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No One Is Leaving
A group of old friends and their partners gather in a country house for a winter weekend in Scotland. It’s been years since they’ve all been together and spirits are high. One thing they’re all excited about is meeting the newcomer; the long-time singleton in their party has finally brought a man along.
Only, he's not what he seems… he's something more than a man.
Benjamin is not there to make friends, and between him and his partner, Hayley, they present the group with a terrifying ultimatum. No one is leaving until the conditions are met.
Should that happen, half of them will be forever changed, transformed into one of Benjamin’s kind.
The other half will be food to fuel the transformation.
Snowbound and scared, they’re in the fight of their lives to make it to Monday.
Only, he's not what he seems… he's something more than a man.
Benjamin is not there to make friends, and between him and his partner, Hayley, they present the group with a terrifying ultimatum. No one is leaving until the conditions are met.
Should that happen, half of them will be forever changed, transformed into one of Benjamin’s kind.
The other half will be food to fuel the transformation.
Snowbound and scared, they’re in the fight of their lives to make it to Monday.
203 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 31, 2023
46 people are currently reading
232 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Barnard
60 books45 followersStephen Barnard has been writing fiction (and non-fiction cricket exploits) for a number of years. The success of his short story collection 'A Very Bad Year' encouraged him to push further. He now has over 20 published works, mainly in the horror/suspense genre. When he's not writing he teaches, reads, snoozes and binge-watches horror films.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
February 14, 2026
Reunion Nightmare
If only this dynamic group of longtime school friends had checked the “Regretfully Decline” box when they received their invitations.
HS friend group leader, Justin, has financed a couples only weekend at an exclusive mansion to celebrate the fact they all turn forty that year.
The gruesome bloodshed begins when one of the “guests” sets a diabolical plan in motion to ensure “No One Is Leaving…”
If only this dynamic group of longtime school friends had checked the “Regretfully Decline” box when they received their invitations.
HS friend group leader, Justin, has financed a couples only weekend at an exclusive mansion to celebrate the fact they all turn forty that year.
The gruesome bloodshed begins when one of the “guests” sets a diabolical plan in motion to ensure “No One Is Leaving…”
March 13, 2024
While Hayley was annoying as all get outs the way some of the others regarded her made it hard for me to root for any of them. That being said, it was otherwise a pretty good read, the pacing was great, the settings were fairly well utilized, and the story came across as polished.
March 4, 2024
A very fun take on the vampire trope!
I have read some of Barnard's short fiction, but this was my first foray into his longer works. It was just as fantastic as I expected, with plenty of twists and turns. The action picks up very early on, and no matter how much you think you know what will happen, Barnard will turn that on its head. Nobody is safe!
The story unfolds very naturally, and the ending was quite satisfying. There are no purple prose or convoluted structures in here. The author doesn't need them. He tells the story expertly and without gimmick.
Looking forward to jumping into more of his work!
I have read some of Barnard's short fiction, but this was my first foray into his longer works. It was just as fantastic as I expected, with plenty of twists and turns. The action picks up very early on, and no matter how much you think you know what will happen, Barnard will turn that on its head. Nobody is safe!
The story unfolds very naturally, and the ending was quite satisfying. There are no purple prose or convoluted structures in here. The author doesn't need them. He tells the story expertly and without gimmick.
Looking forward to jumping into more of his work!
December 18, 2023
Claustrophobic, original, character-driven and well paced. I loved this book!
February 3, 2024
I couldn’t put down this fantastic story!!
A group of friends gather in the Scottish countryside for a reunion post Covid. It’s snowy, isolated, and a few people have brought their new significant others. One of them acts exceedingly strange.
Stephen keeps the reader on the precipice, teasing that things are not really alright. This goes on until the second night of the weekend getaway when shocking truths are revealed. The plot shifts to one of brutality and the struggle to survive.
I truly was absorbed in this tale, and found the supernatural elements very well done. The author was excellent at writing the human emotions of grief, shock, horror, fear that the other characters felt.
A group of friends gather in the Scottish countryside for a reunion post Covid. It’s snowy, isolated, and a few people have brought their new significant others. One of them acts exceedingly strange.
Stephen keeps the reader on the precipice, teasing that things are not really alright. This goes on until the second night of the weekend getaway when shocking truths are revealed. The plot shifts to one of brutality and the struggle to survive.
I truly was absorbed in this tale, and found the supernatural elements very well done. The author was excellent at writing the human emotions of grief, shock, horror, fear that the other characters felt.
April 9, 2025
rounding up from 4.5 stars
This is a locked room scenario as the couples that have gotten together for a reunion are snowed in and isolated. Sound like a familiar trope? Yeah. Me too. I was ready for the typical scenario where one of them is a killer and all of them turn on each other. Not so! Throw in a vampire, a vampire wannabe and a hellhound and things get interesting. No spoiler there as that isn't a surprise in the book. Essentially the plot is about who will survive and at what cost. I enjoyed there being a supernatural twist to this thriller. It presented a different dynamic to this often used trope.
This is a locked room scenario as the couples that have gotten together for a reunion are snowed in and isolated. Sound like a familiar trope? Yeah. Me too. I was ready for the typical scenario where one of them is a killer and all of them turn on each other. Not so! Throw in a vampire, a vampire wannabe and a hellhound and things get interesting. No spoiler there as that isn't a surprise in the book. Essentially the plot is about who will survive and at what cost. I enjoyed there being a supernatural twist to this thriller. It presented a different dynamic to this often used trope.
April 6, 2024
My preferred genre is horror. So it’s always exciting to find a new author with a catalog of work to enjoy. Enter Stephen Barnard. I’ve officially invited you in!
A large group of longtime friends and their partners on holiday in a remote Scottish mansion. The group’s least-loved member shows up with a new friend and he’s a bit… different: aloof, pushing a delicious meal about on a plate, definitely not blending with the party vibe. Because, something else is on the menu and everyone’s circumstances are about to change rapidly.
Quick thinking and fast-paced mayhem ensues, testing friendships and relationships in a claustrophobic setting complete with an untimely snowstorm. A huge bonus for me is Brits behaving civilized under horrendously uncivilized circumstances, a great dichotomy!
December 10, 2025
A fun, wild, short read! Definitely an interesting take on the classic vampire. No character is safe and it has you guessing till the end what will happen!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2023
This scratches my vampire itch nicely.
Friends have gathered for a reunion of sorts, and are in a pretty pickle, with a vampire that is unique. What image came to my mind was a cross between Gary Oldman from Dracula and The Predator. There is nothing like isolated locations for ramping up the horror, and when you add characters that you can like and hate, and a dilemma that doesn't seem to have a good outcome no matter what they do, you have a riveting read. I loved it from the beginning to the end.
Friends have gathered for a reunion of sorts, and are in a pretty pickle, with a vampire that is unique. What image came to my mind was a cross between Gary Oldman from Dracula and The Predator. There is nothing like isolated locations for ramping up the horror, and when you add characters that you can like and hate, and a dilemma that doesn't seem to have a good outcome no matter what they do, you have a riveting read. I loved it from the beginning to the end.
August 2, 2025
Absolutely loved this! I never wanted to put it down. Action packed gory fun.
August 14, 2024
Great reading!
I've just finished a second book by this author. Mr Barnard writes like I read. He adds all of the things I enjoy, humor, mystery and a bit of horror. Somehow he's able to tie them all together and make a really good story. I'm not sure which one of his other books I'll start tomorrow but trust and believe that I will be starting one. I'm recommending his books to my family and friends with a guarantee that they will enjoy it
I've just finished a second book by this author. Mr Barnard writes like I read. He adds all of the things I enjoy, humor, mystery and a bit of horror. Somehow he's able to tie them all together and make a really good story. I'm not sure which one of his other books I'll start tomorrow but trust and believe that I will be starting one. I'm recommending his books to my family and friends with a guarantee that they will enjoy it
June 12, 2025
Part 3 in my Goodreads comeback…
This book was cool. Vampires. Lotta dead people. I tried telling Haley the plot as I was going. I eventually stopped about 30% in because I know how badly she didn’t care.
This book was cool. Vampires. Lotta dead people. I tried telling Haley the plot as I was going. I eventually stopped about 30% in because I know how badly she didn’t care.
December 26, 2023
Stephen Barnard's 'No One Is Leaving' opens with a setting and a cast of characters reminiscent of fine mystery/whodunnit fiction, giving off very strong vibes typical of psychological suspense thrillers - until it suddenly doesn't! When you get to the second third of the book, the plot literally explodes into a fast-paced, complex horror story, fully packed with awesome twists, mini-dramas holding your attention, and an unpredictable ending. I thoroughly enjoyed it. To be frank, I had to force myself not to finish it in one sitting. I simply couldn't tear myself away from the book. It was so easy to become invested in both the storyline and the characters. It's incredibly well-plotted, plus each character has a distinct voice and carries their own agendas. The supernatural element, namely a 200-year-old vampire, is portrayed rather stereotypically; their sinister presence, however, imbues every turn of the story with a genuinely menacing atmosphere, driving the plot into unexpected corners, almost like a natural force you can't negotiate with. If you can afford to lose yourself in a good book for several hours, this is the book you should pick!
April 4, 2024
3.5/5 Stars
When a group of long-term friends get together for a weekend getaway for the first time since Covid struck, not all of their personalities mesh. Some are harmless, but one has a serious bloodlust issue.
This was an interesting vampire tale, capturing the otherworldliness of the night hunters and how disconnected they are from humanity. This explores also the dynamics of how we desperately try to cling to our youth through forced interactions, but the reality of life is that we all drift into new journeys and they don't often coexist well with the youth aspect.
I enjoyed the story aspect and liked how the traditional vampire was mixed into the modern world but there were some things that kept it from hitting home for me. The biggest being the amount and ferocity of feeding needed to keep the creatures at the height of their power. Like, if they need to feed like that every night, how have more not been found out and taken down, especially in modern day with the ability to share news and plan coordinated attacks? There were others but that really threw me.
This was fun and a fascinating take on ancient lore with the ultimate plan, no one is leaving.
When a group of long-term friends get together for a weekend getaway for the first time since Covid struck, not all of their personalities mesh. Some are harmless, but one has a serious bloodlust issue.
This was an interesting vampire tale, capturing the otherworldliness of the night hunters and how disconnected they are from humanity. This explores also the dynamics of how we desperately try to cling to our youth through forced interactions, but the reality of life is that we all drift into new journeys and they don't often coexist well with the youth aspect.
I enjoyed the story aspect and liked how the traditional vampire was mixed into the modern world but there were some things that kept it from hitting home for me. The biggest being the amount and ferocity of feeding needed to keep the creatures at the height of their power. Like, if they need to feed like that every night, how have more not been found out and taken down, especially in modern day with the ability to share news and plan coordinated attacks? There were others but that really threw me.
This was fun and a fascinating take on ancient lore with the ultimate plan, no one is leaving.
September 19, 2024
A luxurious country house in the remote wilds of Scotland.
A reunion of old friends and their better halves, coming together for a fun-filled weekend, after years apart.
Long time singleton, Hayley, is finally bringing a romantic interest, Benjamin, to meet her friends.
However, they have disturbing hidden intentions for this get together.
Soon, Hayley and Benjamin, drop a bomshell - no one is leaving until their shocling ultimatum is met.
'Snowbound and terrified, they are, suddenly, in the fight of their lives.
I really don't want to give too much information about the plot. I want you to be surprised and shocked as you face the story's twists and turns.
The story takes its time allowing you to get to know these couples, understand who they are and the way they relate to each other. Then, the jaw-dropping moment of the ultimatum comes, and the tension explodes. The horror builds gradually, creeping in layer by layer, until survival becomes a desperate, hopeless struggle, culminating in an epic clash between predator and prey.
I couldn't put it down. I just wanted to know how it would end. I had a blast reading it. 🔥🔥🔥
A reunion of old friends and their better halves, coming together for a fun-filled weekend, after years apart.
Long time singleton, Hayley, is finally bringing a romantic interest, Benjamin, to meet her friends.
However, they have disturbing hidden intentions for this get together.
Soon, Hayley and Benjamin, drop a bomshell - no one is leaving until their shocling ultimatum is met.
'Snowbound and terrified, they are, suddenly, in the fight of their lives.
I really don't want to give too much information about the plot. I want you to be surprised and shocked as you face the story's twists and turns.
The story takes its time allowing you to get to know these couples, understand who they are and the way they relate to each other. Then, the jaw-dropping moment of the ultimatum comes, and the tension explodes. The horror builds gradually, creeping in layer by layer, until survival becomes a desperate, hopeless struggle, culminating in an epic clash between predator and prey.
I couldn't put it down. I just wanted to know how it would end. I had a blast reading it. 🔥🔥🔥
March 7, 2025
A group of old friends get together for a weekend in Scotland and expect it to be a great time. The least liked friend, Hayley, arrives with her new mysterious man, Benjamin, except he isn't there to make friends and have fun. Benjamin forced the group to fight for lives and face an unfortunate ultimatum. And no one can leave until they have met his conditions. Their fate is the hands of the Hayley, she must choose 4 to save and 4 to be sacrificed. All the loss so she can spend eternity as a vampire with Benjamin.
March 25, 2025
What a dinner party!
This book offers an engaging experience overall. While I felt that some characters could benefit from a bit more balance in their development, I still found myself captivated enough to read it in one sitting. The combination of fun and disturbing elements makes it stand out in its genre. I would encourage fans of this genre to give it a try! It would also be exciting to see the author explore a sequel, as the story has the potential for further exploration and depth.
This book offers an engaging experience overall. While I felt that some characters could benefit from a bit more balance in their development, I still found myself captivated enough to read it in one sitting. The combination of fun and disturbing elements makes it stand out in its genre. I would encourage fans of this genre to give it a try! It would also be exciting to see the author explore a sequel, as the story has the potential for further exploration and depth.
January 8, 2024
An original and enjoyable update to traditional vampire folklore.
A group of friends and their partners gather for a weekend reunion. But be careful who you invite in…
A great character-driven read; a real page turner. It immerses you into a psychological thriller, then - wallop - a dark and descriptive horror awaits.
A really enjoyable read.
A group of friends and their partners gather for a weekend reunion. But be careful who you invite in…
A great character-driven read; a real page turner. It immerses you into a psychological thriller, then - wallop - a dark and descriptive horror awaits.
A really enjoyable read.
March 20, 2024
In the year they all turn 40, a group of school friends decide to spend the weekend together in am isolated home in Scotland- what could possibly go wrong? Add a vampire to the mix and all hell breaks loose! A fun story, and a new and different take on vampires using old tropes. I liked how the characters were given space and time to become really fleshed out too.
March 11, 2024
Crazy
Benjamin has many secrets. He is handsome, quiet and quirky. Something is off. His plus one Haley has not talked to her friends about him. They no nothing, but they are about to find out. They are in the fight of their lives, alk of them.
Benjamin has many secrets. He is handsome, quiet and quirky. Something is off. His plus one Haley has not talked to her friends about him. They no nothing, but they are about to find out. They are in the fight of their lives, alk of them.
February 28, 2025
scary story
I started this because I wanted a quick, easy read - and it was so good! I stayed up late to finish it, to see what happened. Excellent, excellent story line, great characters, really well written, thoroughly enjoyable.
I started this because I wanted a quick, easy read - and it was so good! I stayed up late to finish it, to see what happened. Excellent, excellent story line, great characters, really well written, thoroughly enjoyable.
March 4, 2024
Stephen Barnard has become one of my go to authors. This book is just one of the reasons why. A long-time group of friends has their first get together since pre-Covid. Stephen does a fantastic job of letting us get to know this large group, and their personalities are on full display, some for the better, some for the worse. The newcomer one of the friends brings is different, and strange things start happening. The plan that he reveals to them is horrifying, and the fight for their lives begins. The horror elements were great, there was some bloody good gore, but the best part of this book is the interactions between the friends. You can clearly see the love and bond some of them have, while others are definitely out for themselves. The cherry on top was the brilliant ending!
March 10, 2024
CAPTIVATING!!!
Not my usual READ! But so glad I stuck with it 👍The story starts slowly, drawing you in and…,.. Then you cannot put it down 🤗
Not my usual READ! But so glad I stuck with it 👍The story starts slowly, drawing you in and…,.. Then you cannot put it down 🤗
April 30, 2024
This was a fun new take on vampires! Fast paced and great sense of isolation!
August 28, 2024
Loved it! Will definitely be checking out more of this authors work.
September 10, 2025
First book by this author, and I enjoyed reading it. I'll be Continuing reading books by this author.
February 1, 2026
This was an interesting and fun little novel. I stand with Rhea.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2026
vamps
I haven’t read such a great vampire book in a long while. Throughly enjoyable. Great characters and storyline. I absolutely loved it.
I haven’t read such a great vampire book in a long while. Throughly enjoyable. Great characters and storyline. I absolutely loved it.
February 10, 2025
Page Turner
Wasn't expecting the story to be about _____, I really enjoyed it great story and characters, don't miss the epilogue after the end
Wasn't expecting the story to be about _____, I really enjoyed it great story and characters, don't miss the epilogue after the end
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews