A review by pandasbookshelf
Becoming the Boogeyman by Richard Chizmar

5.0

Becoming the Boogeyman is a sequel to Richard Chizmar’s Chasing the Boogeyman. Like his previous book, this one is a unique mashup of ‘true’ crime, meta-fiction and small-town serial killer story reminiscent of Gregg Olsen if his books were written by Bret Easton Ellis. I loved how the author masterfully inserts himself into the story and keeps us guessing as to what is fiction and what is real. I started this book almost immediately after finishing the first book and was curious to see where the author would take this one after the events of the first book. This follow-up features a similar use of mediums including interview transcripts, photographs and articles. These elements create a unique narrative experience and add to the authenticity of the true crime elements.

While in my opinion not as strong as the first book, I still thoroughly enjoyed this suspenseful and chilling sequel. In particular I enjoyed the relationship and interactions between Richard and the killer from the previous book. I’m looking forward to future installments featuring these characters. I intend to continue to explore and read more of Richard Chizmar’s works in the future. His talent for crafting suspenseful and chilling tales makes this author one to keep on your reading list.