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Asylum: Ghost Echoes Book 1
The voices of the past are alive behind the iron gates of Bremore Asylum. Can Rachel and Matt deduce its secrets before it's too late?
When Rachel agrees to take the job investigating the disappearance of a fellow ghost hunter at Bremore Asylum, she is totally unprepared for the sexy and stubborn psychic debunker Matt Rutledge to be a part of the package. Can these two opposing forces find the answers behind the asylum's crumbling walls before they become the newest victims to the asylum's grim history?
When Rachel agrees to take the job investigating the disappearance of a fellow ghost hunter at Bremore Asylum, she is totally unprepared for the sexy and stubborn psychic debunker Matt Rutledge to be a part of the package. Can these two opposing forces find the answers behind the asylum's crumbling walls before they become the newest victims to the asylum's grim history?
71 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 9, 2014
1 person is currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Dana Wright
15 books66 followersDana Wright is the author of the Moon Called series. Watch for Cursed Dagger coming soon. Website: http://danawrightauthor.wix.com/danaw...
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 3, 2014
Ghost story, murder mystery, romance, saving the Damsel in Distress and ghostly revenge all rolled into one wonderful tale. Ms Wright spins a story like no one I've read before.
I enjoyed the characters, the setting is wonderful and the ending perfection! The plot and story line are good and flow well and it was just the right length for an evening's read when its dark outside and the lights inside are dim. Its even better read by candle light or the light from a fireplace with the popping and crackling of the wood....
I can not wait for Asylum Book 2
October 10, 2014
With Asylum, Dana Wright has launched a new series – Ghost Echoes. Rachel Winestock has a special gift. She can see and communicate with the spirit world. She can even travel through time in pursuit of her target. Useful gifts when you’re a ghost hunter - but open to ridicule from those who do not believe, and set out to debunk. Matt Rutledge is one such skeptic. He has exposed frauds before. Why should Rachel be any different? Except she is. And he’s as drawn to her as she is to him. Another ghost hunter has gone missing and it’s up to Rachel and Matt to find her, but neither is prepared for what they will find behind the walls of the old asylum.
This was a quick, thoroughly enjoyable read. A successful blend of two characters irresistibly drawn to each other, set against a story that crackled with supernatural elements - shadows and dark, grim secrets. I can heartily recommend this story.
This was a quick, thoroughly enjoyable read. A successful blend of two characters irresistibly drawn to each other, set against a story that crackled with supernatural elements - shadows and dark, grim secrets. I can heartily recommend this story.
December 15, 2014
Book gifted from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Cover :- 4 stars
Sex/steaminess :- N/A
Story line :- 4 stars
Characters :- 4 stars
Overall rating :- 4 stars
Personal rating :- 4 stars
Book Pairing:- M/F
Did it give me a book hangover :- No
Is this a review book or personal read :- Review read
Why I chose this book?
I wanted to read it but was also asked to review for the author.
What I liked about this book.
* It builds up to a great story.
* It starts to open up a unique world.
* I want to read the next one.
What I didn't like about this book.
Nothing really it was a great little read
Would I read more from this author?
Yes
Would I recommend this book?
Yes
Cover :- 4 stars
Sex/steaminess :- N/A
Story line :- 4 stars
Characters :- 4 stars
Overall rating :- 4 stars
Personal rating :- 4 stars
Book Pairing:- M/F
Did it give me a book hangover :- No
Is this a review book or personal read :- Review read
Why I chose this book?
I wanted to read it but was also asked to review for the author.
What I liked about this book.
* It builds up to a great story.
* It starts to open up a unique world.
* I want to read the next one.
What I didn't like about this book.
Nothing really it was a great little read
Would I read more from this author?
Yes
Would I recommend this book?
Yes
February 11, 2017
Reading this was awesome. I've always liked/hated the old asylum's and the stories they have to tell. I really do hate that they were once used as torture chambers and how accepted it was, but it is still fascinating what all went on inside them. This story was really great with its ghosts and demons. Really good/creepy murder mystery type story.
February 18, 2018
The story felt too rushed for my taste.
And it was boring to know who is the bad guy right from the start.
And it was boring to know who is the bad guy right from the start.
November 15, 2014
**Book provided by author for an honest review**
Rachel Winestock is a psychic, a gift that has been passed down from generation to generation from her mother's side of the family. Nana, aka Gretchen Krause, is Rachel's only living relative left, and she is living at the Glendale Retirement Home where she is being mistreated, according to the evidence of bruises on her arms. Rachel is desperate to move her to a safer and nicer place and accepts a job from Harold Danvers, the proud new owner of Bremore Asylum. When Nana finds out about Rachel's new job, she warns her to stay away! Nana then decides to share her horrible past about her time spent at the asylum when she was young. The story and the snooping Rachel did while Nana was sleeping reveal awful, heinous behavior from the staff to the patients. Rachel is determined more than ever now to go there and try and help the lost spirits that may be trapped there.
When Rachel arrives to meet Mr. Danvers, she is not alone. Also attending the meeting is Matt Rutledge, the host of the popular cable show "Debunk This." The man oozes arrogance and has spent his whole career mocking psychic investigators as frauds. Great, she hated the man from episode 1, but when she see's him live and in-color, he is knock out sexy as all hell! Rachel, "If only he didn't make her want to kiss him at the same time as she wanted to punch him in the face.". Houston, I think we have a problem. And the other person attending is Trevor James, Danvers assistant.
Danvers explains to them about how another ghost hunter, Misty Duncan, disappeared after doing an investigation at the asylum three years prior. Danvers wanted Matt to find out what could have happened to Misty and for Rachel to reach out to the dead and see if Misty was there and to report if any other paranormal activity was happening. He was sending Trevor with them because he was with Misty on her investigation and was the last one to see her alive. Maybe Trevor would be able to guide them to the last known location within the very large asylum.
After the trio arrive at the asylum, Matt and Rachel chit chat about their initial feelings about the whole investigation and Trevor's part in it. They both feel like something is off with Trevor by his attitude and demeanor, so they make a pact that they will have each others backs. In order for Rachel to go to the past so to speak, to communicate with the dead, she needs an anchor. She usually has her partner Jeannie with her, but she was severely injured on their last assignment and is still recovering. Rachel is taking a huge leap of faith that Matt will honor their pact, considering he is a skeptic to say the least.
I found the history and background with Nana and Rachel to be quite interesting, in that they both had the gift, but Rachel's mother didn't appear to. Nana was put in the asylum by her mother for being able to see shadows. Rachel was going to be committed by her own mother as well for the same reason until Nana stepped in and took Rachel into her home. Then you have the relationship between non-believer and psychic. One would have never thought that these two would ever be the center of a love story, but the way the story unfolds gives it such simplicity that how could they not? I truly enjoyed the ghost hunting aspect of the story and the fact that Rachel uncovers new abilities she didn't even know she possessed! These new discoveries took the story up a notch along with the nail-biting excitement! I look forward to reading the next installment of Ghost Echoes :)
Rachel Winestock is a psychic, a gift that has been passed down from generation to generation from her mother's side of the family. Nana, aka Gretchen Krause, is Rachel's only living relative left, and she is living at the Glendale Retirement Home where she is being mistreated, according to the evidence of bruises on her arms. Rachel is desperate to move her to a safer and nicer place and accepts a job from Harold Danvers, the proud new owner of Bremore Asylum. When Nana finds out about Rachel's new job, she warns her to stay away! Nana then decides to share her horrible past about her time spent at the asylum when she was young. The story and the snooping Rachel did while Nana was sleeping reveal awful, heinous behavior from the staff to the patients. Rachel is determined more than ever now to go there and try and help the lost spirits that may be trapped there.
When Rachel arrives to meet Mr. Danvers, she is not alone. Also attending the meeting is Matt Rutledge, the host of the popular cable show "Debunk This." The man oozes arrogance and has spent his whole career mocking psychic investigators as frauds. Great, she hated the man from episode 1, but when she see's him live and in-color, he is knock out sexy as all hell! Rachel, "If only he didn't make her want to kiss him at the same time as she wanted to punch him in the face.". Houston, I think we have a problem. And the other person attending is Trevor James, Danvers assistant.
Danvers explains to them about how another ghost hunter, Misty Duncan, disappeared after doing an investigation at the asylum three years prior. Danvers wanted Matt to find out what could have happened to Misty and for Rachel to reach out to the dead and see if Misty was there and to report if any other paranormal activity was happening. He was sending Trevor with them because he was with Misty on her investigation and was the last one to see her alive. Maybe Trevor would be able to guide them to the last known location within the very large asylum.
After the trio arrive at the asylum, Matt and Rachel chit chat about their initial feelings about the whole investigation and Trevor's part in it. They both feel like something is off with Trevor by his attitude and demeanor, so they make a pact that they will have each others backs. In order for Rachel to go to the past so to speak, to communicate with the dead, she needs an anchor. She usually has her partner Jeannie with her, but she was severely injured on their last assignment and is still recovering. Rachel is taking a huge leap of faith that Matt will honor their pact, considering he is a skeptic to say the least.
I found the history and background with Nana and Rachel to be quite interesting, in that they both had the gift, but Rachel's mother didn't appear to. Nana was put in the asylum by her mother for being able to see shadows. Rachel was going to be committed by her own mother as well for the same reason until Nana stepped in and took Rachel into her home. Then you have the relationship between non-believer and psychic. One would have never thought that these two would ever be the center of a love story, but the way the story unfolds gives it such simplicity that how could they not? I truly enjoyed the ghost hunting aspect of the story and the fact that Rachel uncovers new abilities she didn't even know she possessed! These new discoveries took the story up a notch along with the nail-biting excitement! I look forward to reading the next installment of Ghost Echoes :)
May 19, 2015
Who doesn’t love a ghost story? Even if you don’t believe in other worldly spirits, it’s fun to suspend your disbelief and enjoy the little chills running up your spine. This story features not only a spooky old building, but also a mysterious disappearance and a sexy conflict between dueling investigators.
Rachel Winestock believes in ghosts and spirits. In fact, they are her livelihood. She is a paranormal investigator who’s been hired to investigate Bremore Asylum, a long abandoned hospital once used as a warehouse for society’s poor and unwanted, including unruly children and “disobedient” wives. This puts Rachel in direct conflict with Matt Rutledge, who is not only a skeptic, but a debunker of psychic phenomena. He not only wants to prove that Bremore is not haunted, but to demonstrate that Rachel is a fake. In spite of their opposing views, Rachel and Matt feel an intense attraction to each other.
I loved how the characters in this story were placed in such delicious conflict. As they investigate the asylum where a previous investigator has disappeared, they discover they must work together not only to unearth secrets, but to save their own lives. Rachel is performing this task not just to salvage her career, but to earn enough money to rescue her beloved grandmother from a substandard nursing home. Rachel’s devotion to her grandmother made her a very sympathetic character.
I liked Matt, too. He’s an honest man who works to expose phony psychics who take advantage of needy, desperate people (think a younger, more studly James Randi.) He’s clever and brave and ready to step into the hero role when danger threatens, but also secure enough to let Rachel take the lead when necessary.
The story has plenty of twists and turns and more than one mystery must be solved along the way. There are surprises, too. When Matt and Rachel must deal with a very real person who wants to harm them, a ghost may be their only ally. I really enjoyed Asylum not only for the thrills and chills, but for the sympathetic characters and the sweetly sexy romance.
I was given a copy of the story in exchange for an honest review.
Rachel Winestock believes in ghosts and spirits. In fact, they are her livelihood. She is a paranormal investigator who’s been hired to investigate Bremore Asylum, a long abandoned hospital once used as a warehouse for society’s poor and unwanted, including unruly children and “disobedient” wives. This puts Rachel in direct conflict with Matt Rutledge, who is not only a skeptic, but a debunker of psychic phenomena. He not only wants to prove that Bremore is not haunted, but to demonstrate that Rachel is a fake. In spite of their opposing views, Rachel and Matt feel an intense attraction to each other.
I loved how the characters in this story were placed in such delicious conflict. As they investigate the asylum where a previous investigator has disappeared, they discover they must work together not only to unearth secrets, but to save their own lives. Rachel is performing this task not just to salvage her career, but to earn enough money to rescue her beloved grandmother from a substandard nursing home. Rachel’s devotion to her grandmother made her a very sympathetic character.
I liked Matt, too. He’s an honest man who works to expose phony psychics who take advantage of needy, desperate people (think a younger, more studly James Randi.) He’s clever and brave and ready to step into the hero role when danger threatens, but also secure enough to let Rachel take the lead when necessary.
The story has plenty of twists and turns and more than one mystery must be solved along the way. There are surprises, too. When Matt and Rachel must deal with a very real person who wants to harm them, a ghost may be their only ally. I really enjoyed Asylum not only for the thrills and chills, but for the sympathetic characters and the sweetly sexy romance.
I was given a copy of the story in exchange for an honest review.
November 12, 2014
A ghost hunter with legit gifts + A determined skeptic = Freaking awesome!
The heroine, Rachel, is the young feisty girl next door...that can speak to the dead! A local ghost hunter, Rachel takes a job at the Bremore Asylum despite her Nana's warnings. But financial reasons override any concerns, especially since the reason Rachel needs the money is to ensure her beloved Nana's care.
The hero, Matt, hates nothing more than a fraud. He hosts a show that is renowned for debunking fakes that extort money from grieving people. When offered a job to work the Bremore Asylum with Rachel, he can't help but accept. Although, after their initial meeting, the allure of exposing Rachel as a hoax runs neck in neck with hoping she's the real deal.
Miss Wright does an exceptional and believable job of throwing these two very different personalities together as they learn to work together to find a missing person--another ghost hunter that was last seen in the Asylum years before. There are several moments of laughter as both Matt and Rachel try to deal with their attraction. Awe and intrigue will keep you turning the pages...and not to mention the wickedly, twisted plot turn that leaves you gasping!
A definite five star romantic suspense! I hope there is more to this series!
The heroine, Rachel, is the young feisty girl next door...that can speak to the dead! A local ghost hunter, Rachel takes a job at the Bremore Asylum despite her Nana's warnings. But financial reasons override any concerns, especially since the reason Rachel needs the money is to ensure her beloved Nana's care.
The hero, Matt, hates nothing more than a fraud. He hosts a show that is renowned for debunking fakes that extort money from grieving people. When offered a job to work the Bremore Asylum with Rachel, he can't help but accept. Although, after their initial meeting, the allure of exposing Rachel as a hoax runs neck in neck with hoping she's the real deal.
Miss Wright does an exceptional and believable job of throwing these two very different personalities together as they learn to work together to find a missing person--another ghost hunter that was last seen in the Asylum years before. There are several moments of laughter as both Matt and Rachel try to deal with their attraction. Awe and intrigue will keep you turning the pages...and not to mention the wickedly, twisted plot turn that leaves you gasping!
A definite five star romantic suspense! I hope there is more to this series!
October 24, 2014
I read this in bed, and had to scurry out to the living room and turn on the light.
Dana Wright has crafted many genres into Asylum. That is quite an undertaking, but she did it well! Murder mystery, ghosts, talking with the dead, time-travel, and romance are intertwined into a story about a modern day woman with a not so modern day talent.
The main character, Rachel Winestock, can sense the spirits of those who have moved on, and the last thing she needs is a high-profile man who wishes to debunk her talent.Matt Rutledge is the man, and though she wants to despise him, she finds herself craving his belief…as well as his body.
The story flows well, the characters are rich and well developed, and the writing impeccable.
Asylum has several twists and turns and I loved following them all. And I will follow this author as well!
Disclosure of Material Connection in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: The author has provided me a copy of this book in exchange for a review.
Dana Wright has crafted many genres into Asylum. That is quite an undertaking, but she did it well! Murder mystery, ghosts, talking with the dead, time-travel, and romance are intertwined into a story about a modern day woman with a not so modern day talent.
The main character, Rachel Winestock, can sense the spirits of those who have moved on, and the last thing she needs is a high-profile man who wishes to debunk her talent.Matt Rutledge is the man, and though she wants to despise him, she finds herself craving his belief…as well as his body.
The story flows well, the characters are rich and well developed, and the writing impeccable.
Asylum has several twists and turns and I loved following them all. And I will follow this author as well!
Disclosure of Material Connection in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: The author has provided me a copy of this book in exchange for a review.
July 4, 2016
Reviewed by Heather
Book provided by the publisher for review
Originally posted at Romancing the Book
This is the most detailed short story I have ever read. It immediately drew me in as the mystery kept playing out. I really did not expect Rachel’s journey to be so suspenseful and realistic.
It felt like I was right there with the characters as the plot played out. The action started very quickly and kept me intrigued throughout the entire story. I like that the author did not make it completely obvious who was behind everything. I also like that despite one murder being the main focal point, another thrilling adventure took place during the investigation.
The only complaint I have is that there was a bit too much romance. I did not expect much, if any, from the blurb.
For a short story, Asylum was filled with detail, mystery and suspense. The events held my interest throughout the entire story. It was a very enjoyable read.
Book provided by the publisher for review
Originally posted at Romancing the Book
This is the most detailed short story I have ever read. It immediately drew me in as the mystery kept playing out. I really did not expect Rachel’s journey to be so suspenseful and realistic.
It felt like I was right there with the characters as the plot played out. The action started very quickly and kept me intrigued throughout the entire story. I like that the author did not make it completely obvious who was behind everything. I also like that despite one murder being the main focal point, another thrilling adventure took place during the investigation.
The only complaint I have is that there was a bit too much romance. I did not expect much, if any, from the blurb.
For a short story, Asylum was filled with detail, mystery and suspense. The events held my interest throughout the entire story. It was a very enjoyable read.
January 15, 2015
Interesting and creative, should have been longer
Asylum caught my interest since I love the ghost stories and mysteries surrounding haunted hospitals, institutions, and prisons. The story is an interesting one and the characters are likable. However, a lot of the details that surround the aspects of the haunting, of Rachel's unique psychic gifts, and the overall mystery, are left unexplored or unexplained. A lot of conveniences come about for the sake of satisfying what could have been a complex plot, in a very short time. I would have enjoyed the book quite a lot more if it were longer and more layered. For a short "before bedtime" read, though, it entertains a reader nicely. I find its strengths lie in the characters and their interactions, and I very much enjoyed them.
Asylum caught my interest since I love the ghost stories and mysteries surrounding haunted hospitals, institutions, and prisons. The story is an interesting one and the characters are likable. However, a lot of the details that surround the aspects of the haunting, of Rachel's unique psychic gifts, and the overall mystery, are left unexplored or unexplained. A lot of conveniences come about for the sake of satisfying what could have been a complex plot, in a very short time. I would have enjoyed the book quite a lot more if it were longer and more layered. For a short "before bedtime" read, though, it entertains a reader nicely. I find its strengths lie in the characters and their interactions, and I very much enjoyed them.
November 30, 2015
Ghost Hunting, murder and mystery, and social prejudice, Asylum has all this and more!
I loved this story of a special young woman who suffers the stigma of non- acceptance due to her unique talent for communing with the dead. Rachel’s gift is fine when someone needs her assistance, but in everyday life there are those who would label her a charlatan, preying on the unsuspecting.
Matt Rutledge is a sceptic and despises those who fraudulently prey on the weak and desperate; but Rachel’s exceptional ability will force Matt to re-evaluate his knee jerk reaction and along the way discover a world where spirits dwell and cause chaos in their wake.
While Ghost stories are not my normal genre, Asylum is one book I would definitely recommend.
I loved this story of a special young woman who suffers the stigma of non- acceptance due to her unique talent for communing with the dead. Rachel’s gift is fine when someone needs her assistance, but in everyday life there are those who would label her a charlatan, preying on the unsuspecting.
Matt Rutledge is a sceptic and despises those who fraudulently prey on the weak and desperate; but Rachel’s exceptional ability will force Matt to re-evaluate his knee jerk reaction and along the way discover a world where spirits dwell and cause chaos in their wake.
While Ghost stories are not my normal genre, Asylum is one book I would definitely recommend.
October 24, 2014
Ever read a story that commands your attention from word one and by the time you turn that last page, you kind sit back and ask yourself what just happened? You blink, look around and yes, the world seems the same but you're coming down off a pure high of solid writing that takes no prisoners.
Ms. Wright has managed to mix up ghost stories, thrillers and romance with deft skill and confidence that ensure the reader they are in good hands. You are not simply 'reading' a story, you are there, inside the pages, living the lives of those characters with breathless anticipation of what could happen next.
That's it, I'm officially fangirling over Ms. Wright. Brava, madame!
Ms. Wright has managed to mix up ghost stories, thrillers and romance with deft skill and confidence that ensure the reader they are in good hands. You are not simply 'reading' a story, you are there, inside the pages, living the lives of those characters with breathless anticipation of what could happen next.
That's it, I'm officially fangirling over Ms. Wright. Brava, madame!
December 15, 2015
The romantic aspect of the story seems rushed and could have been fleshed out a bit more. Ms. Wright has a special skill with dialogue and wry humor that few others have achieved and I will be watching for further writing from this author! FULL REVIEW: http://thetbrpile.weebly.com/reviews/...
November 20, 2014
If you're looking for a book that has a little bit of everything, this is it! Mystery, murder, ghosts, and a hot dude!! Oh my!!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews