The Chalk Man

How it reads

The Chalk Man is mystery (psychological mystery thriller, specifically), and its dominant mood is eerie. It's atmospheric and uncanny, with a sense that something is wrong. It moves fast: plot-driven and hard to put down, the kind of book that carries you along even when you're tired.

It's set in a small town setting, in the recent past, told across two timelines. Its central concerns are coming of age, secrets and loss and grief. In weight it sits in the middle: substantial without being heavy going.

It stands alone, so there's nothing else you need to read first or after. The ending is left open, for you to argue about. At 280 pages it's a quick read. It's well known, the kind of book most keen readers have heard of.