Book Review: Memorials by Richard Chizmar

I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.

Memorials by Richard Chizmar

Mogsy’s Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Genre: Suspense, Horror

Series: Stand Alone

Publisher: Gallery Books (October 22, 2024)

Length: 480 pages

Author Information: Website

Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of reading the first two books in Richard Chizmar’s Boogeyman series before attending an event where I got to hear the author speak. During his talk, I was thrilled when he announced that not only is the third installment in the series in the works, but also that he would be releasing a new standalone novel in the fall.

This book turned out to be Memorials. Transporting readers back to the 1980s, the story follows three college students on a road trip through rural Appalachia to film a documentary about roadside memorials—markers that usually take the form of white crosses or signs adorned with flowers, wreaths, or other items to form a shrine. They can be found all over the country alongside highways or residential roads, memorializing someone who passed away from a motor vehicle accident at or near the location where the death took place. Richly atmospheric and heavy with the gravity of its subject matter, the novel blends elements of mystery, suspense, and horror with the enduring traditions of folk superstition.

For Billy, Troy, and Melody, the week-long journey isn’t just about earning a good grade on their American Studies class project; it’s also a chance for the three friends to deepen their bond and embrace their independence. However, in Billy’s case, the documentary carries deep personal meaning as well. While all three of them have experienced the loss of someone close to them, Billy’s parents were killed in a car accident years earlier, and the plan was to make their roadside memorial a part of the film.

But what begins as a carefree expedition through the halcyon Pennsylvanian countryside soon spirals out of control as a sense of unease starts creeping in. As our characters delve deeper into the backroads, they begin to suspect someone might be silently watching them from the shadows at deserted campsites. They come across a town where the locals eye them with suspicion or outright hostility. Strange symbols are spotted carved or painted on some of the memorials they visit. It’s even possible that their van was sabotaged, as the increasing fear that they’re being followed turns their road trip into a nightmare.

Memorials is perfect for fans of slow-burn, atmospheric horror with a touch of Americana. There’s just something so unique about the eerie backdrop of rural Appalachia—where the mountains and forests seem to hide ancient secrets, the people and their stories steeped in their traditions and isolation—and Chizmar’s writing really brings those vibes to the forefront. I also loved the premise of the novel with its focus on roadside memorials, sights that are common along every drive. Yet, when you take the time to consider what they symbolize, it’s hard not to wonder at their tragic backstories behind them, with each memorial representing someone who was loved and cared for, someone whose life left an impact and was honored.

But when I say slow-burn, I mean REALLY slow-burn. Honestly, I feel the pacing is where the book falters. The first half drags, with no clear direction. After following Billy, Troy, and Melody through the first few towns, watching them film at several memorials with no real conflict emerging, I started to worry that this wasn’t the suspenseful horror promised in the publisher blurb. After all, even though I enjoyed the novel’s clever structure which intersperses description of Billy’s filmed interviews and shots of the memorials reminiscent of the found footage genre, it also reminded me of The Blair Witch Project for all the wrong reasons—namely, the dreary repetition and aimless wandering.

The heart of the story should also lie in its characters, but I personally did not find any of them all that compelling. Billy was a wishy-washy protagonist who was probably the blandest of the three, but his first-person narration was the main perspective. While the backstory of his parents’ deaths may have fueled the main plotline, the excessive self-pitying sometimes made it hard to connect with him. Meanwhile, Troy and Melody had more interesting personalities, but they were shallowly developed which made them feel like caricatures at times. Related to this, several of the side characters they meet on their travels also seem to lean heavily into small-town stereotypes that feel like surface-level writing.

It wasn’t until the second half that the emotional stakes were raised, mainly due to THINGS FINALLY HAPPENING. Up until this point, the story felt stagnant, but once the tension picked up, it kept me on edge until the end. Stylistically, Chizmar proves his strength as a writer when he’s in his element, drawing readers into the unfolding drama with heightened drama and suspense. The later parts of this book hold some of the best moments, leading me to think the overall story would have been much stronger had the first half been edited down or spruced up with a bit more conflict or action.

Overall, Memorials ended up being worth the ride, but just don’t be surprised if it takes a while for the wheels to get rolling. Still, I was happy I got to read this atmospheric tale of horror and suspense with its nostalgic undertones, set against a haunted landscape that is distinctly American. That said, I’m beyond excited or Richard Chizmar’s next Boogeyman novel, which I hope will deliver a faster-paced, more thrilling experience.