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Frame of Mind
"They say when your mind begins to unravel, you can almost feel the threads parting from the ball of string. The neurons and impulses grasp at the strands desperately trying to keep your mind whole, but it isn’t enough. Before long, the things which make a person have dissipated, along with any resemblance to sanity."
Welcome to Moriarty Hospital.
An all consuming darkness lives within these walls.
The overseer of this place, Dr. Christian Verne believes in using whatever experimental or devious methods he can to further his research into the potential of the human mind, often experimenting on those deemed insane, with little or no regard for their safety.
However, when Kristin Silverton is admitted following several violent and painful blackouts, during which she murdered multiple people, it soon becomes clear that whatever she has brought into the hospital is being enhanced by the presence of a malevolent entity residing there.
As Kristin descends into madness, violence, and becomes possessed by evil, can both her affliction and the evil within the hospital be defeated, or will the darkness consume her like so many before her?
Welcome to Moriarty Hospital.
An all consuming darkness lives within these walls.
The overseer of this place, Dr. Christian Verne believes in using whatever experimental or devious methods he can to further his research into the potential of the human mind, often experimenting on those deemed insane, with little or no regard for their safety.
However, when Kristin Silverton is admitted following several violent and painful blackouts, during which she murdered multiple people, it soon becomes clear that whatever she has brought into the hospital is being enhanced by the presence of a malevolent entity residing there.
As Kristin descends into madness, violence, and becomes possessed by evil, can both her affliction and the evil within the hospital be defeated, or will the darkness consume her like so many before her?
213 pages, Paperback
First published June 12, 2023
7 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
David W. Adams
20 books15 followersDavid W. Adams is the author of 18 dark and atmospheric novels spanning horror, sci-fi, and dark fantasy. Born in Wolverhampton, England in 1988 and raised in Telford, David took a non-traditional path, leaving formal education to work full-time, before discovering his passion for writing.
His debut collection of haunting short stories was published in early 2021, born from the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, his work has been praised for its emotional depth, chilling atmosphere, and cinematic storytelling.
In 2024, his sci-fi horror novel Horizon won AudiobookReviewer.com's award for Best Dystopian Novel, thanks in part to the gripping narration by frequent collaborator Brandon J. Peterson. A partnership that the following year resulted in Emergence winning Best Team Up.
David now lives on the Isle of Portland in Dorset with his wife, Charlotte. In addition to writing, he designs book covers and reviews books on YouTube and TikTok, where he shares insights into the craft and the indie publishing world.
Follow this author to stay updated on new releases, projects, and behind-the-scenes content.
His debut collection of haunting short stories was published in early 2021, born from the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, his work has been praised for its emotional depth, chilling atmosphere, and cinematic storytelling.
In 2024, his sci-fi horror novel Horizon won AudiobookReviewer.com's award for Best Dystopian Novel, thanks in part to the gripping narration by frequent collaborator Brandon J. Peterson. A partnership that the following year resulted in Emergence winning Best Team Up.
David now lives on the Isle of Portland in Dorset with his wife, Charlotte. In addition to writing, he designs book covers and reviews books on YouTube and TikTok, where he shares insights into the craft and the indie publishing world.
Follow this author to stay updated on new releases, projects, and behind-the-scenes content.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
September 25, 2023
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐ "The Frame of Mind" by David W. Adams is a gripping and intense read that pushed me out of my comfort zone, and I'm giving it a solid 4 stars!
⭐ While I don't typically gravitate toward bloody and gory themes, Adams' exceptional writing kept me on the edge of my seat, yearning to know what would happen next. The author's storytelling prowess is undeniable, and it shines through in this book.
⭐ One noteworthy aspect is the inclusion of trigger warnings on the first page. I found this to be a thoughtful addition, reflecting the author's consideration for readers' sensitivities. It's a testament to Adams' empathy and awareness of the potential impact of the book's content.
⭐ As always, "The Frame of Mind" is laden with twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end. Adams has a knack for crafting satisfying conclusions that tie up loose ends while leaving room for future intrigue.
⭐ The book does indeed delve into violent territory, and it intensifies as you progress through the story, particularly toward the end. While it may not be everyone's cup of tea, it undeniably adds to the suspense and intensity of the narrative.
⭐ "The Frame of Mind" by David W. Adams is a gripping and intense read that pushed me out of my comfort zone, and I'm giving it a solid 4 stars!
⭐ While I don't typically gravitate toward bloody and gory themes, Adams' exceptional writing kept me on the edge of my seat, yearning to know what would happen next. The author's storytelling prowess is undeniable, and it shines through in this book.
⭐ One noteworthy aspect is the inclusion of trigger warnings on the first page. I found this to be a thoughtful addition, reflecting the author's consideration for readers' sensitivities. It's a testament to Adams' empathy and awareness of the potential impact of the book's content.
⭐ As always, "The Frame of Mind" is laden with twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end. Adams has a knack for crafting satisfying conclusions that tie up loose ends while leaving room for future intrigue.
⭐ The book does indeed delve into violent territory, and it intensifies as you progress through the story, particularly toward the end. While it may not be everyone's cup of tea, it undeniably adds to the suspense and intensity of the narrative.
August 10, 2023
I really enjoyed the book! Very violent and definitely picked up towards the end!
October 6, 2025
I've been working my way through Adams' spooky stories and having a blast.
After committing a series of violent murders across Canada, Kate is sent to Moriarty asylum where Dr. Verne Christian performs experiments on his patients.
This book is pretty dark, so be prepared. I felt for poor Kate and the constant horrors she had to endure.
This horror read has a great balance of story, action, and twists. Step inside Moriarty if you dare.
After committing a series of violent murders across Canada, Kate is sent to Moriarty asylum where Dr. Verne Christian performs experiments on his patients.
This book is pretty dark, so be prepared. I felt for poor Kate and the constant horrors she had to endure.
This horror read has a great balance of story, action, and twists. Step inside Moriarty if you dare.
December 31, 2025
Forget the horror aspect of this book. Instead, focus on what an excellent thriller David wrote. Is it horrific? Yes, in parts. To me, though, this is a fast-paced, character-driven paranormal thriller. We follow Kate, Verne and Beans. We slide back and forth through time, building a picture of how Kate became to be the darkness haunting the Roanoke wing of an institution for the criminally insane, Moriarty. Verne is not all he seems either, with a clever twist where we discover who he is and his true motives. Running through this, we have Beans, a detective, who comes into his own in the latter part of the story. Beans is a nickname, not some weird parenting choice at his christening. How the story builds is a masterclass in suspense. What is real? What is hallucination? What is a time slip? Despite Kate’s horrific actions, the early part of the book details how she gets there, so at no point is she the villain, and the ending is satisfying, weaving in mythos and intrigue to come to the proper finale. On reading the author note at the end, it surprised me to discover this was a re-work of an earlier book. All I can say is David made the right decision to do that, because it culminated in a fantastic story.
June 7, 2025
Having read this when it was still Frame of Mind, I can appreciate the revamp of this book! Now completely standalone from his other novels, David W Adams has created a spooky, at times gore-filled, horror based in an asylum where the doctor is no more sane than the in-patients, and the FMC literally has a demonic attachment driving her behaviour. With twists and turns you might not see coming, this book will take you on a wild ride that you just won't be able to put down!
Because once you enter Moriarty... chances are, you will never leave.
Because once you enter Moriarty... chances are, you will never leave.
August 8, 2024
This is a dark and twisted tale in a mental health institute where nothing is quite as it seems and you will wonder what horror is coming next. As such, I would recommend reading the trigger warnings, but also because it's part of The Dark Corner series, this book needs reading in the correct order to be truly appreciated - and you will be clicking 'buy now' for the next book pretty quickly!
I'd actually give this 4.5 stars. I really enjoyed it, and only dropped half because this level of darkness isn't my normal cup of tea and the rest of the series blows me away even more. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did a great job. Highly recommended!
I'd actually give this 4.5 stars. I really enjoyed it, and only dropped half because this level of darkness isn't my normal cup of tea and the rest of the series blows me away even more. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did a great job. Highly recommended!
September 15, 2023
If you're a fan of Saw and Freddy Jason - this book is for you! Full of spooks and scares, gore, blood and horror, this is a tremendously bold venture by the author into the deepest depths of gruesome horror. The author includes trigger warnings in the title page - I found this a good addition and a careful reflection on the possible response of readers to the book. The cover art is fantastic and I love the design. The author and horror combine hand in hand in this journey into gruesomeness. Twist and turns and a satisfying ending as always! Looking forward to future books.
July 31, 2024
O.M.G this is one unhinged screamer of a book, one of the main female characters from the dark corner universe is locked away in an insane asylum, the events that transpire in this story will chill you to your core and you'll love it
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews