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Moving In #3
Middlebury Sanitarium
Brian Roy is the brainchild behind the Leonidas Group, a ghostbusting organization with a track record of incomparable success for tracking down and annihilating ghosts. This time, however, Brian may have met his match with his latest job investigating Middlebury Sanitarium! Occupied by a host of undeads, Middlebury Sanitarium has a history of drugging its residents to prevent them from entering the grounds at night and becoming a part of the “lost brigade” never to be heard from again. From a vengeful King who ruthlessly protects his royal domain, to Clyde a faceless soldier who's still fighting WWI—Brian’s got his hands full! And then there’s the boneyard… Now, Brian teams up with an old vet caretaker, Ken Buckingham, to de-ghost the place. But the shrewd, kindly old man has a few secrets up his own sleeve that even Brian could have never anticipated.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2016
148 people are currently reading
258 people want to read
About the author
Ron Ripley
252 books517 followersRon Ripley is a husband and father surviving in New England, a place which seems to be getting colder every day. He grew up across from a disturbingly large cemetery where he managed to scare himself every night before going to bed. Mostly because of the red lights that people put in front of the headstones. Those things are just plain creepy to a kid.
Ron enjoys writing horror, military history and driving through the small towns of New England with his family, collecting books and giving impromptu lectures on military history to his family, who enjoy ignoring him during those dreadful times.
Ron enjoys writing horror, military history and driving through the small towns of New England with his family, collecting books and giving impromptu lectures on military history to his family, who enjoy ignoring him during those dreadful times.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
October 28, 2016
After Moving In and The Dunewalkers, the third book in the Moving In series is Middlebury Sanitarium. After being impressed with the second book, I could not contain my excitement of reading the third book so I picked it up the day I finished the second one!
This book basically revolves around a place called Middlebury Sanitarium, once a hospital, and now a badly haunted place. It is a large place spread over multiple acres of land and is guarded by watchmen day and night. Although the place has been vacant and abandoned since over 20 years, it needs to be guarded to ensure that no one enters the place or the destructive dead are not disturbed and waken up.
Just like I mentioned in the review of The Dunewalkers, the story seems to be getting better with every book. Middlebury Sanitarium is really scary and gripping.
You may read the full book review here Middlebury Sanitarium (Moving in #3) by Ron Ripley – Book review
This book basically revolves around a place called Middlebury Sanitarium, once a hospital, and now a badly haunted place. It is a large place spread over multiple acres of land and is guarded by watchmen day and night. Although the place has been vacant and abandoned since over 20 years, it needs to be guarded to ensure that no one enters the place or the destructive dead are not disturbed and waken up.
Just like I mentioned in the review of The Dunewalkers, the story seems to be getting better with every book. Middlebury Sanitarium is really scary and gripping.
You may read the full book review here Middlebury Sanitarium (Moving in #3) by Ron Ripley – Book review
September 17, 2016
This was, by and far, my favorite of the series so far! I loved the past stories and parts about Ken and about Middlebury. It seems the most in depth and interesting, unique characters die. That irks me. I didn't like the new girl... she did nothing except try to hit on Brian. nothing! I hope She goes away and that we hear more about Leo and Sylvia. I gave this books such high marks bc of Kenneth and all the underlying stories and all the depth he brought to the book. Otherwise, Ripley where are you taking this without Jennie ? That whole thing w miss tag - a- long was weird, awkward and if she is there again I will probably abandon series.
November 15, 2020
Very creepy - recommended to all fans of the genre!
February 12, 2021
Holy shit! What a rollercoaster of a story!!
This was amazing. The story was great and actually scared me. The previous ones have been great too but wow! Middlebury was one creepy place.
The pace for Middlebury Sanitarium was intense. I felt I was there with Brian and loved Ken as a character. He was great.
I didn't like Anne's character and thought she didn't serve any purpose to the story at all, other than to remind Brian that Jenny was at home waiting for him. Which didn't seem realistic, as he was only there for two nights.
The ghosts in this book were definitely scarier than the ghosts in the previous two and it's not often that a book actually scares me, but this gave me chills.
Definitely my favourite in the Moving In series so far and has made want to continue with the series but Middlebury was so intense I need a break for a day or two.
The only reason I'm marking it down to 4 stars is I still feel Ripley's writing is a bit amateur. His imagination and story telling is great but his writing structure is a bit off sometimes. With one exception, I totally looked over most of it as I was so engrossed in the story.
4 stars and can't wait to see what creepy ghosts Brian finds himself up against next.
This was amazing. The story was great and actually scared me. The previous ones have been great too but wow! Middlebury was one creepy place.
The pace for Middlebury Sanitarium was intense. I felt I was there with Brian and loved Ken as a character. He was great.
I didn't like Anne's character and thought she didn't serve any purpose to the story at all, other than to remind Brian that Jenny was at home waiting for him. Which didn't seem realistic, as he was only there for two nights.
The ghosts in this book were definitely scarier than the ghosts in the previous two and it's not often that a book actually scares me, but this gave me chills.
Definitely my favourite in the Moving In series so far and has made want to continue with the series but Middlebury was so intense I need a break for a day or two.
The only reason I'm marking it down to 4 stars is I still feel Ripley's writing is a bit amateur. His imagination and story telling is great but his writing structure is a bit off sometimes. With one exception, I totally looked over most of it as I was so engrossed in the story.
4 stars and can't wait to see what creepy ghosts Brian finds himself up against next.
May 11, 2018
Loving this series.
Middlebury Sanitarium is a nice change of scenery from the first two books. No neighbours to speak to, no beach to soothe your nerves, just screams and darkness and absolute horror.
Anything with a setting in a mental hospital is usually disturbing and as usual, Ron Ripley does not disappoint, giving us some of the most aggressive spectres yet. Eviscerated bodies, exploding windows, flames - there is no escape when your time is up.
Ken is the unfortunate soul who is the main character focus this time around. The story blends episodes from past and present seamlessly, creating a picture of his entire time spent on site in the asylum and his encounters along the way. He is aided by Brian (The constant character from the first two books), and together they get together a small team to face the nightmare that is 'The King'
I now wonder just what book 4 will be like, surely things can't get much worse than this....
Middlebury Sanitarium is a nice change of scenery from the first two books. No neighbours to speak to, no beach to soothe your nerves, just screams and darkness and absolute horror.
Anything with a setting in a mental hospital is usually disturbing and as usual, Ron Ripley does not disappoint, giving us some of the most aggressive spectres yet. Eviscerated bodies, exploding windows, flames - there is no escape when your time is up.
Ken is the unfortunate soul who is the main character focus this time around. The story blends episodes from past and present seamlessly, creating a picture of his entire time spent on site in the asylum and his encounters along the way. He is aided by Brian (The constant character from the first two books), and together they get together a small team to face the nightmare that is 'The King'
I now wonder just what book 4 will be like, surely things can't get much worse than this....
January 13, 2023
The sanitarium at Middlebury is holding some long, dark secrets. Brian is determined to figure out what is going on, and after an initial walk around uncovers some disturbing residents - the kind that are not alive - not anymore.
As Brian investigates further, he uncovers even more of the haunted past, and those tied to the sanitarium. Now, he hopes to make it out alive.
As Brian investigates further, he uncovers even more of the haunted past, and those tied to the sanitarium. Now, he hopes to make it out alive.
July 8, 2020
Love Love Love This One
This one was intense. I love scream street books. If you love a ghost story then this is it for you. But you won't get spoilers out of me. 5 watchman out of 5
This one was intense. I love scream street books. If you love a ghost story then this is it for you. But you won't get spoilers out of me. 5 watchman out of 5
December 6, 2019
Wow what a spooky place ! On the edge of my seat once again
July 2, 2024
I'm really liking this series and how the books tie into together. Can't wait for the next one.
March 26, 2017
Absolutely the best of the series so far!!! I am living this entire series. I hope we get to get answers to questions soon. Sylvia's nice is pretty worthless, she doesn't have the talent her aunt did. Anne's talent seemed to be trying to seduce someone else's husband. I hope Jenny died her and tells her to buzz off. I want to know why Ken was special. I want to know more about Leo and Sylvia and Florence. She seems to be the beginning of it all...
April 3, 2016
Review: MIDDLEBURY SANITARIUM by Ron Ripley (Moving In #3)
This story is extraordinary!! I've enjoyed this Trilogy (anything from Ron Ripley is well worth reading) but MIDDLEBURY SANITARIUM is over-the-top great! Horror, terror, implacability!! If you've always thought death is the End--not so at Middlebury, where you can't check out and you'll sure never leave.
So thankful I read in daylight!!
This story is extraordinary!! I've enjoyed this Trilogy (anything from Ron Ripley is well worth reading) but MIDDLEBURY SANITARIUM is over-the-top great! Horror, terror, implacability!! If you've always thought death is the End--not so at Middlebury, where you can't check out and you'll sure never leave.
So thankful I read in daylight!!
February 5, 2024
This one was definitely the best book of the series (so far)! Super scary. So much action. Amazingly interesting characters. Definitely my favorite one. Don’t know how the next books could possibly get any better than this one.
November 28, 2025
Everyone in this world: drinks (really the only way to kill time apparently), smokes, is a war vet, immediately believe ghosts exist, is always around genuine iron and can kill a ghost?? And if you’re a woman you are replaceable and will likely just die so eh, but not our Brian! This guy can’t be fooled by these killer ghosts!
“The King” burned the entire grounds down but he could be … strangled … to death? Redeath? Death Prime? Megadeath? The iron rings and stuff in the first two were fine, whatever, to fight ghosts but like okay. You can just really not like a ghost who has killed HUNDREDS and just strangle him and he can’t fight back??? Why would they even need to bring Leo’s grandma?
Also, LOL at Brian taking a lil spill and Leo giving him full ghost sight. Shut up! But I will thank the author for not driving home Leo was autistic and that was such a silly little quirk what a lovable weirdo 👎
These are not top shelf award winning books but my good lord.
And WOWOWOW at the cool tattooed wife not going on a hunt after watching her friend DIE and then one other, younger woman shows up and Brian is like … do I fuck her tho she’s hot! And they have to KISS for him to be like wait I’m married no no. Ew! And there’s no waaaaaay anyone as put together as Anne looks at a 40+ married alcoholic ghost hunter and is like my my I simply can’t help myself with such a MAN in my presence!
Bad bad. Bad! If I didn’t get this book set on sale and was at my reading goal I would ditch this series, but I’m gunna ride this straight to hell. Or I’ll look in any direction and find a pure iron weapon and end it all so I can’t return to haunt this world with the memories of this series.
Review sponsored by Thanksgiving wine bless up
“The King” burned the entire grounds down but he could be … strangled … to death? Redeath? Death Prime? Megadeath? The iron rings and stuff in the first two were fine, whatever, to fight ghosts but like okay. You can just really not like a ghost who has killed HUNDREDS and just strangle him and he can’t fight back??? Why would they even need to bring Leo’s grandma?
Also, LOL at Brian taking a lil spill and Leo giving him full ghost sight. Shut up! But I will thank the author for not driving home Leo was autistic and that was such a silly little quirk what a lovable weirdo 👎
These are not top shelf award winning books but my good lord.
And WOWOWOW at the cool tattooed wife not going on a hunt after watching her friend DIE and then one other, younger woman shows up and Brian is like … do I fuck her tho she’s hot! And they have to KISS for him to be like wait I’m married no no. Ew! And there’s no waaaaaay anyone as put together as Anne looks at a 40+ married alcoholic ghost hunter and is like my my I simply can’t help myself with such a MAN in my presence!
Bad bad. Bad! If I didn’t get this book set on sale and was at my reading goal I would ditch this series, but I’m gunna ride this straight to hell. Or I’ll look in any direction and find a pure iron weapon and end it all so I can’t return to haunt this world with the memories of this series.
Review sponsored by Thanksgiving wine bless up
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2025
Entire Series Review: No spoilers
"Book 1 Moving In: This was an entertaining story. I do have questions after finishing the story.....I am rating 4 stars for now. I know that this is a series so it is possible that some of the questions will be answered in later installments. It is entertaining enough that I will continue on with the series.
Book 2 The Dunewalkers: Ok. Still a four star book. I do feel like some of the questions remaining from the first book were answered in this book. That is good. I am still going to continue to rate this as a 4 star book. While the story is entertaining, I do feel like things could be wrapped up a bit tidier at the end.....I am still entertained enough to continue on with the series.
Book 3 Middlebury Sanitarium: Still 4 stars. Some of the questions from the first book were never answered. Also, each individual ""ghost case"" presents it's own set of questions. I still feel some of those should have been answered better.
Book 4 The First Church: So far, I seem to be pretty consistantly rating these at 4 stars. The stories are still entertaining. The characters are still fun. I do wish that each book was a bit longer so more things could be explained/explored.
Book 5 The Pauper's Crypt: An entertaining enough story. Again, there is enough story for it to be worth the read. Still 4 stars.
Book 6 The Academy: Same conclusion. Four stars. I may try this collection for a second time and take notes as I go. There seem to be things that are never answered and things within the ghost ""lore"" of this series that change to serve the purpose of the story. I do get a bit annoyed by these kinds of inconsistencies. I did, however, enjoy this series enough to continue on to the Berkley Street series. It is the story of Shane which is a character that was in this series a bit."
"Book 1 Moving In: This was an entertaining story. I do have questions after finishing the story.....I am rating 4 stars for now. I know that this is a series so it is possible that some of the questions will be answered in later installments. It is entertaining enough that I will continue on with the series.
Book 2 The Dunewalkers: Ok. Still a four star book. I do feel like some of the questions remaining from the first book were answered in this book. That is good. I am still going to continue to rate this as a 4 star book. While the story is entertaining, I do feel like things could be wrapped up a bit tidier at the end.....I am still entertained enough to continue on with the series.
Book 3 Middlebury Sanitarium: Still 4 stars. Some of the questions from the first book were never answered. Also, each individual ""ghost case"" presents it's own set of questions. I still feel some of those should have been answered better.
Book 4 The First Church: So far, I seem to be pretty consistantly rating these at 4 stars. The stories are still entertaining. The characters are still fun. I do wish that each book was a bit longer so more things could be explained/explored.
Book 5 The Pauper's Crypt: An entertaining enough story. Again, there is enough story for it to be worth the read. Still 4 stars.
Book 6 The Academy: Same conclusion. Four stars. I may try this collection for a second time and take notes as I go. There seem to be things that are never answered and things within the ghost ""lore"" of this series that change to serve the purpose of the story. I do get a bit annoyed by these kinds of inconsistencies. I did, however, enjoy this series enough to continue on to the Berkley Street series. It is the story of Shane which is a character that was in this series a bit."
December 7, 2017
I am reading this series in order, and this one (#3) is my least favorite so far. I liked it, just not as much as the first two. Great location for a ghost story though (why it's used so much). I'm not really sure why, except that it didn't keep my interest like the first two did. I found myself putting it down and doing something else, which was not the case with the first two! ;-) Looking forward to starting the next one in the series. I like this series because it's not especially 'horrific' (although it has its moments). I don't like books that might give me nightmares! Ron Ripley is becoming one of my favorite authors!
December 21, 2019
A sanctimonious sanitarium
I loved the story of the sanitarium. It wasn't your typical haunted hospital story covering a demented doctor experimenting on his patients or anything like that. In short, it was a nice twist, especially with the scenes with the King and with the graveyard behind the Sanitarium. So many interesting ghosts that I wanted to hear all of their back stories. A satisfying read.
I loved the story of the sanitarium. It wasn't your typical haunted hospital story covering a demented doctor experimenting on his patients or anything like that. In short, it was a nice twist, especially with the scenes with the King and with the graveyard behind the Sanitarium. So many interesting ghosts that I wanted to hear all of their back stories. A satisfying read.
February 3, 2020
This is the third in the Moving In series. Some of the characters continue with believable and interesting ghosts and likeable characters. This has a well developed storyline. You have Florence and King to show up and make it creepy. Just when you think death is the end this book shows you that it is not. You have horror, scary terror with suspense. Ron Ripley keeps the flow of the story going. Thom Bowers is the narrator and he knows how to bring you into the book.
December 19, 2016
Moving In Series book 3
Who knew that occasionally someone would be born that could speak to a ghost and they'd listen? Someone who wouldn't shy away from his responsibilities and take care of all and sunder? Someone who would be respectful of the living and the dead just because that's how they were taught? This book was just as amazing the other two I've read. Thank you
Who knew that occasionally someone would be born that could speak to a ghost and they'd listen? Someone who wouldn't shy away from his responsibilities and take care of all and sunder? Someone who would be respectful of the living and the dead just because that's how they were taught? This book was just as amazing the other two I've read. Thank you
December 17, 2022
Really good for the most part
Well written with a memorable character in Ken. The King as a big bad was not my favorite and I hated them entertaining the idea of Brian cheating on Jenny. Despite its flaws Middlebury Sanitarium is a great scary story. I also love that Florence is a recurring entity as she is a bad a$$ bi\ch
Well written with a memorable character in Ken. The King as a big bad was not my favorite and I hated them entertaining the idea of Brian cheating on Jenny. Despite its flaws Middlebury Sanitarium is a great scary story. I also love that Florence is a recurring entity as she is a bad a$$ bi\ch
November 8, 2017
I need more details!!
The end battle kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time!! It's crazy to see one of the old monsters make another come back!! I just wish there would've been more information on the king and how he came to be the king.
The end battle kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time!! It's crazy to see one of the old monsters make another come back!! I just wish there would've been more information on the king and how he came to be the king.
December 31, 2020
Wow!! Another chillingly exciting addition to this series. Sanitarium is my favorite so far though a bit of a distraction is introduced to Brian in this one, but don't want to spoil it for you. Great read; highly recommend this series!!
October 8, 2022
I like ghost stories, but this is not my style. It's too direct. The ghost here are like people with magical powers, not mysterious unseen beings. Plus there's no limit to their power, and almost no rules to their interaction.
December 4, 2023
The Moving In characters, operating as the Leonidis Group, have to take on a haunted sanitarium along with the help of some new characters. Once trapped inside the sanitarium, the scares are ramped up. This is the creepiest of the books so far.
January 29, 2018
Loved it
This book has been my favorite of the series so far! Lots of ghost and the return of a familiar one! Very partial to sanitarium/hospital settings. On to book four!!
This book has been my favorite of the series so far! Lots of ghost and the return of a familiar one! Very partial to sanitarium/hospital settings. On to book four!!
April 29, 2018
Very much enjoyed this one, kept me on my toes.
April 5, 2019
Can't understand why Brian and friends don't take protection with them Rock salt or chains only seem to have the iron ring !
June 18, 2019
Great read
October 18, 2019
OMG!! This one gave me chills. I visited Pennhurst Asylum Haunted Attraction this past weekend and all i kept thinking about was this book.
February 11, 2020
Test
Vun vh nl s j fm i sk o gl d k g o fl k f k d j
Vun vh nl s j fm i sk o gl d k g o fl k f k d j
February 27, 2020
Scary goodness!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews