Reviews

Out Behind the Barn by Chad Lutzke, John Boden

shawna_reads's review against another edition

dark mysterious sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

"Her eyes. They see the world how I see it. There's a twinkle in them, like they've got love to give." 

Two boys live on a secluded farm with Miss Maggie, a woman who takes care of them. Some days she brings people back to the farm to join their family, which in turn makes the boys excited. 

At only 125 pages, Boden and Lutzke weaved together a beautiful novella. A horror story that tugged on your heartstrings. I enjoyed the perspectives of the two young boys and the mysterious build up of events. I had an idea of what was going on, but the reveal at the end took it to another level. I was not ready for an emotional read, but I loved every minute of it! 

That is all I'm going to say before I spoil anything as it is fast paced. Just know that it was dark and tense, yet beautifully written.

kimhawk's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

paulataua's review against another edition

4.0

Unusual oddity! It presents itself as horror and has lots of the hallmarks of the horror genre, but it is more or a puzzle story where you spend most of the time trying to work out what has happened, and still is in the process of happening. The thing about Lutzke and Boden that attracts me is that with both of them, things are never quite what you expect them to be. Enjoyable read!

readingbookswater's review against another edition

emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Five stars. Original storytelling and well-paced for a bleak but suspenseful story. Mysterious horror, maybe a touch of folk horror. Sad, beautiful descriptions, plenty of creepiness and overall excellent writing.  I loved the ending.

chelsea_court's review against another edition

dark mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

kaylerrrann's review

dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

katkinslee's review against another edition

dark sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

This was a brilliant little story, very mysterious! It was rather sad as well. 

beebsreads's review against another edition

dark fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

The details of this book faded super fast for me. No real twist or anything, but had good writing and was fun.

mvenhuizen19's review

4.0

Whew! Unique and creepy. Short.

solace_in_solitude's review against another edition

dark mysterious fast-paced

4.0