The book begins with Father Silence, serial killer who once terrorized the town of Twisted Tree, being executed. He killed 19 but one got away. And now there is a copy cat killer called The Outcast who takes the grand daughter of detective who arrested Father Silence.

I enjoyed this book. It got a little slow at some parts. It is part horror, part mystery and part fantasy. A good Halloween read.

J.H. Markert is a definite go-to author for me. Ever since I read The Nightmare Man, I am HERE for his spooky stories.
The only survivor of a serial killer may be the key to stopping more murder and mayhem. Of course that survivor is in an asylum for the criminally insane, but that is neither here nor there. Detective Tess Claiborne's father, Leland Patterson, helped out away the serial killer known as Father Silence. On the eve of his electrocution, however, Jeff Pritchard, aka Father Silence, breaks his 17-year quiet to whisper, "Beware the one that got away."
When Tess's parents are found murdered the next day and her daughter kidnapped, Tess must revisit her own childhood trauma, and childhood home of Twisted Tree, KY, to find her daughter and the answers she seeks. This is arriving just in time for scary season!

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this e-arc.*

This book, THIS BOOK. Idk what I was expecting going into this one but it was not the ride it took me on. About 10% into this book sh*t hit the fan and I was not prepared. Sleep Tight is so brilliant and filled with tension. It made me feel like I was reading an episode of Criminal minds. If you love Crime books I highly suggest you read Sleep Tight. I don’t want to say too much because I don’t want to give anything away. Just buckle up and enjoy the ride because it is so worth it.
4/5 Stars

Thank you so much to the publisher and Netgalley for sending me an arc copy in exchange for my honest review.

I loved Markert‘s two previous titles. So no doubt I was requesting Sleep Tight by J. H. Markert.
This is another intriguing horror thriller.
The author did a good job in delivering this story, he never spares punches or surprises and the it kept me on the edge.
The storyline was unpredictable, keeping me fully engaged as I navigated through its twists and turns. The intensity of the plot never wavered, and I found myself constantly eager to see what would happen next.

This is my first J.H. Markert book but it most certainly won't be my last. I don't know what I was expecting going into this book but I think I was expecting more horror elements (at least initially in the story). The story begins with a serial killer from Tess's (our main character) past being put to death for his crimes. This sets off a series of events - a kidnapping, a double murder, and the rise of a cult in Tess's hometown.

We follow the story from multiple POVs - Tess, Justin (Tess's husband) Danny (Tess's Partner and Justin's best friend) as well as some POVs from the antagonist of this story.

I think my expectation of a scarier book initially tainted a little about how I was feeling about the story however it was super fast-paced, had a lot of short chapters, and cliff hanger endings - the ending of the overall story was fantastic - there were minor supernatural elements to the story which I didn't necessarily love.

Sleep Tight is labeled as a horror thriller. However, it reads more like a psychological thriller featuring a serial killer with a bit of police procedural thrown in for spice. I liked it but was expecting a more supernatural vibe that just wasn’t there.

The renowned serial killer nicknamed Father Silence is executed by the state. But a copycat killer is emulating his style. Detectives who worked on Father Silence’s case and their families are being targeted. Detective Tess’ daughter Julia is kidnapped. Can Tess, her partner Danny, and her estranged husband Julian find Julia before it’s too late? Do Tess’ repressed memories contain a clue to the copycat’s identity?

The main plot twist rapidly increased the number of characters to keep straight. I occasionally had to look back to figure out who people were when they were introduced early but then only appeared again much later in the story. Even with those asides, this book kept me reading well into the night. It has a high creepiness factor from the first chapter to the last. Sleep Tight is highly recommended for serial killer and pulse-pounding thriller fans. Not so much for horror buffs. 4 stars!

Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing me with an advanced review copy.

I’ve been so excited to read this book for a long time and I’m sad now that it’s over. But that’s only because I enjoyed it so much and didn’t want it to end! @jamesmarkert74 hit this one out of the park with the creep factor and the absolute bonkers twists and turns! If you’re into cult vibes, creepy serial killers, and the darkest aspects of human nature then you’ll love this book!

"Sleep Tight" by J.H. Markert is a deeply unsettling 5-star read. Tess Claiborne, a detective with the Missoula Police Department, receives a disturbing call from a mysterious man who tells her that two people are dead and that he's sorry. Tess must return to her hometown of Twisted Tree, Kentucky, to confront her past and save her family's future.

The story is fast-paced and held my interest throughout, with alternating chapters between the main characters—both good and evil. There are also "Before" chapters featuring interviews with witnesses to the crimes committed by Father Silence, which add crucial perspective to what Tess is up against. I highly recommend this book for fans of horror, particularly those interested in stories with a religious angle. However, be aware that the book contains numerous crimes against children, so if that is a trigger for you, it's best to avoid it.

I'm an instant fan of J.H. Markert and look forward to exploring his other novels.

Thanks to Crooked Lane Books, J. H. Markert, and NetGalley for providing me with the opportunity to read this ARC and share my honest review.

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!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️