Genre: Gothic
Length: 127 Pages
Publisher: Shadow Work Publishing
Release date: October 5, 2018
Synopsis: 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.
Review copy provided in exchange for an honest review
I’ve been a fan of Chad Lutzke’s writing since I came across Of Foster Homes and Flies. I love his skill and ability to capture the perspective of a young protagonists in his coming of age stories. I went into Out Behind the Barn blind, I hadn’t read the synopsis and didn’t read any reviews before hand, and this was the first time I’ve read a collaboration he has done.
I really liked the idea behind the story, the plot was original to me and I could see it going many ways. For me, I found it a bit of a slow burn, I needed a the story to move along more than it did. For a majority of the story I didn’t have a good grasp what was happening on the barn. When the story cut to Ben it was abrupt, but the last few chapters finally put it all together. I wish there had been one or two more chapters with Maggie. I thought the ending needed just a bit more to finish off this story.
Link to purchase Out Behind the Barn
Chad Lutzke, biography
Chad lives in Battle Creek, MI. with his wife, children, and far too many dogs. For over two decades, he has been a contributor to several different outlets in the independent music and film scene including articles, reviews, and artwork. Chad loves music, rain, sarcasm, dry humor, and cheese. He has a strong disdain for dishonesty and hard-boiled eggs. He has written for Famous Monsters of Filmland, Cemetery Dance, Rue Morgue, and Scream magazine. His fictional work can be found in several magazines and anthologies including his own 18-story anthology, NIGHT AS A CATALYST. He has written a collaborative effort with horror author Terry M. West, THE HIM DEEP DOWN. In the summer of 2016, Lutzke released his dark coming-of-age novella OF FOSTER HOMES AND FLIES which has been praised by authors Jack Ketchum, James Newman, John Boden, and many others. Later in 2016, Lutzke released his contribution to bestselling author J. Thorn’s AMERICAN DEMON HUNTER series with AMERICAN DEMON HUNTERS: BATTLE CREEK, MI. and finally winter 2017 saw the release of his novella WALLFLOWER, a story of addiction, delusions, and flowers. Chad can be found lurking the internet at the following address: www.chadlutzke.com
John Boden, biography
John Boden lives a stones throw from Three Mile Island with his wonderful wife and sons. A baker by day, he spends his off time writing, working on Shock Totem or watching M*A*S*H re-runs. He likes Diet Pepsi, cheeseburgers, heavy metal and sports ferocious sideburns. While his output as a writer is fairly sporadic, it has a bit of a reputation for being unique.
The Scary Reviews 