21 Dares

by Stephen Barnard

‘Is there anything darker than the heart of a teenage boy?’

At Spulling Vale High School, Morris Shipley has taken early retirement, citing the treatment given to him by four boys as the main cause. As part of their punishment, they have to clear out his classroom and the densely packed store cupboard. It’s there they find the old cigar box, and the intriguing papers inside it.

It’s a game of dares, played numerous times before by pupils past – according to the notes and transcripts inside the box – and more than once it has ended in tragedy. There are 21 dares in total, each one more challenging – and potentially more dangerous – than the last. Undeterred by the potential threat in it, the boys decide to take it on.

Not least because of the prize on offer should the game be completed. Serial killer Black Jack McKenzie, executed by Spulling residents over a hundred years ago, will rise from the dead. Murderer of young boys, he needs one more victim to complete his twisted mission.

Marcus, Bailey, George and Karl. Four very different boys but united in one they’re going to make sure it’s not them that Black Jack chooses next.

As the completed dares mount up, and the school community descends into Black Jack hysteria, it becomes increasingly difficult to work out whether the boys are still playing the game, or whether the game is playing them.

At the rate of a dare a day, dare 21 is not too far away.

School-based suspense and horror from the author of ‘The Deleted’ and ‘Something Close’.

Genres: Horror

306 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 29, 2022

About the author

Stephen 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.

Reviews

[Trina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I started reading this thinking that I was getting a horror read but this isn't horror at all. Somewhat interesting but not what I was looking for.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really really enjoyed this book, the whole narrative of 4 unlikey student bonding over a mysterious box of dares is a great story but the way the story progesses is incredible, every twist and turn takes you deeper into the madness of the hive mind of bored teenagers and how truly depraved they can be. The character progession was fantastic as I found the roles of who was the most deranged and commited to be ever switching, All in all pretty much dont trust anyone and dont play any games that you find in a teachers janky old cupboard. Great book great story!

[♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm new to this genre, so maybe this is generous, but mostly, I didn't want to put this down.

[SUSAN · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four students have been tasked with cleaning out the closet of a recently retired teacher, supposedly due to them being the reason the teacher retired early. Right away a social pecking order is established as they go about their punishment. They find a cigar box with what seems to be a game of challenges. This motley group of a bully, the bully's buddy, the higher society kid and the kid "on the spectrum" definitely don't hang out together at school, but find themselves switching alliances and provoking each other as the dares progress.

If they complete all 21 dares, then they might summon a long dead serial killer. But the 21st dare is to murder some one.

I found this book really engaging, I always love a story that shares a different cast of characters and their relationships. The teens seemed very authentic (the crude nicknames they give teachers)and relevant (how to get away with crimes in a higher tech day and age) and the chapters differ from one viewpoint to another. Not always in first person, sometimes in third person but it seemed to stay consistent depending on the character. I found that interesting.

I devoured this book because I was curious to see how the dares progressed and what was really going on with this group of boys and their school community. I loved that social media had a presence in the story as well and added to the atmosphere and the sense of panic the boys create. There is tension and definitely some creepy vibes that progress throughout the story. There is gore and quite a bit of psychological horror the kind only your teenage years can provide.

There is a twist at the end as well, but some people may have fathomed it out by that point?

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

horror at its best

Carl, George, Bailey and Marcus we’re all told to stay after class by the head teacher Mr. Ford. It seems they are the reason for Mr. Casey’s retirement and because of that they have to clear out the closet in his classroom. They are not happy about it and George doesn’t understand why he and the autistic kid Carl is force to help they didn’t cause problems for the teacher. Either way they proceed to clean out the closet and George find a cigar box with papers for a game. The The more he reads about the game the more intrigued he is. When he explains the game to the others they two are interested in it. It’s a game of dares in before they know it and unbeknownst to Carl he does the first day and the game is on. They will come to regret ever playing, some more than others. This book was so good the creepy factor is high and although they are not a lot of gotcha moments there’s enough creepy to make this an awesome horror read. I love smart horror and that is exactly what this is. If you love a great horror story that isn’t predictable and will keep you reading you should read 21 dares it is so good. Please forgive any errors as I am blind and dictate my review.

[Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. So this one is classified in the "Horror" genre but I'm not sure I would call it a horror novel as there was nothing really scary about it - more like psychological thriller would be a better description. The book revolves around 4 teenage boys who get a punishment in school to clean out an old classroom. They find a cigar box that contains a game called 21 dares whereby each boy takes turns fulfilling the dare at school in order to win. The game is tied to the legendary child serial killer Black Jack who may rise from the dead if the 21 dares are completed. The dares start off small such as breaking a window and escalate as it goes on. Each day is a new dare and a new chapter and the chapter is written from the perspective of the boy who needs to complete the dare on that day. Author does a good job of revealing more and more about each boy this way and how far they will go to win this game and revive the serial killer.

[wendi c duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok this really is an amazing book the characters are fleshed out well and I found myself wanting to know more and get back at it if I had to cook dinner or whatever, the absolute shitshow caused by this game is nothing less than spectacular. It reminds me of the basis of my belief in witchcraft by making someone believe certain things they WILL happen. The cover is a little off putting, dude looks way to old for a high-school kid and I almost didn't read it based on that alone, glad I did tho. Also Mr Barnard I couldn't find this book thru goodreads at all had to add it thru my kindle, maybe that's why you don't have any other reveiws...

[Michelle Willms · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely something different

This tale of four boys who begin a game of dares is unlike anything I have read. The characters aren't particularly likeable, but they are very, very real. The story is gripping and makes the reader want to fly through the pages to see what happens next. This is a book that keeps you thinking, even after the last page. Creepy and well-written.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a book I couldn't stop reading. I NEEDED to know what happened next. I do think it started off slow, but once it ramps up it ramps up hard.
The ending is also abysmal. It's so sad. Especially when you remember that this is a group of 15 year olds.
Overall, I had a great time and I'd do it again.

[Lorean Faught · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely Recommend!

I was drawn in immediately, and couldn’t stop thinking about the story until I was able to finish…and still am thinking about it!! Very well done! I’ll be reading the rest of the authors books now, so glad I read this one!

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

Got this one when it was free. The synopsis made me think of the anime "King's Game." The story was so much more than I expected. From the first page, I was drawn in - mostly by the main character being on the spectrum. Every time I thought I had the story figured out, a new piece of information would surprise me. Didn't see that ending coming.

[Maddie Stufflebean · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book follows a group of 4 unlikely boys who find a game thats been played for decades. it gets dark and gnarly the longer the game gets played until only some of the players remain. I really enjoyed this book and plan on exploring more from Stephen Barnard

[Sara Quinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was actually a pretty good book and story line. There were some unexpected turns but I don’t think I would enjoy reading this book a second time.

[Dionne Foley · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. The twist at the end was well done, and some of the dares were well written and thought out, but some of the writing just didn't work for me.

[S.C. Meyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would say this is more of a thriller than a horror, I enjoyed it but it does get incredibly dark at the end

[Shania Sylvan · Rating 4 out of 5]

My mind cannot phantom what I’ve read.

[Virginia · Rating 3 out of 5]

probably a 3.5, it was just SO long. but i liked the concept and the plot. it would be a great 00s movie

[sandie mcmurray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bloody hell!

This was brilliant.
No spoilers. If you like horror, give this a go.

New,author for me - I've downloaded more!
Great book. Read over two days.

[Kirsten Baron · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the story building. Was worried in the beginning that I wouldn't like it. but I wound up hooked! Definitely a twist I wasn't expecting towards the end.

[Nikki Parker · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. A fun little read

[Crystal · Rating 2 out of 5]

21 Dares by Stephen Barnard is a gritty, high-stakes exploration of the reckless thrill of adolescence, layered with the emotional complexity of grief, identity, and peer pressure. The story centers around a group of teenagers who take on a series of increasingly dangerous dares—21 of them, to be exact. What begins as a wild, rebellious game quickly spirals into a psychological battleground where loyalty, fear, and morality are tested.

Barnard’s writing style is sharp and immersive, capturing the raw energy of youth while exposing the darker impulses that often lie beneath the surface. The characters are well-drawn, each haunted by their own secrets and motivations, making the consequences of each dare feel personal and real. As the stakes rise, so does the tension, pulling the reader into a spiraling narrative that refuses to let go.

What makes 21 Dares stand out is not just the suspense, but the emotional weight behind each challenge. It’s not simply a story about teens doing reckless things—it’s about why they do it, what they’re trying to escape, and how far they’ll go to prove something to themselves or others.

Perfect for fans of One of Us is Lying or Truth or Dare-style thrillers, this book blends mystery with psychological drama in a way that lingers long after the last dare is completed.

[Anesa Hamid · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book takes folk lore and stories to a whole new level. It shows how bonds can be created among strangers with a common goal and easily broken when what you value most is on the line. The plot twist at the end was amazing, and I did not expect it. I love how the line of truth and fabrication was blurred to the point that it kept you guessing and wanting to continue reading. Very unique and interesting storyline.

[Carol Vanderschans · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very interesting and creepy. The game of dares is going to be something these characters will regret playing. The story will keep you intrigued till the very end. You will not regret reading it. First book I read by this author and I loved it.

[Alisha Rowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted at https://bit.ly/4ePYED2.











When a teacher retires due to the "bullying" of 4 teenage boys the punishment is for them to clean out his classroom hoarders closet. Inside they find a game of 21 dares stretching back into the towns dark history. If anyone completes the 21 dares they will bring back the loathsome serial killer, Black Jack McKenzie, and allow him to finish his spree. Can these 4 boys complete these increasingly disturbing and destructive pranks or will one be willing to throw in the towel?

I got this book around Halloween last year and surprisingly enough read it shortly thereafter. A plausible horror novel that includes an autistic kid, a rich kid with serious psychotic tendencies, and two "bad boys". Each must put in something that they deeply care about and whoever completed the last task wins and keeps everything unless the dares are all completed.

I enjoyed how deep the speculation went as to the mystery behind the game as well as the progression of pranks. These are all things that could have been executed, although I don't suggest it. Then there was Black Jack which the power of suggestion. Love all of that. I will say that the book takes a minute to get into. It starts out with the dares pretty quickly, but it took me a while to actually get interested.

I liked the fact that all of the pranks had to be done at school during school hours, although the fact that the school didn't have cameras for most of the book seemed a bit of a stretch. That being said they couldn't have achieved most of this if they had.

[MaCe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Prima boek. Niet helemaal satisfied met het einde. Wel leuk dat elk hoofdstuk vanuit een ander perspectief wordt geschreven. 3.5 sterren.