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The Dark Locket: Secrets of the Sanatorium
A multiple-time Amazon Best Seller, The Dark Locket draws readers into a chilling maze of memory and madness.The past isn’t buried—it’s waiting.
When Harold's fiancée, Emily, vanishes without a trace, his search pulls him into the decaying heart of Lyaeus Sanatorium, an abandoned asylum cloaked in rot, ruin, and secrets. But within those crumbling walls, Harold uncovers more than the mystery of Emily’s disappearance.
He uncovers himself.
Because Lyaeus isn’t just the subject of Emily’s research, it’s a part of Harold’s forgotten childhood. As he ventures deeper into the asylum’s shadowed corridors, strange sensations claw at the edges of his mind. A child’s voice calls his name. The walls seem to breathe. And in his pocket lies a mysterious bronze locket—a relic that feels more like a key than a keepsake.
Reality begins to slip as Harold’s memories return in haunting, broken, and terrifyingly real. Each step forward pulls him closer to a buried truth he was never meant to remember. And the closer he gets, the more the asylum seems to awaken.
What really happened at Lyaeus? Where is Emily? And why does Harold feel like he’s been here before?
A gripping descent into memory, madness, and the secrets we lock away, The Dark Locket is a taut psychological thriller perfect for those who crave atmospheric mystery novels that blur the line between past and present.
Some doors should never be reopened.
When Harold's fiancée, Emily, vanishes without a trace, his search pulls him into the decaying heart of Lyaeus Sanatorium, an abandoned asylum cloaked in rot, ruin, and secrets. But within those crumbling walls, Harold uncovers more than the mystery of Emily’s disappearance.
He uncovers himself.
Because Lyaeus isn’t just the subject of Emily’s research, it’s a part of Harold’s forgotten childhood. As he ventures deeper into the asylum’s shadowed corridors, strange sensations claw at the edges of his mind. A child’s voice calls his name. The walls seem to breathe. And in his pocket lies a mysterious bronze locket—a relic that feels more like a key than a keepsake.
Reality begins to slip as Harold’s memories return in haunting, broken, and terrifyingly real. Each step forward pulls him closer to a buried truth he was never meant to remember. And the closer he gets, the more the asylum seems to awaken.
What really happened at Lyaeus? Where is Emily? And why does Harold feel like he’s been here before?
A gripping descent into memory, madness, and the secrets we lock away, The Dark Locket is a taut psychological thriller perfect for those who crave atmospheric mystery novels that blur the line between past and present.
Some doors should never be reopened.
193 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2025
58 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 14, 2025
3.5⭐️
The Dark Locket was such a mind bender that takes you on a wicked ride through an abandoned sanatorium that defies time and reality. It had me questioning everything from the beginning. I never knew what was real, what was a flashback, what was imagination, what was paranormal, or even what time the MC was in.
This story follows the MMC, a doctor named Harold, who discovers his girlfriend, Emily, missing. He tracks her to an abandoned decrepit sanatorium, where he soon realized things may not be what they seem. There are so many twists and turns in this book that you never know what way is up. This book had its pros and cons for me.
Cons: I did find it hard to follow at times, and I found myself having to reread parts to try to figure out what was going on in the story. There were also some parts (possible editing mistakes?) where things are repeated, whole sentence word for word within the same paragraph back to back, several times. I wasn't sure if it was supposed to be a glitch within the scene or if things were accidentally copied during the writing process.
Pros: This was a mind-bending paranormal suspense thriller. It had a lot going on, and there were twists and turns all over the place, keeping it interesting. The world building was great. I could actually visualize the different rooms/scenes in the sanatorium ad Harold traversed through it. The characters were interesting. I liked that there was representation of mental health issues and that Harold's characters displayed growth from beginning to the end of the story. I also found the twists in the second half of the book to be very interested, and it kept me guessing if it was reality or all just an allusion or dream. I also really liked the twists at the end.
If you're looking for a mind-bending paranormal suspense thriller, then this book is definitely for you.
The Dark Locket was such a mind bender that takes you on a wicked ride through an abandoned sanatorium that defies time and reality. It had me questioning everything from the beginning. I never knew what was real, what was a flashback, what was imagination, what was paranormal, or even what time the MC was in.
This story follows the MMC, a doctor named Harold, who discovers his girlfriend, Emily, missing. He tracks her to an abandoned decrepit sanatorium, where he soon realized things may not be what they seem. There are so many twists and turns in this book that you never know what way is up. This book had its pros and cons for me.
Cons: I did find it hard to follow at times, and I found myself having to reread parts to try to figure out what was going on in the story. There were also some parts (possible editing mistakes?) where things are repeated, whole sentence word for word within the same paragraph back to back, several times. I wasn't sure if it was supposed to be a glitch within the scene or if things were accidentally copied during the writing process.
Pros: This was a mind-bending paranormal suspense thriller. It had a lot going on, and there were twists and turns all over the place, keeping it interesting. The world building was great. I could actually visualize the different rooms/scenes in the sanatorium ad Harold traversed through it. The characters were interesting. I liked that there was representation of mental health issues and that Harold's characters displayed growth from beginning to the end of the story. I also found the twists in the second half of the book to be very interested, and it kept me guessing if it was reality or all just an allusion or dream. I also really liked the twists at the end.
If you're looking for a mind-bending paranormal suspense thriller, then this book is definitely for you.
January 22, 2026
The Dark Locket: Secrets of The Sanitorium by Chris Witt grabbed me from the first chapter. Harold, the main character, seems to be leading a normal life as he waits for his girlfriend to arrive at his apartment for a dinner date. When she doesn't show up and he tries to figure out what possibly happened to her, it dawns on him that she might have gone to that old sanatorium, the one she's writing about in her dissertation. When Emily doesn't show up, Harold travels to a place that unsettles him.
Once Harold steps into this decaying building, a never-ending nightmare ensues. What is real and what isn't? What is this locket that mysteriously appears, giving him powers to jump from past to present, unlocking memories he'd forgotten? Harold must confront his past and issues he's never made peace with. Behind every door of this sanatorium, memories and people appear to taunt him. Just when you think Harold has figured it out and escaped this place, the author throws us back into the nightmare. Can Harold really make peace with his past, or is he now lost in an ever-looping cycle with no way to escape the sanatorium?
This is a fascinating paranormal psychological thriller. It kept me guessing and analyzing what was happening, especially with the different characters that appear in every room. Are they real? Are they ghosts, or are they just memories, parts of his psyche, fragments of his mental state?
The Dark Locket is a mind-boggling read that pulls you into a harrowing struggle, and just when you think it's over, it pulls you right back into the maze. This was a fascinatingly captivating read!
Once Harold steps into this decaying building, a never-ending nightmare ensues. What is real and what isn't? What is this locket that mysteriously appears, giving him powers to jump from past to present, unlocking memories he'd forgotten? Harold must confront his past and issues he's never made peace with. Behind every door of this sanatorium, memories and people appear to taunt him. Just when you think Harold has figured it out and escaped this place, the author throws us back into the nightmare. Can Harold really make peace with his past, or is he now lost in an ever-looping cycle with no way to escape the sanatorium?
This is a fascinating paranormal psychological thriller. It kept me guessing and analyzing what was happening, especially with the different characters that appear in every room. Are they real? Are they ghosts, or are they just memories, parts of his psyche, fragments of his mental state?
The Dark Locket is a mind-boggling read that pulls you into a harrowing struggle, and just when you think it's over, it pulls you right back into the maze. This was a fascinatingly captivating read!
September 6, 2025
✨Book Review✨
The Dark Locket
Rating: 4⭐️
The Dark Locket transported me straight into the halls of a creepy sanatorium, giving me chills from beginning to end. I kept questioning everything: were these encounters real, figments of Harold’s imagination or actual spirits lurking in the shadows?
Harold’s search for his missing girlfriend, Emily, takes him deep into the labyrinth of the sanitarium where he uncovers buried secrets and suppressed memories that blur the line between past and present.
This novel is on the shorter side but it’s definitely a page turner. I found myself racing to the end, eager to untangle what was real and what wasn’t. And that ending? Totally unexpected!
If you’re a fan of paranormal mysteries with a dash of fantasy, The Dark Locket is absolutely worth picking up!
The Dark Locket
Rating: 4⭐️
The Dark Locket transported me straight into the halls of a creepy sanatorium, giving me chills from beginning to end. I kept questioning everything: were these encounters real, figments of Harold’s imagination or actual spirits lurking in the shadows?
Harold’s search for his missing girlfriend, Emily, takes him deep into the labyrinth of the sanitarium where he uncovers buried secrets and suppressed memories that blur the line between past and present.
This novel is on the shorter side but it’s definitely a page turner. I found myself racing to the end, eager to untangle what was real and what wasn’t. And that ending? Totally unexpected!
If you’re a fan of paranormal mysteries with a dash of fantasy, The Dark Locket is absolutely worth picking up!
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February 6, 2026Mysterious and captivating
"The dark locket" truly was a psychological thriller. It was constantly building yet unraveling what you thought you knew. But yet was never overwhelming. It honestly kind of felt like shutter Island, I personally thought this was a great book to read and it had me constantly questioning what was going on and on the edge of my seat.
There was a constant linger wondering what was going to happen and the story keeps you entirely immersed and interested while slowly pulling you through curves and questions.
But at the same time you were wondering, you were getting answers to questions you didnt know you even had however a lot of them created more questions.
I absolutely loved this story and will definitely be reading more by this author.
"The dark locket" truly was a psychological thriller. It was constantly building yet unraveling what you thought you knew. But yet was never overwhelming. It honestly kind of felt like shutter Island, I personally thought this was a great book to read and it had me constantly questioning what was going on and on the edge of my seat.
There was a constant linger wondering what was going to happen and the story keeps you entirely immersed and interested while slowly pulling you through curves and questions.
But at the same time you were wondering, you were getting answers to questions you didnt know you even had however a lot of them created more questions.
I absolutely loved this story and will definitely be reading more by this author.
August 2, 2025
If you’re a fan of books that challenge your perceptions, “The Dark Locket” is an absolute must-read. From the very first page, Chris Witt’s masterful storytelling keeps you on the edge of your seat, drawing you into an emotional rollercoaster ride. The eerie atmosphere and unexpected plot twists create a suspenseful and heart-wrenching journey. Harold’s descent into Lyaeus Sanatorium feels like a descent into madness, blurring the lines between reality and nightmares. If you’re a mystery lover who craves a book that lingers in your mind long after you’ve finished it, this is the one for you!
April 10, 2025
Intriguing story with unexpected twists
Nice read. The story slowly reveals secrets that kept me intrigued guessing. I liked how the main character struggled with memories and illusions, which helped to create lot of tension as you read. My only critique is that sometimes the plot felt a bit confusing to me, but maybe it was part of the unsettling vibe. I enjoyed the unexpected twists and overall I felt the story was interesting and kept me hooked. If you like spooky mysteries, this is a great pick.
Nice read. The story slowly reveals secrets that kept me intrigued guessing. I liked how the main character struggled with memories and illusions, which helped to create lot of tension as you read. My only critique is that sometimes the plot felt a bit confusing to me, but maybe it was part of the unsettling vibe. I enjoyed the unexpected twists and overall I felt the story was interesting and kept me hooked. If you like spooky mysteries, this is a great pick.
February 16, 2026
The Dark Locket
I just finished reading The Dark Locket: Secrets of the Sanatorium and it was such a spooky, intense ride! The story follows a girl who discovers a mysterious locket that leads her into the dark history of an old, abandoned sanatorium. The atmosphere is super creepy and the author does a great job of making you feel like you’re right there in the crumbling halls with the characters. I couldn't put it down because I had to know the secret! Definitely a must-read if you like mysteries with a ghost-story vibe.
I just finished reading The Dark Locket: Secrets of the Sanatorium and it was such a spooky, intense ride! The story follows a girl who discovers a mysterious locket that leads her into the dark history of an old, abandoned sanatorium. The atmosphere is super creepy and the author does a great job of making you feel like you’re right there in the crumbling halls with the characters. I couldn't put it down because I had to know the secret! Definitely a must-read if you like mysteries with a ghost-story vibe.
September 6, 2025
Harold and Emily are graduate students and best friends but they are much more than that as you find out as you delve into the story. When Emily goes missing, Harold tracks her down to the Lyaeus Sanatorium which happens to be the subject of her dissertation. From there the story takes off in a new direction leaving the reader wondering what is real and what is an illusion. The plot is a roller-coaster ride which was quite unsettling. All together the book was entertaining and spooky.
April 19, 2025
When Harold's fiancée, Emily, goes missing, his frantic search leads him to the eerie and abandoned Lyaeus Sanatorium. As Harold uncovers the building's dark secrets, he must confront chilling memories and unravel the mysteries surrounding Emily's disappearance.
I couldn't get into this book. I love time travel but this wasn't for me
I couldn't get into this book. I love time travel but this wasn't for me
April 25, 2025
Horribly disjointed and clichéd. Also very evident was the power dynamic of toxic masculinity fighting against the manipulation of women. Like I said, clichéd.
It could have been good. I could have enjoyed it and given the review of “CPTSD on acid”. It started off that way but quickly spiraled into men as victims of women.
It could have been good. I could have enjoyed it and given the review of “CPTSD on acid”. It started off that way but quickly spiraled into men as victims of women.
July 20, 2025
Lost in the Locket
This creepy page-turner pulls you into a haunted asylum full of secrets and mind games. When Harold looks for his missing fiancée, he ends up digging into his own messed-up past. With weird voices, shifting walls, and one strange locket, things get spooky fast. A chilling, twisty ride for anyone who likes thrillers with a dark edge.
This creepy page-turner pulls you into a haunted asylum full of secrets and mind games. When Harold looks for his missing fiancée, he ends up digging into his own messed-up past. With weird voices, shifting walls, and one strange locket, things get spooky fast. A chilling, twisty ride for anyone who likes thrillers with a dark edge.
September 3, 2025
Great mystery/ haunting read
This book is a great read just in time for the spooky season and I enjoyed it I loved the characters the plot and world building and the way it was written was just amazing it was so smooth and not fast paced or slow paced it was just right and I loved the spooky vibes that it had absolutely amazing work
This book is a great read just in time for the spooky season and I enjoyed it I loved the characters the plot and world building and the way it was written was just amazing it was so smooth and not fast paced or slow paced it was just right and I loved the spooky vibes that it had absolutely amazing work
February 23, 2026
Very promising in the beginning. It was a page turner. But as the pages turned it became repetitive. And in the end, I’m not entirely sure what I just read and yet at no point did I want to stop reading. There was a certain pay off I was expecting, but it didn’t come. Not my cup of tea but perhaps it’s yours .
September 10, 2025
A great chilling and spooky read!!! There are many twists and unexpected turns. Interesting plot and great world building. If you like suspense thrillers this is the book for you!!! Perfect for Spooky Season!
September 10, 2025
I appreciated how the author keeps the reader on their toes. This read was packed with suspense and mystery. Just when you think you understand the locket, no you don’t lol this book had me clenching my señora pearls. Loved being submerged in this world and can’t wait to read more.
September 20, 2025
I loved it it was a mystery and an adventure all in one u don’t know what was Happening at some parts of the book but that is the best part not knowing and trying to guess what is happening highly recommended can’t wait for more books from this author
September 28, 2025
Ok I had to pause after reading this book. Mr Witt really got in my brain, but that's his job. The twists and truths that are discovered will surprise and shock you. May not want to read this one at night.
January 12, 2026
Great read!
Very solid and suspenseful read. I found myself more often than not, not being able to put it down and reading "just one more chapter." Looking forward to reading more from this author.
Very solid and suspenseful read. I found myself more often than not, not being able to put it down and reading "just one more chapter." Looking forward to reading more from this author.
August 3, 2025
found a bunch of typos throughout the book, horrible ending. The only good thing I have to say is that the book was short so I didn't waste too much of my time
August 20, 2025
DNF
this reads like it was written by AI.
23 of the 5 star reviews on Goodreads were copy paste. that's 23 out of 30.
boooooooooooo.
this reads like it was written by AI.
23 of the 5 star reviews on Goodreads were copy paste. that's 23 out of 30.
boooooooooooo.
August 26, 2025
Captures you from page 1. At the end, your going to question what you even read. So good. One of my favorites. Just keep in mind: "What is even really real?"
September 8, 2025
Wow
I couldn't stop reading. It is late and I am glad my husband is here. It was a bit scary, but good. Very twisty. Chris Witt has quite the imagination. I love it!
I couldn't stop reading. It is late and I am glad my husband is here. It was a bit scary, but good. Very twisty. Chris Witt has quite the imagination. I love it!
September 9, 2025
Interesting and suspense guaranteed
Fast moving and interesting. Definitely going to see what else this author has written. Highly recommend. Will love to read more like this
Fast moving and interesting. Definitely going to see what else this author has written. Highly recommend. Will love to read more like this
September 10, 2025
What a wild ride.
I questioned everything I thought I knew about what was happening / going to happen. I enjoyed this book very much!
I questioned everything I thought I knew about what was happening / going to happen. I enjoyed this book very much!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews