This was my first introduction to author Jon Bassoff. The premise sounded so intriguing and truly one of a kind. It will be hard to give this review without spoilers, so this will be short and sweet.

I could feel the eerie vision this plot was trying to put off, but the writing style and overall delivery was so repetitive and boring that I lost interest and checked out of the story before the "explanation".

Honestly I was left confused and questioning if I missed important elements of the story, but it honestly wasn't even worth re-reading to double check my misgivings. The reveal was so anticlimactic I thought I missed it.

Thanks to Netgalley and Blackstone Publishing for allowing my an advanced e-copy to read and give my honest review. It was a 3 star read.

"The Memory Ward" is currently available for purchase. It has plenty of 4 and 5 star reviews, so clearly many people enjoyed it.

Happy Reading!

Fans of The Matrix, Black Mirror, and Don't Worry Darling, drop everything for The Memory Ward (I promise, you won't regret it). This book is sickenly entertaining, from start to finish, and when you walk away from it, you are bound to be questioning your own reality at least a bit.

Alright, lets get into it.

Story- I think the concept and the story is really the star of this book. Hank is about as normal as you can be, a postal worker in an idyllic small town. So when he starts noticing that the things around him aren't quite adding up, he's left to wonder "why me?". I found myself completely entranced by the mystery of this story, and although this concept has been done before, I just enjoyed the direction that Jon Bassoff went with it so much. I loved the layered story telling, and the raw sense of wrongness the emanated from every encounter that Hank had. The Memory Ward was that quick, wild, bingeable type of story that I often crave. 5/5

Characters- It takes some talent to make a literal murderer likable, but Jon Bassoff manages to do just that. Our main character here is handled very well in my opinion, despite being several different people through the story, the author maintains a palpable sense of individuality within Hank (or whatever you'd prefer to call him) that I really respect. The 'nature vs. nurture' aspect is evident and plays out nicely, and the overall themes about identity are really brought out through Hank's different lives. Outside of our main character, the side characters are extremely hollow, which would typically be a mark against a book for me, but here it is necessary. The "off-ness" of the other people living in this small town work so well, and at times I found myself getting chilled by just how wrong each of the other players felt. 4.5/5

Atmosphere- Bethlam was perfect in my opinion. The isolation of the desert mixed with the eerie suburbia of the town and it's inhabitants was spot on. The atmosphere here was perfect, and it played so well into the story that Jon Bassoff was telling. 5/5

Writing- While I loved the other building blocks of this book, I do have to say that the writing itself was nothing special. I would have liked to see the author take a little more risk in this department and develop his prose. As is, the writing in this story is quite basic, and I'm afraid that this holds the story back. In some ways, the simplicity does help solidify the naivety of our main character, but I feel that there are other ways to do that that would be more effective, and I truly can't tell if the simplicity of the writing was a conscious choice or not. I find myself curious as to whether or not this is the case for Jon Bassoff's other works, and I plan to seek out more of his stories in time.

I enjoyed my time in The Memory Ward, as I'm sure many others will.

3.5⭐️ This book was a little mind-bending. The first half reminded me a lot of the movie The Truman Show. It was a slow burn and I found myself becoming bored. The book picked up in the last half when it provided more detail about the character Catherine. It held my interest pretty well from there.
I would say this book fits the genre of sci-fi.

I love his previous title Beneath Cruel Waters. And was to express to see a new story released.
The Memory Ward by Jon Bassoff keeps you hooked till the very end.
A well written suspense filled with twists that kept me hooked from the very beginning.
A quick and fun read that I finished in a few hours.
The characterization was superb, the writing pacey and flowing, and the tension delivered in a series of shocks and twists along the way.
This is a tightly written story, with well developed characters and enough suspense to keep you reading.

I’m ultimately giving this 3.25 stars, because, while I was intrigued by the story, the last quarter of it was wholly unsatisfying. All that buildup, and then I was left confused and grasping for an explanation that made some kind of sense.

The premise is interesting enough: someone finds out he’s been delivering blank letters in his picture-perfect neighborhood, and everyone seems to be a little too interested in what he’s doing. Something is off, and it’s very unsettling. And so the investigation begins….


Content warning: there are a few extremely gruesome scenes. Proceed with caution. I personally won’t be reading this again.

My thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for an advance copy. All opinions are my own.

Jon Bassoff’s The Memory Ward is a psychological thriller that masterfully blends elements of speculative fiction, science, and mind-bending suspense. This gripping novel unravels a reality so intricate and unsettling that it forces readers to question perception, identity, and the boundaries of memory itself.

The story, reminiscent of the psychological unease in Don’t Worry Darling, takes the concept of distorted reality and enhances it with a scientific depth that adds layers of complexity. Bassoff crafts an eerie, immersive world where truth is elusive, and the mind becomes both a refuge and a prison. His sharp prose and measured pacing create an atmosphere of unease that lingers long after the final page.

What sets The Memory Ward apart is its ability to not only surprise but to challenge readers, prompting them to rethink their assumptions at every turn. The novel thrives on its intricate storytelling, weaving together psychological tension with thought-provoking questions about identity and control. Fans of cerebral thrillers that push the boundaries of reality will find this book a deeply satisfying and mind-altering experience.

For those who enjoy novels that unravel the very fabric of perception, The Memory Ward is an absolute must-read.

To be completely honest, I almost gave up on The Memory Ward. It didn't initially grab me, but I had seen so many postive reviews that I kept at it, and I'm so glad that I did. What a complete mind-twist this book is, and the ending still blew my mind. Do you have to be willing to suspend belief a little bit? Yes. Is it worth it? Absolutely.

Life is pretty perfect in Bethlam, Nevada - no place you would rather live. The people are friendly and there is no crime to speak of. But postal worker Hank Davies has started to suspect something is off in this idyllic little town. And he’s certain of that when he realizes the letters he’s been delivering are just blank pages. When someone knocks on his window in the middle of the night, urging him to investigate his bedroom wall, he peels back the wallpaper to discover dozens of sheets of paper, full of a story that is either complete madness or unbelievable truth. As Hank tries to discern truth from fiction, he will have to peel back the layers of the carefully constructed life he has been living.

OMG..... my head is still reeling. This book was amazing. It definitely gave off hints of Stepford Wives. The town creeped me out before anything even started happening. I flew through this book. I could not put it down. I can not recommend this one enough. If you love horror or thrillers with a super creepy vibe to them, then this needs to be at the top of your TBR pile. You can thank me later!

The Memory Ward is the first book I have ever needed someone to discuss the ending because I was blown away. It's a speculative thriller that will pull you in and have you questioning reality. I talk about this book to others even if I read it back in January as an ARC. I stayed up until after midnight to finish because I couldn't wait to peel back the layers including that wallpaper. By the time you finish, you'll be questioning ethics and empathy for characters. Couldn't have been a better-timed publication for the future possibilities of science and technology.

Intriguing twisty story.

My suggestion--just go into this blind and don't try too hard to figure it all out. Just go with it.

Basic premise--Hank Davies is a mail carrier in the small picturesque town of Bethlam, Nevada. Everyone knows everyone else. He drops an envelope on the ground and it comes open. When he looks at the letter inside, he discovers that it is just a blank paper. He opens a couple more and finds out they are all blank. What is going on? A woman in the town tells him that there is definitely something wrong--she tells him to peel back his wallpaper and read what he finds. Those writings bring him chills.

I liked how this story twisted and turned in multiple ways. It uncovers things about memory, identity, and agency. How much do we really remember about our pasts? Are there things we wish we could forget?

This book is a bit like a nightmare, and then waking up from the nightmare to discover that real life just might be worse. Once everything about this novel slots into place the reader's mind will be reeling. I really enjoyed my reading experience, I didn't want to put the book down because I wanted to know what would happen.

This isn't going to be a book for everyone, but I really liked this unique concept and all of the wild turns the story took as it went along.

The Memory Ward 5⭐️
Brilliantly Bizarre.

There’s something calmly terrifying when every single resident of Bethlam smiles. Too much, too big, too long, too….suspiciously. The Memory Ward was packed full of creepy vibes and lots of questions. It was unique and kept my attention from beginning to end. I was fully immersed in this story’s world and transported to the town of Bethlam. The writing style allowed me to see, hear, and experience each description provided.

Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. This review will be shared on NetGalley and Goodreads.

Pub Date Mar 04 2025

What a great book this is. I enjoyed the pacing and characterization. It kept me turning the pages late into the night. I'll be reading more from this author.

Thank you for my gifted copy.
My full review will be shared to my Instagram account @coffee.break.book.reviews.

Things aren't quite right in Bethlam, Nevada. 
It’s a whiplash of a book. It captured me with the ‘so perfect, it must be sinister’ isolated community hook.

3-1 Update: TikTok post
The Memory Ward builds quietly, chipping away at perception and building its unsettling effects. It's a strange, disturbing book. Things get freaky.

The final 30% hits a tender-bits-to-the-wall intensity that kept me reading non-stop. The ending left me all the more unsettled, yet in a way that fit and satisfied.

This is a brilliantly sneaky book that pushes on many fears in a masterful way. The exploration of expected male roles and relationships was one of my favorite aspects of the book--that and the stark horror.

Jon Bassoff is an unusual talent. I’ll be looking for more of his work. I recommend The Memory Ward for seasoned readers of dark fiction who aren't upset by intense content. Thank you, Blackstone Publishing, for the eARC for consideration. These are solely my own opinions.

Thank you Netgalley & Blackstone Publishing Inc for an eARC ❤️


I'm not even kidding, Jon Bassoff's latest thriller has left me with a serious case of the heebie-jeebies. I'd been waiting for what felt like forever to dive into this book, and let me tell you, it was TOTALLY worth the wait... but also totally terrifying.
The story's about Hank Davies, a postal worker in this super creepy town called Bethlam, Nevada. I mean, the town itself seems normal enough, but trust me, nothing's as it seems. When Hank starts delivering blank sheets of paper to residents, he uncovers this sinister web of secrets and lies that'll make your skin crawl.
I'm talking seriously unsettling stuff here. Bassoff's writing is like a masterclass in building tension and creating an atmosphere of unease. Each chapter is like a slow-burning fire that'll keep you on edge, wondering what's going to happen next.
And the characters? Forget about it. They're all hiding secrets, and you'll be guessing until the very end who's behind the sinister forces at work in Bethlam.
What really got me, though, was how this book messed with my head. I mean, I thought I knew what was going on, but then Bassoff would throw in another twist that'd completely flip my theories on their head. 🤯😳

This was a total page turner with really interesting things to say about humanity. I loved the small town setting with an odd twist.

Are there some things it is better not to know?

In the small remote town of Bethlam, Nevada, living is simple and each day is very much like the next. Mail carrier Hank Davies lives in a small house there with his wife Iris pondering the sameness of his life when he trips over a branch on the sidewalk and a few letters slip out of his mail sack. That random mishap will set off a chain of events that will make him question the reality of his world. He was in an accident recently, and wants to chalk up the strange thoughts and dreams he's been having to the effects of that night. He has a good job, a loving wife, and everyone agrees that there is no better place to live than Bethlam...so why is he so uneasy? What would it mean if his memories aren't truly his memories at all?
Within the first few chapters of The Memory Ward it becomes clear that all is not what it seems in Bethlam, but the truth of what is going on remains a mystery for much of the book. What is true and what is a lie? Can you remember something or someone and have the memory not be real? Can any of us ever escape who we essentially are? With traces of The Truman Show and The Stepford Wives all through a Twilight Zone-like filter, this is a psychological thriller that pulls the reader down into Hank's mental rabbit hole. There is an eeriness in the tone of the story as well, as the image of the picture perfect town where everyone is safe and happy is overshadowed by the doubts that Hank begins to harbor. I found the plot fairly predictable despite the occasional twists, and apart from the main protagonist I didn't find much depth to the characters...overall I found it an okay read, but not particularly original. Based on other reviews I have read, some readers have found it unputdownable and a fantastic read, so take my opinion with that contrast in mind. It will likely appeal to readers of authors like Blake Crouch, Iain Reid and Gillian Flynn. My thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for allowing me early access to The Memory Ward in exchange for my review.

YES. YES. YES. There was a slow start and took me a few tries to get into it - picked it up and put it down and finally got to the middle and was absolutely hooked! I've already recommended this book to many friends. It gives Don't Worry Darling vibes. The ending! Pheww. The author did an amazing job at making twists and turns without the reader getting lost in them.

Thank you NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for this ARC! I truly enjoyed the ride! And what a weird, yet refreshing, ride it was! This book started off as reminiscent of The Truman Show film, but kept the reader suspended, needing to know the WHY.

This story follows a weird cast of characters, all with a weird feeling that reality isn’t what they’re being told. All with the need to understand what is going on. The pacing of this book was good- I really enjoyed the split perception of Catherine! It had just enough flavor to it that it was easy to follow and keep the reader engaged.

I liked the introduction of new characters and their follow up in later parts. I loved the ending and the questions it left, but also the rinse and repeat aspect. This book didn’t fit into my typical genre, but I had so much fun with it!

3.5 🌟
The Memory Ward by Jon Bassoff is a mesmerizing and haunting novel that will grip you from the very first page. A dark, atmospheric thriller with psychological depth, this book is an exploration of memory, trauma, and the haunting nature of the past

The plot builds quietly, chipping away at perception and building its unsettling effects. It's a strange, disturbing book. Things get freaky.

The final 30% hits a tender-bits-to-the-wall intensity that kept me reading non-stop. The ending left me all the more unsettled, yet in a way that fit and satisfied.

The Memory Ward by Jon Bassoff is very highly recommended psychological suspense novel with a science fiction connection. This page-turner had me fully engaged and speculating right from the start.

Mailman Hank Davies knows it is always beautiful in Bethlam, Nevada. He is surprised one day when a letter he is delivering isn't sealed and he sees it is a blank page. He checks two others and realizes they are blank too. When he arrives home, he mentions the blank letters to his wife. Then he starts to notice people watching him. Finally, a woman knocks on his window late at night and tells him to trust no one and check out what is under the wallpaper in the bedroom.
Mailman Wallie Daley knows it is always beautiful in Bethlam, Nevada...

The eerie and mysterious atmosphere created in The Memory Ward immediately appealed to me as the plot explores identity, memory, trauma, observation and suspicion. The quick paced narrative is divided up into five parts and the story of three different characters is told. Gradually, the three story lines converge, and the truth about Bethlam is revealed. This mind-bending novel is short, so it can be read quickly and is best started only knowing the basic plot information.

There are strong Twilight Zone vibes with a snippet of the X Files in The Memory Ward and I loved it. Thanks to Blackstone Publishing for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

The review will be published on Edelweiss, Barnes & Noble and Amazon.