Blurb:
It was only meant to be a game . . .
None of us ever agreed on the exact beginning.
Was it when we started drawing the chalk figures, or when they started to appear on their own?
Was it the terrible accident?
Or when they found the first body?
Author: C. J. Tudor
Publisher: Penguin
Pages: 342
Release Date (Amazon Kindle UK): 11/01/2018
My Chosen Format: Kindle
My Rating of ‘The Chalk Man’:
Purchase: Amazon UK, Amazon US, Audible UK, Audible US
Review:
I don’t read thrillers that often (something I fully expect to change) and after my last one was a bit of a dud, I was desperate to get stuck into a much better one. The Chalk Man certainly fits the bill.
The Chalk Man is a tale of two times. Half of the story happens in the 80s and the other half in 2016 (usually told via alternating chapters).
One aspect of the writing I really enjoyed was that, for the chapters set in the 80s, where the kids are 12 years old (a fact we are told a painful amount of times, so much so that now I loath the number 12), it’s written with a much more childlike voice, rather than just an adult recounting their youth. The modern day chapters are distinctly more adult in tone.
I feel the author did a great job with the characters, giving off that group of friends vibe with all the highs and lows that come with being a kid. Not only that, but she blended seamlessly into adulthood and, at no point did I feel like the characters were two-dimensional.
The main character, Eddie, is an interesting one. There’s many layers to him that I feel a psychologist might enjoy delving into. Despite that, he’s an enjoyable main voice to follow.
The story itself, one of unexplained, spooky images being left and, obviously a gruesome murder, was intriguing. I was absolutely certain I knew what was going to happen throughout most of it but was pleasantly surprised to find the rug pulled from under my feet on that assumption as things drew to a close.
Speaking of drawing to a close, this is where my main issue came. I felt that the story, up until the end, was pretty damn good and, pretty addictive reading. The ending, however, felt a bit of a let down. It could be that I was just expecting too much but I just felt like I didn’t get the satisfaction I was expecting when all the unknowns were revealed. I also felt a certain person just happening to turn up at a very specific place in the nick of time felt like a bit of a stretch.
The very last part was awesome, however. Really got a good pay-off as far as the family history/fears went.
That cover really gives me the creeps but I can’t figure out why. So kudos to the cover designer for that. There are lots of great thrillers out there that will leave you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. I hate that this one’s ending disappointed but that happens to me too sometimes. Great review!
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I’m not sure if the end was more my fault for expecting something I didn’t get or just that it was a tad underwhelming.
I’m with you. There’s just something about that cover. Really drew me in.
Do you have any thrillers suggestions? I’m tempted by Six Stories or The Whisperman
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The Darkness We Hide by Debra Webb had a great ending and it’s part of series – so I would recommend the whole series. Ten Days Gone by Beverly Long, and she has a new book in that series coming out this summer. The ARC of the new book is available on NetGalley. I know I have a number of thrillers scheduled for review this summer, so keep a watch for them. There’s bound to be many good ones ☺️
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I’ll certainly keep my eyes on your reviews 🙂 always looking for something to break my usual genres up.
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Thrillers are great when you want/need a break from fantasy, etc. I’m not sure why but I find them far easier and quicker to read than fantasy. I really enjoy Tudor’s work, glad that overall you enjoyed the book too. 🙂
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There’s another one of hers that I’m tempted by: The Taking on Annie Thorn. Have you tried that?
What were your thoughts on the Chalk Man’s ending?
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I liked it, might have expected more but the very end was awesome. I really like Annie Thorne and enjoyed it more than The Chalk Man. 🙂
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Yea, the bit with the letter hole was an absolute moment of genius.
Looking forward to Annie Thorne! I love the covers on her novels
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Likewise, all three are quite similar, simplistic and there is just something about them.👍📚
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I’m currently reading The Whisper Man and liking it, I might read this one too. Anyway, great review. Shame, the last part is a letdown but at least you enjoyed the rest of the story. 🙂 🙂
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I so very nearly picked the Whisperman up. Went for ‘Six Stories’ instead.
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I’m at chapter 4 and so far it’s ok. Will post a review soon. 🙂 Did you review Six stories? I looked for it in your site but couldn’t find it. I only found Tunnels which I already added on my TBR when I first saw your review last week. 🙂
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I haven’t finished Six Stories yet. Only about 10% in. Tunnels has some dark, twisted moments to some of the stories.
I look forward to seeing your Whisperman review 🙂
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