Becoming the Boogeyman

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.

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! 😱☠️

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.