The terrifying sequel is fantastic!

Chizmar casts himself again in this story in this fascinating meta fiction story that reads like a true crime novel, Richard and his wife are being stalked by the Boogeyman, even though he is now incarcerated. Is it a copycat? A follower? The creepiness grows as Chizmar is forced to visit the man in jail himself.
I love his style, it is so unusual and engrossing. There is plenty about his actual life woven in and the photos created for the story are just PERFECT! Cannot wait for Book 3
#GalleryBooks #RichardChizmar #BecomingtheBoogeyman

Becoming the Boogeyman picks up shortly after the murderer (who I won't name for spoiler's sake) is arrested for the brutal killings that haunted Edgewood, Maryland in Chasing the Boogeyman. The killer was able to be apprehended many years later, in part due to the research of the author (and the main character of our story), Richard Chizmar.

Much like its prequel, this novel is written as though it is an actual true crime case instead of a work of fiction, and it will have you racing to Google to look up information and locations to determine whether or not they are factual.

Chizmar has been obsessed with the Edgewood killings for years, and now that the killer is behind bars, he can't seem to stop his unhealthy obsession. Everything escalates when Chizmar discovers a body outside of his home with direct ties to the Edgewood killings. Chizmar can't help but become sucked into and engrossed by this new case, and as each new layer unfolds with compelling evidence including newspaper articles, photos, and interview transcriptions, you will find yourself just as immersed in it - especially if you're a fan of true crime!

I enjoyed Becoming the Boogeyman even more than Chasing the Boogeyman, but they were both very different even though they are connected tales. For as much as the '80s setting of the first novel provided a technology-free version of the horror, the second book includes references to modern technology that make it feel relevant to today's world and lend to the "Is this real or not?" aspect of the novel.

This was a solid follow-up in this burgeoning series. For years, Richard has had to deal with the sometimes reluctant fame and harassment due to his intimate revelations of a serial murderer's reign of terror.

With that evil perpetrator caught and behind bars . . . we find ourselves back in Edgewood investigating what may be a copycat killer on the loose. I really dig the true crime approach to this fictional ongoing small-town saga. The unfolding plot gives off creepy vibes and keeps you guessing as to what chilling secrets are lurking around the next dark suburban corner.

Richard already knows that chasing the boogeyman can slice up his life like a double-edged sword, but is the pull of this new mystery far too great for him to resist?

I’m truly thrilled to see this spooky storyline continue and I look forward to reading the next installment.

I'd like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of Becoming the Boogeyman for my unbiased evaluation.  4 stars

Despite how much I loved Chasing the Boogeyman, I didn't think a sequel was necessary but man am I glad Chizmar chose to write one! This was every bit as intense and creepy as its predecessor. And that ending...wow!! I did not expect that. My skin literally got goosebumps!

Even though this book was fictional, it felt just like my favorite true crime podcast. The author’s style of writing felt original and exciting. I personally loved the inserts of conversations, reviews, texts, and photos. It felt like I was also in the middle of the investigation. It was incredibly creepy and made me feel like I should be a bit more cautious as a young female.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves true crime! You’re in for a treat with this one. The publication is also in October so it’s a perfect read for spooky season!

The sequel to Chasing The Boogeyman is just as good if not better than the first book. All the main characters are back with more added mind games and terror. Small tow,n life is warm and fuzzy so the contrast with the horror intruding makes it even more, frightening. Can’t wait for the next book.

This second book in what may be a trilogy is not as great as the first simply because it is not the first one. It is a decent sequel, but the originality of the first book cannot be replicated. Women are again being murdered, and Richard Chizmar is again in the middle of everything, as a detective, a writer, and a possible victim. This Boogeyman book is an excellent addition to a unique series. Thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for providing an ARC.

“He’s wearing a mask underneath his mask.”

The second book to Chasing the Boogeyman was just as interesting as the first. I was sucked back into the brutal history of Edgewood, Georgia and Richard Chizma’s childhood and present life.
Richard is traumatized and rightly so after finding out the true identity of the killer from Edgewood, Josh Gallagher, aka the Boogeyman. A boy Richard grew up with.

“He’s like your least favorite uncle who shows up for Thanksgiving. He doesn’t make a big impression either way. He’s just kind of there.”

Richard after much success from his first book, once again finds himself in the middle of an investigation where young girls are being murdered. A new serial killer is playing and Richard is part of the game.

The true crime book feel with black and white pics, police investigations, and prison interviews make this story compelling.

Detailed, disturbing, and deceptive.

Thank you Netgalley and Gallery Books for the review copy.

This review is for an ARC copy received from the publisher through NetGalley.

Once again, Richard Chizmar returns to the faux actual crime world he created in Chasing the Boogeyman. This time, new murders take place modern day in the same style as the eponymous villain of the first book. And more importantly, the crimes are copycat killers' focus directed at Chizmar. Now the author/narrator must navigate between the police, the press, and the original Boogeyman, trying to suss out why he is now a target.
I wasn't sure how the first novel could produce a sequel, but Chizmar managed to craft a story that is as good if not better than the first one. He draws you right into the world he's (semi) created and presents another chapter that feels almost like genuine true crime. Much like the first book, there is a point in the latter half where things start becoming a little Thomas Harris-esque over-the-top sensationalized, but it doesn't detract from the tense, heart-racing narrative as the story unveils shocking twists and an intense finale. 4.5/5 stars.

Once again, Richard Chizmar does it. I loved "Chasing the Boogeyman" and the way he wrote that and "Becoming the Boogeyman" is no different. Creepy, full of dread. It's a great book. I highly recommend!

This was a super readable, compelling, gripping novel. It had enough context to work as a standalone, but I'd highly recommend reading it only after reading Chasing the Boogeyman. Unlike some readers, I didn't think the photos always worked that well (but definitely the ereader is not the ideal format to view them). For me, they didn't add a ton of realism and sometimes distracted (like when an image was clearly contemporary but was supposed to be from the 80s). But it didn't detract from my enjoyment of this very scary nvoel.

I have to say, I was a bit stand off and reading from this perspective. It grew on me and I honestly found it refreshing. I so so excited for this read and it lived up!

Excellent follow up to their first book, Chasing the Boogeyman. Despite being Fiction, it is written like it's non-fiction and I frequently Googled specifics to see it was indeed true! The photos in the book added to the true crime feel and horror nature. Well done!

Let me start by saying that I have been a fan of Richard Chizmar since I read his collection of shorts, A Long December, a few years ago. So, when I got the chance to get my hands on an advanced reader copy of Becoming the Boogeyman, I jumped at it. I hadn’t read the previous book in the series, Chasing the Boogeyman, so, at first, I had to play catch-up. But author Chizmar generously gave enough background so that I didn’t find myself hopelessly lost.

The book is written as a “true crime” novel, complete with crime scene and victim photos and I was endlessly wondering if the story, characters, etc, were real or not. I actually Googled some of the victims’ names, coming up empty. Chismar himself is a pivotal character in the novel, having grown up in the same small town as the original boogeyman, Joshua Gallagher. Over the years since Gallagher’s capture, he has only given interview access to one person. You guessed it – our intrepid author, Richard Chismar. But now, a couple of decades since the original murders, Chismar finds he cannot completely disentangle himself from Gallagher who is serving a life sentence in a maximum-security prison. And, when the writer and his dog, JJ, find a noxious smelling black plastic bag on the street outside their house, the reader knows all hell is about to break loose. The bag is full of body parts which are determined to belong to Annie Riggs – the final intended victim of the original boogeyman who luckily escaped. Is this new killer a copycat? Or is Boogeyman Joshua Gallagher somehow orchestrating a killing spree from prison? Is Chismar to be the next victim? Or is he somehow involved? Could it be the UPS driver? The mailman? One of Chismar’s neighbors? Or, possibly (as I thought) one of Chismar’s sons?

This was an intriguing read with the action related to the killings tempered by Chismar’s nostalgic memories of growing up in a small town. These reminiscences reminded me quite a bit of the writings of Stephen King and I enjoyed them greatly.

In summary, fast-paced and enthralling, Becoming the Boogeyman is a riveting roller coaster ride and is highly recommended for anyone who enjoys a good read!

I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher, Gallery Books, for providing me with a free ARC copy of Becoming the Boogeyman which is available for preorder now (publication date, 10/10/2023).

OMG! I loved Chasing the Boogeyman, but this second book in the series was even better! What I really loved was going back to the author’s fictionalized take on a true crime story. I kept forgetting it wasn’t real, lol.

Both books were easily readable and almost seemed to require that I keep reading them. This one has more going on than the first one. It was very ambitious, and the author stuck the landing. It was also interesting how many hints were given to make someone think the Boogeyman in question had supernatural origins.

There was a moment early on when I was absolutely shocked (stay away from spoilers!). The last couple of lines in the book were also quite exciting!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC. This review contains my honest, unbiased opinion.

I put this title "Becoming the Boogeyman" on request just as soon as I saw it - I loved the prequel "Chasing the Boogeyman" so very much! And I was not disappointed in it - it's really a serial killer thriller with a lot of "meta" elements which I really like (it's horrific but not true horror in my view) . Loved the "recap" on the previous case & all the fame & notoriety that came along with it - the book and film (shout outs to GoodReads & Sundance, LOL) were perfect - chef's kiss! But was there another killer all along or is there a copy-cat at work, huh?? Follow the author as he investigates. Fast paced & easy read. My sincere thanks to NetGalley & the publisher for the complimentary DRC, my pleasure to review this title.

Another great read by the author. This is the sequel to Chasing the Boogeyman. This story picks up years later when the author is married, has grown kids and enjoying the success of his book and the movie based on the book. Until the killings start again. This is a quick and engrossing read just like the first novel. This book has the same structure, told a true crime memoir. You forget the book is fiction since the main character is the author and there are “police photos” spread throughout the book. If you like true crime books, or good mystery thrillers, read the first book and come back to this one. Thanks to @netgalley and @simonandschuster for the advance read. The books comes out in October.

#bookstagram #books #fiction #truecrimefiction #becomingtheboogeyman #readingisfundamental #author #richardchizmar #advancedcopyreader #netgalley #simonandschuster #richardchizmarbooks #sequel

3.5 starts rounded up for this one! I might be an outlier for this somewhat lower review, but guys I’m just being honest here. I am a big fan of Richard Chizmar and I love reading his books! The Boogeyman books are both extremely original in their meta-fictional format.

This is what makes Chasing the Boogeyman and Becoming the Boogeyman so engaging and grabbing to us readers. These are both semi-fictional novels surrounding the life of the author himself, while also posing as a true crime story. We get a lot of personal characters and stories from Chizmar’s life all while getting an extraordinary serial killer narrative.

In this sequel, Richard has to deal with the fact that after decades of living in the shadows of the serial killer he put behind bars (that also made him famous, for better or worse), his past is finally coming back to haunt him. Eery pranks, distraught neighbors, and murdered girls practically show up at his doorstep. Is he to blame? Can he once again catch a killer?

We get pictures, interviews, and articles nestled into the storyline to give the novel a terrifying true crime feel, while also cementing the idea that these are real places and people that may exist. While reading this you always have to question, did these things actually happen to Chizmar? Are these real people he’s incorporating into his work?

While an entertaining and quick read that was definitely horrifying at times, I couldn’t help but feel a bit disappointed. I felt like this was more of a typical thriller, rather than the normal creepy and weird work that Chizmar frequents. The plot felt a bit messy and somewhat predictable, especially with the addition of these interviews and articles. Maybe I just wasn’t in the right mind space? Who knows.

With the uniqueness of Chizmar’s writing style with both of these novels, I felt that this sequel didn’t stand up as well to the first. However, the ending is beautifully set up for another installment! It looks like the Boogeyman story will continue and I am excited to see what Chizmar comes up with.

A great thank you goes out to Richard Chizmar, Gallery Books, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Oh, man. 'Chasing the Boogeyman' was phenomenal. I was obsessed and literally devoured that book. So, when I saw that Chizmar was releasing a sequel I couldn't get my hands on a copy fast enough.

This second book takes place after the arrest and imprisonment of Gallagher and Chizmar's success with the first book. Out walking his dog, Rich finds a garbage bag closed with duct tape that stinks something fierce. Within hours his street is a crime scene circus. And so it begins . . .

Is it a copycat killer? Some minion working on Gallagher's behalf? Or . . . is it something more sinister . . . darker . . .

This was as good as the first book. Chizmar managed to pull me right back into the story from where it left of and revamp all those emotions. The chase was on and the mystery unfolded with twists and bumps. The nostalgia continued. A brilliant sequel that makes way for more. I can't wait.

Once again, Richard Chizmar takes us back to the faux true crime world he created in Chasing the Boogeyman. This time, new murders take place modern day in the same style of the eponymous villain of the first book. And more importantly, the crimes are copy cat killer's focus are directed at Chizmar. Now the author/narrator must navigate between the police, the press and the original Boogeyman as tries to suss out why he is now a target.
I wasn't sure how the first novel could produce a sequel, but Chizmar managed to craft a story that is as good if not better than the first one. He draws you right into the world he's (semi) created and presents another chapter that feels almost like genuine true crime. Much like the first book, there is a point in the latter half where things start becoming a little Thomas Harris-esque over-the top sensationalized, but it doesn't detract from the tense, heart-racing narrative as the story unveils shocking twists and an intense finale. 4.5/5 stars.