Fairhaven Falls

This book is an absolute masterpiece of the Gothic horror genre. As a devoted fan of all things Gothic, I was drawn to it, even though I don't typically delve into horror. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that this novel offered an atmospheric and immersive experience that was perfect for evening reading.

The descriptions in this book are nothing short of brilliant. They create an atmosphere that is both chilling and captivating. The author's ability to transport the reader into this nightmarish world is truly exceptional.

One of the standout features of this book is the remarkable character development. The characters are incredibly well-rounded, each with their own depths and complexities. This added a layer of realism to the story that I found deeply engaging.

The use of multiple perspectives and non-linear timelines, which I often shy away from, was expertly executed here. It added an element of mystery and suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat.

What struck me most about this book, however, was its exploration of the very real horrors that can stem from human nature. While we often associate fear with supernatural creatures like vampires or ghosts, the most terrifying horrors can emerge from the depths of our own humanity. This novel delves into these dark corners of the human psyche in a way that is both thought-provoking and spine-tingling.

In summary, this book is a tour de force in the world of horror literature. It's a must-read for anyone who appreciates atmospheric storytelling, rich character development, and a narrative that lingers in your mind long after you've turned the final page.

This book is so engaging, compelling, and utterly horrifically accurate as to what was going on in insane asylums back in the days, not too long ago. . . that I can believe that this story is something that would have actually happened. It swings back and forth between the 1800s and present time, and how it all converges is simply amazing. I didn't see part of it coming. You think you know it all and have it all figured out. Nope, you don't. This book was unputdownable and a must-read for anyone interested in insane asylums and/or the extreme inhumane treatment of people, whether sane or insane. This story hit close to home with me because I had an ancestor who was placed in an insane asylum because he had a broken arm that wasn't set properly. He begged his family to send him clothes so he could get out. But he died there. Thank you to the author for writing this intensely believable book. You must read it.

The book has portrayed the real horror in life. I am sure you haven’t read more terrifying book than this. The characters were intriguing. The book also has true villains. It has been narrated in past and present timeline. Kelly family has lived in Fairhaven Falls for 100 years. But it has experienced a real horror. In the town of Fairhaven Falls, an asylum was built in a neo-gothic architectural style. It was more like prison as the Irish immigrants were brought in there and the Indians were called Heathen Indians.

In 1895, when a young immigrant Connor Kelly was brought in Fairhaven Falls Lunatic Asylum due to famine in Ireland. He has nowhere to go. He witness and experiences the true horror and brutality but when he tries to bring the light upon the asylum’s crimes and evil practices being carried on by people over there, his journey becomes perilous. While in the present day, Robbie Kelly can see and speak with dead people just like his brother Joe but he don’t know the town’s history. He gets caught in the web of myths, rumour, supernatural power and ancestral curse. He must get to the bottom of the gruesome history and horror to unveil the truth.

•Multiple POV
•Gruesome History
•Past and Present POV
•Non-linear timelines

Thank you Author. publisher and Netgalley

I'm a massive fan of anything gothic but don't read much horror - and nothing says horror to me more than an asylum run by evil monsters. This was HORROR at its best - I had to stop reading this book before bed and save it for daytime reading. I generally don't like multiple POVs in combination with moving backwards and forwards in time, but it worked well here. This book was more than I was expecting, perhaps due to the very real horror that is human nature - when we think of fear, we tend to think of fictional monsters such as vampires, werewolves, and ghosts, but the most terrifying thing is often the horror that humans are able and willing to unleash on other humans.

Thanks to NetGalleyfor providing this book to me. It is a really good ghost story, following Connor and Robbie and their curse to see ghosts. basically read the las 150 pg. in one sitting. In the beginning it was a little confusing, following a few points of view, but after that, absolute page turner. I also really appreciate, Boyan being presented as one of the good once, usually Bulgarians, don't have a very good role in movies and books (me being a Bulgarian), that was really nice! The one thing I could've go without is the same stories being explained or introduced twice.

* 4.5 stars *
Thank you NetGalley and KDP for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Fairhaven Falls by M.T. O'Neill is set in two times, one in 1895 following Connor Kelly in the Fairhaven Falls Lunatic Asylum, and the other in the present day following his ancestor Robbie Kelly. As Connor Kelly tries to bring the crimes of the Asylum staff to light, Robbie, in the present day, is back in town settling his estranged father's estate when he begins seeing old visions that he hasn't had since he was a child. As Robbie investigates the reasons for these visions, he discovers more about his ancestor Connor Kelly and what he must do to help himself and those long gone.
Where to begin on all the things I loved in this story... the main characters are incredible people that you want justice for. Some parts of this book I will admit were hard to read because the care I felt for these characters made me want justice for them. The author did a very good job at making you feel the injustice of what was happening and the suspense of trying to bring it to light with the characters.
When I went into this story, I expected a horror thriller novel to be creepy and entertaining but what I got from it was so much more. I actually cried reading some bitter sweet moments which I do not do often with novels. The reunions and peace being brought to wronged souls was something that I really appreciated and enjoyed from this book.
The only reason I knocked it down a half a star is from the overt political statements. Politics are normal in all novels, but there was no subtlety in a few of the comments which took me out of the main point of the story. However the majority did relate to the story and built on the ideas conveyed by the other.
I definitely recommend this book to any adult I know that is ok with the darker subjects of this novel. I am going to buy a copy for my husband to read as soon as it comes out!

A slow burn build up, with a sprinkling of ghostly goodness, that leads the reader to a heart pounding and most satisfying conclusion. The dual timelines connect characters across history and tell the tale of life in Fairhaven Falls Insane Asylum and its continued influence on the descendants of both those working, and those imprisoned within its walls. A gem of a ghost story!
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with an advanced readers copy of this title free of charge. I'm leaving an honest review voluntarily.

I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are my own opinions.

I would like to begin by saying, the trigger warning list at the beginning of the book was a great idea.

Fairhaven Falls is a wonderful combination of my favorite horror/thriller genre. History, asylums, the dead, and mystery.

I was hooked right away and did nothing but read in my free time, The time jumps were fun and made the book interesting subplots.

Fīat jūstitia ruat cælum...may justice be done. Two men, Connor and Robbie, battle across time to fight the legacy of Fairhaven Falls. Connor, an Irishman from the late 1800's, is committed to the asylum by his wife after he admits to being tormented by ghostly visions. Robbie in the present day is similarly plagued from childhood into adulthood. Told from dual POV across two centuries, the men work to expose the horrible injustices that have happened at the Fairhaven Falls asylum.

Fairhaven Falls is the perfect mashup of two of my favorite horror elements, asylums and ghosts. The storytelling is well done. It is impossible not to sympathize with the plights of Connor, his fellow inmates, and Robbie. This book is chilling and heartbreaking in all the right ways. It nails the creepy horror vibe without being too much or overly grotesque, especially when dealing with some sensitive subjects as time. This is the perfect spooky read for the fall!