J.H. Markert on The Chain House: horror begins with control
In his CrimeReads essay published on 19 October, the writer explains the research behind his novel.
Before the invented monster comes a real question: how can one person persuade others to surrender control of their lives? J.H. Markert explores the origins of The Chain House in an essay published under his own byline on CrimeReads on 19 October. He revisits teenage impressions and research into cult leaders that informed the fictional character Sal Batise.
This is not a new crime report, but the author’s reflection on storytelling. Markert separates historical material from invention, showing how a persistent unease can become a novel’s driving force. For horror readers, it opens a window onto the craft of fear: not just threatening presences, but dependence, manipulation and the vulnerability of human relationships.