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Memorials
Win a free print copy of this book!
9 days and 04:02:02
50 copies available
U.S. only
A group of students encounter a supernatural terror while on a road trip through Appalachia in this chilling new novel from the New York Times bestselling author of the “unforgettable and scary” (Harlan Coben) Chasing the Boogeyman.
1983: Three students from a small college embark on a week-long road trip to film a documentary on roadside memorials for their American Studies class. The project starts out as a fun adventure with long stretches of empty road and nightly campfires where they begin to open up with one another. But as they venture deeper into the Appalachian backwoods, the atmosphere begins to darken. They notice more and more of the memorials feature a strange, unsettling symbol hinting at a sinister secret. Paranoia sets in when it appears they are being followed. Their vehicle is tampered with overnight and some of the locals appear to be anything but welcoming. Before long, the students can’t help but wonder if these roadside deaths were really random accidents…or is something terrifying at work here?
480 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication October 22, 2024
About the author
Richard Chizmar
250 books2,716 followersRichard Chizmar is a New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Amazon, and Publishers Weekly bestselling author.
He is the co-author (with Stephen King) of the bestselling novella, Gwendy’s Button Box and the founder/publisher of Cemetery Dance magazine and the Cemetery Dance Publications book imprint. He has edited more than 35 anthologies and his short fiction has appeared in dozens of publications, including multiple editions of Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine and The Year’s 25 Finest Crime and Mystery Stories. He has won two World Fantasy awards, four International Horror Guild awards, and the HWA’s Board of Trustee’s award.
Chizmar (in collaboration with Johnathon Schaech) has also written screenplays and teleplays for United Artists, Sony Screen Gems, Lions Gate, Showtime, NBC, and many other companies. He has adapted the works of many bestselling authors including Stephen King, Peter Straub, and Bentley Little.
Chizmar is also the creator/writer of the online website, Stephen King Revisited. His fourth short story collection, The Long Way Home, was published in 2019. With Brian Freeman, Chizmar is co-editor of the acclaimed Dark Screams horror anthology series published by Random House imprint, Hydra.
His latest book, The Girl on the Porch, was released in hardcover by Subterranean Press, and Widow’s Point, a chilling novella about a haunted lighthouse written with his son, Billy Chizmar, was recently adapted into a feature film.
Chizmar’s work has been translated into more than fifteen languages throughout the world, and he has appeared at numerous conferences as a writing instructor, guest speaker, panelist, and guest of honor.
He is the co-author (with Stephen King) of the bestselling novella, Gwendy’s Button Box and the founder/publisher of Cemetery Dance magazine and the Cemetery Dance Publications book imprint. He has edited more than 35 anthologies and his short fiction has appeared in dozens of publications, including multiple editions of Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine and The Year’s 25 Finest Crime and Mystery Stories. He has won two World Fantasy awards, four International Horror Guild awards, and the HWA’s Board of Trustee’s award.
Chizmar (in collaboration with Johnathon Schaech) has also written screenplays and teleplays for United Artists, Sony Screen Gems, Lions Gate, Showtime, NBC, and many other companies. He has adapted the works of many bestselling authors including Stephen King, Peter Straub, and Bentley Little.
Chizmar is also the creator/writer of the online website, Stephen King Revisited. His fourth short story collection, The Long Way Home, was published in 2019. With Brian Freeman, Chizmar is co-editor of the acclaimed Dark Screams horror anthology series published by Random House imprint, Hydra.
His latest book, The Girl on the Porch, was released in hardcover by Subterranean Press, and Widow’s Point, a chilling novella about a haunted lighthouse written with his son, Billy Chizmar, was recently adapted into a feature film.
Chizmar’s work has been translated into more than fifteen languages throughout the world, and he has appeared at numerous conferences as a writing instructor, guest speaker, panelist, and guest of honor.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 9, 2024
ARC for review. To be published October 22, 2024.
I have absolutely adored Chizmar’s “Boogeyman” books so I was hoping for great things from this standalone and he mostly delivered…mostly. It’s 1983 and I have feathered hair and a spiral perm (and I DO look gorgeous, thanks so much!)
Oh, and also, in this book, three students, Billy Anderson, Troy Carpenter and Melody Wise from York College in Pennsylvania are taking an American Studies class together. Their assignment is to film a documentary and they have decided to frame theirs around the roadside memorials placed after vehicle accidents. They plan to make a week long road trip to film the memorials and to find loved ones of the deceased to interview. They will film in the Pennsylvania Appalachians, Billy’s home. This is personal to him; he lost both parents in a car accident and they have one of the memorials the trio will cover.
As they go deeper into the mountains they start to notice a symbol on some of the memorials. What does it mean? Paranoia sets in. They feel the locals are treating them oddly. Strange things begin to happen. What is the mystery surrounding the memorials?
The book starts off with a great first sentence, “Later, when the trip went bad, I would remember the bleeding man on the bicycle and wonder if he was a sign of things to come.” I hope Chizmar doesn’t feel it’s an insult to say this is very reminiscent of Stephen King for me, in a good way. And I’m guessing Chizmar would not be miffed in the least, for there are little shout outs and Easter eggs to King throughout the book…I won’t spoil them as they are fun to find for King fans.
The three man characters, narrator Billy, Troy and Melody are all richly drawn. I love that Troy reminds us of the casual racism that was still very much present in the early 1980s (well, OK, is likely still present, but less obvious, now).
The horror aspects of the book are well done. I wasn’t exactly surprised by what went on, as I had called it (to myself) early on, but it was still very strong throughout, and if it dropped off a bit at the end, I can honestly say that probably only speaks well to the tension Chizmar maintains throughout. There were a few things I thought just didn’t make much sense, but, hey, it’s a horror novel, so expecting people to act rationally is probably a little much.
My one problem, and this takes the book to four stars for me instead of five….I have lived in the mountains all my life, not Pennsylvania, but Virginia and West Virginia, so we’re likely considered even more backward than your hoity-toity Pennsylvania hillbillies. The Appalachian stereotypes were a little much. Chizmar plays it as if every mountain town is filled with backwoods lunatics, howling at the moon. Only Billy’s aunt, and the police office escape his glare. There are actual doctors and lawyers and such, even in some of the small towns. Allegedly. I live in a city. You think I go to those small towns? People are crazy there.
That was a joke. Well, I do live in a city, but I just wasn’t crazy about the Appalachian stereotypes. We get a hard enough time.
Other than that, really loved the book. Chizmar is rapidly becoming a “must read” author for me. Now pick on somebody else next time!
I have absolutely adored Chizmar’s “Boogeyman” books so I was hoping for great things from this standalone and he mostly delivered…mostly. It’s 1983 and I have feathered hair and a spiral perm (and I DO look gorgeous, thanks so much!)
Oh, and also, in this book, three students, Billy Anderson, Troy Carpenter and Melody Wise from York College in Pennsylvania are taking an American Studies class together. Their assignment is to film a documentary and they have decided to frame theirs around the roadside memorials placed after vehicle accidents. They plan to make a week long road trip to film the memorials and to find loved ones of the deceased to interview. They will film in the Pennsylvania Appalachians, Billy’s home. This is personal to him; he lost both parents in a car accident and they have one of the memorials the trio will cover.
As they go deeper into the mountains they start to notice a symbol on some of the memorials. What does it mean? Paranoia sets in. They feel the locals are treating them oddly. Strange things begin to happen. What is the mystery surrounding the memorials?
The book starts off with a great first sentence, “Later, when the trip went bad, I would remember the bleeding man on the bicycle and wonder if he was a sign of things to come.” I hope Chizmar doesn’t feel it’s an insult to say this is very reminiscent of Stephen King for me, in a good way. And I’m guessing Chizmar would not be miffed in the least, for there are little shout outs and Easter eggs to King throughout the book…I won’t spoil them as they are fun to find for King fans.
The three man characters, narrator Billy, Troy and Melody are all richly drawn. I love that Troy reminds us of the casual racism that was still very much present in the early 1980s (well, OK, is likely still present, but less obvious, now).
The horror aspects of the book are well done. I wasn’t exactly surprised by what went on, as I had called it (to myself) early on, but it was still very strong throughout, and if it dropped off a bit at the end, I can honestly say that probably only speaks well to the tension Chizmar maintains throughout. There were a few things I thought just didn’t make much sense, but, hey, it’s a horror novel, so expecting people to act rationally is probably a little much.
My one problem, and this takes the book to four stars for me instead of five….I have lived in the mountains all my life, not Pennsylvania, but Virginia and West Virginia, so we’re likely considered even more backward than your hoity-toity Pennsylvania hillbillies. The Appalachian stereotypes were a little much. Chizmar plays it as if every mountain town is filled with backwoods lunatics, howling at the moon. Only Billy’s aunt, and the police office escape his glare. There are actual doctors and lawyers and such, even in some of the small towns. Allegedly. I live in a city. You think I go to those small towns? People are crazy there.
That was a joke. Well, I do live in a city, but I just wasn’t crazy about the Appalachian stereotypes. We get a hard enough time.
Other than that, really loved the book. Chizmar is rapidly becoming a “must read” author for me. Now pick on somebody else next time!
June 25, 2024
GIVE IT TO ME
*just for clarification I haven't read this yet (I thought I made that clear don't want to MISLEAD ANYONE) but I rated it 5 stars because, I know it's gonna be 5 stars, love this author, love this book already, how dya know im not a psychic, a regular old mystic meg, apparently that upset someone, I'm a criminal what can I say, lock me up , throw away the key I deserve to be banished from society for my heinous act*
Still 5 stars though
*just for clarification I haven't read this yet (I thought I made that clear don't want to MISLEAD ANYONE) but I rated it 5 stars because, I know it's gonna be 5 stars, love this author, love this book already, how dya know im not a psychic, a regular old mystic meg, apparently that upset someone, I'm a criminal what can I say, lock me up , throw away the key I deserve to be banished from society for my heinous act*
Still 5 stars though
February 7, 2024
LETS GOOOO! Can't wait to read Chizmars next book!
July 11, 2024
A fascinating horror story that includes a time capsule of the 80's.
It's 1983 and three college kids leave on a road trip to document the memorials that are seen on roadsides. It's their thinking that this is an iconic piece of. culture that should be recorded - complete with testimonials from loved ones and others in the community of the memorials. The hero of the story, Billy, is still battling his own feelings about the sudden death of his parents in a roadway accident and as they drive, he considers if he can face going home to include the memorial.
As the three move through their mapped locations, they start to feel that they may be followed or that a nefarious person or thing is nearby. About halfway through the book the real horror starts and it's a great story! I loved the nostalgia but could have loved it more with a different ending. All the same, it's a great book for any horror fan, or nostalgic adult. It was clearly a labor of love for Chizmar and the care he took in telling it makes all the difference.
Thank you Netgalley!
#gallerybooks #richardchizmar #memorials
It's 1983 and three college kids leave on a road trip to document the memorials that are seen on roadsides. It's their thinking that this is an iconic piece of. culture that should be recorded - complete with testimonials from loved ones and others in the community of the memorials. The hero of the story, Billy, is still battling his own feelings about the sudden death of his parents in a roadway accident and as they drive, he considers if he can face going home to include the memorial.
As the three move through their mapped locations, they start to feel that they may be followed or that a nefarious person or thing is nearby. About halfway through the book the real horror starts and it's a great story! I loved the nostalgia but could have loved it more with a different ending. All the same, it's a great book for any horror fan, or nostalgic adult. It was clearly a labor of love for Chizmar and the care he took in telling it makes all the difference.
Thank you Netgalley!
#gallerybooks #richardchizmar #memorials
July 11, 2024
Picture this: you are a college-student filming a documentary with your two best friends. The subject? The memorials on the side of roads, you know the ones. The white cross in the middle of nowhere, decorated with balloons and flowers? They are all over the area that you grew up, and your own parents have one after their horrific accident.
Richard Chizmar is a must-read for me, simply because of his Boogeyman books. He is able to capture nostalgia in a way that I've never read before. It's a pull at your heart, but not in a cheesy way. There is a warm feeling when his characters talk about home, and the entire idea of home.
Memorials is the story of three college students working on a documentary on roadside memorials for their American Studies class. The three encounter sexism, racism and just general hate at every town they stop in. Strange looks, hostile waitresses, and questionable answers follow each memorial they try and investigate. When they start getting threats...through notes and photos, they understand that the memorials as well as themselves are part of a much larger story.
This is a terrifying story. It's 80's horror, mixed with a coming of age, in a universe where The Blair Witch is just a fun little campfire tale. This gave me nightmares....but in the way that the best horror movies and books that I love.
While I did find there were some loose threads (the angel tattoo, Troy, the American Studies class..afterwards), I still loved how this ended. I almost hope that Chizmar writes a sequel. I need more of this horror, more of the little stick figures, more of Billy and Aunt Helen.
As always, thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, as well as my new horror king Richard Chizmar, for the opportunity to read and review this fantastic book.
Richard Chizmar is a must-read for me, simply because of his Boogeyman books. He is able to capture nostalgia in a way that I've never read before. It's a pull at your heart, but not in a cheesy way. There is a warm feeling when his characters talk about home, and the entire idea of home.
Memorials is the story of three college students working on a documentary on roadside memorials for their American Studies class. The three encounter sexism, racism and just general hate at every town they stop in. Strange looks, hostile waitresses, and questionable answers follow each memorial they try and investigate. When they start getting threats...through notes and photos, they understand that the memorials as well as themselves are part of a much larger story.
This is a terrifying story. It's 80's horror, mixed with a coming of age, in a universe where The Blair Witch is just a fun little campfire tale. This gave me nightmares....but in the way that the best horror movies and books that I love.
While I did find there were some loose threads (the angel tattoo, Troy, the American Studies class..afterwards), I still loved how this ended. I almost hope that Chizmar writes a sequel. I need more of this horror, more of the little stick figures, more of Billy and Aunt Helen.
As always, thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, as well as my new horror king Richard Chizmar, for the opportunity to read and review this fantastic book.
July 6, 2024
4.5 stars
✨I am a huge fan of @richard_chizmar’s writing and have basically demanded everyone I know read his BOOGEYMAN books. So it goes without saying that I was over the moon to receive an advance copy for his latest. So much so that I didn’t pay much attention to the synopsis and went in mostly blind. I WAS NOT PREPARED FOR THE LEVEL OF FRIGHT I EXPERIENCED! Do you hear me? I did not know! (I’m glad I didn’t, or I would have skipped it and missed an incredible read despite the serious level of horror.)
✨The book begins with a wholesome 80s coming of age vibe complete with college friendships and road trip adventures and builds slowly into an absolute nightmare of dread, terror and impending doom that had me peeking over my shoulder as I read late into the night.
✨Days after turning the last page, I was still pondering this book, uncovering new layers and discussing with friends. When a book lingers in this way, that’s when you know it’s a good one.
✨I’m not sure how Richard Chizmar writes books that simultaneously make me think deeply, warm my heart and leave me absolutely terrified – but he does it every time.
🌿Read if you like:
✨Serious horror
✨Blair Witch vibes
✨Stephen King
✨Coming-of-age stories
✨Appalachian folklore
✨80s nostalgia
✨Road trip tales
✨I am a huge fan of @richard_chizmar’s writing and have basically demanded everyone I know read his BOOGEYMAN books. So it goes without saying that I was over the moon to receive an advance copy for his latest. So much so that I didn’t pay much attention to the synopsis and went in mostly blind. I WAS NOT PREPARED FOR THE LEVEL OF FRIGHT I EXPERIENCED! Do you hear me? I did not know! (I’m glad I didn’t, or I would have skipped it and missed an incredible read despite the serious level of horror.)
✨The book begins with a wholesome 80s coming of age vibe complete with college friendships and road trip adventures and builds slowly into an absolute nightmare of dread, terror and impending doom that had me peeking over my shoulder as I read late into the night.
✨Days after turning the last page, I was still pondering this book, uncovering new layers and discussing with friends. When a book lingers in this way, that’s when you know it’s a good one.
✨I’m not sure how Richard Chizmar writes books that simultaneously make me think deeply, warm my heart and leave me absolutely terrified – but he does it every time.
🌿Read if you like:
✨Serious horror
✨Blair Witch vibes
✨Stephen King
✨Coming-of-age stories
✨Appalachian folklore
✨80s nostalgia
✨Road trip tales
July 15, 2024
ARC REVIEW **release date is 10/22
I have been a big fan of Chizmars style since reading Chasing the Boogeyman.
The way the setting is laid out is my favorite part of the story,he sets the scene beautifully.
Three students set out on a documentary style assignment to document roadside memorials and the families and communities that place them. Let the lost speak, and as the three wind their way thru back roads, they find several stories, the Appalachian community they are driving thru is tight-knit. They soon find a common theme at these memorials, and it takes them on a very different path than originally intended.
This story has elements of horror, urban legend feels, and lots of bumps in the night moments. When it starts to conclude, hang on tight it gets intense and wild.
Fantastic read!
I have been a big fan of Chizmars style since reading Chasing the Boogeyman.
The way the setting is laid out is my favorite part of the story,he sets the scene beautifully.
Three students set out on a documentary style assignment to document roadside memorials and the families and communities that place them. Let the lost speak, and as the three wind their way thru back roads, they find several stories, the Appalachian community they are driving thru is tight-knit. They soon find a common theme at these memorials, and it takes them on a very different path than originally intended.
This story has elements of horror, urban legend feels, and lots of bumps in the night moments. When it starts to conclude, hang on tight it gets intense and wild.
Fantastic read!
July 21, 2024
The depth of the characters on this book is astounding. Billy the main POV in the book is created so well it’s almost as if you’ve known him your life. The story line is awesome- road trip to road side memorials for a school project, with three best friends and throw in some creepy and crazy off the wall encounters?? Count me in! Fans of all things that go bump in the night and Stephen King will really enjoy this book.
July 22, 2024
Memorials may be Richard Chizmar's best, scariest book yet. It follows the journey of a trio of college students, Billy Anderson, Melody Wise and Troy Carpenter, as they embark on a trip to create a documentary telling the stories behind roadside memorials in the Appalachian region of Pennsylvania for a class project. Along the way they encounter both friendly support and encouragement, as well as antagonism from members of the communities they visit. They also begin to suspect that someone who doesn't want the documentary made is following them, and their growing sense of paranoia isn't eased when they experience disturbing dreams and odd encounters.
Fair warning: some readers may be bothered by scenes of graphic physical violence, including some that involve sexual encounters, along with brief mentions of a drug overdose, drug use and gang violence. For the most part these serve to move the story forward but may be uncomfortable for some.
Chizmar provides the necessary background about the earlier lives of the 3 unlikely college friends, each of whom has suffered a personal loss. This background helps to explain their willingness (compulsion?) to continue the trip even as they face mounting opposition to their undertaking as they find odd similarities and connections between many of the roadside memorials. The trio begin to wonder who they can and cannot trust as they go deeper into the hill country and on their return, as they try to unravel the mystery surrounding the memorials and the strange events they experience.
Written from the perspective of Billy Anderson, Chizmar builds suspense and then lets it taper off for just a bit before ratcheting up to an even higher level. The climactic scene is satisfyingly horrific and leads to further revelations that help life return to normal. Almost.
Fans of suspenseful thrillers and horror blended with a touch of the occult will enjoy this.
Highly recommended.
Fair warning: some readers may be bothered by scenes of graphic physical violence, including some that involve sexual encounters, along with brief mentions of a drug overdose, drug use and gang violence. For the most part these serve to move the story forward but may be uncomfortable for some.
Chizmar provides the necessary background about the earlier lives of the 3 unlikely college friends, each of whom has suffered a personal loss. This background helps to explain their willingness (compulsion?) to continue the trip even as they face mounting opposition to their undertaking as they find odd similarities and connections between many of the roadside memorials. The trio begin to wonder who they can and cannot trust as they go deeper into the hill country and on their return, as they try to unravel the mystery surrounding the memorials and the strange events they experience.
Written from the perspective of Billy Anderson, Chizmar builds suspense and then lets it taper off for just a bit before ratcheting up to an even higher level. The climactic scene is satisfyingly horrific and leads to further revelations that help life return to normal. Almost.
Fans of suspenseful thrillers and horror blended with a touch of the occult will enjoy this.
Highly recommended.
July 6, 2024
The synopsis of this book piqued my attention: 3 college students on a road trip through Appalachia to document roadside memorials encounter something supernatural! Yes please! This was right up my alley. Then there are the 80's vibes which also provided a great nostalgic feel. I loved the atmosphere, the sense of something not being quite right, and the eerie vibe in this book.
I can see this being made into a movie! I enjoyed the imagery of them traveling along the county roads, the nightly camp outs, sitting around a campfire bonding and talking about what they saw that day. One thing that they could not help but see was the symbols that were at the memorials. None of them have seen the symbol before and they find it unsettling, creepy, and odd. As they continue their weeklong guest, they encounter interesting and often unwelcoming people, learn about the memorials, and begin to feel more and more unsettled.
I enjoy the vibe in this book. The stick figures that pop up gave me Blair Witch vibes. From the campsites to the memorials, to the odd interactions with others, the tension slowly mounts, and the eerie and creepy vibe emanates from the book.
I had no idea where this book was going, and I enjoyed the ride! I was fully invested in the plight of the characters. I enjoyed their relationships with each other and their banter. I also enjoyed the unsettling feeling in the book, and I had some suspicions about some characters.
Dark, unsettling, tense, and gripping.
Thank you to Gallery Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
I can see this being made into a movie! I enjoyed the imagery of them traveling along the county roads, the nightly camp outs, sitting around a campfire bonding and talking about what they saw that day. One thing that they could not help but see was the symbols that were at the memorials. None of them have seen the symbol before and they find it unsettling, creepy, and odd. As they continue their weeklong guest, they encounter interesting and often unwelcoming people, learn about the memorials, and begin to feel more and more unsettled.
I enjoy the vibe in this book. The stick figures that pop up gave me Blair Witch vibes. From the campsites to the memorials, to the odd interactions with others, the tension slowly mounts, and the eerie and creepy vibe emanates from the book.
I had no idea where this book was going, and I enjoyed the ride! I was fully invested in the plight of the characters. I enjoyed their relationships with each other and their banter. I also enjoyed the unsettling feeling in the book, and I had some suspicions about some characters.
Dark, unsettling, tense, and gripping.
Thank you to Gallery Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
July 4, 2024
Many thanks to Edelweiss, Gallery Books, and Richard Chizmar for the ARC—so, this is what it feels like to win the lottery! Of the handful of authors I consider to be on my list of literary gods, Richard Chizmar happens to be one of them. His latest book is a mix of pure nightmare fuel and 80's nostalgia. The story revolves around three college students who partake in a week-long road trip to document roadside memorials. What starts as an academic project quickly turns into a nightmare journey as they venture into the eerie Appalachian backwoods, where horror ensues.
Chizmar expertly captures the eerie, desolate atmosphere of rural America with the raw fear of the unknown. Every page exudes a sense of impending dread, making it impossible to put down. The characters are well-developed and relatable, drawing readers into their terrifying ordeal. This is not just a horror novel; it’s a relentless journey into fear and the unknown, masterfully crafted to keep you on edge. Richard Chizmar has delivered yet another masterpiece, solidifying his status as a legend in the genre. This book is the stuff of nightmares, brilliantly, beautifully, and terrifyingly executed.
Once again, many thanks to Edelweiss, Gallery Books, and Richard Chizmar for the opportunity to read and review "Memorials" prior to its publication date.
Chizmar expertly captures the eerie, desolate atmosphere of rural America with the raw fear of the unknown. Every page exudes a sense of impending dread, making it impossible to put down. The characters are well-developed and relatable, drawing readers into their terrifying ordeal. This is not just a horror novel; it’s a relentless journey into fear and the unknown, masterfully crafted to keep you on edge. Richard Chizmar has delivered yet another masterpiece, solidifying his status as a legend in the genre. This book is the stuff of nightmares, brilliantly, beautifully, and terrifyingly executed.
Once again, many thanks to Edelweiss, Gallery Books, and Richard Chizmar for the opportunity to read and review "Memorials" prior to its publication date.
August 3, 2024
4.5 stars
Thank you to Richard Chizmar and Gallery Books for sending me the ARC for one of my highly anticipated reads of the year!
This book was something else! It’s definitely a slow burn, but it’s well worth the crazy wait!
The characters were so well written. They’re very different from each other, but each hold a huge role in this story. I loved the character development throughout the plot, I love their friendship, the random one liners that made me laugh out loud, it definitely gave me the comic relief I needed while the plot unfolded into something creepy.
Weird things start happening that don’t really make sense. It made me question what I was reading so many times, but I COULD NOT put this book down.
And the ending?!?! I mean, what perfection. My only issue with the book was that there were moments that made it a bit slow. But in all honesty, it had to be in the book to build the suspense.
If you like thrillers who are almost more like a horror book, a little bit of paranormal aspects, friendships, small town mysteries, cult books, and just being completely creeped out, you should pick this book up when it’s released!!
Thank you to Richard Chizmar and Gallery Books for sending me the ARC for one of my highly anticipated reads of the year!
This book was something else! It’s definitely a slow burn, but it’s well worth the crazy wait!
The characters were so well written. They’re very different from each other, but each hold a huge role in this story. I loved the character development throughout the plot, I love their friendship, the random one liners that made me laugh out loud, it definitely gave me the comic relief I needed while the plot unfolded into something creepy.
Weird things start happening that don’t really make sense. It made me question what I was reading so many times, but I COULD NOT put this book down.
And the ending?!?! I mean, what perfection. My only issue with the book was that there were moments that made it a bit slow. But in all honesty, it had to be in the book to build the suspense.
If you like thrillers who are almost more like a horror book, a little bit of paranormal aspects, friendships, small town mysteries, cult books, and just being completely creeped out, you should pick this book up when it’s released!!
July 17, 2024
ARC thanks to NetGalley.
Chizmar’s scariest, hands down.
I have always loved Chizmar’s work. This book is no exception. The eeriness of the Boogeyman novels is amplified x10 in Memorials.
Three college students, Billy, Melody, and Troy, go on a roadtrip to document the histories of roadside memorials. Along the way, they encounter a spiritual force far greater than their own imaginations can conceive. No one can be trusted.
This story takes the joy of a coming of age novel and blurs it with the horror of The Blair Witch Project. I found myself interrupting daily routines to get a page or two in.
The special thing about Chizmar is that he can touch on certain universal feelings in such a way that the reader feels genuinely seen. The ability to mix these feelings into a horror novel is just impressive.
Special thanks to Chizmar and NetGalley for an advanced read of the novel. Memorials is out on October 22, 2024!
Chizmar’s scariest, hands down.
I have always loved Chizmar’s work. This book is no exception. The eeriness of the Boogeyman novels is amplified x10 in Memorials.
Three college students, Billy, Melody, and Troy, go on a roadtrip to document the histories of roadside memorials. Along the way, they encounter a spiritual force far greater than their own imaginations can conceive. No one can be trusted.
This story takes the joy of a coming of age novel and blurs it with the horror of The Blair Witch Project. I found myself interrupting daily routines to get a page or two in.
The special thing about Chizmar is that he can touch on certain universal feelings in such a way that the reader feels genuinely seen. The ability to mix these feelings into a horror novel is just impressive.
Special thanks to Chizmar and NetGalley for an advanced read of the novel. Memorials is out on October 22, 2024!
June 18, 2024
I love what I do . . . playing in the sandbox with creators like Richard Chizmar is such a thrill . . . especially when I get to read his newest work ahead of most. And folks – I just finished Rich’s latest – Memorials.
I don’t have an ARC, but a digital copy of the original manuscript on my iPad. Let me tell you, October cannot get here soon enough. You guys are going to LOVE this one.
For me, it checks a lot of boxes as far as novels go. Rich gives us three absolutely relatable characters and throws them into some pretty spectacular jeopardy. The book keeps you guessing right up to the final pages . . . and that’s when he pulls the rug right out from under you . . . This one feels very different from what we’re accustomed to from Rich . . . in the very best way possible.
I don’t have an ARC, but a digital copy of the original manuscript on my iPad. Let me tell you, October cannot get here soon enough. You guys are going to LOVE this one.
For me, it checks a lot of boxes as far as novels go. Rich gives us three absolutely relatable characters and throws them into some pretty spectacular jeopardy. The book keeps you guessing right up to the final pages . . . and that’s when he pulls the rug right out from under you . . . This one feels very different from what we’re accustomed to from Rich . . . in the very best way possible.
July 26, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Chizmar is becoming one of my favorite authors.
What a phenomenal and creative book that has so many different elements.
I loved that it was set in the past, 1983. And the entire atmosphere of the Appalachian Mountains was enough to add a creepy element in.
Three friends go on a roadtrip for a college project and find themselves delving into so much more. Also a great look into coming to terms with our past and getting to know friends better too.
I loved the switch back and forth from video footage and the narrator as well.
Really great and creative book that I loved reading!
Chizmar is becoming one of my favorite authors.
What a phenomenal and creative book that has so many different elements.
I loved that it was set in the past, 1983. And the entire atmosphere of the Appalachian Mountains was enough to add a creepy element in.
Three friends go on a roadtrip for a college project and find themselves delving into so much more. Also a great look into coming to terms with our past and getting to know friends better too.
I loved the switch back and forth from video footage and the narrator as well.
Really great and creative book that I loved reading!
June 26, 2024
Chasing The Boogeyman and Becoming The Boogeyman is how I came to find Rich Chizmar.
This book though. I read it in a weekend.
It’s the early 80’s, so, for me, like the characters, a time of great promise. A college project. A road trip. Three young adults on a pilgrimage, so people will not be forgotten.
What could possibly go wrong documenting the roadside memorials and those stories of the dead?
Everything.
This book gave me nightmares. It’s seriously THAT damn good. If you are a Horror fan and give it a pass, you are doing yourself a disservice.
This book though. I read it in a weekend.
It’s the early 80’s, so, for me, like the characters, a time of great promise. A college project. A road trip. Three young adults on a pilgrimage, so people will not be forgotten.
What could possibly go wrong documenting the roadside memorials and those stories of the dead?
Everything.
This book gave me nightmares. It’s seriously THAT damn good. If you are a Horror fan and give it a pass, you are doing yourself a disservice.
July 12, 2024
Chizmar has another winner on his hands with this full-on horror story. I love the premise - three college students are traveling the back roads of PA to make a documentary about roadside memorials to people who died in traffic accidents. Character development is strong in this book, as well as descriptive locations and vivid memorials. Unexpected relationships between surprising people help hold the suspense. I don't scare easily but this book did have me checking the locks when I read after dark. Thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for providing an ARC.
July 6, 2024
I really enjoyed Richard Chizmar's new book Memorials, but I love reading anything he writes. The book had a lot of twists and was about a subject I've never really thought too much about. Definitely kept me turning the page to see what happened. Thanks to Richard Chizmar and Netgalley for providing this copy to me to read and review.
August 1, 2024
Another absolutely bone-chilling and suspenseful novel by Richard Chizmar. The way he holds your attention dangling on a string throughout the whole novel is incredible. Great story, great writing, and a hell of a stay up late type of book. Highly recommend.
June 18, 2024
Amazing. This guy just keeps upping the ante! What a creepy read.
June 18, 2024
Another great book by Rich Chizmar. Loved it!
June 23, 2024
My dad is pretty cool. Best book yet💯
June 24, 2024
Amazing read
July 16, 2024
Very good. It's going to be a long wait for this one to be in print but I'm definitely going to buy it.
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