Sleep Tight kept me glued to the page. There were multiple POVs, and I enjoyed every single one. I found myself invested in each character on their quest to rescue Tess and Justin's daughter Julia after a suspected killer abducted her. The backstory and the plot were so rich in suspense, mystery, intrigue, and trauma. I highly recommend this book to horror, thriller, and mystery fans. Especially those who enjoy noir.

Sleep Tight by J.H. Markert

Dark, gritty, creepy, horror story that sees more than one person stretched to the limit ~ Couldn’t put it down!

What I liked:
* The beginning of the book that created the darkness that would continue
* How unsettling some of the events were
* That the main characters were flawed and though I didn’t necessarily like them, I did end up understanding them
* The way on character’s use of psychogenic amnesia as a coping mechanism and the way the piece of her memory gradually returned
* The coping skills of more than one character in the story – some were not healthy and allowed the characters to do horrific things but the mechanisms used probably saved their lives…and perhaps those of others
* The shades of grey with some people doing bad things had some redeeming qualities…maybe
* The friendship between the Claiborne and Gomes families
* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing
* That most of the threads of the story were exposed and tied up in a bow by the end of the story
* That it took me out of my comfort zone

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about the abuse, evil, murders, and horrors some experienced and wondering how people became so warped
* Having to suspend belief a few times

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

The town or Twisted Tree was haunted by Father Silence a killer. Now he is gone a new killer takes his place. Detective Tess Clairburne must face the past to try and stop this killer. She has one unlikely ally if he can remember anything. Spell binding.

Wow! Hands down, this is probably one of my best spooky reads in a while! I was glued and never expected anything that came forward all throughout this brilliant novel. It is definitely a one of a kind read and will have you pondering for days after.

THIS RELEASES AT THE PERFECT TIME FOR SPOOKY SEASON!

Why is there so much dialogue? Just why? Why was it so slow? The pace was painful. I was intrigued but there's too much unnecessary stuff and unnecessary dialogue. And why is it promoted as creepy/spooky and it isn't??? I usually enjoy this author's books but this needs editing. The book isn't bad but I'd make some changes to make it have a better pace and cut a bit of all the unnecessary conversations.
Overall, it was a good one. Didn't love it but was entertaining. I recommend this one. With those touches of creepiness, was good. Not much favorite by the author, but still good and entertaining.

J.H. Markert is an author you’ll want to keep your eyes on! The cover alone is enough to pull you in, but don’t be fooled by the slightly misleading title—it delivers way more than you might expect. If you’re into ghostly and mild supernatural vibes (or even if you’re not), this one might just surprise you. It’s not spine-chillingly scary, but the horror elements still creep up in all the right places.

Now, let’s talk about Noah—whoa! I won’t spoil a thing, but the mystery surrounding him is so good, and watching Tess and Justin unravel it is a journey you don’t want to miss. Oh, and pro tip: Don’t skip the prologue—it’s a big deal in this one! The opening chapters? Chef’s kiss. They perfectly set the stage and tone for what’s to come.

Overall, this book’s got a unique concept, strong writing, and plenty of gripping moments to keep you hooked. Big thanks to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for letting me dive into this ARC!

I had high expectations from this book but while this had great potential, it didn't fully live up to it.

A twist on serial killer thrillers, this follows what happens after the execution of "Father Silence". The book has moments along with good twists but is also disjointed. I understand a degree of suspension of belief is required for such stories but the book makes a lot of the characters seem careless at best and idiotic at worst. Too many characters' POVs make it confusing to understand whose thoughts it was I was reading. The pacing could have also been faster considering someone was abducted.

Overall an okay read which fans of serial killers will enjoy. Thanks to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for the advanced readers' copy!

2.5/5

Thank you to Macmillan Audio (#MacAudio) and Dreamscape Media for the ALC and amazing swag box!

Beware the one who got away…

If you want a book to kick off the spooky season, look no further than “Sleep Tight!” When I tell you I devoured this book, I mean I started listening in the morning and didn’t turn it off til I was done.

Decades ago, “Father Silence” terrorized the town of Twisted Tree…the horror he brought upon the town trickled down in every way imaginable. When he is finally put to death decades later, the original detective who made his arrest is also found brutally murdered the next day. That detective’s daughter, Tess, has been haunted by Father Silence’s terror for nearly her entire life. When her own daughter is kidnapped, past and present collide in a terrifying way.

From the background of “Father Silence” and the horror he brought upon the town years ago, to the present day terror of Tess’ daughter missing, the story had me on the edge of my seat. Tess’ panic was tangible, and her cloudy memories from childhood pulled me deeper into the story. And what I found as the layers were peeled back scared me. Undoubtedly one of my top reads of this year - don’t miss “Sleep Tight”.

”Sleep Tight” releases September 10, 2024. This review will be shared to my instagram blog @(books_by_the_bottle) shortly :)

Frequent viewers of my book review channel already know how much I enjoy stories about serial killers—and that I've seen it all. For me, the key is unique characters, dynamic storytelling, and unpredictable twists. That’s why I was captivated by both the plotline of Father Silence and the present-day killer, The Outcast.

The sole survivor of Father Silence’s reign of terror, 20 years earlier, endured unimaginable trauma, both before and after his kidnapping, leaving his mental health shattered. He was the most compelling character for me, and I found his story the most engaging to read.

As with most crime thrillers, the law enforcement characters follow typical procedures, but the author kept them intriguing by exploring their personal backgrounds. Normally, I don't pay much attention to officers or detectives, but Markert made me emotionally invested in a few of them. As the pieces fell into place and the storylines converged, I found myself on edge, heart racing, as the ending approached.

I have to admit, the ending of this book took me by surprise. The author’s clever use of ambiguity allowed my imagination to run wild, forming theories around elements I found intriguing. It also kept me from predicting the outcome, which made the experience all the more enjoyable.

The author masterfully cultivates a sense of intrigue, with a subtle yet growing suspense that hints something is amiss. Their vivid descriptions of emotion evoke a powerful response, making me feel alongside the characters. The use of short chapters, alternating between the past—detailing Father Silence's arrest—and the present, created a rising tension that drove the story forward, building momentum and suspense that made it impossible to put down.

I have already procured copies of two other books written by this author, THE NIGHTMARE MAN and MISTER LULLABY, to read next!


**My video review will go live on my YouTube Channel, The Nerdy Narrative on September 10, 2024. Links to the video will be shared on Facebook, X, Threads, Blue Sky, Instagram, Reddit, Goodreads and Amazon**

𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:
Markert NEVER disappoints me! This is THE PERFECT book for spooky season, so be sure to add it to your spooky season TBR list now😱 If you enjoyed Markert’s previous books, The Nightmare Man and Mister Lullaby, then you will definitely want to check this one out! They call him ‘Father Silence’, a serial killer who had a “House of Horrors” where they discovered more than 19 bodies and one lone survivor. That survivor may just hold the answers to everything, except now that survivor is holed up in a mental hospital.
The murders stopped after the arrest of ‘Father Silence'…that is until now. The murders start up again, which leaves everyone questioning if their suspect, ’Father Silence’, is really responsible? Did he have an accomplice? Or is this a potential copycat?
This book is unsettling, spooky, creepy, disturbing, and eerie. It had me on the edge of my seat as I flipped through the pages, unable to put the book down, and wanting to know what happened next. Markert does a great job with the character development throughout this book and bringing each and every character (and yes, there are many) to life. This story is told in alternating timelines of past and present, leaving the reader to connect the pieces of the puzzle between the two. If you are needing a pulse pounding twisty and creepy read for spooky season then you NEED this one!😱


𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗜𝗳 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗘𝗻𝗷𝗼𝘆:
✦Pulse pounding books
✦Well developed characters
✦Alternating timelines
✦Creepy, spooky, terrifyingly eerie, twisted, and disturbing books


𝐌𝐲 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4.5/5

This the kind of book that draws you in with a seemingly straightforward story about a serial killer finally being brought to justice. But once you’re in, you quickly realize that this is just the beginning of a much deeper, more twisted nightmare. What seems like a closed case unravels into a complex web of secrets, revealing that the killer was just one small piece in a much larger, more sinister game.

This book has a lot going on—multiple characters, timelines, and histories all intertwining, which can be overwhelming, especially if you’re the type who loves to piece together the mystery as you read. It reminded me of that feeling you get when you watch a three-hour movie: it’s engaging, you’re entertained, but you definitely feel the length, and by the end, you’re a bit drained. That’s how I felt after finishing this novel—it’s heavy and dense, requiring some mental endurance.

What kept me hooked, though, were the little reveals scattered throughout the story. Instead of saving everything for a big twist at the end, the author drops breadcrumbs along the way, which made the unraveling mystery more digestible and engaging. The mix of human evil with a potential supernatural force added a creepy layer that really got under my skin. There’s something about the fear of the unknown that makes your spine tingle, and Markert nailed that feeling.

Sure, a few plot points stretched my imagination and felt a bit rushed, but overall, the story was chilling enough to bleed into my dreams for a couple of nights. If a book can do that, it’s done its job well. So, if you’re in the mood for a dark, complex, and unsettling read, "Sleep Tight" is worth checking out.

Thank you Crooked Lane Books for my free ARC of Sleep Tight by JH Markert — available Sep 10!

» READ IF YOU «
🍿 are looking for something that will pull you in quickly
👻 were afraid of the closet when you were little
🪄 are okay with a bit of "suspend your disbelief"

» SYNOPSIS «
After the execution of notorious serial killer Father Silence, the lead detective responsible for his capture is murdered in cold blood in his home. And it seems like the new killer may be after more than just him, when he kidnaps detective Tess Claibourne's daughter in broad daylight. At a dead end, Tess will have to dig up her own past as well as that of Father Silence's only surviving victim — will she be too late to save her daughter?

» REVIEW «
This was such a fast-paced, edge-of-my-seat read, and it's exactly what I wanted when I picked it up. There is a little lag in the middle, but I still finished this one in a day. There are many moving parts to this story and it was exhilarating to watch everything unfold, though I will caution that there is a good bit of "suspend your disbelief" needed, especially with regard to rare medical conditions. But hey, it's fiction, and it was such a fun ride. Definitely recommend this one for Spooky Season TBRs!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Although this book kept me engaged throughout, and I did really like the writing style, there were a few things that kept me from really loving this one. First of all, the pacing felt a little inconsistent with some sections being super gripping and suspenseful and others feeling slow and bogged down in details. My biggest issue might be a spoiler, so I will try to keep it vague. But I don’t love the use of mental illness as a “thrilling” plot device. I don’t know a lot about the mental illness used in this one, but although it didn’t feel overtly offensive, it still felt like kind of a lazy and cliche choice. This one just felt like it was trying to do too much between going through a cold case, child kidnappings (particularly with our main character’s daughter), plus a weird cult that was never fully explained. With so many elements, it felt like nothing was given the proper time or explanation. I have heard great things about this author’s other books, and this book definitely didn’t dissuade me from wanting to try those. Particularly with how much I did enjoy the writing style and how propulsive some of this felt, I would hope that his other works would work more for me.

a serial killer copy cat goes on a rampage and there is only one person who can catch them? If you feel the need to lock all your doors and not want to be alone at night this is a great read. There is a lot going on... Cults, creepy dolls, stalking, kidnapping, and an unsettling house.

Ok, this is some seriously next-level horror thriller read!
There is EVERYTHING in there. Suspense, doom, mental institutions, it’s a chilling and atmospheric fast-paced read, laced with palpable HORROR.

What a read this was! This story goes along the story of the classic missing child, but then even brings in themes like mental institutions, old homes and mental illness. As the plot progresses it is hard for the reader to determine who to trust, who is good, who is bad, because ultimately it is all so subjective. Ironically, a character drives with the window down smoking a cigarette as an ultimate "I don't care" to a world who seems to care a lot about them. It just all felt so intense and captivating. This is a top horror read for 2024!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane books for the free e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This is the story of Father Silence, a brutal serial killer that left behind 19 bodies and one survivor. A small kid was the only one to make it out alive from this sadistic killer’s basement. After his arrest, he refused to speak. This got him the nickname of Father Silence. But right after his execution nearly 20 years later, people are being murdered again, kids are being kidnapped and the police are running out of time to find them alive. The new serial killer is calling himself the Outcast.

Detective Tess Claibourne tries to uncover the identity of this new killer and catch them before it is too late. This is personal for Tess and there is no stone she will leave unturned to find those children.

Despite the pacing being a bit off at times, I really did enjoy this thriller with a touch of horror.
I am not a huge fan of horror so this thrilling cat and mouse tale between a smart detective with nothing to lose and an evasive killer checked the boxes for me!

Holy creepy cult vibes!!! I flew through this one, it was so good!!!! 🙌

Fast-paced throughout and a definite page turner!! If you enjoy horror or thriller novels involving cults or serial killers, you need to pick this one up!!! 👏

Thank you to NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books, and J.H. Markert for the opportunity to read the eARC in exchange for my honest review! ❤️ I have The Nightmare Man and Mister Lullaby on my TBR and I’m so excited to get to them both soon!!!

Father Silence once terrorized the rural town of Twisted Tree, disguising himself as a priest to prey on the most vulnerable members of society. When the police finally found his "House of Horrors," they uncovered nineteen bodies and one survivor–a boy now locked away in a hospital for the criminally insane. Nearly two decades later, Father Silence is finally executed, but by the next morning, the detective who made the original arrest is found dead. A new serial killer is taking credit for the murder and calling himself the Outcast. The detective’s daughter, Tess Claibourne, is a detective herself, haunted by childhood trauma and horrified by the death of her father and the resurgence of Father Silence’s legacy. When Tess’s daughter is kidnapped by the Outcast, Tess is forced to face her worst fears and long-buried memories. With no leads to follow, she travels back to Twisted Tree to visit the boy who survived and see what secrets might be buried in the tangled web of his broken mind.

This is the third book I have read by this author. Although I did enjoy this one, I will admit I enjoyed the other two slightly more. This was definitely creepy though, and it kept me on the edge of my seat wondering who the Outcast really was, and why they were doing this. Stakes got increasingly higher as the book went on, until it ended with an explosive finish. I really enjoyed the way it tied past and present together using Tess's memories. Because she was so traumatized from that as a child, she completely lost all memory of that time. As the case builds, her memory slowly returns in bits and pieces. If you are a fan of horror, or thrillers then you should definitely check this out.

J.H. Markert has been writing horror lately that feels like old-school horror with a fresh spin, and that is something I can appreciate. Sleep Tight packs one hell of a punch. Markert has a collection of characters that at first feel disjointed, but as they story evolves, so do the characters and the depth of both will quickly pull you in to this pulse-pounding read.

This is horror as it should be written!