I give this 4.5 stars.

Sometimes you see a bunch of your Goodreads friends raving about a book, and you hope that you'll find it just as good as they did. In the case of C.J. Tudor's terrific debut thriller, The Chalk Man, that definitely was the case for me.

"Personally, I have found that it is much better to take your fears, lock them up in a nice, tightly shut box and shove them into the deepest, darkest corner of your mind."

In the summer of 1986, Eddie and his four best friends—Hoppo, Fat Gav, Metal Mickey, and Nicky (even though she was a girl)—were on the cusp of adolescence. They bike around, commit mischief, tease each other, and try to avoid Mickey's older brother and his bullying friends. It seems like a magical summer—they even leave coded messages in chalk for each other to spell out their plans or their whereabouts.

But the idyllic time seems to be ending, as the adults around them wind up in the midst of some trouble, and tragedies strike close to home. Then one day, a strange chalk man leads them to a dismembered body in the woods. Nothing is ever the same again.

Thirty years later, Ed is still living in his childhood home. He'd like to think that he's put the events of that summer behind him, but the fact is, he's never been able to settle down into a relationship, he still spends time with Gav and Hoppo, and he teaches at his old school. When he gets an anonymous letter with a chalk man in it, it dredges up those memories, as does the return of an old friend who had seemingly gone away. And when he finds out that all of his friends received a similar letter, he realizes that perhaps not everything was tied up as neatly as they thought all those years ago.

Are there real answers to be found, and if so, what good would it do to find them? Will solving the mystery put everyone's demons to rest and allow them to get on with their lives, or will it put them in danger? Can we ever recapture our childhood innocence after it has been shattered?

The Chalk Man hooked me from the very first page and didn't let go. It evoked a little bit of the nostalgic feelings of Stand By Me, with a little more mystery and violence, and a lot of heart. There's a lot going on in this book, lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing and lots of interesting characters to fascinate and (perhaps) distract you. Tudor is a terrific storyteller, and it's so hard to believe this is her debut novel, because the writing is so self-assured.

Like with any thriller, I always suspect everyone, and while I was a little surprised at certain twists, and I didn't love every choice Tudor made, I thought this was a great read, one that made me wish I had just a few minutes more to linger over the book every time I picked it up. Believe me, this is one you'll want to read before everyone else starts talking about it.

NetGalley and Crown Publishing provided me an advance copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making this available!

The Chalk Man is a delightfully twisted oldschool thriller that could somehow be a cross between an early Stephen King novel and an episode of Midsommer Murders. In a small town in 1980s England, a series of events occurs in the life of 12-year-old Eddie Adams - a beautiful girl is injured in a freak accident at a local fair; a mysterious new teacher arrives in town; a girl will soon be found murdered; and in the middle of it all, one of Eddie's friends receives a bucket of chalk as a birthday gift.

Though it's a comparatively short thriller (not even 300 pages), CJ Tudor packs a whole lot into this book. There are more background characters and subplots than you'd initially expect, and the result is a fast-paced, addicting, plot-driven novel that's nearly impossible to put down once you start reading. I'm left with absolutely no doubt as to why this is being heralded as one of the first big thrillers of 2018. Tudor is going to be a name to look out for.

At first I was sure this was going to be a 5 star read, but (without getting into spoiler territory) I wasn't entirely satisfied with the ending... I found a lot of it predictable and I thought there were too many plot points conveniently tied up all at once. It's one of those endings that's a bit too neat and doesn't leave much to the imagination. I loved reading this, but I doubt it will stay with me years from now. That said, it's a must-read for anyone who likes their mysteries creepy and addicting. I dare you not to fly through this once you pick it up.

While it's not an outright horror novel, this book flirts with horror more than your average thriller, so proceed with caution. NB triggers for rape and gore.

The Chalk Man is a dark, compelling, chilling and suspenseful psychological thriller that grabbed our attention right from the very start and held on right until the very last page. This one was a winner for all of us that we all thoroughly enjoyed and it brought some excitement into our discussion.

C. J Tudor does a great job here creating some realistic and interesting well-developed characters here with this very cleverly well-written story. There were a few things going on here with these characters that had us guessing at how they were connected to the mystery of this story. This created an interesting discussion throughout this one.

The story alternates between the past and present as we learn how the past catches up to our main character Eddie. We all loved the chapter-ending cliffhangers that really added to the suspense of the story. We also really enjoyed the references to the 80’s within the storyline and loved the gang of kids riding around on their bikes to see what excitement they can get themselves into and it brought back a sense of time for some of us to the days we grew up and gave us a warm feeling. However, that’s where the warm feeling ended as there were some not so innocent things going on in this small village leaving us guessing what secrets and evil is lurking right up to the end.

It is worth mentioning that there is one highly uncomfortable bullying scene that disturbed us all. Other than that, we found it was the way the author had the ability to scare and creep us out with words without a whole lot of all the gory details for that we applaud her and we found that is a nice change from your typical thriller. We highly recommend

Expected Date of Publication: January 9th, 2018

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Crown Publishing, and C. J. Tudor for the opportunity to read a copy of this book in exchange for a review.

Traveling Sisters Reviews can be found on our sister blog:
http://www.twogirlslostinacouleereadi...

5 Stars.

Now This is How You do It!!

C.J. Tudor has written One of the Best Thrillers of the YEAR my friends.  If there is one mystery you decide to pick up - it should be this one!!

Reminiscent of Stephen King’s The Body - known to most people as the movie Stand By Me - “The Chalk Man” is a story about 5 young friends: (four boys and a girl), who go through an experience at the cusp of adolescence, something fierce and terrifying. Something that haunts them for the rest of their lives.

As kids in 1986, they live life freely: hanging out at the playground, riding bikes, sending coded messages to each other using different colored chalk. And then they discover something and it’s bad.  It changes everything.

Fast forward to 2016 and everyone is quite grown up. Eddie known known as Ed, (one of the kids who made the discovery) is a teacher, living in the house he grew up in. The past haunts him, as it does the rest of the friends who stayed behind, including Gav and Hoppo. If only the past stayed in the past. Yet bad things: they keep happening. And somehow, Chalk Men keep appearing and Ed can’t figure out how or why. He knows it means something. He and the gang have to figure it out even if it’s the last thing they want. And even if it spells trouble.

“The Chalk Men” reads like an old school mystery.. I felt like I was back in the 80’s, living life, hanging out with my friends after school.. everything felt really familiar - well, except for the bad stuff that kept happening to Eddie, Gav, Nikki, Hoppo and Mike. Yeah that stuff? It never happened to me. (LOL!!)

This book wowed me big time. I couldn’t tear myself away. The characters, they felt like friends. Each one vivid, rich, alive... And what the kids discover? All I can say, I don’t know how they slept at night.. How it impacts them as adults and what happens to them then? Unfrakkinbelievable. C.J. Tudor knocked me for a loop. I didn’t see it coming. And I tried, believe you, me.

So what else can I tell you? This is a suspense novel you absolutely MUST-READ. If you don’t, you are missing out on one of the best mysteries out there.

This was a traveling sister read. It included Brenda, Norma, Diane, Melisa and Lindsay.

Thank you to NetGalley, Crown Publishing and C.J. Tudor for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Published on NetGalley, Goodreads, Twitter and Facebook on 11.4.17.
*Will be published on Amazon on 1.9.18.

Back in 1986 Eddie and his friends were typical kids always looking for something new to do to entertain themselves. They spent their time biking around the town and avoiding the bullies in the neighborhood that summer. The group came up with a secret code using chalk figures that they used to communicate until the day that same chalk led them to a dead body.

Now Eddie and his friends are adults and have put the past behind them until one day Eddie gets a letter with a chalk figure on it. Contacting his old buddies he finds that they have received the same and wonder if it’s a prank until one of them turns up dead. It soon becomes apparent to find out what is going on now they need to take a look at just what happened in the past.

The Chalk Man by C.J. Tudor is a thriller read that almost immediately reminded me of stories I’ve read by Stephen King so it didn’t take me long to become engrossed in this novel. The story is told by alternating the chapters between current time with Eddie as an adult and flashing back to 1986 when he and his friends were kids.

The flashing back to the eighties also was a favorite of mine really bringing that era to life. The story was easy to follow along with on both timelines as the guessing begins as to what happened in either. I would warn though that there was a scene in the past that was rather cringe worthy and graphic that may bother some readers, almost needing a rape warning for it.

This story was one that makes me think of the comparison to an onion in which you need to peel back the layers to find out the truth and what had happened. It kept me quite engaged with the characters and crimes to be solved all throughout with a twinge of horror mixed in the thrilling tale. In the end I’d rate this at 4.5 stars and I’d definitely recommend checking this one out.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

I received an ARC via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. There is much to recommend about this book. First and foremost, the book is exceptionally well-plotted. There are the mysteries you know are being slowly revealed, and then there are the ones you did not even know were mysteries until the answers were presented. The flipping back and forth between 1986 and 2016 is used to great effect, providing a steady diet of mini-cliffhangers until the final pages. Nothing about the plotting or the writing feels like the work of a debut author.

I have to admit I didn’t love the book in the way that some of the other reviewers have. There’s an emotional distance—probably deliberate—between the main character and the reader that kept me from getting fully absorbed in the story. Still, the book is impressive and will hold your interest throughout. Recommended.

4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars!

This novel was the perfect Traveling Sisters Read which I read along with Brenda, Lindsay, Diane, Rita, Susanne and Melisa - what an excellent choice to read for Halloween!

THE CHALK MAN is a debut psychological thriller novel by C. J. TUDOR that is a chilling, suspenseful, gripping, and a spooky good read that had a sinister feel to it which had me flipping those pages as fast as I could to find out who or what was behind all those mysterious chalk men.   

C. J. TUDOR delivers a unique and cleverly written story here with realistic and well-developed characters that all brought a mysterious and interesting aspect to this story for me.  There is a constant sense of foreboding surrounding the whole idea of who or what the mysterious chalk men were or represented which did keep me puzzled and guessing throughout this whole story.

The story flips between flashbacks from 1986 and present day of 2016 and I loved the younger voice of our main character, Eddie and really enjoyed how the story was told to us through his childhood eyes. I really enjoyed the interactions between Eddie and his childhood friends which kind of had a STAND BY ME vibe to it for me and I also really liked the references to the 80’s within the storyline.   

Just a word of caution as there was one highly uncomfortable and disturbing bullying scene that took me a little by surprise but other than that one scene the author does a fantastic job at scaring you with words and not through graphic violent scenes.

To sum it all up it was an enjoyable, fun, fast-paced, and an entertaining read which had that creepy good vibe going on without all the gory details. Would highly recommend!!

Expected Date of Publication:   January 9th, 2018

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Crown Publishing, and C. J. Tudor for the opportunity to read a copy of this book in exchange for a review.

The author titled each chapter with the year time-stamped. It saved valuable time that would have been lost as a consequence of the scenes interchanging between 1986 and 2016. I liked that. Made for smooth reading. The storyline is told from the main protagonist, Eddie. It was filled with suspense as each scene took me unsuspectingly further into the chilling darkness that lay ahead.

Back in 86', twelve-year-old Eddie Adams was part of his own Rat Pack: Gav, Mickey, Hoppo and Nicky. Nicky being the only girl. They were a tight group. It was summer in Anderbury, England and what's more, school was out. Living in their own world by the root of their imagination with energy that never quit. At that age, anything seemed possible. On top of the world.

Things were really looking up as a fair had come to town. Naturally, the group all went. Eddie became separated from his friends and witnessed a horrific accident. A Waltzer carriage separated from its base and flew into the midway. A girl, wrong place wrong time, was horribly mutilated. Eddie and a teacher from his school helped keep the victim alive till medical assistance arrived. It was a gory scene.

Not letting go, the repercussions of that night would deeply impact all of their young lives forever. Days that loomed ahead would take them on a journey they were completely unprepared for. After so many twists and turns, finally, culminating with an astounding ending that threw me off balance. One, I never saw coming.

This ARC was received from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review. Gratitude sent to Crown Publishing for allowing this pre-release made available.

NO SPOILERS.... NONE.... NOT EVEN TINY ONES!

If more mystery suspense books were written like this one -- I’d read them more often than I do!!!!!

ABSOLUTE FAVORITE MYSTERY SUSPENSE novel I’ve read all year!!!!!

There is something that feels very different about this book - than other mystery thrillers I’ve read. Wholesome and creepy! Warmth with gore? How is it possible?
At times the storytelling is humorous - clever - and charming - other times - my goodness I was shaking my head....( as in YUCK, YIKES & WRONG...just WRONG)......
But most of the time —

Ghosts didn’t exist in daylight, or zombies. They only existed in that sleepy hollow between midnight and dawn, crumbling to dust at the sun’s first rays. Or so, at the age of twelve, I still believed.

Prepare for some gushing, y’all, because this is one of the best thrillers I’ve read in awhile.

This was a really fresh, unique take on a psychological thriller that didn’t follow a formula like anything else out there. It’s difficult to find a unique plot these days, and while this one has been done before, it’s never been told in this way which is why I believe it deserves all 5 stars.

This author is one to keep an eye on, mark my words. CJ Tudor (a female author) has told a coming of age story of a 12 year old boy surrounded by tragedy and mystery in a highly convincing way, and in a way like nothing I’ve seen before. There were constantly points being alluded to, but never fully spelled out for the reader - we all loved how the author “shows” rather than “tells”. She is tricky, this author, and will keep you guessing until the very end, and even then you’ll be shaking your head and uttering “what just happened.”

This was such a creepy, twisty tale, alternating between 1986 and 2016. The 80’s references were fabulous, the characters were believable, and the whodunnit aspect of the story is like nothing I’ve ever read.

The prologue will suck you in right away (super creepy!) and there is one highly uncomfortable bullying scene, but otherwise this author manages to scare you without a ton of graphic violence (though there is some, I am
sensitive to this and I got through it ok).

I am having a difficult time putting into words how unique this book is without giving away any spoilery, however I highly, highly recommend this to fans of thrillers. Read it now. And let me know what you think later.

This was my first group read with the Traveling Sisters and I’m SO glad I was able to join in on this particular book - it brought out elements that I wouldn’t have noticed without ongoing discussion and I’m so thankful to have joined this group of lovely reviewers!

Thank you to Netgalley, C.J. Tudor (you have a new fan!) and Crown Publishing for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Chalk Man is the debut novel from C.J.Tudor. I was instantly hooked on this novel. Easily one of the top Mystery/Thriller novels of 2018. The events in the story alternate between 1986 to 2016 and follows Eddie and his friends (Fat Gav, Nicky, Metal Mickey and Hoppo). This gave me fond memories of The Body by Stephen King (the film, Stand By Me). I loved Tudor's character development and the pacing of the story was great, full of suspense and plot twists. I applaud C.J. Tudor on creating a such a fantastic debut novel and I look forward to future works. In case I have not made it clear, I highly recommend this novel!

4.5 Now this is what I call a fantastic mystery. I love the way this was told, our narrator now in his fifties, takes us back to a summer that changed everything. Has sort of a Christmas story or It vibe to it, in the way it is told. We Tavel back to the eighties, and the author does a great job of portraying this time. Ed, our narrator and his group of friends, four in all and one a girls, as they ride their bikes everywhere, build actual forts, not virtual ones. When the games played were mostly outside except for Pac Man and Donkey Kong. Felt like I was back there with him. It would prove to be a summer when many strange and unforgettable things happened, culminating in the discovery of a body. When one of the boys, he a man, who hasn't been seen for over thirty years, reappears in town, claiming he know who done it, everything seems to start up again.


An old time mystery, with a follow the clues type of storyline. What really happened that summer and who is responsible? The chalk men were a nice and creepy touch, though the story as a whole does not have that graphic, shocking horror that so many storylines have now. This entertained without going over the top. A well done job all around, even the ending was satisfying and had many aha moments. Looking forward to more from this talented author.

A sisters read where we all agreed this one is a winner.

ARC from Netgalley.

2.5 stars

In 1986, Eddie and his 'gang' are typical neighborhood kids. They come up with an idea to leave each other 'codes' in chalk by drawing chalk men to let each other know things but keeping the adults and others out of their business. But someone else discovers their code and leaves chalk drawings that lead the kids to a dismembered body.


Told from viewpoints of the 1986 timeline and present day, the story is seen through the eyes of Eddie aka Eddie Munster. In present day Eddie is all grown up and is pretty much a loner. He doesn't even hang out with his previous friends much anymore.
Then a letter arrives for each of them featuring a chalk man drawing.

+

Then one of the 'gang' ends up dead.

This book is being loved by most everyone that reads it. Honestly though? I've read much better. To me it's nothing I have not seen done many times before..and done better.



I was going to just give it an even two star but the ending was pretty good and it bumped it up some.

Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review

This was a fabulous read! Alternating between 1986 and 2016 it follows a group of early teens through a horrific accident and then an even more horrific death. I thought the alternating chapters and the overall pacing was really successful at creating great suspense and the clues were meted out perfectly along the way allowing me to slowly work through them myself. I am so glad to have read this and want more from this debut author!

Wow, I’m so impressed that this is a debut novel. I loved Eddies voice and enjoyed seeing the story unfold through his childhood eyes. The ‘gang’ and their interactions had a kind of ‘Stand By Me’ vibe which I really enjoyed. This will definitely keep you guessing the outcome right up until the end. I’ll be looking forward to seeing more work from Tudor. 4.5 stars.

I received an ARC from NetGalley to read and review. The below is my honest, unbiased opinion. Thank you, C. J. Tudor, the publisher, and NetGalley, for allowing me to review.

In 1986, Eddie and his friends are just kids on the verge of adolescence. They spend their days biking around their sleepy little English village and looking for any taste of excitement they can get. The chalk men are their secret code; little chalk stick figures they leave for one another as messages only they can understand. But then a mysterious chalk man leads them right to a dismembered body, and nothing is ever the same. In 2016, Eddie is fully grown, and thinks he's put his past behind him. But then he gets a letter in the mail, containing a single chalk stick figure. When it turns out that his friends got the same message, they think it could be a prank . . . until one of them turns up dead. That's when Eddie realizes that saving himself means finally figuring out what really happened all those years ago.

THE CHALK MAN's blurb says everything that needs to be relayed about this utterly fantastic thriller: "Expertly alternating between flashbacks and the present day, The Chalk Man is the very best kind of suspense novel, one where every character is wonderfully fleshed out and compelling, where every mystery has a satisfying payoff, and where the twists will shock even the savviest reader." This plot is dark, gritty, eerie, and so captivating that you'll definitely read it in one sitting. Do yourself a favor, and pick up a copy of this book.

Wow! What a creepy, scary read for this Halloween! CJ Tudor grabs you from page one & keeps you hanging on for a trill of a ride!

C.J Tudor has an exceptional style of writing that flows beautifully across the pages! Metaphoric, symbolic, and absolutely brilliant.

The Chalk Man is a creepy and unique thriller that will leave you aching for more! Beware of the chalk men. This thriller packs a good spicy punch my fellow GR friends!

This novel alternates from 1986 to 2016. The discovery of a body in the woods leads to many unsettling nightmares, visions, and creepy memories for Eddie and his gang of friends. The story is told from Eddie's point of view which lays the storyline for these mysterious chalk drawings that ultimately connects to their present unstable adult lives. Tudor creates a small town boyhood atmosphere that has the strong feel of Stand By Me.
Oh my gosh I loved Eddie, Fat Gav, Nicky, Metal Mickey and Hoppo! What a strong and amazing set of characters that Tudor has created! Each character is slowly unraveled and you are given a vivid image of how each character is wound in this web of mystery, deceit, and darkness.

The ending left me a little bit confused and unsettled. I felt there was soooo much going towards the end that my mind/head got caught up in the spiral. There were so many more questions that I had running through my mind. I feel like the author left just enough bread crumbs for the mouse.

I am extremely curious on fellow GR thoughts on this one! Come share your thoughts/opinions with me <3.

Overall, 4 creepy and compelling stars! Put this on your TBR! :)

Thank you to Netgalley, Crown Publishing, and C.J Tudor for an advanced arc in exchange for an honest review.

THANK YOU NETGALLEY FOR ONE OF MY FAVORITE BOOKS THIS YEAR!!

Immediately diving in, you can sense a Stephen King vibe - the telling of a chilling tale from the perspective of a 12 year old - think Stand by Me (AKA The Body) and IT. Yet, we also get the perspective from the main characters adult self, still harboring mystery and a LOT of secrets. C.J. Tudor goes back in forth over the years from chapter to chapter with seamless perfection. I adored and feared every character, never guessing til the final moments who was the TRUE Chalk Man.

I would not recommend this book, which is a shame because it came highly recommended to me. I felt the author used too many cliches and borrowed too many ideas from Stephen King. While I know what a huge influence King is on horror writers, authors still need to develop their own material. This book was a disappointment to me.