What do you think?
In the Barn
Even the innocent can be pushed too far…
Bullied schoolgirl Prudence has finally found a true friend. His name is Arthur, and he lives in the barn on her daddy’s property. But Arthur isn’t like a pet or a schoolfriend.
He came from the swamp one night. Prudence doesn't care why he arrived or why he stayed. It’s just nice to have a friend like Arthur.
Then one day, totally by accident, Arthur makes one of Prudence’s bullies go away. Forever.
As the town searches for the missing girl, and the mean kids from school grow suspicious, Prudence sees Arthur’s strength and wonders… what if more bullies disappeared?
In the Barn is a horror novella featuring an innocent desperate to be left alone who discovers she has the paranormal means to dispose of her problems. The only question is: should she?
- GenresHorror
100 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2021
About the author
Jordan Bach
12 books26 followersJordan Bach is a lifelong lover of horror and dark thriller fiction. As a high-schooler, he and his friends would consume Stephen King and James Herbert books in days, and his early ambition was to be an author of such work.
Sadly, life got in the way, and it took him several years to rekindle his love of writing.
He now pens books for both adults and children (around the middle-grade 8-12 age range), starting in late 2020, with a rash of new novels slated for 2021 and beyond.
Jordan lives under his real name in Staffordshire, UK, with his wife and two children, the children being particularly useful as beta readers for his kids’ books. In his spare time, he is a cyclist, runner, and martial arts enthusiast, and hopes one day to take his family traveling to many foreign countries, as he did as a younger man.
For now, it’s establishing himself in the competitive field of horror fiction. Do pop along to say hi.
You can also follow him on Bookbub: https://partners.bookbub.com/authors/...
Sadly, life got in the way, and it took him several years to rekindle his love of writing.
He now pens books for both adults and children (around the middle-grade 8-12 age range), starting in late 2020, with a rash of new novels slated for 2021 and beyond.
Jordan lives under his real name in Staffordshire, UK, with his wife and two children, the children being particularly useful as beta readers for his kids’ books. In his spare time, he is a cyclist, runner, and martial arts enthusiast, and hopes one day to take his family traveling to many foreign countries, as he did as a younger man.
For now, it’s establishing himself in the competitive field of horror fiction. Do pop along to say hi.
You can also follow him on Bookbub: https://partners.bookbub.com/authors/...
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 19, 2022
Dedication in front of novella:
"For the bullied and those fighting for fairness."
I luùrve a good "asshats getting their comeuppance" story, it warms the cockles of my crusty heart! The fact this is a horror tale is really the 🍒 on top of a scrumptious cupcake 🧁.
"For the bullied and those fighting for fairness."
I luùrve a good "asshats getting their comeuppance" story, it warms the cockles of my crusty heart! The fact this is a horror tale is really the 🍒 on top of a scrumptious cupcake 🧁.
September 18, 2024
A super quick read, fast paced and intriguing. I didn’t really like the ending though, kind of wish there was more to it
October 7, 2023
A story of what happens when a person gets tried of trying to fight bullies. When one lets go of that deep down belief that there's something wrong with them that causes people to hate them and has finally had enough. Of course it helps when you have a friend like Arthur.
It's all fun and games until your friend Consequences shows up.
It's all fun and games until your friend Consequences shows up.
October 10, 2022
3.5 stars. I love me a good 'imaginary friend' killer story.
December 15, 2021
A young girl with a very unusual friend.
3.5 stars. **Contains spoilers!**
A grizzly horror short story that could have been so much better.
Prudence, the girl who wears hand-me-down clothes and smells like the inside of the barn at her home, was constantly bullied at school for these things, particularly by other girls. One day, another girl pushes Prudence's buttons...the wrong buttons.
The mean girl was unaware of Prudence's "friend," Arthur, who "lived" in the barn. But Prudence knew all about Arthur and considered him her friend and protector. She decides to introduce the nasty girl to Arthur, enticing her up into the loft where he "lived." What the girl did not know about was Arthur's peculiar "tastes." All too quickly, she discovers these "tastes" and is eaten by Arthur. Thus, victim #1.
Two more girls from school who bullied Prudence soon vanish without a trace. And Arthur's belly is full.
Days later, Prudence returns home from school to find her yard filled with all manner of law enforcement vehicles. Her father is cursing from inside the house as the police arrest him. Prudence's main concern is her "friend," so she hurries to the barn, only to sense Arthur has left.
With her father gone, Prudence is taken away by a social worker to be "safe." As their car leaves, Prudence feels something different inside her. A feeling that Arthur may have left the barn but is somehow continuing to "protect" her. But policeman "Pete" suspects that Prudence knows more than she is divulging.
While an anti-bullying story at heart, elements of revenge, horror and mystery are incorporated into the plot. What or who, exactly, was Arthur? How did he come to be in the barn? These points the author chose to remain concealed, leaving the answers up to the reader.
Precisely written (with 0 editing errors!) and fast paced, "In the Barn" shows the possible results of a young person being bullied beyond her ability to endure the abuse and taking matters into her own hands. With some unusual help, of course.
3.5 stars. **Contains spoilers!**
A grizzly horror short story that could have been so much better.
Prudence, the girl who wears hand-me-down clothes and smells like the inside of the barn at her home, was constantly bullied at school for these things, particularly by other girls. One day, another girl pushes Prudence's buttons...the wrong buttons.
The mean girl was unaware of Prudence's "friend," Arthur, who "lived" in the barn. But Prudence knew all about Arthur and considered him her friend and protector. She decides to introduce the nasty girl to Arthur, enticing her up into the loft where he "lived." What the girl did not know about was Arthur's peculiar "tastes." All too quickly, she discovers these "tastes" and is eaten by Arthur. Thus, victim #1.
Two more girls from school who bullied Prudence soon vanish without a trace. And Arthur's belly is full.
Days later, Prudence returns home from school to find her yard filled with all manner of law enforcement vehicles. Her father is cursing from inside the house as the police arrest him. Prudence's main concern is her "friend," so she hurries to the barn, only to sense Arthur has left.
With her father gone, Prudence is taken away by a social worker to be "safe." As their car leaves, Prudence feels something different inside her. A feeling that Arthur may have left the barn but is somehow continuing to "protect" her. But policeman "Pete" suspects that Prudence knows more than she is divulging.
While an anti-bullying story at heart, elements of revenge, horror and mystery are incorporated into the plot. What or who, exactly, was Arthur? How did he come to be in the barn? These points the author chose to remain concealed, leaving the answers up to the reader.
Precisely written (with 0 editing errors!) and fast paced, "In the Barn" shows the possible results of a young person being bullied beyond her ability to endure the abuse and taking matters into her own hands. With some unusual help, of course.
November 10, 2021
1000% WOW! IN THE BARN is my first reading of Jordan Bach, but it certainly won't be the last. I totally admired this novella! Tautly written, realistic (especially the bullying and the school's lack of concern), the subtlety, the implacability of the horror, it's superb! Plus, more than once I skidded through a passage, totally absorbed, then fetched up short, realizing, "hey, that could very well explain..." other aspects in the story. And the chills! The character evolution [devolution?], so that at the conclusion I pondered who is the real monster here? Or has the Monster Baton been passed? Almost no winners here, but one can't help but notice the cementing satisfaction in one particular character....
December 19, 2021
A very haunting read. Don't read this at night. Prudence twisted love of Arthur is highlighted. What exactly is Arthur? We may never know. He is described as a shadowing monster and his appearance coincides with prudence's mother and dog's disappearance. And he devoured two teenage girl. The first one was an accident. But prudence, develops a punishing complex and lures the second one, Collette to her death. At the end of the book, the detectives are hot on Prudence's trail but the mystery behind Arthur is never resolved. Book ends in a cliffhanger. I hate to think this is the end of this story.
July 19, 2022
Prudence is bullied.
Prudence has a secret, Arthur, who lives in her barn loft.
One day she is trying to outrun a bully that follows her into the barn and up to the loft. Rather than be shocked from what happens when Nicole meets Arthur, Prudence calmly cleans up and resumes her life until questions come up.
I wasn't sure where the story was heading and felt (kinda) bad for what happened, I completely understand Prudence's reaction and actions after Arthur solves the bully problem. It is a very quick, suspenseful read.
Prudence has a secret, Arthur, who lives in her barn loft.
One day she is trying to outrun a bully that follows her into the barn and up to the loft. Rather than be shocked from what happens when Nicole meets Arthur, Prudence calmly cleans up and resumes her life until questions come up.
I wasn't sure where the story was heading and felt (kinda) bad for what happened, I completely understand Prudence's reaction and actions after Arthur solves the bully problem. It is a very quick, suspenseful read.
July 31, 2025
I love when bullies get what’s coming to them. I loved this short lil read. Prudence has never had any friends until Arthur comes along. Arthur emerged from the swamp and decided to stay. One day, Arthur makes one of Prudences bullies go away forever. I wish there was gore, this would have made great splatterpunk. Was still fun though.
December 7, 2021
In the Barn is a good paranormal horror story about a young girl bullied at school. She does have one friend who lives in the barn, one that has a taste for bullies. Interesting read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 22, 2022
I really enjoyed this horror novella. it was quick pasted but still really interesting.
a very interesting short bullying horror story. Be careful of who you bully. she might have a friend with an appetite!
I kinda liked the friendship that Prudence and Arthur had.
a very interesting short bullying horror story. Be careful of who you bully. she might have a friend with an appetite!
I kinda liked the friendship that Prudence and Arthur had.
March 6, 2024
Short and sweet horror novella, enjoyed every moment of this. The description of Arthur was great, and it made me feel sorry for him, I felt like this spoke to me because of the bullies in my childhood. Like many people who were bullied, I recommended this novella.
October 21, 2025
audiobook. for fans of SK's Carrie. I liked Arthur's description and his role in the story. made my own interpretation of the ending which I am happy with. would have liked for a bit more development maybe?
R slur mentioned a few times.
R slur mentioned a few times.
January 30, 2022
A very interesting short bullying horror story. Be careful of who you bully. She may have a friend with an appetite!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
December 1, 2022
Good read
January 1, 2024
A spooky horror novella
I wanted more for the description of Arthur. And maybe more of what happened to the FMCS mom
Otherwise it was great read
No spice
Medium anxiety
I wanted more for the description of Arthur. And maybe more of what happened to the FMCS mom
Otherwise it was great read
No spice
Medium anxiety
Read
December 9, 2024interesting story, wish it would’ve went even further
May 8, 2026
Fuck you Nicole!!! 🤣🤣
January 18, 2024
حكاية ذات حبكة بسيطة ونهاية تدعو لتساؤلات عديدة👍.
April 21, 2023
Satisfying short horror story about bullies who should be more careful of the bullied.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews