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The Maddening Hardcover – February 7, 2023

by Paul Thaler (Author)
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 11 ratings
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A serial killer obsessed with Edgar Allan Poe, a traumatized young woman who survives his horrific violence, and a disgraced detective face off in this dark and devious tale of murder and revenge.

After the "accident" that takes his parents' lives, young Daemon Ultrecht escapes into the nightmarish stories of Edgar Allan Poe. His obsession intensifies, inking his body with the inhabitants from his "mentor's" macabre tales-until he becomes "Poe," a psychotic killer, penning his own terrifying stories born from the ashes of his murderous deeds.
Poe's first victim is 21-year-old Clara Knox, an "Irish beauty" who survives his sadistic attack, a brutality that scars her body but inflicts even deeper psychological wounds. Driven by rage and revenge, she seeks to destroy the monster that has shattered her life, seducing PJ Bones into her twisted plan. The disgraced former NYPD detective turned best-selling author finds himself helpless against Clara's dives into madness and then her betrayal.
The lives of all three converge in chilling fashion as they plunge headlong into the maddening, where there is no escape from the looming destiny that awaits them.


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Previous page
  1. Print length
    418 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Dark Ink
  4. Publication date
    February 7, 2023
  5. Dimensions
    5 x 1.06 x 8 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1958842087
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1958842089
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

Every once in a while, a book comes along which takes the reader's expectations and blows them out of the water. This is one of those books. . .What follows is a cat-and-mouse game full of dark secrets, lies, betrayals, despair, and torture. The Edgar Allan Poe references will make the dark little hearts of horror readers sigh with happiness. A truly praiseworthy offering from author Paul Thaler, this book is sure to appeal to fans of crime fiction, horror, and of course, the master himself, Edgar.

Heather Miller, The Horror Zine


Paul Thaler had me hooked on this gripping read. . . If you love psychological thriller novels laced with a touch of romance, mystery, and horror, The Maddening is a must-read. Thaler hatches a super intriguing plot, featuring ingenious plot twists and an exciting cast. . .I loved The Maddening; it is a magnificent piece of work. . .

Keith Mbuya, Readers' Favorite


The Maddening by Paul Thaler is a dark psychological thriller set to end all thrillers. . . From the very first page, readers are plunged into a world of fear and suspense as the killer strikes again and again, leaving behind gruesome and macabre crime scenes that are straight out of Poe's darkest tales.

Mark Graham, Book Room Reviews

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Dark Ink (February 7, 2023)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 418 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1958842087
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1958842089
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.28 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5 x 1.06 x 8 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 11 ratings

About the author

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Paul Thaler

Paul Thaler

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Paul Thaler is a former journalist and media commentator for national and network news programs. He is the author of the critically acclaimed The Spectacle: Media and the Making of the OJ Simpson Story, and The Watchful Eye: American Justice in the Age of the Television Trial. His debut novel, Bronxland, was cited on Goodreads as “The Best Historical Coming-of-Age-Book.”

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8 out of 5
11 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

singerma
5.0 out of 5 stars Thrilling and thoughtful
Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2023
Verified Purchase
A great read that I couldn't put down. Compelling characters and a fascinating plot, with much researched historical information that adds depth to the story. Very macabre and highly recommended.
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NYreader64
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Poe-Inspired Thriller
Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2023
Murder and mystery collide in this gripping page-turner, as Thaler takes us on a journey through the twisted mind of a serial killer who finds inspiration in the works of Edgar Allen Poe.

From the very first page, readers are plunged into a world of fear and suspense as the killer strikes again and again, leaving behind gruesome and macabre crime scenes that are straight out of Poe's darkest tales. But as the body count rises, one man is determined to stop the killer in his tracks: detective PJ Bones.

Bones is a complex and fascinating character, with a troubled past that only adds to the tension and drama of the story. His relentless pursuit of the killer takes him on a wild and dangerous journey, as he uncovers clues and follows leads that lead him ever closer to the killer's lair.

Thaler has crafted a masterful thriller that pays homage to the great Edgar Allen Poe while also standing firmly on its own. Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good thriller. It's a gripping and suspenseful read that will keep you up all night, and leave you thinking about it long after you've turned the final page.
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Heather
4.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully Macabre
Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2023
Every once in a while, a book comes along which takes the reader's expectations and blows them out of the water. This is one of those books.

The Maddening is the story which revolves around three people: the killer, a true psychopath; the ex-cop-turned-crime-writer who pursues him; and the deeply troubled young woman caught between them. But the best part about the whole thing? The psycho serial killer is obsessed with Edgar Allan Poe.

Calling himself simply "Poe", the antagonist--a man covered in Poe-inspired tattoos--disguises himself in a Poe-esque wig and mustache when he goes out to choose and capture his victims. He then murders them in horrific and heinous (and SLOW) ways, observing their suffering closely so he can write about it in his precious manuscript.

And of course, his good pal Edgar whispers to him while he does it all.

PJ Bones, the cop-turned-author, is getting older. He's bitter and jaded and a bit of an alcoholic. Enter Clara Knox, a young Irish beauty who sweeps Bones off his feet and has him quickly eating out of her hand. Which is just what she needs, because Clara is out to get the man who attacked her over a year ago, cutting her throat and leaving her for dead, and she needs PJ's help.

Of course, her would-be murderer was the man who calls himself Poe.

What follows is a cat-and-mouse game full of dark secrets, lies, betrayals, despair, and torture. Poe continues to kill, Clara becomes more unhinged by the day, and Bones just tries to make sense of it all and save the woman he loves (and finish his latest book, which is now way past its deadline).

The story is well-paced and intense, with kills that are cringingly gruesome. Poe is a fascinating villain, Clara a perfect doomed heroine. The Edgar Allan Poe references will make the dark little hearts of horror readers sigh with happiness.

The book draws the reader in immediately and doesn't let go. Switching back and forth between the thoughts and actions of each character, with bits of Poe's manuscript thrown in, the chapters fly by.

A truly praiseworthy offering from author Paul Thaler, this book is sure to appeal to fans of crime fiction, horror, and of course, the master himself, Edgar.
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Bob
5.0 out of 5 stars Sleepless in Los Angeles!
Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2023
As a kid growing up in the Bronx, I learned Poe once lived in my neighborhood, which gave me nightmares that his ghost would cut out my heart while I slept. I was afraid this book would reawaken those nightmares. But even though I now have to sleep with a light on, I loved the book and would recommend it to anyone wanting to sleep nevermore.
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AW
5.0 out of 5 stars Couldn't sleep. Did want to sleep.
Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2023
Page turning exploration of the relationship between three damaged, nuanced, people whose lives are unexpectedly intertwined by a horrific act of violence. I loved how the book is built on the imagined psyche of Edgar Allan Poe as interpreted by the fictional "Poe" — a serial killer who fashions himself a Poe protege. Surprisingly tender at times, with wry humor and lots of fun literary references. Just came out. Urge everyone to buy...
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Maya Kraidman
5.0 out of 5 stars A must read!
Reviewed in the United States on February 27, 2023
Incredible book! A captivating read as we follow the terrifying mindset of an Edgar Allen Poe character wannabe. Thaler brought this eery thriller to real life, demonstrating just how far a person will go to seek revenge. I was hooked all the way through!
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Sophie Black
5.0 out of 5 stars Could not put it down!!
Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2023
The Maddening is incredibly powerful, thrilling, and eerie. To all lovers of Edgar Allen Poe, you will find this book riveting! The writing is POEtic, and the book brings you in with suspense and twisted detail. I was not able to put it down and I highly recommend. Great story for a movie!
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Linda K.
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant- could not put it down!
Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2023
A thriller to end all thrillers!!
Loved it - a must read! novel based on the raging antics of a Poe possessed killer! 5-*
from Linda K. on February 10, 2023
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