Memorials by Richard Chizmar Book Review

Posted on by Lisa Lebel

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With a dark dream in his heart, Richard Chizmar started Cemetery Dance Publications in 1988. In the decades to follow, Mr. Chizmar has published countless works as well as made his own mark as an author. From working with Stephen King on the Gwendy trilogy to his bestselling Boogeyman books, fans have eagerly awaited his next release. This October 22nd, Chizmar returns with a new original novel, Memorials.

Stephen King is spot on when he says Memorials is:
“Scary and hard to put down. You might be advised not to read it at night.”

Memorials takes place in 1983 and follows a group of college students as they embark on a road trip for a unique college assignment. Taking us into the heart of the Appalachians, we follow Billy, Melody, and Troy as they tour back country roads, gathering footage and interviews on roadside memorials that scatter the landscape.

A project that seems innocent enough, the trio intends to gather back stories and personal interviews from the families and friends of victims of automobile accidents. Unfortunately, they did not consider fact that in rural Pennsylvania, yuppie college students from out of town asking too many questions on their personal affairs is not something that the locals take kindly.

This novel will have you breathless throughout the entire read with its genuinely terrifying and visceral details. In a time before GPS or cellphones, Memorials paints a genuine picture of the abject terror of being stranded in a place where you aren’t welcome, at the mercy of unfriendly strangers. As each interaction turns more and more hostile, suspense builds in this unputdownable tale.

Just as all of us remember The Hills Have Eyes and Deliverance, we also know that when any true crime show takes us to those isolated spots deep in the mountains, we are in for a wild ride. Add to this the unsettling found footage vibes reminiscent of The Blair Witch Project, and you have all the ingredients for the scariest read of the spooky season.

Memorials exemplify everything that readers have come to love about Chizmar’s works. The novel is perfectly paced, keeping your eyes glued to the page as the main characters slowly descend into a world of darkness and doubt. Each supporting role keeps the audience guessing continuously throughout the book on who may be friend or foe, as the plot races through the shadows of the Appalachians. While each page will be turned in terror, Memorials is a fantastically frightening read that is perfect for the spooky season upon us.

Memorials earns itself a 5/5 ghostie score, and we highly recommend it for anyone in need of a scare!

Memorials by Richard Chizmar will be available to purchase from October 22

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