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254 ratings | 64 reviews | avg rating:4.59

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J.D. Barker

Goodreads Author

Born

in Shadow Cove, MA, The United States

Website

http://www.jdbarker.com

Twitter

JDBarker

Genre

Thriller, Suspense, Horror

Member Since

May 2014

URL

https://www.goodreads.com/jdbarker

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J.D. Barker is the New York Times and international best-selling author of numerous novels, including DRACUL and the wildly popular 4MK series. He is currently collaborating with James Patterson. His books have been translated into two dozen languages, sold in more than 150 countries, and optioned for both film and television. Barker resides in coastal New Hampshire with his wife, Dayna, and their daughter, Ember.

A note from J.D.
As a child I was always told the dark could not hurt me, that the shadows creeping in the corners of my room were nothing more than just that, shadows. The sounds nothing more than the settling of our old home, creaking as it found comfort in the earth only to move again when it became restless, if ever so slightly. J.D. Barker is the New York Times and international best-selling author of numerous novels, including DRACUL and the wildly popular 4MK series. He is currently collaborating with James Patterson. His books have been translated into two dozen languages, sold in more than 150 countries, and optioned for both film and television. Barker resides in coastal New Hampshire with his wife, Dayna, and their daughter, Ember.

A note from J.D.
As a child I was always told the dark could not hurt me, that the shadows creeping in the corners of my room were nothing more than just that, shadows. The sounds nothing more than the settling of our old home, creaking as it found comfort in the earth only to move again when it became restless, if ever so slightly. I would never sleep without closing the closet door, oh no; the door had to be shut tight. The darkness lurking inside needed to be held at bay, the whispers silenced. Rest would only come after I checked under the bed at least twice and quickly wrapped myself in the safety of the sheets (which no monster could penetrate), pulling them tight over my head.

I would never go down to the basement.

Never.

I had seen enough movies to know better, I had read enough stories to know what happens to little boys who wandered off into dark, dismal places alone. And there were stories, so many stories.

Reading was my sanctuary, a place where I could disappear for hours at a time, lost in the pages of a good book. It didn’t take long before I felt the urge to create my own.

I first began to write as a child, spinning tales of ghosts and gremlins, mystical places and people. For most of us, that’s where it begins—as children we have such wonderful imaginations, some of us have simply found it hard to grow up. I’ve spent countless hours trying to explain to friends and family why I enjoy it, why I would rather lock myself in a quiet little room and put pen to paper for hours at a time than throw around a baseball or simply watch television. Don’t get me wrong, sometimes I want to do just that, sometimes I wish for it, but even then the need to write is always there in the back of my mind, the characters are impatiently tapping their feet, waiting their turn, wanting to be heard. I wake in the middle of the night and reach for the pad beside my bed, sometimes scrawling page after page of their words, their lives. Then they’re quiet, if only for a little while. To stop would mean madness, or even worse—the calm, numbing sanity I see in others as they slip through the day without purpose. They don’t know what it’s like, they don’t understand. Something as simple as a pencil can open the door to a new world, can create life or experience death. Writing can take you to places you’ve never been, introduce you to people you’ve never met, take you back to when you first saw those shadows in your room, when you first heard the sounds mumbling ever so softly from your closet, and it can show you what uttered them. It can scare the hell out of you, and that’s when you know it’s good.

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Combine Editions
J.D. Barker’s books

Average rating: 4.15 · 342,645 ratings · 41,979 reviews · 49 distinct works • Similar authors

	The Fourth Monkey (4MK Thriller, #1) 4.25 avg rating — 104,378 ratings — published 2017 — 73 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	The Fifth to Die (4MK Thriller, #2) 4.31 avg rating — 52,971 ratings — published 2018 — 56 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	The Sixth Wicked Child (4MK Thriller, #3) 4.47 avg rating — 44,674 ratings — published 2019 — 44 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	A Caller's Game 4.09 avg rating — 11,180 ratings — published 2020 — 28 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Behind a Closed Door 3.92 avg rating — 7,660 ratings — published 2024 — 32 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	She Has a Broken Thing Where Her Heart Should Be 4.29 avg rating — 5,652 ratings — published 2020 — 22 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Forsaken (Shadow Cove Saga, #1) 3.55 avg rating — 4,511 ratings — published 2014 — 18 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Something I Keep Upstairs 3.84 avg rating — 3,411 ratings — 11 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	The Quiet Neighbor by J.D. Barker (Goodreads Author), Adam Roach (Goodreads Author) 3.87 avg rating — 1,495 ratings — 5 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Heavy Are the Stones by J.D. Barker (Goodreads Author), Christine Daigle (Goodreads Author) 3.92 avg rating — 937 ratings — 13 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

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J.D. Barker's Blog

Rolling Stone – It Isn’t a Book (Yet): The Art of Revision

The difference between an amateur manuscript and a professional one is rarely the idea. It usually comes down to the revision.… MORE

The post Rolling Stone – It Isn’t a Book (Yet): The Art of Revision appeared first on J.D. BARKER.

Series by J.D. Barker

4MK Thriller (4 books)
by

J.D. Barker (Goodreads Author)

4.31 avg rating — 202,588 ratings

Shadow Cove Saga (1 book)
by

J.D. Barker (Goodreads Author)

3.55 avg rating — 4,509 ratings

Book of Signs (1 book)
by

J.D. Barker (Goodreads Author)

4.18 avg rating — 17 ratings

J.D. is Currently Reading

J.D. Barker is currently reading

The Fatal Creation

by Julie Bergman (Goodreads Author)

bookshelves: currently-reading

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Nov 01, 2022 04:45AM

J.D. Barker is currently reading

From the Corner of His Eye

by Dean Koontz (Goodreads Author)

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Oct 21, 2022 08:09AM

J.D. Barker is currently reading

The Book of Accidents

by Chuck Wendig (Goodreads Author)

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Jul 31, 2022 06:57PM

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J.D.’s Recent Updates

J.D. Barker and 1 other person liked Elizabeth's review of The First Scarlet Door (4MK Thriller, #4): "I loved getting the full backstory as to how this entire shenanigan began. The first three books absolutely hint at the depravity that he went through as a child but this really digs in. It’s not for the weak. "
6 hours, 13 min ago · see review · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of The First Scarlet Door by J.D. Barker. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — The First Scarlet Door by J.D. Barker <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
J.D. Barker liked Megan Mudd's review of The First Scarlet Door (4MK Thriller, #4): "1 of 3 prequels✔️-can’t wait for 2!! ❤️🖤"
6 hours, 13 min ago · see review · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of The First Scarlet Door by J.D. Barker. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — The First Scarlet Door by J.D. Barker <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
J.D. Barker liked Ashley Jakob's review of The First Scarlet Door (4MK Thriller, #4): "Thank you NetGalley and RBmedia for the ALC! I know that this was book 4 in a series but is the prequel to the first 3 books. Which I hadn’t read that being said.. this book was really good. This is my first experience reading a J.D. Barker book and w" Read more of this review »
6 hours, 13 min ago · see review · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of The First Scarlet Door by J.D. Barker. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — The First Scarlet Door by J.D. Barker <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
J.D. Barker liked Amanda Rodriguez's review of The First Scarlet Door (4MK Thriller, #4): "Wow! Just as good as the 4MK trilogy! Cannot wait for the next book! I am happy to get the backstory to one of my favorite series. "
6 hours, 13 min ago · see review · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of The First Scarlet Door by J.D. Barker. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — The First Scarlet Door by J.D. Barker <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
J.D. Barker rated a book really liked it My Darling Husband by Kimberly Belle (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Oct 05, 2026 11:35AM · 18 likes · like
J.D. Barker rated a book it was amazing Layla by Colleen Hoover (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Sep 14, 2026 07:39PM · 26 likes · like · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of Layla by Colleen Hoover. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — Layla by Colleen Hoover <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
J.D. Barker entered a giveaway Mystery Play by Elizabeth Kostova	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Sep 13, 2026 07:02AM · like · see giveaway
J.D. Barker rated a book it was amazing Never Tell (Detective D.D. Warren #10) by Lisa Gardner (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
May 26, 2026 07:16PM · 28 likes · like · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of Never Tell by Lisa Gardner. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — Never Tell by Lisa Gardner <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
J.D. Barker answered Noa Fernández's question: Hi, I finished the 4MK series a few months ago, and I have seen many posts talking about a "lost chapter," and I can't find it. Some say it is in the paperback edition of the book, but I have that version (in Spanish), and there is nothing. Maybe it's because I have the pocket-sized ones? I have also read that you are coming to Spain this month. I am very eager to know the details and dates. I can't wait to go :) Hi there! I believe the Lost Chapter is still available on my Patreon page, you can try there. There is also a new book in the series coming out - THE FIRST SCARLET DOOR. It's releasing in September in the US. I'm not sure of the release date in Spain See Full Answer
Apr 07, 2026 04:49AM · 3 likes · like
J.D. Barker rated a book it was amazing Live To Tell (Detective D.D. Warren, #4) by Lisa Gardner (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Feb 10, 2026 07:11PM · 29 likes · like · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of Live To Tell by Lisa Gardner. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — Live To Tell by Lisa Gardner <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">

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Quotes by J.D. Barker (?)

“Books are like puppies, they wait for you with unconditional love and welcome you back whenever you return.”
― J.D. Barker

58 likes

“Sometimes the most frightening of thoughts can be found hiding among the shadows of our own minds.”
― J.D. Barker, Forsaken

36 likes

“At one point, all authors are unknown until the day they are not.”
― J.D. Barker, Forsaken

28 likes

See all J.D. Barker's quotes »

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L.J. Ross

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Joy Fielding

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John Hart]

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Walter Mosley

1 vote, 5.0%

J.D. Barker

1 vote, 5.0%

Nancy Bush

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Topics Mentioning This Author

topics	posts	views	last activity
Paranormal and Ho...: FORSAKEN - New from JD BARKER	1	13	Nov 06, 2014 05:26AM
Goodreads Reviewe...: What are you reading?	116	152	Nov 17, 2014 05:57AM
Horror Aficionados : Strong first novel. Perfect for King fans	1	23	Nov 20, 2014 06:10AM
Horror Aficionados : FORSAKEN by J.D. BARKER - If you're a Stephen King fan, you'll love this.	4	50	Nov 25, 2014 05:08AM
Paranormal and Ho...: FORSAKEN - New from J.D. BARKER - Review Copies Available	1	12	Nov 30, 2014 09:11AM
Horror Aficionados : December 2014 Group Read Suggestions	100	190	Dec 02, 2014 10:38AM
The Challenge Fac...: December 2014 Creature Feature ~All	41	135	Dec 30, 2014 01:56PM
Horror Aficionados : March 2015-Group Listen Suggestions	39	246	Apr 02, 2015 01:25PM
The Book Shelf: Reader Recommended	35	66	Jul 02, 2015 03:40PM

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J.D.’s Quotes

“Sometimes the most frightening of thoughts can be found hiding among the shadows of our own minds.”
― J.D. Barker, Forsaken

36 likes

“Just when I think I have nothing to say, the characters start to speak. Writing is funny like that.”
― J.D. Barker, Forsaken

tags: writing

10 likes

“Writing can take you to places you’ve never been, introduce you to people you’ve never met, take you back to when you first saw those shadows in your room, when you first heard the sounds mumbling ever so softly from your closet, and it can show you what uttered them. It can scare the hell out of you, and that’s when you know it’s good.”
― J.D. Barker

tags: writing

4 likes

“Books are like puppies, they wait for you with unconditional love and welcome you back whenever you return.”
― J.D. Barker

58 likes

“We're going to have such fun, you and I.”
― J.D. Barker, The Fourth Monkey

tags: horror, suspense-thriller

9 likes

More of J.D.’s quotes…