Nathaniel: A Novel Mass Market Paperback – July 1, 1984 by John Saul 
 
For a hundred years, the people of Prairie Bend have whispered Nathaniel's name in wonder and fear.  Some say he is a folktale, created to frighten children on cold winter nights.  Some swear he is a terrifying spirit retumed to avenge the past.  But soon . . . very soon . . . some will learn that Nathaniel lives still--that he is darkly, horrifyingly real.  Nathaniel--he is the voice that calls to young Michael Hall across the prairie night . . . the voice that draws the boy into the shadowy depths of the old, crumbling, forbidden barn . . . that chanting, compelling voice he will follow faithfully beyond the edge of terror.
 
6.24