Over the past couple of years the name of author Richard Chizmar has been on a lot of horror fans’ lips.
His Chasing and Becoming The Boogeyman books blurred the lines between fiction and true crime and both were absolute page turners.
Chizmar is now back with a very different story, which takes its cues from various parts of the horror genre.
There is a found footage element, as we follow a group of student filmmakers who decide to make a documentary about roadside memorials, hence the title of the book. What we find out though, is William, the defacto leader of the trio is shielding his own trauma, as his own parents passed away in a roadside accident, which becomes part of his obsession with the narrative and could be his and the group’s undoing.
Told in almost a diary format with interspersed descriptions via interviews and filmed footage, Memorials feels quite unique within the genre, as you are never really sure where the story is going to but this fascination is what keeps you turning the pages.
Chizmar does really well at crafting believable and damaged characters who we can empathise with but also question in moments of horror and tension.
Memorials really gets under your skin, and by the time you reach the final pages you will feel like you’ve gone on a journey and become part of this world he has created.
The book will certainly have you thinking differently next time you pass a roadside memorial, as who knows what the story is behind it…
Memorials by Richard Chizmar is available in various formats from Gallery Books from 22 October 2024.
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