Book Summary

"Chasing the Boogeyman" is a novel that entered the global book market in 2021, a beautiful work by Richard Chizmar that can essentially be considered a biography of the author himself, intertwined with a complex criminal plot. The story is set in 1988, when the main character has recently received his journalism degree and returned to the small town of Maryland, which is his hometown. Chizmar presents a fictional tale that unfolds over seven months, during which the protagonist decides to live with his parents and subsequently arrange a marriage, all while confronting a murder case. Four girls, who are acquaintances of his and all in their teenage years, become suspicious victims in this criminal case.

The protagonist, alongside efforts to prepare the first issue of a literary magazine named "Cemetery Dance" and writing horror stories, delves into investigations to uncover the reasons behind the murders and ultimately apprehend the killer. The evidence found and discovered by the police indicates a brutal massacre, and with clues that could clarify the connections between the events, the police gradually conclude that serial killings are a phenomenon that the residents of Maryland are currently facing, threatening more lives. Various rumors circulate throughout the town among its inhabitants, including that a group of mischievous teenagers may be behind these actions or that a deranged individual is playing games with the police and public opinion, leading to this course of action.

In any case, the various possibilities, for which no solid foundation can be found, have turned into a continuous nightmare for the residents of Maryland, mentally disturbing them significantly. No matter how much we say about the suspense of the story and the author's skill, it is not enough; the best way to understand it is to read "Chasing the Boogeyman" with an open mind and high concentration. In other words, this brilliant work can be considered among those that will linger in the reader's thoughts long after finishing it and even impact their subconscious.

About the Author

Richard Thomas Chizmar is an American author, publisher, and editor born in 1965. He is the editor of "Cemetery Dance" magazine and owns a publishing house of the same name. He also engages in other activities such as teaching writing, screenwriting, and film production. Among the popular and renowned publications that Chizmar has collaborated with are The Washington Post, Amazon, USA Today, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal.

Who Should Read the Book?

As the title implicitly suggests, readers who enjoy thrilling and somewhat horror stories are the primary audience for this work. Additionally, those who appreciate a beautifully crafted story with a touch of excitement can treat themselves to reading "Chasing the Boogeyman."

Book Quotes

If you asked Natasha's family and friends to share something memorable about her, they would paint a picture of a beautiful and always cheerful teenager. She had a strong passion for cinnamon gum and colorful hairpins, and she was madly in love with life. Natasha loved to laugh and made others laugh as well. She didn't have a good singing voice, but that never stopped her from being the loudest one in the group.

During the five years I was studying at university, Natasha had certainly grown into a strong and talented athlete. She loved sports and was very disciplined in her profession, practicing five times a week at the Harford gym in the William Peace commercial center. Gymnastics and balance were among the skills she specialized in. She also loved cheering and was the only freshman in their class who had started a sports team at their school in Edgewood.

She was an energetic girl and not shy at all, which is rare for a girl her age. She loved to twirl freely and daydream. She adored flowers and helped her mother with gardening, and for such a talented athlete, it was unlikely that she would be clumsy outside of the gymnastics mat.

Natasha was the kind of girl who would pick up trash she found on the ground and throw it away, and when she saw a stranger, she would say, "Have a nice day." Natasha was an incredibly sensitive and kind girl, and she would often tear up while watching movies.