Marion by Leah Rowan is a retelling of Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho where the girl killed in the shower fights back. This rip roaring feminist take on Psycho was something I didn’t know I needed. Rowan respects the source material up to a point before taking the story in a bold new direction with Marion at the center.
This book surprised me in the best way. It stays fairly close to Psycho in the beginning, but once it reaches the shower scene, the story takes several unexpected turns. Rowan plays with the family dynamics in fascinating ways and adds a strong psychological layer that deepens the narrative.
Marion works on two levels: for readers who have seen Psycho and for those who have not. If you’re familiar with the film, you’ll appreciate the changes, callbacks, and Easter eggs. I especially loved how Rowan worked the iconic phrase, “He wouldn’t even hurt a fly,” into the story. If you’ve never seen Psycho, you’re still in for a wild ride. Rowan takes an already great thriller and ramps up both the body count and the suspense.
This is a fast paced thriller that could easily be read in one sitting. Once the story moves beyond the shower scene, it becomes incredibly difficult to put down. The twists keep coming, and Rowan frequently ends chapters with major revelations that practically force you to keep reading.
The novel is told through dual perspectives: Marion and Hannah, a private investigator searching for a missing girl. Their timelines are separated by two weeks, which creates an interesting structure. One timeline often sets up events while the other reveals the consequences, and the gap between them allows Rowan to deliver plenty of surprises.
Marion also makes strong statements about sexual harassment in the workplace, unwanted touching, domestic violence, and the importance of fighting back. These themes are woven naturally into the story without overwhelming the thriller elements.
The writing style reminded me of Riley Sager, particularly in its pacing and dialogue. However, Rowan spends more time developing her female characters and their emotional journeys. The retelling itself reminded me of James by Percival Everett. Just as Everett uses the framework of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn to tell a new story, Rowan uses Psycho as a foundation while creating something fresh and full of surprises.
The ending is solid, and all of the major mysteries are resolved. While I enjoyed where the story landed, I felt the final thematic statement could have been stronger. The novel finishes well, but I think there was a missed opportunity to make the ending truly unforgettable.
Marion was first published on June 2, 2026, by St. Martin’s Press.
Why did I read Marion by Leah Rowan?
This was love at first blurb. The moment I heard about a Psycho retelling where Marion fights back and kills Norman instead of the other way around, I knew I had to read it.
Many of my blogger friends had already been praising this book, and I’m happy to say it lived up to the hype for me.
Marion also made my Most Anticipated Reads of 2026 list at the beginning of the year.
I requested the ARC myself, so a big thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for approving me. Honestly, I’m kicking myself a little for not reading it sooner.
Plot Summary:
Marion works at an advertising firm as a lead designer, though her boss David treats her more like a glorified secretary. After a successful client pitch, the client pays in cash. Instead of turning the money over to the company, David wants to use it to launch his own business. He asks Marion to deposit the cash and promises her a promotion in exchange for her cooperation.
At the same time, Marion is dealing with a personal crisis. Her sister arrives with a fresh bruise from her abusive husband. Marion desperately wants her to leave him, but doing so would require buying him out of the business they own together.
With a large sum of cash suddenly in her possession, Marion briefly wonders if this is the opportunity her sister needs. She tries to do the right thing, but when the bank refuses to process the deposit, everything begins to spiral.
When Marion returns home, she discovers her sister has gone back to her husband. Determined to help, Marion sets out after her. Along the way, her bus breaks down near a small town. With nowhere else to stay, she finds a motel on the outskirts of town run by an awkward but charming young man named Norman and his sick mother.
Marion’s life is about to be divided into two parts: before the shower and after.
What I Liked:
I loved all the Psycho Easter eggs. Most of them are subtle, though the line “He wouldn’t even hurt a fly” made me smile immediately.
For a while, I wondered whether Rowan was going to explore Norman’s psychology in depth. Thankfully, she does, and I really enjoyed what she ultimately did with Norman and his mother.
I liked that Marion, Norman, and Hannah are all connected by family trauma. Each character is trying to escape the shadow cast by their parents, which gives the story a strong emotional core.
The mystery elements all make sense. Nothing felt wildly implausible or dependent on characters making obviously stupid decisions.
What I Disliked:
I thought the novel’s final statement regarding Marion’s journey could have landed with more impact.
I enjoyed about 90% of the writing, but occasionally the story slows itself down by spending too much time describing things that don’t really matter to the plot. There were moments where I found myself wondering why I was reading an entire page about diner food.
Recommendation:
Marion takes Psycho, a story rooted in the male gaze and mother issues, and transforms it into a powerful novel about female rage, survival, and refusing to remain a victim.
The themes are meaningful, but Rowan never forgets to entertain. The book balances its message with thrilling twists, memorable characters, and nonstop momentum.
This is Leah Rowan’s debut novel, and it definitely won’t be my last from her. I had a fantastic time with this book and highly recommend it. It strikes a great balance between thriller and horror while offering a fresh take on a classic story.
Rating:
Marion by Leah Rowan
4.5 out of 5
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