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Marla
Every small town has ghosts. King’s Branch has Marla.
A reclusive young woman who lives with her mother in a creepy Gothic house, Marla Gorman is the stuff of urban legends. Some believe she’s a prisoner. Others claim she’s a witch.
The evening of the first murder, Detective Carl Lancaster sees Marla leering at him from her bedroom window. He sees her again at the exact moment a second man is killed. And though Marla was nowhere near either murder site, Carl is convinced she’s connected to the crimes.
To Carl, Marla is a menace. To social worker Annie Frost, Marla bears a bizarre connection to her past. To Dylan Ellison, a struggling college student, Marla might be the companion for which he’s been longing.
But none of them understands Marla’s true nature. She’s about to plunge them—and everyone in King’s Branch—into an unspeakable nightmare and teach them the true meaning of terror.
"Marla charges hard out of the gate and never stops moving until its final pages. Janz’s tale is propulsive and sometimes gut-wrenching, yet ultimately shot through with a strain of tenderness and heart that I didn’t see coming."
—Nick Cutter, author of Little Heaven
"The nightmare tension and dread Janz generates in Marla is top-notch, and reaches a new level of intensity I’ve not seen in his rich prose before. This is Janz in top form. Marla is dark, disturbing, and beautiful...but mostly it’s terrifying."
—James A. Moore, author of the Blood Red trilogy
A reclusive young woman who lives with her mother in a creepy Gothic house, Marla Gorman is the stuff of urban legends. Some believe she’s a prisoner. Others claim she’s a witch.
The evening of the first murder, Detective Carl Lancaster sees Marla leering at him from her bedroom window. He sees her again at the exact moment a second man is killed. And though Marla was nowhere near either murder site, Carl is convinced she’s connected to the crimes.
To Carl, Marla is a menace. To social worker Annie Frost, Marla bears a bizarre connection to her past. To Dylan Ellison, a struggling college student, Marla might be the companion for which he’s been longing.
But none of them understands Marla’s true nature. She’s about to plunge them—and everyone in King’s Branch—into an unspeakable nightmare and teach them the true meaning of terror.
"Marla charges hard out of the gate and never stops moving until its final pages. Janz’s tale is propulsive and sometimes gut-wrenching, yet ultimately shot through with a strain of tenderness and heart that I didn’t see coming."
—Nick Cutter, author of Little Heaven
"The nightmare tension and dread Janz generates in Marla is top-notch, and reaches a new level of intensity I’ve not seen in his rich prose before. This is Janz in top form. Marla is dark, disturbing, and beautiful...but mostly it’s terrifying."
—James A. Moore, author of the Blood Red trilogy
288 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2022
About the author
Jonathan Janz
49 books1,897 followersJonathan Janz is a husband, father, novelist, screenwriter, and public schoolteacher. He’s represented for film and television by Ryan Lewis (executive producer of Bird Box), and his literary agent is Priya Doraswamy. His ghost story The Siren and the Specter was selected as a Goodreads Choice nominee for Best Horror. Additionally, his novels Children of the Dark and The Dark Game were chosen by Booklist and Library Journal as Top Ten Horror Books of the Year. Jonathan’s main interests are his wonderful wife and his three amazing children. You can sign up for his newsletter (http://jonathanjanz.us12.list-manage....), and you can follow him on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Amazon, Threads, Bluesky, TikTok, and Goodreads.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
October 31, 2022
Marla is book 17 in Earthling Publishing's Halloween Series.
I actually beta-read an early version of this book and was honored to discuss my reading experience over the phone with the author.
I've read several, if not a dozen Janz books and this one is set apart as one of his most spooky offerings, in my humble opinion.
Marla Gorman is a reclusive woman who lives with her mother in a creepy old house in a small town. Of course, all the locals have their stories and opinions about that situation. In classic horror tradition, a string of grisly murders gets the townspeople and local law enforcement all riled up. Fingers start pointing toward Marla.
The death toll rises, and rumors of the frozen expression of fear on the corpses leak to the public, a slasher-esque urban legend rises up.
Pitch-perfect tension and suspense. This is a real Halloween story that is best enjoyed during the spooky season.
I actually beta-read an early version of this book and was honored to discuss my reading experience over the phone with the author.
I've read several, if not a dozen Janz books and this one is set apart as one of his most spooky offerings, in my humble opinion.
Marla Gorman is a reclusive woman who lives with her mother in a creepy old house in a small town. Of course, all the locals have their stories and opinions about that situation. In classic horror tradition, a string of grisly murders gets the townspeople and local law enforcement all riled up. Fingers start pointing toward Marla.
The death toll rises, and rumors of the frozen expression of fear on the corpses leak to the public, a slasher-esque urban legend rises up.
Pitch-perfect tension and suspense. This is a real Halloween story that is best enjoyed during the spooky season.
September 29, 2022
Jonathan Janz is an author who impresses you with plot, makes you care about his characters, and blows you away with his endings. I have devoured and loved every one of his books, and Marla is no different. If the striking cover with Marla’s terrifying face on it doesn’t grab you, then strap in because I’m here to convince you.
In the small town of King’s Branch, Detective Carl Lancaster and his partner, RJ Williams investigate a spree of murders. However something else strange is happening. Detective Lancaster has seen Marla at every crime scene. The problem is, Marla is nothing but an urban legend - the town gossip. They say Marla is held up with her mother in a creepy gothic house. She’s elusive and the townspeople don’t really know her story. The detectives are determined to figure out how Marla is connected to the murders and what’s going on in King’s Branch.
As much as I adore the secondary characters, this is the story of Marla. The heightened suspense creates an ominous tone and a nightmarish feel. Janz has a way of enticing his readers and I was fully invested in every scene. With concise prose, concrete characters, sharp dialogue, and plenty of eerie moments, you’ll be compelled to witness Marla in all of her horrific and mysterious splendor. If you want to solve murders, spend time in a small, familiar town, and figure out the enigmatic Marla, then you need this book!
Available only as a limited hardcover through Earthling Publications.
In the small town of King’s Branch, Detective Carl Lancaster and his partner, RJ Williams investigate a spree of murders. However something else strange is happening. Detective Lancaster has seen Marla at every crime scene. The problem is, Marla is nothing but an urban legend - the town gossip. They say Marla is held up with her mother in a creepy gothic house. She’s elusive and the townspeople don’t really know her story. The detectives are determined to figure out how Marla is connected to the murders and what’s going on in King’s Branch.
As much as I adore the secondary characters, this is the story of Marla. The heightened suspense creates an ominous tone and a nightmarish feel. Janz has a way of enticing his readers and I was fully invested in every scene. With concise prose, concrete characters, sharp dialogue, and plenty of eerie moments, you’ll be compelled to witness Marla in all of her horrific and mysterious splendor. If you want to solve murders, spend time in a small, familiar town, and figure out the enigmatic Marla, then you need this book!
Available only as a limited hardcover through Earthling Publications.
July 3, 2024
Where is this book, I need it, 5 stars already cos it's janz
Updated review after I've actually read..surprise it's still 5 stars!
.
.
I finally read Marla! I'm a big Janz fan, a Janzie? All of his books I've read so far have been my favourites and they take pride of place on my bookshelves, I'm late to the party I know I struggled to find a copy untill my friend Mark very kindly gifted me his! I was overly cautious turning the pages as I didn't wanna tarnish this precious copy 😂 I find Janz particularly skilled at the following, you might wanna sit down its a long list..meshing genres together to deftly create something of a horror smorgasbord, police procedural, mystery/thriller, gothic, family drama and horror, Marla has all of this and a propulsive plot that keeps you walking a tightrope of suspense and just when you think you've figured it out, you haven't, is this a slasher? a supernatural? plot twists abound! Creating nuanced characters that you can't help but invest in and really root for (some you don't) paired with faultless depictions of humanity and relationships makes his stories linger long after you've finished reading, dialogue between characters that feels authentic and honest to god laugh out loud funny, multiple POVs that never distract from the narrative, the characterization as always, is, I believe one of Janz strongest weapons, icky gooey gory gruesome imagery that makes me cringe but can't help but go back for more, this was incredibly creepy and tense and a perfect book for Halloween time (Halloween is everyday right?) Utterly captivating and blood chilling I believe Marla is up there with some of the horror cult classics (I think it actually is I'm just late to the party remember), reminiscent of King but Janz has entirely his own distinct style, peppering the ongoing tension and horror with just enough humour to ease the reader along his nightmarish tales
I'm so glad I got to read this! Have you read this? Have you read Children of the Dark? I won't tell you again... 👀
Updated review after I've actually read..surprise it's still 5 stars!
.
.
I finally read Marla! I'm a big Janz fan, a Janzie? All of his books I've read so far have been my favourites and they take pride of place on my bookshelves, I'm late to the party I know I struggled to find a copy untill my friend Mark very kindly gifted me his! I was overly cautious turning the pages as I didn't wanna tarnish this precious copy 😂 I find Janz particularly skilled at the following, you might wanna sit down its a long list..meshing genres together to deftly create something of a horror smorgasbord, police procedural, mystery/thriller, gothic, family drama and horror, Marla has all of this and a propulsive plot that keeps you walking a tightrope of suspense and just when you think you've figured it out, you haven't, is this a slasher? a supernatural? plot twists abound! Creating nuanced characters that you can't help but invest in and really root for (some you don't) paired with faultless depictions of humanity and relationships makes his stories linger long after you've finished reading, dialogue between characters that feels authentic and honest to god laugh out loud funny, multiple POVs that never distract from the narrative, the characterization as always, is, I believe one of Janz strongest weapons, icky gooey gory gruesome imagery that makes me cringe but can't help but go back for more, this was incredibly creepy and tense and a perfect book for Halloween time (Halloween is everyday right?) Utterly captivating and blood chilling I believe Marla is up there with some of the horror cult classics (I think it actually is I'm just late to the party remember), reminiscent of King but Janz has entirely his own distinct style, peppering the ongoing tension and horror with just enough humour to ease the reader along his nightmarish tales
I'm so glad I got to read this! Have you read this? Have you read Children of the Dark? I won't tell you again... 👀
December 31, 2023
I'm not even going to TRY posting a review right now while GR is having all of these technical issues, but I will go ahead and say that this book was absolutely incredible!! Another win from Jonathan Janz ♥ review coming soon!
October 24, 2022
JonathanJanz has crafted a real page turner here. Eerie and suspenseful and a whole hell of a lot of fun for horror fans. Marla is one of Janz’s greatest creations, and whatever you do, don’t look into her eyes! 😳😬😱🎃
October 2, 2022
It's October 1st - officially starting the spooky season for those who don't celebrate all year long like I do. And what a way to start the month! Janz is quickly becoming a favorite horror author of mine and MARLA is my third by this author, and so far my favorite, that I've read.
There's something so deliciously eerie and creepy about the rumors of a reclusive woman in a gothic house that keeps the law enforcement on their toes (at least in this case) and the teens in their glory of testing themselves. Murders, with the faces found in fear, reminded me somewhat of how Samara left her victims in The Ring. But what is truly happening with these atrocities and why is everyone so obsessed with MARLA?
The fun for me is that Marla is the name of my former boss as one of the tertiary characters' names is Jason Karr... which is the name of a friend of mine (though I hope he hasn't met the same fate). I couldn't help but picture them as I read though Marla is certainly not nearly as scary. I also truly love these types of stories. Part slasher with an underlying supernatural feel, Janz truly brings Marla to life.
We get a lot of the various characters and the various POVs keep you right in the action. And you get to know them well enough to care about what happens to them. But we are centered around Marla. You can just feel her leering coming straight off the pages (as if you didn't already feel her just from the glorious cover). When we get towards the end of the story and things start to become cohesive, we truly get a feel of the evil within.
While I wasn't surprised at the last chapter, I really loved the ending prior where we learn about what and who Marla is, where she gets her power and why the people in this town are important to her. There is an increased tension that palpitates with every page turned and keeps you glued to the pages. I know I certainly don't want to be looking into her eyes (and that's hard to do with a cover that seems to follow you everywhere).
I think I'm definitely in the #janzfanz circle of horror fans. Rejoice, be merry and be careful out there.
There's something so deliciously eerie and creepy about the rumors of a reclusive woman in a gothic house that keeps the law enforcement on their toes (at least in this case) and the teens in their glory of testing themselves. Murders, with the faces found in fear, reminded me somewhat of how Samara left her victims in The Ring. But what is truly happening with these atrocities and why is everyone so obsessed with MARLA?
The fun for me is that Marla is the name of my former boss as one of the tertiary characters' names is Jason Karr... which is the name of a friend of mine (though I hope he hasn't met the same fate). I couldn't help but picture them as I read though Marla is certainly not nearly as scary. I also truly love these types of stories. Part slasher with an underlying supernatural feel, Janz truly brings Marla to life.
We get a lot of the various characters and the various POVs keep you right in the action. And you get to know them well enough to care about what happens to them. But we are centered around Marla. You can just feel her leering coming straight off the pages (as if you didn't already feel her just from the glorious cover). When we get towards the end of the story and things start to become cohesive, we truly get a feel of the evil within.
While I wasn't surprised at the last chapter, I really loved the ending prior where we learn about what and who Marla is, where she gets her power and why the people in this town are important to her. There is an increased tension that palpitates with every page turned and keeps you glued to the pages. I know I certainly don't want to be looking into her eyes (and that's hard to do with a cover that seems to follow you everywhere).
I think I'm definitely in the #janzfanz circle of horror fans. Rejoice, be merry and be careful out there.
April 21, 2022
‘Jonathan Janz is one of the few horror writers working today who can truly unnerve his readers. ‘Marla’ is a grippingly suspenseful story, full of brutality, tantalising mystery and sacrifice. From the very first sentence Janz puts us on edge and it doesn’t let up until the final page, where I was a quivering wreck and struggling for breath. There is an unsettling eeriness that permeates each line, ensuring that every page is bleached in torment and beguiling prose - ‘Marla’ showcases one of the genres most chilling voices. Janz has crafted a nightmare of a book!’
Ross Jeffery
Bram Stoker Award-nominated Author of Tome
Ross Jeffery
Bram Stoker Award-nominated Author of Tome
November 12, 2022
MARLA, by Jonathan Janz, is Earthling Publication's Halloween 2022 selection.
All small towns have their local "haunted house", or resident "witch" for others to spread outlandish rumors about. In the town of King's Branch, it happens to be Marla--a young woman, never seen, who has lived with her mother, Irene, all her life. Homeschooled, nobody can even say what she looks like--except in those exaggerated tales.
Until the night Detective Carl Lancaster drives past the Gorman home and sees Marla leering at him from an upstairs window.
"Carl Lancaster believed in evil. After eleven years as a police detective, how could he not?"
Janz nails the small town atmosphere in this novel; their superstitions, rivalries, dramas, cliques, and secrets. The characterization is superb, and I easily felt that I knew each character as the book went on.
". . . You needed imagination to comprehend something like this . . ."
As more people are involved, and the body count rises, a thriller aspect edges its way into the novel as well. The complexity as you mentally weave the strands together in your mind makes MARLA a very difficult novel to put down.
"There's something wrong in the Gorman House."
It's getting increasingly rare to surprise me--in a good way--with any twist lately, but MARLA did just that.
Highly recommended.
All small towns have their local "haunted house", or resident "witch" for others to spread outlandish rumors about. In the town of King's Branch, it happens to be Marla--a young woman, never seen, who has lived with her mother, Irene, all her life. Homeschooled, nobody can even say what she looks like--except in those exaggerated tales.
Until the night Detective Carl Lancaster drives past the Gorman home and sees Marla leering at him from an upstairs window.
"Carl Lancaster believed in evil. After eleven years as a police detective, how could he not?"
Janz nails the small town atmosphere in this novel; their superstitions, rivalries, dramas, cliques, and secrets. The characterization is superb, and I easily felt that I knew each character as the book went on.
". . . You needed imagination to comprehend something like this . . ."
As more people are involved, and the body count rises, a thriller aspect edges its way into the novel as well. The complexity as you mentally weave the strands together in your mind makes MARLA a very difficult novel to put down.
"There's something wrong in the Gorman House."
It's getting increasingly rare to surprise me--in a good way--with any twist lately, but MARLA did just that.
Highly recommended.
June 11, 2022
Every Halloween, horror fans rejoice. For many, it’s to celebrate the spooky season, as the time of the weirdos arrives. But there’s another great reason to get excited. Earthling Publications limited Halloween hardcovers! Last year’s entry, Boys in the Valley by Philip Fracassi, was one of my top books of 2021. It will, deservedly, be released by Tor Nightfire in 2023. Where to go from there?
The master of the macabre, of course. Nary a horror subgenre exists that Jonathan Janz has yet to put his spin on. Small-town murder mystery might be the closest one can come to nailing this book down, but it’s not that simple or straightforward. Marla has notes of a slasher, but with a larger looming element of supernatural secrecy.
Where Janz shines is in keeping the reader guessing. Marla revels in a quality that keeps its audience slightly off-kilter throughout the runtime. The story is told through multiple points of view, each one providing a different look at the unsettling events transpiring in King’s Branch, then moving on before allowing the reader to dig their heels in and gain firm footing. The balance of POV’s is also a strength. Janz manages to create the aforementioned tension through movement while still allowing us to get to know Dylan Ellison and Detective Lancaster, sprinkling personality and characterization in without distracting from the linear narrative.
The characters matter, therefore the stakes matter. This pays off in spades during act three when the author ties all of the dangling threads together. Jonathan Janz crafts an ending that is ambiguous enough to keep the reader thinking after the story ends, but also satisfying enough to say “That was a hell of a book.”
Earthling Publications and Jonathan Janz have both done it again. Marla is a hell of a book.
The master of the macabre, of course. Nary a horror subgenre exists that Jonathan Janz has yet to put his spin on. Small-town murder mystery might be the closest one can come to nailing this book down, but it’s not that simple or straightforward. Marla has notes of a slasher, but with a larger looming element of supernatural secrecy.
Where Janz shines is in keeping the reader guessing. Marla revels in a quality that keeps its audience slightly off-kilter throughout the runtime. The story is told through multiple points of view, each one providing a different look at the unsettling events transpiring in King’s Branch, then moving on before allowing the reader to dig their heels in and gain firm footing. The balance of POV’s is also a strength. Janz manages to create the aforementioned tension through movement while still allowing us to get to know Dylan Ellison and Detective Lancaster, sprinkling personality and characterization in without distracting from the linear narrative.
The characters matter, therefore the stakes matter. This pays off in spades during act three when the author ties all of the dangling threads together. Jonathan Janz crafts an ending that is ambiguous enough to keep the reader thinking after the story ends, but also satisfying enough to say “That was a hell of a book.”
Earthling Publications and Jonathan Janz have both done it again. Marla is a hell of a book.
September 13, 2022
Marla has to be one of my most anticipated novels of 2022, So when the opportunity came up for people to have the chance to read an ARC of Marla in exchange for an honest review, I jumped at the event. When I finally received Marla in the mail, I couldn't help but tear into it with such force you'd think me a feral animal.
Marla is an intense, thrilling tale of..well...herself. After a number of mysterious deaths in Kings Branch, she becomes the main suspect after Detective Lancaster (one of our MCs) sees her before every murder. For a reason, I could explain, but it would ruin the insane plot twist towards the novel's end. Let's say if I were ever to meet Marla in real life, I would probably pass out from fear. There was such a psychological build-up in Marla that I had to put down the book numerous times because my heart couldn't stop pounding. Especially towards the end of Chapter 12, I didn't pick up the book for days because I was genuinely freaked out. I think it is always a good thing when a horror novel has the ability to scare you in your own home with your own thoughts. Marla, like all of Jonathan Janz's other works, was very well-written, with the flow of the story moving along with such ease you could finish multiple chapters in one sitting. Jonathan Janz created multi-dimensional characters with personalities, strengths, and weaknesses so they felt real, and you cared about them. With Marla being our main character and who the book is all about, the other cast of characters stole the show. Detective Carl Lancaster, Detective RJ William, and Annie Frost (total badass would stan her) brought heart to the town of Kings Branch. In the end, I realized there is nothing in our imaginations that can be as beautiful and as dreadful as Marla. The story of Marla lived up to the hype, in my opinion, and with it being a limited edition, I think there will be readers who will regret not buying this book. If you read it, let me know what you thought of it. To Earthling Pub, thank you again for the ARC, and as always, Happy Reading! x
Marla is an intense, thrilling tale of..well...herself. After a number of mysterious deaths in Kings Branch, she becomes the main suspect after Detective Lancaster (one of our MCs) sees her before every murder. For a reason, I could explain, but it would ruin the insane plot twist towards the novel's end. Let's say if I were ever to meet Marla in real life, I would probably pass out from fear. There was such a psychological build-up in Marla that I had to put down the book numerous times because my heart couldn't stop pounding. Especially towards the end of Chapter 12, I didn't pick up the book for days because I was genuinely freaked out. I think it is always a good thing when a horror novel has the ability to scare you in your own home with your own thoughts. Marla, like all of Jonathan Janz's other works, was very well-written, with the flow of the story moving along with such ease you could finish multiple chapters in one sitting. Jonathan Janz created multi-dimensional characters with personalities, strengths, and weaknesses so they felt real, and you cared about them. With Marla being our main character and who the book is all about, the other cast of characters stole the show. Detective Carl Lancaster, Detective RJ William, and Annie Frost (total badass would stan her) brought heart to the town of Kings Branch. In the end, I realized there is nothing in our imaginations that can be as beautiful and as dreadful as Marla. The story of Marla lived up to the hype, in my opinion, and with it being a limited edition, I think there will be readers who will regret not buying this book. If you read it, let me know what you thought of it. To Earthling Pub, thank you again for the ARC, and as always, Happy Reading! x
June 17, 2024
A fantastic genre mashup - part mystery, part police procedural, and a lot of creepy horror and gore. Jonathan Janz is always a go-to author for me - his characters are deep and nuanced, and he's a master at depicting relationships and humanity of all facets.
November 7, 2022
If you were lucky enough to grab one of these from earthling then your in for a treat. What a great book. Read it in two sittings. Could not put it down and it was pretty damn creepy.
September 14, 2022
Here’s my spoiler free review of MARLA, by Jonathan Janz. I’m no pro, but here’s what I think.
When Earthling Publications announced Marla as their next Halloween Series limited edition release, I initially decided to pass. I had never read anything from the author Jonathan Janz, and hadn’t heard much about him.
After a little while, having heard several mentions of the coming publication, I started paying more attention. The story sounded interesting. Being a fan of the publisher, I decided to preorder the signed and numbered edition.
Within days of that order, I asked Paul Miller at Earthling if I could get an advanced review copy of the book so I could read the book early (and because ARCs are cool).😁 Paul relented and sent me a review copy. I’ve now read it and here are a few thoughts.
The cover art is phenomenal, but what about the story?
The story hits the ground running, while establishing characters on the go. Characters are a strong part of this book, with several that I liked a lot. These are people that I’d like to be around in my own day-to-day life. There are a couple of police detectives Carl and RJ. They are partners, but also close friends and truly good people. There is also a social worker named Annie, who has a bad marriage to a not so great guy, with problematic relationships with her two kids. But she is a sweetheart.
There are also some pretty despicable characters in this book. I mean that these are people bad enough to fit into a “they deserve it” category.
At the end of the day, Marla is a horror story that checks a lot of boxes. It’s a thriller, with suspense. It’s a mystery and a detective story. It’s a family drama that mixes loss with hope. It’s also a plot twist story. You think you know, until you realize you don’t.
There are deaths occuring in this quaint little town, and police detective Carl quickly starts to connect them to each other as well as to the town’s “urban legend”, Marla. Marla is a reclusive teenager that stays shut up a two-story Gothic house on River Road with Irene Gorman. There are stories about Marla, but no real proof that she’s anything other than a strange girl whose mother is overbearing and overprotective.
Carl’s partner RJ doesn’t necessarily agree with Carl, but backs his partner. They proceed with the investigation of the deaths, and aren’t making the police chief very happy in the process. He doesn’t buy any of their theories,and just wants the first of the cases closed asap, while not caring about the second death, or any connections between the two.
Without going any farther with the details, MARLA has won me over. Not only did I thoroughly enjoy this book, but I want more from the author. I want more from these characters.
I am truly glad I ordered the limited edition, and it will be a welcomed addition to my collection. I will also be shopping for more Jonathan Janz books going forward. I believe there are still copies of MARLA available at Earthling Publications, so don’t miss out.
When Earthling Publications announced Marla as their next Halloween Series limited edition release, I initially decided to pass. I had never read anything from the author Jonathan Janz, and hadn’t heard much about him.
After a little while, having heard several mentions of the coming publication, I started paying more attention. The story sounded interesting. Being a fan of the publisher, I decided to preorder the signed and numbered edition.
Within days of that order, I asked Paul Miller at Earthling if I could get an advanced review copy of the book so I could read the book early (and because ARCs are cool).😁 Paul relented and sent me a review copy. I’ve now read it and here are a few thoughts.
The cover art is phenomenal, but what about the story?
The story hits the ground running, while establishing characters on the go. Characters are a strong part of this book, with several that I liked a lot. These are people that I’d like to be around in my own day-to-day life. There are a couple of police detectives Carl and RJ. They are partners, but also close friends and truly good people. There is also a social worker named Annie, who has a bad marriage to a not so great guy, with problematic relationships with her two kids. But she is a sweetheart.
There are also some pretty despicable characters in this book. I mean that these are people bad enough to fit into a “they deserve it” category.
At the end of the day, Marla is a horror story that checks a lot of boxes. It’s a thriller, with suspense. It’s a mystery and a detective story. It’s a family drama that mixes loss with hope. It’s also a plot twist story. You think you know, until you realize you don’t.
There are deaths occuring in this quaint little town, and police detective Carl quickly starts to connect them to each other as well as to the town’s “urban legend”, Marla. Marla is a reclusive teenager that stays shut up a two-story Gothic house on River Road with Irene Gorman. There are stories about Marla, but no real proof that she’s anything other than a strange girl whose mother is overbearing and overprotective.
Carl’s partner RJ doesn’t necessarily agree with Carl, but backs his partner. They proceed with the investigation of the deaths, and aren’t making the police chief very happy in the process. He doesn’t buy any of their theories,and just wants the first of the cases closed asap, while not caring about the second death, or any connections between the two.
Without going any farther with the details, MARLA has won me over. Not only did I thoroughly enjoy this book, but I want more from the author. I want more from these characters.
I am truly glad I ordered the limited edition, and it will be a welcomed addition to my collection. I will also be shopping for more Jonathan Janz books going forward. I believe there are still copies of MARLA available at Earthling Publications, so don’t miss out.
August 28, 2022
Wow. Another Janz down and another Janz book I am very impressed with. This story propels you along. I found myself sometimes reading faster than I could scroll. The story catches you right away and doesnt let up (in true Janz fashion). I resonated with the characters, as they are very real. The good cop who still has honor and his wise-cracking cop buddy. The housewife with a daughter in rebellion and a son that she can’t talk to because he is always playing games (something I REALLY resonated with there). And the enigmatic Marla. We aren’t sure exactly why people are dying in King’s Branch and we can’t be sure if the deaths and Marla have some kind of connection. I also love how people get what they deserve in his book. I love reading about jerks getting killed in these kind of books haha.
Great tension, characters, dialogue. I can’t say enough. I always love how you can NEVER see what he will do for an ending. His endings are always surprises because you really don’t know what will happen. If it will be a good guys win or bad guys win, you can only read it for yourself to find out. II read this pretty fast and put ALL other books on hold so I could concentrate on this one because Janz is one of my favorite authors. So like Joe Hill and Grady Hendrix I read their new books immediately. I want to thank Jonathan for letting me read it early and Paul at Earthling for the copy of the ARC. 10/10 highly recommended.
Great tension, characters, dialogue. I can’t say enough. I always love how you can NEVER see what he will do for an ending. His endings are always surprises because you really don’t know what will happen. If it will be a good guys win or bad guys win, you can only read it for yourself to find out. II read this pretty fast and put ALL other books on hold so I could concentrate on this one because Janz is one of my favorite authors. So like Joe Hill and Grady Hendrix I read their new books immediately. I want to thank Jonathan for letting me read it early and Paul at Earthling for the copy of the ARC. 10/10 highly recommended.
June 5, 2024
“I don’t like meddlers. I don’t like cruelty. And most of all… I don’t like people who walk out”
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Witch? Town outcast and simply misunderstood? A murderess? Marla is hard to pin down for the town of King’s Branch, but they’re about to find out just who Marla is and what she is capable of as a detective starts looking into the first of several murders to come.
-and as it turns out, Marla is *not* someone you want to cross.
This comes pretty close to being the perfect Halloween read: Spooky, quick-paced and fun.
————————————————
Witch? Town outcast and simply misunderstood? A murderess? Marla is hard to pin down for the town of King’s Branch, but they’re about to find out just who Marla is and what she is capable of as a detective starts looking into the first of several murders to come.
-and as it turns out, Marla is *not* someone you want to cross.
This comes pretty close to being the perfect Halloween read: Spooky, quick-paced and fun.
October 6, 2022
Carl Lancaster believed in evil. After eleven years as a police detective, how could he not? Carl and his partner R.J. are investigating a string of brutal murders, er… deaths, in the town of King’s Branch, IN. From an outsider’s perspective, nothing can tie a man planted head first like a javelin into the ground to a young woman who seemingly drowned in the lake after a day of heavy drinking. Of course, these deaths are a tragedy, but there’s no way they could be tied to one another, right? Except for those eerie similarities…
Then we have Marla Gorman, a mysterious young woman, a shut-in who lives with her mother, Irene, in a creepy old house on the outskirts of town. Marla keeps to herself for the most part and would never hurt a fly — or would she?
I can’t speak to how this book compares to other Janz stories but I can tell you that MARLA will not be the last of his I read. His ability to grab a reader by the throat and drag them, willing or not, into his twisted imagination of obsession, dread, and revenge is nothing to be overlooked. I can’t wait to dive in and explore the many layers beneath the brilliance that is MARLA.
As always, I would like to thank Paul Miller at Earthling Publications for introducing me to yet another insanely talented author and for sending me an ARC for early review. This book has rightfully earned its place next to my Malerman, Ahlborn, and Fracassi collections.
MARLA by Jonathan Janz is only available as a limited, hardcover edition being published by Earthling Publications later this month. Few copies remain, so order yours while supplies last. You will not be disappointed.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
http://www.earthlingpub.com/jj_marla....
Then we have Marla Gorman, a mysterious young woman, a shut-in who lives with her mother, Irene, in a creepy old house on the outskirts of town. Marla keeps to herself for the most part and would never hurt a fly — or would she?
I can’t speak to how this book compares to other Janz stories but I can tell you that MARLA will not be the last of his I read. His ability to grab a reader by the throat and drag them, willing or not, into his twisted imagination of obsession, dread, and revenge is nothing to be overlooked. I can’t wait to dive in and explore the many layers beneath the brilliance that is MARLA.
As always, I would like to thank Paul Miller at Earthling Publications for introducing me to yet another insanely talented author and for sending me an ARC for early review. This book has rightfully earned its place next to my Malerman, Ahlborn, and Fracassi collections.
MARLA by Jonathan Janz is only available as a limited, hardcover edition being published by Earthling Publications later this month. Few copies remain, so order yours while supplies last. You will not be disappointed.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
http://www.earthlingpub.com/jj_marla....
March 20, 2024
This is my first book by Janz, but it won't be my last.
Marla is a young woman who lives with her mom in a house that the locals avoid as much as possible. Everyone has stories about this girl, but no one really knows her, her mother, or what's going on in the house.
When a series of grisly murders occurs, a local police officer seems to think that either Marla or her mother know more than they let on about these horrible crimes.
Janz does an excellent job of letting you get to know the characters in the book. Some are truly terrible people, and then there are others who are trying to be the best that they can be in this town withc it's terrible, horrible secrets.
It's a good read with a great ending. It will have you guessing from the first murder on. The murders are gruesome, the horror is real, and it won't end like you think it will. Well done, Mr. Janz.
Marla is a young woman who lives with her mom in a house that the locals avoid as much as possible. Everyone has stories about this girl, but no one really knows her, her mother, or what's going on in the house.
When a series of grisly murders occurs, a local police officer seems to think that either Marla or her mother know more than they let on about these horrible crimes.
Janz does an excellent job of letting you get to know the characters in the book. Some are truly terrible people, and then there are others who are trying to be the best that they can be in this town withc it's terrible, horrible secrets.
It's a good read with a great ending. It will have you guessing from the first murder on. The murders are gruesome, the horror is real, and it won't end like you think it will. Well done, Mr. Janz.
January 13, 2023
Oh man. This book.
I just put it down so probably not the best time to write a review as these are only my initial thoughts. I’ve read many of the “classic” horror books and most of them are considered classics for a very good reason. But now there’s Marla by Jonathan Janz, and I think this just might be the scariest book I’ve ever read. Scarier than The Shining, Pet Sematary, or IT.Scarier than Swan Song or Rosemary’s Baby. This book had me on the edge almost the whole way through (which is extremely difficult when you have a weird work schedule and not enough time to read).
For my money, Marla is right up there with all the great horror novels. I implore you to find a copy and start reading asap.
I just put it down so probably not the best time to write a review as these are only my initial thoughts. I’ve read many of the “classic” horror books and most of them are considered classics for a very good reason. But now there’s Marla by Jonathan Janz, and I think this just might be the scariest book I’ve ever read. Scarier than The Shining, Pet Sematary, or IT.Scarier than Swan Song or Rosemary’s Baby. This book had me on the edge almost the whole way through (which is extremely difficult when you have a weird work schedule and not enough time to read).
For my money, Marla is right up there with all the great horror novels. I implore you to find a copy and start reading asap.
June 17, 2023
Without giving too much away, Marla is a creepy tale about a mysterious woman in a small town where bad things start happening. The chapters are super-bingeable, they are short and have sub-chapters similar to what you might see in a Stephen King novel. Speaking of King, the influence here is apparent and I mean that as a compliment to both authors. There are a lot of characters, but Janz makes you care about them. He also provides just enough humor to ease tension throughout and I really enjoyed the author's sense of humor.
There are mystery elements and thriller aspects, but this book is horror at its core and the gruesome imagery that Janz planted in my brain was some of the best I've read this year. Combine that with the fantastically written prose and this book was really something special for me. Earthling Pub has put out another Halloween hit and readers who weren't fortunate enough to get a limited copy should be begging for a mass release.
There are mystery elements and thriller aspects, but this book is horror at its core and the gruesome imagery that Janz planted in my brain was some of the best I've read this year. Combine that with the fantastically written prose and this book was really something special for me. Earthling Pub has put out another Halloween hit and readers who weren't fortunate enough to get a limited copy should be begging for a mass release.
May 29, 2023
Absolutely loved this one!! Never had heard of Jonathan Janz before this one but you can bet I’ll be reading more from him!!
This one starts strong, the horror builds throughout, and finishes with a terrifying climax and ending!!
Extremely true and likable (and a few unlikable) characters with believable and honest dialogue takes you through the story as the tale unfolds.
Marla brings it!! She does not disappoint!!
This one starts strong, the horror builds throughout, and finishes with a terrifying climax and ending!!
Extremely true and likable (and a few unlikable) characters with believable and honest dialogue takes you through the story as the tale unfolds.
Marla brings it!! She does not disappoint!!
June 27, 2023
Marla is creepy af! Social worker Annie and detective Carl have to try and figure out why people are dying in King's Branch. Could the reclusive Marla be involved?
This is a book with a lot of atmosphere and some very creepy moments. It's fairly fast-paced and had me feeling unsettled the whole time. I definitely wouldn't want to meet Marla in a dark ally or anywhere for that matter.
This is a book with a lot of atmosphere and some very creepy moments. It's fairly fast-paced and had me feeling unsettled the whole time. I definitely wouldn't want to meet Marla in a dark ally or anywhere for that matter.
October 25, 2022
A grand slam! A wonderfully solid story. This might just be my favorite Janz book yet. It gave me chills, it made me laugh, it just doesn't get much better than this. Fantastic addition to the Earthling Halloween Series!!
November 16, 2022
Another fantastic novel by the great Jonathan Janz. Really loved this story and was invested in all the character. The mystery of Marla kept me engaged throughout. Highly recommend.
April 4, 2024
I just spent my entire day off transfixed by this brilliantly crafted story, and having come to the end, I find myself sitting here with a big smile on my face! While the author's inspirations are clear (and even not-so-subtley disclosed?) the result is purely unique, an expertly cultivated buffet of horror and suspense. In the midst of this literary delicacy is a (minor?) sequence that is one of the coolest things I've read in a horror novel (I literally said, out loud, "That's f'n cool!"), and just when I thought I had figured everything out, it turned out that no, I had not. So in short, find this (limited edition) book, read it, and you'll be glad you did!
November 30, 2022
Wow, what a ride. Marla by Johnathan Janz is Earthling's newest Halloween offer. This book has the expected and unexpected...in which case the expected is usually wrong. Mara has feelings of King's Carrie. Do not let this fool you. Marla is a different person to all that meet her. She's lovely yet mysterious. Worse is her mother. Helpful one moment, psychotic the next. It all comes together in the end, sticking with you long after.
February 27, 2023
I read somewhere that Marla is rather similar to Carrie by Stephen King- both focuses on a female character with supernatural elements- however the storyline is wholly different. Marla is fast-paced and as much as I wanted to take my time reading it, I finished this in 2 days and enjoyed it very much!
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