The Nightmare Man

Even if I didn't know beforehand I could've easily picked up that this was written by a man. It's the way he talks about everything, how he narrated through the main character's eye. Though I dnfed this it did help me to see what I like and don't like in adult thriller/horror novels. The fact that this had nearly nothing of what I like – says a lot, I think. I have this author's new arc as well so I hope it's better.

The main character was an edgy cop and I watch a lot of crime shows – I watched a lot of CSI as a kid, rewatch the older seasons of Criminal Minds because I love them. So I understand the whole ‘edgy cop' vibe that writers like to go for (even though it's much overdone and therefore very stereotypical). Markert didn't write it well. Tried too hard to make the Dectective Mills edgy. I just skim read when he spoke about something that I knew would make him more edgy – because I didn't care!

The other main character was a writer and I actually preferred when the chapter focused on Mills instead of the author. Nothing really wrong with how Ben Bookman was written, I just didn't like him at all.

The horror aspect was okay – I didn't understand any of it, unfortunately. The plot was very confusing and was another reason for me to dnf. Even when I skipped ahead and read around I still didn't understand anything. Actually, in my opinion, it read like it went on downhill in terms of quality. I was sad because in the beginning it felt a bit like Sinister and I love that movie so I wanted to see that type of thing here.

Rating: 3.96 leaves out of 5-Characters: 4/5 -Cover: 4.75/5-Story: 4/5-Writing: 5/5Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller-Horror: 1/5-Mystery: 4/5-Thriller: 5/5Type: AudiobookWorth?: YesHated Disliked Meh It Was Okay Liked Really Liked LovedWhat a good book. It leaned more on Mystery/Thriller with a sprinkle of Horror. I was hooked from the start. Some characters I didn't care for, like Blue and Amanda, though I did understand their line of thinking I just wasn't the happiest with them. Even though I could see where things were going I enjoyed the ride and with the way things ended I really hope there is a book two.

OK!! Now this is a horror story. The narrator is amazing and had me listening every chance I got so I finished this one quickly.

Absolutely LOVE the atmosphere, the setting and the story. Perfect one for Spooktober.

I received this audiobook via NetGalley and I'm so glad I did. This was really solid, and the narration is spot on. 
This is a multi-POV as well as a multi-time period crime/horror novel. Similarly to my latest read, however unlike The Angel Maker, I think this one was spot on in terms of how it was handled. The short chapters are enough that you know who's who, they are exciting with cliffhanger endings that actually intrigue, and they make you want to stay up all night to finish. 
The novel features an author, Ben Bookman, with a dark past. When a mad criminal starts acting out the murders from his latest novel, the police are, of course, immediately pointed towards him as a suspect. Each chapter unravels in a more and more desperate and insane turn of events until the story is a mix of supernatural and paranormal horrors. The cover, as well as the description gave me serious Jeepers Creepers vibes, and the rest was even better. 
Well handled, well written, and I'm especially impressed as I believe this is a debut. Personally 5/5*. 

I just finished The Nightmare Man by J H Markert and here is my review.

Ben's book signing doesn't quite go to plan. A fan blows his brains out right in front of him. His book, the scarecrow, was written in a few days at the ancestral home. He doesn't remember much from the time he spent writing the novel there and his nanny/researcher.... Fled that night and won't answer the phone to him or his wife.

That is just the tip of the iceberg.. Someone is re-enacting the murders from his book. A book that has only just been released.

Detective Mills and his rookie daughter work the case in tangent and the more they untangle, the more likely Ben is the killer they have been looking for. Ben has his own reasons for not being honest with the police. It stems from a mystery from when he was a teenager. The mystery of his missing brother and it all seems to have started in the atrium. A room his grandfather kept. A room full of books.

All the answers seem to be linked to Blackwood's history but can they figure it all out before another dead body turns up?

I had no idea how horror packed this book was going to be until I opened it. It is seriously not for the faint of heart. Horror is my jam.. This book... Premium jelly. I don't think I have been this scared by a book in years. It checked every box, creeped my whole world out for hours after too.

Ben is so complex and I loved all the layers between him and his family and the detective. Twists and turns, gore and the hairs on the back of my neck stood so tall the whole time. Loved the whole ride. I would have liked to have known more about the blackwood estate and the Grandfather but it felt complete without it. Loved the plot, especially as it was a story that had been done before but had its own unique twists to it.

Lucid writing with really clever character development. I rarely give 5 stars to horror books but this is well deserved.

If you love horror books and need a fix.... This has to be your next book! Out today!

Thank you @crookedlanebooks and @netgalley for my review copy

Wow! What a read! This is a book that is hard to put down. I absolutely enjoyed this read!

This horror piece will keep you on the edge of your seat from the start, and one that you will need to dedicate the time to read as soon as you start. This is not a start and pick up later read.

Highly recommend!

This was a twisted yet fun, wild ride from start to finish.

Ben Bookman is a famous horror author and the heir of a family that has an interesting legacy. Not only is the Blackwood estate creepy with its black, bare trees but an asylum sits on it's property that was built by his grandfather. Ben spends a weekend at the estate to finish his newest horror novel, The Scarecrow. Before the book has even been released, murders start to happen that are exactly like what transpires in his book. Detective Mills, a veteran detective that is familiar with the Blackwood estate and the Bookmans, starts investigating and begins to piece together how old cases may be connected to these new ones. And, of course, Ben Bookman is a suspect. Could it be that something was released?

This book has so many moving parts. There's a bit of a detective novel, a bit of thriller, and all of it is definitely a horror book. It made me think if Goosebumps was set in a country version of Gotham and was rated R. There's definitely a lot going on and I can see people getting confused as I did in brief moments throughout, but if you stick with it it's completely worth it. I loved how the book jumped between perspectives and also we got to see some glimpses into the past that made the twists come together so well. While the main twist wasn't a huge shock as it seemed to be hinted throughout the book, there are plenty of bombshells that will leave your jaw on the floor.

I very much enjoyed this read and recommend it!

A thrilling and engrossing story filled with realistic characters and haunting nightmares.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a very unexpected 5 star read. The characters were amazing, every single one was completely flushed out and unique. I felt as though I was watching a movie play out in front of my eyes.
I didn't expect this to be such an enjoyable, thrilling, scary and ultimately awesome read.

I didn't want this story to end and I really hope that there is further instalments of this! I can also easily see this having an excellent tv adaptation. I can't wait to buy this when it is released and enjoy this a second time.

You can find reach me @readsgavin