Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Patient 1024: Confession Files from the Asylum, Book 1

Rate this book
They arrive alive. They leave dead. But first, they give me their confessions.

These are the deathbed confessions of my patients.

This one you're about to listen to is for Patient #1024. He's known on my ward as "The Chef", and he has an interesting... appetite.

Fans of Stephen King, Joe Hill, and those who like to read/listen to books like The Bird Box or The Haunting and can't get enough stories about serial killers are going to enjoy listening to the deathbed confessions from the asylum.

My name is Jack Steen, and for those who arrive on my death ward at the asylum, I'm the last face many will see before they die. I am the night nurse at the Asylum for the Criminally Insane. Most of my patients are serial killers and mass murderers, and they know me as the Angel of Death.

When they come onto my floor, I offer a tell me their story. Their "untold" story that hasn't been read about in the news, sensationalized by media, or cataloged in a ridiculous number of academic papers. I want the real story - the one they haven't told anyone. Some of these killers have never confessed to their crimes, some kept certain information to themselves - those are the stories I want.

If they give them to me, I'll make their death...easier. They're already dying. That's why they're now my patients. If they play nice, I can make their death less painful. But only if they play nice and tell me their confessions.

The majority of these killers are expert manipulators. I realize they could be playing me and messing with my head. It's a chance I'm willing to take.

And now, they might just be playing with yours, too.

Audible Audio

Published May 12, 2021

101 people are currently reading
927 people want to read

About the author

Jack Steen

29 books500 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
154 (34%)
4 stars
162 (36%)
3 stars
105 (23%)
2 stars
25 (5%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Kathy.
3,270 reviews57 followers
October 2, 2025
4.5 rounded up
I'm going to live these stories
Profile Image for ☆☆☆Bibliolatrist Jordan☆☆☆.
272 reviews10 followers
October 6, 2022
Overall: ☆☆☆☆ (4.2)
Writing style: ☆☆☆☆☆
Entertainment ☆☆☆☆☆
Characters ☆☆☆
Plot: ☆☆☆☆
Ending:☆☆☆☆

This one was super fun! I knew at a minute and 20 seconds into this book/novella that I was gonna absolutely love it! I was not disappointed.
Jack is the angel of death on his floor for the the criminally insane. He tells them when they come to his floor that if they tell their story and give a true confession then he will make sure that they're passing but that they're passing is easy. But if they refuse he will make it h***.
Did not disappoint it was an excellent choice for a creepy October!
Profile Image for Kaelah ♡.
51 reviews1 follower
July 3, 2024
100000/5 book for me! UUUFFFFFF this story was so diabolical. Disgusting. Jaw dropping. MY KIND OF STORY 😂 even though it was gross, it just amazes me how crazy people can be. If you want to read this short story, make sure you aren’t eating anything and make sure you have an open mind to this story. The patient in this story was severally mentally ill and the things that Jack describes is just so crazy. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!!! 🫢
Profile Image for Megan Rang.
1,081 reviews16 followers
May 30, 2024
I have read a book of Asylum Confessions before and really enjoyed it. Actually listened to the audiobook. I had hoped this was a new story as it was presented that way as patient #1024. That was not the case. It was a repeat from a slightly longer group of stories I already read. If you are planning to check these out they are worth it. However, do opt for the audiobook. I was told by a friend the writing itself is awful and there are a bunch of typos. In the audiobook you don’t have to deal with those flaws.
Profile Image for James.
71 reviews3 followers
May 10, 2024
Creepy and interesting.. it left me eerily hungry .. wink
Profile Image for Cathy.
70 reviews7 followers
March 14, 2025
This is a repeat of the first story in the first book. Didn’t realize that when I started it. I still read it all the way through as it’s an interesting story lol
Profile Image for Dirty Dayna.
2,153 reviews109 followers
September 12, 2022
This was a fun little creepy true crime feeling book. This is part of a series and is the start as well with each story following one patient. It is definitely one of those books that make you say what is going on the entire time. It ended and i was still puzzled. This story is about the butcher and my goodness I didnt expect this confession at all!
Profile Image for Sarah Jensen.
2,090 reviews177 followers
April 13, 2025
Book Review: Patient 1024 by Jack Steen

Patient 1024 by Jack Steen is an extraordinary novel that captivates readers from the very first page. This gripping tale blends elements of psychological suspense, medical intrigue, and profound human emotion, creating a narrative that is both thrilling and thought-provoking.

Intriguing Plot
The story revolves around a mysterious patient, known only as Patient 1024, who arrives at a psychiatric facility. Dr. Emily Harper, a brilliant yet troubled psychiatrist, is determined to uncover the truth about this enigmatic individual. As Emily delves deeper into the patient’s past, she uncovers a web of secrets that not only challenges her understanding of medicine but also forces her to confront her own demons. The pacing is impeccable, with twists and turns that keep you glued to the pages, making it nearly impossible to put the book down.

Complex Characters
Steen has crafted a cast of complex characters that are both relatable and multifaceted. Dr. Harper is a compelling protagonist whose vulnerability and determination resonate strongly with readers. The depth of her character development allows us to witness her evolution as she grapples with moral dilemmas and the emotional weight of her profession. Patient 1024, shrouded in mystery, is a character that fascinates and frustrates in equal measure, prompting readers to question their assumptions and perceptions.

Themes of Humanity and Healing
At its core, Patient 1024 explores profound themes of healing, trauma, and the human condition. The novel tackles difficult subjects such as mental illness and the stigma surrounding it with sensitivity and nuance. Steen’s portrayal of the struggles faced by both patients and healthcare professionals serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of the human psyche and the importance of compassion in the healing process.

Masterful Writing
Jack Steen’s writing style is both evocative and immersive. His ability to create vivid imagery and emotionally charged scenes draws readers into the world of the story. The dialogue is sharp and engaging, adding an authentic layer to the characters’ interactions. Steen’s meticulous attention to detail enhances the atmosphere, making the psychiatric facility feel like a character in its own right—both claustrophobic and hauntingly beautiful.

Conclusion
Patient 1024 is more than just a thriller; it is a profound exploration of the human experience. Jack Steen has crafted a masterful narrative that challenges readers to consider the complexities of mental health and the resilience of the human spirit. This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys psychological dramas with depth and meaning. Prepare to be enthralled, moved, and inspired by this remarkable journey into the heart of humanity.

In short, Patient 1024 is a brilliant addition to contemporary literature that will linger in your thoughts long after you turn the last page. Highly recommended!
Profile Image for D.G. Kaye.
Author 11 books144 followers
April 27, 2025
“When inmates come into my ward, they’re here for only one reason. To die.” But when they come into visit night nurse, Jack, they are offered a deal, a final chance to confess their souls.

Perhaps a bit creepy and sadistic, Jack likes to give these insane criminals a chance to tell their truth and document it, before they die. He says that even if some of it are lies, there’s always some truth mixed in.

It’s Chef’s turn to tell his story. Jack wants this story because Chef has never spoke about his crimes to anyone, including the presses.

Chef begins his story to Jack. He begins with his childhood. His parents owned a mortuary. He used to help out his dad, setting up chairs, etc. His brother Preacher detested the macabre and was uncomfortable helping out unless necessary. Chef admits when he turned 18, only then he was allowed in the crematorium. And that moment changed him.

No spoilers here. Admittedly, horror and diabolical reads are not my go-to. It’s because of my curiosity of human behavior why I watch crime stories and police procedurals. Hence, why I picked up this short read. The Chef stories were what I classify as diabolical. But the stories gave way to just how children become a product of their environments.
Profile Image for Cris.
2,304 reviews26 followers
December 26, 2022
I love this series. At the end of their lives serial killers confess their souls to one person. Today it is someone called chef. Interesting name, considering what his job title was…it’s not a chef!
Profile Image for Madalan.
92 reviews2 followers
August 6, 2023
eh. it was a quick read but I'm not reading the rest of the series. honestly? it was kind of boring. and weirdly sexual. but it was alright.

The story read like a reddit confession story, not something that was professionally written but a fun little two minute horror story type of content.
Profile Image for Jodie Tierney.
6 reviews
October 26, 2024
crazy story

I’m not sure if these are true stories or not, but they’re pretty close to feeling real. The way Jack pulls the story out of the characters is amazing and suspenseful. Great read and thriller.
7 reviews
December 24, 2020
Quick easy read. Entertaining. Has a keen sense of the disgusting and making it feel normal. Good book!!!
Profile Image for Brandy.
2,403 reviews
October 28, 2021
Creepy confession of a serial killer who was a “chef”. This was just one story but now I’m inclined to read the rest of the books.
274 reviews
July 29, 2022
Not sure how I feel about this one...I definitely cannot unread it...but I guess my curious mind wanted to know...
40 reviews1 follower
September 24, 2023
Maybe listening to audio was the problem. It reminded me of watching ID channel
46 reviews
November 23, 2023
Interesting idea and a good storyline for the patient, but not sure I like the style of writing.
Profile Image for Emily Stephens .
44 reviews
January 3, 2024
I’m not sure how to rate this book….very interesting…worth the read but also very creepy…
1 review
February 8, 2024
patient 1024…..

Interesting read. Short but good. The Chef and Jack have an interesting connection. Can’t wait to read the author’s other books.
Profile Image for T.J. Ross.
2 reviews
April 16, 2024
I listened to the audiobook.

A night shift asylum nurse listens to the deathbed confessions of the criminally insane. Stomach curling in parts, funny in others.
Profile Image for Katie Rowe.
361 reviews11 followers
December 30, 2024
So creepy and disgusting!! Nice short story to finish off the years reading challenge.
Profile Image for Ashley Airey.
7 reviews
May 17, 2025
Strong stomach but even I shuttered at the recipes! Loved this book ❤️
Profile Image for ✿relapsedbibliophile✿.
133 reviews6 followers
August 17, 2025
ewwwww!!!! he cooked the dead people into dishes for the grieving families wtf?!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Bibliophile since birth.
32 reviews1 follower
September 11, 2025
I think I fell in love with a whole series after reading just one book! It makes me want to quit my job as a teacher and become a nurse at an asylum for the criminally insane. Psychology has always fascinated me.

I enjoyed all the confessions, trying to figure out how the human mind works, but if there is one confession that broke my heart and make me question humanity, it is definitely Bucket's story...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.