What began as a simple texting-style horror story on YouTube has evolved into a full-fledged audio franchise that blurred the boundaries between fiction and reality. Paul Hough’s “Creepy School Bus,” originally published on his Don’t Turn Around YouTube channel, became so convincing that viewers questioned whether its tale of children vanishing after boarding a mysterious bus had actually occurred.
The story’s impact reached such heights that fact-checking website Snopes published an article specifically to debunk rumors about a girl named Chloe who had allegedly disappeared after entering the vehicle. This unusual intersection of viral fiction and perceived reality helped propel Hough’s creation to remarkable popularity.
Capitalizing on this momentum, Hough developed the concept into two full-length scripts exceeding 300 pages each. In early 2025, these scripts were transformed into audiobook format and released by Recorded Books, a major independent audiobook publisher that distributes content to schools, libraries, and digital platforms worldwide.
The audio productions feature an impressive cast including Christina Hendricks, Erika Alexander, and Chris Jericho. Perhaps most notably, actor Eddie McGee portrays the lead character, a disabled FBI agent, bringing authenticity and emotional depth to the role through his own experience as an amputee.
Together, the two installments offer more than nine hours of content that has garnered praise from diverse audiences including librarians, educators, and horror enthusiasts. While Hough describes the first installment as an action horror adventure, the sequel ventures into dystopian territory, exploring a brutal prison system from which escape seems impossible.
Horror runs in Hough’s blood. As the son of legendary horror director John Hough, known for classics like “The Legend of Hell House” and “Watcher in the Woods,” Paul grew up immersed in storytelling that prioritized atmosphere and psychological tension over graphic violence. This influence is evident in his approach to the “Creepy School Bus” universe.
Beyond mere entertainment, Hough’s stories feature protagonists who feel invisible or underestimated until circumstances force them to fight for survival. His narratives explore substantive themes including disability, grief, family dynamics, and identity—all wrapped in suspenseful, fast-paced storytelling.
For those intrigued by this blend of horror and human experience, DontTurnAround.com offers a growing collection of free horror texting stories set within the same interconnected universe. These stories vary in length but share Hough’s commitment to crafting horror that respects its audience’s intelligence.
“Creepy School Bus” represents just the beginning of what promises to be an expanding universe of thoughtful horror from a creator who understands that the most effective scares come from stories with genuine emotional stakes.
