The Haunt at Hogg Run is a work of fiction in the horror, suspense, and dark adventure sub-genres, and was penned by author J.P. Barnett. Described as ‘A Creature Feature Horror Suspense’ and the fourth volume of the Lorestalker series, this is a work that can be read as a standalone novel, as the adventure focuses solely on one experience of the young protagonist Macy Donner. Camping in the woods with her new stepfamily is not the ideal way to spend vacation time, but things take an even more sinister turn for Macy with terrifying weather shifts, screams in the dark, and the looming silhouette of a haunted house with secrets to be unleashed.

Author J.P. Barnett has crafted an excellent work of suspenseful horror fiction which really balances its story and builds up with all-out shocking scenes that leap out of the plot and scream at you. I was really impressed by the quality of the atmosphere, which develops around the central character and creeps into her actions and sensations so that we too have shivers running up our spines as we explore this macabre and chilling world with her. I absolutely loved the dialogue and East Texas vibe, which helped to set up the characters really well and populate the world around them with other realistic figures. This makes for an engrossing world to jump into, and overall I would definitely recommend The Haunt at Hogg Run for horror fans looking for a fully immersive and spine-tingling experience.

The Haunt at Hogg Run by J.P. Barnett, the fourth book of The Lorestalker series, recounts Macy Donner’s terrifying experiences during a family vacation. Although part of a series, this book can easily be read as a stand-alone. The storyline alternates between two narratives spaced ten years apart. One features Albert Weiss, a despondent war veteran resuming the family business of running a horror show. To make the show more frightening, he creates newer monstrosities that eventually run out of control, culminating in a horrific accident. Ten years later, Macy, along with her stepmother and stepsister, arrives at the uninhabited family home. With monstrous creatures attacking them in the dark, and a lunatic neighbor bent on killing them to protect his long-kept secrets, can Macy save herself and her companions from the terror lurking at Hogg Run?

J.P. Barnett’s tale reminded me of my favorite Goosebumps stories, albeit with an adult twist. With a central backdrop of horror, Barnett laces together several accompanying themes to give the story sufficient depth. Albert’s character exemplifies the post-traumatic stress disorder often associated with war veterans. Albert’s reclusive father shows a bone-chilling, natural penchant for cruelty. On the contrary, despite having misgivings about her lack of courage or strength, Macy shows a remarkable presence of mind. I loved her compassionate nature, her protectiveness of her stepsister, and her resolve to maintain an unwavering moral compass even in the direst of situations. Themes of love and family bonding, although rare in horror stories, predominate the storyline. With both fantastical and real-life monsters, suspenseful chase sequences, and a brave protagonist, The Haunt at Hogg Run is a real treat for fans of the horror genre.

J.P. Barnett's "Lorestalker" series in general, and certainly "The Haunt at Hogg Run" in particular, call to mind such horror masters as Dean Koontz and John Saul. At the heart of his scary stories are his characters and their relationships. This talent of Barnett's raises his tales of horror to the level of literature, and make for a most entertaining read.