This book threw me for a bit of a loop. I had a bit of a hard time following the storyline in the beginning, and it was a bit slow for me, but it didn't take long for things to take off! The creep factor in this book is great and mixes the paranormal with the thriller/suspense well. I loved the different dynamics between the characters and how they each had their own qualities that brought the story to life. I would honestly love to see this as a movie.

The first half of this book was a solid 5 stars! It immediately piqued my interest and gave me the creeps. The second half started out just as good, but then became tedious and boring to me. The ending was a bit of a letdown but it is still definitely worth the read. The story line is unique, and I wasn’t sure where it was going to go. As disappointed as I am that this didn’t end as good as it started, I was really impressed with the premise and creepiness level. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was superb! Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the audio arc in exchange for my honest review.

3.5 stars

I listened to the audiobook version of this book and have some mixed feelings. While I enjoyed the narrator’s voice, and the story, I felt like it was a bit slow at times, especially in the beginning when it seemed like the whole book was about an affair. There were lots of characters to keep track of, and most of the story was done in flashback. The only actual “action” was at the end of the book, and although that was my favorite part, I still wasn’t crazy about the ending. Like I said, mixed feelings, but overall I did really enjoy the story and I would recommend to readers who like a creepy mystery.

Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for an advance review copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

When nightmares become reality -

That’s a basis of this story.

It takes a serial killer story and adds a shocking supernatural aspect. Told in dual timelines allowing us to know what’s currently happening as well as how we got here, we follow a writer whose horror novels have become a how to guide for a serial killer. The main problem? The books haven’t been released yet.

So here’s the question?? Who is killing these people - and why?

It’s super interesting the round about way this book handled the story. I do feel that it would have benefitted from a quicker pace but that’s my personal preference- it definitely works the way it is.

I received an audiobook through NetGalley and the quality was great. The narrator allowed for emotions and the creep factor was solid.

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

I wish I could say I loved this book. However, ancient evil horror is difficult to write, and few authors can nail it. J.H. Markert could not.

The idea for The Nightmare Man is not a unique one, piggybacking on the idea of nightmare trapping, nor is it presented in a fresh way here. What really killed it for me was the lack of actual action and agonizingly long explanations of what was going on, after we already saw it play out a few times and could reason through the gist of what was happening. With just two hours to go in the audiobook, I decided I didn't care about the fate of the troupe of unlikeable characters enough to finish. I'd heard all I could stand.

This book was very good. It did have parts that I thought were a bit gratuitous or typical to the genre that it falls under but it was still mighty good.
In the town of Crooked Tree there is a mansion. Blackwood mansion. It’s surrounded by pines and sites on a hill. Ben Bookman is a best selling novelist who also happens to be heir to Blackwood. He decided it was the perfect place to spend a weekend working on his latest horror novel, The Scarecrow. On the eve of the book's release though something terrible begins happening in real life.
Detective Mills finds herself at the scene of a terrible crime. A family was butchered and placed inside cocoons made of corn husks then they were hung from the rafters of a barn. The murderers mirror the opening scene of Ben’s latest novel. Soon after another family is killed in a similar way and Detective Mills along with his daughter, detective Samantha Blue, are both determined to figure out what the link is between the book and the killer before the story gets to the end.
As the Scarecrow crimes continue mirroring the book, Ben becomes the prime suspect. He doesn’t remember much from the night he finally finished his book but he does know that he wrote it in The Atrium, the room his grandfather forbid him to enter. In there there are thousands of books, all books with no words. Ben soon begins to realize he just may have opened the door to something that was long ago trapped.
This book is definitely a good horror story. You can see it as a movie without any problem. It just plays out in a way that creates such a visual gripping horror that it feels movie like, if that makes sense.
The writing is strong, the characters well flushed out, and the plot fantastic. This one is definitely worth it.
I received a copy of this in audiobook form from NetGalley and if you are able to use this type of media for your books this is one that comes even more to life when you can sit back and listen to every creepy word. I really enjoyed this book.

Thank you Netgalley and Dreamscape Media

"The Nightmare Man" by J.H. Markert follows author Ben Bookman's who's book has a crime scene very similar to it but then things start to go wrong.

I would give "The Nightmare Man" by J.H. Markert a 3-star review because, 1; the concept is intriguing 2; the cover is, amazing 3; the beginning and middle was great but the end was lost to me and 4; the narrator was amazing.

Wowza! This book kept me mesmerized from start to finish. You initially meet Ben Bookman, horror author, husband and father. He's struggling in his home life due to "something" that happened around the time he completed his newest novel, The Scarecrow. As if his life isn't difficult enough, it appears that the murders from his book are being recreated in real life. Naturally, all suspicion points to him as the author of the book but there's obviously so much more to it.

This book weaves a web of intrigue as you learn Ben's family history and get tidbits about the mystery and fear that surround his family's home - - the Blackwood estate. You also figure out early on that things happened in that house to Ben while he was growing up - - things that forever changed him.

The Nightmare Man is told in multiple points of view. That can be good or bad -- in the case of this book, it was a good thing. Gaining insight from various people was critical in building this story the right way. In addition, there are numerous flashbacks to events from the past. It all helps to explain and blend the storyline so you see the basis for where things are going in present day.

This book did have some gruesome descriptions and a few scary moments, but what I enjoyed most was the clever plot. The way the author built this story was quite brilliant and well-executed. It's original and twisty and I was obsessed with seeing how it all played out. I did figure out a few of the twists as we went, but the author did a nice job of keeping a few surprises tucked away. Well done.

In addition, I listened to a good portion of this book via audio. The narration was great. It truly lent itself to the spooky storyline and helped to make it a bit creepier at times. 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley for both the ARC and the early Listening Copy. I voluntarily chose to read/and listen to each of these and review them. The opinions contained within my review are my own.

1.5 for me. I will say that I was initially excited to read this when I requested it. The beginning started really strong for me and middle was okay but after that it got really bloated. I loved how creepy the beginning was from the jump. However, it really got to be too much for me to keep up with after the half way point with too many characters getting added into the mix and keeping up with them and jumping back and forth. I kind of predicted the ending a bit, also. This just wasn't for me, it might be for others but just wasn't for me. Regardless, thank you to NetGalley, the publishers, and author for the ARC audio of this book.

-EDIT: I had to add link to my goodreads for review, it wouldn't let me click the button to add it there, sorry if that is an issue.

I needed this book. I’ve been craving a good spooky story.

The timeline jumps back & forth and there’s a significant amount of players so be prepared. The past hells explain what’s happening in the present.

At the beginning of this audiobook there is a couple sentences that were voiced so perfectly that it made me think it could be something written by Stephen King then he’s even mentioned a little later.

A lot happens as the story revolves around nightmares within stories written by the MC, Ben Bookman that are or could be happening in real life. Is life imitating art? Or is Ben the killer?

There are twists & turns, thrills & chills, gore, mayhem, family drama, talk of exorcisms & death! It’s supernatural, psychological, horror. The book covers a lot. I read this a week ago and I’m still thinking about MOTHS!

Great narration & a story that left me thinking. Thank you NetGalley & Dreamscape Media, added to my book wishlist & hope there’s a sequel!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book Review

The Nightmare Man by J.H. Markert
Pub date: January 10, 2023

The Nightmare Man is getting all the stars! Such an incredibly unique story that hit all the markers. There’s no drag in this story, no filler - it is the perfect blend of supernatural horror and psychological suspense. A small town and a cast of characters that I quickly became emotionally invested in was enough to hook me but the premise was the cat nip to my little kitty heart.

The dual timelines and alternate POV gave the story depth and the inclusion of a book within a book coming to life is a spectacular puzzle to pry apart. Blackwood Mansion is a character in its own right, dark and dreary, and it’s inhabitants just as complicated.

This is hard to review without revealing too much of the plot so I’ll leave it at that but I’ve been recommending this to everyone who enjoys the genre as much as I do.

My thanks to Crooked Lane Books for this gifted DRC.

Blackwood mansion looms, surrounded by nightmare pines, atop the hill over the small town of New Haven. Ben Bookman, bestselling novelist and heir to the Blackwood estate, spent a weekend at the ancestral home to finish writing his latest horror novel, The Scarecrow. Now, on the eve of the book’s release, the terrible story within begins to unfold in real life.

Detective Mills arrives at the scene of a gruesome murder: a family butchered and bundled inside cocoons stitched from corn husks, and hung from the rafters of a barn, eerily mirroring the opening of Bookman’s latest novel. When another family is killed in a similar manner, Mills, along with his daughter, rookie detective Samantha Blue, is determined to find the link to the book—and the killer—before the story reaches its chilling climax.

I had the best of luck finding the perfect spooky season reads around the holidays this year! Creepy murders, creepier asylum, terrifying nightmares.

WOW I loved the plot in this one! Comparable to Stephen King, this did not go in the direction I was expecting and was full of surprises. A bit of a slow burn to start up, which was needed to really set up what happens as the story goes on. It’s almost like there are stories within the story - lots of layers to unravel!

If you love villains, this is a story for you! The tooth fairy still gives me the creeps. All of the murders suspiciously mirror Ben’s books exactly. Of course he is suspect number one, but as Detective Mills and Detective Blue begin to dig - is there something bigger going on? Without giving too much away, I loved the supernatural aspect and it kept me on the edge of my seat.

The Nightmare Man
by J. H. Markert
Narrated by David Bendena

Rating: 4.5/5.0 Stars

The Nightmare Man by J. H. Markert was my first book by this author and narrator. I was impressed with both. David Bendena did a great job putting a voice to the characters and helping bring them and the story to life. He was easy to listen to and understand as well. As for J. H. Markert, he crafted a fun, entertaining tale of the things that (should) only live in your dreams. It was refreshing to listen to a truly unique story, as so many of the thriller/horror stories nowadays seem to have much of their plots borrowed from other stories that have already been there and done that.

This is the tale of Ben Bookman, a successful horror genre author, and what happens when his stories actually start coming true. Two detectives, father and daughter, are trying to figure out what exactly is going on and who is committing these gruesome murders and they aren't having much luck. Then, things start pointing to Ben as a possible suspect. I don't want to give anything away, but what's really going on is a bit more complex than anyone could have imagined.

Thanks so much to #NetGalley, #DreamscapeMedia and the author for the opportunity to listen to and review this ARC!

"The Nightmare Man" by J.H. Markert was creepy, terrifying, mystical and suspenseful. It starts out quickly with a family mutilation and does not slow down from there. Anyone that loves horror and murder mystery will devour this book.

I listened to the audiobook thanks to Netgalley, and the narrator does a wonderful job with all the different characters and timelines that are present in the book. I really enjoyed the experience and felt like I was almost watching a movie unfold in front of me. That is due to both excellent narration and writing. I would highly recommend listening to the audio version of this book.

There were so many twists and side stories going on, but it was never too much and it all came together horrifically, but beautifully. There are a lot of trigger warnings that I would look up before reading this book and if you have an issue with gore, murder, alcohol or drug abuse than this may not be the book for you. That said, as a lover of horror, mystery, and psychological suspense books, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Well shit!
Now that's how you write a book about nightmares. I was immediately pulled into this book. From start to finish, I was invested.

The writing, storytelling, and pacing are all so well done. You get bits of the past and present to help you understand what, why, and how all the nightmarish chaos is happening, but only just enough to help with that specific part of the story. I was like Gretel following the crumbs to the witches' oven, and the heat was worth it.

I enjoyed all the main and side characters as they all brought so much to the story and were all connected in some way. Though, I really enjoyed Ben Bookman and the story behind his family most. It is, after all, how the story starts, with an authors stories come to life.

Honestly, it's just a wonderfully constructed nightmarish thriller. I don't want to say too much, but I definitely recommend this one!

P.s. The audiobook is great, too.

𝙳𝚎𝚊𝚝𝚑 𝙲𝚎𝚛𝚝𝚒𝚏𝚒𝚌𝚊𝚝𝚎 - 🔪🔪🔪🔪🩸

If you enjoy Stephen King books, are a horror fan, are into creepy and bone-chilling books, enjoy books about a book, and like serial killer thrillers, you should add THE NIGHTMARE MAN by J.H. Markert to your reading list.

I’m 100% positive this book will be shared in everyone’s posts around the fall and October time when they showcase creepy and spooky books to read. So, if you like to keep those types of books for that time of year, go ahead and mark this one down for then.

A complicated plot with many different characters and layers made my head spin, but as it all came together in the end it made sense. Also, this isn’t your typical happy-ish ending thriller. You’ll likely be left feeling a bit disturbed and without the warm and fuzzies.

I was hooked from the beginning and couldn’t put it down, but the middle did fizzle out for me. As I mentioned above, I am happy with the way things came together in the end and despite it not being the happiest of endings, I think it fit perfectly for this book. It would be really cool to see this become a movie.

A huge thank you to Crooked Lane Books for my gifted ARC.

2.5 stars for me. While the whole moth man was creepy as hell especially in the beginning. I felt there was way to many characters to keep track of. Once the end neared a lot was happening that made it sort of confusing with all the people involved

This was my first book from this author, it was a good book and kept you guessing! Definitely very spooky and scary at times!

T. Kingfisher is an absolute favorite author of mine. When I heard this novel was like a horror mesh of Fisher and Cassandra Khaw I had to add this to my TBR. I literally squealed when Crooked Lane Books approved the ebook request. If I'm being honest, it was taking a lot to get into between the multiple characters, timelines and overall length. Keep in mind though, the gorey descriptives and foreboding atmosphere were excellent. There was too much of a slow build at the beginning for me.

Then Dreamscape approved the audiobook request I submitted and it took off. I'm not certain if it was just the turning point in the novel or the fluid narration by David Bendena. Heck, it could've just been my mood, but I became engrossed.

This is like adult Goosebumps for those who've seen the recent movies. Just add more gore, character depth, psychological mind benders and some very twisted people. It became the horror book I was hoping for and you will not guess where this is going. At least not for a good bit.

I think this novel well be eaten up (no sewn mouths here) by horror lovers. This is the type of thing I'd love to see Netflix turn into a series. It has so much it brings to life. For those gore loving horror fanatics I recommend giving this little nightmare a TBR add.

Thank you Dreamscape Media for the advanced audio copy. All thoughts are my own.

Horror is not my usual jam but I really liked this one. This was a creepy as shit book and it took a bit for me to figure out what was going on and where it was headed! I really just hope this one never comes true, what a nightmare that would be (see what I did there??)!!! I did like the book but felt like it was a bit long. I would definitely recommend this to people that like mystery and horror! I totally loved how kick as the daughter was and that she wasn't scare of ANYTHING.

#TheNightmareMan
#NetGalley