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Things That Go Bump in the Night
Read, watch, and listen to each chilling story in 15 minutes or less!
3:15 means several things. It's a time when things go bump in the night. A place where spooky stories find a home. A feeling . . . that chill running down your spine.
It means 10 terrifying tales that you'll experience in 3 parts: A frightful audio introduction. Several spooky pages of text. And a creepy video conclusion you can watch online. All in 15 minutes or less.
Step into the world of 3:15 and you'll meet Cody Miller, whose greed leads to a grave mistake; Emma Franklin, who learns that not all childhood fears are foolish; Dylan Smith, who should know better than to show off his snowboarding skills on a haunted mountain; and more.
Don't get too attached to any of them.
Features "Night on the Dredge," a new story set in the world of Skeleton Creek!
176 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2011
19 people are currently reading
221 people want to read
About the author
Patrick Carman
91 books1,606 followersI have been a lifelong writer and storyteller. Salem, Oregon is where I spent my formative years and I graduated from Willamette University. After college, I spent a decade living in Portland, Oregon where I worked in advertising, game design, and technology.
I've written young adult and children's books for Scholastic, Little Brown Books For Young Readers and Katherine Tegen Books/ HarperCollins Publishers.
I've been fortunate enough to have had some bestselling series work: The Land of Elyon, Atherton, Elliot’s Park, 39 Clues, and Skeleton Creek. Here's a fun note...the books have been translated into approximately two dozen languages. Currently I'm developing a few new-media projects. Check out DARK EDEN to experience this type of cross-platform project.
When I'm not writing or creating a story, I spend my free time supporting literacy campaigns and community organizations, fly fishing, playing basketball and tennis, doing crosswords, watching movies, dabbling in video games, reading (lots), and (more than anything else) spending time with my wife and two daughters.
I've written young adult and children's books for Scholastic, Little Brown Books For Young Readers and Katherine Tegen Books/ HarperCollins Publishers.
I've been fortunate enough to have had some bestselling series work: The Land of Elyon, Atherton, Elliot’s Park, 39 Clues, and Skeleton Creek. Here's a fun note...the books have been translated into approximately two dozen languages. Currently I'm developing a few new-media projects. Check out DARK EDEN to experience this type of cross-platform project.
When I'm not writing or creating a story, I spend my free time supporting literacy campaigns and community organizations, fly fishing, playing basketball and tennis, doing crosswords, watching movies, dabbling in video games, reading (lots), and (more than anything else) spending time with my wife and two daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
January 28, 2022
We loved reading 3:15 Stories throughout the year. It was a nice way to break things up. I also loved sending them off to Skeleton Creek. Maybe we can get another book that sends the kids off on another series.
December 31, 2019
I read this to my 4th graders as our last read aloud for the year. My 6th grader told me about the book-as her media specialist told her class about it. I bought the book. The book is a unique read aloud. First-you login to www.315stories.com and enter a password (given to you in the book). A scary voice tells you the premise of the book. Then-you read the story. After, you enter another password on the site and it shows you a video of how the story ends. It's a series of short scary stories-probably for 5th-7th graders. Most of my students LOVED it. A few were a bit freaked out and had to sit in the hallway and read their own books. The actors in the videos are primarily white kids and white adults. While most of my students would have given it 5-10 stars, I am giving it 3 because the actors are primarily white. There is only one story where a boy is not white. My favorite story is Mr. Mason's Jars-it was funny and it featured a teacher who was really strange and didn't like talkative students.
July 8, 2024
I borrowed this book from a friend to use in my grade 4-6 class and they loved it! I did the Buried Treasure with them just to see how it would go over with a class and it did not disappoint. This book has 10 - 15 minute "stories" you can use as a whole group or reading groups. A lot of comments I heard was "This is just like Goosebumps". We all know kids love those stories. I am now looking to add this to my collection of subbing material because it would be a great half hour filler. I also will read it with my 7 year old in a couple of years. Great difference for middle school readings and I am definitely looking at some of Carman's other works.
October 20, 2025
Listen, read, and watch a scary story in under 15 minutes. It's a fun idea and I'm sure my 5th graders will love it. There are 10 short stories (episodes) in this book.
The videos are fine - no blood or gore - but pretty much every one ends in a death or disappearance. Here are my very short takes on each story, asterisking the ones I think would work best for 5th grade.
========spoilers below this point===========
Episode 1: Buried Treasure: old mining guy with a golden hook dies and the boy that buries him steals the hook then disappears and is presumably killed - I thought the backstory was too long but it would be fine for 5th graders
*Episode 2: Reflecting Pool: teen girl gets job at antique shop, starts "borrowing" things, owner gives her a mirror - the mirror takes back things she has taken and eventually her
*Episode 3: Mr. Mason's Jars: old teacher has jars that zombify obnoxious students, video is somewhat inconsistent with text but it is ok
*Episode 4: The Lift: ghost snowboarder ends up on lift with main character who initially thinks it is his friend. This one was pretty scary, I'd work up to it to see if the class was up for this big of a scare.
Episode 5: Night rider: teen boy sees girl of his dreams, she agrees to meet him for coffee and doesn't show. He eventually sees her riding her skateboard in the dark and follows - she was killed in an accident and pushes him in front of a truck so they can be together. I would not show this one to 5th graders.
*Episode 6: Heart of stone: 11 yo girl lives in an apartment building with a gargoyle outside her window - the gargoyle freaks her out and she tries to talk her younger sister into sharing rooms. one night she looks and the gargoyle is gone. It comes into her room and.. it is a little unclear what happens but it is a jump scare.
*Episode 7: The Beast: boy is supposed to walk dog - newspaper runs an article about a 300-pound cougar seen in the park and he's scared. His dad walks the dog with him but eventually tells him he just has to do it.. The newspaper is known for exaggerating headlines and the woman that reported the cougar is old and doesn't see well. When he goes to the park with the dog by himself, they find the beast.. this one has a jump scare but is pretty open ended on what happens to the boy. This is probably my top choice for a first read with 5th graders - love the tie in to unreliable headlines as well
*Episode 8: Takeout: 3 smartest boys in the world order pizza and are abducted (or reclaimed) by aliens. This would be a good 5th grade story.
*Episode 9: Atomic Ants: summer camp, 8th grader tormenting 5th graders and he moves a cement lid of a radioactive waste thing and atomic ants come drag him off.
Episode 10: Night on the Dredge: I found this really confusing.. . I think it's a teaser for his Skeleton Creek series but I found it hard to follow.
The videos are fine - no blood or gore - but pretty much every one ends in a death or disappearance. Here are my very short takes on each story, asterisking the ones I think would work best for 5th grade.
========spoilers below this point===========
Episode 1: Buried Treasure: old mining guy with a golden hook dies and the boy that buries him steals the hook then disappears and is presumably killed - I thought the backstory was too long but it would be fine for 5th graders
*Episode 2: Reflecting Pool: teen girl gets job at antique shop, starts "borrowing" things, owner gives her a mirror - the mirror takes back things she has taken and eventually her
*Episode 3: Mr. Mason's Jars: old teacher has jars that zombify obnoxious students, video is somewhat inconsistent with text but it is ok
*Episode 4: The Lift: ghost snowboarder ends up on lift with main character who initially thinks it is his friend. This one was pretty scary, I'd work up to it to see if the class was up for this big of a scare.
Episode 5: Night rider: teen boy sees girl of his dreams, she agrees to meet him for coffee and doesn't show. He eventually sees her riding her skateboard in the dark and follows - she was killed in an accident and pushes him in front of a truck so they can be together. I would not show this one to 5th graders.
*Episode 6: Heart of stone: 11 yo girl lives in an apartment building with a gargoyle outside her window - the gargoyle freaks her out and she tries to talk her younger sister into sharing rooms. one night she looks and the gargoyle is gone. It comes into her room and.. it is a little unclear what happens but it is a jump scare.
*Episode 7: The Beast: boy is supposed to walk dog - newspaper runs an article about a 300-pound cougar seen in the park and he's scared. His dad walks the dog with him but eventually tells him he just has to do it.. The newspaper is known for exaggerating headlines and the woman that reported the cougar is old and doesn't see well. When he goes to the park with the dog by himself, they find the beast.. this one has a jump scare but is pretty open ended on what happens to the boy. This is probably my top choice for a first read with 5th graders - love the tie in to unreliable headlines as well
*Episode 8: Takeout: 3 smartest boys in the world order pizza and are abducted (or reclaimed) by aliens. This would be a good 5th grade story.
*Episode 9: Atomic Ants: summer camp, 8th grader tormenting 5th graders and he moves a cement lid of a radioactive waste thing and atomic ants come drag him off.
Episode 10: Night on the Dredge: I found this really confusing.. . I think it's a teaser for his Skeleton Creek series but I found it hard to follow.
August 24, 2020
This is such an awesome book! A horror book of short stories, that brings campfire stories to life. 3:15 stands for 3 formats in 15 minutes. First you listen to Paul Chandler, who epitomises the haunted tale narrator, first. Then you read the middle of the story. Finally you watch the ending. Each short story has a password to access the multimedia, one each for the audio and video. Patrick Carman is a genius! Read it! If you dare!
November 5, 2017
Such a cool idea!! Short scary stories where you watch the ending. Very cool. My students LOVE THESE! Very fun as read alouds.
October 28, 2019
This book with the videos is really creepy! I don’t recommend it for younger children because the t would probably give nightmares. Great work by the author and his staff.
March 24, 2021
great book, but it kind of had the same outcome in every story, just in different ways.
July 21, 2015
Things That Go Bump in the Night is advertised as stories that one can listen, read, or watch in 15 minutes or less. As a follow-up to the success of Skeleton Creek and the other books in the series, Patrick Carman uses video to supplement the stories. Each short story begins with an audio introduction of about a minute, then the short story in print, and concludes with a video ending. The audios and videos are accessible via a web page with a password printed in the book. The web page indicated that they are also available via an app that I didn't try.
While reading, I was reminded of the type of spooky stories told around the campfire. The urban legend type of story of which you've heard hundreds of different variations. The stories aren't gory per se, but the implication of gore is there. Some will find the videos frightening while others will view them as stupid or silly.
As with any short story collection, some are more successful than others. Some were just plain dumb, some were creepy, and some downright scary. I'm sure it'd depend on one's phobias as to which story was the favorite. I enjoyed "Mr. Mason's Jars." In that story, Mr. Mason is an 8th-grade science teacher that no one likes. He's weird, very strict in class, and has extremely bad breath. When a new student starts acting up in class, Mr. Mason invites him to come by after school and see what is in his collection of mason jars. Everyone knows that any student that goes to see Mr. Mason after school leaves with a completely different personality. In the story/video, we find out exactly what is IN those jars and what happens to the students.
Overall, it's a decent read. At first, the concept of listening to an introduction, reading the story, and watching a video is cool, but after a while, it got old. I hated having to put the book down, go to the computer to watch/listen, and then go back to the book. I wish there were a better way?? C rating.
While reading, I was reminded of the type of spooky stories told around the campfire. The urban legend type of story of which you've heard hundreds of different variations. The stories aren't gory per se, but the implication of gore is there. Some will find the videos frightening while others will view them as stupid or silly.
As with any short story collection, some are more successful than others. Some were just plain dumb, some were creepy, and some downright scary. I'm sure it'd depend on one's phobias as to which story was the favorite. I enjoyed "Mr. Mason's Jars." In that story, Mr. Mason is an 8th-grade science teacher that no one likes. He's weird, very strict in class, and has extremely bad breath. When a new student starts acting up in class, Mr. Mason invites him to come by after school and see what is in his collection of mason jars. Everyone knows that any student that goes to see Mr. Mason after school leaves with a completely different personality. In the story/video, we find out exactly what is IN those jars and what happens to the students.
Overall, it's a decent read. At first, the concept of listening to an introduction, reading the story, and watching a video is cool, but after a while, it got old. I hated having to put the book down, go to the computer to watch/listen, and then go back to the book. I wish there were a better way?? C rating.
February 19, 2017
This was my most favourite book growing up. Every library class our librarian would read us a story we loved it!!!!!
July 7, 2013
Wouldn't it be good if a book of ghost stories could capture the attention of reluctant readers by incorporating video? Tie the love of shock to reading? Make use of text and motion pictures? Perhaps someone will create that book, but this isn't it. Skeleton Creek manages the mixture much more effectively, and that still isn't perfect. This collection of ten short "scary" stories tries to mine the vein Alvin Schwartz did decades ago. There's a pizza story, a skiing story, a skateboard story, book-ended - a la "Twilight Zone" - with supplementary sound and film clips on line.
There are several problems with this collection. A major bug is that each climax and conclusion occurs in the on-line portion, so the book can't stand on its own. A minor complaint I have is that all but one of the characters shown in clips is white; it would have been easy to be more inclusive. But the biggest problem is that the stories themselves are weak tea when some genuine spooky would have played better.
There are several problems with this collection. A major bug is that each climax and conclusion occurs in the on-line portion, so the book can't stand on its own. A minor complaint I have is that all but one of the characters shown in clips is white; it would have been easy to be more inclusive. But the biggest problem is that the stories themselves are weak tea when some genuine spooky would have played better.
August 1, 2013
I liked the idea of this book (listen to short audio booktalk, read a spooky story in one chapter & watch a short video to see how the story ends). All of this should be able to be completed in 15 minutes or less. However, I think my problem with this was that sitting at the computer to read was not very comfortable. If you were only going to do a chapter a day, maybe before bed, this might work, but if you are planning to read the entire book, it is a pain to have to sit at the computer to here audio, read a chapter, & then be back at the computer to see the ending. If this was available as an electronic book to be read on an ipad or something, then it would work much better because you could do all the activities on the device.
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September 4, 2013This book is an excellent choice for reluctant readers who like spooky stories. Before you start reading each chapter, you listen to a short introduction to the story online. Then you read the chapter, but to find out how the story ends, you have to watch a video online. All three things combined should take less than 15 minutes. The shortness of the stories and the creepiness of the videos should be appealing to even the most reluctant readers. - KD
Click here to place a hold on Things That Go Bump in the Night by Patrick Carman.
Click here to place a hold on Things That Go Bump in the Night by Patrick Carman.
October 3, 2014
3:15 is a book by Patrick Carman. It is about a bunch of different stories about kids and teens being abducted or killed by strange things or mythical creatures. And at the end of the book you get a story or a prequel for skeleton creek.
My favorite part or story in this book is a story about a snowboarder who gets killed by a vampire. This is my favorite part because it is about skiing and snowboarding and it talks about the myth of vampires. Also like a lot of Patrick Carman books the video at the end of the story is really cool.
I would recommend this book to people in middle school or high school because the stories can get really creepy at times. Also the stories talk a lot about aliens, curses, and mythical creatures.
My favorite part or story in this book is a story about a snowboarder who gets killed by a vampire. This is my favorite part because it is about skiing and snowboarding and it talks about the myth of vampires. Also like a lot of Patrick Carman books the video at the end of the story is really cool.
I would recommend this book to people in middle school or high school because the stories can get really creepy at times. Also the stories talk a lot about aliens, curses, and mythical creatures.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2011
This was such a difficult book to review because each of the short stories ends with a "go to the website / use the password" comment. So while each of the stories was the start of something creepy, the reading experience got interrupted as I put down the book, picked up my laptop and found out how each ended. And then had to remind myself that there was more to be read... go back to the book... etc.
The stories are creepy and I think those readers looking for something in the "short and shivery" category will enjoy them; whether or not they'll appreciate the breaking of the narrative flow is another question.
ARC provided by publisher.
The stories are creepy and I think those readers looking for something in the "short and shivery" category will enjoy them; whether or not they'll appreciate the breaking of the narrative flow is another question.
ARC provided by publisher.
January 27, 2012
This is sort of a Twilight Zone for the younger set. The online introductions to each story was pretty good at setting the stage. The written part was engaging, but predictable. The video endings were campy and cheesy, with old timey special effects...red, glowing eyes, fangs, camera effects that make something appear to jump out at you, and more than one kid being dragged away my an invisible something or other. Some of the videos backtracked on the story and I found myself thinking, "yeah, I already know this."
February 25, 2012
First, you go online and enter a code to hear the story introduction. Next, you read a short story intended to be read in less than 12 minutes. Lastly, you continue to go online with another code and watch the ending. You could skip the introduction video, but you must watch the ending to know what happens. There will be a time when it will be seamless to do this, but when you don't have constant internet access, this becomes an issue. The stories are creepy as they should be and "Mr. Mason's Jars" is among the one that still lingers. Just say no Troy, but it is too late!
February 24, 2012
A collection of 10 short stories with a spooky suspenseful twist. Each story stands alone with an audio introduction online if the reader wants to listen. The end of the story is told through video footage that needs to be watched online. The stories are spooky enough for 4th and 5th grade (think PGt-rated). The combination of text and audio/video will appeal to reluctant readers, though there is the drawback if a student does not have computer access.
April 15, 2012
I actually didn't read all the stories, but the concept sounds like it might work to engage those Scary stories lovers. PerhPa having these available on mobile devices will help with wait time. Since I had not read skeleton creek this was a good inteo to the. oncept without it having to be An entire novel. The concept of getting to the. onclusion in 15 minutes makes sense.
June 21, 2012
First released as an app and now its a book, You will still need internet access ... the short audio intros aren.t imperative but you need the videos to get the end of the printed story you read in between.
Loads of fun ... short and spooky. Quality was variable ... some were four stars while others were three or two.
Great for reluctant readers!
Loads of fun ... short and spooky. Quality was variable ... some were four stars while others were three or two.
Great for reluctant readers!
June 27, 2012
I'm using this for summer school for my students, many of whom are "reluctant" readers, and they really get engaged in the stories. For me as a teacher, I really feel like it helps me explain what makes a story a good story, as well as those language arts story terms. A nice, fun pick up for summer school reading.
October 25, 2012
Ten sufficiently creepy stories to make you think twice about ordering take-out, snowboarding, walking your dog at night, going to summer-camp, or befriending a creepy teacher. You listen...read...and watch a spine-tingling story in 15 minutes or less. Just may make you jump out of your own bones!
3:15 Season One: Things That Go Bump in the Night is perfect for this Halloween season.
3:15 Season One: Things That Go Bump in the Night is perfect for this Halloween season.
February 13, 2013
If you enjoyed Carman's Skeleton Creek series you are sure to love Things That Go Bump in the Night. Carman has written a number of very creepy tales and created videos for the ending of the story. The short tales evoke the scaryness of a spooky story and give you the punch of a mild horror movie at the same time. These would suit horror fans ages 9-13.
September 23, 2013
I love the concept of this book: short stories with an audio clip to listen to, then reading, then watching a video for the ending. It's a lot of fun, and the stories aren't too creepy for children, though if they are sensitive towards scary things, this may not be the book for them. The clips are kind of cheesy, but I still enjoyed them and I think kids would like them.
May 20, 2012
Great for reluctant readers, since there are 9 short stories. Kids love watching the conclusion. Last year, I read one short story to my classes and showed the video conclusion - several kids were hooked and finished the book.
October 26, 2013
(3.5 stars)
I liked the stories "Reflecting Pool" and "The Beast" best for a possible read-aloud for my students. I'll try to remember to post an update of which one I choose and my students' reactions.
I liked the stories "Reflecting Pool" and "The Beast" best for a possible read-aloud for my students. I'll try to remember to post an update of which one I choose and my students' reactions.
May 9, 2015
These stories are the kind of stories that people would tell around the campfire to make stupid kids not do things. Each story is unique and extremely terrifying! If you're new to the horror/thriller genre, I would recommend picking this up.
June 2, 2016
Great book for reluctant readers. You log in to a website to listen to an audio introduction of a short story, then read the story and log in to watch the resolution of the story. Genius!! Stories and spooky and kids love them!!
May 18, 2017
I like this book because it is a very suspenseful book. It has a lot of mysteries in it. I also like this book because if people like to read but they find a good book to read and they like mystery this is the book they should choose.
January 30, 2017
Things That Go Bump in the Night by Patrick Carman is about different characters facing different situations. My favorite one was about a boy we falls in love with this girl but she sends him mixed signals so he thinks that she doesn't like him.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews