An author is offered to write a book about an orphanage in Vermont with a horrific past with different accounts of the past. But her getting there might have escalated things with deaths of those associated with the orphanage. But can she uncover something that happened in the past with not many reliable witnesses anymore? Also do people around the place even want the true story to come out? I liked the plot but I did feel it felt the lag at places. It was also a tad bit predictable with some past connection with characters and it didn't feel a great twist. Overall, definitely an impressive debut!

I really enjoyed this book. I think it was really well written and the pacing of the story was excellent! There were quite a few twists and turns that were unexpected and I really appreciated that as a lot of books tend to be easy to predict for me. The characters were brought to life and the descriptions of them enabled me as the reader to "see" them. I also really enjoyed the premise and the realistic setting (religious orphanage). I also felt that including the depositions of the former residents of Coram House was unique and actually helped bring the story together. I would absolutely recommend this book to others!

This book needs to be on your TBR for 2025. Thriller about a Catholic Orphanage and historical claims of abuse. A struggling author attempts to put the story, and her life, together in this thriller that takes her into an old orphanage being turned into condos. Her leads take her into dangerous places with people that could be a killer of a child many years ago. Great story. Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book.

Alex Kelly moves to Vermont to ghostwrite a book about an orphanage where horrific things once happened including the deaths of several children. In delving deeper into her research about the atrocities of how these children were treated, she becomes obsessed with the mystery of a boy who went missing from the orphanage, and she reveals more and more about those involved and those who endured the trauma as secrets are revealed and truths brought to light.
The characters are likable and the main character was relatable.
The book kept my interest and the writing flowed, making it an enjoyable read. It kept me guessing as to where the plot and the "who done it" was going, but I did suspect (and was right) by the ending.
Overall this was a good read, especially for a debut author and I would definitely be interested in reading more from her in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley, Atria Books and Bailey Seybolt for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book follows true crime writer Alex Kelley as she, following the death of her husband and the catastrophe of her last book, almost to a remote location to ghost right her new book. This book is to follow the atrocities that occurred at a local Catholic orphanage called Coram House, but as Alex dives more deeply into the case and a local woman is discovered murdered, Alex begins to wonder if the horror of Coram House has really ended.

I’m rating this book of 3.5, rounded up to 4. The story is inspired by real life events and I appreciate how the author tackles them with sensitivity and thoughtfulness. The beginning of the book is engaging, and the pace picks back up at the end, but I did feel that the middle 80% seemed a bit slow. I think this is largely because we never really get to know the narrator. Although we know certain things about her, she comes off as more of a device for moving a story forward than a flushed out character that we can empathize with, relate to, or feel for. Overall, this book had highs and lows for me, but I’m sure it will be a great fit for a lot of people.

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for allowing me to read, and ARC Of this book An exchange for my honest review.

I LOVED this! It was haunting, sad and heartbreaking what those children went through. I loved that the main character wanted to find the truth about the forgotten boy.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for an honest review!

i honestly don’t have too much to say about coram house. it was a decent read that fell a bit flat for me, it might have been due to the slump that i am in or maybe a pacing issue that i can’t place. maybe a classic case of right book wrong time, but do i have regrets about picking this book up? no. the cover is beautiful, and the writing was also effortless.

Coram House is a dark atmospheric mystery inspired by a real case about abuse in a Vermont orphanage. I couldn't put this one down. It immediately drew me in as the mystery developed along with the back story of the main character. Surprisingly, this is a debut novel....I'll definitely be on the lookout for more from Bailey Seybolt.

Thanks to Net galley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Alex is an author trying to overcome her last book’s disastrous outcome. A timely offer to escape NY for Vermont as a ghostwriter is just what she needs. She’s given up editorial freedom for a story about a defunct orphanage. And before you think it’s just another sappy victim’s tale of abuse and neglect, it does have unique slants and it was unpredictable. The orphanage is being turned into condos, leaving it’s sordid history in the dust. The story goes back and forth between the past and present including events, staff and children at the facility. Alex believes there’s a mystery to unravel but not everyone involved agrees and some will kill to keep the past buried. I’ve read many orphanage themed stories and this one had a distinct flair, the characters were solid, emotional, evil and innocent. I liked the plot and I thought the author brought history and a strong atmosphere. There were scenes wrought with emotion, sadness and loss. I appreciated the true crime aspect and would read this author again.
Simon & Schuster, Atria (via NetGalley) provided an Advance Reader Copy of “Coram House” by Elizabeth Bailey Seybolt, publication expected 04/15/2025. These are my honest, personal thoughts and opinions given voluntarily without compensation.

Very, very well done. A DEBUT AUTHOR?! This surpassed my expectations. Honestly felt this was a captivating story with elements of true crime (apparently is loosely based off a true story?) but definitely a thriller/mystery as well. I am terrible at guessing twists and I did NOT get the big one, as usual.

Regardless, feel this is worth picking up. I enjoyed it!

Chillingly atmospheric. Wow. The writing was like buying into a crispy apple and I could not soak up the words fast enough. This was my first book from this author, and it won’t be my last!

Wow. This was another great read that I was completely surprised by. This book captured me from the beginning.

Well done!

A chilling, slow-burn mystery that kept me guessing! Inspired by the real life abuse and horrors that occurred at St. Joseph's Orphanage in Vermont, the author masterfully weaves the pain and secrets of the past into the present using mixed media. I did find myself skimming at times as some parts moved slow or felt over-detailed, but overall I liked it. This book is perfect for crime fiction fans who appreciate a atmospheric and haunting narrative.

3.5 stars rounded up

Thank you to NetGalley, Atria Books and Bailey Seybolt for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. This review contains no spoilers.

True crime writer, Alex heads to Vermont to investigate Coram House - a Catholic run orphanage that was shut down due to allegations of sexual misconduct. The attorney who settled the case for the victim's hires Alex to write a book about Coram House. Once Alex starts digging through testimonies and old files, she discovers the testimony of a witness who recalls seeing a young boy thrown from a boat and drowning in Lake Champlain. This story was quickly hushed, the girl locked in attic wardrobe, and everyone told that this boy just ran away.

Alex becomes wrapped up in this case, along with the attorney and police, and one morning while out on a run, discovers a dead body. This leads to the unraveling of even more details, more witnesses, and more stories from survivors of what really went on at Coram House.

I highly recommend this book! It kept me reading, and I did not figure out the ending, due to an amazing plot twist! This book was inspired, fictionally, by St. Joseph's Orphanage in Burlington, VT and the atrocities that went on there. The writing was very descriptive, and made me want to know more about the real orphanage. The author cites a website at the end of the book where you can read more about St. Joseph's Orphanage.

I am looking forward to reading more by this author in the future!

When Alex Kelley is hired to ghostwrite a true crime book about a Vermont orphanage with a dark past, she moves to frigid Burlington and begins to dig into the victims’ stories. Some of the children who lived in the house are still in the area, and her interviews with them hold the key to determining whether their disturbing accounts about Coram House and a young boy who died there are true. When a local is found murdered, Alex wonders if her research has triggered an avalanche of dangerous lies and must get to the truth before it’s buried for good. This heartfelt, high-stakes mystery gripped me from the start and delivered reveal after stunning reveal. A brilliant debut that is not to be missed!

Thank you to Netgalley Publishers for sending me an advanced copy.
Seybolt's novel was genuinely in my top 3 august reads. The setting, the set of characters, the mystery -- everything was made to plunge, literally and figuratively, into the story. I particularly loved the "files" where the children of coram house were interviewed.

An entertaining, murder mystery set in Vermont. I liked the context of the story unraveling two mysteries surrounding an orphanage. However, I felt that the author was trying for the eerie vibe but the execution was chunky and the characters fell flat. Keeping in mind this is a debut, overall an interesting story that took me back to the chilly, snowy winters of Vermont.

Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#NetGalley #CoramHouse

This was a very entertaining fridgedly cold atmospheric mystery novel. The orphanage is based on a real place but the rest is fictional. I liked the small town, author coming to write a book, mystery from the past that leaks into the present. It was good but the story slowed in some parts and some important clues were left out so the reader couldn’t have figured it all out.
3.5 stars

This book quite literally gave me the chills. It was incredibly atmospheric, to the point that I could feel the coldness of the setting as the author had described it. This book was unsettling, yet at the same time, hopeful. I appreciated the angle of giving voices to the missing children and having their stories be heard. I am an avid true crime enjoyer and feel as though this book touched on the ethics of that brand of journalism quite well. I'm excited to see what this author does next!

**Exploring the Haunting Mysteries of "Coram House" by Bailey Seybolt** Bailey Seybolt’s "Coram House" immerses readers in a captivating mystery that intricately weaves together the past and present, illuminating the dark secrets of a former church-run orphanage. Set against the backdrop of a now-abandoned institution, Seybolt invites us to delve into the psyche of the characters and the haunting echoes of their childhoods. The protagonist, Alex, accepts the challenging role of a ghostwriter for a lawyer representing former residents in a lawsuit against the church. This setup serves as a powerful narrative device, leading Alex—and the reader—on a journey through the traumatic history of Coram House, a place that was once a refuge but has now become a site of sorrow and neglect. As Alex sifts through depositions filled with disturbing accounts of abuse, the narrative unfolds with a gripping intensity. Each story reveals the harsh realities faced by children who were supposed to be protected. The revelation of at least one possible death by drowning adds a layer of suspense and intrigue, particularly the mysterious figure of a young boy who may or may not have existed. This ambiguity fuels the narrative, prompting readers to question the reliability of memory and the truth of the past. How much of our history is shaped by the stories we tell, whether through personal recollections or societal narratives? The book shines a light on the complexities of memory and trauma, encouraging readers to confront uncomfortable truths. One of the most poignant lines from the author's note resonates deeply: "The legacy of orphanages and residential schools has proven that power lies in controlling what is remembered." This statement encapsulates the core theme of "Coram House"—the struggle for truth in a system designed to suppress it. The historical context of the novel, loosely based on the real-life St. Joseph's Orphanage in Burlington, Vermont, which operated from 1854 to 1974, adds an additional layer of depth. By grounding the fictional narrative in historical events, Seybolt compels readers to reflect on the systemic issues related to child welfare and the societal tendency to forget or overlook the darker chapters of history. In exploring the stories of the former children of Coram House, Seybolt not only sheds light on past injustices but also invites readers to engage in a dialogue about accountability and healing. The fast-paced nature of the story ensures that readers remain captivated, eagerly turning pages to uncover the next twist in the mystery. Yet, it is the emotional weight of the narratives that lingers long after the book is closed. The intersection of personal and collective memory raises crucial questions about how we remember, who gets to tell their story, and how those stories shape our understanding of the world. In conclusion, "Coram House" is more than just a mystery novel; it is a poignant exploration of trauma, memory, and the legacies of institutions that have shaped countless lives. Bailey Seybolt masterfully crafts a narrative that is both thrilling and deeply reflective, urging readers to confront the uncomfortable truths that lie beneath the surface of forgotten histories. Through Alex's journey, we are reminded that the past, with all its complexities, is never truly behind us—it shapes our present and influences our future.


**Exploring the Shadows: A Reflection on "Coram House" by Bailey Seybolt** In "Coram House," Bailey Seybolt weaves an intriguing narrative that delves into the haunting past of a former church-run orphanage. This fast-paced mystery is not only a captivating read but also a poignant exploration of memory, trauma, and the legacies left behind by institutions like orphanages and residential schools. Central to the plot is Alex, a ghostwriter who takes on the task of documenting the depositions of former residents as part of a lawsuit against the church that once operated Coram House. Through Alex's investigation, the reader is drawn into a world of buried secrets, where the past refuses to stay silent. Seybolt's choice of setting—a dilapidated orphanage being redeveloped into condominiums—serves as a powerful metaphor for the struggle between progress and memory. As Alex sifts through the testimonies of the former children, he uncovers harrowing tales of abuse and neglect, including the chilling account of a young boy's possible drowning. The ambiguity surrounding the boy's existence adds an unsettling layer to the narrative, prompting readers to question the reliability of memory and the impact of trauma on individual lives. The line from the author's note, "The legacy of orphanages and residential schools has proven that power lies in controlling what is remembered," resonates deeply throughout the story, highlighting the struggle for truth in the face of institutional power. The stories recounted in "Coram House" are loosely based on the real history of St. Joseph's Orphanage in Burlington, Vermont, which operated for over a century. This connection to actual events amplifies the weight of Seybolt's narrative, as it reflects societal issues that persist today. The author skillfully intertwines fiction and history, compelling readers to confront uncomfortable truths about the past. By shedding light on the experiences of those who suffered in silence, Seybolt encourages a broader conversation about accountability and the importance of remembering. Moreover, the pacing of the novel keeps readers engaged, as Alex's journey unfolds with a sense of urgency. Each deposition reveals new layers of complexity, drawing the reader deeper into the mystery. Seybolt's writing is both evocative and accessible, making the novel an engaging read for those who enjoy mysteries intertwined with social commentary. Through Alex's eyes, we witness not only the horrors of childhood trauma but also the resilience of those who dare to speak out. In conclusion, "Coram House" by Bailey Seybolt is a compelling exploration of the interplay between memory and power. It serves as a reminder of the importance of confronting our pasts to ensure that the voices of the marginalized are heard and remembered. The book leaves readers with lingering questions about how societies reckon with their histories and the responsibilities that come with remembering. As we reflect on the stories within "Coram House," we are called to acknowledge the impact of forgotten histories and the necessity of giving voice to those who have been silenced.