I have always been a fan of horror, Stephen King comes to mind, so when I saw this book being offered, I thought what the heck. I was not prepared for what came on the 336 pages. Not a page that did not catch my attention.

Ben Bookman, a horror author, has written numerous novels, all horror genre. He is currently working on his latest book called the Scarecrow. A bit of back story, Ben comes from a wealthy family, has a younger brother, and he is heir to Blackwood, an asylum. Ben has had nightmares for as long as he can remember, that is why he writes about them. At Blackwood, there is the Atrium that his grandfather has forbidden Ben and his brother to go in, but he does, he thinks that he wrote The Scarecrow. This room has many books, with no words. Now how could a room and its secrets be the cause of all the mayhem that is going on in the town?

Ben's brother disappeared when he was young and Ben has been doing what he can to locate him, is he dead or still alive. Ben is at a book signing when a man comes up to him, Ben thinking he wants a book signed, instead the man pulls a gun and blows his brains out.

A family is butchered, bound in corn husks and hung from the rafters of their barn. Similiar to what Ben has written in his book. As more murders happen, all mirroring Ben's book, the police are beginning to suspect Ben. He can't explain his absences, he is a sleepwalker.

Detective Mills along with his daughter Samantha Blue are tasked with solving the spate of murders that are happening in the small community. Detective Mills is another person who has nightmares, it turns out he is able to take on other people's nightmares.

Ben now is determined to find out the history of Blackwood, his parents' deaths in a car crash, and his brother's disappearance but this puts his wife and daughter's lives at risk. How is all this connected? Go get the book and find out, you will not be disappointed.

I read this book in a few sittings, riveted to the pages. Like I said I have always been a fan of horror, ever since I read the first Stephen King book Carrie. This book totally freaked me out. Scary from page to page, but I loved it and give it 5 stars for the scare factor!

I hope this is the beginning book in a series!. Wonderfully creepy and mysterious. I mean, curses, creepy old houses, lost time, gory murders...what's not to love?

I couldn't connect with the characters. The ideas are interesting and I usually like a shocking beginning, but I found it problematic that the shocks were so early that I didn't care whatever happened to the characters. It wasn't the type of book I was expecting.

The Nightmare Man is an example of a novel with *too many* ideas that somehow still sticks the landing.

The basic plot as billed on the dust jacket is as follows: writer writes new horror book and crimes begin being committed that mirror the book.

This plot summary had me hooked and I enjoyed the book immensely more while the story stayed on the rails, but the book kept doing an Inception on me and pulling me deeper into the convoluted mess of a “dark family history” and constant flashbacks.

The Nightmare Man did itself a disservice by continually breaking the pacing every other chapter by taking us into some random flashback. Seriously. It happened so goddamn much.

For as messy as the plot felt, it still made sense, which is a massive accomplishment considering how much shit they crammed in.

Unfortunately the novel remained too true to its Stephen King roots and had a rushed and absolute let down of an ending.

When The Nightmare Man wasn’t getting in its own way and was hitting a solid stride it was a delight and delivered on some spooky atmosphere and kept me guessing. I don’t see it ending up on my best of the year list, but I’m glad to have read it.

3/5 ⭐️

As a veteran in law enforcement, Detective Winchester Mills had seen the darkest side of people. But his latest case of murder mirroring popular author Ben Bookman’s latest novel rattled him to the core. Digging deeper into the case, both risked unleashing a secret neither of them ready to face.

Even though one of the main plot points was predictable, this was an enjoyable story. A lot of things happened throughout the book, but everything comes together at the end.

The Nightmare Man is a story of breaking free. It would appeal to readers who enjoy horror with supernatural element.

The Nightmare Man began as a crime thriller and turned into so much more. It weaves together the supernatural with the natural in all the best ways.

I gave this a book out of five stars. I like all the different aspects. I loved the ending, I didn’t see it coming. I plan on getting a finished copy of this.

THE NIGHTMARE MAN, by J.H. Markert is what I consider to be a mash up of different genres: horror, mystery, police procedural, thriller, and even dark fantasy. We begin with Detective Mills--whose closure rate is unprecedented--and the arrival of Ben Bookman, a horror novelist with his latest horrific book.

When real life crimes start mimicking the bizarre murders in Bookman's own book, it causes Mills, and his daughter, detective Blue, try to delve deeper into the mystery of this connection.

"What if nightmares are real, Father?.... What if sometimes they get out?"

Could you imagine a scene any more horrific? Your worst nightmares brought to life?

This is what the characters in this book are looking at.

I found the first half to be quite compelling, learning about the characters, and their connection with the various nightmares being acted out. However, after about the half way point, new characters--who often didn't seem to help, or add to the story at all--(other than to further confuse the main idea), kept popping in. This really took me out of the story several times, and I had to go back to make sure I didn't miss anything .

Overall, a strong beginning, with an overly complex ending.

This book is told in 3rd person from alternating POVs from the main characters of Detective Mills and Ben with flashbacks to “before”. This book was a super fast paced page turner. I really enjoyed the main characters and was hooked from the very first page. I loved how unique and creepy this book was. It definitely has some imaginative folklore but I really loved that aspect because it made it different from other horror books I’ve read. I definitely will be keeping an eye out for this author’s next horror book 👀 definitely recommend this one!

"Scarecrows scare. That's what they do...."

The story of the Nightmare Man was quite unique, fascinating and creepy. The fight of good vs evil takes the form of the never-ending struggle of the Nightmare Man vs Mr. Dream. I was frustrated at first since the story introduced a lot of new threads and characters that seemed very random and unconnected and wondered if I should continue but I am glad I did! Every thread that seemed random began to slowly connect in the final 100-150 pages leading to the showdown/climax and revelation that was chilling and awesome.

Ever since Supernatural aired, I have a soft spot for the Winchester name and Detective Winchester Mills definitely lives up to the name. The brooding hero who has shouldered the burden of a power that destroyed so many before him. The description of the setting of the Blackwood estate and mansion was atmospheric and you could feel the dread, doom and bone-chilling evil emanating from the place...especially the Atrium which is the root of all the evil in the book.

Be patient with this book and you will not be disappointed.

This book also has the potential to be turned into a good movie so if Hollywood ever thinks about it I just hope they don't make a mess of it.

My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Crooked Lane Books and the author J. H. Markert for the e-Arc of the book. I finished reading the book before the publication date but got delayed in writing a review.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫

I really enjoyed the Stephen King esk feeling of this book. I do with we got more background on the nightmares in the book. I liked the dual narrative between Mills and Ben. I would recommend this one to those who enjoy Stephen King style horror books. I’ll be checking out more from this author.

I really enjoyed this. Not much horror feels fresh to me these days and this did feel like new ideas and a fresh take on the "horror author has horrible things happening" trope. It didn't scare me, necessarily, but definitely had some creepy imagery and ideas.

Ben Blackwood’s nightmare began as a child, when his younger brother Devon disappeared. Blackwood Manor, owned by Ben’s grandfather Robert, was always an unsettling place, especially The Atrium, where Robert conducted his psychotherapy sessions. Robert also owned and operated an asylum, and he was known world-wide for his success in helping people rid themselves of their nightmares. As an adult, Ben became a popular horror writer, and was confronted at a book signing event by a stranger who accused Ben of stealing his nightmare. The stranger then shot himself and died in front of Ben, prompting an immediate police investigation.

Detective Winchester Mills was extremely concerned about the increase in murders in the small town of New Haven. He and Detective Samantha Blue had been called to a horrific scene where a family had been murdered and the bodies sewn inside corn husks and hung from the barn rafters – a scene described in Ben Bookman’s latest novel. When a second family is found in a similar way, Ben Bookman is considered the prime suspect. However, Winchester believes there is something more to the case, some hidden meaning, and he felt that the Blackwood estate had something to do with it.

Super creepy and captivating, The Nightmare Man dragged me in and held me there, compelling me to keep reading until the end. Ben is obviously tormented by his upbringing at Blackwood, as is his sister Emily, also a psychiatrist, though their trauma manifests in very different ways. I liked how J.H. Markert kept me guessing, offering small bits of information over the chapters, going back in time to provide a foundation for the craziness and nightmares flooding New Haven.

Ben Bookman always wanted to be a horror writer, as a child his interest was cultivated during his summers spent at his eccentric uncle's property, Blackwood mansion. His uncle filled his mind with tales of legends and lore with mysterious creatures and entities. Now, Bookman, dubbed The Nightmare Man, has realized his long-time dream and is a bestselleing novelist. On the eve of the release of his latest horror novel, The Scarecrow, a crazed fan commits suicide at a book signing, right in front of Bookman. Soon he learns that the stories from his previous novels and The Scarecrow have become a reality and that he has become the prime suspect, is it a copycat serial killer or something else?

This book was so well written and I thoroughly enjoyed it! I loved the characters, their dynamics and their relationships. The story was intense, immersive, suspenseful, and chilling; there was such an unexpected twist at the end as well, which was delightful.

I enjoyed this book and thought it had a lot going for it. A great setting and premise and well developed characters. It also has a great classic, throwback horror style which was one of its biggest pluses for me. Parts of it reminded me of early King which was a great thing. Unfortunately, it also had a lot going on, too much really. I wanted it to be more focused. The ending could have been better as well. I think the novel had so many moving parts that it made it difficult to wrap it all up in a satisfying manner. Overall, it was a mixed bag for me. Thank you to @netgalley and @crookedlanebooks for my arc.

As an avid lover of Nightmare on Elm Street, this cover just really appealed to me - and rightfully so. Instead of Freddy coming after you in your dreams, we get THE SCARECROW. Nothing like a family killed and "bundled inside cocoons stitched from corn husks, hung from the rafters of a barn" to really get your nerves on fire. Did I mention that this reflects the opening scene of Ben Bookman's book? Ah, the plot thickens with blood. Also, who has a room full of books without words? Just Ben's grandfather, no big deal. Intrigued yet? You should be.

I love that this book is exactly as you would expect - the marketing team did a fantastic job. I love disturbing crime - top that off with a supernatural cherry and hallelujah, we've got ourselves a spine tingling story, folks. Prepare yourselves for all the crazy and interesting characters. They were all a lot of fun to get to know. And do not pass this up because you might think this is a bit procedural - it has detectives, yes, but this is horror through and through. You'll even like the procedural part - just trust me on this.

I think what I love best about this read is its unpredictability. Few books surprise me these days so when they do it's an automatic love. Pick this up if you like feeling creeped out, unlikable characters and lots of blood. Bring a fly swatter though because woah.

4.5⭐️

Detective Mills and his daughter, Detective Blue, investigate a strange murder where the victims, a family, are found in a barn and hanging within cocoons. But the daughter is still alive and taken to the hospital. A similar murder occurs not long after - a couple found in the same manner and who had seen a scarecrow in the corn field that had run off when they tried to approach it. The murders resemble the murder’s in local horror writer, Ben Bookman’s newest book. Detective Mills and Detective Blue dive deeper into Ben’s life, and the reality they find is much more than they could have imagined in their wildest dreams - or nightmares.

This book is complex and layered and full of unexpected twists and turns. This was a lot of fun to read and try to figure out! The plot and the writing were excellent, and overall a great read.

The Nightmare Man

[Blurb goes here.]

This is an enthralling book. It captures you right from the start. Still, I wouldn't call it scary, not in the least, but that's my opinion. To me, this was a who-done-it with enough twists and turns to make you dizzy, which is a good thing. Better yet, there's quite a lot of mysteries to solve, turning the story into a domino maze, once the main piece falls down, the others follow. It all starts with a book written by Ben Bookman, nick-named The Nightmare Man, the book's early release in—of all places—NetGalley, prompts a series of gruesome copy-cat murders, before it hits the shelves. Ben becoming the main suspect. Why wouldn't he? He has a lot (and I do mean a lot) to hide.

I really liked most of the characters in the story, all of them flawed. All of them searching for some sort of redemption.

What I didn't quite enjoyed where a few of the flashbacks (or backstories), all too convenient, people remembering key plot twists, vital to solving each mystery. When reading a detective story, the puzzle is all there, waiting for it to be solved. Here you have missing clues, seemingly appearing out of nowhere.

This is a well written book. I will be in the look out for more from this author.

Ben Bookman, a novelist and heir to the Blackwood estate spent a weekend at his family's home to finish his latest horror novel, The Scarecrow. But then the story comes to life... Detective Mills is called to the scene of an appalling murder scene; one that mirrors a scene from Ben's book. Then another family is murdered and Detective Mills and his daughter, Detective Samantha Blue work hard to find the link between the author and the murders.

The Nightmare Man is original, fresh, and it surprised me. The author writes of the brutality of deaths naturally and with skill, teasing the reader with snippets of new information here and there. A mesmerising and thoroughly terrifing story.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley and this review is my own unbiased opinion.

Absolutely fricken amazing! If you have ever had a nightmare, and who hasn't? Or you suffer from night terrors, this book will not only resonate with you but will scare the heck out of you! I hope...oh I hope that Markert is planing for this to be a series.
Highly recommended. I listened to the audiobook version which just added to the overall creepiness.
Thanks to @netgalley for allowing me the opportunity to enjoy this book in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.