Letters From The Looney Bin

by Thatcher C. Nalley

LETTERS FROM THE LOONEY BIN is a #1 Amazon Bestseller! In the late 1970s the Emerson Rose Asylum became completely abandoned - all the patients, doctors, staff, vanished and were never seen again. The events circling this mass exodus have been one of the most baffling disappearances in history. Until now. A stack of bundled letters was found inside a tattered asylum mattress during the Emerson demolition. These letters, all addressed to the pseudonym Dr. Quill, were written by the patients as they documented the demise of the Emerson Rose Asylum. The patients innocently convey their dire pasts while the events occurring hint toward dark happenings outside their doors. Haunting, their words conjure feelings both grim and promising, as they secretly conjure a plan of mass exodus from the volatile institution. The names have been changed, but the stories have not. Though their identities are protected, the essence of these patients’ challenges, triumphs, corruptions, salvations, and most of all, their human spirit, remains untouched. Their journey will become your journey as the patients chronicle their final months in these, Letters from the Looney Bin. www.LooneyLetters.com Follow www.facebook.com/LettersFromLooneyBin

Genres: Fiction, Horror, Historical Fiction, Mental Health, Mystery, Thriller, Psychology

160 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 11, 2013

Reviews

[Shainlock · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first I was like... is this real ? Yes? Real case studies to study would be awesome with only details for privacy altered. Woo! Yay! Then I look closer. No.
But still awesome, yes!? Character studies based on patients is still interesting. Well anyway, who knows if these are real letters with things changed to protect identities.
They seem real enough to me because I know that real people suffer like this and have suffered like this ! I know that this kind of thing has happened in so-called institutions. It’s a wake up call.

The thing is: the way you treat people is a serious thing. Let me put a little EMFASSSISS on that: The way you treat others-no matter what hand they have been dealt in life- is a serious thing! (Yes, I did spell emphasis like that on purpose.. I’m driving this bus!)

There is probably a story or letter in this book that we can all identify with in here or that will give us a tug in the heart region.
We all have our problems and no one is exempt. Treat ppl with the respect and dignity they deserve. Be a Dr. H.

The author has worked in the industry and has my respect. She dedicated the book to those with or touched by mental problems or issues.

[Kim Friant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I enjoyed this read a lot!! I'm a sucker for Asylum type stuff and this was right up my alley!! Here’s another one that I can’t tell if it’s real or not! I definitely seem to gravitate towards books like that! And this one is really good! Crazy people are so fascinating. Combine the insane with an insane asylum and a conspiracy, then you have Letters from the Looney Bin. I loved reading all about why each inmate has been committed. And then to see their discontent with their doctors. I know that this will probably show my ignorance, but dude, I’d love to go to an asylum! Who wants to come visit Emerson Rose Asylum with me? Ivan won’t come with me to any abandoned buildings . . . he doesn’t want to get arrested. Where’s the fun in that?? Well, I read this book in one sitting. I found it intriguing and mysterious and downright engrossing! I absolutely recommend this to anyone who enjoys psychiatric hospitals or mysteries or secret conspiracies! An awesome 5 star read!!t

See my video review here:


https://youtu.be/9i9AFknmB2Q

[Carrie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Conceptually brilliant. Delivery is lacking. Everything from the cover to the title pulled me in. Everything seems to be leading up to a masterpiece. Once I read it I had a totally different opinion. Each letter has the same tone as if it were written by the same character.
An editor could have possibly saved this book, but over all it was a let down.

[Caitlin Saporito · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book lacked an editor among other things. Despite my expertise in editing and writing, many of the errors were of the type that Microsoft Office will automatically note for correction and that might be found in a very rough draft. While the stories were intriguing, the lack of a conclusion makes the book seem unfinished.

[Cookie M. · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book promised a lot and delivered nothing much. It purported to be the first book in an undisclosed number of volumes about a mysterious disappearance of the residents and staff of a fictional mental hospital in the 1970's, told through letters left by the patients themselves.
The stories behind their breakdowns are all hackneyed tales of childhood abuse and neglect. The hospital has descended into the realm of a snake pit at hands of the current sadistic director and staff, yada yada.
And it all just stops. The author never gets around to even touching on the disappearance. It terminates at a sort of Lovecraftian something too horrible to even describe, or, "I got bored with this whole story idea and moved on to other things. Sorry."
You decide.
My review has no spoilers, as there is nothing to spoil.

[Courtney Giraldo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although made to look like a work of non-fiction, it is, in fact fiction. No one ever found out what happened to Emerson Rose mental institution. It's patients, doctors, and staff mysteriously disappear with no clues as to what happened or where everyone went. Years later, as the property was set to undergo demolition, a cache of letters was found hidden within a mattress. The letters were all addressed to a Dr. Quill and were written by patients in the months leading up to the mysterious disappearances. Detailing their torrid pasts as well as the heinous conditions of the institution, they provide a brief glimpse into the events leading up to the disappearances.

Let me just go ahead and rip the band aid off quickly, this was not a great read. While the concept and idea were really interesting and had so much potential, the writing quality was poor and the book was FILLED with typos. They were so distracting as I was reading I just really couldn't get past them. There was really no resolution at the end of the book, the letters just....ended....The patients back stories and descriptions were interesting, and with a little fine tuning in the writing department, I think they could have been even better. It had a sort of One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest mixed with a little American Horror Story Asylum feel. I assume this is one of a series and I would give the second one a go since I did like the idea of this book, in the hopes that the writing improves and someone actually edits the book for typos.

[Gabrielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I am not really sure how I feel about this book except to say that 1.Conceptually a brilliant idea. I believe this was billed as a series and if that's the case than the stopping point left a lot to be desired. This book did nothing to make me "need" to read the next one. I will, because I find subject interesting and would also see if the author makes improvements.

Also understanding full well, that these are only letters and couldn't possibly contain anything, but a peek into the lives and mindsets of these characters I don't feel like there was any distinct difference in one Patron's mental illness from another. I also feel like there were only three mechanisms of madness used over and over again. As if every third letter was written by the a similar person.

I would really like to see this story develop.

[Linda Snyder · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was a good idea, but a few paragraphs into the first letter I thought “ this doesn’t sound like a mental patient , it sounds like an English poet”. Especially from the timeline written.
Each letter is written by the same person with the same tone. There was nothing individual about each letter.
I kept waiting for something interesting to happen, especially towards the end. Disappointing & many grammar errors :(

[Cevanah McCoury · Rating 4 out of 5]

ALL BUT THE ENDING

I really enjoyed this book, it was very intriguing. There was a build the entire story leading to the end, then there was nothing. It confuses me and I feel kinda upset. I wish I got to know more. it left me confused. The book would have been 5 stars if it had more about the escape in the end.

[Cebrina Bocanegra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty dark and twisty. Short read that I got through in one sitting. So good!!!!

[Mkittysamom · Rating 3 out of 5]

Insanity or Product of Circumstance?

The letters are very interesting, but the plot of the story is not quite clear to me. I realize that the Asylum was torn down and everyone vanished. Years later these letters to Dr. Quill are found, written by the patients. The good doc died of mysterious heart attack and the doc that took over is vicious and performing illegal experiments. It is mentioned that many are buried outside. I would.i,e more background before diving into the patients letters. Also.. The patients all seem sane to me..considering their circumstances??

[Erika Zamerica · Rating 2 out of 5]

in theory it sounds like a good idea but the delivery was only ok. the voice in some of the letters sounded contrived and stereotypical not to mention the letters contents didn't vary enough in parts to keep the reader involved. the ending was abrupt and seemed more like an afterthought. it didn't propel me toward a sequel. I felt I was reading a rough draft. there definitely could have been more polish to the technique.

[April K · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book, but I just coukdnt get past how rough it seemed. There was very little story structure or really development. it has potential, but it needed something more. There just wasnt really any substance.

[Angela · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had a lot of potential with the premise, but any potential for a really good story went unrealized. There was little to no character development and meager details in the plot. It was a disappointing read but I tend to be stubborn about abandoning reading a book so I finished it anyway.

[Becky · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really liked all the different, crazy, sometimes even humorous stories but the ending left me less than satisfied. I hope there's a sequel or something.

Also, please get an editor.

[Abby · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very short novel. I liked being able to read the letters from the patients. It would seem that a loss of a parent, childhood abuse, and just being left to fiend for yourself at a young age caused a lot of this trauma that led to mental illness. It is good to know how one ended up in an asylum, but sad as I didn't find any resolve.

Each patient talked of a great Dr. Huxley and how they had hope until he died. Their lives drastically changed when Dr. Vanodin took over Emerson Rose. It appears to have gone from heaven to hell. All patients wrote in their letters of a takeover. It never happened. To me, there could have been so much more to this story.

[Faye Tipper · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was actually really interesting and well thought out. I didn’t want to put it down and I think it really shows how mental health and safeguarding was not well understood.

[GiGi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dang, this was depressing

[Stephanie]

I can’t decide how I want to rate this book. I was excited going into this book until I googled and found out it wasn’t based on a true story like I assumed it had been .

[Jen · Rating 1 out of 5]

#1: if you intend to read this, confirm you’re reading the second EDITED publication. The first edition is almost unreadable.
#2: this is a work of FICTION. It’s utterly and completely (incompletely?) a fictional story. It is not a dramatization. It is entirely from the author’s imagination. In interviews she states she is not a mental health professional, she’s has some work experience in behavioral health, but those jobs were taken after this book was (self)published. She’s quoted as saying she hates child abuse, and wants to give readers “a lightbulb moment” when the reader learns (presumably from her book) that abuses suffered in childhood lead to mental illness. Furthermore, when a child is abused by an adult, they will likely abuse children when they grow to adulthood. She wants people to become aware of this “vicious cycle” so they will be better parents. She seems to believe the general public is unaware - thus her wish to enlighten us. She also seems to believe people can be born with it, develop it from poor nutrition [mental illness] but the vast majority of the institutionalized develop it from childhood abuse. I don’t dispute that her conclusions do have some causality, however her statements are wildly generalized, trite and frankly ignorant in their lack of scope and understanding of the vastly complicated and intricate realities of mental illness, conditions and diseases.
Working to end child abuse, assist victims and bring understanding and acceptance to mental illness is a noble cause. This book does not accomplish those goals.
#3: BOOK 2? Nope.
I dislike cliffhangers, especially in a book I read in a couple hours. I didn’t love it, but I was interested in reading the conclusion of what felt like an unfinished story. After investigating however, it’s clear there will not be a Book 2. It’s been 8 years, she’s written other novels in the meantime, and in all the articles and author interviews she doesn’t mention anything about a sequel. It’s just not happening.
If I had researched, read the articles and interviews, looked at her timeline of publications I would never have read this book. I hope I can save some readers the experience.

[Amanda "Coffin Critiques" · Rating 2 out of 5]

Alright, I’d like to start with this is my absolute favorite topic in horror, period. Asylums are some of my favorite to read about, real or fake, and I love the extremely eerie vibe that can be given. That being said, I think that’s what hurt this particular novel the most. I found myself wanting for so much more. I think most of the patient letters were interesting as stories unfolded, but they weren’t anything wow inducing. The narrations of each felt too similar, there was not a very strong overall feeling of fear or madness, it was more just upsetting stories that landed them into a psychiatric care facility with a typical mad scientist craze as the overall plot. I wanted more of a House of Leaves vibe but instead got a very watered down version of a good venture into madness. I think writing a “madness” perspective is extremely difficult. I really was just unimpressed overall during this read, and I’m sorry to say it. I thought the writing was decent enough as far as flow went but it just felt generic and lacking in diversity. I think this needed a lot more emphasis on deviations in thought and tone if you’re going to write a collection of letters from multiple perspectives. What made it especially apparent was just that these characters were all conceptually different but it just didn’t give that tone while reading. I can’t say I particularly enjoyed this novel, and expected more by the end, but I suppose if you like sad back stories and and overall theme of impending doom and don’t mind the problem of similar tone, go for it.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. The mystery about it. I like the concept of it. I liked that you learned the history of the patients through their individual letters. I was surprised by the empathy I had for some of them. A lot of the stories are sad. Which I wasn't expecting. From the cover of the book I guess I thought it would be like dark tales, like scary story compilation in the form of letters, Dark & sinister in that way (horror). It did have its dark topics in some of the things that happened to the patients before they became patients. I think the overview is a little misleading because the letters don't tell you what happened to everyone, but it tells of what's been happening there leading up to it. I definitely want to know what happened to everyone. I hope there will be another book and by the epilogue it sounds like there will be and I CAN'T WAIT TO READ IT!

[Robert Graves · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short, mysterious book with a lot of merit and a few drawbacks. While I love the concept and the writing is often exceptional, I had problems at times believing the voices that make-up the lyrical ensemble of the larger tale: I felt some were too Gothic to pass for the voices of 1970s lunatics, and the ones that weren't too Gothic were still a bit too organized and sanitized. That said, the writing is still very good and the mystery is compelling. I believe most readers will find this book well worth their time and money. I give it 3.5 stars.

[Elizabeth Earle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first page disturbed and intrigued me. As I read, I could actually hear the characters' voices in my head. Brilliant narration, the author has created a world where we uncomfortably go into and think of our own escape with the patients, each sentences dragging you deeper into the world of the asylum. A wonderful read, I really look forward to see what else this author comes up with as I really enjoy her writing style. Different, original, raw and entrancing.

[Jenn Morris-duffey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome thrilling captivating and suspenseful. This is a book I recommend to anyone one who likes thrillers and suspense. Letters from a looney bin is exactly what the title says. It grabbed me and kept me wondering what's next. Loved it!

[Jill Price · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had potential

This had an interesting concept. I was looking forward to something more historically based. The letters themselves were quirky, but some historical anecdotes would have helped with the authenticity. An ok read.

[Dory Ryskamp · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty dark

Mental health patients have more dimension and slivers of health than the characters here. It's unfortunate that the true qualities of human beings, even very ill people, didn't shine through these characters.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a thought provoking story. It makes you wonder if the letters written are real, and it they are, what horrible lives people lived in asylums.

[Erin Caufield · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting concept but poor execution and the ending is very vague.

[Toi Franks · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wasn't what I was expecting. The idea was great but I didn't get the in depth read I was hoping for. I was wanting more details on cases than individuals.