| Title | : | Out Behind the Barn |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1727414020 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781727414028 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 125 |
| Publication | : | First published September 27, 2018 |
"She got someone!"
Both children grinned and settled in their beds, eyes fixed to the ceiling.
This was family growth.
Out Behind the Barn Reviews
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What a strange little novella. At the beginning you hear about Miss Maggie, two boys, named Ronney and Davey and their new "staff" Miss Rose. Quiet life on a farm in the countryside. But wait a minute. Why are those characters acting so strange and what about the sad life story of Miss Maggie? Where has Miss Rose gone and what about the newcomer Ben? Slow burning creeper at its best with a convincing denouement. Excellent prose, intriguing read. Really recommended!
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(Thank you to the authors for sending me an advance copy in exchange for an honest review)
Oh my heart! Let me whip out my Horror Boxes Checklist and explain how in just over 100 pages, Chad Lutzke and John Boden seamlessly blended their unique, yet harmonious storytelling voice to tell a tale I won't ever forget.
I was so fascinated by the way this story came together. The author's notes reveal the birth of "MAGGIE'S FARM" by John Boden (which now I want to read) and how with Chad's contribution, the story grew into OUT BEHIND THE BARN. I mention this because this checks the "Hands Box" which is all about skill. After reading Boden's "DOMINOES" recently and Lutzke's "OF FOSTER HOMES AND FLIES" and "SKULLFACE BOY", I'm familiar with each of these talented author's skillset and how they compliment each other so well. Super impressed with this collaboration.
This book can easily be spoiled so I'm not going to say anything that would diminish the reading experience for anyone--so I'll just say that the journey was so delicious. I loved the narrative from the perspective of two young boys and the naiveté that came with it--even though the reader (however seasoned with horror you might be) is more advanced in their perspective of events and trying to desperately "figure things out".
But Lutzke and Boden do a good job unpacking things slowly (but not laboriously) and revealing pieces of the mystery on their terms. This satisfied me on both skill & mastery of the craft and also "horror with teeth"; I knew eventually, this tale would bite.
Lastly, my heart.
At the end, my heart exposed, rendered and gently squeezed walked away from the last page feeling sad to say goodbye and little worse for wear. However, I also felt like I had been given a gift by two creatives who truly know what readers want. An experience/journey that won't likely be forgotten and that's exactly what they accomplished. I hope, hope, HOPE that these two collaborate again. This was a real treat. -
This collaboration between Lutzke and Boden is difficult to review - I have no idea what to tell you about the story without giving something away.
This is my first Boden and I will be looking out for his work in the future. However, Lutzke is slowly making a name for himself in the horror genre and it is difficult not to see how talented he is. He doesn't write the type of horror which will necessarily scare you. I think it can be best described as giving you an eerie feeling, without any cheap thrills.
What I can state as a fact is that he will make you FEEL, deep inside - something that might be much scarier to the horror junkies out there. So much so, I don't think his stories will have nearly the impact as a movie, I don't know if it can translate well.
So, I will only say this:
Great story, the ending just didn't do much for me, which is why it gets 4 stars and not 5. -
4.5/5 stars!
OUT BEHIND THE BARN is totally original, weird and creepy. I loved it!
That said, this is not the type of story I've come to expect from either of these authors. I've enjoyed the work of John Boden for years now and what I always expect from him is beautiful writing and poignancy. I expect the same from Chad Lutzke as well, just slightly less poetic, maybe? I'm not sure what I expected from this novella, but it was not this strange story of Maggie, her farm and her boys.
Davey and Ronny are watching when Maggie gets home and carefully unloads her burden into the barn. Then an arm drops down from her carefully wrapped package. This has happened before, so they are not surprised or alarmed. Will the package work this time? You'll have to read this to find out.
I'm finding it very difficult to review this book without giving anything away. It was short, spellbinding, mysterious, creative and suspenseful. Once the mystery is revealed, the problem remains as to how the characters will deal with it, and that's where the poignancy I expect from both of these authors showed up-in a big way.
The only issue I had with this story is that I expected to see one more chapter regarding a certain character's reaction to those poignant events. Then again, maybe that would have spoiled how I imagined that reaction went down?
OUT BEHIND THE BARN is a powerful piece of work, in spite of, (or perhaps because of of?), its short length. Either way, it affected me, and I'll be thinking about the boys and Maggie's farm for a long time.
Highly recommended!
*I received an e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest feedback. This is it!* -
This was a short, subtle, slow burner of a horror tale. So one of the issues I take with most short stories/novellas are that they conclude well before they should. And you find yourself left without a concrete and/or satisfying conclusion. This was no exception. However, I thought the build up and overall creepiness that was established and maintained was done very well. The writing and premise were all on point, too. I kept trying to figure out what was going on, but couldn’t get a lock on any of it. I say that on a positive note, as it didn’t frustrate me whatsoever, but rather made me want to keep reading. It all comes together towards the end, but it still just felt incomplete. I wanted to know more about Maggie, her background, and what became of her. She was a unique character that didn’t come full circle. The story is also only 100 pages, and had a multitude of advertising for the final 20 pages or so. Normally, I like to see the advertised length reflect the story itself and not all the add ons, especially with such an short story. Overall, it was a satisfying little tale of terror.
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OUT BEHIND THE BARN is a collaboration between authors John Boden and Chad Lutzke. I have only read one other book by Chad Lutzke prior to this, but I can say with certainty that I will be looking up other books by John Boden now, as well! The styles of these two authors combined to create--in my mind--a flawless "whole" in this novella.
We're given a short scene in the synopsis that the story actually opens with: two young boys sneaking to their window at night, see an older woman carrying a large bundle into the barn. An arm falls free from the bundle, and the two boys excitedly go back to their beds.
". . . a puzzle. Only my box doesn't have all the pieces . . . "
This snippet is enough to conjure all kinds of scenarios into my mind, as a seasoned horror reader. The possibilities of where the authors could take this story from there are limitless!
Somehow, very early on in the book, I forgot all my preconceived notions and simply "lived" in the words that unfolded. That the tale is told through the eyes of one of the boys, makes it even more incredible as events at the farm they call home are casually disclosed.
". . . A smile full of naivety and innocence, optimism and blissful ignorance . . . "
I won't go into any other specifics of this novella, because it is one that is best to simply go into "like a child"--without any answers, and full of trust that the authors will give you all that you need.
This, they do with an elegance that makes it seem as if the story came to them easily. Yet, if you read their notes at the end, you'll see that it actually took quite a bit from Boden's first conception of a short story, to become the finished product you now see before you.
There were no easy answers here, just a brilliant telling that builds up steadily as your mind absorbs all the details.
". . . Time moves fast, or not at all anymore . . ."
Though many images simply raised additional questions, this style was so fluent that I didn't mind in the least. In fact, the notion of taking more than one sitting to read it entirely never even occurred to me. While reading, I felt that I was observing the story taking place before me, instead of intaking a flow of words. That is how powerful this story was. I mentally felt transported to this quaint farm life.
Overall, I honestly can't think of a single thing that didn't satisfy me in this novella. The writing style was wonderful, the characters realistic, and the setting lacked for nothing. Everything that I needed to enjoy this story was contained within these pages.
As for the tale itself, this is one that I can not see leaving my mind anytime soon. It is also a book I fully intend to re-read often in the future.
Highest recommendation! -
3.75 stars. In one way, this is a turn of an old, old tale, but in others, it is a completely original, and imaginative story that becomes both dark and hopeful within the same moments. How that duality happens, I don't know, except the good writing is certainly a key to why it works. Here's what struck me: What is Family and can it be created like a puzzle? Mother, child. Caregiver, dependent. Revealing the old tale I spoke of would reveal too much, so that's all I'll say. It's always better not knowing, right? I thought a lot of this novella was terrifically done, especially experiencing the open hearts of these two boys. That is the way of kids. In the end, I wanted more story, a little extra to close the gaps I couldn't close on my own. It's true that the authors had already expanded this from short story to novella length, but the ending chapter went by a smidgen too fast, leaving me to wonder about these boy's past. Maybe that's just me, and I also realize that my wondering means I was deeply involved. Therefore this is still a recommend for others to try.
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This book was sent to me by the authors in exchange for an honest review.
I swear at this point I will read anything that Lutzke publishes. Have I said that before? Probably. I absolutely loved Of Foster Homes and Flies and Skullface Boy. Lutzke has this wonderful way of writing a story that is firmly rooted in the horror genre, but then rips your heart out of your body and leaves you reeling. It's horror with compassion, if that makes any sense. I really struggle to articulate the experience of reading one of his books. Lutzke can take a story to some dark places, but there is always this overriding theme of compassion in his tales. And I love that because I'm always left a little devastated after reading them.
This novella is my introduction to John Boden, and now I absolutely need to read more from him. I love how at the end of the book the authors explain how Out Behind the Barn was created, and I love the friendship they share. Having a friend who will give you completely honest criticism is so wonderful. I love that Boden had the bones of this story, but Lutzke knew it needed a little more. The two of them work perfectly together, and I'm eager for another collaboration between them.
I read this novella in a single sitting, and then I ended up thinking about it for the rest of the night. Boden and Lutzke tease the truth behind this tale throughout the story, but it isn't until the ending that the reader discovers what has been happening all along. It was truly unexpected for me, and utterly heartbreaking. I don't feel as if I can say anymore than that. I think the reader should go into this story knowing as little as possible. This is one fantastic story. -
The steady drizzle pattered on the roof and sounded like someone shaking a tin can full of teeth.
Miss Maggie loves her boys, Davey and Ronny. The others, having a much harder time with them. They don’t seem to learn very well and have a habit of leaving. Maybe the next one will stay.
Broken apple stem wishes, Bradbury and Poe, warts on a stool, a Gentilbelle floater and rabbit turd and gopher guts pie.
Her voice was a desiccated bee husk on a windowsill.
These guys are super solid. Great story with some nice creepy crawly moments. Well done, sirs! Looking forward to more from both of these authors.
*Updated 1-9-19 -
Not often do I finish a horror story and think immediately that it was quite lovely. Yet, that was my initial reaction to Out Behind the Barn, a slim novella from Chad Lutzke and John Boden.
That's not a whole lot else, frankly, that I can say without spoiling Out Behind the Barn. It's a slowly paced family drama, and the authors are absolutely methodical and deliberate in their parceling out of information. They drop hints to the nature of their characters with sly winks and nods, rather than through a pounding impossible-to-miss delivery. It's no mistake that the boys, Ronny and Davey, read a lot of Edgar Allan Poe and Ray Bradbury during their homeschooling sessions, and Lutzke and Boden use their characters' love for these authors to prime the pump of readers expectations.
Such is the manner in which seeds are laid, and when it comes time to reap their fields in the story's climax, Lutzke and Boden do so with the same reverential quietude that came before. I've not read Boden's work before, and Lutzke is an author I've only recently discovered. Of the former I can definitely say I'll be reading more of his material. Of the latter, I feel I can positively say that Lutzke is a writer who prizes emotional gravitas. He seeks out the hearts of his characters and plumbs their depths with familiar intimacy to the point that he stops writing characters and begins writing actual, full-fledged people.
Maggie and her boys are no exception. Each feels supremely realistic, and like most people, they have their secrets. What's most striking about Out Behind the Barn, though, is its eloquent sadness. There's a darkness here, an irreparable degree of psychological damage borne of deep sorrow, but also an atmosphere of love and hope. It is, after all, a story about family, of the rights and wrongs committed upon one another, as well as the damage. Oh, most certainly the damage.
[Note: I received an advanced copy of this title from the authors.] -
This is the second novella I've read with Lutzke as an author and my first Boden. This surely won't be the last I read from these authors, that's for certain! I'm usually not the biggest fans of novellas and short stories but Kealan Patrick Burke first brought back my love for these types of stories and now Lutzke and Boden are extending this love and continuing my love for the horror genre. Be still my beating black heart.
The synopsis along for Out Behind The Barn makes my toes tingle! Family is very important and no one wants to take care of her boys more than Maggie. I figured things out pretty early on with the hints given but it didn't take away from the feel that these boys were giving. Through their eyes, the authors give us a real vision of how little boys think, their naivety and trust in Maggie.
I can't talk too much about the story or I'll give it all away. What I love is that this novella has both the horror and very much human element of family and it's importance in a person's life. Highly recommend and I look forward to more from these authors. -
Not what I was expecting, but really quite good.
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Out Behind the Barn is the third book I've read by Chad Lutzke, but it is my introduction to John Boden, the author of
Jedi Summer, a book that I desperately need to read. Barn began as a short story by Boden that was later extended into a novella with Lutzke's assistance. The story follows two young boys who live with Miss Maggie, an old woman who keeps bringing people back to her farm to join their family.
I'll refrain from saying anything more about the plot because I don't want to get into spoiler territory. The page count may be slim, but the fabric of the story is stitched with mystery. Therefore, it is a book best read without having much prior knowledge.
Barn is a classic example of a southern gothic. Each page radiates a thick, muggy atmosphere that the characters cannot escape, and I felt that heat while reading. I'm from the midwest and let me tell you, the summers get pretty humid here. It's a claustrophobic feeling, one that only contributes to the novella's sense of discomfort and dread.
Even though Out Behind the Barn is a dark story, it has that touch of sweetness that is apparent in all of Lutzke's books. The two boys, Davey and Ronny, have a touching, brotherly bond that serves to make the story all the more heartbreaking. The end of the book left me holding back tears yet again, something I'm coming to expect with Luzke's work.
Chad's melancholy writing and John's dark - though grounded - story are a seamless blend, but there was something that kept me from giving this book five stars, and that concerns a twist that comes late in the book. I like this twist, but the explanation was glossed over a little too quickly. Otherwise, Out Behind the Barn was a beautiful story. Absolutely worth the short amount of time it took to read. -
This novella wasn’t scary necessarily but it was more about the lengths a woman would go to to hold on to her family. I expected a bit more but given the how short the novella is at 100 pages I thought it was ok.
Two young boys are living with a woman known as Miss Maggie. Miss Maggie has a habit of bringing new visitors to the home. The boys think it’s strange that none of these guests stay for very long.
The pair seem content in their days spent with Miss Maggie and the visitors but they feel like somethings not quite right. One night Miss Maggie brings home a large man named Benjamin who discovers what is really going on and plans to put and end to it. -
What a beautiful, moving and dark tale. Loved it!
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This novella is only 100 pages long. I read it in one sitting. I really enjoyed it and loved the ending. If you ate looking for something easy to read with a touch of horror, look no further.
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Out Behind The Barn - Chad Ludzke & John Boden
3★
“The boys crept to the window and watched as Miss Maggie carried the long bundle into the barn, the weight of it stooping her aging back. Rafter lights spilled from the barn doors and Davey saw an arm fall from the canvas-wrapped parcel. He smiled. “She got someone!” Both children grinned and settled in their beds, eyes fixed to the ceiling. This was family growth.”
It’s only 127 pages long... so to me, that makes it more of a novella. It was originally published under the title of “Aunt Maggie’s Farm” . From the very beginning you know that something insidious is going on at Maggie's Farm. Boden and Lutzke do a great job at dropping in little clues to the mystery as the story slowly reveals what is really occurring. It’s a moving tale about friendship...loss of family...and the lengths some people will go to have their version of a family. The story is also very moody and takes its time giving away its dark secrets. It has a definite Ray Bradbury feel. I do wish that it had been just a tad longer. -
Hauntingly and poetically pulls the heartstrings.
It was truly spellbinding. Short-- but gets right to it.
The authors were one step ahead of you the whole time and unveiled the characters in this same eerie way. I loved it!
I devoured this story quickly. It's truly amazing how painfully homesick I felt for these characters- but yet was so amazed and in awe, I couldn't put it down. Needless to say, I finished this story in one sitting. It is one I will be re-reading time and time again.
Joy and heartache all in one.
Lots of great book recommendations within.
This was my first time reading anything by these two authors, and as many of you see by my bookshelves, the horror genre is something fairly new to me. I never knew what a positive community this genre was or could be, nor did I know how much joy I was missing out on! Most horror movies miss the mark for me and most books-- too gruesome or too much sexual violence... but this my friends... Had me engaged the ENTIRE time. It wasn't too gruesome which I was very surprised and the fact that I loved it so much is definitely an indicator I will be checking out more books by these authors.
If you haven't tried the horror genre and are interested, I highly suggest starting with something light like this. My light side and dark side were both able to cherish this story. It's about balance and it was achieved nicely.
The ability these authors have to feed your wild dark side yet sink empathy deep into your heart and bones is art. It is real. It is raw. It is pure horror to wield these elements together, so brilliantly.
I want to thank Chad Lutzke, one of the authors for sending me a paperback copy, which I won via a Twitter contest. You have gained a new fan John and Chad, and I am so appreciative for being introduced to these works. Thank you!
All opinions and reviews are my own, and voluntary. -
Novellas are beginning to really grow on me. More developed than a short story but not as involved as a novel, this one-sitting type read offers a contained glimpse into a world that often leaves me wanting more, but at the same time feeling fully satisfied in the tale that was told.
Out Behind the Barn is a tense and eerie tale, almost fable-like in structure. It follows the perspective of two young boys who live on a secluded farm with Miss Maggie, a woman who takes care of them. She brings other people to the farm every once in a while, people who don’t remember anything, who need to be taught simple things—people who aren’t quite right. But they will learn—that is, until they disappear.
The story is a rumination on family and our intense need for the closeness and love of others. It delves into things not quite natural in a dark way that digs right to the heart of the issue.
Though I guessed what was going on in the story fairly early due to a few well-placed hints, the tension in the story builds and builds—it is a taut, live wire of suspense. I was invested in the story and wanted to see where it would go!
Boden and Lutzke are a team that work well together. Their collaboration on this project is seamless and I look forward to reading more of their work—what they might write together as well as separately. -
Loved this. It has a modern Shirley Jackson vibe.
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This story is the appropriate length. There's an author note at the end about how originally it was 3,000 words. I'm sure that it's much better expanded as is.
Reading about two young boys, the woman who cares for them, and others who come and go doesn't sound great, but it is. Especially for the AHA moment when you finally learn what's really happening -
I'm writing this review at 3:00 a.m. because my night owl heart can't rest until I share how much I loved it. Here's where I drop a fact about myself that you might not know yet-I'm a natural born crier. I know when to keep it in check, but when I'm moved by a thing of beauty I can't always hold it in. This small book is one of those things for me.
I absolutely loved every minute of this read, and I'm glad I went into it without reading other reviews ahead of time. This book can be considered "horror with a heart", and I'd highly recommend it to any newbies to the genre, or anyone who is under the impression that horror is only terror and gore. Boden and Lutzke have created a story with beautiful prose, and the perfect amount of tension to keep me turning pages at lightning speed. There were moments that gave me nostalgia, brought a smile to my face, and had me questioning what the finale would bring. I don't want to give much of the story away, as I think it is best to go into this one blind.
It's no secret at this point that I adore books and other forms of media that give me "all the feels". I'll expose myself to my favorite tearjerker films and songs repeatedly, despite the heartbreak. Out Behind the Barn falls into the category of books that took me through a gamut of emotions.
Books, like other forms of art, are never read the same from one person to the next. One of my favorite parts of reading the reviews is seeing all of the different views and reactions that each reader had. I look forward to others' thoughts on this book, and I'm planning to acquire every piece of work from these two authors. -
"Summer was sliding away, like carrion from bone."
Out Behind the Barn is a collaborative novella from John Boden and Chad Lutzke. I've read one of Chad's short stories, but this was my first time reading anything extensive from either of these authors. I buddy read this one with my friend Tracy, and I'm happy to say that we both loved it!
There's so much packed into this small novella. In the author's note at the end, Chad says that this book stemmed from John's short story Maggie's Farm. I agree with his statement that this story deserved a fleshed-out book, and that it shouldn't just be tucked into an anthology somewhere.
I enjoyed the mystery of Out Behind the Barn - information is not given easily, and I was so curious about what was happening. I'm also relieved that it wasn't overly vague, and that there were reasonable explanations (sometimes this happens with novellas).
This book is one that will stick with you. The storyline is haunting, and it was more heartbreaking than I expected. I would love to read more from both of these authors. Thank you so much to John Boden and Chad Lutzke for sending me a copy! -
💔Review to come soon. A stunning collaboration
I realize that my idea of soon needs revisiting - apologies to Chad and John, life got in the way for a moment.
So. Quite frankly, I adored this novella. I’d read a 1000 page book based in this world. It began as a short story from Boden and later Lutzke joined in and this novella was born. And I’m so happy it was. I haven’t read anything from Boden before (that will be fixed immediately) and I read Lutzke’s novella SKULLFACE BOY this fall. What we have here is an extremely well developed story - horror with heart, if you will. The characters are full and well-rounded and the storyline is well paced and believable. I fell in love with these two little boys and even with Maggie. And, for me, that’s one of the most important parts of any story, horror included.
I don’t want to give anymore details. Just know that if you pick up this book, you won’t be disappointed. There are hints of Bradbury’s Dandelion Wine and Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men, combined with some of the most unique horror scenes I’ve read in awhile. -
Out Behind the Barn by John Boden and Chad Lutzke came across to me as this dark fairy tale and horror combination. I definitely do not want to say too much as to not spoil it for anyone who has not read it. But the way these two authors craft this story is nothing short of brilliant. This story is creepy and totally surprised me. I mean... that ending! But as this is the second Lutzke book I have read I will now read whatever the man publishes with no questions in advance. And this is the first thing I have written by John Boden and now he is also on my radar and TBR! I went into this book pretty blind aside from knowing a few friends rated it highly, and I think that is a perfect way to approach this book. Open it up, get acquainted, and get shocked by this weird, creepy, heartfelt horror story! 5 stars!
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Sweet Story
A great read. Somber and sweet, with just the right amount of creepy. The writing is beautiful, and the story original, with characters you really come to care about in a short time. Well dine. -
A stellar read! Creepy but also full of heart. I hope Boden and Lutzke have plans to collaborate again.
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Oh most holy Rufus, divine spirit of the books that you guide unto your servant, the diminutive Mr. Frank, I pray unto thee deliver me more books as kick-ass, awesome sauce, in a two gallon jug that is OUT BEHIND THE BARN by brother John Boden and brother Chad Lutzke. For it is a most holy badass story the like of which all other stories should aspire to be in their own, sacrilegious ways.
Oh holy Rufus you are wicked and good and a pray you force others to read OUT BEHIND THE BARN as you have enslaved me to do. Let them read this delicious dark tale filled with mystery and magic. It is wrong. Wrong like sleeping with your cousin is wrong even though it feels so right.
Deliver us O Rufus to a world in which all the righteous sleep with their cousins and read OUT BEHIND THE BARN. For only then will we, your sheep, know peace on this Earth in your name.
Amen. -
This novella came highly recommended so I was glad to finally get it from my TBR to my read pile!
The story within was decent, and I think the last 3rd saved it from becoming a DNF at one point. There was a period of 20-30 pages where nothing happened and I became a bit worried that it would slough off into nothingness.
But every time I mentioned I was reading this, someone would reply saying "wait until that ending! Wow!"
And I'm thankful I plowed through. The ending is an emotional gut-punch and I found myself bordering on tears as it reached its conclusion.
I would recommend this for folks who want a slower paced action-less emotional read. Horror is present, just not in the traditional sense.
