Chasing the Boogeyman Review

Chasing the Boogeyman is going to be a hard contender to beat for favorite of the year. Let’s talk about it.

Synopsis

In the summer of 1988, the mutilated bodies of several missing girls begin to turn up in a small Maryland town. The grisly evidence leads police to the terrifying assumption that a serial killer is on the loose in the quiet suburb. But soon a rumor begins to spread that the evil stalking local teens is not entirely human. Law enforcement, as well as members of the FBI, are certain that the killer is a living, breathing madman—and he’s playing games with them. For a once peaceful community trapped in the depths of paranoia and suspicion, it feels like a nightmare that will never end.

Recent college graduate Richard Chizmar returns to his hometown just as a curfew is enacted and a neighborhood watch is formed. Amid preparing for his wedding and embarking on a writing career, he soon finds himself thrust into a real-life horror story. Inspired by the terrifying events, Richard writes a personal account of the serial killer’s reign of terror, unaware that these events will continue to haunt him for years to come.

My Thoughts on Chasing the Boogeyman

I picked up Chasing the Boogeyman on a whim one night when I was in a bit of a book slump. I’m so glad I did. I devoured this book. I knew I liked Chizmar’s writing because I really enjoyed Memorials, but this one just hit in all of the right ways.

Honestly, this is the most nostalgic. coming-of-age thriller I’ve ever read. Now keep in mind part of this is fiction, part is inspired by his actual life. I’m not going to tell you which parts though because that would take out all the fun. Anyhow, I don’t know if the semi-autobiographical nature of this really upped the sentimental feelings or what, but one of the best Christmas scenes I’ve ever read was in this book. I became teary eyed on several occasions.

If you loved The Body by Stephen King, I think you would really love this. Totally different story but similar vibes. To be honest, if you love anything Stephen King, I think you would enjoy this. I’m reading book two in the series right now and I’ll let you know how that’s going later in the month. For now, thanks for reading and I’ll see you again on Friday.

My Rating: 5/5

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