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Bogeyman
A year after the death of her husband, Blythe Wyndham moves with her four-year-old daughter, Maddie, back to the small town where she grew up. But soon after they move in to their new home, strange things begin to happen. Maddie has disturbingly intense nightmares—so intense that Blythe fears one night she may not be able to awaken her daughter. A psychologist explains that Maddie's dreams are simply the result of her father's death, but Blythe knows something else is wrong. Because she's also heard the ghostly tapping at her daughter's window….
Convinced the house is haunted, Blythe researches the town's history and discovers that a little girl had been brutally murdered in the area twenty-five years ago. Could there be some connection between this dead child and Maddie? With the help of Sheriff Cade Jackson, Blythe tries to separate past horrors from present dangers and struggles to distinguish the real from the imagined. But someone is clearly determined to keep a secret—and will kill again to do so.
Convinced the house is haunted, Blythe researches the town's history and discovers that a little girl had been brutally murdered in the area twenty-five years ago. Could there be some connection between this dead child and Maddie? With the help of Sheriff Cade Jackson, Blythe tries to separate past horrors from present dangers and struggles to distinguish the real from the imagined. But someone is clearly determined to keep a secret—and will kill again to do so.
420 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 1, 2006
21 people are currently reading
458 people want to read
About the author
Gayle Wilson
150 books87 followersGayle Wilson is a two-time RITA® Award winner, taking home the RITA® Award for Best Romantic Suspense Novel in 2000 and for Best Romantic Novella in 2004. In addition to twice winning the prestigious RITA® Award, Gayle’s books have garnered more than 50 other awards and nominations, including most recently the Daphne du Maurier Award for the Best Single Title Romantic Suspense of 2008, awarded to Victim, her latest novel from MIRA.
Gayle holds a master’s degree in secondary education, with additional certification in the education of the gifted. Although her specialty was teaching honors and gifted students, as a former high school history and English teacher, she taught everything from remedial reading to Shakespeare—and loved every minute she spent in the classroom.
Gayle was on the board of directors of Romance Writers of America for four years. In 2006 she served as the president of RWA, the largest genre-writers’ organization in the world.
Gayle has written 41 novels and four novellas for Harlequin Enterprises, including works for Harlequin Historicals, Harlequin Intrigue, Special Releases, HQN Books, MIRA, and Mills & Boon.
Gayle holds a master’s degree in secondary education, with additional certification in the education of the gifted. Although her specialty was teaching honors and gifted students, as a former high school history and English teacher, she taught everything from remedial reading to Shakespeare—and loved every minute she spent in the classroom.
Gayle was on the board of directors of Romance Writers of America for four years. In 2006 she served as the president of RWA, the largest genre-writers’ organization in the world.
Gayle has written 41 novels and four novellas for Harlequin Enterprises, including works for Harlequin Historicals, Harlequin Intrigue, Special Releases, HQN Books, MIRA, and Mills & Boon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
March 5, 2018
Widowed single-mother Blythe, moves back to the small town where she was raised, Crenshaw, Alabama, with her four-year-old daughter, Maddie. Soon after, Maddie starts having night terrors and Blythe begins to think that Maddie is being haunted by the ghost of a young girl who was murdered in this town twenty-five years ago, whose murder still remains unsolved, and whose murderer may still be living in this very town.
This was a really entertaining romantic suspense story with some very atmospheric and spooky suspense. The romance was barely there in this one but that didn't bother me at all since the suspense part was more interesting to me. I also liked the paranormal element with the possibility of a ghostly presence trying to get some justice.
This was a really entertaining romantic suspense story with some very atmospheric and spooky suspense. The romance was barely there in this one but that didn't bother me at all since the suspense part was more interesting to me. I also liked the paranormal element with the possibility of a ghostly presence trying to get some justice.
January 23, 2015
I give this 3 stars simply because I enjoyed reading it for the most part, the action moved quickly, and I really feared for the safety of the little girl. A review earlier mentioned that the mother fell to pieces and wasn't exactly rational anytime her child went missing. I actually feel that that is probably realistic. I'm a mother and I can't stand to even think about how I would feel in such a horrible situation. I also thought it was awesome that it skipped the requisite sex scene. The couple barely kissed before the end of the novel. I've said before I don't mind sex in my readings but I did like that this was a change from the norm. Now the reasons that I only gave this book a reluctant three stars is because the writing was terrible. Fractions of sentences, fragments of thoughts..ugh. Several paragraphs I had to re-read because the sentences weren't making sense to me. The hero was kind of boring. He seemed to fit right along was every other monthly romance hero. And the worst thing of all is that I figured out the killer immediately. Some suspense/thrillers have an overwhelming amount of potential suspects but this one had maybe two. Midway through the book, I realized that besides the 'hero', the author had only introduced two other characters. At one time, I wondered if there would be some really great twist, where the character turned out to be a woman. Um, nope. The killer turned out to be EXACTLY who I thought it would be out of the only two possible candidates. To summarize, this book did hold my interest, and if the plot of this novel peaks your interest by all means grab a copy. But if you read tons of books like this, you may want to skip this one because it is mediocre at best.
June 8, 2008
This book actually surprised me--for the good. I enjoyed the story and it kept me intrigued with the puzzle of what was going on and who might have killed a little girl years before. The only "downside" was the end. I had a semi-hard time with the resolution to the mystery--it just didn't really work all that well for me and the person who turned out to be the predator did not seem realistic.
This was a very minor problem though and for the most part, I enjoyed this very much.
This was a very minor problem though and for the most part, I enjoyed this very much.
August 23, 2025
Widowed Blythe Wyndham has returned to her hometown with her young daughter. Strange things are happening and Blythe starts investigating and learns that a little girl was murdered there many years before. One of those romantic thriller/suspense books that really pulled me into the story and kept me to the end.
November 3, 2017
I wasn’t really impressed. I don’t usually like too much imagery because it distracts me from the plot. Her writing wasn’t bad, but the book failed to keep my interest as it dragged a bit and wasn’t too suspenseful. I did finish it to see if it got better for me and it fell flat. I will most likely give this author another go though to see if maybe it was just the plot of the book.
December 12, 2019
What can I say? The story was interesting enough to keep me reading, but I doubt I'll be picking up any other books by this author.
The writing in many places was a big turn off. It's often repetitive and there's too many long moments of inward thinking during supposed times of crisis when the pace should have been kept amped up. Also, why does she get so angry with every question the sheriff asks!!?? He's doing his job, lady!! Anyway, like others say, the solution of whodunnit is fairly obvious (and there really are only two choices) and the romance is slim (fine with me because the female character was absolutely pathetic over this guy).
If you're looking for a quick read during a flight or on the beach, this isn't a terrible choice, but if you're looking for a nail-biting supernatural thriller, this isn't it.
The writing in many places was a big turn off. It's often repetitive and there's too many long moments of inward thinking during supposed times of crisis when the pace should have been kept amped up. Also, why does she get so angry with every question the sheriff asks!!?? He's doing his job, lady!! Anyway, like others say, the solution of whodunnit is fairly obvious (and there really are only two choices) and the romance is slim (fine with me because the female character was absolutely pathetic over this guy).
If you're looking for a quick read during a flight or on the beach, this isn't a terrible choice, but if you're looking for a nail-biting supernatural thriller, this isn't it.
October 5, 2023
Bogeyman asks us to suspend our disbelief as a modern story becomes entangled with a years-old case.
After the death of her husband, Blythe Wyndham moves back to the small town she grew up in with her four year old daughter, Maddie. A tough time for both of them, but Blythe is determined to stand on her own two feet and make a new life for her and her daughter.
Not long after their arrival in town, Maddie starts to suffer from nightmares. She doesn't remember any of the details of her night-terrors, and yet she talks of things that make little sense. Blythe hears tapping at the window of Maddie's room, but it is on the second floor and there is nothing to account for these noises.
When their rental home burns down, Blythe starts to wonder if there might be more to this story. She starts to ask questions, and learns that her home was linked to the murder of a young girl. A murder that was never solved. Is it too much to think that perhaps Maddie is being spoken to by the dead victim in an attempt to help uncover her killer?
Whatever your view of the paranormal element, the story is paced well. There's clues as to exactly what is happening placed throughout, and I had guessed at the identity of our killer just before it was revealed to Blythe in a nicely-timed tense climax.
After the death of her husband, Blythe Wyndham moves back to the small town she grew up in with her four year old daughter, Maddie. A tough time for both of them, but Blythe is determined to stand on her own two feet and make a new life for her and her daughter.
Not long after their arrival in town, Maddie starts to suffer from nightmares. She doesn't remember any of the details of her night-terrors, and yet she talks of things that make little sense. Blythe hears tapping at the window of Maddie's room, but it is on the second floor and there is nothing to account for these noises.
When their rental home burns down, Blythe starts to wonder if there might be more to this story. She starts to ask questions, and learns that her home was linked to the murder of a young girl. A murder that was never solved. Is it too much to think that perhaps Maddie is being spoken to by the dead victim in an attempt to help uncover her killer?
Whatever your view of the paranormal element, the story is paced well. There's clues as to exactly what is happening placed throughout, and I had guessed at the identity of our killer just before it was revealed to Blythe in a nicely-timed tense climax.
June 3, 2017
Unlike my Mom, who does it sometimes, I rarely ever peg the perp in a story before the end. I began thinking on one person early in the book, I forget where now. Then a second person became a possibility. However, I had the perp pegged right off the first time. The first person I suspected. I know from reading a few reviews the ending didn't please a some readers. For them it was a disappointment. Well, such is life. And art imitates it. All too often, in real life, when a heinous crime is done, it's not always who we think may have done it but the one least suspected.
I liked how the story flowed without an overabundance of background but with just enough that was relevant for the story within the story and for everything else, like relationships, to make sense. For me it worked. For me the ending wasn't a disappointment.
I liked how the story flowed without an overabundance of background but with just enough that was relevant for the story within the story and for everything else, like relationships, to make sense. For me it worked. For me the ending wasn't a disappointment.
June 19, 2018
While usually I keep away from this type of book, I found the beginning really sucked me in. I really liked the style of writing, like a cozy fireplace mystery, an oldie. I got it at a 50 cents book fair, so I figured it couldn't hurt to add it to my pile, and I'm glad I did.
Mostly a murder mystery with a supernatural twist and a hint of romance, I thoroughly enjoyed Bogeyman. My only big criticism is the title because it suggested that there would be more horror and creepy...stuff than there really was. I never met the Bogeyman that I was expecting, and I found the actual murderer slightly predictable, especially with all the hints.
I wasn't really scared, although I was spooked... and entertained!
For mature readers (12+?)
Mostly a murder mystery with a supernatural twist and a hint of romance, I thoroughly enjoyed Bogeyman. My only big criticism is the title because it suggested that there would be more horror and creepy...stuff than there really was. I never met the Bogeyman that I was expecting, and I found the actual murderer slightly predictable, especially with all the hints.
I wasn't really scared, although I was spooked... and entertained!
For mature readers (12+?)
February 20, 2024
More suspense than romance, Blythe has lost her husband to illness and moved back to the town where she grew up. Her four-year-old daughter, Maddie, is experiencing night terrors in their rental home. Trying to find out what might have happened in their new home, Blythe stumbles across a twenty-five-year-old murder of a nine-year-old girl. Is there a connection between the two? Events start to unfold that might mean there is. The sheriff provides the romantic interest as Blythe and Cade work together to determine what is going on now in their peaceful little town. Ms. Wilson does terror very well.
May 25, 2025
Unsettling ride that taps into childhood fears with adult consequences. The atmosphere is thick with dread, and the slow-burn pacing works well to build suspense. Wilson’s writing effectively blurs the line between psychological horror and the supernatural, keeping you wondering what’s real and what’s imagined.
The characters are layered, though at times I wished for a deeper emotional connection. Some scenes felt a little rushed or could’ve used more fleshing out, but overall, the story held my attention and gave me chills in all the right places.
If you enjoy horror that leans more on mood and creeping dread than outright gore, Boogeyman is a solid pick.
The characters are layered, though at times I wished for a deeper emotional connection. Some scenes felt a little rushed or could’ve used more fleshing out, but overall, the story held my attention and gave me chills in all the right places.
If you enjoy horror that leans more on mood and creeping dread than outright gore, Boogeyman is a solid pick.
June 20, 2023
This was so good. the only downside was that it is a little easy to pinpoint the bad guy. I ad him pegged by chapter by 5. there is 1 red herring in the book that makes you question it but not for evry long. I liked the main characters. Bythe is definitly not a helpless female. Cade seems to be a great guy as well. I liked the supernatural aspect to the book. Not overhwelming but a nice touch. I loved the fact that the end of the book wasnt sappy either. I hate sappy books.
March 25, 2018
This novel is one I would highly recommend to those who enjoy sitting in the edge of their chairs. I thought, many times, that I know what was going to happen, but something else, more intense would take place each time. This story presents just how deep the love between a mother a young daughter truly is. The surprises that await are worth reading.
August 26, 2019
Light on practicalities and logic, just go with it. Not heavily populated with characters, only two people were the possible suspect imo, and yes it was one of them. The romance is light, which may or not be to the reader's taste. The ghost angle didn't seem well thought out. But it is a quick read, entertaining for a couple of hours.
October 16, 2021
It was a likable book, basically not very original. The plot did move quickly and I was sucked into the mystery. There was a twist at the end that I didn't see. Basically, not much more to say. There was mystery, Murder, Paranormal, and a touch of romance. Nothing too earth shattering, but likeable.
December 4, 2023
The storyline was good, but the writing fell a little flat for me. I found several typos and bad sentence structures. I found I had to reread a line because it didn't make sense. The writing didn't give any clues as to who the murder might be, so I didn't have a whole lot to think about and try to consider. It wasn't captivating as I thought it should be.
March 17, 2017
Honestly, I read this book because it was something I bought and hadn't decided was interesting enough to read. But I was shocked when it turned out to be one of the best books i've read! Highly recommend this book, it is worth the read!
April 27, 2020
This book kept me guessing who it was until almost the very end. I had it down to 2 people that little Sarah would have trusted and then finally everything clicked. If you want a read that will keep you up until you’ve finished the book then this is it.
December 17, 2024
Before anyone says anything, I did enjoy this book. I loved the characters, and Blythe was one of my favorite FMC I have read in a while. That being said, the "Reveal" at the end I did not like at all. The pacing too of this book I found a bit all over the place. All in all. It was fine.
July 29, 2017
really good mystery
September 22, 2017
Really good mystery. Kept my interest to the end.
November 22, 2017
Great murder mystery story! I thoroughly enjoyed it!
March 22, 2018
good paranormal suspense read
October 25, 2018
I think this is a good horror mystery book with a well developed plot.
December 28, 2018
Zeer spannend
July 25, 2020
A good book that pulled me in. I generally don't read mystery and certainly don't read romance but I did enjoy this!!
May 10, 2021
Was chilling! Read it on Christmas eve, December 2013.
August 21, 2024
Great 3 dollar gas station book
December 26, 2024
Very good story!
April 10, 2025
Actually so freaking good
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews