There’s something inherently unsettling about roadside memorials. These stark reminders of lives suddenly cut short dot our highways and backroads, silent testimonies to moments when everyday journeys turned tragic. In his latest novel “Memorials,” Richard Chizmar masterfully taps into this universal unease, transforming these familiar markers of grief into portals to something far more sinister lurking in the shadows of Appalachia’s ancient mountains.
A Journey into Terror
Set in 1983, “Memorials” by Richard Chizmar follows three college students—Billy Anderson, Troy Carpenter, and Melody Wise—as they embark on what should be a straightforward documentary project for their American Studies class. Armed with cameras and youthful optimism, they set out to film and document roadside memorials across Pennsylvania’s back country. What begins as an academic exercise quickly evolves into a haunting exploration of grief, memory, and ancient evil.
Chizmar’s strength lies in his ability to build tension gradually while maintaining an atmosphere of creeping dread. The story’s early chapters establish a deceptively normal tone, filled with the kind of casual banter and relationship dynamics you’d expect from college students on a road trip. But as the trio ventures deeper into Appalachia’s remote corners, the narrative takes on an increasingly sinister edge.
Characters That Breathe
The author excels at creating fully realized characters whose relationships feel authentic and lived-in. Billy Anderson, our protagonist and narrator, carries the weight of his own tragic past—having lost both parents in a car accident that resulted in one of the very memorials he’s now documenting. Troy Carpenter, a brilliant but anxious Black student from Baltimore, provides both comic relief and poignant commentary on racial dynamics in rural America. Melody Wise, the steady presence keeping the group focused, harbors her own dark secrets.
The addition of Naomi Flynn, Billy’s ex-girlfriend who unexpectedly joins their journey, adds another layer of complexity to the group dynamics. Chizmar handles their rekindling relationship with surprising tenderness amidst the growing horror.
The Horror of the Familiar
What makes “Memorials” by Richard Chizmar particularly effective is how it transforms everyday objects and situations into sources of terror. The mysterious symbol that begins appearing at various memorial sites serves as a brilliant plot device, creating a connection between seemingly random tragedies while hinting at something ancient and malevolent at work in these mountains.
Strengths and Weaknesses
What Works:
- Masterful build-up of tension
- Rich, believable character interactions
- Effective use of 1980s setting without relying on nostalgia
- Innovative blend of documentary-style elements with traditional narrative
- Complex exploration of grief and memory
Where It Occasionally Falters:
- Some subplots feel underdeveloped
- The pacing occasionally slows in the middle sections
- A few character decisions stretch credibility
- The ending might leave some readers wanting more concrete answers
Technical Excellence
Chizmar’s prose style deserves special mention. His writing is clean and efficient, yet capable of creating vivid imagery when needed. The author’s experience with short fiction (evident in collections like “Chasing the Boogeyman”) shows in his ability to craft scenes that pack maximum impact in minimal space.
Genre-Bending Brilliance
“Memorials” by Richard Chizmar defies easy categorization. While firmly rooted in horror, it incorporates elements of road trip narrative, coming-of-age story, and even social commentary. The result is a novel that should appeal to fans of Stephen King’s character-driven horror as well as readers who enjoy more literary explorations of American life.
Historical Context and Relevance
The 1983 setting isn’t just window dressing. Chizmar uses the period to explore themes that resonate strongly today – racial tension, small-town isolation, and the ways trauma echoes through generations. The absence of cell phones and internet adds to the sense of vulnerability as our protagonists venture into increasingly hostile territory.
Final Verdict
While not perfect, it represents some of Chizmar’s finest work to date. The novel succeeds both as a compelling horror story and as a thoughtful meditation on grief, memory, and the dark secrets that lurk beneath familiar surfaces.
For Fans Of:
- Stephen King’s “IT”
- Robert McCammon’s “Boy’s Life”
- Nick Cutter’s “The Troop”
- Adam Nevill’s “The Ritual”
Beyond the Book
Readers who enjoy “Memorials” should also explore Richard Chizmar’s earlier work, particularly “Chasing the Boogeyman,” which similarly blends horror with true-crime elements. The author’s understanding of small-town life and ability to find horror in everyday situations makes his entire bibliography worth exploring.
The Verdict
“Memorials” by Richard Chizmar is a haunting addition to the American horror landscape. Like the roadside markers at its center, it serves as both a warning and a reminder—of lives lost, of secrets kept, and of ancient evils that still lurk in the shadows of our modern world. Despite some minor flaws, it’s a journey well worth taking—just keep your doors locked and don’t stop for strangers.