Killing the Boogeyman

The Boogeyman #3

by Richard Chizmar, Chris Andrew Ciulla (Narrator)

Notorious serial killer Joshua Gallagher - dubbed "the Boogeyman" by the media - has vanished from prison. One moment, he was locked inside a maximum-security cell; the next, he was gone, leaving behind on the wall a crude hangman puzzle and two chilling IT'S TIME.

Now, days later, the world is coming apart again. Bodies are turning up near writer and Gallagher confidante Richard Chizmar's home, echoing the Boogeyman's signature horrors. The news frenzy reignites while the police chase shadows ... even as Gallagher's twisted true crime fanbase celebrates online, acknowledging that he's something more than human now.

To everyone else, it's a desperate hunt for answers. To Chizmar, it's more like destiny closing in. The evidence, the sightings, the voices in the dark all point to one unthinkable the Boogeyman never left. And very soon, Chizmar must come face-to-face with the thing wearing Gallagher's skin, and learns all too quickly that some nightmares don't return - they evolve.

Genres: Horror, Thriller, Fiction, Audiobook, Mystery, Crime, Suspense

Audible Audio

Published October 8, 2026

About the author

Richard Chizmar is a New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Amazon, and Publishers Weekly bestselling author.

He is the co-author (with Stephen King) of the bestselling novella, Gwendy’s Button Box and the founder/publisher of Cemetery Dance magazine and the Cemetery Dance Publications book imprint. He has edited more than 35 anthologies and his short fiction has appeared in dozens of publications, including multiple editions of Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine and The Year’s 25 Finest Crime and Mystery Stories. He has won two World Fantasy awards, four International Horror Guild awards, and the HWA’s Board of Trustee’s award.

Chizmar (in collaboration with Johnathon Schaech) has also written screenplays and teleplays for United Artists, Sony Screen Gems, Lions Gate, Showtime, NBC, and many other companies. He has adapted the works of many bestselling authors including Stephen King, Peter Straub, and Bentley Little.

Chizmar is also the creator/writer of the online website, Stephen King Revisited. His fourth short story collection, The Long Way Home, was published in 2019. With Brian Freeman, Chizmar is co-editor of the acclaimed Dark Screams horror anthology series published by Random House imprint, Hydra.

His latest book, The Girl on the Porch, was released in hardcover by Subterranean Press, and Widow’s Point, a chilling novella about a haunted lighthouse written with his son, Billy Chizmar, was recently adapted into a feature film.

Chizmar’s work has been translated into more than fifteen languages throughout the world, and he has appeared at numerous conferences as a writing instructor, guest speaker, panelist, and guest of honor.

Reviews

[LTJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Killing the Boogeyman” by Richard Chizmar is the conclusion of an incredible serial killer horror trilogy. I loved the first two entries and was beyond excited to see how it would all conclude, especially with the insane plot twist at the end of the second book. Don’t worry, no spoilers here, but let’s just say you literally won’t be able to put any of these books down once you begin.

In case you want to check out this entire series, here they are:

Chasing the Boogeyman
Becoming the Boogeyman
Killing the Boogeyman

Before I dive into my horror book review, here are all the trigger warnings I found while reading:

- Cancer
- Kidnapping
- Abduction
- Violence against minors
- Suicide

If any of these trigger you, please do not read this novel. Moving along, this is as close as you’re going to get to serial killer horror that feels way too real. It is a work of fiction, obviously, but I swear you will feel like you’re in the middle of a true-crime thriller, trying to capture a madman. This was such a blast to read, thanks to how disturbing and creepy everything felt as I tried to piece it all together.

This was one hell of a way to end this trilogy, as I loved how fast-paced everything was. The short, quick chapters made reading this a breeze, while also mixing in interviews, images, and clips from a massive investigation to find The Boogeyman. It sent chills down my spine, thanks to the images you’ll see as you read.

This elevated the reading experience beyond words, seamlessly blending horror, true crime, thriller, and suspense into one wild conclusion. I loved how it helped fill in all the gaps from the first two entries, painting a picture of The Boogeyman and the mystery of what makes him tick.

Things got utterly insane towards the end, as all the suspense and tension that had been building for most of the novel literally had me on the edge of my seat. Once I hit the final 30%, I couldn't stop. It charges straight toward one of the craziest, wildest endings you could ever expect from a series like this, leaving me completely shocked. The final images and plot twists bring everything together nicely. I also enjoyed how certain parts of the book and their origins were explained in the final chapter after all the events unfolded to put a final bow on this trilogy. It will all feel unexpected, but in the grand scheme of things for me, it was a fantastic way to end it all.

I give “Killing the Boogeyman” by Richard Chizmar a 5-Star rating out of 5. This was a lot of fun to read, especially since I love serial killer horror that’s so brilliantly written it genuinely creeps you out because it feels so authentic. I always loved watching those true crime documentaries on Netflix, and this entire trilogy reminded me of that. The execution here was spot-on, and the images you’ll find while reading about The Boogeyman will blow your mind. All the characters, places, and crime-scene photos are guaranteed to creep the hell out of you. It also brought a smile to my face seeing all the Stephen King references and Easter eggs. If you’re looking for an incredible horror trilogy that feels a little too close to home even though it’s clearly fiction, look no further than The Boogeyman trilogy.

Thank you to the author Richard Chizmar and Gallery Books for providing me with an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) for review consideration. This horror book review reflects my honest, personal opinion.

The Boogeyman was here.

[Dee (in the Desert) · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

4.25 stars. The third and latest installment of Chizmar's serial killer series - I enjoyed it quite a bit. I really like the "meta" aspects of this series - Chizmar himself is the main Character and I also appreciate the insertion of photos & other media too. Quite a bit of suspense and surprises here - I could barely put it down, even on a cruise ship, lol (Yay for sea days!) To me this is way more thriller than "horror", but the constant readers should also enjoy all the Uncle Stevie Easter Eggs (IYKYK).

[Dutchie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The third and final (supposedly) novel of the Boogeyman trilogy picks up right where Becoming the Boogeyman left off. Gallagher has disappeared from prison and is still toying with Richard. His escape, naturally, leaves the town of Edgewood on edge.(!). The number of sightings of Gallagher is more than enough to keep the police busy as the town is chaotic with fear. With each new report, the sightings become more and more weird. Dead bodies are turning up and girls are going missing just like the last time.

The structure was very similar to the other novels. It reads almost like nonfiction and the pictures are interspersed at the end of each chapter always give it that extra realistic feel. While I enjoyed revisiting the characters and got sucked in to try and determine what really was going on with Gallagher and Richard, the pacing was just too slow with not much happening. It almost felt like it was leading up to some phenomenal twist that just never came. It didn’t necessarily need a twist. It just felt like the buildup was there. I can’t say that I learned more from this novel that I hadn’t known prior.

For this being the finale, if it truly is, I found it a bit lackluster. So far, for me personally, the first book is the best. For those unfamiliar with this trilogy definitely start with the first one. The style the author chose to write these in is really unique and by far my favorite aspect of the novels.

[Erin Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute triumph! A perfect blend of nostalgia and horror, terror and hope, fact and fiction, The Boogeyman series will have readers racing to its thrilling conclusion and still demanding more. Richard Chizmar is a literary force to be reckoned with!

[Matt M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy for review!

Killing the Boogeyman, the conclusion to Chizmar’s Boogeyman trilogy, picks up immediately following the events in Becoming the Boogeyman. Joshua Gallagher, the titular Boogeyman, has escaped prison.

This novel follows the same format as the first two books with a true crime and horror hybrid and easy-to-read first person narrative from a fictionalized version of the author. There are also lots of mixed media elements including transcripts of interviews and phone calls, social media posts, and news reports. And photos at the end of every chapter to really add to the true crime feel.

Chizmar examines the ramifications of true crime, its fandom, and how interest and curiosity can quickly become obsession. It also looks at the nature of human evil, what drives someone to do evil acts, and how that evil can permeate. The town of Edgewood also very much feels like a character of its own, much like the small towns in Stephen King’s oeuvre.

I read this in a couple of days while sitting on the deck at the lake. I had fun breezing through this one.

If you enjoyed the first two books, I think you’ll also really enjoy Killing the Boogeyman. If I had to rank them I would put Chasing first, then this one, and then Becoming last.

Killing the Boogeyman will be out on October 6th from Gallery Books.

[Lidia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Expected more! The first volume is the best in the series in my opinion.

[Leslie Powell-Mccarty · Rating 5 out of 5]

"He came home."

It's July 2, 2022 and convicted serial killer Joshua Gallagher aka The Boogeyman has escaped from the Cumberland Penitentiary. Sentenced to life in 2019 for the 1988 murders of four young women, he's returned to the Edgewood, Maryland area to wrap-up some unfinished personal business with his old "friend", author Richard Chizmar and his family.

Killing the Boogeyman is the highly anticipated conclusion to The Boogeyman series and it is amazing! The tension, dread, and fear that I experienced while reading Chasing the Boogeyman and Becoming the Boogeyman was dialed up a thousand times with this one. I read this while sitting on my porch at night and at times I was terrified. I felt like the Boogeyman was watching me from the woods that surround my back yard. I got chills! Everything the Chizmars and community are experiencing feels so real. I enjoyed learning Gallagher's backstory and what made him a monster. Also, the nostalgic flashbacks of Rich's youth are spot-on like popping tar bubbles in the street (didn't everybody do that?). These memories add so much depth and warmth to the story; I just love remembering those times. As always with a Chizmar book, his writing is more than engaging and it yanks you right in. You will not want to put this book down! Oh, and for the record, Kara is still the hero of the family IMHO! I highly recommend Killing the Boogeyman for fans of true crime, thrillers, mysteries, and horror. Read it!

Killing the Boogeyman is scheduled for release from Gallery Books on October 6, 2026. Thank you to Gallery Books and Netgalley for sending me an ARC for my fair and honest review.

[myreadingescapism · Rating 5 out of 5]

👏

[Stay · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I used to dream about this, he whispered. The two of us… side by side… hunting."

[BookstagramSam]

Can’t wait for this one!!

[Elaine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of Killing the Boogeyman.

I really enjoyed this series more than I expected to because I wasn't sure I would like the meta perspective but it works really well here, or the author just knows how to do it well.

The first two books were great and I was drawn into the narrative quickly.

The plot unfolded at just the right pace and had suspense, drama, urgency, and a desperate search for answers in a way that kept me reading and wanting to know more.

Unfortunately, the third installment did not quite live up to the suspensefulness established by the first 2 books.

After the Boogeyman escapes and begins causing chaos and fear in the author’s neighborhood, Richard and his family are placed under lockdown, forced to watch events unfold around them as they're unable to engage and interact as the drama happens.

The premise is unsettling, and the uncertainty surrounding the Boogeyman’s abilities adds to the atmosphere.

Readers, along with the author, never receive a clear explanation of what the Boogeyman is capable of, although the story strongly suggests that he may have supernatural powers as the origins of his birth are never clarified.

I don't mind ambiguity, the idea the Boogeyman possesses supernatural powers is creepy, but I wanted something more concrete.

After so much buildup and the events leading up to something, I was hoping for a clearer understanding of the threat and a stronger sense of escalation.

The book is built around the idea that the Boogeyman is unkillable, like Michael Myers.

They live in the shadows, in our thoughts, in the dark, built of our primal and unconscious fears.

At the same time, this approach makes the Boogeyman feel restrained.

Instead of becoming increasingly terrifying, the story feels like it's circling the drain, running circles around the horror like Rich is doing without fully confronting it. Perhaps because he's scared and so are we.

Even the ending, when Rich finally comes face to face with his greatest fear, is anticlimactic rather than shocking.

I expected this ending since this is a classic horror movie move; monsters never die but always find a way to live again.

Perhaps the Boogeyman is not meant to be defeated in any traditional sense because fear never dies either.

Like scream queens and the final girl, fear can be confronted, endured, or temporarily contained, but it always finds a way to return. (See: all Nightmare on Elm Street movies, Friday the 13th, etc.)

From that POV, the ending makes sense according to horror movie rules.

As a horror movie fan, I respect that but at the same time I wished the ending had been more...complete.

I wanted the final confrontation to feel powerful or Rich to feel empowered in confronting his Boogeyman, a person he once knew from childhood.

Rich spends a lot of time creating an idyllic portrait of his hometown in the first two books, using the setting as more than just a backdrop for the horror.

Through flashbacks, vivid descriptions and nostalgic reflections, he revisits his lost youth and captures the familiar emotions most of us can relate to that that come with growing up and coming of age.

There is a strong sense of longing for a simpler, more innocent period of life—no social media, no 24/7 news cycle, a time when kids rode bikes and no one locked their doors, when everyone felt safer, and life was full of possibility.

That nostalgia gives the story an added emotional dimension and by returning to that place through the author's perspective, he explores not only the fear of the Boogeyman but also the way adulthood changes our relationship with the past.

With the Boogeyman's return to terrorize his hometown, the innocent memories Rich shared with his friends and the readers are now tainted in a new way, shaped by his adult perspective, as a husband, father, and potential victim.

I know there's no such thing as closure in the horror genre, but I hoped for a better sense of understanding and empowerment from the author after all he and his family had been through.

I enjoyed this series very much but the third book is weaker than the first two books.

The atmosphere, meta elements, and writing style remained interesting and consistently well done, and the Boogeyman is spooky and a mysterious presence.

But the lack of concrete answers and the anti-climax left me feeling that the author took the typical horror movie out rather than deliver the frightening and dramatic finale I was hoping for.

[Louis (audiobookfanatic) · Rating 5 out of 5]

BLURB:
Richard Chizmar faces a new threat when serial killer Joshua Gallagher escapes prison, leaving clues, bodies, and danger behind.

REVIEW:
This is the third and final book in Richard Chizmar’s popular Boogeyman series. Book 2 Becoming the Boogeyman, was three years ago, but I strategically waited until very recently to read it so I could have it fresh in my mind before starting this, and I am SO glad I did because Killing the Boogeyman picks up right after the cliffhanger ending of book 2. I was immediately immersed and connected with the characters again. Richard reemphasizes in his note to listeners before the audiobook: this is a work of fiction. Richard himself is the protagonist, and he uses his real family members, friends, and real places connected to his life, which creates a blur between reality and fiction. I found myself looking up some of the facts mentioned in the story because I wanted to see if they were real or fictional. This is a series you need to read in order if you want to fully understand everything happening, and I HIGHLY recommend bingeing all 3 back-to-back, especially on audio.

Like the other books in this series, this is told from Richard Chizmar’s first-person POV, and there is mixed media woven into the story, including telephone transcripts, news reports, interviews, witness statements, police interactions, and other things. Each adds another layer of intrigue and gives additional information and clues.

The book opens with a very gripping TMZ report announcing that serial killer Joshua Gallagher has escaped from prison, along with a prison guard who’s also disappeared. We already know what happened at the end of book 2, but hearing Richard’s reaction and seeing the immediate fallout for him and his family makes the opening very dramatic. Richard is back at the center of a media storm and online hysteria. Then the story jumps back to a conversation between Richard and Joshua from months earlier, where Joshua makes it clear how strong his connection to Richard is, and he asks about Richard’s family and specifically about Carly, an important character in the series, and I immediately started wondering exactly what he was planning.

Lieutenant McLaren and Detective Gonzalez return early on, and there are police-procedural elements throughout the story. Richard’s house becomes a base for the investigation, with officers stationed outside as everyone thinks Richard and his family are targets. There’s some intriguing security-camera footage for Richard and the police to piece through, along with an early missing-person thread connected to Richard, and I found myself increasingly worried about what was happening to them.

This book has longer chapters, with some chapters running for more than an hour on audio, which is NOT normally my preference. But I barely noticed because the story is always moving forward and is so immersive. I found the pacing and length better than book 2, with no slower sections. Richard also breaks the chapters into clearly defined sections, which are very noticeable when you’re listening on audiobook.

The second half is where things REALLY start escalating. There are multiple mysteries unfolding at once. I found myself becoming suspicious of more and more people surrounding Richard—including people I absolutely did NOT expect to be questioning. And as the stakes escalate and Richard is forced into making some difficult decisions, he puts everything on the line. There are scenes toward the end where Richard is forced to make a series of choices that felt like watching a horror movie unfold in my head.

I also want to point out that although this is marketed as horror, there isn’t much body horror in the book. So if you’re primarily a thriller reader or someone who doesn’t normally read horror, this is still a good option. The ending and some earlier elements gave me strong vibes of the original Halloween movie (IYKYK). I was a bit surprised that this is being presented as the finale, as there are things left unanswered and open to interpretation, and Richard could easily revisit this world, and I’d be there for it!! Because there’s so much to discuss, this book/series is a great option for a book club or buddy read.

And if you’re an audiobook listener, I recommend experiencing this entire series on audio. Chris Andrew Ciulla does a fantastic job with the pacing and with pulling you into Richard’s world and mindset. Regardless of whether you read thisin print or on audio, I recommend bingeing all three books back-to-back. And if you’re looking for something fresh and creepy for spooky season, this is the ultimate trilogy binge read!

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

First and foremost, thank you #NetGalley and #GalleryBooks for an advanced reader copy of this title in exchange for an honest review. I have been a HUGE fan of this series since reading the first book and having my socks scared right off! With that said, though, as the series has progressed, I feel that some of the spooky momentum has died off. I almost wish that I had reread the books before reading this final installment in the series because it picks up right where it left off in the second book.

The most enjoyable aspect of the book for me is the style of the writing! I have never read any other books that so seamlessly blend horror, thriller, true crime, and fiction all together. I did read this on an E-Arc copy, but I imagine that the audiobook would be an amazing experience. The one thing my experience was missing was the photos that are sprinkled throughout like the first book. Maybe it was an issue on my Kindle, but none of them were displaying in my E-Arc. No worries, I will still be busting down the bookstore doors to buy a copy tomorrow so I can see them!

The best way that I can explain this book is a build-up of anxiety and unanswered questions for at least 70% of the book. You better be LOCKED IN for the last 30% though because holy moly does it take off! What I certainly didn't expect was the new paranormal aspect that was included towards the end of the book. Chizmar took his time building up the suspense and fear of the Boogeyman being out on the loose. I was shocked to say that I wasn't feeling super motivated to keep pushing through when I realized I was already past the 50% mark in the book, but it may just be because this was slower-paced compared to the two books before this one. "Killing the Boogeyman" has been my least favorite in the series because of this; However, it is still very eerie and will keep you entertained! I just happen to prefer the first book overall. I have sat with my thoughts for a few days now and have settled somewhere between a 3.5 and 3.75 stars for this one - if that is even allowed :) As the weather is cooling down here in Ohio, it was the PERFECT time to start reading this to kick off spooky season. Highly recommend reading it in the fall for some atmospheric reading!

[Haider · Rating 4 out of 5]

💬 Review: Richard Chizmar really knows how to build suspense and create a creepy atmosphere! I loved the true crime style of storytelling and how well written the book was. The twists and unsettling moments kept me hooked, and I enjoyed how the story took a different direction from the previous books. My only complaint is that the ending left me with some unanswered questions, and I wish we had gotten a little more closure. Overall, a great read and a solid conclusion to the trilogy!

✔️ Would I recommend it? Yes! If you’ve enjoyed the previous two books, this is definitely worth reading!

[Andrew Di Rosa · Rating 2.75 out of 5]

I see what he was doing, but I’m not sure I loved the wrap up on the Boogeyman trilogy. Elements of the book were amazing, but the ending left me with a strange feeling of disquietude, and not in the way I think he wanted.

[Kelley Stoneking · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good from beginning to end, like the first 2 in the series. Because I could put this down here and there, it only earned 4 stars from me. And just like with Michael Myers and Jason Voorhees, there's room for #4. I think I'll buy these for my home library because I'm pretty sure I'd like to read them again someday.

[Elena · Rating 2.75 out of 5]

If killing the boogeyman is truly the end of the series, a lot was left on the table.

I didn’t care for how they made Joshua Gallagher more than a man. The photos, videos and witness statements make him seem so mythical. Like he’s becoming more than a man.

[Samantha Waite · Rating 5 out of 5]

KILLING THE BOOGEYMAN by Richard Chizmar
Third installment in The Boogeyman Trilogy.
I always forget that this is fictional, it feels real.
I’m a sucker for serial killer stories, unexplainable evil, and characters in “what the hell am I doing?” situations. The Chizmar family humor and warmth makes it even more believable and scary.
The writing tells you what evil smells like. Creepy in ways like a mask that feels like “an itchy school sweater.” Blurring the lines between trying to understand a killer and obsession.
In Chasing, I loved reading about Chizmar’s childhood and I wanted to know who the killer was.
In Becoming, I was charmed by the Chizmar family and terrified for them. Kara Chizmar remains my favorite character.
With Killing, I was worried about Chizmar himself. Know it’s not real but damn. 😳
All three books don't just tell a story, they put you right there. It’s an excellent audiobook narrated by Chris Andrew Ciulla, I do like to pair it with the physical book which contains photos of locations, victims and key players.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to GoodReads for the advanced readers' copy.

Wow! I really love how this series blurs the lines between reality and the supernatural. You almost forget that this documentary-style book is a work of fiction (with some of the author's real life sprinkled within).

It's a wild ride and as you read, your mind changes from one moment to the next as to what is really happening.

I look forward to reading more from Richard Chizmar. Between this series and his work with Stephen King, he may become a favorite of mine.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a satisfying ending to a great series! Read it! But be careful of the Boogeyman.

[Stacy40pages · Rating 5 out of 5]

Killing the Boogeyman by Richard Chizmar. Thanks to the author for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

In the conclusion to the Boogeyman series, convicted serial killer Joshua Gallagher, has escaped from maximum security prison. He’s left only a hangman drawing… IT’S TIME.

I think I loved this one almost as much as the first in the series, which is a lot! It’s the main character and narrator’s voice and wit that really makes the story, as well as the absolute creepiness that builds pretty quickly. The end of this one took the series to a new level, adding almost a paranormal touch, which was very enticing and left me craving the next book… although this was the series conclusion so I’ll have to use my imagination. Sometimes the best series leave you with a bit of a puzzle to think through. I highly recommend this entire series!

“Four innocent lives stolen by the Boogeyman. I knew their names by heart. I knew their faces. Sometimes I saw them in my dreams.”

Read if you like:
-Chasing and Becoming the Boogeyman books
-Autofiction or true crime
-Serial killer tropes
-First person narratives

Killing the Boogeyman comes out 10/6.

[Karen Bullock · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOWZA!
What a grand finale in this series thats sparked a new flair of combining a true crime vibe and the absolutely unhinged paranoia of horror.

This third installment is gripping, engaging/invigorating and immediately wraps the reader in a firm, not letting go hug-to the point of frightening!

Messages within seem to speak that “like attracts like” -that those who seek the darkness usually tumble down with the dwellers of the dark. Having the power/ability to hold over others as one person persuades another into bad behavior is the sign that there’s zero fear of repercussions.

Absolutely LOVED this series

Special shout out to Simon&Schuster for this arc, what a blast🥰🔥

[Bruce Lesley]

Very interested in this book as really liked Memorials published in 2024, surprises around every corner of this Appalachian backwoods thriller...

[Maria · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

The audiobook is, just like the previous two, an exquisite listen! Brilliant narrator. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

As for the book itself, I wasn't as drawn in by this one as I was by the previous two.
The tension was there, but Chizmar sitting locked up in his own house for most of the book, under so called protection, kind of brought things down to a (for me) sometimes rather uninteresting pace.

While I knew there was a supernatural twist coming, it failed to catch my attention or amazement. I don't know what it was about the ending, but it mostly made me go "... So?" and shrug. A bit rushed. A bit muddled. Of course as ambiguous as possible to keep you guessing - if you're so inclined. Me? I found I didn't really care, which also shaved some star shards off the book.

Everyone seemed to move on afterwards, but without any real reason to do so, except for the Chizmar family, maybe. So... I did the same.

Oh well... The writing itself and how the book sails the seas of true crime, thriller, horror, and autofiction, all at the same time, is what makes it a really cool experience. I'm happy to have been on this journey, but not sure I will check back in with Chizmar in the future. It depends on what kind of book it is, probably.
Everything overly King adjacent is (as well known by my friends by now) not really my perfect cup of tea.

I will keep an eye out for more books by the same narrator though. I will gladly admit to that. 😇

[Brianna · Rating 2.5 out of 5]

I’m kinda disappointed overall – I was hoping this last book would pick up again after the slower pace of book 2, but I think this might actually be my least favorite in the trilogy. I don’t like to be unkind so just jotting thoughts here, but I had been hoping for something a little different (more like book 1, really, which is fantastic).


What I Liked:
- I appreciated the return to some of the Halloween vibes. (though he spelled Myers as “Meyers” when referring to The Shape/movie and that’s inaccurate).

- The photos between chapters are always pretty cool and give the book the “true crime” feel.


What I Didn’t:
- It was just….very slow. And honestly a bit repetitive. It was Chizmar on house arrest after Gallagher’s escape where we get stuck reading a loop where he compliments his kids and wife, worries about his kids and wife, reminisces about childhood, chats with police after a thing happens, and then gets told to sit tight. I think the reason book 1 was awesome (a 5-star read for me) while book 2 & 3 didn’t measure up, was that Chizmar had a much more action-oriented role in those books, actively investigating, whereas this carried on in his house for 70% of the book.

- I didn’t care for the supernatural hinting at the end, that Gallagher was actually becoming something superhuman – it seemed to cheapen everything from the books thus far

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me at page 1. You feel as though you are watching this play out front and center and you just cant turn away from it. This was an exciting fast paced read that blew my mind in places and make me think – wait did I just read that – yep I went back and then shook my head and had to think twice about it. It made me question all that I had read before on previous pages. Then the ending 😊 no spoilers – such a thrilling read!! Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of Killing the Boogeyman #RichardChizmar #KillingtheBoogeyman

[Jason Weber · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Book 48 of 2026

4.5 stars

Book 3 of Chizmar’s Boogeyman trilogy, and it did not disappoint!
I LOVED this trilogy, Chizmar did a great job with all 3 stories, keeping the readers on the edge of their seats, and always wanting more after each book!
No Spoilers- but personally I may have done a little something different at the end, but still thoroughly enjoyed this series.
If you haven’t read any of “The Boogeyman” books, you are doing it wrong, do yourself a favor and read them now, you can thank me later!

[BookstagramSam · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

This series has def altered my brain when it comes to reading horror! I absolutely got sucked into the Chasing the Boogeyman (book 1) and have been so immersed since.

I love how this reads as though it is based on a true story though it’s fiction.

Killing the Boogeyman is the 3rd and “final” book in the trilogy and like the 2 before you get sucked in to the short fast paced, short chapters dying to know what’s going to happen.

Rich, I absolutely wouldn’t be mad if you surprised us with another book from this world!

Def recommend this series!

[Mallory · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Love this series! It’s so thrilling and spooky. I wad tense for the entirety of this book. The boogeyman is downright terrifying and I love the supernatural lore that’s weaved in. The meta-fiction of it all is so entertaining – especially relationship between Chizmar and Gallagher. I also love how Chizmar writes Kara and I need a moment to fan girl about Carly too. I could definitely see myself revisiting the series again in the future.

[Robert Ireland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Killing the Boogeyman, by Richard Chizmar, is the satisfying finale of his Boogeyman series. Or is it not? I’ll leave that to the reader. As with his first two installments, Chasing the Boogeyman and Becoming the Boogeyman, Chizmar magically blends reality with fiction, while delivering a tale of horror, of suspense, of hope and desperation. His character development is nothing less than fantastic, using the authenticity of real people and real places merged with made up people and madeup crimes. He transforms his real-life hometown of Edgewood, MD into a town with an evil history, not unlike the town of Derry from the mind of his friend and sometimes co-writer Stephen King. He flawlessly combines first person narrative with nostalgic tales, Q&A interviews, media messaging and news articles to envelop the reader into his real life hometown of Edgewood Maryland and to his circle of family (Kara, Noah and Billy), friends from his past (the Hanson Road Boys and Carly Albright), and the police detectives trying to keep everyone safe from the monstrosity that is Joshua Gallagher, better known as The Boogeyman, an escaped serial murderer. And to the Boogeyman’s confidants, his disciples of mayhem and murder, and his peer serial killer Henry Metheny.

The reader will question Chizmar’s obsession with The Boogeyman to the point of taking unlawful steps to expose him and protect his family and friends. Or will he come to the practicality of what his actions should be. The reader will also question the reality of Joshua Gallagher. His nonchalantic attitude towards invoking terror and bloodshed. Is he a human psychopath or something else, something supernatural. Either way this is an edge of the seat tale from page one to the last word. Will the Boogeyman be caught and brought to justice or not? Will he continue his reign of terror. Will this true crime like tale have a happy ending or not? I’ll let the reader decide.
On a personal level, I have somewhat of an emotional attachment to the story, to the characters and to the town of Edgewood. I have been following and reading Chizmar for more than three decades, from reading his Cemetery Dance Columns, his short stories and his novels, most recently the Gwendy Trilogy, Memorials, Widows Point and The Boogeyman series. His longevity in the horror community is proof positive of his writing talent. Reading the Boogeyman series makes the reader believe he is there, present in Edgewood, friends with Richard Chimar, the proverbial fly on the wall, experiencing the terror, the anxiety and the fear of The Boogeyman.
All I can say is Go Read the Boogeyman series. Killing the Boogeyman will be released on Oct 6th. Get going. There is plenty of time to read books 1 and 2 to be sure you have all the backstory necessary to fully enjoy the final chapter!

I want to thank Richard Chizmar for enabling me to obtain an e-book copy of Killing the Boogeyman from Simon & Schuster. These perceptions are mine alone.