When did true crime become such a pervasive phenomenon? It seems to be everywhere these days—flooding our screens and bookshelves with Netflix documentaries, podcasts, YouTube channels, and chilling films. I find myself caught in a curious middle ground: fascinated, yet somewhat detached from it all. However, one of my latest literary adventures took me to CHASING THE BOOGEYMAN, written by Richard Chizmar and released in paperback through Pocket Books. What I initially thought was a straightforward crime thriller turned out to be a cleverly fictionalized true crime narrative, which took me by surprise as I delved into its pages.
Set against the eerie backdrop of a small Maryland town in the summer of 1988, the story unravels a sinister plot that begins with the discovery of mutilated bodies of several missing young girls. The grotesque evidence leads local law enforcement to the chilling conclusion that a serial killer is on the prowl in their once-peaceful suburb, shattering the tranquility of everyday life. As paranoia spreads like wildfire, whispers circulate amongst the terrified townsfolk, suggesting that the malevolent force haunting the local teenagers might not even be entirely human. Law enforcement, along with members of the FBI, is convinced that the killer is a real, tangible monster—one who is toying with them from the shadows.
Amid this real-life nightmare, recent college graduate Richard Chizmar returns to his hometown just as a curfew is imposed and a neighborhood watch takes shape. As he prepares for his upcoming wedding and embarks on a writing career, he unexpectedly finds himself at the center of a chilling saga. Inspired by the terrifying events unfolding around him, Richard crafts a personal account of the serial killer’s reign of terror, oblivious to the fact that these haunting memories will linger long after the last word is written.
Chizmar’s choice to weave a fictionalized version of himself into the fabric of this faux true-crime tale is both daring and intriguing. The narrative breathes with the nostalgic essence of an '80s Stephen King thriller, enhanced by the fact that Chizmar co-authored two novellas, Gwendy's Button Box and Gwendy's Final Task, with King himself. Yet, Chizmar’s unique voice shines through vividly, characterized by rich language, evocative descriptions, and vivacious dialogue that brings his characters to life. The story unfolds from the perspective of this fictionalized Richard Chizmar, flowing seamlessly like authentic true crime nonfiction and adorned with faux crime scene photographs that add a chilling realism to the experience.
Overall, CHASING THE BOOGEYMAN is a heart-pounding page-turner that ensnares the reader from the very first chapter. It’s a gripping read that lingers in your mind long after you've turned the last page—definitely a must-read for anyone captivated by the true-crime genre. ╌★★★★★
The hardback, paperback, and ebook are available for purchase on Amazon.com. As an Amazon affiliate, I will receive a small commission if you buy the book through the link above. All earnings will help to support future reviews.
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