The Boogie Man Will Get You

Brilliant and morally flexible, Billings pursues wartime breakthroughs through dangerous basement experiments. His drive for progress borders on obsession, risking human cost for a grand scientific vision. He embodies the peril when science is entangled with war and profit.

Clever and opportunistic, Lorentz partners with Billings for personal gain rather than noble aims. He manipulates others and revels in the scheming around experimental subjects. His cynicism highlights the dangers of power-hungry intellects.

The inn’s new owner who plans to convert the tavern into a hotel, bringing a practical, business-minded perspective. She becomes entangled in the scientists’ plots as events escalate. Her grounded, domestic presence contrasts with the laboratory’s menace.

A charismatic traveling salesman who becomes a test subject, his resilience and humor anchor the human cost of experimentation. He navigates danger with wit, highlighting the fragility of ordinary lives under extraordinary pressures. His presence adds warmth amid the plot’s darker elements.

A guest who claims to represent the Historical Society, Brampton spreads misdirection and questions about the inn’s sale. He catalyzes tension by placing outsiders at the center of the plot. His role enriches the sense of external pressure and scheming.

The housekeeper who keeps daily life steady despite chaos, Amelia is observant and loyal. Her steady presence grounds the human stakes of the experiments and the inn’s turmoil. She becomes a quiet voice of resilience within the storm.

The hired hand who assists with inn chores and becomes entangled in the murders and investigation. His straightforward, practical nature provides contrast to the grand schemes at play. His involvement shows that danger reaches every level of the inn.

The ex-husband who opposes the sale but stays on at the inn for a few days, illustrating the tension between personal ties and business decisions. He observes events with wary detachment and questions what the inn’s future should be. His presence underscores the price of change for those left behind.