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The Boy in the Barn Kindle Edition
Booklife by Publisher's Weekly Review
The latest from Stone, author of numerous western romance series plus other works, is a compelling small-town thriller in which the lives of a cult leader, a mother, and a long-lost lover get tangled up with the secrets of the past. When Sophie Morgan’s mother dies, she is forced to return to her small hometown in Georgia to handle her mother’s affairs, despite her aversion to spending time on the family’s farm. Bizarre occurrences start happening all around her, and when she’s flooded with memories from her childhood, she must begin to unpack some of her generational trauma. The mystery around her family and their land is uncovered when Sophie reunites with Luke, the love of her life. But while she attempts to reconcile the loss of her mother, Sophie also finds herself face to face with an unexpected evil.
The Boy in the Barn is entirely engrossing, although the content, which includes abuse and torture, may be difficult to digest. Stone’s scene-setting finesse and emotional acuity are impressive, and despite a heavy emphasis on violence, she delivers a skillful story powered by crisp dialogue and narrative momentum, using flashbacks to give her characters depth—and provide readers with welcome relief from the intensity of her plot, although at times the characters memories prove wrenching, too.
The joy of this mystery is embedded in its characters, specifically Sophie, a cautious but brave protagonist who will enrapture readers. The fight for good over evil and chaos rings throughout, and readers will cheer for Sophie and Luke’s love to win in the end. The character of Gideon, a most heinous antagonist, is compelling but lacks intricacy. Fans of mystery novels will find familiar plot points, but the narrative’s charm lies in the nuance of Stone’s people’s complex emotions, which make this combination of mystery and romance shine.
Takeaway: Returning to her childhood home reveals a sinister plot against the heroine’s life in this compelling mystery tinged with romance.
___________________________________________________________________________________________"Addictive! Stone knocks it out of the park with a book that will stick with you long after the final page. - Candid Book Review
"I have to say that every once in a while, I run across a book that leaves me speechless. This book is one of them. Ms. Stone proves once again that she can write in any genre and produce a winner. " - Amazon Reviewer, Terez Lyle -
*Warning for readers: This book contains triggers of physical and psychological abuse, torture and murder., child abuse, child trafficking and sexual abuse. It is not for the faint of heart.
- LanguageEnglish
- Publication dateJanuary 24, 2020
- File size4.4 MB
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From the Publisher




Every now and then you run into a book you can't forget...
The Boy in the Barn is an unforgettable tale of two children who live their lives in fear of a man who holds no love in his heart for either and takes delight in their suffering. The boy leaves as soon as he is old enough, promising to return. But that promise never comes true, and when the girl discovers she is pregnant, she runs away. With her mother's help, she makes her way to the mountains of North Carolina, where she makes a home for her and her child.
Now almost twenty years have passed, and the evil that terrorized her as a child is back. She's afraid, but determined to face whatever comes, to project herself and her son, never imagining that a long lost dream might be resurrected, or that the dream could just as easily fall victim to the evil of her past.
Other Romantic Suspense and Thrillers by Ciana Stone
A brilliant tale you won't want to put down, but definitely not for the faint of heart
She was seven when the monster came, and when he left that night, he took with him Isabelle's happiness, sense of security and belief in a God who would protect little children. He left her with a promise, one that she could never forget, and one that filled her with terror. "We're not done, you and I. You're my special girl, Isabelle. I'll be back for you."For twenty-five years, she's feared that promise and his whispers in her mind. She's run from it, tried to deny it, looked for ways to forget or overcome it, and now she's ready to admit that there's only one way to reclaim her life.Destroy the monster. Or die trying.
An intense and chilling tale that will grab a hold of you from the start and take you on an emotional roller coaster ride
Mama Marion says I wouldn't have the sight if God didn't intend for me to do good with it. I just wish God didn't feel I needed to see this." -Emmy age 16.
Her visions started when she was a child. Between a childhood where fear was the norm and visions of death, her life has been far from normal. It’s been a decade since her vision led police to another victim of the Low Country Killer, long enough that Emmy has convinced herself that the secrets of the past should be forgotten, or at least kept locked away. Letting them out into the open can only cause pain and they've all had enough of that. So, she convinces herself that that horrible chapter in the life of her family is over, and the monsters who once walked Holly Isle are gone forever.
She was wrong.
Some things are bigger than yourself, like family and legacy.
Russell Walker isn't looking for romance or love. His dedication is to his family and his ranch. Now both those things are being threatened and to his chagrin the one person who might be of help is a woman he's sworn to stay away from. If only he could keep that promise.
Are legends only stories?
Wyatt Wolf is a warrior, a man without fear. At least that’s the picture he presents to the members of his Navy SEAL team. He’s a stone-cold killer with a reputation as a woman magnet who needs no one.But appearances can be deceiving. Inside Wyatt is a man torn by love and betrayal. His only need, his one weakness—Chance—a woman from his past he can never have, can never trust. Wyatt will be forced to see her and face the old feelings that have haunted him for years, because something inside him trying to take control of his mind. And his only chance of survival depends on a love that will be pushed to the very edge.
Editorial Reviews
Review
Reedsy Reviewer Becky Baldridge
The Boy in the Barn quite literally wore me out at times. It's incredibly dark and twisted, and I would advise taking the warning in the blurb seriously because it does not exaggerate. The story is disturbing to the point that I had to walk away more than once just for a bit of a palate cleanser before diving back in. And there was never a doubt that I would dive back in because I had to see how it would all play out for Sophie.
There are several things that are predictable, and more often than not, that would bother me, but that's really not what this one is all about. So, yes, I saw some things coming, but guessing those things ahead of time didn't spoil anything for me. Instead, it was more like watching a horror movie and just knowing the monster is going to jump out, but you sit on the edge of your seat, glued to the screen, and jump like you've been shot when it actually happens.
You simply can not read this book and not be shocked, appalled, even sickened at times because there are no monsters hiding under the bed to rival the evils that men do, and Ciana Stone gives us one that is truly nightmare-inducing. Thankfully, Ms Stone does give us something to hope for, a possible light at the end of a pitch-black tunnel with a bit of romance. And I have to say, that I had my doubts about any light as this story progressed.
To avoid spoilers, I won't go into the characters other than Sophie, who is an absolutely terrific character. She's a brilliant combination of loving, strong, determined, considerate, and completely loyal to those dear to her. Sophie's sweetness is one of the things that make this story so hard to take at times. For such a good person to come from so much horror is a testament to what people are capable of when they know real love. I'll also add that the author tells this one from three perspectives, including Sophie's, and it's up to you to figure out the other two as you read.
To sum it up, this is one of the darkest stories I've read in a long time, and as I mentioned, I did have to walk away a few times. It's also wonderfully written, and regardless of how many times I walked away, the story was never far from my mind. There's something thoroughly compelling about this one, and it's one I won't soon forget.
From the Author
Product details
- ASIN : B081QT2YNY
- Publisher : Original Syn
- Accessibility : Learn more
- Publication date : January 24, 2020
- Edition : 2nd
- Language : English
- File size : 4.4 MB
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Not Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Print length : 317 pages
- Page Flip : Enabled
- Best Sellers Rank: #254,781 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #127 in Self-Help for Abuse
- #4,586 in Psychological Thrillers (Kindle Store)
- #8,762 in Romantic Suspense (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Ciana writes romantic suspense, thrillers & suspense novels, has a passion for coffee, dark chocolate, love stories, working in her yard, riding her Halfbike, woodcarving, playing her banjo, her family and her honey man. She loves to connect with readers and devours books in almost every genre
Her books have garnered rave reviews and endear her to new readers every day, for which she is grateful beyond words.
Ciana is quick to acknowledge that it's readers who provide her with the opportunity to continue writing, and says, "I love to hear from readers and to every reader who has spent his or her hard-earned reading dollars on one of my books, thank you from the bottom of my heart."
Follow Ciana on Amazon
BookBub:https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ciana-stone
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/CianaStone and
Twitter htto://www.twitter.com/CianaStone
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book an amazing read with a plot full of twists and turns, and one customer mentions staying up late reading it. The story receives positive feedback for its details, with one review noting how it keeps readers engaged and questioning throughout. The writing quality receives mixed reviews, with some praising the writing while others point out grammatical mistakes on every other page. Customers describe the book as a fast-paced read with well-developed characters, though one review notes implausible conversations between characters. Customers find the violence level disturbing.
AI Generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the book highly readable, with several mentioning they finished it in one night, and one noting it kept them engaged until the very end.
"I loved reading this book with Luke’s and Sophie’s voices revealing the purity of love, the empathy both traveled in abuses each endured that would..." Read more
"This was a great book that made me cry, say some bad words, made me walk away and sometimes broke my heart, but that is what a good book does...." Read more
"...Reasons I enjoyed this book: Action-packed, Entertaining, Haunting, Happily Ever After, Original, Twisted, Unpredictable" Read more
"...It is a very good read but if you are sensitive to reading about abuse then this book is NOT for you...." Read more
Customers find the book's storyline engaging with many twists and turns, and one customer mentions it kept them up late.
"I loved reading this book with Luke’s and Sophie’s voices revealing the purity of love, the empathy both traveled in abuses each endured that would..." Read more
"...in a long time!The characters became real to me, and the story line kept me up late for two long nights...." Read more
"This story is very good but horribly brutal. It's not a heart-pounding thriller; it's more of a low-key telling of a story...." Read more
"...It was more of a love story than anything. The ending was rushed. It needed an epilogue. SPOILERS..." Read more
Customers appreciate the book's details, with one noting how it keeps readers engaged and questioning throughout.
"This book is well written and touches on a subject most don't wish to read or hear about or believe it exist. Unfortunately, it does...." Read more
"Lots of twists and turns. Keeps the reader engaged and questioning. Enough details but not overwhelming, to allow the readers mind to wonder" Read more
"...The descriptions are vivid and in detail. It is difficult to read. The saving grace is Sophia’s son and their relationship...." Read more
"...to the amazing ending that will surprise you and keep your guessing through the whole book." Read more
Customers describe the book as a page turner.
"...I may even like this better than Crawdads. Excellent read, page turner, could not put it down." Read more
"What a page turner! Once I started reading i couldn't stop. This book is amazing and had my feelings going all over the place...." Read more
"This book will capture your attention and keep you turning the pages. You will definitely feel every emotion as you read." Read more
"Page turner!..." Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the writing quality of the book, with some finding it wonderfully written and praising the author's talent, while others report numerous grammatical mistakes and incorrect spellings throughout the text, making it hard to read at times.
"...The descriptions are vivid and in detail. It is difficult to read. The saving grace is Sophia’s son and their relationship...." Read more
"...like it without so much bad language also😔You are a wonderful,talented writer,thank you for taking me on this great adventure without ever leaving..." Read more
"...Me, I don't think I have any triggers. The book has too many errors for my level of patience, so that will be considered before I undertake..." Read more
"This was one tough read, it is not for the faint heart! Please ensure you read the trigger warning message before diving into this story...." Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book, with some finding it fast-paced while others report a slow start.
"...I have to caution you that some of the stuff is very graphic, and will leave you wanting to doubt men, and crying for Josie, Luke, and her mother..." Read more
"This was a fast read. But VERY coincidental. No character development. Characters just appearing out of nowhere. Who was Denny???" Read more
"It was slow moving and things were mentioned that played no part in the story, which is always frustrating...." Read more
"...I had to give this book five stars. If you enjoy a fast paced read and don't have a weak stomach, then I encourage you to read this book!" Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the character development in the book, with some finding them well developed, while one customer notes that the conversations between characters don't feel plausible.
"...was one of the best that I have read in a long time!The characters became real to me, and the story line kept me up late for two long nights...." Read more
"...Once the main character's name was changed. I had to check the last page to make sure we where still talking about the same person...." Read more
"...The characters are well developed, the story original and very twisted, haunting and entertaining...." Read more
"...The conversations between characters don't even feel plausible...." Read more
Customers find the book's violence level disturbing, describing it as unimaginable, cruel, and insane throughout, with one customer noting excessive profanity.
"...The cruelty and insanity is prevalent throughout. It will not appeal to everyone." Read more
"This story is very good but horribly brutal. It's not a heart-pounding thriller; it's more of a low-key telling of a story...." Read more
"...Of course there is love and family to counter balance but the horror seems contrived. The end of the book seems too sudden and a little too easy...." Read more
"Wow! Such horror, cruelty and deprivation...." Read more
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on June 16, 2020Josie always minded her daddy, until one day she actually defied him. She was told to never go in the barn. The one day she did, she found a boy who was nearly beaten to death.
She got a beating of her life fro her daddy, but found love from Luke.
Her daddy is an evil man who thinks of no one but himself.
I have to caution you that some of the stuff is very graphic, and will leave you wanting to doubt men, and crying for Josie, Luke, and her mother Millie.
I had to give this book five stars. If you enjoy a fast paced read and don't have a weak stomach, then I encourage you to read this book!
- Reviewed in the United States on June 28, 2024I’m on the fence with this one. Even though most of the stories have a more romantic vibe, this one was darker. The lead character and the cast that supports her are all victims of extreme violence and emotional trauma. The descriptions are vivid and in detail. It is difficult to read. The saving grace is Sophia’s son and their relationship. Anyone who knows them is blessed. The love of her life that she rescued as a teenager has always just been a collection of memories. They had a solid bond and never lost their love for each other. The cruelty and insanity is prevalent throughout. It will not appeal to everyone.
- Reviewed in the United States on November 16, 2020I loved reading this book with Luke’s and Sophie’s voices revealing the purity of love, the empathy both traveled in abuses each endured that would have destroyed most. Mother’s doing the best they can saving their unborn children and working diligently to make their child have an opposite childhood than they had. It reveals how humans can be tricked into choosing idols to serve no matter the cost to others. How evil can grow. It teaches our endings can be filled with unconditional love and devotion to a better, blessed life! It is a must read and leaves you wanting to read more of the authors gift of telling stories that capture the heart!
- Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2020This is a book you may want to read more than once. It reads almost as if it were written from experience. If ever there was a reason to believe in hope and faith, this would be one. I can't say enough about Ciana Stone's ability to create a world where you become lost in the depth and reality of the story. I believe this is a new direction for her, but something tells me she is planning to explore this genre in future books. I look forward to joining her in her forays into the difficult realities of this world we live in.
- Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2020It was slow moving and things were mentioned that played no part in the story, which is always frustrating. It was more of a love story than anything. The ending was rushed. It needed an epilogue.
SPOILERS
What was the point in mentioning explosives were set if you aren’t going to use them?
Why mention the Will was changed if you aren’t going to follow up with what happened with that?
The son was mentioned like crazy at first and pretty much was an afterthought by the end.
Why mention the FBI and Denny sneaking info about the child trafficking, then letting them know where proof is located about her mother’s death, if they’re just going to leave the compound and leave it?
- Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2020Reading is my passion,this book was one of the best that I have read in a long time!The characters became real to me, and the story line kept me up late for two long nights.I would love to read more like this by you😁I wish I could have known more about their life after it settled down,how Cole made it in the Navy,maybe Riggs would get his life back.
.I would like it without so much bad language also😔You are a wonderful,talented writer,thank you for taking me on this great adventure without ever leaving my house!!💚💚
- Reviewed in the United States on August 27, 2020This story is very good but horribly brutal. It's not a heart-pounding thriller; it's more of a low-key telling of a story. I Iiked the characters -- at least the ones I was supposed to like.
The beginning was so disjointed, a bit here, a piece there, a part over there, a slice over there, that I almost called it quits. Then the threads started coming together. Even then, it was never clear how things stood. Once the story took shape, there was a lot of story to be told.
The book has trigger warnings for those who are susceptible. Me, I don't think I have any triggers. The book has too many errors for my level of patience, so that will be considered before I undertake another book by this author.
57
- Reviewed in the United States on July 24, 2020This was a great book that made me cry, say some bad words, made me walk away and sometimes broke my heart, but that is what a good book does. If the things in this book bother you it needs to because while this is a work of fiction these things really do happen everyday and we cannot stick our heads in the sand and pretend they don’t. If you can read it please do. It is not a book you will ever forget.
Top reviews from other countries
- Mrs Amy BeatsonReviewed in the United Kingdom on November 16, 2020
5.0 out of 5 stars A story to grab your full attention. Full of mystery and intrigue
Stumbled across this wonderful author quite be accident and purchased this book on Amazon. So glad I did. The book starts with full action and you basically hit the ground running. I couldn't put it down and read it in 2 sittings. The story immediately grabs your full attention and you just want to keep reading to find out what is going to happen next. I cannot wait to read more from Ciana Stone. Highly recommend!!!
- PatriciaReviewed in Australia on January 13, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars A heartbreaking book...
This book was exciting, it had mystery and suspense and was also scary, It was very sad.
It was terrible how people especially women were treated in those days.
I would recommend this book as a good book to read.
- Laurie JohnsonReviewed in Canada on March 20, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Very good book
It gets a little dark but it’s a good read!
- Cassandra Lenton-MansfieldReviewed in Australia on March 27, 2020
4.0 out of 5 stars It's a good Read
It was confusing at the beginning, but ended up being OK to pass time. It leaves you to finish the ending almost with your own thoughts to finish it
- DeJodo1Reviewed in Canada on March 17, 2023
4.0 out of 5 stars good read
A little too much about the past on Sophie and boy in barn relationship..somewhat repeating. Never did say what became of Sophie will and crooked lawyer changing it