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.

I rated this book on Goodreads, but will summarize here!

This book is 3.5 stars for keeping me engaged from start to finish. Minus one random character, I found everyone super well written.

This book is perfect for fans of true crime and individuals who enjoyed The Keepers on Netflix.

I read (and was moved and horrified by) Ghosts of the Orphanage by Christine Kenneally last year and this novel is a good companion to that nonfiction account of the horrors the children of a Catholic orphanage in Vermont endured. I really felt it added to the intensity and understanding of the reading experience to have read the actual account of what went on at the orphanage. The novel is bleak and upsetting, but written with such an empathetic tone that it makes for quick reading. The mystery was intriguing, the story was engaging, and I thought the mixed media use of police transcripts added to the experience. Ifinished this novel feeling infuriated, so it feels odd to say I loved this book, but I did.

I must thank Atria for inviting me to read this book. It was definitely an unique experience and I very much enjoyed everything the book has to give. At times I was wondering that is this going to veer towards a more paranormal/supernatural direction? Irrespective of that, this was a truly good read and at times very dark. I recommend this one highly. (Rating - 4.75 out of 5 stars).

When Alex moves to upstate Vermont to be a ghostwriter, her life is in shambles. Will working on this new book, about abuses at a catholic convent, help or hurt? As she gets deeper into the story, she uncovers more secrets and more danger. I liked this book--it's a good mystery. I was hesitant because I really didn't want to read about sexual abusers in the Catholic church but that was not the focus of the story at all. There were lots of red herrings and maybe one too many (Xander? Not sure what that storyline added) and on the whole a good read.

intriguing, thrilling, exciting and so much more. this is my first read by this author and i loved what i read. i can't wait to read more!

fleshed-out characters. good plot to keep you flipping the pages. a story that is unputdownable in so many ways. complex twist.

Coram House is a well executed novel that takes place in Vermont. The FMC, Alex, is a struggling author who is attempting to redeem herself after her second novel didn’t do too well. After struggling with personal issues, Alex is propositioned with a story about an orphanage, Coram House. Can she uncover the truth about the traumatic experiences these children dealt with decades ago?

** Coram House focuses on the history of orphanages, such as St. Joseph's in Vermont.

This was one of the best books I've read in quite sometime. Thank you Bailey & NetGalley for an ARC.

I think the concept of this book was good, but it got lost in the details. The case itself and the mystery itself was interesting. There were a lot of plausible suspects and I thought the end twist was decent, though again, I didn't feel much towards it. The parts I liked the most were the interview transcripts. The way they were sprinkled throughout, dropping hints here and there in very subtle ways was well done. The author also had a pretty good sense of place, and you could feel the cold seeping in through the descriptions of the snow and ice.

Unfortunately, there were a lot of mundane scenes that ultimately didn't feel like they were helping to progress the story forward. They didn't really even let me get to know the main character who, if I'm being completely honest, was a bit of a bore. If I had felt more for her I think I wouldn't have minded the mundane parts, but ultimately I don't think I got to know her well enough to feel any particular way about her.

I think that if the suspense was cranked up a little bit more and the main character was less . . . meh, then Coram House could have been a very good story.

That being said, it was good. I think that mystery readers who like true crime documentaries, especially ones about the church, will enjoy this novel. Same with mystery readers who like their novels to have a strong seasonal setting.

Skillfully crafted, atmospheric thriller. I was drawn in immediately, and stayed hooked til the end.

Five amazing stars. This book was so well written and is like a walk into some creepy woods in the dark. It starts off with a basic mystery and then it twists and turns and drags you into the darkest of dark places. There are moments so sad and heart wrenching and then moments of pure fear and terror. The characters were well done and appropriate for their roles. This was a fantastically done book and I highly recommend it