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3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
small town serial killer trope; metafiction; super interesting concept (intentionally written like non-fiction even though it's not) & creative execution; definitely slower than what I typically prefer but still kept me fully engaged- felt like I was listening to a true crime podcast
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
I’m sorry but if I’m an hour into listening to a book and nothing has happened or has even made me interested in what might happen, that’s a DNF
I must admit, the idea of a fake true crime novel, featuring a self-insert of the author, bearing his own government name, in order to marry in a pseudo-memoir concept was intriguing to me. But ultimately the story here kind of plods along without ever being engrossing. I had a theory about who the boogeyman was as soon as the first victim was revealed, and by the time the second victim was revealed I pretty much knew for sure who it was. So there wasn't really a proper climax or even much of a story structure to cling onto. But Chizmar is a veteran horror writer, the book is well-written, and it wasn't necessarily an unenjoyable read. C+
More like 3.5 stars, but I overall really enjoyed the ideas here, so I rounded up.
The storytelling here is original and not something I’ve read before, so it stands out from most horror novels. On the other side of that, the author being the main character led it to be almost autobiographical at times. If you’re working under the premise that this is a TRUE crime story, then focus on the victims and crimes, not on how you set off firecrackers with your friends growing up, I promise you, no one cares.
There was also too much time dedicated at the beginning of the story to explaining the town, and again, the author’s childhood there. He makes a big point of saying how necessary it is to explain how unique this town is because surrounding towns created a racial and working class divide, newsflash buddy, that’s most American towns. We get it. I suppose the way Stephen King likes to bloviate with unnecessary details has rubbed off on him.
All that said, the plot lines kept me interested and the characters were well written. Nothing was so outlandish that you rolled your eyes with implausibility. The pictures that he considers well done were… questionable at best, but did still add to the true crime effect.
Lastly, is this author friends with Stephen King in real life? I wasn’t sure from the 17 times he worked it into the story.
The storytelling here is original and not something I’ve read before, so it stands out from most horror novels. On the other side of that, the author being the main character led it to be almost autobiographical at times. If you’re working under the premise that this is a TRUE crime story, then focus on the victims and crimes, not on how you set off firecrackers with your friends growing up, I promise you, no one cares.
There was also too much time dedicated at the beginning of the story to explaining the town, and again, the author’s childhood there. He makes a big point of saying how necessary it is to explain how unique this town is because surrounding towns created a racial and working class divide, newsflash buddy, that’s most American towns. We get it. I suppose the way Stephen King likes to bloviate with unnecessary details has rubbed off on him.
All that said, the plot lines kept me interested and the characters were well written. Nothing was so outlandish that you rolled your eyes with implausibility. The pictures that he considers well done were… questionable at best, but did still add to the true crime effect.
Lastly, is this author friends with Stephen King in real life? I wasn’t sure from the 17 times he worked it into the story.
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
DNF - 25%
I listened to it on audiobook and felt like I was listening to the most long-winded, boring true crime podcast. Not for me.
I listened to it on audiobook and felt like I was listening to the most long-winded, boring true crime podcast. Not for me.
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
What a fun read!
I thought the premise was very interesting and it reminded me a lot of True Crime Story by Joseph Knox where the story juggles the the thin line of fiction and non-fiction.
I really enjoyed the story telling mixed with little snippets of his life. The author’s note at the end might have been my favorite part because it’s just so interesting!!
And the twist… the reveal of the killer I was BLINDSIFED!
I thought the premise was very interesting and it reminded me a lot of True Crime Story by Joseph Knox where the story juggles the the thin line of fiction and non-fiction.
I really enjoyed the story telling mixed with little snippets of his life. The author’s note at the end might have been my favorite part because it’s just so interesting!!
And the twist… the reveal of the killer I was BLINDSIFED!