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Pan Kołysanka
Pod miejscowością Harrod`s Reach rozciąga się stary, zrujnowany tunel kolejowy, w którym dochodzi do serii niewyjaśnionych zdarzeń. Gdy zostaje w nim znaleziony ranny i pogrążony w śpiączce Sully Dupree, przerażeni mieszkańcy żądają zasypania przekopu. Zastępca szeryfa Beth Gardner nie wierzy w złą aurę tego miejsca aż do chwili, gdy odnajduje w nim dwa ciała, a przy nich dziwne zapiski z wersami ze starych kołysanek. Wkrótce potem Sully Dupree na krótko budzi się ze śpiączki i przekazuje starszemu bratu wiadomość, że jest uwięziony po drugiej stronie tunelu w Lalalandii – obcym i nieznanym świecie zamieszkanym przez istoty z sennych koszmarów. Sully tkwi tam wraz z setkami innych pogrążonych w śpiączce osób, które desperacko próbują powstrzymać przedostanie się mitycznego zła ze świata snów do rzeczywistości.
W innym miejscu pewien mężczyzna od lat słyszy w swojej głowie głos. Nazywa go Panem Kołysanką. W końcu ulega jego podszeptom i wypełnia rozkazy. Zaczyna zabijać.
W innym miejscu pewien mężczyzna od lat słyszy w swojej głowie głos. Nazywa go Panem Kołysanką. W końcu ulega jego podszeptom i wypełnia rozkazy. Zaczyna zabijać.
464 pages, Paperback
First published November 21, 2023
179 people are currently reading
5549 people want to read
About the author
J.H. Markert
8 books906 followersAlso writes under James Markert.
J. H. Markert is a producer, screenwriter, husband, and father of two from Louisville, Kentucky, where he was also a tennis pro for 25 years. He graduated with a degree in History from the University of Louisville.
J. H. Markert is a producer, screenwriter, husband, and father of two from Louisville, Kentucky, where he was also a tennis pro for 25 years. He graduated with a degree in History from the University of Louisville.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 793 reviews
November 19, 2023
This is a first! A book so terrifying that it gave me day terrors! After taking a break from reading to have lunch, I found myself screaming at my salad (no, I wasn't protesting healthy eating habits or accusing my salad of behaving like a greasy cheeseburger). I simply remembered a scene from the book and my mind got stuck in that eerie LaLaLand, causing me to be frightened even in broad daylight.
Before you dive into this truly jaw-dropping, mind-blowing, and highly disturbing read that combines the scariest elements of Peter Pan and Stephen King's masterpiece "It," let me offer you a few warnings:
Firstly, don't you dare read it late at night in silence (fortunately, I was spared as my husband's snoring, which is worse than ten thunderstorms, accompanied me during my morning reading, reminding me that there are scarier things than monsters).
Secondly, don't you dare read it in a crowded cafe or restaurant because when you forget about the people around you, they might grow concerned by your screams, and little children may point you out to their mothers, urging you to quiet down!
Lastly, don't even think about secretly reading it during one of your Zoom meetings, even if they are dreadfully boring and the only thing that keeps you from drifting off is the anticipation of stealing a glance at the book positioned next to your computer. If you scream in the middle of a meeting, your colleagues may assume you're having a nervous breakdown, and they won't believe your explanation that you were reading a scary passage about Teddy—a character so ominous it will send shivers down your spine.
Now, after issuing my cautionary notes, let's recap the main plot:
There's something incredibly sinister happening at Harrod's Reach. Corpses are appearing, left inside an old train tunnel, accompanied by eerie calling cards inscribed with old lullabies. After the brutal deaths of two individuals, the police also discover Sully Dupree, a young boy in urgent need of medical attention who is placed in a medically induced coma. When he briefly awakens, he delivers a message to his brother from LaLaLand, the nightmarish realm where his mind remains trapped alongside other children. In LaLaLand, dangerous mythical creatures lurk, seeking a way to breach the barrier into the real world and haunt the entire town.
We are introduced to two distinct characters. The first is Maddy, the sole survivor who manages to wake up from her coma. Her mission becomes finding a way to halt these creatures from conquering her hometown.
The other character is Teddy, bearing the scars of a traumatic childhood. Haunted by an eerie voice that reaches him through a seashell, Teddy devises a horrifying plan that could alter the fate of the entire population.
Overall, this book is not for the faint of heart, as it contains violent descriptions and chillingly realistic depictions. However, if you're a true horror fan who devours old-school King novels, I couldn't recommend it more. It may be the perfect fit for your taste!
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing me with a digital reviewer copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
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Before you dive into this truly jaw-dropping, mind-blowing, and highly disturbing read that combines the scariest elements of Peter Pan and Stephen King's masterpiece "It," let me offer you a few warnings:
Firstly, don't you dare read it late at night in silence (fortunately, I was spared as my husband's snoring, which is worse than ten thunderstorms, accompanied me during my morning reading, reminding me that there are scarier things than monsters).
Secondly, don't you dare read it in a crowded cafe or restaurant because when you forget about the people around you, they might grow concerned by your screams, and little children may point you out to their mothers, urging you to quiet down!
Lastly, don't even think about secretly reading it during one of your Zoom meetings, even if they are dreadfully boring and the only thing that keeps you from drifting off is the anticipation of stealing a glance at the book positioned next to your computer. If you scream in the middle of a meeting, your colleagues may assume you're having a nervous breakdown, and they won't believe your explanation that you were reading a scary passage about Teddy—a character so ominous it will send shivers down your spine.
Now, after issuing my cautionary notes, let's recap the main plot:
There's something incredibly sinister happening at Harrod's Reach. Corpses are appearing, left inside an old train tunnel, accompanied by eerie calling cards inscribed with old lullabies. After the brutal deaths of two individuals, the police also discover Sully Dupree, a young boy in urgent need of medical attention who is placed in a medically induced coma. When he briefly awakens, he delivers a message to his brother from LaLaLand, the nightmarish realm where his mind remains trapped alongside other children. In LaLaLand, dangerous mythical creatures lurk, seeking a way to breach the barrier into the real world and haunt the entire town.
We are introduced to two distinct characters. The first is Maddy, the sole survivor who manages to wake up from her coma. Her mission becomes finding a way to halt these creatures from conquering her hometown.
The other character is Teddy, bearing the scars of a traumatic childhood. Haunted by an eerie voice that reaches him through a seashell, Teddy devises a horrifying plan that could alter the fate of the entire population.
Overall, this book is not for the faint of heart, as it contains violent descriptions and chillingly realistic depictions. However, if you're a true horror fan who devours old-school King novels, I couldn't recommend it more. It may be the perfect fit for your taste!
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing me with a digital reviewer copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
medium blog
July 7, 2024
My thanks Crooked Lane books, J.H. Markert and Netgalley.
This is hands down, one of the best horror stories I've read this year. I've read a few reviews that stated that this book scared the crap outta them and gave them nightmares.
Well, I'm here to tell you that they must be trying to blow smoke up your ass, or "most likely" they just haven't read much horror.
Don't get me wrong, because I'm here to tell you that Mr. Markert gave me some serious chills.
Was this a scary book? No. Not for me. But, let's get real. I've been reading scary since the 1970's.
What worked for me was not only the majorly messed up scares, but also Mr. Markert's ability to write about characters that you'll love or hate.
This author repeatedly reminded me of early Stephen King. Not a comparison that I often make, but the feels were strong!
My recommendation? It's really good. Read it!
This is hands down, one of the best horror stories I've read this year. I've read a few reviews that stated that this book scared the crap outta them and gave them nightmares.
Well, I'm here to tell you that they must be trying to blow smoke up your ass, or "most likely" they just haven't read much horror.
Don't get me wrong, because I'm here to tell you that Mr. Markert gave me some serious chills.
Was this a scary book? No. Not for me. But, let's get real. I've been reading scary since the 1970's.
What worked for me was not only the majorly messed up scares, but also Mr. Markert's ability to write about characters that you'll love or hate.
This author repeatedly reminded me of early Stephen King. Not a comparison that I often make, but the feels were strong!
My recommendation? It's really good. Read it!
June 12, 2025
Mister Lullaby is the 2nd-novel that I have read from Horror author, J.H. Markert and honestly, after my experience with this, I'm starting to second guess my feelings on The Nightmare Man, which I thought I had fun with.
This story just did not work for me at all.
In this one, which is almost completely lost from my mind, we're in the small town of Harrod's Reach. Most of the action centers around an old railway tunnel and the fantastical, horrifying properties it may hold.
We follow a whole host of people as they deal with the repercussions of the nature of the tunnel. There's quite a few individuals in comas, there's a lot of characters in general and every once in a while there was a bit of a coherent storyline that I was actually intrigued by.
I know this is coming off as all sorts of salty, and I apologize for that, but these are the general feelings I walked away with; confusion and disappointment.
In fact, I was confused by this right from the start. I found it muddled and hard to track, and definitely not an easy narrative to settle into. I'm not trying to work too hard here. I read for fun and escape. I don't want to be taking notes in order to follow a cast of characters.
Don't get me wrong, there were glimmers of interest, things I wanted to learn more about, but those portions never lasted long enough to really hook me.
There were a lot of moving parts, and many of those parts were things I had seen before. It felt like a Hodge-podge of Joe Hill and Stephen King ideas rolled into a ball and thrown in a casserole dish, trying to make something delicious, but it burned in the oven.
And that's how I walk away. Burned.
With all of my venting out of the way, I am sure this review helps you not at all, because I am also going to say, if you are interested in this book, PICK IT UP!!! At the end of the day, I know nothing. This is simply my opinion based upon my own personal reading experience.
Everyone's taste is different and everyone enjoys different things. I have read quite a few reviews and I know a lot of Readers are enjoying this. You could be one. I would never tell someone not to read a book and I'm not going to here.
There's a book for every Reader and a Reader for every book. The fact that I didn't enjoy this means absolutely nothing.
Regardless of my experience, I want to thank the publisher, Crooked Lane Books and Dreamscape Media, for providing me with a copy to read and review.
I am 1 - 1 with this author now and do plan to pick up whatever he releases next. I am hoping this particular story is just a one-off for me and that I will love the next one!
This story just did not work for me at all.
In this one, which is almost completely lost from my mind, we're in the small town of Harrod's Reach. Most of the action centers around an old railway tunnel and the fantastical, horrifying properties it may hold.
We follow a whole host of people as they deal with the repercussions of the nature of the tunnel. There's quite a few individuals in comas, there's a lot of characters in general and every once in a while there was a bit of a coherent storyline that I was actually intrigued by.
I know this is coming off as all sorts of salty, and I apologize for that, but these are the general feelings I walked away with; confusion and disappointment.
In fact, I was confused by this right from the start. I found it muddled and hard to track, and definitely not an easy narrative to settle into. I'm not trying to work too hard here. I read for fun and escape. I don't want to be taking notes in order to follow a cast of characters.
Don't get me wrong, there were glimmers of interest, things I wanted to learn more about, but those portions never lasted long enough to really hook me.
There were a lot of moving parts, and many of those parts were things I had seen before. It felt like a Hodge-podge of Joe Hill and Stephen King ideas rolled into a ball and thrown in a casserole dish, trying to make something delicious, but it burned in the oven.
And that's how I walk away. Burned.
With all of my venting out of the way, I am sure this review helps you not at all, because I am also going to say, if you are interested in this book, PICK IT UP!!! At the end of the day, I know nothing. This is simply my opinion based upon my own personal reading experience.
Everyone's taste is different and everyone enjoys different things. I have read quite a few reviews and I know a lot of Readers are enjoying this. You could be one. I would never tell someone not to read a book and I'm not going to here.
There's a book for every Reader and a Reader for every book. The fact that I didn't enjoy this means absolutely nothing.
Regardless of my experience, I want to thank the publisher, Crooked Lane Books and Dreamscape Media, for providing me with a copy to read and review.
I am 1 - 1 with this author now and do plan to pick up whatever he releases next. I am hoping this particular story is just a one-off for me and that I will love the next one!
November 2, 2023
When Nightmares come to life!
There is an old, abandoned train tunnel in Harrod’s Reach, it’s a sinister tunnel that has seen its fair share of danger. A young boy is injured in the tunnel and bodies have been found outside of its entrance. It has become a real nightmare for the townspeople.
The young boy, Sully, who is injured is in a coma but wakes up just long enough to give a message saying “Run"! Sully has been trapped in Lalaland while in his coma! Lala what, you ask. Lalaland is a place where others in comas are trapped with the evil creatures of sleep. Sully with the others like him are fighting to keep the evil creatures from entering the waking world.
Teddy was never like the other children. He has growths on his head that he tries to keep hidden. He begins hearing the voice of Mr. Lullaby telling him to act by killing coma patients.
This was a dark and sinister tale that is not for the faint of heart. It is imaginative and does have strong Stephen King vibes. I had both the book and the audiobook and found myself listening to the audiobook more as I enjoyed the narration.
The book is slow to build and has many characters (mainly creepy), different timeframes, and an uneasy feel. I didn't find this book to be scary, but it is creepy, horrific and dark. Like other reviewers, I found the ending to be a little abrupt. I'm assuming the author is planning on another book.
While I enjoyed this book, I wasn't blown away by it. But I did enjoy the atmosphere, the sinister vibe, the danger level. Others are enjoying this book more than I did, so please read their reviews as well.
Original, dark, and atmospheric.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media, Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
There is an old, abandoned train tunnel in Harrod’s Reach, it’s a sinister tunnel that has seen its fair share of danger. A young boy is injured in the tunnel and bodies have been found outside of its entrance. It has become a real nightmare for the townspeople.
The young boy, Sully, who is injured is in a coma but wakes up just long enough to give a message saying “Run"! Sully has been trapped in Lalaland while in his coma! Lala what, you ask. Lalaland is a place where others in comas are trapped with the evil creatures of sleep. Sully with the others like him are fighting to keep the evil creatures from entering the waking world.
Teddy was never like the other children. He has growths on his head that he tries to keep hidden. He begins hearing the voice of Mr. Lullaby telling him to act by killing coma patients.
This was a dark and sinister tale that is not for the faint of heart. It is imaginative and does have strong Stephen King vibes. I had both the book and the audiobook and found myself listening to the audiobook more as I enjoyed the narration.
The book is slow to build and has many characters (mainly creepy), different timeframes, and an uneasy feel. I didn't find this book to be scary, but it is creepy, horrific and dark. Like other reviewers, I found the ending to be a little abrupt. I'm assuming the author is planning on another book.
While I enjoyed this book, I wasn't blown away by it. But I did enjoy the atmosphere, the sinister vibe, the danger level. Others are enjoying this book more than I did, so please read their reviews as well.
Original, dark, and atmospheric.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media, Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
December 3, 2023
2.75 Stars
Love the concept, but not the execution
It's always exciting to stumble upon a novel with an imaginative premise, and this one certainly had it. An alternate world linked to coma patients and a mysterious tunnel - who wouldn't be intrigued by that? However, as I dove into the story, I couldn't help but feel a bit lost in the sea of characters. The constant shifts between the present and past didn't make things easier either. Don't get me wrong, the idea was fascinating, but the execution left much to be desired.
Overall, not for me. But if you enjoy unique and unconventional plots, then this novel might be worth a try.
*** Thank you to NetGalley, J.H. Markert, and Dreamscape Media for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
Love the concept, but not the execution
It's always exciting to stumble upon a novel with an imaginative premise, and this one certainly had it. An alternate world linked to coma patients and a mysterious tunnel - who wouldn't be intrigued by that? However, as I dove into the story, I couldn't help but feel a bit lost in the sea of characters. The constant shifts between the present and past didn't make things easier either. Don't get me wrong, the idea was fascinating, but the execution left much to be desired.
Overall, not for me. But if you enjoy unique and unconventional plots, then this novel might be worth a try.
*** Thank you to NetGalley, J.H. Markert, and Dreamscape Media for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
February 23, 2025
⭐️ ⭐️
One thing that makes a good book good is its ability to retain focus and keep various tendrils of plot connected like interwoven strands, even when they may seem ostensively unrelated. Whatever the opposite of that is… this book does that.
Characters are thrown scattershot at the reader with flagrant disregard for cohesion. The story sputters out of the gate like damp combustion, and plot lines develop independently without clear connectivity tissue. By the time they come back together, even feigned interest has been lost, and the wandering mind has forfeited any conviction to finish.
I think I didn’t like this book…
One thing that makes a good book good is its ability to retain focus and keep various tendrils of plot connected like interwoven strands, even when they may seem ostensively unrelated. Whatever the opposite of that is… this book does that.
Characters are thrown scattershot at the reader with flagrant disregard for cohesion. The story sputters out of the gate like damp combustion, and plot lines develop independently without clear connectivity tissue. By the time they come back together, even feigned interest has been lost, and the wandering mind has forfeited any conviction to finish.
I think I didn’t like this book…
November 28, 2023
Even the most soothing melodies can hide a dark secret.…
Book Information
“Mister Lullaby” by J. H. Markert is a 309-page mystery/horror with a publication date of November 22, 2023. The audiobook version, which spans 12 hours and 8 minutes is narrated by David Bendena and Lauren Ezzo. Thank you to Dreamscape Media for providing me with an advance reader copy of this book for review.
Summary
In the eerie town of Harrod’s Reach, a recent injury to young Sully Dupree leads to the decision to seal the ominous train tunnel. Deputy Sheriff Beth Gardner discovers two corpses marked with cryptic symbols, and Sully, in a coma, reveals his mind trapped in a nightmarish realm called Lalaland. There, he and other coma patients fight to prevent dream creatures from entering the waking world. Simultaneously, a man haunted by his past, influenced by a sinister voice named Mr. Lullaby, targets coma patients for harm.
My Thoughts
"Mister Lullaby" by J. H. Markert is an eerie and engaging tale that weaves a tense and creepy narrative within the backdrop of a small-town horror. The story unfolds through the perspectives of a large group of well-crafted characters, skillfully navigating two different timelines. Markert employs a sinister vibe, skillfully building suspense and horror throughout the narrative.
The narrative unfolds through short chapters, each told from the viewpoint of a character, contributing to a slow and steady pace that keeps readers engrossed. The writing itself is commendable, with the author's ability to maintain a sense of tension and darkness throughout the novel.
One of the intriguing aspects of "Mister Lullaby" is its unique world-building. I am always intrigued when a storyteller makes something we all touch every day, like sleeping/dreaming, into a realm that few have awareness of. Markert also explores a fascinating premise by building a horror story around lullabies and delving into the folklore and history surrounding them. The concept of something universally soothing and relaxing being turned into a source of fear adds an extra layer of complexity to the narrative. This chilling twist on lullabies will have you double-checking your Spotify playlist before bedtime.
The use of two narrators, Bendena and Ezzo, proves to be a wise decision, as both contribute significantly to bringing the story to life and helping to manage the multitude of characters.
My biggest criticism of the book is the ending which appears rushed, leaving characters and subplots unresolved and suggesting a potential sequel. This abrupt conclusion may disappoint readers (like me) who prefer a more conclusive ending, as it feels like a setup for a future story rather than a satisfying resolution.
Recommendation
"Mister Lullaby" is a compelling read with its unique premise, well-developed characters, and skillful execution of a small-town horror narrative. Its dark and suspenseful atmosphere makes the novel a noteworthy addition to the horror genre. Markert transforms the innocuous tunes of bedtime into a macabre masterpiece that will echo in your thoughts long after the final page. Recommended.
Rating
4 Sleepless Stars
Book Information
“Mister Lullaby” by J. H. Markert is a 309-page mystery/horror with a publication date of November 22, 2023. The audiobook version, which spans 12 hours and 8 minutes is narrated by David Bendena and Lauren Ezzo. Thank you to Dreamscape Media for providing me with an advance reader copy of this book for review.
Summary
In the eerie town of Harrod’s Reach, a recent injury to young Sully Dupree leads to the decision to seal the ominous train tunnel. Deputy Sheriff Beth Gardner discovers two corpses marked with cryptic symbols, and Sully, in a coma, reveals his mind trapped in a nightmarish realm called Lalaland. There, he and other coma patients fight to prevent dream creatures from entering the waking world. Simultaneously, a man haunted by his past, influenced by a sinister voice named Mr. Lullaby, targets coma patients for harm.
My Thoughts
"Mister Lullaby" by J. H. Markert is an eerie and engaging tale that weaves a tense and creepy narrative within the backdrop of a small-town horror. The story unfolds through the perspectives of a large group of well-crafted characters, skillfully navigating two different timelines. Markert employs a sinister vibe, skillfully building suspense and horror throughout the narrative.
The narrative unfolds through short chapters, each told from the viewpoint of a character, contributing to a slow and steady pace that keeps readers engrossed. The writing itself is commendable, with the author's ability to maintain a sense of tension and darkness throughout the novel.
One of the intriguing aspects of "Mister Lullaby" is its unique world-building. I am always intrigued when a storyteller makes something we all touch every day, like sleeping/dreaming, into a realm that few have awareness of. Markert also explores a fascinating premise by building a horror story around lullabies and delving into the folklore and history surrounding them. The concept of something universally soothing and relaxing being turned into a source of fear adds an extra layer of complexity to the narrative. This chilling twist on lullabies will have you double-checking your Spotify playlist before bedtime.
The use of two narrators, Bendena and Ezzo, proves to be a wise decision, as both contribute significantly to bringing the story to life and helping to manage the multitude of characters.
My biggest criticism of the book is the ending which appears rushed, leaving characters and subplots unresolved and suggesting a potential sequel. This abrupt conclusion may disappoint readers (like me) who prefer a more conclusive ending, as it feels like a setup for a future story rather than a satisfying resolution.
Recommendation
"Mister Lullaby" is a compelling read with its unique premise, well-developed characters, and skillful execution of a small-town horror narrative. Its dark and suspenseful atmosphere makes the novel a noteworthy addition to the horror genre. Markert transforms the innocuous tunes of bedtime into a macabre masterpiece that will echo in your thoughts long after the final page. Recommended.
Rating
4 Sleepless Stars
November 19, 2023
I thought this one had a lot of potential and a lot of interesting elements but it never really came together for me. This was a book that I had a hard time getting through and when it finally started to pick up for me it ended rather abruptly and a little oddly. The writing itself was good, but I thought they messed with time a little more than they needed to along with the perspectives and it left things just a little messy for me. Something evil is coming and the warning comes in the form of.mysterious and deadly happpenings at the creepy tunnel outside of town. Deputy Sheriff Beth, returned war veteran hero Gideon and a few surprise others band together to try to save not only this world but another beyond. But Mister Lullaby. Is gathering allies too and his allies are destructive and violent and all carrying their own nightmares, This wasn’t quite as creepy as I was hoping for and while I liked it I overall didn’t enjoy it as much as this author’s last book which was one of the better horror books I had ever read.
November 17, 2023
I liked the author's previous novel, The Nightmare Man, and saw a lot of promise in his horror writing skills. However, Mr. Lullaby didn't live up to my expectations. I expected a scarier narrative and faster pacing. Instead, I got a slow paced convoluted story. The story just wasn't scary or creepy enough to keep me engaged.
Execution-wise, the plot just didn't flow. It seemed as though different scenarios were slapped together, hoping that they would stick and magically transform the narrative into a seamless scary and frightening story. That, did not happen.
There were numerous characters in the novel. And having too many characters can sometimes be a detriment. In this case, it was. It got confusing as soon as the "extras" were introduced. The narrative then became a mixed bag and I lost focus on the whole plot.
Mr. Lullaby maybe just a one off so it won't deter me from reading other novels from this author. But for now, Mr. Lullaby was a somewhat disappointing one star -- a DNF at 45%
I received a DRC from Crooked Lane Books through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
Execution-wise, the plot just didn't flow. It seemed as though different scenarios were slapped together, hoping that they would stick and magically transform the narrative into a seamless scary and frightening story. That, did not happen.
There were numerous characters in the novel. And having too many characters can sometimes be a detriment. In this case, it was. It got confusing as soon as the "extras" were introduced. The narrative then became a mixed bag and I lost focus on the whole plot.
Mr. Lullaby maybe just a one off so it won't deter me from reading other novels from this author. But for now, Mr. Lullaby was a somewhat disappointing one star -- a DNF at 45%
I received a DRC from Crooked Lane Books through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
June 12, 2023
I have no words. This book was amazing, I was scared and also on the edge of my seat through the entire last half. It was a long book, but I never got bored and was thoroughly entertained throughout. The best horror novel I have ever read. That’s it. That’s the review.
August 16, 2024
This author is quickly becoming one of my favorites for the mystery & suspense genera. This is the third of the books that I have read and would highly recommend them to anyone that enjoys a good mystery with a mix of the paranormal. Can't go wrong with that!
The town we visit in this one, has an abandoned train tunnel which has been associated with strange happenings for well over on a century. Events range from disappearances to murders to sightings that have no explanations at all. It has become an irresistible draw for the local kids to dare one another to enter and run through it. The town finally had it bricked up, but that dark, heavy and unexplained presence can still be felt. At the start of the story, we see that a bizarre double murder near the entrance of the tunnel has taken place. No one seemed really surprised even though it had been several years since anything like this has happened near the abandoned tunnel. The story moves on between the past and the present with the present killings and the past complexity of happenings...and none of it is anything that you may have expected...some of it is totally unimaginable by any sane person.
The author has filled the story with memorable characters, including chainsaw-wielding "Simple Simon", a mentally challenged man who is much more than he seems and has especially strong connections to a dreamworld known as "Lalaland"...I believe I have been there a few times myself:) You will never forget the "Lullaby Express," a bus that is driven by our title character, "Mister Lullaby". The bus takes a bizarre bunch of really strange characters...some that are even known to be killers...on a particularly strange quest. He is a great character, and his narrative is one of the major highlights of the book. The entire story is a blend of folklore, thriller, fantasy and horror that is very nicely balanced, and melts into a slow build-up that more than highlights the finish...or is it? We'll have to see what comes next. Whatever it is I'm ready.
The town we visit in this one, has an abandoned train tunnel which has been associated with strange happenings for well over on a century. Events range from disappearances to murders to sightings that have no explanations at all. It has become an irresistible draw for the local kids to dare one another to enter and run through it. The town finally had it bricked up, but that dark, heavy and unexplained presence can still be felt. At the start of the story, we see that a bizarre double murder near the entrance of the tunnel has taken place. No one seemed really surprised even though it had been several years since anything like this has happened near the abandoned tunnel. The story moves on between the past and the present with the present killings and the past complexity of happenings...and none of it is anything that you may have expected...some of it is totally unimaginable by any sane person.
The author has filled the story with memorable characters, including chainsaw-wielding "Simple Simon", a mentally challenged man who is much more than he seems and has especially strong connections to a dreamworld known as "Lalaland"...I believe I have been there a few times myself:) You will never forget the "Lullaby Express," a bus that is driven by our title character, "Mister Lullaby". The bus takes a bizarre bunch of really strange characters...some that are even known to be killers...on a particularly strange quest. He is a great character, and his narrative is one of the major highlights of the book. The entire story is a blend of folklore, thriller, fantasy and horror that is very nicely balanced, and melts into a slow build-up that more than highlights the finish...or is it? We'll have to see what comes next. Whatever it is I'm ready.
January 28, 2025
I thought this was just as if not more enjoyable then the nightmare man. I love how it connected but very much also feels like a standalone (you 100% can read out of order). This constantly had me feeling disturbed which is exactly how I want to feel, but also curious about what was going on. And I love the ending.
August 20, 2023
Mister Lullaby by J.H. Markert
Pub Date 11/21/23
⭐⭐⭐
For fans of Insidious or Nightmare on Elm Street, Mister Lullaby is a unique take on a disturbing nightmare. Mister Lullaby is a nightmare you don't want to follow you home.
Sully Dupree, a local boy from the small town of Harrod's Reach becomes injured and slips in a coma after playing in an old train tunnel, The townspeople makes the decision to close the tunnel off for good before anyone else gets hurt. But when two bodies are found in front of the tunnel with lullabies attached to them and Sully briefly awakens screaming. "Run" everything changes. Sully and other coma patients around the world are trapped in Lalaland, a world filled with evil and nightmarish creatures that are trying to enter the real world. While hundreds of coma patients are working to keep them at bay, another man who hears Mister Lullabies voice is already working hard to kill as many "dead heads" as quickly as possible. Wake up because Mister Lullaby is coming.
J.H. Markert spins a fascinating tale full of terrifying characters that will make you want to stay awake. I enjoyed the storyline and how the pieces all came together. However I felt the ending was rushed and too many questions were left unanswered.
Pub Date 11/21/23
⭐⭐⭐
For fans of Insidious or Nightmare on Elm Street, Mister Lullaby is a unique take on a disturbing nightmare. Mister Lullaby is a nightmare you don't want to follow you home.
Sully Dupree, a local boy from the small town of Harrod's Reach becomes injured and slips in a coma after playing in an old train tunnel, The townspeople makes the decision to close the tunnel off for good before anyone else gets hurt. But when two bodies are found in front of the tunnel with lullabies attached to them and Sully briefly awakens screaming. "Run" everything changes. Sully and other coma patients around the world are trapped in Lalaland, a world filled with evil and nightmarish creatures that are trying to enter the real world. While hundreds of coma patients are working to keep them at bay, another man who hears Mister Lullabies voice is already working hard to kill as many "dead heads" as quickly as possible. Wake up because Mister Lullaby is coming.
J.H. Markert spins a fascinating tale full of terrifying characters that will make you want to stay awake. I enjoyed the storyline and how the pieces all came together. However I felt the ending was rushed and too many questions were left unanswered.
May 9, 2024
I've read "The Nightmare Man" by J. H. Markert and loved it. So, could "Mister Lullaby," his new novel, be as good? Well, honestly... "Mister Lullaby" is BLOODY amazing! Perhaps even better than "The Nightmare Man." I was drawn into this book like a moth to a flame and felt slightly bereft when the ending came. Now I can't wait to read "Sleep Tight."
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
October 16, 2023
This book made me mad in a way a book hasn't in a long time. Part of that is because, much like Marker's previous novel (which is mentioned a few times in this one) The Nightmare Man, there's a lot of wasted potential here. The concept was intriguing and should have made for a fun read. But Markert never fully commits to the premise. There are dozens of characters across multiple timelines and locations (including another world called LaLaLand
that we never get to see, despite the whole book basically being about it
) who do next-to-nothing. We are told a TON about, I dunno, murders and past events in the town and strangely-colored animals and driving, but we're almost never shown it.
And when we are? In the final scene of the book? It just ends. There is no climax, no resolution. The book ends mid-scene, essentially. This book is all set-up with absolutely no pay-off. Imagine if Titanic ended when they see the iceberg (not even when they hit it, because Mister Lullaby even lacks a final action scene). Absolutely infuriating.
And the characters, JFC. Why are like 80% of them even there? The most annoying example of the uselessness of these people is when .
I hated this, and I'm pissed that I read it.
And when we are? In the final scene of the book? It just ends. There is no climax, no resolution. The book ends mid-scene, essentially. This book is all set-up with absolutely no pay-off. Imagine if Titanic ended when they see the iceberg (not even when they hit it, because Mister Lullaby even lacks a final action scene). Absolutely infuriating.
And the characters, JFC. Why are like 80% of them even there? The most annoying example of the uselessness of these people is when .
I hated this, and I'm pissed that I read it.
October 5, 2023
This is a great, tense, creepy horror novel. It can be read as a stand alone, but readers of Markert's earlier book, The Nightmare Man will recognize some things from the previous book, so it is somewhat of a sequel.
Description:
In the vein of T. Kingfisher and Christopher Golden, the boundary protecting our world from the monsters on the other side is weakening—and Mister Lullaby is about to break through.
The small town of Harrod’s Reach has seen its fair share of the macabre, especially inside the decrepit old train tunnel around which the town was built. After a young boy, Sully Dupree, is injured in the abandoned tunnel and left in a coma, the townspeople are determined to wall it up. Deputy sheriff Beth Gardner is reluctant to buy into the superstitions until she finds two corpses at the tunnel’s entrance, each left with strange calling cards inscribed with old lullabies. Soon after, Sully Dupree briefly awakens from his coma.
Before falling back into his slumber, Sully manages to give his older brother a message. Sully's mind, since the accident, has been imprisoned on the other side of the tunnel in Lalaland, a grotesque and unfamiliar world inhabited by evil mythical creatures of sleep. Sully is trapped there with hundreds of other coma patients, all desperately fighting to keep the evils of the dream world from escaping into the waking world.
Elsewhere, a man troubled by his painful youth has for years been hearing a voice in his head he calls Mr. Lullaby, and he has finally started to act on what that voice is telling him—to kill any coma patient he can find, quickly.
Something is waking up in the tunnel—something is trying to get through. And Mr. Lullaby is coming.
My Thoughts:
The story is gripping and I had trouble putting it down as I was so engrossed in what was happening that I had to keep reading more to find out. Old folklore comes alive to menace the town of Harrod's Reach and no one is safe. Loved the characters Gideon and Beth for their courage and determination. I found the coma patients and their role to be imaginative. Great plot complete with monsters and afflicted humans causing mayhem.
Thanks to Crooked Lane Books through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on 11/21/23.
Description:
In the vein of T. Kingfisher and Christopher Golden, the boundary protecting our world from the monsters on the other side is weakening—and Mister Lullaby is about to break through.
The small town of Harrod’s Reach has seen its fair share of the macabre, especially inside the decrepit old train tunnel around which the town was built. After a young boy, Sully Dupree, is injured in the abandoned tunnel and left in a coma, the townspeople are determined to wall it up. Deputy sheriff Beth Gardner is reluctant to buy into the superstitions until she finds two corpses at the tunnel’s entrance, each left with strange calling cards inscribed with old lullabies. Soon after, Sully Dupree briefly awakens from his coma.
Before falling back into his slumber, Sully manages to give his older brother a message. Sully's mind, since the accident, has been imprisoned on the other side of the tunnel in Lalaland, a grotesque and unfamiliar world inhabited by evil mythical creatures of sleep. Sully is trapped there with hundreds of other coma patients, all desperately fighting to keep the evils of the dream world from escaping into the waking world.
Elsewhere, a man troubled by his painful youth has for years been hearing a voice in his head he calls Mr. Lullaby, and he has finally started to act on what that voice is telling him—to kill any coma patient he can find, quickly.
Something is waking up in the tunnel—something is trying to get through. And Mr. Lullaby is coming.
My Thoughts:
The story is gripping and I had trouble putting it down as I was so engrossed in what was happening that I had to keep reading more to find out. Old folklore comes alive to menace the town of Harrod's Reach and no one is safe. Loved the characters Gideon and Beth for their courage and determination. I found the coma patients and their role to be imaginative. Great plot complete with monsters and afflicted humans causing mayhem.
Thanks to Crooked Lane Books through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on 11/21/23.
November 22, 2023
Thank you to the author J. H. Markert, publishers Crooked Lane Books, and also to NetGalley for a widget of MISTER LULLABY. All views are mine.
This book is like NIGHTMARE MAN got a little older and tightened up its wardrobe. I like the progression in Markert's style, too. He's developed his narrative voice, this charry whisper, urgent and dire, lifting off the page in curling words. I'm eager to see what more he creates under this pen name.
Three (or more) things I loved:
...
2. A noticeable improvement of mental illness rep. I can tell Markert put in the work to avoid stigmatizing in this book.
3. The horns are freaking great.😆
4. Okay Teddy and Brandy are my favorite power couple in a while!
...
Three (or less) things I didn't love:
This section isn't only for criticisms. It's merely for items that I felt something for other than "love" or some interpretation thereof.
...
3. I don't love everything about the midpoint turn, but I love Alu. Like the demon version of sleep apnea! Hey, that stuff's evil 😈
...
Rating: 💤💤💤💤 bad nights of sleep
Recommend? Yes!
Finished: Nov 20 23
Format: Digital arc, Kindle, NetGalley
Read this book if you like:
⌛️ nonlinear timeline
🚇 haunted tunnels
💞 unlikely friends
🔪 serial killer stories
🛌 stories about nightmares
This book is like NIGHTMARE MAN got a little older and tightened up its wardrobe. I like the progression in Markert's style, too. He's developed his narrative voice, this charry whisper, urgent and dire, lifting off the page in curling words. I'm eager to see what more he creates under this pen name.
Three (or more) things I loved:
...
2. A noticeable improvement of mental illness rep. I can tell Markert put in the work to avoid stigmatizing in this book.
3. The horns are freaking great.😆
4. Okay Teddy and Brandy are my favorite power couple in a while!
...
Three (or less) things I didn't love:
This section isn't only for criticisms. It's merely for items that I felt something for other than "love" or some interpretation thereof.
...
3. I don't love everything about the midpoint turn, but I love Alu. Like the demon version of sleep apnea! Hey, that stuff's evil 😈
...
Rating: 💤💤💤💤 bad nights of sleep
Recommend? Yes!
Finished: Nov 20 23
Format: Digital arc, Kindle, NetGalley
Read this book if you like:
⌛️ nonlinear timeline
🚇 haunted tunnels
💞 unlikely friends
🔪 serial killer stories
🛌 stories about nightmares
Read
October 10, 2023DNF at 24%
I just wasn't in the headspace for this book I guess. I loved the last one so much but this one just felt too slow to get into.
I just wasn't in the headspace for this book I guess. I loved the last one so much but this one just felt too slow to get into.
February 2, 2024
4.5 stars
Mister Lullaby by J.H. Markert is a horror novel about nightmares that come to life.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Crooked Lane Books and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Deputy Sheriff Beth Gardner works in the small town of Harrod's Reach, a town with a history of the bizarre.
When "Simple" Simon discovers two bodies just outside the old train tunnel, Beth knows things are going to get worse. That tunnel has a history, and it isn't good. The entrances, once blocked up, have recently collapsed. Sully Dupree, a young boy, was injured in the tunnel, and left in a coma. His older brother Gideon, just back from war, is a little unhinged, and doesn't believe that the hero's welcome he receives is justified.
Theodore (Teddy) Lomax is listening to a "shell". The voice coming from it has given him a list of names....telling him who to kill. They are all "dead-heads" - coma patients, no longer quite in this world. Teddy is obeying that voice, who he is calling Mr. Lullaby.
Maddy has awoken from her coma after being attacked by the Horseshoe Rapist, and is intent on reaching Harrod's Reach. She wants to talk to Sully. She knows all about Lalaland, which is where Sully is currently imprisoned. Maddy knows all about the evil dream world that sometimes escapes into the waking world. She too has a list of names, all coma patients, currently living in Lalaland. Her mission is to save them.
Simon knows all about Lalaland too.
My Opinions:
First the yellow raincoat on the cover reminds me of the boy from Stephen King's IT, so this may have been part of the reason for choosing to read this book....that and I loved The Nightmare Man by this author. Note that although similar topics, they are both stand-alone novels.
Again, Markert is writing about nightmares coming to life, and again using mythology from different countries to tell the story. It's wonderful. Basically the book is about the rather thin boundaries between the waking and the sleeping world.
The tale is told from different perspectives, one of which is a detective's journals from years ago. I thought this worked well to show how long this has been happening. The plot is intriguing, and the characters just stick with you (whether good or bad). Be warned -- there are a lot of characters.
The overall tale is one of horror, and it does have blood and gore, but it is also a rather emotional read, dealing with patients in coma's and their loved one's anxiety. Tension builds throughout, and I don't think we've heard the end of this world. Well, if I'm honest, I hope not.
This author's imagination truly reminds me of Stephen King - powerful.
For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, author information and a favorite quotation or two from the book), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
August 29, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC!
Mister Lullaby was the perfect mix of Stephen King's It and Stranger Things.The short chapters flew by, each one ending with new and intriguing information that kept me completely invested in the story. Despite having a rather large cast of characters, I found that I was never confused. I never had to go back and double check whose POV I was in.
For the majority of the book, I just knew that this would be a 5 star read for me but ultimately I deducted one for the rather abrupt ending. The conclusion will probably work for some but it unfortunately did not work for me. I would have liked another chapter or two to wrap everything up. But having said that, the story was so very interesting and fast-paced, which I loved. This was the perfect read to get me in the mood for spooky season!
Mister Lullaby was the perfect mix of Stephen King's It and Stranger Things.The short chapters flew by, each one ending with new and intriguing information that kept me completely invested in the story. Despite having a rather large cast of characters, I found that I was never confused. I never had to go back and double check whose POV I was in.
For the majority of the book, I just knew that this would be a 5 star read for me but ultimately I deducted one for the rather abrupt ending. The conclusion will probably work for some but it unfortunately did not work for me. I would have liked another chapter or two to wrap everything up. But having said that, the story was so very interesting and fast-paced, which I loved. This was the perfect read to get me in the mood for spooky season!
October 31, 2023
Mister Lullaby by J. H. Markert was an audiobook I listened to and it was
narrated by David Bendena and Lauren Ezzo. They were amazing and I really enjoyed it!
This small town called Harrod’s Reach has an old train tunnel, scary as crap and the entire town was built around it. And nothing good has EVER happened in that tunnel. Nothing. This was creepy scary like some of S. King’s books and I couldn’t stop listening. It’s a mystery thriller and horror novel that had murders, psychopaths and strange other worldly things. Scary things.
4.5⭐️
Thanks Dreamscape Media via Netgalley.
narrated by David Bendena and Lauren Ezzo. They were amazing and I really enjoyed it!
This small town called Harrod’s Reach has an old train tunnel, scary as crap and the entire town was built around it. And nothing good has EVER happened in that tunnel. Nothing. This was creepy scary like some of S. King’s books and I couldn’t stop listening. It’s a mystery thriller and horror novel that had murders, psychopaths and strange other worldly things. Scary things.
4.5⭐️
Thanks Dreamscape Media via Netgalley.
October 19, 2023
As I read this stand-alone sequel to The Nightmare Man; I kept thinking that I could see this book as a movie or NF series. It reminded me of Stranger Things, with that blend of scifi/fantasy and horror. Although I enjoyed my time revisiting the mares, I also couldn't help comparing it to The Nightmare Man, which I absolutely adored! When I learned about the mares in the first book, it was all new for me; which added to the thrill of the story. Since I was already familiar with many of the elements, it didn't have quite the same impact.
This book focused on childhood lullabies and lalaland - a term I recall from childhood that really brought me back in time. When Giddeon returns home from the war with an honorable discharge, he walks into a nightmare about to happen. His long-time friend (and childhood crush) is now the deputy sheriff in town and married to his frenemy Jax, now a firefighter. The two are raising a young child. His younger brother is still in a coma, ever since he ventured into the "train tunnel," and Giddeon still feels responsible. This tunnel has an infamous history in which people have been killed, dismembered, and disappeared. Between relationship angst, murders and odd things starting to happen at the tunnel, Gideon must stand up against this evil force, whatever it is, to save his family, friends, and town.
I felt like the plot didn't grab me as much as I was anticipating. It seemed a little disjointed and jumped around a lot. I also had a hard time connecting to the characters. I couldn't bond with them. I think readers who enjoy action thrillers might enjoy this book more than I did. There was a ton of action in the last few chapters. The ending is left on a cliffhanger, so there will most likely be a follow-up.
Thank you to Netgalley and publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book focused on childhood lullabies and lalaland - a term I recall from childhood that really brought me back in time. When Giddeon returns home from the war with an honorable discharge, he walks into a nightmare about to happen. His long-time friend (and childhood crush) is now the deputy sheriff in town and married to his frenemy Jax, now a firefighter. The two are raising a young child. His younger brother is still in a coma, ever since he ventured into the "train tunnel," and Giddeon still feels responsible. This tunnel has an infamous history in which people have been killed, dismembered, and disappeared. Between relationship angst, murders and odd things starting to happen at the tunnel, Gideon must stand up against this evil force, whatever it is, to save his family, friends, and town.
I felt like the plot didn't grab me as much as I was anticipating. It seemed a little disjointed and jumped around a lot. I also had a hard time connecting to the characters. I couldn't bond with them. I think readers who enjoy action thrillers might enjoy this book more than I did. There was a ton of action in the last few chapters. The ending is left on a cliffhanger, so there will most likely be a follow-up.
Thank you to Netgalley and publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 9, 2024
Reading Mister Lullaby made me want to go back and read The Nightmare Man and though I could have sworn some of the same characters made an appearance, per the acknowledgments everyone was new! That being said, the world felt very similar and that is clearly why it gave me similar vibes. I love J.H. Markert's writing, and this book is terrifying, violent, and eerie in all the best ways. We have multiple viewpoints that never confused me and a shocking ending I never saw coming!
I do always love a full cast for audiobooks, but David Bendena & Lauren Ezzo were such great narrators for Mister Lullaby that I was perfectly content with just the two of them. The pacing of this book never quit, and I have no idea how Markert thinks these things up but I'm glad he does. The paranormal elements and horror are top-notch, and it even made me tear up in a couple of places. This author is so talented and his books under this pen name are perfect for thriller and horror fans alike! If you love the creepy and supernatural, you must pick this up!
Thank you to the publishers and Libro.fm for my complimentary listening and reader copies of this book. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
I do always love a full cast for audiobooks, but David Bendena & Lauren Ezzo were such great narrators for Mister Lullaby that I was perfectly content with just the two of them. The pacing of this book never quit, and I have no idea how Markert thinks these things up but I'm glad he does. The paranormal elements and horror are top-notch, and it even made me tear up in a couple of places. This author is so talented and his books under this pen name are perfect for thriller and horror fans alike! If you love the creepy and supernatural, you must pick this up!
Thank you to the publishers and Libro.fm for my complimentary listening and reader copies of this book. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
June 10, 2023
Compelling and absorbing horror tale from Markert (pen name for James Markert) about a town that has a history of weird things happening in and around an old train tunnel, with people dying or disappearing. It's all connected to a place called Lalaland and a group of comatose people in this world that are alive and well in the other. Can't really explain much without giving things away, but it's all rather interesting and keeps you turning the pages. The ending is rather rushed and seems to set up for a sequel, as characters and subplots are left unresolved. If so, then it makes sense and I'm looking forward to the next one. If not, then then the hurried and open-ended resolution doesn't do justice to what came before. The acknowledgements hints at more of the story, so we'll have to wait and see. 3.5 stars bumped to 4. Thanks to Netgalley for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 28, 2024
Everything you want in a horror novel, like King of old! Great characters, intricate yet easy-to-follow premise, monsters, lots of perspective, dread. It's funny how most horror is done in darkness, shadow, black & grey (with red, haha), but here, bright colors are the scary tones. Markert did such a great job crafting this one, and I'll definitely read more of his work.
December 18, 2023
4.5 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2023/12/12/...
It’s no secret that this was a year packed full of new horror releases, but 2023 seems to have saved me one of the best for last. J.H. Markert’s Mister Lullaby is a haunting novel that truly surprised me, delivering a seamless blend of visceral darkness and supernatural horror that left me feeling both discomfited but eager to read more.
Set against the backdrop of a creepy little town named Harrod’s Reach, the story first directs our attention to an abandoned train tunnel that locals around the area all know well. Strange things have been occurring there for as long as anyone can remember, ranging from the eerie to the gruesome. A few who have ventured inside have never returned. Severed limbs have also been mysteriously recovered from within its depths. And one year, a child named Sully Dupree suffered an unfortunate accident while inside the tunnel, leaving him in a coma. Despite calls from the frightened townsfolk to have the tunnel’s entrance walled up, authorities have been reluctant, unwilling to give into superstitions. Regardless, any attempt at sealing it would inevitably fail, as the bricks would crumble and fall apart for seemingly no reason at all. Then one day, two bodies are discovered at the tunnel, with messages with references to lullabies left upon them.
Following a long stint in the military, Sully Dupree’s older brother Gideon returns home to Harrod’s Reach, just in time for his kid brother to briefly awaken from his coma and impart a message, hinting at the existence of a twisted, unseen world beyond our own. Enlisting the help of his childhood friend Beth Gardner, now the Deputy Sheriff, Gideon seeks to uncover the mystery behind this nightmarish realm called LaLaLand, where Sully’s mind is trapped alongside those of other children whose physical bodies are also frozen in slumber. Fighting a silent war, they are working together to keep the evil from this dream world from breaking through to the other side. However, in the waking world, a troubled man starts to hear voices in his head from an entity he calls Mr. Lullaby, and following his directions, begins hunting down and killing any coma patient he can find.
Readers who enjoy sinister tales that push the boundaries will have a great time with this one, especially if you have a penchant for supernatural horror that blurs the lines between fantasy and reality. Mister Lullaby is also my first book by J.H. Markert and it certainly won’t be the last. The author’s skill lies in creating a unique and frightening mythology that shines through brightly in this novel’s plot which unfolds through multiple perspectives, forming an overall picture of fear and suspense. Both the real world and the nightmarish LaLaLand were vividly brought to life, the juxtaposition between these two different realities resulting in an added layer of complexity.
While it’s true that the narrative starts slow, it is never boring, as the momentum eventually builds to an urgency that keeps propelling us towards the climactic ending. One of the novel’s strongest aspects is the exploration of its characters—their past and present, as well as their knotty and complicated relationships forged through shared trauma. Backstories and personal struggles are revealed in tandem with revelations surrounding the old train tunnel, with the town’s grisly history serving as both a backdrop and a character in its own right. As secrets are unearthed and the stakes get higher, I found myself both captivated and appalled by the visceral horrors that unfold. All I can say about this is, Mister Lullaby is definitely not for the faint of heart.
And if the allusions of the cover aren’t immediately obvious, there are also strong echoes of Stephen King’s influence here, but also of Joe Hill’s NOS4R2, though at the end of the day, Markert’s voice is distinct. If you relish the weird, the uncanny, and the macabre, do yourself a favor and pick up Mister Lullaby, a darkly imaginative tale of horror which will burrow into your thoughts and stay there for a long time.
It’s no secret that this was a year packed full of new horror releases, but 2023 seems to have saved me one of the best for last. J.H. Markert’s Mister Lullaby is a haunting novel that truly surprised me, delivering a seamless blend of visceral darkness and supernatural horror that left me feeling both discomfited but eager to read more.
Set against the backdrop of a creepy little town named Harrod’s Reach, the story first directs our attention to an abandoned train tunnel that locals around the area all know well. Strange things have been occurring there for as long as anyone can remember, ranging from the eerie to the gruesome. A few who have ventured inside have never returned. Severed limbs have also been mysteriously recovered from within its depths. And one year, a child named Sully Dupree suffered an unfortunate accident while inside the tunnel, leaving him in a coma. Despite calls from the frightened townsfolk to have the tunnel’s entrance walled up, authorities have been reluctant, unwilling to give into superstitions. Regardless, any attempt at sealing it would inevitably fail, as the bricks would crumble and fall apart for seemingly no reason at all. Then one day, two bodies are discovered at the tunnel, with messages with references to lullabies left upon them.
Following a long stint in the military, Sully Dupree’s older brother Gideon returns home to Harrod’s Reach, just in time for his kid brother to briefly awaken from his coma and impart a message, hinting at the existence of a twisted, unseen world beyond our own. Enlisting the help of his childhood friend Beth Gardner, now the Deputy Sheriff, Gideon seeks to uncover the mystery behind this nightmarish realm called LaLaLand, where Sully’s mind is trapped alongside those of other children whose physical bodies are also frozen in slumber. Fighting a silent war, they are working together to keep the evil from this dream world from breaking through to the other side. However, in the waking world, a troubled man starts to hear voices in his head from an entity he calls Mr. Lullaby, and following his directions, begins hunting down and killing any coma patient he can find.
Readers who enjoy sinister tales that push the boundaries will have a great time with this one, especially if you have a penchant for supernatural horror that blurs the lines between fantasy and reality. Mister Lullaby is also my first book by J.H. Markert and it certainly won’t be the last. The author’s skill lies in creating a unique and frightening mythology that shines through brightly in this novel’s plot which unfolds through multiple perspectives, forming an overall picture of fear and suspense. Both the real world and the nightmarish LaLaLand were vividly brought to life, the juxtaposition between these two different realities resulting in an added layer of complexity.
While it’s true that the narrative starts slow, it is never boring, as the momentum eventually builds to an urgency that keeps propelling us towards the climactic ending. One of the novel’s strongest aspects is the exploration of its characters—their past and present, as well as their knotty and complicated relationships forged through shared trauma. Backstories and personal struggles are revealed in tandem with revelations surrounding the old train tunnel, with the town’s grisly history serving as both a backdrop and a character in its own right. As secrets are unearthed and the stakes get higher, I found myself both captivated and appalled by the visceral horrors that unfold. All I can say about this is, Mister Lullaby is definitely not for the faint of heart.
And if the allusions of the cover aren’t immediately obvious, there are also strong echoes of Stephen King’s influence here, but also of Joe Hill’s NOS4R2, though at the end of the day, Markert’s voice is distinct. If you relish the weird, the uncanny, and the macabre, do yourself a favor and pick up Mister Lullaby, a darkly imaginative tale of horror which will burrow into your thoughts and stay there for a long time.
October 22, 2023
When I was taking notes on this book, I started with all the characters. There are quite a few good ones in this book, like a soldier newly home from Afghanistan, a stripper-turned-mother, and a person with developmental disabilities. As I read on, the characters went to the back burner as a whole new world opens up…
The tiny town of Harrod’s Reach, Nebraska, has an odd past. There is a mysterious tunnel that has claimed many victims over the years - victims who are missing limbs or ending up in comas. As the book goes on, we hear from detectives who, over the decades, tried to figure out the tunnel’s secret. It isn’t until a dying man’s warning that Mr. Lullaby was coming through the tunnel that the town started putting the pieces together.
Who is Mr. Lullaby? Few really know, but he has close ties with Lalaland. What is Lalaland? It’s where people go when their brains are off, but very few people are affected as strongly as some of our characters are. It is a place with mysterious animals of all colors, trees that defy the laws of nature, seashells nowhere near oceans, and where nightmares are born. It’s a land where cigarettes extend your life, fruit trees are poisonous and people are fearless. When those seashells and oddly-colored animals start coming out of this tunnel in rural Nebraska, people in the town instinctively know they’re in danger.
I will say the first half of this book was slow, but it was developing the characters before actually getting into the meat of the story. I thought it was cool how the book dives into the folklore and history of lullabies, and the different ways people of the world have historically looked at sleep and dreaming. The tunnel could represent so much, including time travel and alternate worlds, depending on your perspective. I wasn’t sure about this one in the beginning, but I loved the ending. This is a standalone sequel, and I’d be interested in checking out “The Nightmare Man”. Four stars!
(Thank you to Crooked Lane Books, J.H. Markert and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on November 21, 2023.)
The tiny town of Harrod’s Reach, Nebraska, has an odd past. There is a mysterious tunnel that has claimed many victims over the years - victims who are missing limbs or ending up in comas. As the book goes on, we hear from detectives who, over the decades, tried to figure out the tunnel’s secret. It isn’t until a dying man’s warning that Mr. Lullaby was coming through the tunnel that the town started putting the pieces together.
Who is Mr. Lullaby? Few really know, but he has close ties with Lalaland. What is Lalaland? It’s where people go when their brains are off, but very few people are affected as strongly as some of our characters are. It is a place with mysterious animals of all colors, trees that defy the laws of nature, seashells nowhere near oceans, and where nightmares are born. It’s a land where cigarettes extend your life, fruit trees are poisonous and people are fearless. When those seashells and oddly-colored animals start coming out of this tunnel in rural Nebraska, people in the town instinctively know they’re in danger.
I will say the first half of this book was slow, but it was developing the characters before actually getting into the meat of the story. I thought it was cool how the book dives into the folklore and history of lullabies, and the different ways people of the world have historically looked at sleep and dreaming. The tunnel could represent so much, including time travel and alternate worlds, depending on your perspective. I wasn’t sure about this one in the beginning, but I loved the ending. This is a standalone sequel, and I’d be interested in checking out “The Nightmare Man”. Four stars!
(Thank you to Crooked Lane Books, J.H. Markert and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on November 21, 2023.)
November 7, 2023
I don’t know if I have any logical reason for not being in love with this. Sometimes a story just doesn’t have a distinctive flavor, even if it has all of the right ingredients.
And it really does seem to have the right ingredients. Perhaps it was over mixed? Needed more seasoning? I don’t know. Enough with the recipe analogy.
The first few lines of this novel were eerie and inviting. The characters were meticulously crafted. The story was thoroughly developed and the plot followed a unique path.
I should be in love, right?
I simply never felt especially on fire for Mister Lullaby. It was immersive enough to commit to, but I do think the build was a bit too slow for my liking. The story was pretty gruesome, which isn’t my favorite thing, but I’ve loved some brutal books so I’m not sure this truly factored into my overall opinion. And while there were many unsettling aspects, some of it felt a little corny to me. I especially struggled with the narrative surrounding Belinda.
Those are logical reasons for a three star rating, right? Maybe my original statement is incorrect.
I will say that although the ending didn’t affect my final rating, I didn’t like it very much. It’s hard to enjoy a conclusion that feels so rushed, especially after enduring the slow path that led up to it.
I am immensely grateful to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for my copy. All opinions are my own.
And it really does seem to have the right ingredients. Perhaps it was over mixed? Needed more seasoning? I don’t know. Enough with the recipe analogy.
The first few lines of this novel were eerie and inviting. The characters were meticulously crafted. The story was thoroughly developed and the plot followed a unique path.
I should be in love, right?
I simply never felt especially on fire for Mister Lullaby. It was immersive enough to commit to, but I do think the build was a bit too slow for my liking. The story was pretty gruesome, which isn’t my favorite thing, but I’ve loved some brutal books so I’m not sure this truly factored into my overall opinion. And while there were many unsettling aspects, some of it felt a little corny to me. I especially struggled with the narrative surrounding Belinda.
Those are logical reasons for a three star rating, right? Maybe my original statement is incorrect.
I will say that although the ending didn’t affect my final rating, I didn’t like it very much. It’s hard to enjoy a conclusion that feels so rushed, especially after enduring the slow path that led up to it.
I am immensely grateful to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for my copy. All opinions are my own.
June 1, 2023
This is one creepy read! There's folklore surrounding Harrods Reach and it's truer than anyone could have imagined. Told in a past/present format, the novel focuses on the local legends that include seers, earthquakes, antlers, comas, Lalaland, and of course The Lullaby Express (a bus painted red with a black door). What do all these weird things have in common? It's a great, convoluted plot that probably should be read with the lights on as it's gruesome but fascinating!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
August 19, 2024
*Sigh*
This will absolutely be an unpopular review. However, I just can’t shake the unease that I have about the entire plot of this book. I have not read “The Nightmare Man” and the author seems to be doing a great job of creating an alternate universe of nightmares throughout his novels. THIS one, however was WAY too similar to one of my favorite books in character, plot, and even setting. I’m NOT suggesting plagiarism but I’m really unnerved by just how close these two novels are. In 2013, Joe Hill published one of the best horror novels (obviously in my opinion) in the 21st century. “N0S4A2” remains one of my horror “go-to’s” for any occasion. Without peppering this review with spoilers, in that novel, there is a covered bridge “portal,” a psycho serial killer (or several), missing kids, kids in comas, and an alternate universe of nightmare. Ten years after that novel went to print, we have here a tunnel “portal,” psycho serial killers, missing kids, kids in comas, and an alternate universe of nightmare. Even the penultimate villains in both books are similar. IF I had never read N0S4A2 I would have given this tale more credit. But I have and I won’t. It just wasn’t nearly as organized, suspenseful, or well-written. Skip this one and read Joe Hill instead. Sorry.
This will absolutely be an unpopular review. However, I just can’t shake the unease that I have about the entire plot of this book. I have not read “The Nightmare Man” and the author seems to be doing a great job of creating an alternate universe of nightmares throughout his novels. THIS one, however was WAY too similar to one of my favorite books in character, plot, and even setting. I’m NOT suggesting plagiarism but I’m really unnerved by just how close these two novels are. In 2013, Joe Hill published one of the best horror novels (obviously in my opinion) in the 21st century. “N0S4A2” remains one of my horror “go-to’s” for any occasion. Without peppering this review with spoilers, in that novel, there is a covered bridge “portal,” a psycho serial killer (or several), missing kids, kids in comas, and an alternate universe of nightmare. Ten years after that novel went to print, we have here a tunnel “portal,” psycho serial killers, missing kids, kids in comas, and an alternate universe of nightmare. Even the penultimate villains in both books are similar. IF I had never read N0S4A2 I would have given this tale more credit. But I have and I won’t. It just wasn’t nearly as organized, suspenseful, or well-written. Skip this one and read Joe Hill instead. Sorry.
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