I loved this book and could NOT put it down. I was absolutely enthralled by the characters and the story. It was definitely a 5 star read for me. I want to say so much more about my favourite parts, the twists and turns, and the parts that made me gasp... but I don't want to spoil anything, so I will just say, you should ABSOLUTELY read this book if you're into thrillers, Child abduction stories, police procedurals (that aren't boring), character development, character psychology/ abnormal psychology.


Now, this book is categorized as horror, personally, I'd probably put this more in the "thriller" category, or "horror-lite" category, but that did not take away from my enjoyment of it in any way- just something to note.

I've already ordered one of J. H. Markert's other books- Mr. Lullaby, and I can't wait to read it when it arrives.

Book TW's: Child abuse, death/ torture of pet dog(s) - suggested but not described at all.

Thank you to NetGalley & Crooked Lane Books for providing me with an ARC to read and review!

J.H. Markert could write a manual on how to properly watch paint dry, and it would keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time.

Markert hits a grand slam with his newest novel, Sleep Tight. Gripping from beginning till end, I could not put this one down and when I was forced to put it down, I couldn’t stop thinking about it.

Markert has a knack for storytelling that is gripping, horrifying and just damn good.

Markert has been called “the heir to Stephen King” and that title couldn’t be more true. If you haven’t read anything by Markert, what are you waiting for?

Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the pleasure of reading this horrifying gem!

Sleep Tight by J.H. Markert is a deeply complex, action packed crime thriller that I would probably call a dark detective style thriller rather than horror.

I adored this book and it definitely gave gritty 70-80s feel. I kept picturing a series in my head with this one not unlike True Detective and boy would that be incredible.

The story delivered on all the things you expect in a thriller, cults, serial killers, The plot is very complex, lots of characters, a lot happening, lots of twists that just keep you guessing. I enjoy this kind of read as being a seasoned horror/thriller reader and watcher I always tend to guess ending or twists really early on. This story has you following so many different twists and scenarios that you just are just trying to take everything in.

Sleep Tight is a fantastic read and I can’t wait to read more from this author now! Definitely will be adding this to my library.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read this early. Publishcation Date Sep 10th 24

In 'Sleep Tight', we are taken on a journey following detective Tess Claibourne. Tess, the daughter of the detective who captured the notorious serial killer 'Father Silence', is now facing challenges in her adult life. Her daughter Julia is kidnapped, triggering Tess to confront her past.

Despite the well-introduced characters, J.H. Markert dives straight into the plot, allowing readers to understand the characters through subtle details. The book kicks off with intensity, building tension as the story progresses.

While events unfold quickly, some developments could have been more fleshed out. J.H. Markert excels in immersing readers in the narrative, creating a gripping tale with realistic characters. The inclusion of psychiatric disorders adds depth and intensity to the story, alongside the presence of a chilling murderer and a traumatized protagonist. The intricate layers of the plot are what made this thriller stand out for me.

I loved this book, from the moment I saw the cover to the moment I finished the last page. Absolutely loved it! But and this is a big but… how is this marketed as horror? A dark and twisty thriller? Absolutely! Horror? Not even close!
This book will keep you on the edge of your seat. Especially me, because it had all the things I love. A cult like group, trauma, serial killers, repressed memories, consulting with a criminal and dissociative identity disorde. (You learn it quite early in the book, so this is not a spoiler.) All those aspects take you as a reader on one wild ride!
The only comment I have about this book is the showdown. Its was very rushed an very anticlimactic. For something that has been build towards for an entire book and how villainous the ultimate evil was… Well it felt like a little bit of a letdown. Not the actual plot, don’t get me wrong. I loved the twist of who was eventually the villain in this story, but the showdown… well that could have been more elaborate.
I cant wait to explore more by this author! Cause this book really left me wanting more!

This book could definitely be a movie.
Phenomenal from begiining to the end
It did not disappoint!!!!

Jeff Pritchard is being executed by the state today. He has been silent since he's been arrested. They call him the silent father. Jeff has been executed. So, no more killings. Right?! Jeff killed the unwanted, mentally, wounded, and troubled.
Jeff has been executed. So, who the hell has just killed Tess's parents and who has her daughter who has been kidnapped from school. Tess's father actually was the detective who arrested Jeff so many years ago
Is this a copy cat killer or someone seaking revenge on Jeff's honor
Someone is revenge killing everyone involved in the case or arrest of Pritchard
More outcast children are being reported as missing
And now the other arresting cop has been murdered. How did this copycat get to the airport so quickly and with Tess's daughter in tow as well. Is Tess looking for 2 killers now
A satanic cult?
What is the motive
Tess needs to go back to where this all started, where she abruptly moved from when she was a teenager Twisted Tree Kentucky. She is bound to find some sort of answers there and hopefully find her daughter as well
Sleep Tight! Don't let the killer bite!

This horror-thriller aims to check off every box on the ‘This Book Will Give You Nightmares’ laundry list: murders, kidnappings, revenge, ominous psychic visions, creepy priests, crazy cultists, a man with a very Split-like case of Dissociative Identity Disorder, and more! No really — so, so much more. (Too much, one might say.) Though it has the feel of a 90s detective thriller that I really enjoyed, I really struggled with the convoluted nature of the plot.

And listen, I love a complex, complicated web of murderous, spooky fun! You wanna introduce a serial killer who has a flair for the dramatic? I’m here for it. A tough female detective with an amnesia problem? OK, yes, sign me up. Some missing kids, a few creeps prowling the woods in animal masks, and haunted houses? Sure, why not? Sounds like a blast.

I think the issue with all the moving parts to this one, for me, is that some of the plotlines are really great. Compelling and horrifying and interesting. Which might not seem like a problem at first, right? But when you consider the fact that the strongest parts of the story never have a chance to breathe since there’s so much else going on, well . . . you get it.

TL;DR — even if this book wasn’t necessarily my cup of tea, I was certainly never, ever bored. And sometimes that's enough!

Markert is quickly becoming one of my prefered horror authors after reading this, The Nightmare Man, and Mister Lullaby.

The story follows Detective Tess Claibourne, a woman haunted by her father’s legacy as the detective who captured the infamous serial killer, Father Silence. Tess's life is thrown into chaos when her daughter is kidnapped, drawing Tess back into the shadows of her past, filled with repressed memories and dark secrets. The narrative is masterfully split between past and present, creating a suspenseful build-up as Tess unravels the tangled threads of her history and the sinister figures lurking within.
Markert's portrayal of Tess as a flawed protagonist is compelling, although her character could have benefitted from more moments of vulnerability to balance her otherwise strong, assertive demeanor.

The supernatural elements introduced through discussions of various mental illness (trying not to give too much away) add an additional layer of mystery but occasionally blur the line between psychological insight and paranormal activity, which might not appeal to all. However, this does contribute to the novel's chilling undertone and aligns with the eerie settings—from haunted forests to an abandoned amusement park—that Markert vividly describes.

The use of flashbacks and police interviews cleverly interspersed throughout the narrative not only enhances the mystery but also provides depth to the secondary characters and the central plot. The dialogue-driven storytelling amplifies the urgency and emotional stakes of the narrative, pulling the reader deeper into the labyrinthine plot crafted by Markert.

Despite some pacing issues and character developments that might have benefitted from deeper exploration, the novel’s strengths lie in its complex characters, intricate plot, and the relentless suspense that Markert maintains throughout the book. It’s a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and those who relish a story that can both intrigue and terrify. Thanks to NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books, and J.H. Markert for the ARC.

I ATE THIS UP!! Sleep Tight was captivating and filled with so many twists! The story was always keeping me up at night to just get that “one more chapter” I honestly felt like I was part of the investigation and trying to figure out who it all came down to! I will definitely recommend this to anyone who loves Freida McFadden because even though you get the back stories and side stories of characters it wasn’t confusing to the plot. It really made you part of the story and I loved this book so much!!

Sleep Tight by J.H. Markert is a chilling narrative filled with unexpected twists and harrowing turns. At its core lies the abduction of innocent children, beginning a desperate race against time to locate them before the unthinkable occurs.

Content Warnings:
Blood, violence, death, infidelity, addiction, drugs, alcohol, miscarriage, child abuse, kidnapping, child death, mental illness, suicide, animal death, physical abuse, and more!

Let’s dive in!

My Thoughts on Sleep Tight by J.H. Markert –
When a famous serial killer is put to death, many people think that the nightmare has ended… but it’s only just begun.

The next morning, the detective who had arrested the killer years ago is found dead. Reeling from the news, the victim’s daughter, Tess Claibourne, doesn’t have time to mourn her father before she’s set on a path of even more terror; her daughter has been kidnapped by the man that they believe did the killing.

Throughout the investigation, the killer/kidnapper toys with Tess, forcing her to face her past and uncover her long-buried memories.

My gosh, could Tess have anything more to deal with all at the same time?! She had her husband’s infidelity, the death of her parents, the kidnapping of her only child, and so much lingering trauma from her past both recent and decades old. As the story centers mainly around her, we’re really able to get into her head to see how she is processing everything. My heart broke for her the more we learned about her and saw her go through.

Mixed in between the chapters from Tess, we also get the perspective of the kidnapper himself as well as the little girl that he kidnapped. As each storyline was so perfectly placed, readers won’t want to put this one down! I was so anxious to see what would happen at each twist and turn that we came to!

One last note, I would definitely caution readers with this one as it covered a lot of elements that could be triggering. I think the author handled each one perfectly, but please be aware that the darkness is there.

My Favorite Passages from Sleep Tight –
In hindsight, a lot of people should have known a lot of things. But unfortunately, the world doesn’t ever run in reverse. And one thing I’ve learned to be a hard truth is that hindsight never proves useful.

He squeezed the sides of his head to keep his thoughts in order. Sometimes they got muddled.

At least he sounded less drunk now, Tess thought, like Danny had somehow punched the alcohol right out of his bloodstream. Or at least, some sense into him.

Julia might be alive, but they both knew that sometimes for victims, it was better off if they weren’t.

Her grandfather’s voice, when he’d taken a break at the kitchen table, grandmother fixing a pot of coffee as the sun began to rise, a sliver of orange glow amid the trees out there, like the horizon was on fire.

Wind pushed the tall grass like ocean waves, and Tess smelled rain, Dark clouds had gathered suddenly from the west. The news had forecast storms, and they’d arrived. As if on cue, distant thunder rumbled. The approaching clouds looked ominous.

My Final Thoughts on Sleep Tight –
I had a blast immersing myself in this gripping dark mystery, which intertwines real-world horrors with inexplicable supernatural phenomena.

If you enjoy exploring the human psyche’s complex and sometimes dark framework, set in a fast-paced race for answers, this read is for you!

(full review will be posted on my blog April 19th at jensequel.com)

From the very first page, Markert masterfully crafts an atmosphere of suspense and unease, drawing readers into a sinister world where the line between predator and prey blurs. The initial premise is undeniably compelling, and the author's skillful pacing keeps the tension taut throughout the narrative. Readers will find themselves eagerly flipping pages, eager to unravel the mystery behind the Outcast's identity and motives.

One of the novel's strengths lies in its exploration of trauma and its lingering effects. Tess Claibourne, haunted by her own past and the specter of Father Silence's reign of terror, is a deeply flawed yet compelling protagonist. Her journey to confront her demons while navigating the perilous investigation is both poignant and riveting, adding layers of depth to the story.

However, "Sleep Tight" falters somewhat in its execution as the plot progresses. While the initial momentum is strong, the narrative loses some of its steam midway through as the investigation meanders in multiple directions. Tess, ostensibly the lead investigator, takes a backseat as other characters take the reins, diluting her impact on the story. This shift may disappoint readers expecting a more central role for the protagonist.

"Sleep Tight" by J. H. Markert is like stepping into a heart-pounding nightmare that you just can't tear yourself away from – and I give it a solid four stars.

A small town shrouded in darkness, haunted by the legacy of a serial killer who once posed as a priest. Sounds intense, right? Well, buckle up, because this book takes you on a wild ride through twists and turns that'll leave you breathless. The premise alone – a detective's daughter forced to confront her deepest fears and darkest memories – had me hooked, and I couldn't wait to see where the story would take me. And it's a wild ride from start to finish!

What I loved most about this book was its breakneck pace. Seriously, there's never a dull moment! Each chapter is packed with action, suspense, and enough twists to make your head spin. Just when you think you've got it all figured out, Markert throws another twist, leaving you scrambling to keep up.

However I'll admit, there were moments when I had to pause and catch my breath because there was just so much going on. But you know what? That's part of what makes "Sleep Tight" so darn exciting! From serial killers to kidnapping to cults and addiction, this book has it all.

And then there's Tess Claibourne. She's flawed, haunted by her past, and yet she's also incredibly brave and determined. Her journey to uncover the truth about her family's dark secrets while racing against the clock to save her daughter had me totally invested from start to finish.

"Sleep Tight" is a must-read for anyone who loves a good thriller. With its fast-paced plot, complex characters, and spine-tingling twists, it's a book that'll keep you up way past your bedtime, eagerly turning pages until the very end.

LOVED this book. This was my first book by this author and I can't wait to read more. We follow Tess and Justin as they try to locate their missing daughter. Years ago, a man was convicted of murder of many children, but he would not speak of his crimes. Thus, the media began calling him Father Silence. Finally, he is put to death but before he dies, he utters his final words, "Be aware the one that got away". In the days following his execution, Tess and Justin's daughter is kidnapped by the "Outcast" who idolized Father Silence and thus is beginning a new wave of murders. So many twists and turns, but everything about this amazing, heart pounding and fast paced. You won't want to put it down.

Sleep Tight by J. H. Markert was received directly from the publisher and I chose to review it. I had never read this author before and I would read more if given the chance. This book, while touted as a "horror" book, is more a police drama that starts out fast and furious. At some point, maybe 20%, it starts to become difficult to follow with so many characters being introduced. Around 40% I personally got to the point where I just wanted the book to end or to become real horror. If you, or someone you buy gifts for enjoys long police procedure books, certainly give this one a read. I gave it three point five stars but rounded down to three.

Sleep Tight opens with the execution of Father Silence, a murderer who pretended to be a priest and refused to provide the police with details of his crimes. Detective Tess Claibourne’s father was one of the arresting officers, but flashbacks to Tess’s childhood hint at her involvement, as well.

Tess’s parents moved her away from the town of Twisted Tree, Kentucky following Father Silence’s arrest, but she’ll head back there when murders resume on the heels of the execution and her daughter goes missing. Did Father Silence act alone, or were there others involved? Aided by her best friend/partner and her estranged psychologist husband, Justin, Tess must face her past to save her daughter.

Children in danger, a flawed protagonist, and an institutionalized patient suffering from dissociative identity disorder propel this twisted thriller forward while the author provides context and backstory through witness statements and interviews from the original case, which is my favorite way to glean history.

The writing style is fluid and tense, but the identities of multiple characters who aren’t who they seem to be convolutes and dilutes the plot, watering down the impact of critical reveals through repeated use of the same device. There are multiple priests and imposters, a dissociated patient with more than a handful of personalities, and others, though I don’t want to spoil anything. I would have to re-read the novel in order to put all of the pieces into context now that I know the truth about the characters.

Speaking of characters, Tess Claibuorne is a complicated one whose fear of thunder storms and flashbacks to repressed memories add to the tension and mystery but whose addiction leaves me scratching my head. She’s the iconic mother character, desperate to save her missing child, but reverts to prescription drug abuse at critical points, making her husband Justin’s affair seem like the lesser sin. Hers isn’t a recovery arc, per se, and the author’s decision to make her an addict lessens her likability, reduces her credibility, and shifts blame away from Justin while scratching the surface of the quasi-relatable antagonist trope—an evil character saving children from bad parents although Justin Claibourne never fit that mold to me.

Sleep Tight is an excellent thriller with lots of moving parts. It relies heavily on genre tropes that lends a familiar mashup feel to this otherwise original story. The blurb cites The Black Phone, but Sleep Tight evokes more of a Joe Hill NOS4A2 feeling for me with the “rescued” children, Silence of the Lambs and Billy Milligan with the interviewing of the dissociative identity disorder patient, the execution and fallout reminds me of Chuck Wendig’s Book of Accidents, and religion in horror is a trope in itself; a sub-genre, really.

Sleep Tight is highly recommended for fans of any of the above and crime fiction readers who enjoy tense abduction stories rather than horror. The gore is mild and might appeal to readers who also enjoyed Ronald Malfi’s December Park for straddling of the lines between horror, mystery, and thriller.

Thank you to NetGalley, J.H. Markert, and Crooked Lane Books for the Advance Reader Copy.

The book is twisted, heartbreaking and creepy. The ending was jaw dropping. The characters were intriguing. So many unthinkable things happens in this book.

To rectify the present, sometimes one has to face the demons of their past. The fear, creepiness, mystery and suspense kept me on the edge of my seat. Detective Tess Claibourne talked with her father last night. She did not see this coming and the next day, the news of her parent’s death arrives. But unfortunate happenings don’t stop there, now her daughter is also missing. She is in such a dilemma whether she grieve for her mother and father or she find her daughter. The mystery of her disappearance is linked to her childhood town and twisted tree. She herself is traumatised by her childhood memories and all the murders that took place at twisted tree. Will she be able to find her daughter? The book was so creepy, haunting and the kind of book which keeps the readers at the edge. The twists and turns were unpredictable.


Many Thanks to the Author, Publisher and Netgalley.

Rating: 4.5

Thanks to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC. The review is my own honest opinion.

This horror thriller sucked me in and buckled me up for one hell of a wild ride. With as many twists, turns, dives, and loop-de-loops you go on to get to the grand finale, I definitely needed that seat belt. Whew!

I will say, that because of how twisty this gets and how much information is fed to you from both past and present, it can get confusing. I also felt like some of the characters kind of meta-ed the information, not acting very shocked by new information as if they knew it all along and they shouldn't have. It made any shock factor dissipate, as I was more confused by their non-reaction to react myself.

But beyond that, and perhaps a few hiccups with spelling and awkward sentence structure that I hope will get polished before it gets published, I did truly enjoy this book. Haunting, creepy, fucked up, nerve wracking, and oddly heart warming at points for that brief break from all the tension.

Please be aware of trigger warnings, especially centered around childhood trauma. Neglect, abuse, SA, substance abuse, brutal unaliving, mental illness, etc. There's also mention of an affair between two of the PoVs (there's multiple PoVs in this book). I can't stand cheaters, so I instantly hated that character. But that's my own personal gripe for the character and not used against my rating.

I was able to read this book early and I'm really glad I did!
It felt like a mix of an episode of Criminal Minds and that awesome first season of True Detective. Amazing twist and turns through out the book...
The only downside was that it was a bit too long. Other than that, I loved it!

Posted this review on Goodreads, on April 8th and will also post it on Amazon.com, on publication day Sept 10th 2024

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for allowing me to read an ARC of this book. I absolutely loved this book! I loved the mystery of who the Outcast is, and how the story actually unfolds. I loved how the author developed Noah's DID, and how his identities came to be. I like how strong Tess is, and how smart and caring Justin is. This kept me guessing until the end and I just could not put it down.

Thank you NetGalley and J. H. Market for this ARC. This book was an amazing ride! From start to finish I was totally enthralled with the story and the characters.. It was a mix of crime, cult and horror, and I loved every minute of it. This is a new author for me, but I will definitely be reading more of their books, and I would highly recommend this book! This would be a perfect book, if you’re stuck in a book slump, and you need a book that’s fast paced and hard to put down! I also loved the cover as well!!!