In Chris Panatier's intriguing psychological thriller, "The Redemption of Morgan Bright," readers are taken on a journey of guilt, identity, and the lengths one will go to uncover the truth. The novel centers around the mysterious death of Hadleigh Keene, whose sister, Morgan, blames herself for the tragedy. A year later, Morgan, consumed by guilt and determined to find answers, creates a false identity as Charlotte Turner and infiltrates Hollyhock Asylum, the place where Hadleigh died. As Charlotte, Morgan delves into the unsettling world of Hollyhock, where peculiar routines and strange occurrences raise suspicions. The line between reality and illusion blurs as Morgan's assumed identity takes on a life of its own, blurring the boundaries of her true self. Through alternating chapters and perspectives, including police interviews and text messages, the narrative unravels the terrifying reality of Hollyhock, Hadleigh's past, and the secrets that haunt Morgan. Panatier skillfully weaves together the past and present, gradually revealing the events leading up to Hadleigh's death. The reader is kept on the edge as Morgan's investigation deepens, uncovering disturbing truths about the asylum and its staff. The novel delves into the complexities of guilt, grief, and the desperate search for redemption. Morgan's character is well-developed and relatable. Her struggle with guilt and her determination to find closure for her sister's death drives the narrative forward. The supporting characters, though briefly encountered, add depth to the story, each contributing to the overall atmosphere of mystery and unease. The pacing of the novel is steady, building suspense as Morgan uncovers more disturbing details. Panatier's writing style is immersive, effectively capturing the unsettling ambiance of Hollyhock and the turmoil within Morgan's mind. The narrative shifts between past and present, creating a sense of urgency and keeping the reader engaged. Overall, "The Redemption of Morgan Bright" is a compelling and thought-provoking read. Panatier skillfully blends psychological suspense and mystery, creating a captivating narrative that explores the complexities of guilt and the lengths one will go to find redemption. The novel's exploration of identity and the blurring of reality and illusion adds depth to the story, making it a haunting and memorable read.

First of all I love the cover and back matter, and those are what drew me in. An asylum setting is always a winner as far as I'm concerned.
The novel is part epistolary, with excerpts of transcriptions, text messages and historical documents related to the asylum itself which provide valuable insight into what lies beneath the actual story.
One of my favourite movies is A Cure For Wellness, and this has a similar vibe in that the story is NOT your straightforward/predictable tale of someone with mental health issues but something far deeper that includes supernatural elements and keeps the reader guessing. Which brings me on to my next point...if you're expecting the former (i.e. a simple scary story set in an asylum) then you might be disappointed, because this is anything but. The Redemption of Morgan Bright is far more complex. I would describe it as 'a trip of a tale that depicts the nightmarish fervour of the treatment of DID in a uniquely handled way, leaving the reader uncertain of the outcome right to the end.'
There were moments during the reading where I needed to pause and consider the character's plight as well as other things, such as how compliant we are as a species in our interactions with those in authority, how conditioned and unquestioning. It's a terrifying thought, and at times it made me feel claustrophobic.
Of course, the main character is an unreliable narrator, and if you're the kind of reader who requires every question answered and every box ticked it might not be the one for you. However, if you enjoy a challenge and a story that leaves you to consider the reality (if such a thing exists) of what happened, then I highly recommend you read it.
A final note before I finish: An aspect I particularly enjoyed was the use of metaphorical imagery throughout. It provided a surreal mood to the writing, which I personally enjoy.

My thanks to the author and publisher (Angry Robot) for providing an ARC of this novel via Netgalley.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher, Angry Robot, for providing me with a free ARC in exchange for my honest review of The Redemption of Morgan Bright. This is a beautifully written and emotionally involved story revolving around grief, guilt, and sibling bonds. The story purposefully keeps you confused and guessing what could possibly be occuring within the walls of Hollyhock. I found the horror and suspense to be much more intriguing than the sci-fi/paranormal themes brought into the last quarter of the book. It felt a little out of place and is why I removed a couple stars from my rating. I felt this could have been a great book for horror or thriller lovers, but the sci-fi theme makes me hesitate to recommend it to that group. Alternatively, I feel that true sci-fi lovers will not appreciate the majority of this book because you do not see those pieces until the end. This was a well written book, but it seems like one that won't appeal to everyone.

I wasn't sure what to expect going into this story. The pacing was slow at first but the payoff was well worth it. As the story progressed it gave off a Haunting of Hill House meets Poltergeist kind of vibe. Overall I felt this was a fun read and would read more work from this author.

Thank you to Netgalley and Angry Robot for the this ARC!
This book is amazing. I totally enjoy an original story and as a woman, I don’t know, this one spoke to me.
I’m also a big fan of mixed media. This book has some text messages and audio recording transcripts laid out in the narrative that really help the story evolve.
This book is out in April, and it should be on your list!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the review copy!

This was absolutely eerie, unsettling, and honestly hard to get through in places due to the hardcore body-horror and insanely disturbing plot! That said, it is a fabulous horror read for those who want to delve deep into a psychological mystery at the heart of an insane asylum. There are many layers to this story from many conflicting, often confused/unreliable sources and narrators, and while at times a bit confusing the solid and very interesting plot moves the story forward. Such a unique story, but make sure to read the content warnings first!

All in all, a creepy, unputdownable read.

This was an intense thrill with twists everywhere I looked. It was slow-paced at parts but the plot itself was great.

While the premise was wonderful, this book just fell flat for me. I found it difficult to connect with either Morgan or Charlotte. Both of them seemed to be very superficial characters, they were fairly static. Morgan's internal conflict almost destroys her but she does manage to persevere in the end, however, she doesn't seem to really have a deep thought process about anything that is going on. While I appreciate the interesting plot line, this one was a miss for me. The lack of depth of the characters prevented me from being able to fully engage with the text.

ARC review provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

By god was this an uncomfortable read. I hope that’s what Panatier was going for.

The depiction of mental illness is not, in my opinion, terribly accurate, which ruined the story for me. I was expecting more research and more of a sympathetic look at what it is to have a schizophreniform spectrum illness (and/or DID, it seems). There wasn’t much.

Also depiction of a modern asylum.. wow. Okay.

I enjoyed Panatier’s decision to use traditional narrative alongside text messaging and police interviews. Not original but cleverly done.

This book was pretty good, I would definitely recommend

~This was given by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

What lengths would you go to discover the reason for your sister’s death? Morgan Bright will subject herself to voluntary commitment to a 1950’s style mental institution and discover the horrors in exchange for information regarding her sisters untimely death. This book will keep you up late at night, twist your brain in all the right ways and deeply unsettle everything you think to be true.

Thank you NetGalley and Angry Robot/Penguin Random House for the advance copy of this novel.

An intriguing and gripping story, I loved the characters and can't wait to read more by this author.

Such a phenomenally well written psychological horror filled to the brim with thorough descriptions, so many twists you'd think it was a 1950s dance floor, and an ending that could only compel you to want more.

The Redemption of Morgan Bright takes us through the story of Morgan's journey during her time at Hollyhock insane asylum. She only winds up in this situation because of her desire for answers and the guilt she carries with her. Her sister, Hadleigh, died trying to make her way away from Hollyhock and Morgan needs to know why she was trying to get away and what went on inside. As the days go by inside Hollyhock, the nights get harder and her mind is slowly escaping her.

A stunning book, with a tremendous ending, and a beautifully explained afterword.

Thank you to NetGalley and Angry Robot for the chance to read this!

"The Redemption of Morgan Bright" by Chris Panatier, a masterfully crafted tale that seamlessly blends horror and mystery into a multi-layered narrative.

Panatier's storytelling is nothing short of masterful. The way he effortlessly spins you into the dark, unsettling world of Hollyhock Asylum is truly impressive. Each page is a journey deeper into a psychological labyrinth that keeps you on the edge of your seat. I found myself completely absorbed in the beautifully written prose, feeling the weight of the main character's distress as if it were my own.

One of the standout features of this novel is the impeccable character development. The protagonist, Morgan Bright, now assuming the identity of Charlotte Turner, is a complex and deeply troubled soul. The narrative skillfully delves into Morgan's distress, allowing the reader to empathize and feel the weight of her emotional turmoil. The layers of the characters unfold with precision, adding depth to the overall narrative.

The plot, centered around the mysterious death of Hadleigh Keene, is a perfect blend of horror and mystery. The unresolved case hanging over Morgan's head adds a layer of suspense that keeps you turning the pages. As Charlotte infiltrates Hollyhock Asylum, the lines between reality and illusion blur, creating a narrative that is both haunting and thought-provoking.

What truly sets this book apart is the atmospheric, psychological nightmare that Panatier creates. The unsettling nature of the asylum, coupled with the author's ability to craft a vivid and disturbing setting, left me disturbed in the best way possible. It's the kind of story that lingers in your mind, making you question what is real long after you've finished reading.

Chris Panatier has delivered a masterfully crafted novel that excels in storytelling, character development, and creating a gripping atmosphere. "The Redemption of Morgan Bright" is a must-read for those who appreciate a dark and immersive journey into the realms of psychological horror and mystery.

The Redemption of Morgan Bright masterfly spins you into an eerie, dark, mental asylum. Panatier wastes no time setting the scene and driving you deep into the atmosphere of the story that's so full of layers that it's incredibly hard to describe. Characters are well rounded and make you care, doubt, hate, and root for them. Storyline got a little muddy and sometimes I had to stop and go back a few pages to understand what was going on but that was the only flaw I can think of, which isn't even a flaw because this book is so engrossing and involved.

I found myself staying up until the wee hours of the morning on multiple nights trying to squeeze out another chapter, this story never wanted to let me go and I never wanted it to end. Beautifully written, wonderful character development, and a unique plot will ensure I pick up The Redemption of Morgan Bright for many years to come.

I won't go into the story because you shouldn't get a single spoiler and read this great book yourself! It was the perfect mix of horror and mystery and made you feel uncomfortable in the best way possible. The vibes and characters were greatly casted.
I sometimes struggled a bit with pacing but nothing to wild!

This book was absolutely brilliant. It grabs you tight and it won't let you go. Panatier managed to mix horror and mystery perfectly. It's about trauma, guilt, grief and mental health, wrapped in a dark and unsettling atmosphere. The eerie, insidious atmosphere haunts you throughout the whole book.

Morgan gets herself committed to Hollyhock as her self-invented character ‘Charlotte’. It becomes clear that Hollyhock is not an ordinary asylum when Charlotte emerges as a distinct entity. This adds a whole new layer to the story.
The unreliable narrator contributes to the blurring of reality.

I loved the use of mixed media. The text messages, police interrogations and newspaper articles added a new layer to the book. They put together a puzzle that falls together in the end.
The writing itself was also fantastic. He creates an atmospheric, psychological nightmare which leaves you disturbed throughout the whole story.

I highly recommend this book if you are in for a wild ride, and love dark, haunting stories.

Thank you Netgalley and Angry Robot for this ARC!

This was a wild, horrifying, ride. A doozy if you will. 😏 Hollyhock House is an absolute nightmare, and the way this story is told is totally disorienting and effective in making the reader feel the madness. I got some Silent Hill in a psychiatric facility/AHS vibes, which was fantastic. 👌🏻 The addition of police interviews/state statutes/texts/research to the narrative gave it a true crime feel that I loved. Some of the scenes were brutal, disgusting and upsetting. The end took a turn that I didn’t really care for (until I read the afterword and understood why the story was taken in that direction), but it was original and well thought out. Overall this was a good, horrific, psych ward novel.

Welcome to Hollyhock Asylum. A reformed asylum for women, a place of disgusting practice disguised as help.

This was a wild ride and I loved every second of it. I thought I knew where this was going for about the first half of the book then it took a quick left turn for the delightfully weird. There was constant tension and eerie atmosphere. Felt like putting together a puzzle "with one piece missing" until it was finally found but you needed to start the puzzle over to make sense of it. Some thoughts:
*The blurred line between Morgan and Charlotte added a lot to their unique relationship. I do wish we got more of uninterrupted pov from Charlotte.
*The added elements of the map of Hollyhock, text messages, police interviews and visuals of devices elevated the story by ten fold.
*There is A LOT going on. It can be a bit difficult to keep up in parts. I feel like this is one of those books you read it the first time for enjoyment and basic understanding and re-read to really dive in and understand it all.
*I appreciate the detective keeping it real the whole time and their skepticism. Let's be real if you were interviewing her would you believe any of it?
*The relationship between Morgan and Hadleigh honestly wasn't that important to me even though it was the whole reason for Morgan to go to Hollyhock. In the beginning yes, I wanted to find out more about Hadleigh. But as the book shifted to a new direction I became more interested in 1. Morgan and Charlotte 2. What the hell was happening at Hollyhock.
* The ending was definitely out there. A bit rushed but also wrapped up decently. A lot of small details and connections clicking into place.
*This would be an absolutely fantastic book for a book club or buddy read. Like mentioned earlier there is a lot going on and a lot of pieces slowly turning together. Would be great for discussions and theorizing as you read along.

Many thanks to Netgalley, Angry Robot and Chris Panatier for a copy. All opinions are of my own.

Summary: Hadleigh Keene's mysterious death haunts her sister, Morgan, who blames herself. A year later, with the case unsolved, Morgan assumes a new identity—Charlotte Turner—and infiltrates Hollyhock Asylum. But this is no ordinary psychiatric facility. Strange routines, peculiar episodes, and the emergence of Charlotte as a distinct entity blur the lines between reality and illusion.


Pros:
🌟 Five stars for a WTF journey that defies genre norms! Panatier crafts a story that's as intricate as a spider's web and as unsettling as a haunted house.

✅ Unreliable narrator? Check. Eerie atmosphere? Double-check. Dark and multi-layered storytelling? Triple-check. Chris Panatier doesn't just tell a story; he immerses readers in an atmospheric, psychological playground.

🎭 The duality of Morgan and Charlotte adds layers of complexity to the story, blurring the boundaries between identities. It's a rollercoaster of twists and turns that keeps readers guessing until the final page.

Cons:
📘 If you seek a straightforward story or refuse to be challenged by the unknown, this book might not be your cup of tea. But hey, where's the fun in predictability?


📚 In conclusion, "The Redemption of Morgan Bright" is a literary rollercoaster that defies expectations and embraces the shadows of the mind. Chris Panatier's storytelling prowess shines, leaving readers exhilarated, disturbed, and craving more. A triumphant exploration of guilt, identity, and the blurred lines of reality! 🎭📜

Disclaimer: A massive thank you to NetGalley and Angry Robot for the eARC! Opinions here are as uniquely mine as Hollyhock's peculiar routines. 🏰🔍