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Haunted #1
Psychosis
“Police, what is your emergency?” “They’re in the house and they’re going to kill me…”
“My name is Marco and I am flawed. I know that. And I was fine with it until it cost me my family. Now, I’ll do anything to get them back – even see a therapist. Which is a joke, because I am a therapist. At least I was before I was fired.
Now, with nowhere else to go, I’ve had to move out of the city and into the house I inherited, here, in the idyllic fishing village of Porthcove, but only for as long as it takes to sell it.
Because something isn’t right about this place.
You see, I need the money, so I’ve started seeing some of the locals, you know, as patients, but I tell you, there’s something really disturbing about charming neighbours sharing chilling secrets.
And it isn’t just that. It’s the other things. Strange, inexplicable things. It started with odd smells, creepy sounds, and then the intruders… oh God, the intruders.
Now, a child has gone missing, the police are asking questions, and I’m starting to wonder if they’re right. Maybe I can’t be trusted, but you should come and see for yourself; there’s something seriously wrong with this place. It is something hideous, terrifying, and it’s been here the whole time, just waiting to devour my hope, my sanity and maybe even my life.”
PSYCHOSIS IS THE PREQUEL TO TONY MARTURANO'S NO1 BESTSELLING SUPERNATURAL THRILLER, HAUNTED.
“My name is Marco and I am flawed. I know that. And I was fine with it until it cost me my family. Now, I’ll do anything to get them back – even see a therapist. Which is a joke, because I am a therapist. At least I was before I was fired.
Now, with nowhere else to go, I’ve had to move out of the city and into the house I inherited, here, in the idyllic fishing village of Porthcove, but only for as long as it takes to sell it.
Because something isn’t right about this place.
You see, I need the money, so I’ve started seeing some of the locals, you know, as patients, but I tell you, there’s something really disturbing about charming neighbours sharing chilling secrets.
And it isn’t just that. It’s the other things. Strange, inexplicable things. It started with odd smells, creepy sounds, and then the intruders… oh God, the intruders.
Now, a child has gone missing, the police are asking questions, and I’m starting to wonder if they’re right. Maybe I can’t be trusted, but you should come and see for yourself; there’s something seriously wrong with this place. It is something hideous, terrifying, and it’s been here the whole time, just waiting to devour my hope, my sanity and maybe even my life.”
PSYCHOSIS IS THE PREQUEL TO TONY MARTURANO'S NO1 BESTSELLING SUPERNATURAL THRILLER, HAUNTED.
Paperback
Published September 1, 2021
About the author
Tony Marturano
12 books97 followersTony Marturano is a British bestselling author and photographer with a passion for storytelling and creativity. He began his writing career as a playwright before turning to novels, with his first book, NIMBUS – ‘Hell on Earth’. Tony's range of work spans across genres, with successful books including the supernatural thriller, UNSPEAKABLE, and the critically acclaimed psychological thriller, PSYCHOSIS. Both PSYCHOSIS and its sequel, HAUNTED, became Amazon No1 Bestsellers, and the third installment, CURSED, followed suit. With his new supernatural horror series, Sinister, set to achieve similar success.
Tony's love of photography also fuels his creative expression, with a focus on stock photography available from multiple sites, including GETTY-ISTOCK, ADOBE, SHUTTERSTOCK, and others. Tony's photographic eye is evident in his writing, as he often incorporates rich visual details and atmospheric descriptions to create immersive stories.
When not writing or photographing, Tony retreats to the rugged coastline of the Southwest coast of England, Cornwall. This beautiful setting serves as a source of inspiration for both his writing and photography, providing the backdrop for some of his most compelling work.
With a talent for storytelling and a keen eye for capturing stunning images, Tony Marturano is a multi-talented artist whose work spans across mediums and genres. His books are available on Amazon and Audible sites worldwide, and his photography can be found on various stock photography sites.
Tony's love of photography also fuels his creative expression, with a focus on stock photography available from multiple sites, including GETTY-ISTOCK, ADOBE, SHUTTERSTOCK, and others. Tony's photographic eye is evident in his writing, as he often incorporates rich visual details and atmospheric descriptions to create immersive stories.
When not writing or photographing, Tony retreats to the rugged coastline of the Southwest coast of England, Cornwall. This beautiful setting serves as a source of inspiration for both his writing and photography, providing the backdrop for some of his most compelling work.
With a talent for storytelling and a keen eye for capturing stunning images, Tony Marturano is a multi-talented artist whose work spans across mediums and genres. His books are available on Amazon and Audible sites worldwide, and his photography can be found on various stock photography sites.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
January 19, 2023
Interesting psychological tale of a young man's struggle to deal with reality. The writing creates an appropriately surreal atmosphere as the story progresses. Worth a read.
December 1, 2020
I found this book very long winded to be honest
February 12, 2021
My mind is now totally fried and quite honestly - i dont care. It was totally worth it. This book was that good.
Written in first person with regular breaking the fourth wall to talk directly to the reader is a brave move and could be jarring, however in this case it makes you feel involved.
What seems like a typical haunted house book at the start gets turned on its head just over halfway through the book in a twist worthy of M. Night Shyamalan.
I dont want to say too much as I dont want to ruin this book for anyone out there reading this.
And that ending...WOW. Im glad I didnt read this when it came out as I would have been climbing the walls till the follow up (Haunted) was released (btw reading it now!)
There is only one rating possible... Certified Bostin!
www.blackcountryshortthoughts.co.uk
Written in first person with regular breaking the fourth wall to talk directly to the reader is a brave move and could be jarring, however in this case it makes you feel involved.
What seems like a typical haunted house book at the start gets turned on its head just over halfway through the book in a twist worthy of M. Night Shyamalan.
I dont want to say too much as I dont want to ruin this book for anyone out there reading this.
And that ending...WOW. Im glad I didnt read this when it came out as I would have been climbing the walls till the follow up (Haunted) was released (btw reading it now!)
There is only one rating possible... Certified Bostin!
www.blackcountryshortthoughts.co.uk
July 14, 2017
What a thrilling read! Dissects the human condition and throws in emotion, drama, mystery and fear! Leaves you pushing forward to find the answer to the troubling riddles within the book. Bravo!
September 9, 2023
This is a really unusual book. One of those that you have moments of thinking you know what’s going on only to find you absolutely didn’t. It’s quite the brain twister.
Our main man returns to a family home, now his. It’s full of memories of sorts. He encounters a number of core characters along the way and from introduction to each one I was thinking that things were not going to be as clear cut or simple as it looked.
It’s hard to review without spoilers as the core of the book IS the twists that are revealed. It’s the web of words that weave together to creat the final result. Don’t be surprised to find yourself stuck in that web.
I genuinely had moments of “what the..?” which I quite enjoyed. Is all as it seems dear reader? Is your mind processing the truth? Our main man is asking himself the exact same questions.
Definitely recommended if you like something a little different that hits to with a good few “ah-ha” moments.
Thanks so much for reading my review! If you’d like to connect you can send me a friend request. 🐱
She needed books like others need air to live.
Our main man returns to a family home, now his. It’s full of memories of sorts. He encounters a number of core characters along the way and from introduction to each one I was thinking that things were not going to be as clear cut or simple as it looked.
It’s hard to review without spoilers as the core of the book IS the twists that are revealed. It’s the web of words that weave together to creat the final result. Don’t be surprised to find yourself stuck in that web.
I genuinely had moments of “what the..?” which I quite enjoyed. Is all as it seems dear reader? Is your mind processing the truth? Our main man is asking himself the exact same questions.
Definitely recommended if you like something a little different that hits to with a good few “ah-ha” moments.
Thanks so much for reading my review! If you’d like to connect you can send me a friend request. 🐱
She needed books like others need air to live.
April 22, 2021
This book captivated me instantly and it got a full grip on me as I wanted to find out what was going to happen next! I listened to it on Audible and Rosko read it extreamly well ... I am now going to start on Haunted by the same Author 🥰
Highly recommend 👌
Highly recommend 👌
May 20, 2021
The synopsis had me intrigued but the book was so much more than that. I've never felt so many twists and turns and you'll be hooked right up to the last page, highly recommended!
October 29, 2021
There are things in this world that you could shout from the rooftops about, but no one would believe you. People tend to remember the worst and to expect the best so when you inform them of the worst happening they are not generally inclined to be entirely rational about that. This is probably why the whole situation from this novel is borderline both monstrous and trivial.
Psychosis by Tony Marturano is a compelling, dark, twisted, and haunting psychological mystery thriller that will immediately suck you in and will have you totally absorbed within this tale. Marco Battista, a disgraced psychologist, inherited a beautiful clifftop property in Porthcove. He has messed up his home life a little and starts working on the property. Soon he arrives in the picturesque fishing village of Porthcove to claim and sell property that he has inherited in the hope that the wealth he acquires will restore him to his former glory.
Although he misses both his wife and son, he must continue preparing the house for sale in order to return to his home and family in London. Upon arriving in this idyllic fishing village, he has no idea that he has only just begun a living nightmare which will swallow up his hope, demolish sanity, and perhaps even his life. There is something hideous, terrifying about this place. To complicate matters, there is a missing child, and the police are asking questions and it looks as though Marco could know something about it. And to top it all off, Marco begins to suspect someone has been in his house, moving little things around and making strange noises. As strange occurrences begin happening at the house and suspicious neighbors seem to be lurking around every turn, Marco isn't sure just who he can trust.
Right from the very start there is an intense sense of foreboding that definitely makes this quite the gripping book to read. It is a slow-burn and the intensity level slowly increases as the story progresses. It took me a few chapters to get into the rhythm of this, but once I did, I could not put it down. There is this chilling and discordant atmosphere that permeates the pages and kept me coming back for more. When I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about it, mulling over what was real and what wasn't, and trying to puzzle it all out. I absolutely loved the creepy modern gothic vibe going on here and Tony Marturano definitely knows how to deliver an atmospheric, vivid, and hair-raising suspenseful novel that also can be quite appealing, enjoyable and entertaining.
Psychosis by Tony Marturano is intriguing but not actually gory or disturbing... well, not very, so prepare yourself only to be shocked. As the story unfolds, both in the past and in the present, I anxiously waited for the other shoe to drop! Some scenes were full of tension, some scenes will leave you with your mouth hanging open and some scenes will frustrate you like hell. But you will be engrossed in the story regardless.
Since we’re talking about a psychological thriller/mystery, of course the story was more plot driven than character-driven. However, I think Marco's character was well portrayed. Some of his characteristics were believable, with his flaws he felt relatable in some way or another. Marco was a likeable character for the most part, but honestly at times he was so frustrating that I really wanted to throttle him. Tony Marturano's writing was fantastic, the pace of the story perfect for this kind of read and overall the story had a realistic vibe that made me think and almost gave me the chills. Overall, Psychosis by Tony Marturano was a fantastic, fast-paced story. I highly recommend this for anyone that loves a suspenseful, psychological thriller.
Psychosis by Tony Marturano is a compelling, dark, twisted, and haunting psychological mystery thriller that will immediately suck you in and will have you totally absorbed within this tale. Marco Battista, a disgraced psychologist, inherited a beautiful clifftop property in Porthcove. He has messed up his home life a little and starts working on the property. Soon he arrives in the picturesque fishing village of Porthcove to claim and sell property that he has inherited in the hope that the wealth he acquires will restore him to his former glory.
Although he misses both his wife and son, he must continue preparing the house for sale in order to return to his home and family in London. Upon arriving in this idyllic fishing village, he has no idea that he has only just begun a living nightmare which will swallow up his hope, demolish sanity, and perhaps even his life. There is something hideous, terrifying about this place. To complicate matters, there is a missing child, and the police are asking questions and it looks as though Marco could know something about it. And to top it all off, Marco begins to suspect someone has been in his house, moving little things around and making strange noises. As strange occurrences begin happening at the house and suspicious neighbors seem to be lurking around every turn, Marco isn't sure just who he can trust.
Right from the very start there is an intense sense of foreboding that definitely makes this quite the gripping book to read. It is a slow-burn and the intensity level slowly increases as the story progresses. It took me a few chapters to get into the rhythm of this, but once I did, I could not put it down. There is this chilling and discordant atmosphere that permeates the pages and kept me coming back for more. When I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about it, mulling over what was real and what wasn't, and trying to puzzle it all out. I absolutely loved the creepy modern gothic vibe going on here and Tony Marturano definitely knows how to deliver an atmospheric, vivid, and hair-raising suspenseful novel that also can be quite appealing, enjoyable and entertaining.
Psychosis by Tony Marturano is intriguing but not actually gory or disturbing... well, not very, so prepare yourself only to be shocked. As the story unfolds, both in the past and in the present, I anxiously waited for the other shoe to drop! Some scenes were full of tension, some scenes will leave you with your mouth hanging open and some scenes will frustrate you like hell. But you will be engrossed in the story regardless.
Since we’re talking about a psychological thriller/mystery, of course the story was more plot driven than character-driven. However, I think Marco's character was well portrayed. Some of his characteristics were believable, with his flaws he felt relatable in some way or another. Marco was a likeable character for the most part, but honestly at times he was so frustrating that I really wanted to throttle him. Tony Marturano's writing was fantastic, the pace of the story perfect for this kind of read and overall the story had a realistic vibe that made me think and almost gave me the chills. Overall, Psychosis by Tony Marturano was a fantastic, fast-paced story. I highly recommend this for anyone that loves a suspenseful, psychological thriller.
April 26, 2022
Amazing!
One of the best psychological thrillers I've read in years. Excellent characters and storyline. I highly this this book! Enjoy!
One of the best psychological thrillers I've read in years. Excellent characters and storyline. I highly this this book! Enjoy!
December 27, 2020
Wow!
What a book, can’t say too much as wouldn’t want to give anything away but a very well written gripping story, easy to read with likeable characters, kept you turning the pages and at some points wondering what the heck was going on, very emotional towards the end. A must read!
What a book, can’t say too much as wouldn’t want to give anything away but a very well written gripping story, easy to read with likeable characters, kept you turning the pages and at some points wondering what the heck was going on, very emotional towards the end. A must read!
March 5, 2021
Holy moly
I am totally blown away and in awe of the twists and turns of this book! Even though I got to the end, with my heart in my mouth I'm still............pondering and overthinking the story. Totally amazing. A must read - be prepared to be sucked in and left a shocked void! Huge thank you to the very talented author x
I am totally blown away and in awe of the twists and turns of this book! Even though I got to the end, with my heart in my mouth I'm still............pondering and overthinking the story. Totally amazing. A must read - be prepared to be sucked in and left a shocked void! Huge thank you to the very talented author x
September 15, 2022
Brilliant
This is totally different from what I expected it to be and what normally read . At first I wasn't sure about it but I do glad I persevered with . It's a very unusual book ,but very intriguing
This is totally different from what I expected it to be and what normally read . At first I wasn't sure about it but I do glad I persevered with . It's a very unusual book ,but very intriguing
November 8, 2021
The book merits 2.5 stars based on how the plot was developed. Without that plot twist, it would be a .5 star book.
The main character is so reprehensible that I almost set it aside until the plot picked up interest about 1/3 of the way in.
Why is Tony reprehensible? The man is a sex addict and is laughingly proud of it, even though it apparently has put his marriage on the rocks. He jokes about it as if he knows he needs to change but never will. He is a sexual predator, and many of his thought processes are offensive to read as he sizes up every single woman he meets as a sex object. His sexual encounters, told in sophomoric detail, are ripped from the pages of porn and read more as sexual fantasy.
If treating women merely as sex objects gets your blood boiling too, just hang in there and read on past the first third of the book. If I can hang in there, you can too.
I can't believe I want to read the second in the series despite the fact that Tony never receives therapy for his sexual addiction. Maybe I'm hoping he will.
I still didn't like him at the end but I felt sorry for him and especially for his wife.
The main character is so reprehensible that I almost set it aside until the plot picked up interest about 1/3 of the way in.
Why is Tony reprehensible? The man is a sex addict and is laughingly proud of it, even though it apparently has put his marriage on the rocks. He jokes about it as if he knows he needs to change but never will. He is a sexual predator, and many of his thought processes are offensive to read as he sizes up every single woman he meets as a sex object. His sexual encounters, told in sophomoric detail, are ripped from the pages of porn and read more as sexual fantasy.
If treating women merely as sex objects gets your blood boiling too, just hang in there and read on past the first third of the book. If I can hang in there, you can too.
I can't believe I want to read the second in the series despite the fact that Tony never receives therapy for his sexual addiction. Maybe I'm hoping he will.
I still didn't like him at the end but I felt sorry for him and especially for his wife.
April 19, 2021
That must be one of the most confusing books I have read. You basically have no idea what is going on. One chapter you're in Lkndon the next in Cornwall and you are left trying to make sense of it until about page 350. Then the last page ends in the middle I have the sequel Haunted but it may be a while before I read it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2021
Wow! Wow! Wow!!
This was an INCREDIBLE Psychological Thriller, and now, one of my absolute favorites!
I’ll leave a better review once I’ve processed everything.
> Just know that this book was awesome!
Also, for you audiobooks fans….. AMAZING!!!
The narrating did a phenomenal job!
Thank goodness there’s a sequel called Haunted, which I am about to start right now!
This was an INCREDIBLE Psychological Thriller, and now, one of my absolute favorites!
I’ll leave a better review once I’ve processed everything.
> Just know that this book was awesome!
Also, for you audiobooks fans….. AMAZING!!!
The narrating did a phenomenal job!
Thank goodness there’s a sequel called Haunted, which I am about to start right now!
January 7, 2022
Read with Audible narration.
I have already written a review for this on Audible. It's a pity the reviews wouldn't sync automatically. Maybe they do and I've not got that bit worked out.
The novel, wow, didn't see this coming. A fantastic, thought provoking, challenging, funny, sad but a triumph. Tony, your amazing. Thank you.
I have already written a review for this on Audible. It's a pity the reviews wouldn't sync automatically. Maybe they do and I've not got that bit worked out.
The novel, wow, didn't see this coming. A fantastic, thought provoking, challenging, funny, sad but a triumph. Tony, your amazing. Thank you.
April 11, 2021
Where do I start ... great story am judging Marco I must admit then boom mind blown in the middle it then became an amazing story .... what a mind you have tony marturano.... will be starting the next one today and am expecting great things after this fantastic book ...
May 26, 2022
i won’t forget this one
Not the lighthearted haunted house books I usually read, totally gripping and I couldn’t wait to see what was next! Really well written and captivating. I felt i knew what was coming, but, I didn’t know!! I loved it!!
Not the lighthearted haunted house books I usually read, totally gripping and I couldn’t wait to see what was next! Really well written and captivating. I felt i knew what was coming, but, I didn’t know!! I loved it!!
July 12, 2017
Well worth the money,from beginning to end it keeps you guessing,keep some time aside to snuggle,
An enthralling read.
An enthralling read.
February 18, 2021
loved it. story confusing, interesting and twisted from beginning to the end.
June 16, 2022
Twist and turns galore, hard to put down
August 15, 2022
loved it!
Really twists and turns right until the final page!
Fast paced and eerie at times, had me reading until being alone in the dark was……..
Really twists and turns right until the final page!
Fast paced and eerie at times, had me reading until being alone in the dark was……..
February 14, 2022
Great read!
1st time reading this author and I was hooked! Highly recommend for people who love psychological thrillers with a twist!
1st time reading this author and I was hooked! Highly recommend for people who love psychological thrillers with a twist!
January 2, 2022
Outstanding
Great read, more of a slow jog than a sprint , but a brilliant book and I wish I could give it 10 stars
Great read, more of a slow jog than a sprint , but a brilliant book and I wish I could give it 10 stars
March 13, 2021
I listened to the audiobook edition narrated my Rosko Lewis. It was more than narration, more performance, and in my opinion, made it for me!
Best to go into this with no spoilers. I knew little about the story and its probably the best way. Just be aware this contains swearing (lots of it) not that this was an issue for me, personally.
It's dark, mentally exhausting and completed addictive.
Best to go into this with no spoilers. I knew little about the story and its probably the best way. Just be aware this contains swearing (lots of it) not that this was an issue for me, personally.
It's dark, mentally exhausting and completed addictive.
November 11, 2021
Loved this book!! Many twists & turns, had me questioning what was real. Will have to read more by this author!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2023
I got 100% lost in this book and felt like I was losing my mind right alongside our lead character. The journey was so subtle at first I barely registered it. It was beautifully written.
There were times when the inner monologue seemed to go on, but actually even though it got a teensy bit dull I think that played a solid part of the character's narcissism and mental health.
Loved it!
There were times when the inner monologue seemed to go on, but actually even though it got a teensy bit dull I think that played a solid part of the character's narcissism and mental health.
Loved it!
November 1, 2021
Psychosis by Tony Marturano is a real page turner of a psychological/domestic thriller. Psychosis centers on Marco, a flawed but extremely charming therapist who has inherited an incredibly beautiful clifftop house in Porthcove. Marco sets out to get his life back on track by selling property. But not everything is as it seems and he soon learns dark secret about this new place.
Marco was definitely a frustrating main character at times, and I was along for the ride with the trainwreck he was on. Tony's writing style is quite phenomenal, and tension practically drips off the pages. The plot is well crafted, and I found myself constantly questioning each character’s innocence and their motives for every single thing that they were saying and doing.
There are some fabulous twists in the storyline - some that are more predictable than others - and by the end reveal, everything snapped perfectly into place without any loose threads that I could identify. Psychosis by Tony Marturano is recommended to mystery and thriller lovers who want a novel that might be slow to start, but becomes impossible to put down.
Marco was definitely a frustrating main character at times, and I was along for the ride with the trainwreck he was on. Tony's writing style is quite phenomenal, and tension practically drips off the pages. The plot is well crafted, and I found myself constantly questioning each character’s innocence and their motives for every single thing that they were saying and doing.
There are some fabulous twists in the storyline - some that are more predictable than others - and by the end reveal, everything snapped perfectly into place without any loose threads that I could identify. Psychosis by Tony Marturano is recommended to mystery and thriller lovers who want a novel that might be slow to start, but becomes impossible to put down.
November 25, 2021
This book was marketed as a horror, but it’s actually much more of a psychological thriller. It was a little long winded for my tastes and I think it could have been edited to be a more taut story. The narrator/protagonist is hard to like. He says he’s a dick right at the beginning but that doesn’t make him any more likeable. His belligerence wears on you pretty quickly in the story.
There’s not much horror here, but it is an interesting tale about mental illness from the perspective of one suffering. Calling the book psychosis kind of gives away the ending and the ending is very dragged out and over explain-y, a little like reading a text book.
What marturano excels at though is bringing hogs characters to life and his descriptive prose is terrific.
There’s not much horror here, but it is an interesting tale about mental illness from the perspective of one suffering. Calling the book psychosis kind of gives away the ending and the ending is very dragged out and over explain-y, a little like reading a text book.
What marturano excels at though is bringing hogs characters to life and his descriptive prose is terrific.
August 21, 2022
That was harder work than it could have been. Poorly written with inconsistent continuity errors, like boarding a train at KingsCross headed for the West Country, or asking for a bottle of local beer and lifting his tankard. It made me question the ability of the author and therefore I struggled to engage properly. In terms of story it was a bit like swimming up hill, a good couple of hundred pages too long. None of the characters were likable nor did I feel compelled to wish them well. Not going to bother the follow-up book. Life’s too short
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews