Chalk man

This is a spoiler-free review of "The Chalk Man."

Although C.J Tudor's "The Chalk Man" is set in an English village, the novel isn't an old-fashioned cozy-style mystery. Instead, Tudor treats us to a very contemporary psychologically-driven suspense novel featuring a Generation X perspective, some graphic content, and a few nightmares that momentarily seem to nudge the novel into supernatural territory. There are some very disturbing scenes and surprises buried within. Indeed, if this were a film, it would definitely be rated "R."

The strong characterizations help make this novel work. While the story seems to have been inspired by Stephen King's "Stand By Me," the characterizations of the lead characters are vivid and all contain a British sensibility about them. As the novel skips back and forth between 1986 and 2016, there are multiple opportunities to compare these characters' childhood personalities to their somewhat somber and melancholy adult attitudes. All the lead characters nurse a sense of regret about their actions in their younger days, and this colors much of the "2016" storyline.

Tudor also knows where and when to emphasize atmosphere and sociological details. The "1986" portions of the novel, thankfully, do not reek of Eighties nostalgia, and the "2016" portions often use a backdrop of dementia and being an adult caregiver to great effect. While there is a subplot involving the media exploitation of tragedies, Tudor wisely avoids turning this subplot into a distracting media satire.

It's worth your while to check this out.