The Memory Ward

by Jon Bassoff

From critically acclaimed author Jon Bassoff, The Memory Ward is a haunting Russian doll of a novel about one man’s attempt to discover what’s real and what isn’t …

They say it’s always beautiful in Bethlam, Nevada. No place you’d rather live. The people are friendly, if a little nosy, and there’s no crime to speak of. Life is pretty perfect.

But postal worker Hank Davies has started to suspect something is off in this idyllic little town. And he’s certain of that when he realizes the letters he’s been delivering are just blank pages.

Hank isn’t the only one who’s noticed the oddities in Bethlam. One such person knocks on his window in the middle of the night, urging him to investigate his bedroom wall. When Hank pulls back the wallpaper, he discovers dozens of sheets of paper, full of a story that is either complete madness or unbelievable truth. As he begins looking beyond the veneer of his smiling neighbors and their white picket fences, Hank is drawn further and further into a disturbing new reality …

Told in Bassoff’s lyrical and evocative style, The Memory Ward is a disquieting page-turner that examines the nature of identity, trauma, and what it means to be human.

Genres: Horror, Mystery, Thriller, Fiction, Audiobook, Adult, Mystery Thriller

256 pages, Hardcover

First published March 4, 2025

About the author

Jon Bassoff is the author of nine novels. His mountain gothic novel, CORROSION, has been translated in French and German and was nominated for the Grand Prix de Litterature Policiere, France’s biggest crime fiction award. His psycho-noir novel, THE DISASSEMBLED MAN, has been adapted for the big screen with a filming date set to begin within the next hundred years. He also wrote the screenplay for BIZARRE LOVE TRIANGLE, which was named semi-finalist at the New York Cinematography Awards and a finalist at the Seattle Film Festival for best short film.

His novels have been lauded by authors like Craig Johnson (LONGMIRE series), James Grady (SIX DAYS OF THE CONDOR), Rob Hart (THE WAREHOUSE), Paul Trembley (A HEADFUL OF GHOSTS), S.A. Cosby (RAZORBLADE TEARS, Ramsey Campbell (THE HUNGRY MOON), Tom Piccirilli (LAST KIND WORDS), and Marcus Sakey (BRILLLIANCE Trilogy). His work has also been featured several times in New York Magazine. For his day job, Bassoff teaches high school English where he is known by students and faculty alike as the deranged writer guy. He is a connoisseur of tequila, hot sauces, psychobilly music, and flea-bag motels.

Reviews

[Jayme · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was introduced to the author’s work when I read the very unique “Beneath Cruel Waters, in 2023, so I was excited to see that he had a new book coming out in March, and this one sounded equally as fascinating.

Life is GOOD in the idyllic small town of Bethlam, Nevada.-population around 500.

The neighbors are friendly, the weather always beautiful and crime is nonexistent.

It’s a life of routine for postal worker Hank Davies until one day something different happens when he trips over a tree branch and some letters fall out of his mailbag. One becomes unsealed and he is shocked, and confused by what he finds-the letters he’s been delivering are just blank pages.

His curiosity is piqued so he opens a couple more.

Three envelopes-three different senders-three different recipients-all blank.

What could it possibly mean? What is going on?

Well, I was INTRIGUED right along with Hank, BUT I CANNOT say that I ENJOYED this dark story-and I didn’t find the reveal very surprising either.

I can’t say much more, or I would risk spoilers, so I will keep this brief.

What I can say is that although it wasn’t a book for ME-you will PROBABLY enjoy it if you enjoyed the 2022 Oscar nominated film, “Don’t Worry Darling” or Jim Carrey’s movie called “The Truman Show”. Proof of that is the many 4 and 5 star reviews that have been written for this book, so be sure to seek out other opinions as well as mine.

Available Now

Thank You to Blackstone Publishing for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!

[Nikki Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy Publication Day!!

This is one of those small mind-bending roads to insanity. As soon as I read the synopsis, I immediately had to read it!

Imagine a man with the personality of Mr Rogers delivering the mail. One day something out of the ordinary happens. The people of the town are also acting suspicious. What is really happening here?

I freaking love a book that has me baffled and searching for answers! A total memory loss trope that will leave readers shocked! Jon Bassoff has written a creepy tale of a boring monotonous daily routine eventually turning into madness.

What’s real and what isn’t?
4.5 ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks so much Jon Bassoff, Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity.
Pub date March 25, 2025

[Nina (ninjasbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun and slightly dizzying read. It was confusing in a delightful way, where you couldn’t be sure what was going on. I love that feeling!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

"You're traveling through another dimension, a dimension not only of sight and sound but of mind. A journey into a wondrous land whose boundaries are that of imagination. That's the signpost up ahead - your next stop, the Twilight Zone Memory Ward!"

Or, rather, Bethlam, Nevada. Where every day the weather is beautiful, the people are kind, and every thing is always so perfectly perfect. There is no place one would rather be. Ever. Or so the story goes....

But behind the beautiful façade lies a sinister darkness.

I can't discuss this one too much because it's hard to even summarize this novel in words without spilling the novels secrets. My best description is that it's a trippy descent into madness. The writing evokes a 1950's vibe and setting though I'm not sure if the timeframe is ever mentioned. It's just the feeling it gave off. The novels one downfall is a bit of repetitiveness. Though, in hindsight, I see that it was instrumental in telling this story.

Bassoff has yet again flexed his literary muscle with this mind-bending tale and it will surely leave readers both baffled and delighted. 4 stars!

Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for my complimentary copy.

[Fairuz ᥫ᭡. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars! ⭐ Thanks to Blackstone Publishing - Audiobooks for the ALC through NetGalley! 💌

Okay… WHAT just happened?! 🤯 This book had me intrigued from the start, but the ending left me standing in the middle of Bethlam, Nevada, screaming, "HELLO?! EXPLANATION, PLEASE?" 😵‍💫

Bethlam is the perfect little town—too perfect. 🌞 No crime, no worries, just sunshine and smiles. Our guy Hank, a postal worker, is just vibing through life until one day, he realizes the letters he’s delivering are BLANK. Yep. Empty pages. That’s when he starts questioning everything, and suddenly, Bethlam isn’t looking so idyllic anymore. 😨

The premise? 100% eerie. 👀 I was buckled in for a mind-bending ride, but then... NOTHING REALLY HAPPENED. 😩 The plot twist? The most obvious one imaginable. 🫠 I figured it out within the first 10%, and from there, I was just waiting for the book to catch up. 💤

The writing? Atmospheric. 🌫️ It had that creepy, unsettling vibe, which I loved. The concept was there, but the execution? Meh. 🤷‍♀️ I wanted more. More twists, more suspense, more "WTF?!" moments. Instead, the pacing was a slow burn that fizzled out into a very unsatisfying ending.

And the audio? 🎧 Not my favorite. The narrators did a solid job, but Wally’s voice had me on edge—not in a good way. Also, I just didn’t connect with the characters, so the emotional impact was... nonexistent.

📌 Final verdict: Cool premise, lackluster execution. Not bad, but not great. 3 stars. ⭐⭐⭐

[Linzie (suspenseisthrillingme) · Rating 4 out of 5]

With a mind-bending premise straight out of The Twilight Zone, The Memory Ward pulled me into a story that twisted and turned as it descended into pure madness. You see, this page-turning tale of speculative fiction left me with questions about what was real and what was a well-orchestrated hoax, all of which had me thinking long and hard about the nature of memory, identity, and what it means to be human. Perfect for a book club pick or the next blockbuster film, I particularly loved The Truman Show feel mixed judiciously with a vibe straight out of The Stepford Wives world. After all, it took both of those films and gave them an even more sinister, dark, and heart-stopping finish that left me reeling for sure.

As for the guts of this novel, while I found it slightly repetitive given the format, the plotting was near utter perfection as the truth was revealed slowly over five parts in a metafiction-esque way. I mean, who doesn’t love a book-within-a-book storyline complete with a well-layered, jaw-dropping twist? But I have to say that the characters were what ultimately drove this book’s message home. Multi-dimensional and entirely realistic, I could sense their worlds imploding as if I was living their lives too. So if you love a claustrophobic tale that has a nightmarish quality built in, this is most definitely the novel for you. And while it might start off a tad slow, just hold on tight because the escalating pace meant that I couldn’t put it down. Rating of 4.5 stars.

SYNOPSIS :

They say it's always beautiful in Bethlam, Nevada. No place you'd rather live. The people are friendly, if a little nosy, and there's no crime to speak of. Life is pretty perfect.

But postal worker Hank Davies has started to suspect something is off in this idyllic little town. And he's certain of that when he realizes the letters he's been delivering are just blank pages.

Hank isn't the only one who's noticed the oddities in Bethlam. One such person knocks on his window in the middle of the night, urging him to investigate his bedroom wall. When Hank pulls back the wallpaper, he discovers dozens of sheets of paper, full of a story that is either complete madness or unbelievable truth. As he begins looking beyond the veneer of his smiling neighbors and their white picket fences, Hank is drawn further and further into a disturbing new reality ...

Thank you to Jon Bassoff and Blackstone Publishing for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

PUB DATE: March 4, 2024

Content warning: dementia, knife violence, gaslighting, mention of: domestic violence, rape

[JaymeO · Rating 4 out of 5]

HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY!

“I know who you are.”

Invasion of the Body Snatchers meets The Stepford Wives.

In Bethlam, Nevada, life is perfect. Each day, Hank Davies delivers the mail and returns home to his beautiful wife. What more could a guy ask for?

“That’s a good way of living, I think. Too much knowledge can be dangerous.”

When Hank realizes the letters he delivers are blank, he begins to question everything. Then, a neighbor instructs him to look behind the wallpaper in his room and he learns that Bethlam is not as perfect as it seems.

What really happened on October 23rd, 2011?

I became of fan of Bassoff after really enjoying his last thriller, Beneath Cruel Waters. After rereading my review of that book, I realize that I have similar things to say about The Memory Ward.

In The Memory Ward, the plot revolves around themes of identity and trauma. Split into five sections, the three different characters’ stories merge and evolve into an intricate plot, but leave the reader with an open ending. I enjoyed the fast-paced writing, but felt a little underwhelmed by the twists, as they lack originality. However, Bassoff’s characters are well-rounded and believable. Readers of Blake Crouch will surely enjoy this thriller.

3.5/5 stars rounded up

Trigger Warning: Domestic abuse, talk of rape

Expected publication day: 3/4/25

Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone publishing in exchange for an honest review.

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has three protagonists. Hank has been delivering the mail in Bethlam, Nevada for five years. Bethlam is the safest, prettiest, friendliest town, where people watch out for each other. “Watch” is the operative word here. One day Hank drops a letter and when the envelope opens he takes a peek. The letter is just a blank sheet of paper and the same is true for several other letters. Even more puzzling is his wife’s reaction when Hank tells her what he discovered. And what’s up with the pages hidden behind the wallpaper? Then there is Walter, also a mail carrier, caring for his elderly, dementia-afflicted father. Walter witnesses a disturbing event on his route. Even more disturbing is the lack of reaction from the other witnesses. Finally, there’s Catherine, a housewife with a grown daughter and growing suspicions.

The blurb was correct when it described this book as a Russian doll. Think of the really good Twilight Zone episodes. The writing has a 1950’s vibe and I was riveted by the plot as I tried to guess what was going on. The title is a clue, but not the answer and I’m certainly not going to give it away. The book twists around on itself so many times that it’s disorienting. I definitely want to read more by this author.

I was initially attracted to this audiobook because Bronson Pinchot is one of the narrators. He did an excellent job, as did the other 2 narrators (although I couldn’t tell which of the 2 was reading which part of the book).

I received a free copy of this audiobook from the publisher.

[Dutchie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

“It’s always beautiful in Bethlam. No place I’d rather be..” You can almost hear the birds chirping, smell the clean air, see the friendly waves from neighbors all the while feeling the undercurrent that something is just not right with this town. Hank, the mailman, feels the exact same way, Especially when he trips over a branch, spilling out his mail contents. One of the letters slips out of its envelope and he realizes it’s blank. This sets up the rest of the novel told through the POV of others who live Bethlam, who are also questioning their existence within this strange town.

This was a very quick read and definitely had you guessing what was going on. I liked the eerieness of the town as well as how all the characters intertwined . The book is divided into multiple parts and each part had a distinct feel, but yet a connecting quality to the other parts. The novel itself is rather short, and I felt it could’ve dug deeper into the town and more so into the characters as opposed to revealing it all at once at the end. But that’s just me. I have read similar plots prior, so I wasn’t wowed by the twist, but those who may not be familiar with the genre I can see really enjoying. I’ve never read the author before and I will certainly check out previous works as I did enjoy it and it was a super quick and hard to put down.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review

[megs_bookrack · Rating 3 out of 5]

**3.5-stars**

The Memory Ward kicks off as we meet a postal worker named Hank, who lives in the idyllic town of Bethlam, Nevada. The way the town is described, it sounds like something from a postcard or Norman Rockwell painting.

As many of us know though, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is, but what does that mean for Hank, and the rest of the residents of Bethlam?



As a Reader, you can pick up a vibe very early that something is off. It feels sinister, but you can't quite put your finger on why. Then Hank makes a discovery, the mail he is delivering, there's nothing but blank paper inside.

Apparently at least one other resident is cued into the fact that something is wrong in Bethlam, as Hank receives a message to look behind the wallpaper in his room.



When he does, the floodgates open. He discovers dozens of sheets of paper, mapping out a story that is either the whole truth, or utter madness.

But which is it?



The Memory Ward definitely includes some interesting concepts to explore. I would recommend this for fans of Pines, or Paradise. It's got that trippy sort of, what the hell is going on in this town feeling.

And while I did enjoy the vibe of the story, the feeling of having to question everything and doubting what I had learned, I also continuously felt disconnected from the story for some reason. There was something about it that just didn't work for me, and it did end up depleting my enjoyment level a little.

I've thought a lot about it, and my best guess is that it was the way the various character's perspectives were delivered. There was something flat about it, but in hindsight, perhaps that makes sense, IDK.



I do really enjoy Bassoff's writing, I just think this concept was one that was really hard to pull off, and for me, it just fell a little flat. There was nothing to really stick in my mind longer term, or get me super invested in the story.

At the end of the day though, it was entertaining and had a strong build. I'm glad I picked it up and tried it.

Thank you to the publisher, Blackstone Publishing, for providing me with a copy to read and review. Bassoff is definitely an author I want to explore more from.

[Mallory · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book would make an excellent horror movie. I don’t know exactly what I was expecting but that may be for the best because what I got was a chaotic bunch of craziness that had me blinking at what just happened. Bethlam is an idyllic place. It’s always pleasant and most days are like the ones before. When postal worker Hank Davies starts to notice things that don’t seem quite right he isn’t sure how to best investigate. One of the letters he’s delivering falls open and inside is just a blank piece of paper. As he continues his search the book is told from other residents and Hank and his search from the truth takes him to questioning what even is real or not. This book was creepy and gripping. I listened to the audiobook of this one and the narrator did an excellent job bringing the narrato, and the creep factor, to the forefront. I gave this one 3.5 stars rounded up for the creative creepy levels.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Jon Bassoff, and Blackstone Publishing Audiobooks for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

Always eager to find a new author, I flocked to this novel by Jon Bassoff. The book was creepy from the opening pages and kept its momentum as the reader is pulled deeper into this head-scratcher. Bassoff shines as he adds depth and darkness to the piece, hinting that not all is as it seems while the story rushes onwards. I will certainly be looking into more of the author's work after reading this book and being completely addicted.

Bethlam, Nevada is as bucolic a town as one could imagine. Those who live here love it and could not think of a better place to set up roots. Local postal worker, Hank Davies, has been delivering the mail for just over five years and extols the wonders of Bethlam, loving the people, the weather, and the general feel. That is, until an odd event one day on his route. While out and about. Hank inadvertently realises that he has been delivering blank sheets of paper within addressed envelopes to houses. When he returns home, his wife pushes blame on him for not doing his job, which snowballs into more confusion and less compassion for Hank on the eve of his birthday. 

When Hank receives a knock on the window by another Bethlam resident, encouraging him to look on the walls for answers, what he discovers is highly concerning. A complete manuscript about oddities around town is presented to him. Hank may have stumbled onto something completely out in left field. The stories he reads tell of a town where nothing makes sense and people are left to wonder where reality ends and fiction commences. The deeper Hank digs, the more trouble he finds. Now, he will have to find a way to reveal it all before, he, too, becomes one of those who has the truth erased from him and is left to live an unsuspecting life in Bethlam. Bassoff keeps the reader hooked with all these twists and turns in this captivating read.

I have always enjoyed a good thriller, particularly those of a more psychological nature. Bassoff delivers the perfect story that has all the elements of a great piece and does so while luring the reader deeper into the mix. The narrative is strong and builds from chapter to chapter, all while inching forward into a mix of shadows and confusion. Characters add flavouring all their own, pacing their revelations as best they can. It's nothing short of genius the way things come together, particularly with the twists that Jon Bassoff finds to pepper within each chapter. What begins as strange is soon completely off the rails and the reader cannot escape. I am eager to find more novels like this to devour in my spare time.

Kudos, Mr. Bassoff, for impressing me in many ways!

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

[Dona's (come down with Covid) Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pre-Read Notes:

I like stories about memory so this title was like a fish hook in my brain. The similarities to The Stepford Wives is impossible to ignore, but I would say rather that this older work is an influence, rather than this book being a retelling.

"...[T]here were times that it seemed that I didn't know him at all. I would stare at his thick and hairy hands, and imagine them holding that poor girl underwater, while she violently slapped the porcelain tub. Then I would feel ashamed."

Final Review

(thoughts & recs)

My 3 Favorite Things:

✔️ This is a story similar in concept to Stepford Wives, which is scary as heck. This one is suspenseful and weird in ways that make it distinctive.

✔️ I like these kinds of stories, in which someone seems different in a threatening way, but the explanation is obfuscated to create suspense and mystery for the readers. It can be such a window into human nature. It's almost a scifi trope and it works very well in many different genres.

✔️ I think this is a good example of an  execution of the unreliable narrator that maximizes their vulnerability. Why can't we trust them? What if we can't trust the reason we get for our mistrust? It creates a heavy tension between reality and perception.


Notes:

1. content notes: gaslighting, dopplegangers, domestic violence, emotional abuse, human experimentation, matricide, gr_pe (off-page, brief description), paranoia, amnesia

Thank you to the author Jon Bassoff, Blackstone Publishing, and NetGalley for an advance audiobook copy of THE MEMORY WARD. All views are mine.

[Kim ~ It’s All About the Thrill · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s good to be a part of #blackstoneinsiders… 🖤Thank you SO much @blackstonepublishing for my gorgeous gifted copy!! 🥰 WOW!! This book was WILD!! 🤯🤯🤯 This is definitely a #bookstagrammademedoit !! Thank you @nikkileethrillseeker for putting this on my radar and giving me major FOMO!! 🫶

I LOVE when a book makes me mutter WTFFFF ….over and over… 😂.. This definitely made me do that!! Seriously guys.. I had no idea what was going on.. and I loved it. 😍Listen to this..

Bethlam is a nice town… too nice. I seriously got Stepford Wives vibes at the beginning.. and it just got weirder. 😳

I can’t explain how I felt reading this. I felt uneasy.. creeped out… I wanted to scream get the hell out of there!! 🏃 Absolutely brilliant!! I can’t wait to read more by @jonbassoff !! Go in blind!! It’s a mind blowing trip!! 🤯🤯🤯

🖤🖤🖤 Is this on your TBR? Have you read a @jonbassoff book yet? What is the last book that blew your mind? 🖤🖤🖤

[Books_the_Magical_Fruit · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m ultimately giving this 3.25 stars, because, while I was intrigued by the story, the last quarter of it was wholly unsatisfying. All that buildup, and then I was left confused and grasping for an explanation that made some kind of sense.

The premise is interesting enough: someone finds out he’s been delivering blank letters in his picture-perfect neighborhood, and everyone seems to be a little too interested in what he’s doing. Something is off, and it’s very unsettling. And so the investigation begins….


Content warning: there are a few extremely gruesome scenes. Proceed with caution. I personally won’t be reading this again.

My thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for an advance copy. All opinions are my own.

[Books Amongst Friends · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook/Narration: 4.55/5
Book/ Story Overall: 3.75/5

What a ride from start to finish! A little bit of Black Mirror mashed up with The Truman Show! This book had me feeling all the eerie vibes right from the start. After reading a lot of slower-paced books, this was refreshing and held my attention all the way through. I will definitely be recommending it to all my suspense and horror friends out there. I’d even suggest it to readers who want to start—or have just started—reading horror as well. Especially because this isn’t your typical horror book; it leans more into suspense and thriller territory with horror elements.

Everyone in Bethlam knows Hank Davies is a good man. He’s a good son, a loving husband, and a hard worker. He has a great job with the Postal Service and takes each day as it comes—no matter how routine. He is good, life is good, and Bethlam, Nevada is amazing. Because nothing goes wrong in Bethlam…

Until one day isn’t like the others.

Part of the reason I really enjoyed this book is because the author acknowledges that there's an element of predictability in the story. There's a consistent undertone of suspense and something lingering that starts right at the beginning. We get this gradual buildup for both our main character, Hank Davies, the people in Bethlam, and the reader. The author doesn't try to hide the fact that something’s off about Bethlam. It’s described as idyllic and perfect in a way that feels programmed and unsettling. It’s obvious to the reader that not everything is as it seems. Your mind immediately starts going in a million different directions with all the possibilities of what the secret of Bethlam is. As the story progresses, you can pretty much guess where it’s going—but I think many readers won’t expect how far it actually goes.

Now, this isn’t just a story about a creepy town. It’s a story about finding the truth at all costs—and wondering whether that truth is even worth it. It's also largely about memories: the power they have to control us, keep us in a trance, and sometimes trap us in the past, unable to move forward. We kind of see this theme throughout the book. That’s why I found it to be really interesting that every time Hank started to feel out of place, someone was always there to help him "remember" and bring him back down. But brewing underneath it all is the Hank that never left. Which is why by the end of the book it’s interesting to see the changes Hank experiences while trying to escape a routine and cycle that’s beyond his control. He ends up becoming part of that cycle in a different way. And I think many readers, like myself, will get to the end and wonder if Hank made the right decision—or if he ever really had a choice at all.

Funny enough, I don’t usually enjoy stories that leave me guessing too much or have you wondering what’s real and what isn’t. But I actually enjoyed those elements here, because they supported the larger structure and premise: watching someone unravel while also creating a cyclic experience. I know some readers might find the beginning a little slower, but I personally thought the pacing was perfect for the story’s progression. It’s intentional that we see Hank’s days repeat, with just enough variation and strange occurrences each time to build tension and keep both Hank and the reader in a growing sense of unease. The author really succeeded in making the reader feel just as confused and off-balance as Hank.
I listened to the audiobook for this read and was fully engaged the entire time. I never once felt lost, and I think the narrator did a fantastic job capturing the tone and fear in the characters, especially as we meet people with secrets of their own—like Veronica, who helps Hank realize Bethlam isn’t what it seems. I really enjoyed hearing Hank’s father and witnessing the realizations unfold between them. But the most powerful part was hearing Hank at the beginning versus Hank at the end—there’s a little more darkness in his voice, a sharper edge. The audiobook made it easy to be immersed in the world and atmosphere of the story.

And speaking of atmosphere, I found the 1950s/60s elements in Bethlam really entertaining. I’ve seen some readers express confusion about the timeline or when exactly the story takes place, but I thought that was a clever choice on the author’s part—it draws readers deeper into the unraveling of Hank’s reality and descent into madness. There’s both a sense of comfort and creepiness. The furniture Hank once didn’t notice is suddenly so out of date. This reminded me of WandaVision and its 1950s suburban aesthetic—this facade of safety: the working husband, the loving housewife, the perfect neighborhood. But it’s all fake.

While I really enjoyed this read, I’m not surprised it has mixed reviews. Like any thriller, some readers will find one element boring and another fascinating. Something will feel too slow for one reader, too fast for another. It really comes down to individual interpretation. I know some readers might feel the predictability ruined it, but others—like me—were happy to be along for the ride. I’ve also seen reviews saying the truth reveal was jarring, and I definitely understand that perspective. Hank’s truth is dark, and I questioned whether the level of detail was necessary. But considering how Hank is being used, I understood why the author included that information. I think the intent was to make the reader feel just as uncomfortable and disoriented as Hank. You're seeing someone who’s both unfamiliar and somehow still him. I completely understand why some readers might be turned off by that, but for me, it was a welcome shift from my recent reads, and the audiobook energy hooked me. I hope more people check it out!

Spoilers
It’s hard to review this book without diving into what it’s really about, so I’ll touch on some spoilers here. If you don’t want to know them, stop reading now.

I’ll start by saying that this is definitely one of those books where your enjoyment will depend a lot on personal preferences. If you’re not into government conspiracy theories, this might not be the book for you. If you dislike ambiguous endings or the whole “is it real or is it a dream?” thing, again, this might not be your cup of tea. And if you need a main character to connect with or root for deeply, this book may also fall short for you.

Hank is our main character, but he’s not really someone you’re supposed to connect with emotionally. I felt like the real connection here was with the eerie tone of the story, the lingering fear, and the question of whether something like this could actually happen. You do occasionally root for Hank—but more so because you want to uncover the truth, not necessarily because you care about him personally. Once you realize that Bethlam is a government-owned city used for memory-based experiments, it becomes clear that none of the characters are who they seem, including Hank.
The idea of implanting memories is especially compelling because people do this every day—they misremember or reframe events, and eventually those become their truths. Some people lie to themselves so much that they start to believe the lie. That concept worked really well here, especially since the memory tampering is presented as a form of therapy—to help traumatized people forget. Early on, it becomes pretty clear that Hank has done something he wants to forget. Readers may suspect that Hank has a dark or traumatic past, as opposed to the idea that the government randomly selected people for this experiment. And as we meet more people in Bethlam, we see how many of them are actors—being paid to reinforce Hank’s implanted memories. Or maybe their other patients👀…

By the end, when Hank’s truth is revealed—along with the truths of the two women he meets—we learn they’re all murderers. They all committed horrific crimes, and this program is offered in exchange for jail time. So when Hank is given the choice between prison and going back into the experiment, I wasn’t shocked when he chose the experiment again. I think Hank is so traumatized that he’d rather live in a cycle of partial discovery and repression than fully face what he did.

The book ends with Hank repeating the same cycle—finding the notes and writings he left for himself, just like at the beginning. It’s a loop he can’t escape.

Thanks so much to NetGalley & Blackstone Publishing Audio for this ALC.

[Sadie Hartmann]

Review coming soon!
Read if you enjoyed:
Severance
Don't Worry Darling
The Truman Show
and Servant
A psychological, mind-bending, crime thriller/horror

[TheConnieFox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! This audiobook gave me the jitters! It was horrifying, realistic, mysterious and eerie. It did start off slow paced, but then started picking up and became very fast paced. Once it started getting fast paced, it became suspenseful and full of twists and turns! I started to become confused as to what is real and what wasn’t. Reality started to become a blur in the book. It digs into identity, trauma and memory!

I highly recommend this book to anyone that loves reading horror! I rate this book a high 4 out of 5 stars!

Thank you to NetGalley, author Jon Bassoff, Blackstone Publishing - Audiobooks for this complimentary audiobook in exchange for my honest review!

The Memory Ward was published on March 4, 2025 and is out now!

[Mandy K · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Memory Ward 5⭐️
Brilliantly Bizarre.

There’s something calmly terrifying when every single resident of Bethlam smiles. Too much, too big, too long, too….suspiciously. The Memory Ward was packed full of creepy vibes and lots of questions. It was unique and kept my attention from beginning to end. I was fully immersed in this story’s world and transported to the town of Bethlam. The writing style allowed me to see, hear, and experience each description provided.

Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. This review will be shared on NetGalley and Goodreads.
Pub Date Mar 04 2025

[Mikala · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was left with too many unanswered questions and a sense that the story never truly came together. The ending was baffling. The pace is sluggish, and the plot developments feel drawn out.
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Reading notes along the way (may be some spoilers)...

30% I clearly missed something. What happened to his wife iris and what was on the letters? I think it switched to a different character who coincidentally is also a postal worker and name is very similar??? Very confusing on the audiobook.

46% slow tension building (I kind of wish more had happened by now)

77% so I think he's the same character from part 1 but he got :scrubbed: that makes more sense now

82% this isn't blowing me away. Kind of generic.

Erasing trauma to give people the past they want. Mostly projected use for soldiers though.

86% those gory details of abuse and SA were for shock value and not necessary. I hate reading garbage like that. Hate when authors use SA for shock value.

100% Wow I'm incredibly disappointed. I don't understand what the ending meant. This felt like a massive waste of time.

The Memory Ward starts with an intriguing premise, weaving themes of memory manipulation and trauma. While the novel offers some suspense, it falls short in many areas, ultimately leaving more questions than answers.

The ending—did the protagonist really just experience delusions the entire time? And if so, what was the point of the interlude told from the woman ( Catherine, I think) character’s point of view?

[Magen • Bone Chilling Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first Jon Bassoff book and won’t be my last. So good, so unique, so many twists, so odd.

I don’t want to say too much because I feel like I’ll be giving things away but if you’re a fan of The Stepford Wives and The Truman Show, you gotta read this wild book!

It’ll have you guessing what’s real and what’s not. You do have to suspend your belief - it is a thriller after all. And I’d recommend going into this one blind.

Fun read! Love that it was so different than most thrillers.

[Catherine Victor Simpson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Speculative fiction straight out of the twilight zone and black mirror combining element from The Truman show (initially) and then later Stepford wives. The whole book gave me a sort of dejavu vibe. Have I read or seen something similar before?
The setting seems to mirror a 1950/60s time period, however I believe that was all smoke and mirrors and the real setting is actually present day or near future.
The book is split into different parts each part told by a different character all of which live in Bethlam, Nevada and idyllic picture perfect town where the residents are definitely not what they seem.
I listened to this on audio which provided a different voice for each character, which is always welcomed but I do have to say the voice of the main character Wally was really really off putting. Whether intentional or not (i actually think the former) this characters voice sounded meek and unintelligent often with a slight stutter. I understand voice acting and to a certain degree matched the character but wasn't needed it could have been portrayed differently and it really put me off the book a lot of the time. The rest of the narrators where excellent.
Without giving too much away I have to add that the pace of the book was very slow and repetitive (although the repetition makes sense) however there isn't much happening. A LOT of gaslighting (again makes sense) but incredibly frustrating because the pace is so slow and we as the reader are already 10 steps ahead and waiting for the book to catch up. It's not that we realised the twist (can we call it a twist) for me at least it was all very obvious what was going on we just needed to get there. Most of the action is presented to us in the last third of the book where pace picks up but in an effort to be 'original or clever' the author fell into the trap of adding drama and detail for the sake of shock value which was unnecessary.
The ending? Well I think it can be taken both way and again was trying to be 'clever' and was not well executed. Sometimes sticking to the plan is the best way.
An unfortunate execution to what could have been an excellent premise.

Thank you to Blackstone Publishing who provided me with an audiocopy of this book via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is something 1950ish about the small town of Bethlam, Nevada. I picture the American sitcom, Leave it to Beaver: women in dresses and heels cleaning, cooking, and nurturing; men pulling into the driveway at 5 pm sharp, doing yard work and playing golf on the weekends; and children who go to school with clean ears, and get dirty while making mischief with their ragtag group of friends. As a resident here, you actually find it normal to make small talk with the mailman, grocer, banker, and neighbors. They know your name (Hello, Mr. Davis. Nice weather today, don’t you think?), and you know theirs (Yes, Mr. mailman/grocer/banker/neighbor. The day is sunny; it’s always sunny in Bethlam). However, we will find out, that it is 2000-something, and things are not what they appear to be in Jon Bassoff’s fantastic psychological horror novel, The Memory Ward.

It is Hank Davies’ birthday, and his wife—Iris--reminds him that it is a very important day because he could be dead instead. Due to a serious car accident, Hank has issues with his memory. Part of his therapy is to talk about memories. Often, his physician—Dr. Hoover—will help him by telling him just what Hank’s memories are. Lately, Hank has had severe headaches and “glitches” in his thinking. He also begins to notice people staring at him and whispering. Is he becoming paranoid, or is he finally noticing things that he failed to see before? An unexpected midnight visit from someone may lead him to something that will answer his questions (hint: it’s hidden under the wallpaper).

Now take everything I said in the previous paragraph—sans the wife and birthday—and apply it to Walter Daley. And Catherine Gordon. And Veronica Miller: the lady who may know what is happening. But is anything even happening? And what’s up with all the house calls by Dr. Hoover?

There may be a point in your reading of the book that you will become confident that you have figured “it” out. Well, you would be wrong. There will be a few more twists and turns; some that caught me unawares and took this story to a deeper level. Life in Bethlam may just be the pretty exterior of an ugly underbelly.

I think you would enjoy this well-written and witty book.

I would like to thank Black Stone Press and LibraryThing for the opportunity to read and review this novel

[❀Heather❀Brown❀ · Rating 4 out of 5]

#ad many thanks for my advance copy @blackstonepublishing #partner
& @librofm #partner for the ALC

Since I read the premise of this one I knew I wanted to read it. While this book wasn’t exactly what I thought it’d be, it also still was in some ways.

The Memory Ward by Jon Bassoff is a one-sitting type of read. By the end of chapter one you are all in and by chapter four you have to finish reading to see where the plot going.

While this was a fun read I found the pacing a little too slow, but it still kept me entertained. It felt reading a book version of Pleasant Ville and The Truman Show with a hit of We’ve Come to Welcome You.

This would make an excellent limited series! I think it’d work well, maybe better than reading it.

Quick fun read that begs you to find out what is going on. The writing is intriguing with eerie vibes and the main character pushes the plot along. I liked the sci-fi angle of the book.

The audio was also well done. I listened while following along.

Def a thought-provoking read that begs discussion! If given the option I think I’d have what’s in the book (no spoilers) done to me.

4-5 hr read

[WHL (Bill) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shockingly & Creepy


What's Real and what isn't?


This is my first time reading Jon Bassoff.  He pulled off a wonderfully weird & creepy page-turner with The Memory Ward. If you enjoy Memory loss tropes you really need to read this one. It really did keep me hooked from beginning to end. The story gives off sort of a 50s Invasion of the Body Snatchers vibe. Think of a psychological thriller with some sci-fi ish aspects thrown in. Interesting and complex characters with a plot that keeps you guessing. 

This was gearing up to be a 5 star for me except for the open ended conclusion disappointed me. Regardless, The Memory Ward is still absolutely worth the read. I'll definitely be checking for more of Jon Bassoff's previous work.
Thank you to Netgalley and Blackstone Publishing for my complimentary copy. 

[Marcy Reads on IG · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the beginning. The ending not so much. It left me with too many questions. All that said, the whole journey was amazing.

I really enjoy Bassoff’s writing. The pacing is always on point and the way he pulls you through the story always works for me. This was no exception in that regard. Also, the setting, top notch!

Definitely recommend especially if you love reading about idyllic little towns with loads of secrets!

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this was a ride! Gave me total Black Mirror vibes. I legit couldn’t put it down and that twist? I did not see that coming. Someone get this turned into a movie ASAP!

[Louis (audiobookfanatic) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Memory Ward is a mind-bending blend of speculative fiction, horror, and science fiction. The story follows postal worker Hank Davies in Bethlam, Nevada. One day, on his route, he realizes he’s been delivering blank sheets of paper within addressed envelopes to houses. When he returns home to tell his wife, she blames him for not doing his job and oddly dismissed his concerns. That night he receives a knock on the window by another Bethlam resident, insisting that he look behind the wallpaper in his bedroom for answers. What he discovers is a shocking truth left behind by his former self in a life he doesn’t remember.

This page-tuner story is fast-paced with short chapters, making it extremely binge-worthy! The isolated small-town Nevada setting is the perfect backdrop for this mind-bending story. While the town seems perfect on the outside, there is so much more going on that slowly becomes apparent, paralleling the unraveling of the hdden identities of the characters.

The story is told in five interwoven POVs, with each perspective given its own part of the book. The reveals in this story happen in stages, with clever detours woven in that play psychological games with readers. Bassoff’s writing is lyrical and haunting, amplified by a sun-baked desert suburbia where eerie residents have smiles plastered on.

Aside from protagonist Hank, all the town’s characters are suspicious and harbor secrets. The whole town has a Twilight Zone/Truman Show vibe to it that creates an atmospheric reading experience for the entire wild ride. Hank is a kind-hearted, likable character who readers can easily root for. He’s told he’s been recovering from a recent accident he doesn't remember by his doting wife. But what he reads behind the wallpaper forces him to question everything and creates an identity crisis of epic proportions. Readers will be ferociously turning the pages to see if Hank can get to the truth before it’s too late. In the second half, Hank becomes much more fearless after some important breakthroughs in his memory. But don’t even think you’ll be able to guess what happens next—the story becomes more unpredictable with each passing chapter from there on, and Hank’s decision-making is not what you’ll expect, especially in crucial scenes—to both the delight and frustration of readers!

The audiobook is the perfect format for this story and the narrators do a fantastic job. Main Narrator (and well-known actor) Bronson Pinchot perfectly embodies Hank (and his variations), using a tone infused with unease and tension that draws listeners in from the very first chapter. He also provides realistic and distinct voices for all the characters that gives the audiobook a cinematic feel. Dawn Harvey and Janina Edwards both give dramatic and engrossing performances of their female characters, adding additional layers of suspense to the story.

Overall, The Memory offers addictive and mind-bending horror in a very original structure. With its thought-provoking narrative and open-ended, perplexing conclusion, it’s a story that lingers and requires discussion by readers afterwards. Readers who enjoy spectacular fiction, horror, and mind-bending narratives should immediately grab a copy of this book, suspend their disbelief, and enjoy the wild ride!

[BookishVegan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for providing an ARC.
3.5
I really enjoyed listening to this, I sped through it pretty quickly. The premise is trippy.. very 1950s perfect town with perfect neighbors…. You know something is off but it’s not exactly clear. It’s a little too idealistic . I don’t want to give too much away on the trope or comparisons however I highly suggest the audio, the narrator did a great job capturing the cadence of the characters which imo played a big part. A little eerie, a little speculative. I feel like this book was enjoyable but the speculative nerd in me would have liked more of a backstory. However I love the genre and enjoyed the premise - sometimes short and sweet is just as effective, I highly suggest giving this a go

[Rose ✧⁎⁺ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5☆