A masterfully crafted thriller with an unpredictable plot and complex characters. I couldn't put it down!

EXCERPT: A Current Affair transcript (August 15, 1988)
MAURY POVICH: Edgewood, Maryland. A small, peaceful working-class town nestled on the shores of Chesapeake Bay. Little League baseball parades and Fourth of July carnivals. The kind of place where people don't bother to lock their doors at night. [in a deeper voice] Edgewood, Maryland . . . a close-knit community now held hostage in a death grip of terror and paranoia. Three young girls. Savagely beaten and murdered. The killer has been christened the "Boogeyman" because of his ability to strike close to home and vanish without a trace. As one frustrated lawman lamented soon after the discovery of the latest victim: 'It's like the guy sliced open a hole in the night and disappeared back into it.'

ABOUT 'BECOMING THE BOGEYMAN': Back in the summer of 1988, a young Richard Chizmar was catapulted into the centre of a living nightmare as the serial killer Joshua Gallagher - dubbed by the media as 'The Boogeyman' - stalked his tranquil Maryland town.

These days, Chizmar enjoys a certain level of notoriety himself as he is the only person to whom Josh Gallagher will talk, on or off the record. Chizmar likes to visit Gallagher in prison, as there are plenty of other nameless victims out there and Gallagher's confession would bring closure to grieving loved ones.

But when a masked figure leaves a horrifying calling card in the front of his home, Chizmar finds there is a price for dancing with the devil. It's clear that there is a new player controlled by the Boogeyman.

MY THOUGHTS: I have to say that when I began this book, I didn't like it. I really didn't like it. I didn't like the writing style; I didn't like the format - it reads like a true crime book and is accompanied by photos of the victims, the kill sites and various other pertinent people and places. But somewhere around the 20% mark, I became hooked and read the remainder of the book voraciously. By the time I got to the end, I was convinced that this was a true crime book and it was only the author's notes at the end which convinced me otherwise.

The author weaves a lot of his own life into the fabric of Becoming the Boogeyman which only strengthens the feeling that this isn't a work of fiction. I kept wondering where the truth ended and the fiction began, if it did at all - the lines are very blurred.

Richard Chizmar is a very clever writer making use of social media, interviews, book reviews, and message boards to add authenticity to his story. It works - almost too well! The only thing I found lacking was the 'creep' factor - it just didn't come across for me. But there is plenty of tension to carry the read.

One thing, Mr Chizmar - you refer to a joke about a horny nun and an alligator. I wish you'd shared it.

I haven't read the author's previous novel, Chasing the Boogeyman, but I didn't find that held me back at all. That's not to say, of course, that I'm not going to go back and read it because I probably will. I will also be standing in line for the next in the series. I am impressed!

⭐⭐⭐⭐.1

#BecomingtheBoogeyman #NetGalley

THE AUTHOR: Besides writing, Richard Chizmar also edits anthologies, produces films, writes screenplays, and teaches writing.

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of Becoming the Boogeyman by Richard Chizmar for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

Chasing the Boogeyman is one of my all time favourite books as it combined elements of true crime and fiction perfectly to make an eerily interesting read. Without giving any spoilers I finished that book happy in the knowledge that as was resolved. So imagine my surprise when I heard a sequel had been written. I was sceptical as I could not see where the story could go but as I loved the first one so much I was willing to give it a go. Now I see that the idea of a copycat killer and also set in present day rather than the previous time setting of the 80s does give some scope for a story worth telling but it just didn't have the same impact as thr first book. The scary tension was few and far between and the investigation was here, there and everywhere. What worked in the first book so we'll was absent for me this time round. My fears of if this book was really needed were founded and I hate to sound cynical but it reminded me of the film industry where unnecessary sequels are green lighted because of the success of the first. If Chasing the Boogeyman is not on your radar or is languishing on your tbr then definitely read that one but personally you are not missing anything not reading this one.

I was thrilled to learn that a sequel to Chasing the Boogeyman would come and I was really looking forward to reading it. And, I have to say that I enjoyed this book as well. What I loved about Chasing the Boogeyman was that it felt like a true crime novel about a serial killer, almost too much like it could be true. This book had the same feeling.

I recommend this book warmly, however, I do think you should read Chasing the Boogeyman first.

Chizmar is a master at hooking his reader and not letting go. Despite knowing that this (and the previous, Chasing the Boogeyman) is fiction, he weaves real life elements - of his own life, family, interests, childhood, the setting - throughout so expertly that I believe I'm reading true crime. The merging of genres makes the whole so much more compelling and questions violence, retribution, justice, the nature of monsters, and how a fascination with the darker side of human nature can taint us in turn. One to reread while I wait for the next installment!

Straight after the events of Chasing the Boogeyman we see our main protagonist Rich reaping the rewards of his best selling books and movie which accounted the murders which took place in his hometown of Edgewood in 1988.

The Boogeyman is locked up and yet history is about the repeat itself when a string of murders take place bearing the same signature of the killer.

I love that the book continued the format of interviews, photographic references as well as the new touch of how crimes/criminals are glorified via social media.

I didn't find this book as anxiety inducing as the first one but even so I can't wait to read more!

I loved „Chasing the Boogeyman“ and I was very excited when I saw that there was a sequel.

Richard Chizmar puts himself again into his story. I love this mix of true crime-metafiction filled with events and people from his real life. You just never know what is fact and what is fiction. And I love the pictures! Chizmar is a very good storyteller but this book is a bit too drawn out. There are only a few parts that are really creepy, most of the time nothing much happens. And I got confused sometimes with all the names and timeline. As original as the concept is, the story about the new killings and who is behind it did not captured me as much as in his first book. But it is still a unique, entertaining book. And there is more to come, as it seems. I just love Chizmar’s writing, his humor and his creativity so I am looking forward to see what’s up with the Boogeyman in his next book!

A fantastic follow up to Chasing the Boogeyman. It did not read like a true crime book as much as the previous one but it didn’t need to.
The story continues with Richard Chizmar post Joshua Gallagher’s arrest.. it really kicks off when the body of Annie Riggs is discovered outside Chizmar’s house. Is there a copy cat killer? How is Joshua Gallagher involved?
I love the multi media format of the book, the use of Chizmar’s own real life experiences and how he can weave in a fictional narrative to it so it makes it hard to decipher what was real and what wasn’t. If you enjoyed Chasing the Boogeyman, then this book needs to be on your list to read.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I was a huge fan of Chasing The Boogeyman, meta fiction at its best and so I was very excited to read this and I absolutely LOVED it.

A sequel set years later when our author main protagonist is reaping the rewards of his success in the aftermath of the killings in his home town. But everything comes at a price and soon the descent into darkness starts all over again.

I'm a fan of how Mr Chizmar melds his real life experience and fictional crime pitch perfectly (read the afterword to see what is fact and what is fiction) and the result is a darkly delicious killer thriller with intensely disturbing undertones. I was absorbed throughout and hungry for more.

Which luckily for me we'll get. The author never intended a sequel until one day it came to him and with Becoming The Boogeyman the fictional mythology has deepened and extended and I, for one, cannot wait to see where it goes next

Another incredible book from Richard Chizmar that had me completely hooked. The sequel to Chasing the Boogeyman gave me chills and is not for those who may be slightly squeamish. Once again, I had to keep telling myself that this was a work of fiction and not a true crime novel. It reads as though it really did happen.

So now it is 2022 and The Boogeyman is behind bars and Richard is still writing and there is even a movie as well. His life is suddenly turned upside down when a copycat killer hits town with clear links to the writer. The town is scared, angry and grieving there lost one’s.

Told through mixed media again, it is a book that you just want to keep reading. Plenty of twists and turns and van we hope for a book 3?! Be warned though, you need to read the first book first, this cannot be read as a stand-alone as ai think you will be very lost. It got me through a long night in hospital, unable to sleep. Just brilliant once again.

Thank you so much to Hodder and Stoughton and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. Published on October 10th.

Becoming the Boogeyman
Richard Chizmar

The sequel to Chasing The Boogeyman is, dare I say it, better than the original.

Fans of the original will be happy to hear that Chizmar sticks to the same format of part fiction, part true crime for the sequel and it still works incredibly well.

We pick the story up with Josh Gallagher in prison for the horrific crimes that captivated Chizmar and were the basis for the first book.
Richard has a family and enjoyed significant success from the book, with a movie deal in the works and global notoriety with true crime lovers.
But, when a masked figure leaves a horrific calling card at Rich's home, a few metres from his sleeping family Chizmar finds himself dragged back into the horror of his youth and once again within the grip of the serial killer who terrorised his childhood town.

I was riveted by the sequel and couldn't put it down. It is absolutely perfect reading for spooky season. There's loads of little nods and hat-tips to the GOAT Mr King, but Mr Chizmar is fast becoming a standout psychological horror specialist himself.

Many thanks to Hodder & Stoughton for an advanced reader copy in return for an honest review. Becoming the Boogeyman is out next week on October 10th. Make sure and read it with the lights on and the doors locked! 😱☠️

𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐲𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐲 𝐑𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐳𝐦𝐚𝐫
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐫
𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫: 𝚁𝙴𝙻𝙴𝙰𝚂𝙴𝚂 𝟷𝟶𝚝𝚑 𝙾𝚌𝚝𝚘𝚋𝚎𝚛 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟹
𝘏𝘦’𝘴 𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘮𝘢𝘴𝘬 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘴𝘬
𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 𝟰 ⭐️
What an incredible sequel to ‘Chasing The Boogeyman’. Like the first book, I had to keep pinching myself to remember this is fiction.

Richard Chizmar is a very talented writer as he blends some of his truths with his fiction to create a compelling narrative and creepy storyline.

I would find myself googling some of things mentioned to see if it was either fact or fiction. Some parts of this book gave me literal goosebumps, I loved it!

Definitely recommend if you like true crime, serial killers, police investigations and mixed media format.

Thanks so much to @netgalley and @hodderstoughton .

#becomingtheboogeyman #richardchizmar #bookstagram #bookstagramuk #bookstagrammer #horror #thriller #booksbooksbooks #bookworm #truecrime #fiction #bookreview #bookblog #netgalleyuk #netgalleyreviewer #netgalleyreads #booklover #bookish #booksandboots

Becoming the Boogeyman is the well-awaited sequel to Chizmar’s 2021 text, Chasing the Boogeyman. You could read this as a stand-alone but why would you deny yourself the excellent backstory that makes the whole thing tick?

Becoming the Boogeyman is a hard one to summarise as I don’t want to give away any spoilers for this or its prequel, but it is very easy to review! I had an absolute blast with this book and maybe enjoyed it even more than the first?! Here, Chizmar once again meshes reality and fiction. Places, characters, and even some events all belong to his reality, while the serial killer narrative is a complete work of fiction. Chizmar’s writing is so clever and effective that I always forget that the plot itself hasn’t actually happened!

This is the PERFECT book to pick up this autumn if you’re fan of fictional and/or true crime. If you enjoy serial killer narratives set in small-town America with a dark and moody atmosphere, this one is for you. And if you loved Chasing the Boogeyman as much as I did, you’re going to want to add this to your TBR immediately and find out what happens next!

Complete with a very engaging first-person POV, mixed media, and a very strong and suspenseful storyline, Becoming the Boogeyman is one you don’t want to miss!

Thank you to both @netgalley and @hodderbooks for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest thoughts. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it!

I loved 'Chasing the Boogeyman' and was thrilled to receive this followup/sequel. Firstly, I have to recommend that readers pick up the earlier book before this new one to get the full story. This sequel is just as engrossing as it's predecessor, with lots of twists and turns and the same clever 'true' crime theme. A fantastic read.

Becoming the Boogeyman is a sequel to Richard Chizmar’s Chasing the Boogeyman. Like his previous book, this one is a unique mashup of ‘true’ crime, meta-fiction and small-town serial killer story reminiscent of Gregg Olsen if his books were written by Bret Easton Ellis. I loved how the author masterfully inserts himself into the story and keeps us guessing as to what is fiction and what is real. I started this book almost immediately after finishing the first book and was curious to see where the author would take this one after the events of the first book. This follow-up features a similar use of mediums including interview transcripts, photographs and articles. These elements create a unique narrative experience and add to the authenticity of the true crime elements.

While in my opinion not as strong as the first book, I still thoroughly enjoyed this suspenseful and chilling sequel. In particular I enjoyed the relationship and interactions between Richard and the killer from the previous book. I’m looking forward to future installments featuring these characters. I intend to continue to explore and read more of Richard Chizmar’s works in the future. His talent for crafting suspenseful and chilling tales makes this author one to keep on your reading list.

I read this as a standalone and wad pretty lost lol! It's written in a weird format of interview and reports and then a more traditional book style and that threw me off a bit as I wasn't sure what to expect next and amnt a fan of the podcast/ social media/ interview format for telling a story. I think it works for this particular story but I just struggle to really get immersed in a story when it jumps about in storytelling style like that. It has some good twists and such but might benefit from having the backstory from the 1st book

Quite enjoyable, Becoming the Boogeyman continues the story that started in Chasing the Boogeyman but happens after a considerable time period.

The format of this book is the same as it's predecessor, it combines fact with fiction and reads as if it's true crime. While Chasing the Boogeyman seemed to have ended when the perpetrator was put behind bars, in Becoming the Boogeyman, a series of copycat murders start in 2022 when Chizman's previous book about the Boogeyman is already out and he faces a huge backlash in the online and also offline world. There are times when his physical security is threatened and yet, for a long portion of the book, Chizmar doesn't seem to be able to shake off his fascination with the Boogeyman killer.

The book is full of twists and turns and is a quick, absorbing read that once you start it, you'd not want to stop until you reach the end. It's advisable to read the first book in order to understand the events happening here, so I wouldn't recommend you start here.