The Boogie Man

by Marley Jacobs

This is a story about an honest, if slightly unlikeable nerd who never realized she was noticed in high school at all - much less noticed by Brady Michaelson, the football, prom king hero. But when Brady runs into Melissa Tate at a bar on the day her life is falling apart, he thinks fate has intervened, finally giving him the chance to get the girl he's always wanted. But Melissa’s just looking for a one-night stand - bonus points if it’s in a bed and not a bathroom stall.

Melissa’s shame spiral continues with a pink slip and an eviction notice. Thank the gods, she lands a dream job: ghostwriting the memoirs of Dolores Whittaker, a transgender drag queen who’s taking the Boston club scene by storm. Things are looking up but when the past invades your present, all the ghosts come home to roost. And working with Dolores and managing a persistent Brady forces Melissa to confront each and every apparition, especially the ones inside herself.

Note: This book contains dark material and mature sexual content.

Free on Kindle Unlimited.

Kindle Edition

Published May 5, 2023

About the author

Marley Jacobs lives in the Pacific Northwest where she reads, writes, and tries really hard not to fall off a mountain.

Reviews

[Auden Dar · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Goodnight, Nic” is hands down one of my all-time favorite debuts. So when I caught wind of Marley Jacobs’ latest release, I immediately carved out time to dedicate to “The Boogie Man.”

Jacobs’ mastery of words is unparalleled, and her prose deserves to be relished and cherished.

To label “The Boogie Man” as exceptional would be an understatement. I used the same powerful adjective to describe Jacobs’ debut, and I proudly use it again to encapsulate this fresh and unforgettable tale.

The cast of characters are the kind you’d love to invite over for a weekend retreat. The witty banter will have your face break into a smile. As for the recordings shared by Dolores Whittaker? They’re some of the most honest, profound, and beautiful writing I’ve come across in years.

Once again, an exceptional story from an exceptionally talented writer.

[Robin Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was such a happy surprise to find out Ms. Jacobs had released this book—that I’d been eagerly awaiting since Goodnight, Nic—and it couldn't have come at a better time. I was in a major book funk, which I'm happy to report has passed. Jacobs' sense of humor is still as dry and inappropriate as mine, and I cackled all the way through. Her quirky cast of characters filled my heart and had me rolling. Melissa is just self-deprecating enough to make her relatable, while remaining completely self-aware. You’ll root for her as she grows, and you’ll swoon for her when she’s too caught up in the why and the how of their budding relationship to swoon for herself. Brady may not be her match in her mind, but through his backstory, Jacobs shows us just how crazy that notion is. They're perfect for each other, and the scene where it all unfolds? More swoon. If you loved Goodnight, Nic, you’ll undoubtedly love The Boogie Man, and if you haven’t read either, then lucky you.

[Colleen H · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book didn't keep me interested. Was this book about Brady and Melissa's relationship or Dolores Whitaker's words of wisdom? It kind of bounced around too much for me and I ended up only getting to complete about 75% of it.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unexpected romance between Melissa who is in the midst of a career crisis and Brady, her High School football star. She is writing the autobiography of Dorothy Whittaker, a drag queen who had a rough upbringing and wants to be a voice for others but becomes one of her closest friends and gives her life lessons along the way. An interestingly quirky cast of characters - if I'm honest I would have liked more of Dottie's stories.

I thought this was a sweet story.

[Terra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by Marley Jacobs and what a writer she is, I am going to devour the rest of her books. I have to be honest when I started this book I almost stopped because I thought it wouldn't be for me but I am so glad I continued to read it. We have 3 main characters and we see the growth of them becoming the people they are supposed to be (well, one had already found their way and helped Melissa the main character find hers). Just the way people may not realize how they effect each other, you might be a hero in a person you didn't even remembers life. The love story is sweet and Brady and Melissa coming together is just perfect. I am so glad that I read this book, it helped me to feel in a better place. Face my boogie man.

I received a free copy of this book via HiddenGems and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Magali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent characters with sometimes surprising reactions and a tender narrative
4.5
I loved this story: it's simple, but tender, moving and hot. The characters are excellent, whether it's Melissa locked in her refusal of a relationship or Brady, who focuses on her while he lives a drama. Usually I don't like the back and forth between the past and the present, but here they are short, fascinating and useful.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book

[diann bryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpected heartfelt story hidden behind the Boogie man name, so much love for this story and these characters and of course the full circle that brings everything together in the end is the sweetest!

Well done! Ms. Jacobs!
5 Happy stars!

[Anne Chatfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just love her way with words. Why aren’t more people talking about this author??