The Vanishing Barker A Horror Novella
There's something wrong with the carnival barker. Something creepy. And yet, his words pull young Terrence toward the funhouse. Toward the open door. Toward the dark . . .
"Come one . . . come all . . ."
After the boy, the barker, and the funhouse disappear, Terrence's brother and sister call their grandfather, a tough-as-nails ex-baseball player. They decide to investigate the carnival themselves that same night, well aware that the police won't believe their fantastic story!
"Come one . . . come all . . ."
Inside the funhouse, an ancient evil awakens in its coffin. Thirsty for blood, the barker's sinister master has a dark plan for Terrence and his family!
"Come one . . . come all . . . and be devoured!"
Written by Judith Sonnet (the disturbed mind behind Summer Never Ends, The Home, and Terror! Horror! Agony!), THE VANISHING BARKER is a chilling and old-fashioned horror novella . . . and it comes with three bonus short stories, two of which have never been published in print before!
"There are writers, but even rarer, there are storytellers. Judith Sonnet is a storyteller and of the very best kind: follow her down the path, unlatch the gate, and disappear inside the dark world she's cultivated. Once she takes you by the hand, you'll never look back." Rebecca Rowland, author of White Trash and Recycled Nightmares.
"Judith Sonnet is so much more than an extreme horror writer. She knows how to write compelling, complex characters, and she knows what scares us." Lucas Mangum, author of Saint Sadist.
"Trust me, Judith Sonnet's The Home might just be the best horror novel you read this year. Great characters, stellar concept, creative villains, perfect pacing and an ending I promise you won't see coming. A masterclass in horror." Duncan Ralston, author of Woom.
"Welcome to my new favorite subgenre of horror: Judith Sonnet." Gage Greenwood, author of Bunker Dogs.
"In a flooded market where extreme is being done to death, it's satisfying to be genuinely terrified again. Terror! Horror! Agony! does just that." Phrique, author of Gig of the Damned.
"The Clown Hunt was my introduction to Judith's work and I was immediately hooked by her ability to write graphic visceral violence while telling a compelling story with diverse characters and sociopolitical depth." Wrath James White, author of The Resurrectionist.
"You know that sick twisted mix of shock and excitement that broke out across your face when you watched your favorite 80's slasher for the first time? That's how you'll look the entire time while reading Summer Never Ends II: God's Mistake." Paul Avery Tindol, author of This House Will Never Be Warm
"(The Shriek-A-Rama Spook Show Experience) is, start to finish, a fast-paced, funny, gory, utterly delightful romp, a big bucket of salty hot-buttered nostalgia packed with gooshy special effects, amusing references, and shameless love for the genre and history." Christine Morgan, author of Lakehouse Infernal.
Published: August 28, 2025
Pages: 190
ISBN: 9798297718678
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Available in: Paperback
Reader Reviews
1 rating
Matt D.
Judith Sonnet definitely knows how to set the mood and give the characters life. This novella even comes with additional short stories at the end to keep you going. They are all different and really make this a fun little read.
If you’re looking for a creepy, quick read then treat yourself to The Vanishing Barker! Just stay out of the funhouse.