4.5 stars

Senseless is a deeply unsettling psychological thriller that intricately weaves together three distinct narratives.
Bill is a seasoned detective, but the gruesome murder of a woman found mutilated in the desert shakes him to his core. The case eerily resembles an unsolved crime from a year prior, and as he digs deeper, his ties to the first victim’s husband begin to blur the line between professional detachment and emotional involvement.
Maureen is planning a future with her fiancé, when she suddenly finds herself trapped in an unsettling dynamic with his teenage son, Landon. Maureen’s growing unease is palpable as she begins to suspect Landon may be more dangerous than anyone realizes.
Toby is perhaps the most unusual of the three main characters. Self-identifying as the "Human Fly," Toby sees himself as an outsider, floating through life with no real attachments. Toby’s perspective adds a strange, supernatural edge to the novel, making his storyline the most unsettling and unpredictable. The character development is exceptional, with each character contributing to the novel’s overwhelming sense of dread.
Ronald’s writing is sharp and evocative, bringing the setting itself to life with the oppressive heat of the desert, the isolation of forgotten city corners, and the quiet menace of certain characters seeping into every page. The environment becomes as much a character as the people living in it, amplifying the novel’s dark, tense atmosphere.
Senseless is a haunting exploration of human fragility, obsession, and the darkness lurking beneath the surface of everyday life. Fans of psychological horror and intricate thrillers will find this novel both disturbing and captivating.

Ronald Malfi is always an anticipated read of the year. In this crime horror, the rumors of a possible serial killer run rampant in this new thriller set in Los Angeles.

With 2 points of view, lonely widow Detective Bill Renney fills a misogynistic stereotype and I can tell I already don’t like him. And then we have Maureen, newly engaged and feels like a new person, the cliche of small town girl to big city and leaving the small town behind. I’m seeing a cliche themes here. So how do these two random characters intertwine? They may just have the same person of the interest on their mind. The beginning reads more crime thriller and I’m realizing I prefer Ronald Malfi more in his small town horror elements.

For a newly engaged couple, they seemed completely clueless of each other and the story lost me in that element. But the Ranney point of views were stronger, the reflection of grief and loneliness mixed with his detective work. His character softened as the story continued. Maureen just didn’t work for me at all and felt out of the element of the writer. The plot gave the reader some ideas of delusion, to question what we believe to be reality, and I appreciated those moments.

This didn’t feel like a work of the author, no last minute twists, additional twists unexpectedly. So a little disappointing. If you go into this as a crime thriller, you will probably enjoy. But don’t go into it for the horror elements, as those felt more lackluster and rushed.

I am not normally a reader of this kind of book but I decided to try something different and am pleased I did.

From the first page you have a bad feeling about what is about to happen, there is a high sense of dread and the setting ensured that this was the case, Eerily atmospheric you are taken into a world where the characters are all wondering if this life they are living is real or not.

Bill Renney is a detective who meets a widower whose wife was murdered and the circumstances of this are likened to another death. But as Bill discovers more and more he begins to wonder if all is as it seems and is this widower actually part of the resolution of their loved ones death.

Creepy and well written this tale will take you in and leave you wondering about what you have just read. The author does an incredibly good job of keeping tensions running high and he presents us with a group of characters that more than enhance the story, they make it.


I will now be looking up more books by this author to see how his other works compare and if he can take me on another journey such as this that I was not expecting.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you to Netgalley for this arc. This was such a dark and creepy read, very addicting, and horrifying. a body of a woman is found and Bill is the detective on the case. He has to find out what happened.

Ronald Malfi is so good. This book was such a great murder mystery. The suspense and interwoven elements were next level. I really enjoyed it. I will never see a monkey mask the same again. But I will read anything that Malfi writes.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Titan books and Ronald Malfi for allowing me access to read Senseless by Ronald Malfi.

The first thing that drew me in was the cover. Somehow it manages to be both beautiful and deeply disturbing, it also took me wayyyy too long to figure out that she was missing her eyes and nose and fingers. I audibly had an aha moment when I figured out why it was called senseless.
The novel follows three characters, a detective (Renny), a writer (Maureen), and whatever the heck you want to call Toby (I would say human fly but then the only thing I would be able to picture would be Jeff Goldblum)
As this is my first Ronald Malfi novel, I am not sure if this is his usual style of writing. This novel gave big film noir vibes to me, and I enjoyed it quite a bit. I enjoyed watching and learning how each of the three drastically different characters were somehow interconnected with each other through these murders, though none of them had ever met. I wish that each of the characters got more time to be fleshed out, I really wanted to learn more about Maureen. Her ending left me with more questions than answers, but so did the ending in general.
I will say this novel was extremely atmospheric. Malfi’s attention to surroundings and background imagery made me feel like I was right beside the characters looking over their shoulders. I usually have issues visualizing locations, but for better or worse I did not have these issues with Senseless. The only time I was taken out of the story was the Monkey scene, I busted out laughing. I am sure if that had happened in real life it would be terrifying, but I felt that it had no real connection to the plot of the story and was only there to make that character seem unhinged.
Overall, I enjoyed this novel. At times it felt like I was watching a movie instead of reading a book. I could see this translating well into a movie or miniseries, and I would certainly watch it if it ever did.

Some books keep you up at night because you can’t stop reading. Others because you shouldn’t have read them before bed. Senseless is both of these.
Ronald Malfi weaves three storylines into a sinister, haunting, psychological suspense. Three lives collide- a detective unraveling by a past and current murder, a woman questioning the people closest to her, and a man obsessed with something that’s not human.
This is a thriller that is unsettling, unpredictable and hard to put down!

"Senseless" by Ronald Malfi is an eerie, unsettling blend of horror, mystery, and psychological thriller that hooked me from the start! The story weaves themes of grief, paranoia, and the terrifying reality of not knowing who—or what—you can trust.

I loved the creeping dread throughout the book, and Malfi masterfully keeps you second-guessing everything. That fly guy (if you know, you know) was seriously testing my patience, but when everything clicked in the end? Mind blown! It was one of those “OHHH, now it all makes sense” moments that made me want to go back and reread.

Beyond the chills and twists, there’s a deeper message: stay aware of your surroundings. The horror isn’t just in the supernatural—it’s in the everyday dangers we sometimes ignore. And the grief aspect? Absolutely gut-wrenching but beautifully done.

If you love horror with a mystery-thriller edge, I highly recommend this one!

“Senseless” by Ronald Malfi is a chilling, slow-burn, dark thriller. The novel weaves together three distinct storylines, each filled with tension and mystery. Malfi’s masterful pacing builds suspense as the dark, gruesome elements unfold, creating an atmosphere of dread that intensifies with every chapter. The narrative's gradual convergence of the plotlines adds a layer of intrigue, making for a gripping read. Fans of psychological horror and twisted thrillers will find Senseless a satisfying, if unsettling, experience.

This psychological thriller masquerading as a mystery/noir novel is not for the faint of heart. Delusions, grief, mental illness, exploitation, trauma, and a genuine inability to know oneself all scurry their way into the heart of this dark novel.

The writing, atmosphere and tone saved this novel for me, they supported other aspects of the book that didn’t feel like they were carrying their own weight. The writing style changed depending on the POV, moving from exasperated noir to tightly wound up, anxious, and on edge to the complete dysregulation and disassociation of schizophrenia and other mental illness. The writing flowed between those modes smoothly, with straightforward prose that never veered into purple territory but did move and shift to match the tone or intensity of the characters. At the writing level it was quite compelling, with hard-hitting descriptive prose that made the scenes immediate and real but still leaving enough to the reader’s imagination that you feel almost complicit. The atmosphere was also great, there was a real strong sense of place whether it be the unforgiving desert or a pompous Hollywood mansion or a grimy dance club.

I enjoyed the characters, I felt they had some depth to them, but I wanted a little more out of them. I think this has more to do with the plotting and structure than the characters, though, if I am being honest. They didn’t ever feel boring, and while some felt a little over-the-top (and a little cliché) they all served as interesting enough pieces to this puzzle that I didn’t mind. The characters weren’t particularly likeable, they didn’t give you a lot to root for. Instead, they were incredible sympathetic characters, all haunted by their own ghosts, whether that be loss, trauma, or mental illness. The novel starts and finishes with this façade of being a gritty mystery, a “horror noir,” following a somewhat broken detective. But there are large stretches of the novel where he is absent, and he doesn’t really do much detective work at all, basically the answers just fall into his lap. Yet he is the most heartfelt and interesting character in this novel! That is why I say the novel is masquerading as a mystery or noir, because we are never actually given enough details to solve anything (though Malfi does plant enough seeds that nothing in the conclusion feels out of left field), and we see very little actual detective work being done. This character is tragic, and lost in grief made bad decisions that he is having to pay for now, complicating this case, and I really just wanted to spend more time with him. The story really feels like he is the throughline, it is his story (as opposed to a slice of life that centers around this murder investigation), and the time we get with him doesn’t live up to that vibe or expectation. I appreciated having the three different perspectives, trying to piece together how they would all connect, and I liked the way those connections were resolved. But somewhere in adding in these additional perspectives Malfi literally stripped away anything for his detective to do. The most our detective gets to do is in a lengthy flashback to a similar murder that happened a year prior. Otherwise, he literally just shows up somewhere to have another character tell him information. This just felt like a little messy plotting, to me. He needed to actually do some investigative work to run parallel with his guilt, frustration, and despair. He felt inert and lifeless, yet the story is structured as if he is its lifeblood, and that really made the experience drag for me.

Overall, I did enjoy this book. As I mentioned at the top, Malfi is playing with some dark and weighty ideas here. The themes and the writing style always make it seem like the reality of the thing is being held at arm’s length, and with every character we have doubts about their experiences versus what is really going on. I liked that ambiguity, that continual discomfort. While some of the plotting felt lopsided and wasn’t my favorite part of the novel, the strong writing, compelling tone, and immediacy of atmosphere all kept me turning the pages.

(Rounded from 3.5)

I want to thank NetGalley, the author, and the publisher Titan Books, who provided a complimentary eARC for review. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

📖 Senseless by Ronald Malfi

⭐ 4.5/5

📖 Quick Summary:
Detective Bill Renney investigates a string of brutal Los Angeles murders where victims are gruesomely robbed of their senses. Meanwhile, Maureen Park struggles with unsettling suspicions about her fiancé’s son, and Toby Kampen’s obsession with a mysterious woman sends him spiraling toward darkness. Their stories intertwine into a chilling narrative of paranoia and violence.

💭 What I Liked:
Atmospheric Horror: Malfi creates an intense, gritty atmosphere that's consistently dark and gripping.
Complex Characters: Renney is deeply flawed, genuinely human, and thoroughly relatable. You really root for him, even at his lowest points.
Unrelenting Tension: The suspense builds steadily, keeping you locked into the story with each new chilling discovery.
Sharp, Engaging Writing: Malfi’s prose is crisp and unsettling, perfectly matched to the psychological tension throughout.

🤔 Just a Quick Note:
The story intentionally keeps readers guessing about reality versus delusion, which can feel disorienting. It's absolutely part of the charm, but something to keep in mind if you're expecting a straightforward detective thriller.

📖 If You Liked...:
"Bone White" by Ronald Malfi (another chilling thriller with gritty realism and psychological depth)
"The Ritual" by Adam Nevill (similar eerie tension and unsettling atmosphere, deeply psychological)
"No One Gets Out Alive" by Adam Nevill (dark, relentless horror blending psychological torment with terrifying realism)

💬 Final Thoughts:
Malfi absolutely delivers with Senseless. It’s dark, disturbing, and impossible to put down. If you like your horror intense, character-driven, and psychologically gripping, don't miss this one.

Senseless by Ronald Malfi is a psychological thriller that dives deep into the dark side of human nature, focusing on a chilling tale of a man who wakes up to find himself in a nightmarish situation, unable to understand how he got there or why. The premise is intriguing, and Malfi does a solid job building a tense and unsettling atmosphere that keeps readers on edge throughout.

However, while the suspense is palpable, the pacing sometimes falters. There are moments where the plot feels repetitive, and the buildup to the climax takes a bit too long to pay off. Additionally, while the central mystery is captivating, some of the character development feels lacking, and the motivations behind certain actions aren’t always clear, making it harder to connect with the protagonist on an emotional level.

Despite these flaws, Senseless is a gripping read for fans of psychological thrillers, offering a chilling look at fear and survival. It may not be a perfect execution, but it does succeed in creating a tense, suspense-filled atmosphere.

This is my second book by Malfi and he is slowly becoming one of my new favourite authors.
This book made me feel uneasy and uncomfortable, which is a sign of a good horror book for me.
Read like a flawless literary jigsaw puzzle and just when you think you’ve figured it out, a secret piece is pulled from the shadows.
Malfi is an exceptional storyteller with immaculate writing.

Ronald Malfi's works are always unsettling, and this piece is no different. I found myself drawn into the plot and incredibly engaged, thinking about this story long after finishing.

Senseless by Ronald Malfi
Publishing date - 04/15/25
Rating (5/5) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Genres - Part police procedural, part domestic thriller, and part supernatural horror.

Thank you to NetGalley and Titan Books for this e-ARC.

Senseless is dark, gritty, eerie that follows three different narratives.

Wow! 🤯 I couldn’t put this one down because I wanted to know how the 3 stories were connected. I’m still in awe 🫢 with the way Malfi chose to connect these characters & storylines. Overall it was an interesting and unique read! I can honestly see this one becoming a movie or TV Show! If you enjoy the horror genre ; I highly recommend this one when it releases on April 15th.

This was a very dark, gritty story about fake vampires, mental illness, horrible murders, and everyone with something to hide. I got wrapped up in it, but had to set it down a few times to give myself a break from the unrelenting awfulness of the characters. I think I needed at least one of them that I could root for, but they were all flawed way past the point of being likeable. It was well-written and moved right along, but it just was a little too grim and heartless for my taste, and I can't say I loved this one.

Thanks to Net Galley for an ARC to read and review.

This is a dark, cerebral thriller and I KNEW Malfi would deliver! This one weaves multiple narratives into a disturbing exploration of obsession, violence, and the blurred lines between reality and delusion.

The novel follows Detective Bill Renney, investigating a grisly murder with eerie ties to a past case; Maureen, a writer entangled in a toxic Hollywood relationship while penning a book that eerily mirrors real-life horrors; and Toby Kampen, a man spiraling into madness with his fixation on a mysterious, sharp-toothed woman.

Malfi’s prose is, as always, atmospheric and immersive, dripping with dread in every chapter. The novel’s structure—three seemingly unconnected storylines converging—is ambitious, and while it takes time to settle into the rhythm, once it does, it grips with unrelenting tension. The character were complex, flawed individuals who felt authentic, even when their realities began to unravel.

The book’s strongest asset is its unsettling, noir-infused tone, making Los Angeles feel less like a city and more like a living, breathing nightmare. In the first half, there’s a the abundance of details and shifting perspectives that do require patience. But if you stick with it, the payoff is so worth it.

Overall, Senseless is a psychological horror-noir that showcases Malfi’s ability to craft tension, deep characters, and a creeping sense of unease. It’s unsettling, intelligent, and deeply immersive—perfect for those who appreciate crime fiction laced with existential horror. Absolutely looking forward to the audio of this one because I love the audio of all of Malfi’s books!

ARC 📖 Review: Senseless by Ronald Malfi
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5 stars)

What a cool take on a murder investigation story! I’m obsessed with Malfi’s writing style—it really keeps you intrigued the whole time, even when the chapters feel forever long, lol. Highly recommend this one! Publishes April 15th!

Thank you @netgalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

🦟🧛🏼‍♀️💀

Detective Bill Renney investigates a murder in the Los Angeles desert that mirrors a past case while hiding a secret linking him to the first victim’s husband. Meanwhile, Maureen Park suspects her fiancé’s unsettling son may be connected to the crime, and Toby Kampen becomes obsessed with a mysterious woman who may not be fully human. As their lives intertwine, secrets and obsession blur the line between reality and the monstrous.

#horrorreader #senseless #ronaldmalfi #reader #books #bookaholic #arcreader #netgalley #bookish #horrorbookslover #bookworm #booknerd #read

3.75 ✨📚 My experience with "Senseless" was somewhat of a mixed bag when it came to the story. While the narrative didn't quite hit the mark for me, the vivid imagery and enchanting illusions throughout the text captivated my imagination. Instead of delving into a plot summary, I want to focus on how the conclusion affected my overall enjoyment. The ending caught me off guard with its abruptness, leaving numerous threads dangling in the air. I recognize that leaving things unresolved can be an intentional and powerful storytelling choice, yet in this case, it didn’t resonate with me as I had hoped.

I am eager to explore Ronald Malfi's extensive collection of previous works, as I have heard remarkable things about his storytelling. I want to thank my dear friend Nikki for recommending that I read Senseless and White Bone. I anticipate being drawn into his captivating narratives and unique characters on each page. Moreover, I eagerly await the release of his upcoming books, curious to see how his writing continues to evolve.

On a brighter note, the novel skillfully navigates thought-provoking themes such as the dichotomy of reality versus unreality. It explores how our senses can be distorted, especially under the weight of trauma or imbalances in brain chemistry. This layered complexity was evident as each character faced their own interpretations of reality, particularly in the harrowing context of the desert murders. Among them, our detective, Renner, stood out as a remarkably real and multi-faceted character. I found myself deeply invested in his journey. I wished we could have spent more time exploring his backstory and motivations instead of focusing primarily on Toby/the fly. It is a personal preference, but I believe Renner's character had much more to offer.

Conversely, I was left wanting more from the other characters, particularly the women in the story. While we were introduced to their unique quirks and mannerisms, I would have loved to see more depth and history to understand their motivations truly. Additionally, the relationship between Langdon and Greg intrigued me; I found myself craving deeper insights into their contentious dynamic, particularly regarding the puzzling “monkey” subplot that seemed to linger in the background.

In summary, the writing in "Senseless" is undeniably exquisite, brimming with beautiful imagery and profound themes, supported by a few wonderful characters. However, it would have been gratifying to receive at least one clear answer by the conclusion. For instance, what was the more profound significance of the monkey? Was he genuinely implicated in the murder case? And what events led to the palpable animosity between Langdon and Greg? I truly hope that future narratives can strike a balance between the allure of an open-ended conclusion and providing a satisfying resolution that leaves readers feeling fulfilled rather than frustrated. Expected Release Date: April 15, 2025

Thank you to NetGalley and Titan Books for providing an e-ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Three subplots with only the loosest ties in geography and theme weave together in a patient, painstaking way. Malfi is at a point in his career where he's earned my trust as a reader, and Senseless takes advantage of that, never rushing to put up flashy signs that say "just hold on!" and "you'll see". Instead, he lets the whole story slick out like oil across the surface of a pool until the threads ingeniously and inevitably intertwine to put sense to the senseless. Police procedural meets domestic drama meets seedy supernatural oddity in the newest release from one of horror's strongest modern voices.