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A review by motherhorror
Out Behind the Barn by Chad Lutzke, John Boden
5.0
(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.
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.