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Criminally Insane #3
Night Cage
He feels safe in his cage. But if he escapes, you'll never be safe again.
They are the most dangerous mother-son serial killer team in history. "Bloody Mary" Chilmark is certifiable – just ask her doctor. The Darden State Hospital is home to the most dangerous psychopathic killers in the country. But Bloody Mary got out, and raised her baby away from that bad environment.
But her son Doc's been arrested, processed, and held at Darden State -- and is considered one of the most dangerous of the hospital's inmates. As wildfires burn out of control in Southern California, authorities face the overwhelming task of relocating hundreds of Darden's patients to other prison hospitals before the raging inferno descend
In the frenzy, "Bloody Mary" finds her opportunity to free her son.
It's up to Trey Campbell and officer Jane Laymon to hunt for the mother-son duo in the dark underworld maze of the old asylum beneath the hospital.
They are the most dangerous mother-son serial killer team in history. "Bloody Mary" Chilmark is certifiable – just ask her doctor. The Darden State Hospital is home to the most dangerous psychopathic killers in the country. But Bloody Mary got out, and raised her baby away from that bad environment.
But her son Doc's been arrested, processed, and held at Darden State -- and is considered one of the most dangerous of the hospital's inmates. As wildfires burn out of control in Southern California, authorities face the overwhelming task of relocating hundreds of Darden's patients to other prison hospitals before the raging inferno descend
In the frenzy, "Bloody Mary" finds her opportunity to free her son.
It's up to Trey Campbell and officer Jane Laymon to hunt for the mother-son duo in the dark underworld maze of the old asylum beneath the hospital.
310 pages, Paperback
First published September 27, 2004
49 people are currently reading
228 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 1, 2008
I saw this book, noticed Harper's name and immediately sighed. Yes, it is true Lord, Harper and I do not have what you would call a loving relationship. In fact, our entire relationship seems to be based on how many times he can trick me into reading. I mean, c'mon, this one had my name written all over. Literally, Bloody Mary was one of the characters. Right there he got me. Her name is a character rather than her person, in that others mention her more than she does or says. Yes, we learn a little about her, but we never actually get to see her in the swing of things. What happened to her as a child with her stepfather? Why does she feel the need to give back what you gave it? What's her deal with the state hospital and why doesn't she just move to the next county? Yes, Harper hints at it, but he never come right out and gives the explanation.
What about the remaining characters? Well, Lord, I know that Trey is the main character but that is pretty much all I can remember. I'm sorry, but he was so prosaic and the remaining cast was just far too stereotypical and outlandish to bother retaining their images. Let me give you an example: Doc (who is actually the patient) has been physically abused, mentally corrupted, and just basically treated like a dirty dog all his life. Also, he lives in a big dog cage. So there hasn't been too many chances for him to watch VH1, catch up on the latest jargon or stay updated on pop culture because he is way too busy being a toy for his parents.
Doctor Trey: "You look uncomfortable. Would you like the restraints off?"
Doc: "No. I heart my straitjacket," he said. [page 74]
Honestly Lord, what are the chances this kid would know modern slang?
The plot, oh Lord, the plot was bad. Well you know, I kept calling out your name to make it stop, remember? The back cover makes it sound as if Bloody Mary and Doc are in the underground part of the hospital for the entire book. Not so, they don't even get there until Chapter 37. And he wasted all that time with unrealized character histories and rehashing for those that haven't read the other two. Also, Harper never really delves into the history of the hospital. With all that establishing, he never really digs up the nitty gritty of what went on in the hospital; he just basically gave a tour.
The pace hurt, oh dear God, it hurt. It was painfully slow and then all of sudden he decided to rush the end. Was Harper’s (a.k.a. Douglas Clegg) style at least good, you ask? He writes around actions rather than from inside them, gives far too much adjective laden description and his dialog is problematic. Sometimes the conversations border on the banal, other times far-fetched, but mostly it's counterproductive. Instead of looking forward to hearing the players interact, I found myself wishing for more descriptions. I'm sorry to heap this all on you, but I really needed some peace. Serenity Now, Lord, Serenity Now!
-As posted on Horror-Web
January 27, 2016
Andrew Harper is the pseudonym for horror enthusiast Douglas Clegg. Harper’s novels may be labeled as more of a ‘thriller’ by Leisure books, and, while I have not yet red his other novel ‘Red Angel’ and unable to comment on it, Night Cage was, to me, held an utterly terrifying premise. The plot has to do with insane killers, the branch of psychiatry, what could go wrong with the human mind (particularly when the body is subjected to abuse), and old asylums come on, what could be creepier??
The atmosphere of Night Cage was psychologically rich. All scenes within the hospital walls, particularly the underground section, were eerie. The moments of slaughter were cruel, the insanity of some characters disturbingly convincing, even with internal dialogue being the only thing to rely on. Creepy and intense.
Trey as the main character was excellent. I enjoyed seeing his own issues and how they counter acted with his job. I dug his sense of morality as well..not only was he the ‘nice guy’, he also seemed so real it was almost spooky. “Doc” Chilmark and his mother, “Bloody Mary”, are eerie as hell for the antagonists. Psychos almost tragic in nature. Jim as the best friend of Trey was adorably likeable with a sense of humor I enjoy characters having. Adequate mystery surrounded Dr. Brainard and others when it was needed even less likeable characters, such as Victor, grew on me after awhile.
The pace was as it should be to make Night Cage worth tight and well planned.
Style : Harper’s style is crisp and short at points to heighten suspense and action; he uses a lot of pauses in other sentences to draw scenes out. His writing is an ideal companion to this type of story.
I was excited to read a novel from the talented source of Clegg’s mind. His talent under the Harper handle did not disappoint. Night Cage was a haunting, dramatic, suspenseful, and fulfilling. Whether labeled as suspense, horror, or whatever, it put a smile on this readers face and I’m willing to bet it would do the same for you.
The atmosphere of Night Cage was psychologically rich. All scenes within the hospital walls, particularly the underground section, were eerie. The moments of slaughter were cruel, the insanity of some characters disturbingly convincing, even with internal dialogue being the only thing to rely on. Creepy and intense.
Trey as the main character was excellent. I enjoyed seeing his own issues and how they counter acted with his job. I dug his sense of morality as well..not only was he the ‘nice guy’, he also seemed so real it was almost spooky. “Doc” Chilmark and his mother, “Bloody Mary”, are eerie as hell for the antagonists. Psychos almost tragic in nature. Jim as the best friend of Trey was adorably likeable with a sense of humor I enjoy characters having. Adequate mystery surrounded Dr. Brainard and others when it was needed even less likeable characters, such as Victor, grew on me after awhile.
The pace was as it should be to make Night Cage worth tight and well planned.
Style : Harper’s style is crisp and short at points to heighten suspense and action; he uses a lot of pauses in other sentences to draw scenes out. His writing is an ideal companion to this type of story.
I was excited to read a novel from the talented source of Clegg’s mind. His talent under the Harper handle did not disappoint. Night Cage was a haunting, dramatic, suspenseful, and fulfilling. Whether labeled as suspense, horror, or whatever, it put a smile on this readers face and I’m willing to bet it would do the same for you.
June 6, 2022
3.5 rounded up to 4. This was my least favourite book of the series. It had a lot of potential but something fell flat for me in the writing style, especially in the last scenes.
Overall, an enjoyable series and great premise in Night Cage as well as the other 2 books.
Overall, an enjoyable series and great premise in Night Cage as well as the other 2 books.
December 11, 2023
Night Cage by 'Andrew Harper' was intensely dark and disturbing. He deftly used the stigmas that surround "insane asylums" as a basis for the story. He pulls you right into the cruel world of experimentation and 'cures' for insanity long before there was any type of pain inhibitors used for these treatments. A fascinating story that gets under your skin and into your brain. This was excellent! Highly recommend!
June 25, 2019
I cannot put into words how much I was intrigued by this series!
This series was so good that I went right from one book to the next. It makes you wonder about the people that really do this type of work in real life! I have enjoyed many of Douglas Clegg's books and will continue, as I see that he has quite a collection of works🤗 Thank you good Sir😉
This series was so good that I went right from one book to the next. It makes you wonder about the people that really do this type of work in real life! I have enjoyed many of Douglas Clegg's books and will continue, as I see that he has quite a collection of works🤗 Thank you good Sir😉
September 14, 2018
Excellent Read
I got the first book of this trilogy on Book Bub for a very low price. After devouring it, I knew I had to read the other two. These provide insight into the minds of the insane as well as those who care for them. I am anxious to read more by this talented author.
I got the first book of this trilogy on Book Bub for a very low price. After devouring it, I knew I had to read the other two. These provide insight into the minds of the insane as well as those who care for them. I am anxious to read more by this talented author.
November 29, 2017
More serial killers, same other support staff. Still good (and sicker).
December 15, 2018
Didn't disappoint
Although darker than his previous two books, I still enjoyed it. I hope to see more installments involving Trey and Darden State.
Although darker than his previous two books, I still enjoyed it. I hope to see more installments involving Trey and Darden State.
February 1, 2021
Great book!
October 29, 2022
I have had this book for years and finally read it. I loved it! I still be looking into more books by this author for sure.
August 31, 2020
This novel wasn't as good as the first two, but the first novel was the best of the 3 in the series. I still say it was worth the read.
August 14, 2016
I think that I might have to change my opinion of Douglas Clegg; he occasionally writes under the pseudonym of Andrew Harper. I used to not like him because his stories kept having flashback within flashback and were a tad confusing. It seems that he has either changed his writing style or I like it more because the last couple of books I read by him were enjoyed.
Night Cage follows Trey Campbell who works at Darden State Hospital, a home for the criminally insane and a place with its own secrets. A young man accused of murder and called Doc is brought in and placed under Trey's care; what ends up happening is a revenge tale that is years in the making. Doc was actually conceived at Darden while his mother was placed there; the father is still unknown but someone at the hospital. The suspense builds as the mystery unravels and the mother's scheme comes to fruition. The story culminates in the abandoned ruins of the old hospital before it was remodeled, a place that is very creepy.
The novel is one that I enjoyed and would recommend. It's not "an instant classic" but it is a solid story and one that you will enjoy.
Night Cage follows Trey Campbell who works at Darden State Hospital, a home for the criminally insane and a place with its own secrets. A young man accused of murder and called Doc is brought in and placed under Trey's care; what ends up happening is a revenge tale that is years in the making. Doc was actually conceived at Darden while his mother was placed there; the father is still unknown but someone at the hospital. The suspense builds as the mystery unravels and the mother's scheme comes to fruition. The story culminates in the abandoned ruins of the old hospital before it was remodeled, a place that is very creepy.
The novel is one that I enjoyed and would recommend. It's not "an instant classic" but it is a solid story and one that you will enjoy.
October 8, 2010
This is part of the 2008 Cemetery Dance book club(August selection?). I've just received it in June of 2009.
This one starts like a Dodge V8 from the seventies; an alto — no no no no no no, followed by a baritone — okay.
Why did Andrew Harper decide to use Trey Campbell as the main character and devote so much to this guy? In the beginning, he’s drifting off to sleep after midnight, wakes up at five-fifteen (doing the math, that’s five hours); then his wife says something about it taking him a good eight hours to do whatever. Slipshod.
I wanted to know more about “Bloody Mary” Chilmark. I wanted to understand Doc better. I wanted to read about a flashback that gives us a reason for “Bloody Mary’s” actions. I wanted to hear about how screwed up the facility’s past was and get a better grip on Dr. Brainard.
There is a plot here with a focus on the wrong things to really make this fire on all cylinders. Even when people are getting “operated on” down in the night cage at the end, there are sensory things missing. It just wasn’t a cinematic experience reading this story.
This one starts like a Dodge V8 from the seventies; an alto — no no no no no no, followed by a baritone — okay.
Why did Andrew Harper decide to use Trey Campbell as the main character and devote so much to this guy? In the beginning, he’s drifting off to sleep after midnight, wakes up at five-fifteen (doing the math, that’s five hours); then his wife says something about it taking him a good eight hours to do whatever. Slipshod.
I wanted to know more about “Bloody Mary” Chilmark. I wanted to understand Doc better. I wanted to read about a flashback that gives us a reason for “Bloody Mary’s” actions. I wanted to hear about how screwed up the facility’s past was and get a better grip on Dr. Brainard.
There is a plot here with a focus on the wrong things to really make this fire on all cylinders. Even when people are getting “operated on” down in the night cage at the end, there are sensory things missing. It just wasn’t a cinematic experience reading this story.
June 28, 2011
There's nothing bad about this book, but nothing too great, either. It's the standard psycho-revenge-story where every plot twist is seen a mile away. It does move at a fast pace, which I enjoyed, but I can't quite recommend it. During the last third of the book, many scenes are cut back and forth where suspenseful details are left out as the story moves ahead and the reader fills in the blanks. However, those blanks could have added the flavor and atmosphere that this book desperately needed. Andrew Harper/Douglas Clegg writes this book as if it were a 90 minute movie -- skipping the details -- instead of taking the time to examine the terror of each situation and delve into the characters the way a good novel does.
November 2, 2011
Harper did a great job at the Pattersonesque style, short choppy chapters, some with no more than a paragraph. It wasn't exactly what i was expecting going into it, I thought it might be more of a horror story, centered around a mental institution (Which is why I chose it for the end of October), but it turned out to be more of a detective thriller. It was decent, with a number of two dimensional characters who all seem to die, except for the few main characters who have a super mega happy ending, despite the hell they experienced in the denouement.
June 28, 2016
Night Cage is a incredibly crazy, sick & thrilling ride. I absolutely loved this series and hope there will be more books to come. Trey Campbell is a very relatable character whose life's vision is to help those who are seriously mentally ill. Reading about the characters of Doc & Mary was akin to watching on the sidelines. Brilliant story line & seriously sick fate for especially Robert. Obviously, Mary had the deceased infant in her grocery bag & how Doc "impregnated" Robert was sick on a new level. Definitely a must read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2016
NIGHT CAGE is book three of presumably a trilogy revolving around a doctor that works at a State Hospital for the Criminally Insane in Southern California. While all three books are stand alone novels they are inter-related in that characters appear in all three.
Douglas Clegg does a terrific job instilling the horror of medicines past as he delves into the hospitals background in this book. It made for an excellent read.
I recommend reading all three books.
Douglas Clegg does a terrific job instilling the horror of medicines past as he delves into the hospitals background in this book. It made for an excellent read.
I recommend reading all three books.
January 18, 2015
I didn't really like RED ANGEL, the first in this series, but I found this one a bit more enjoyable. I still couldn't get much into it, but at least this time the villains were more interesting, and the situation certainly got my attention. I don't know if I can recommend this book, but I can say it's better than the first by far.
December 8, 2025
This is the third and last book in this series, and it was very good. Clegg is a good horror writer, and this series about the hospital for mental criminals has been a creepy and fun read. The characters are well described and very relateable, and the setting is perfect for this kind of horror story. I enjoyed it a lot.
May 5, 2010
A good page turner. It kept me reading until late in to the night to finish it.
December 21, 2010
Scared the crap out of me.
May 7, 2011
was a really good book. scared me like crazy.
January 24, 2016
Called it! Totally called it!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews