie’s therapist is arrested for the murders she is more determined than ever to help catch the Spider.

I liked the premise of this book, but it just fell short of the mark for me. It seemed to me that thd book could have used more work. It felt like I was reading an early draft of the book instead if ghd completed novel. 3 out of 5 ⭐️

I love this author and was so excited to see this new story. A serial killer named the Spider has killed tons of women over many years with no end in sight. Ellie became drawn to the crimes when one of the victims looked so similar to her that they could have been identical twins. That was years ago, and ever since, she has become obsessed with creating an online community and writing a book about crimes.

Her online group is one of the coolest aspects of the story, as it spreads facts about the unidentified (and unloved, unsearched for) victims all over the country in hopes of identifying them through descriptions, locations, etc. Because America is obsessed with serial killers, thousands join the network to assist. And it actually worked in several cases, which is why law enforcement grudgingly gives Ellie access to inside information on the investigations. You might think that would never happen, but at this point, the police and FBI are desperate, and she gets results.

So that’s where we’re at when the story starts, but an incident soon occurs that sets off a wave of memories for Ellie and others who find themselves caught up in something huge that just might change everything about the case. It’s hard not to give anything away, I can’t even hint at anything without it spoiling parts of the story. I just want to say “it involves….” or “if you love stories about…” but I can’t!

Like all of his stories, this author doesn’t just write horror to be shocking or gory for the sake of it, he has intricate plots, and this one is no different. And there’s no supernatural aspects, because humans are horrific enough. We don’t just cause physical damage to one another, it’s the psychological damage we inflict that can leave the worst scars.

I really wanted to love this book more than I did. Fantastic premise with a really creepy villain, super interesting plot and sub plots and some cool characters. However, it read more like a rough draft and didn't seem fully finished to me. It needs more fleshing out to truly be the book that it could be. The writing style also didn't grab me and I struggled to get into the book, even though the plot was fantastic!