Marion by Leah Rowan
St. Martin’s Press (June 2026)
Reviewed by Dave Simms
Norman was her first…
The “what if” premise is such a cool idea for modern takes on classic tales – if done well. Marion is a great example of how this can be done, with fun storytelling and wickedly sharp, witty writing. Leah Rowan tackles the idea of Robert Bloch’s Psycho, but from Marion’s viewpoint, the victim of the infamous and bloody shower scene. But what would happen if she fought back and killed Norman?
It turns the story on its head, but in a very cool, inventive way.
For those who remember the beginning of the film or book, recall the heroine dashing away with the money, hoping to start a new life before she meets the guy with mommy issues in that weird hotel. This time, she wants to save her sister from an abusive marriage but also has a suitcase full of cash that she “borrowed” from her boss. When she winds up in the hotel and actually survives the attack, a new tale begins.
What ensues is incredible fun, penned by Rowan, and readers follow Marion on a journey that audiences never got to imagine, thanks to Norman with his disturbed mind and mom’s dresses. Norman’s murder, which is more self-defense than anything else, is only the beginning. Why does the second murder happen? And the third?
What does Marion hope to achieve on this crime spree? Can someone stop her? Should they?
What Rowan does here is intriguing and thought-provoking. The plot might have given Hitchcock a headache but maybe, just maybe, some director will take a chance on this story, as it takes the “final girl” motif and gives it a big middle finger. Marion takes her chance and makes the most of it.
Strong, witty writing, and plenty of twists and turns make Marion a great beach read for the summer. A recommended thriller.
