I had high hopes for this book, but seems like I’m not the right reader for it. More in the YA category than a mystery, it was never truly scary for someone who’s read her share of horror novels. The plot took a while to get going, with a lot of dialogue that I’m too old to relate to. I liked the cast of misfit characters, alive and dead, especially Moshi, but I didn’t completely connect with them. The descriptions of the titular asylum are spooky, so Bailey walking its hallways, alone at night was my favorite part. Younger readers will enjoy this book but, again, I’m just too old for it.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Paper Doll Publishing!

I love a good asylum tale. Few stories have a setting so automatically ready for eerie thrills. And yet somehow this one didn’t quite work for me. It was a perfectly decent, decently written story that utilized urbex expedition, possession and psychology (so really all the elements I appreciate) to follow the journey of Bailey O’Connor, who goes into an old asylum with her friends to take some photos and maybe gleam some information about the horrific abuse that went on in the place for years, and gets more than she bargained for when the spirits of the dead latch on to her and won’t let her go until she learns their fates so she can tell their story. Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it. And I can’t really (try as I might) put a finger on what exactly didn’t work for me here…something about the writing didn’t quite connect, the characters didn’t really grab me (too poppy and generic in their youth and well meant enthusiasm) , actually something generic about the story. I mean, it’s a perfectly respectable variant on the asylum scenario, but, much like the title itself, it just went with the obvious. In movie comparisons this was no Session 9 or Stonehearst Asylum. Much more of by the numbers approach. Which is fine, it works, just doesn’t wow. Seems like other readers enjoyed it more, going by the reviews. Thanks Netgalley.

Wow! All I can say is that this read is a different kind of "scary". Ten members from an intense photography group travel to Brambleton to photograph Briarhaven. This institution (built in 1902) had been abandoned for 25 years. Old news stories from the 1970's told of the awful people and conditions that existed there. The writer's advice had been to "GET YOUR CHILD OUT"!

This unique group includes Bailey (narrator) and nine others. Arnold, the leader of the group divides the group into two - NO ONE was ever to be alone. Horror stories of past trips to such type of abandoned places had occurred - especially when you had no help...

Since Briarhaven was possibly scheduled for demolition soon, the group hastily set out and drove to the site.

The place consists of 38 buildings - photo heaven? Or maybe not?

A GREAT story that hooked me in. Never a dull moment! RECOMMEND!!!

Many Thanks to Paper Doll Publishing and NetGalley for a great read!