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72 Hours
72 Hours. Three Days.
Rivers Hospital, the place that was once infamous as an asylum opens its doors to Dr Rebecca Carter, a psychologist and writer. She was given three days to gather her final research into the experimental and cruel methods used in the asylum in the 19th century. Patients whisper of people trapped in the walls, and a Shadow Man who haunts the hospital. Rebecca follows the story of a Dr Floyd, an eminent and popular doctor in the asylum, and Jenny, a patient.
But the shadows are watching. She has only 72 hours left.
Rivers Hospital, the place that was once infamous as an asylum opens its doors to Dr Rebecca Carter, a psychologist and writer. She was given three days to gather her final research into the experimental and cruel methods used in the asylum in the 19th century. Patients whisper of people trapped in the walls, and a Shadow Man who haunts the hospital. Rebecca follows the story of a Dr Floyd, an eminent and popular doctor in the asylum, and Jenny, a patient.
But the shadows are watching. She has only 72 hours left.
- GenresHorror
104 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 30, 2023
3 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
E.M. McConnell
42 books120 followersEryn was born and raised in the UK, emigrating to Germany in 2017. They work freelance and live with their family.
Eryn studied Poetry, Literature and Playwriting at University, continuing to write poetry. They began to write fiction in 2021, starting with fan fiction, then flash fiction, then short stories, and finally novellas and novels.
They describe themselves as a non genre specific writer, preferring to dip toes into different genres, stories and ideas. Currently they write Poetry, Fantasy, Dystopian, Scifi and Horror but they may diversify further in the future.
Eryn studied Poetry, Literature and Playwriting at University, continuing to write poetry. They began to write fiction in 2021, starting with fan fiction, then flash fiction, then short stories, and finally novellas and novels.
They describe themselves as a non genre specific writer, preferring to dip toes into different genres, stories and ideas. Currently they write Poetry, Fantasy, Dystopian, Scifi and Horror but they may diversify further in the future.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
July 19, 2025
3.5 stars. Very creepy story. The author did a great job bringing you into this strange medical facility, keeping you unsure of what was actually happening. Is it haunted? Is Rebecca imagining everything? Are the staff in on it all? You really can't figure anything out until the very end, which was fairly surprising. My biggest critique is the brevity, which took away from the story. I feel if this had another 50 pages, it would have felt more well-rounded, in both character development, background of the hospital, and just giving the reader some time to simmer with some of the concepts here. But it was hard to connect with anyone or anything due to the fast pace that it moved with. That's not to say that I didn't like it all, but it just needed to some more time to organically flow. This was my first EM McConnell story and I quite enjoyed it overall.
September 7, 2023
Well, this story will undoubtedly send a shiver up your spine!
72 Hours is an eerie, chilling, and beautifully crafted horror tale guaranteed to keep you reading through to the terrifying finale.
With this story, McConnell has displayed a natural talent for crafting sinister and mind-bending horror tales, which will remain with you long after reading.
I absolutely enjoyed my time in Rivers Asylum and cannot wait to see what horrors the author creates next.
Fans of haunting tales with depth (and set in an Asylum!) are in for a real treat with this!
72 Hours is an eerie, chilling, and beautifully crafted horror tale guaranteed to keep you reading through to the terrifying finale.
With this story, McConnell has displayed a natural talent for crafting sinister and mind-bending horror tales, which will remain with you long after reading.
I absolutely enjoyed my time in Rivers Asylum and cannot wait to see what horrors the author creates next.
Fans of haunting tales with depth (and set in an Asylum!) are in for a real treat with this!
September 17, 2023
A chilling and unnerving experience that did such a great job at slowly cranking up the tension until it’s final pages. My first story by this author and one that has left me keen to dive into more!
October 24, 2023
Let's see... asylum? Check. Weirdly behaving employees? Check. Ominous warnings? Check. A mysterious Shadow Man? Check!
This short and creepy read checked off all my boxes and was everything I want in a horror story. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to reading more spooky stories from this author!
This short and creepy read checked off all my boxes and was everything I want in a horror story. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to reading more spooky stories from this author!
December 17, 2023
My first work by this author and wow, what an experience.
72hrs. That's how long Rebecca has to conduct her research, and in stories like this you know those 72hrs will be of pure hell.
The pacing is good, with a great sense of foreboding from the start which we need from this length of book. Tight editing and despite its short length there are some great slow burn horror moments too.
A brilliant horror tale in the tradition of classic horror. I look forward to reading more!
72hrs. That's how long Rebecca has to conduct her research, and in stories like this you know those 72hrs will be of pure hell.
The pacing is good, with a great sense of foreboding from the start which we need from this length of book. Tight editing and despite its short length there are some great slow burn horror moments too.
A brilliant horror tale in the tradition of classic horror. I look forward to reading more!
September 1, 2023
Page-turner for sure! Couldn't put it down 👻Loved the eerie atmosphere!
September 15, 2023
Unfortunately, this one missed the mark for me. I couldn't get on with the writing style and struggled to into it. I read the whole thing in just over an hour. The story was creepy, but I felt like it just wasn't long enough to really make an impact.
November 5, 2023
I enjoyed reading this short novella. At aroud 100 pages, it can be enjoyed in just an hour. The premise is quite simple: Dr. Rebecca Carter has been granted permission to visit the archives of an ancient psychiatric hospital and write an article about treatments that were used in the past.
She has 72 hours to read some old charts and get the backbones of an article. And as expected, the hospital has creepy hallways and an odd vibe that hint something is not quite right.
72 Hours follows the classic spooky hospital trope where the ghosts of patients that have been long deceased are lurking in the shadows. Rebecca is quite a level-headed person that seems genuinely interested in the history of the hospital and its long-deceased tenants.
Despite its short duration, I felt the book was well paced and long enough to get to know the hospital without getting bored. I was not spooked by the book, but it certainly felt fun to read from start to finish.
She has 72 hours to read some old charts and get the backbones of an article. And as expected, the hospital has creepy hallways and an odd vibe that hint something is not quite right.
72 Hours follows the classic spooky hospital trope where the ghosts of patients that have been long deceased are lurking in the shadows. Rebecca is quite a level-headed person that seems genuinely interested in the history of the hospital and its long-deceased tenants.
Despite its short duration, I felt the book was well paced and long enough to get to know the hospital without getting bored. I was not spooked by the book, but it certainly felt fun to read from start to finish.
November 2, 2023
perfect
This book is absolutely brilliant. I couldn’t put it down and finished it within a day or so. Highly recommend this book!!!
This book is absolutely brilliant. I couldn’t put it down and finished it within a day or so. Highly recommend this book!!!
September 23, 2023
I was planning on reading this in October for spooky month but I got too excited. I loved this book! It was easy to get through, the plot had me gripped and parts of the story were really scary to me personally, particularly the ending. I only wish it had been longer really so I could read more! A wonderful little novella.
September 19, 2023
Nope. Nope. Nope.
I have no desire to see an asylum; new or old. This book is a nightmare. I cannot imagine walking into a facility researching the history of the asylum and have happen to me what happened to Dr. Carter. There was such a feeling of terror toward the end of this book that I was glad I was at the end. Which by the way, E. M. McConnell, the end was excellent!
I have no desire to see an asylum; new or old. This book is a nightmare. I cannot imagine walking into a facility researching the history of the asylum and have happen to me what happened to Dr. Carter. There was such a feeling of terror toward the end of this book that I was glad I was at the end. Which by the way, E. M. McConnell, the end was excellent!
February 14, 2024
"72 Hours" is a chilling novella that blends elements of ghost story, horror fiction, thriller, and psychological fiction. Now, keep in mind that I don't read horror that much, so if you're a horror buff you might disagree with me on the spookiness factor.
Dr. Rebecca Carter, a psychologist and writer, embarks on a harrowing journey into the desolate confines of Rivers Hospital, formerly known as Rivers Asylum, for an ominous span of 72 hours. McConnell masterfully weaves together elements of ghostly apparitions, psychological turmoil, and historical atrocities, concocting a narrative that grips the soul from the very first page.
At the heart of "72 Hours" lies its atmospheric setting—the abandoned asylum, cloaked in shadows and steeped in the echoes of past suffering. The author deftly molds the dilapidated halls and decrepit rooms into characters themselves, imbuing them with a palpable sense of dread that seeps into the reader's bones. With each turn of the page, the reader is enveloped in an atmosphere thick with suspense, uncertainty, and the lingering specters of bygone torment.
What sets McConnell's novella apart is its seamless fusion of genres. Blending elements of ghost story, horror fiction, psychological thriller, and historical narrative, "72 Hours" defies categorization, offering readers a multifaceted experience that transcends the boundaries of traditional storytelling. The blurring lines between past and present, sanity and terror, create a disorienting experience for both the protagonist and the reader.
One of the novella's most compelling aspects is its exploration of historical abuses within the asylum's walls. Through Dr. Carter's research, McConnell sheds light on the cruel and inhumane practices that plagued psychiatric institutions during the 19th century, inviting readers to confront the dark underbelly of society's treatment of the mentally ill. In doing so, "72 Hours" transcends its status as mere fiction, assuming the mantle of social commentary and historical reflection.
For those with a taste for chilling ghost stories, historical thrillers interwoven with psychological elements, or a fascination with exploring the haunted remnants of the past, "72 Hours" beckons. McConnell's unique blend of genres and their skillful portrayal of an atmospheric setting make this novella a must-read for aficionados of the macabre. Step into the shadows, but be prepared for the lingering shivers that will accompany you long after the final page is turned.
Dr. Rebecca Carter, a psychologist and writer, embarks on a harrowing journey into the desolate confines of Rivers Hospital, formerly known as Rivers Asylum, for an ominous span of 72 hours. McConnell masterfully weaves together elements of ghostly apparitions, psychological turmoil, and historical atrocities, concocting a narrative that grips the soul from the very first page.
At the heart of "72 Hours" lies its atmospheric setting—the abandoned asylum, cloaked in shadows and steeped in the echoes of past suffering. The author deftly molds the dilapidated halls and decrepit rooms into characters themselves, imbuing them with a palpable sense of dread that seeps into the reader's bones. With each turn of the page, the reader is enveloped in an atmosphere thick with suspense, uncertainty, and the lingering specters of bygone torment.
What sets McConnell's novella apart is its seamless fusion of genres. Blending elements of ghost story, horror fiction, psychological thriller, and historical narrative, "72 Hours" defies categorization, offering readers a multifaceted experience that transcends the boundaries of traditional storytelling. The blurring lines between past and present, sanity and terror, create a disorienting experience for both the protagonist and the reader.
One of the novella's most compelling aspects is its exploration of historical abuses within the asylum's walls. Through Dr. Carter's research, McConnell sheds light on the cruel and inhumane practices that plagued psychiatric institutions during the 19th century, inviting readers to confront the dark underbelly of society's treatment of the mentally ill. In doing so, "72 Hours" transcends its status as mere fiction, assuming the mantle of social commentary and historical reflection.
For those with a taste for chilling ghost stories, historical thrillers interwoven with psychological elements, or a fascination with exploring the haunted remnants of the past, "72 Hours" beckons. McConnell's unique blend of genres and their skillful portrayal of an atmospheric setting make this novella a must-read for aficionados of the macabre. Step into the shadows, but be prepared for the lingering shivers that will accompany you long after the final page is turned.
September 28, 2024
You’re about to start hearing me recommend this author for all seasons so strap in and get comfy.
Old hospitals and asylums sit firmly at the top of my nope list. Nope as oh HAIL NO I ain’t going. See ya later, I’m going home instead.
Doesn’t matter if it’s been purified. I’ll bring the salt and lighter fluid. Salt and burn, baby!!!
This book only solidifies my stance. Want a book that makes the shadows sidle up closer to you? This one. Want a book that makes you glance around the corners muttering “Did I just…?” This one.
Want a book that leaves you wanting more from that writer? THIS ONE.
*ahem* so yeah, go find EM McConnell on Amazon and follow her. And grab her books. 5/5 for scares in the middle of the freaking day.
Old hospitals and asylums sit firmly at the top of my nope list. Nope as oh HAIL NO I ain’t going. See ya later, I’m going home instead.
Doesn’t matter if it’s been purified. I’ll bring the salt and lighter fluid. Salt and burn, baby!!!
This book only solidifies my stance. Want a book that makes the shadows sidle up closer to you? This one. Want a book that makes you glance around the corners muttering “Did I just…?” This one.
Want a book that leaves you wanting more from that writer? THIS ONE.
*ahem* so yeah, go find EM McConnell on Amazon and follow her. And grab her books. 5/5 for scares in the middle of the freaking day.
February 15, 2024
I am here for creepy asylum stories, and this one was pretty creepy!! 👤🫣 I mean, you have creepy patients, creepy staff, creepy dreams, and creepy shadows! 😳 What more could you want?!? 😅 An amazingly creepy cover?!? Done!! 🙌😍
The ending did throw me off a little bit. 🤔 I think it might be one of those where the author leaves it to the reader’s interpretation, but still unsettling no matter which way you interpret it! 😱
This was the second book I’ve read by this author and I look forward to reading more! ❤️
The ending did throw me off a little bit. 🤔 I think it might be one of those where the author leaves it to the reader’s interpretation, but still unsettling no matter which way you interpret it! 😱
This was the second book I’ve read by this author and I look forward to reading more! ❤️
September 4, 2023
SEVENTY-TWO HOURS
* disclaimer: I was given an advanced copy of this story from the writer in exchange for a review. This review is in my own words and formed entirely from my own opinion.*
The beginning of the story sucked me in immediately. The plot was interesting and kept me entertained the entire time it took me to read the book. I liked the characters and the writing style that the author uses. The story had quite a few twists and turns that I didn’t not see coming and the ending was fantastic (a little predictable) but still well thought out. I predicted the ending but a few important details at the end made it an enjoyable read even if I had an idea of what would happen. I don’t want to include any spoilers but if you are looking for a quick, entertaining read and enjoy reading about asylums and mind games this book would be great for you!
4/5 stars
- a star because I really wanted this story to be longer and more in-depth with what really happened at Rivers Asylum.
*book to be released early October*
* disclaimer: I was given an advanced copy of this story from the writer in exchange for a review. This review is in my own words and formed entirely from my own opinion.*
The beginning of the story sucked me in immediately. The plot was interesting and kept me entertained the entire time it took me to read the book. I liked the characters and the writing style that the author uses. The story had quite a few twists and turns that I didn’t not see coming and the ending was fantastic (a little predictable) but still well thought out. I predicted the ending but a few important details at the end made it an enjoyable read even if I had an idea of what would happen. I don’t want to include any spoilers but if you are looking for a quick, entertaining read and enjoy reading about asylums and mind games this book would be great for you!
4/5 stars
- a star because I really wanted this story to be longer and more in-depth with what really happened at Rivers Asylum.
*book to be released early October*
October 26, 2023
Shilling and addictive I read it in two days(work got in the way) ,the level of suspense is amazing.
October 10, 2023
I am such a wimp when it comes to anything spooky.
This is a great short spooky story, that I read in the daytime. (no nightmares for me)
Creepy enough to make sure I turn lights on when I enter a room for the next few days.
This is a great short spooky story, that I read in the daytime. (no nightmares for me)
Creepy enough to make sure I turn lights on when I enter a room for the next few days.
November 2, 2023
This one is on my must read list
So here's the thing: I am morbidly fascinated by the spooky, the creepy and by stories that are centred around locales like an historic asylum. Needless to say, 72 Hours had me at page 1. Eryn delivers a deliciously creepy atmosphere with every whisper and shadow that slinks across the page. Loved it (as you may have guessed) and I look forward to reading more from this author.
So here's the thing: I am morbidly fascinated by the spooky, the creepy and by stories that are centred around locales like an historic asylum. Needless to say, 72 Hours had me at page 1. Eryn delivers a deliciously creepy atmosphere with every whisper and shadow that slinks across the page. Loved it (as you may have guessed) and I look forward to reading more from this author.
September 5, 2023
A burner of a page-turner!!! 72 hours is a journey through Rivers Asylum with Dr. Rebecca Carter. McConnell's masterful use of contrast and color paints a profound and startlingly beautiful canvas. McConnell whirls symbolism fiercely with ease and the depth here is incredible as I was completely enthralled picking apart the characters much like Dr. Carter would. I highly recommend this story and look forward to diving into more of her work!
September 17, 2023
Dr Rebecca Carter has 72hrs to gather evidence at Rivers Asylum for her dissertation, the staff are friendly but guarded, the hospital clean and bright but there is something in the shadows, something watching.
This is a wonderful short story, creepy and dark with an underlying malice throughout. This speaks of past treatments, administered for supposed cures but are the staff really there to help. As Rebecca immerses herself in the history of the patients of the asylum she starts to lose herself and something is nudging her along a path to the past. A great read.
November 16, 2023
Everything in this story made my skin crawl! So many secrets floating around this asylum that had made me feel cold and paranoid as each one was answered.
This was such an amazing read and I can't wait to read more work this author has written!
This was such an amazing read and I can't wait to read more work this author has written!
October 26, 2023
A perfect October read!
This book was great for this time of year. The story was eerie, but didn’t take things too far either. It was well written and interesting, and I’d highly recommend it on the countdown to Halloween.
This book was great for this time of year. The story was eerie, but didn’t take things too far either. It was well written and interesting, and I’d highly recommend it on the countdown to Halloween.
September 3, 2023
Seventy two hours by Eryn Cornell
A doctor is conducting research in a psychiatric hospital archives department about past methods of “treatment”. The doctor discovers some strange connections and sees some things, real or imagined. Maybe I read too much psychological thrillers/horror I was able to see the twist but that didn’t make the novella any less gripping. I was on the edge of my seat to if something was about to pop out at me and read it in a few short hours!
A doctor is conducting research in a psychiatric hospital archives department about past methods of “treatment”. The doctor discovers some strange connections and sees some things, real or imagined. Maybe I read too much psychological thrillers/horror I was able to see the twist but that didn’t make the novella any less gripping. I was on the edge of my seat to if something was about to pop out at me and read it in a few short hours!
November 7, 2023
Creepy in the best way
The story gently draws you in before trapping you in its clutches. Scary in the best way. A quick read. Definitely recommend.
The story gently draws you in before trapping you in its clutches. Scary in the best way. A quick read. Definitely recommend.
February 15, 2024
3.5 rounded off liked it, just didn't love it
August 31, 2023
72 Hours- E.M. McConnell
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dr Rebecca Carter wants to make a name for herself by collecting data for her final research. 72 hours. That is how long she needs to gather her final research from the infamous Rivers Hospital, an asylum that experimented with cruel methods in the 19th century.
The descriptiveness of the asylum is what really drew me in. I was able to visualize everything from the entrance to the rooms to the pictures on the wall. I really enjoyed how the author visually prepared you for the whole story right away by the thoroughness of every detail. This really set the stage for me in the different settings that the characters ventured throughout the book.
I am usually a person that has a hard time getting in to books that are shorter but wow this was amazing from start to finish! I was immediately drawn in by the creepy patients, the bone chilling asylum archives and the whispers that covered my body in goosebumps.
I absolutely loved this book. If you enjoy creepy asylums, this book is for you. There were so many times in this book that I actually had the tingle of terror in my stomach.
If you decide to take a step into Rivers Asylum, don’t go to the shadows.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dr Rebecca Carter wants to make a name for herself by collecting data for her final research. 72 hours. That is how long she needs to gather her final research from the infamous Rivers Hospital, an asylum that experimented with cruel methods in the 19th century.
The descriptiveness of the asylum is what really drew me in. I was able to visualize everything from the entrance to the rooms to the pictures on the wall. I really enjoyed how the author visually prepared you for the whole story right away by the thoroughness of every detail. This really set the stage for me in the different settings that the characters ventured throughout the book.
I am usually a person that has a hard time getting in to books that are shorter but wow this was amazing from start to finish! I was immediately drawn in by the creepy patients, the bone chilling asylum archives and the whispers that covered my body in goosebumps.
I absolutely loved this book. If you enjoy creepy asylums, this book is for you. There were so many times in this book that I actually had the tingle of terror in my stomach.
If you decide to take a step into Rivers Asylum, don’t go to the shadows.
October 1, 2023
I liked this book! It’s definitely one to read at night with the lights off if you want a true spooky experience. I enjoyed my time in the asylum and seeing what was in the shadows. ;)
January 5, 2024
Spooky, erie little story that will have wondering whats real and whats not! Great story building and the end is excellent!
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September 6, 2023I love the concept of this book! Spending 72 hours in an old asylum doing research on old psychological treatments sounds fantastic! I enjoyed the book but I wanted more! More of Rebecca's background, more weird patient interactions, more info on what she was finding in her research, more character development. I think this is a great start and would be an awesome book with more. The ending was great!
November 27, 2023
Enjoyed this quick read so much!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews