Marion is a psychological thriller that reimagines Hitchcock’s Psycho in an original way—flipping the script to see what might happen if Marion turned the knife on Norman. It’s a slow-burn thriller that builds tension and sets up the story threads in the first half before becoming more intricate, twisty, and unpredictable, all while keeping the Psycho narrative loosely in focus. Layered in are themes of marital abuse, protective sisterly bonds, toxic masculinity, and corrupt work ethics, creating a multilayered narrative that’s generating early buzz—but it’s a story that rewards patience and may not be for every reader.

The story centers on Marion, a woman on the run after a risky choice lands her in deeper trouble. Carrying a large sum of money, she stops at the isolated Billings Motel, hoping for a brief refuge. What seems safe quickly turns threatening, as eerie encounters and growing paranoia reveal the motel—and its owner—is more dangerous than she realized. Every decision becomes a high-stakes gamble in a fight for survival.

The novel is told through two POVs/timelines—Marion, in the days leading up to and during her stay at the Billings Motel, and Hannah, an aspiring investigator looking into the disappearance of a woman weeks later. The timelines shift back and forth, keeping readers guessing with clever misdirections before eventually intertwining. Marion is far from an average protagonist—she’s morally flawed and sometimes unlikeable—but her quick thinking and resourcefulness make her compelling to follow. Hannah is equally clever and determined, and her drive to prove she can succeed as a full-time investigator despite her parents’ doubts makes her easy to root for. Adding in Marion’s attempts to help her sister escape a dangerous situation, risky dealings with her coworker David, and the large sum of money she carries help keep readers hooked even when nothing seems to be happening.

Though the pacing is uneven, the short chapters keep the story moving even when the first half is more focused on setting up what’s to come. This isn’t a direct adaptation of Psycho—Marion’s life outside the motel introduces significant changes that take the story in unexpected directions. The second half is twistier and more unpredictable—and the final reveal feels a bit out of left field, requiring you to suspend your disbelief, but if you’re prepared for that, you’ll find the ride enjoyable—even if the ending isn’t entirely satisfying.

Overall, Marion is an original retelling of one of the most iconic suspense stories ever told—a tall order for any author. Readers who enjoy psychological thrillers with morally gray protagonists, dual timelines, and stories that truly pay off in the second half will enjoy this book the most!