Mary by Nat Cassidy (Narrated by Susan Bennett)

A Haunting Dive Into Horror, Womanhood, and Identity

5 out of 5 stars

If you’re a fan of horror novels that blur the line between psychological terror and supernatural dread, Mary by Nat Cassidy—narrated by the immensely talented Susan Bennett—will definitely sink its claws into you. This audiobook blends classic horror with unnerving conflict as it follows 49-year-old Mary, whose sudden return to her hometown coincides with unsettling bodily changes, terrifying visions, and the resurfacing of a dark past. From the very beginning, Cassidy pulls you into a chilling exploration of aging, identity, and hidden violence—and you won’t want to stop listening.

At first glance, Mary reads like a classic horror setup: a woman on the brink of change returns home to confront something she doesn’t yet understand and things worsen. But Cassidy takes this familiar formula and deepens it with themes of reincarnation, mental fragmentation, and dark ritualistic undertones. Mary isn’t just battling the external world—much of the novel takes place within her own mind. Her body is changing, yes, but so is her sense of reality. The way she sees herself—and other women her age—becomes distorted and grotesque. Cassidy deftly portrays the visceral panic of not recognizing your own reflection or the terrifying moment you’re unsure if your thoughts are truly your own.

What makes the book stand out isn’t just the horror elements (though they are incredibly effective and unsettling) but the emotional depth layered beneath them. Cassidy, a male author, writes Mary with a surprising and respectful sensitivity, capturing the alienation and invisibility often experienced by middle-aged women in a society obsessed with youth and beauty. He leans into the psychological unease rather than relying on gore (although there’s plenty of that too – don’t worry!), and it makes the scares hit harder. The slow unraveling of Mary’s mind, her journaling voice that isn’t hers, and the gruesome visions she can’t explain build a web of tension that feels suffocating—and yet, impossible to turn away from.

Even when the pace slows, it serves a purpose. The measured tempo reflects Mary’s growing desperation to find meaning in the chaos around her. Cassidy uses the lulls to steep readers in Mary’s confusion and helplessness, drawing them closer to her unraveling psyche. And just when you think you’ve figured out where it’s going, the story veers into unexpected, disturbing territory. The ending is genuinely surprising and earned—an impressive feat in horror.

Susan Bennett’s narration elevates the entire experience. She skillfully differentiates between Mary’s speaking voice, her inner monologue, and the darker voices that aren’t quite her own. Her performance is emotionally rich and deeply unsettling, particularly as the horror ramps up. Bennett’s ability to convey fear, grief, and fury with nuance helps immerse the listener in Mary’s increasingly fractured world. You never have to wonder whose voice you’re hearing, and that clarity keeps the tension razor-sharp.

Overall, Mary is a gripping, genre-bending horror novel that offers both fright and thoughtful commentary. Nat Cassidy crafts a narrative that is as disturbing as it is emotionally resonant, and Susan Bennett brings it all to life with chilling precision. It’s a unique, unforgettable listen that earns a solid 5/5. If you’re looking for a horror audiobook that’s as emotionally smart as it is scary, this one should be at the top of your list.

Book Description:

Nat Cassidy’s highly commercial debut horror novel, Mary, blends Midsommar with elements of American Psycho and a pinch of I’ll Be Gone in the Dark.

Mary is a quiet middle-aged woman doing her best to blend into the background. Unremarkable. Invisible. Unknown even to herself.

But lately, things have been changing inside Mary. Along with the hot flashes and body aches, she can’t look in a mirror without passing out, and the voices in her head have been urging her to do unspeakable things.

Fired from her job in New York, she moves back to her hometown hoping to reconnect with her past and inner self. What she finds instead are visions of terrifying mutilated specters that come with increasing regularity; she begins auto-writing strange thoughts and phrases, and her investigations reveal that these experiences are echoes of an infamous serial killer.

Then the killings begin again.

Mary’s definitely going to find herself.

A Macmillan Audio production from Tor Nightfire.

Mary by Nat Cassidy
Narrator: Susan Bennett
Length: 15 hrs and 30 mins
Published by Macmillan Audio on July 18th 2022
Genres: Horror

Related Posts