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Danvers: The Reckoning
Mrs. Dawes used to work at the Danvers Mental Hospital for the Insane during the 1980's, and she thought it was all in the past. Now, in 1999, she's a workaholic psychiatrist doting on troubled teens, but she's so busy with her career, that her own teenage son, Rudger, is rebelling and spinning out of control. After an incident that flooded the entire floor of his junior high school, he's been suspended, seemingly for good. His mother thinks that by traveling to the abandoned mental hospital from her university days in Massachusetts, it'll be a chance to reconnect with Rudger and recover her own lost memories from many years back. Of course, the sinister old Victorian pillars and arches have absorbed the horrors of previous eras, from lobotomies to electroshock therapy, and things won't be going as planned. After all, some places are better left alone...
96 pages, Paperback
Published June 21, 2016
345 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 14, 2017
A creepy YA horror story coming in at under 100 pages.
(perhaps best suited for early teen readers)
Dr.Belinda Dawes is a successful psychiatrist living in Rochester, New York with her 13 year-old son, Rudger.
Long before she gained so much success, Dr.Dawes had worked at the Danvers State Hospital of Massachusetts but now she seems to have little memory about that part of her life.
In present day, Rudger is a spoiled bugger and his mother fears he will soon become "mommy's little future delinquent".
So the doctor prescribes a mother/son bonding experience and an opportunity for her to reminisce ... a trip back to the now abandoned Danvers State Hospital.
When the two reach the town of Danvers they quickly meet Skunky Tom and his 15 year-old niece,Jersey.
Young Rudger is smitten with the new acquaintance so when Jersey offers to accompany him and his Mom on the hospital exploration they both accept.
The dilapidated old hospital is creepy to begin with but when the trio find themselves accidentally locked in overnight ... there comes a time for the reckoning.
Meet Danvers State Hospital: Birthplace of the Lobotomy
https://travel.mapquest.com/2015/09/2...
(perhaps best suited for early teen readers)
Dr.Belinda Dawes is a successful psychiatrist living in Rochester, New York with her 13 year-old son, Rudger.
Long before she gained so much success, Dr.Dawes had worked at the Danvers State Hospital of Massachusetts but now she seems to have little memory about that part of her life.
In present day, Rudger is a spoiled bugger and his mother fears he will soon become "mommy's little future delinquent".
So the doctor prescribes a mother/son bonding experience and an opportunity for her to reminisce ... a trip back to the now abandoned Danvers State Hospital.
When the two reach the town of Danvers they quickly meet Skunky Tom and his 15 year-old niece,Jersey.
Young Rudger is smitten with the new acquaintance so when Jersey offers to accompany him and his Mom on the hospital exploration they both accept.
The dilapidated old hospital is creepy to begin with but when the trio find themselves accidentally locked in overnight ... there comes a time for the reckoning.
Meet Danvers State Hospital: Birthplace of the Lobotomy
https://travel.mapquest.com/2015/09/2...
July 9, 2016
This novella reads quickly as the reader is drawn into the story. Dr. Belinda Dawes and her 13 year old son have moved to the town of Danvers, where Dr. Dawes had worked as a nurse at Danvers Mental Hospital years ago. Mother, son and a young friend take a day trip to visit the now derelict hospital, where memories are waiting for them. What the three discover will unearth long-sought answers and secrets. Both suspenseful and and fanciful, the story is told in a spare style that lures the reader to its conclusion.
October 5, 2016
“Danvers: The Reckoning” by Rebecca McNutt is my first exposure to Ms. McNutt. The story concerns Dr. Belinda Dawes a psychiatrist, “Dr. Belinda Dawes was the kind of woman who had that prim, no-nonsense look about her” and her 13 year old son named Rudger.
We join the pair as they are leaving their town due to an incident involving Rudger that had him expelled from his middle school. They are heading to the Danvers Asylum where Dr. Dawes had once worked so Dr. Dawes can put to rest some bad memories.
Once in town they meet Thomas Wickware the Dawes’s apartment manager who introduces himself as “Skunky Tom is what they call me ‘round Danvers on account of my makin’ a little extra pocket change by gatherin’ road patties, skunks squashed flat on the highway, and takin’ em’ to the renderin’ plant.” Tom has a 15 year old niece named Jersey.
I mention all of this, because as it turns out, this novella is essentially a YA spooky story. Ms. Mcnutt tells a fast paced story that reads well, although I found the characters to be a bit clichéd and the story a bit predictable. All in all I would surely read more of her work that was more orientated to an adult audience.
This is a PDF copy supplied to me by the kind Ms. Rebecca McNutt.
We join the pair as they are leaving their town due to an incident involving Rudger that had him expelled from his middle school. They are heading to the Danvers Asylum where Dr. Dawes had once worked so Dr. Dawes can put to rest some bad memories.
Once in town they meet Thomas Wickware the Dawes’s apartment manager who introduces himself as “Skunky Tom is what they call me ‘round Danvers on account of my makin’ a little extra pocket change by gatherin’ road patties, skunks squashed flat on the highway, and takin’ em’ to the renderin’ plant.” Tom has a 15 year old niece named Jersey.
I mention all of this, because as it turns out, this novella is essentially a YA spooky story. Ms. Mcnutt tells a fast paced story that reads well, although I found the characters to be a bit clichéd and the story a bit predictable. All in all I would surely read more of her work that was more orientated to an adult audience.
This is a PDF copy supplied to me by the kind Ms. Rebecca McNutt.
April 21, 2017
Those are three strong stars up there for my new favorite by Ms McNutt. Creepy and good, this short book relies less on dialog than the earlier ones I've read (even if it's still a large part). This is a definite improvement I think; the story gets a lot stronger and more vivid with the more detailed descriptions of surroundings, as well as atmosphere, and more. I would still classify this YA (even though I'm certainly not by any means qualified to), even if parts are quite dark. The ending is a bit too neat for me (even if I got a good surprise or two on the way there!) and characters reactions does not always ring true - but that may just be me (and it's certainly a 'minor', because it's very infrequent). More than anything, the book and story shows great promise of what is to come.
May 24, 2017
I enjoyed the haunted setting, characters, story, clever use of paranormal and the surprisingly upbeat ending for our hard-luck protagonists Rudger and Jersey. I also thought the writing improved a lot from the beginning of the story to the end, which was interesting in the span of a novella. My favorite quote was delivered by a ghost: "Well babe, let me give you some advice. You don't electrocute revenge. You serve it cold. And you don't drag my kid into it, ever."
June 27, 2016
So what is Danvers: The Reckoning?
It’s a beautifully hand-painted centrifuge of subtlety and skill, a spooky and exciting slip and slide duelling sanity with salvation, the past and the future, hope and horror.
With a heinous act so long buried in the memory of a soul striving to be perfect and normal and fine and good, hypocrisy has built a prison of deception around a mother and her son, and, in the vein of a true modern fairytale, Rebecca McNutt introduces one of my favorite characters she’s written to date, young Jersey, a sort of MTV punk-rock angel with a sweet soul and smoky eyes. Like Jersey, full of spunk and mystery herself, Rebecca’s writing always thrums with vibrant colors and settings that ache with realism. Heart-wrenching themes, such as the incredible abuse of those committed to “insane asylums” and the life-changing effects of treatment, both on the doctos and psychiatrists and the community, as well. Clever and artistic metaphors hidden in a narrative littered with the trash of dark histories and the pain of the past, Danvers: The Reckoning resonates with the power of love and forgiveness and satisfying touches of modern magical realism.
Rebecca McNutt is and always will be a secret weapon of inspiration to me, and I’m so thankful to enjoy her marvelous and original works of the heart.
It’s a beautifully hand-painted centrifuge of subtlety and skill, a spooky and exciting slip and slide duelling sanity with salvation, the past and the future, hope and horror.
With a heinous act so long buried in the memory of a soul striving to be perfect and normal and fine and good, hypocrisy has built a prison of deception around a mother and her son, and, in the vein of a true modern fairytale, Rebecca McNutt introduces one of my favorite characters she’s written to date, young Jersey, a sort of MTV punk-rock angel with a sweet soul and smoky eyes. Like Jersey, full of spunk and mystery herself, Rebecca’s writing always thrums with vibrant colors and settings that ache with realism. Heart-wrenching themes, such as the incredible abuse of those committed to “insane asylums” and the life-changing effects of treatment, both on the doctos and psychiatrists and the community, as well. Clever and artistic metaphors hidden in a narrative littered with the trash of dark histories and the pain of the past, Danvers: The Reckoning resonates with the power of love and forgiveness and satisfying touches of modern magical realism.
Rebecca McNutt is and always will be a secret weapon of inspiration to me, and I’m so thankful to enjoy her marvelous and original works of the heart.
January 5, 2017
A derelict mental home is an excellent setting for Rebecca McNutt's atmopsheric chiller. There's humour, sadness & good characterisation throughout. The balance between the light & dark shades of the story are nicely achieved & her depiction of a troubled teenager is very well drawn. I hope that one day there may be a return to the Danvers Mental Hospital, as this is an impressive story for such a young author.
February 21, 2020
Great book. Worth the read. I liked it.
December 15, 2017
I think this would be more appropriate with YA readers, but I still very much liked its charm. The romance subplot between Jersey and Rudger was a nice touch, too.
July 1, 2016
I am going to be brutally honest here because this book deserves an honest review:
The writing is fantastic, like I said, it's dynamic and makes the reading experience really good. The characters are perfect for each respective stereotype, though there are a few inconsistencies here and there. However, said inconsistencies may be caused by the length of the book and lack of filler.
A little filler to pass the time is necessary to help the reader get used to the traits of each character before you can break that rule and turn them around (I'm trying my best to keep this review spoiler-free). It's like something happens, then they go somewhere and while on the trip you find out why they're going; then, this new character comes up and takes almost center stage without a proper build up.
I really don't know how to put it into words other than: there is a LOT going on all the time and it needs more "slice-of-life" filler and spacing and to be twice the size; because the idea, the concept, the writing technique, the ending, the fantastic mixture of genres (even if it's just a hint of something different) is all out there.
I seriously enjoyed this book and even though I didn't quite enjoy the ending, it still is a solid 4 stars.
The writing is fantastic, like I said, it's dynamic and makes the reading experience really good. The characters are perfect for each respective stereotype, though there are a few inconsistencies here and there. However, said inconsistencies may be caused by the length of the book and lack of filler.
A little filler to pass the time is necessary to help the reader get used to the traits of each character before you can break that rule and turn them around (I'm trying my best to keep this review spoiler-free). It's like something happens, then they go somewhere and while on the trip you find out why they're going; then, this new character comes up and takes almost center stage without a proper build up.
I really don't know how to put it into words other than: there is a LOT going on all the time and it needs more "slice-of-life" filler and spacing and to be twice the size; because the idea, the concept, the writing technique, the ending, the fantastic mixture of genres (even if it's just a hint of something different) is all out there.
I seriously enjoyed this book and even though I didn't quite enjoy the ending, it still is a solid 4 stars.
August 5, 2016
It was really great, very well written, as Rebecca McNutt NEVER disappoints. It didn't hook me nearly as much as the first two Smog City books have, and I don't think anything can compare to Smog City either.
Other than that, I really loved the idea, the plot, and everything that happens throughout the book.
Other than that, I really loved the idea, the plot, and everything that happens throughout the book.
September 28, 2016
This was an awesome story. I enjoyed it alot
June 2, 2017
4.0356489135 stars
I really enjoyed this short horror novella. I needed something quick and not too taxing for me to read at the moment and this fitted perfectly.
Danvers; The Reckoning tells the story of Mrs Dawes, a prim and proper mother, her ‘rebellious’ son (more of just an angry spoilt little brat), Rudger, and a young woman named Jersey who visit an abandoned mental health hospital in the hope that Mrs Dawes will remember more about Rudger’s father. They end up locked in the hospital, and things get bat shit crazy. I’m not doing the story credit as I don't want to go into too much detail as it is a short story, you should just read it! It’s creepy in parts, gripping and a fun read for those who enjoy horror.
Rudger annoyed me a lot, but I think he was meant to. Mrs Dawes irritated me at times, but again, I think she was meant to. I loved Jersey. What a fun and interesting character. I really wanted more of Jersey in the story. More Jersey please!
There are moments of great writing by Rebecca McNutt. I just wished this was a full length novel - I would have liked to spend a little more time with Mrs Dawes and Rudger beforehand, and the relationship between Jersey and Rudger felt a little rushed at points.
On a side note, Rudger mentions that his favourite book is Skellig by David Almond. Skellig is my all time favourite book, and so it was nice to see it getting a mention. His favourite movie is Homeward Bound, and when I was young I had a VCR of Homeward Bound that I watched on repeat so much that I wore out the tape. I also wore old jeans, a hoodie and a nirvana t-shirt like Rudger. But, I wasn’t quite as much of an annoying little brat as he is! ¬.¬
I really enjoyed this short horror novella. I needed something quick and not too taxing for me to read at the moment and this fitted perfectly.
Danvers; The Reckoning tells the story of Mrs Dawes, a prim and proper mother, her ‘rebellious’ son (more of just an angry spoilt little brat), Rudger, and a young woman named Jersey who visit an abandoned mental health hospital in the hope that Mrs Dawes will remember more about Rudger’s father. They end up locked in the hospital, and things get bat shit crazy. I’m not doing the story credit as I don't want to go into too much detail as it is a short story, you should just read it! It’s creepy in parts, gripping and a fun read for those who enjoy horror.
Rudger annoyed me a lot, but I think he was meant to. Mrs Dawes irritated me at times, but again, I think she was meant to. I loved Jersey. What a fun and interesting character. I really wanted more of Jersey in the story. More Jersey please!
”You know what some people think? Some people think that mentally-ill people are the sane ones in the world, and that it aint them who are mad… it’s the world that’s gone mad, technology and science evolving too rapidly and people overpopulating and getting obsessed with materialism… so the crazies are put away because there’s things they see that we can’t see… it’s a weird theory.”
There are moments of great writing by Rebecca McNutt. I just wished this was a full length novel - I would have liked to spend a little more time with Mrs Dawes and Rudger beforehand, and the relationship between Jersey and Rudger felt a little rushed at points.
On a side note, Rudger mentions that his favourite book is Skellig by David Almond. Skellig is my all time favourite book, and so it was nice to see it getting a mention. His favourite movie is Homeward Bound, and when I was young I had a VCR of Homeward Bound that I watched on repeat so much that I wore out the tape. I also wore old jeans, a hoodie and a nirvana t-shirt like Rudger. But, I wasn’t quite as much of an annoying little brat as he is! ¬.¬
November 28, 2018
This is my 2nd experience with the writings of Canuck author Rebecca McNutt. My first was reading her supernatural novel "Bittersweet Symphony" about a group of white-collar Americans and their response to the unexplained. I liked "Bittersweet Symphony" more, but this young adult horror novella came earlier and shows a promising debut that built up in following years. The Danvers Asylum is the perfect setting for a horror story. According to Wikipedia the lobotomy was spawned in that hospital. You can't get much darker than that.
WARNING: THE FOLLOWING REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS.
Belinda Dawes is a single mother who has carved out a successful career for herself, but her son, Rudger, is a very nasty and misbehaved teen. His hijinks include tying shoelaces into knots, flooding bathrooms and disobeying his mother, and his teachers are fed-up with him. Belinda has the idea that a family road trip to the place where she used to work might be a way to rekindle the perfect family structure. FYI Belinda, taking your son to a haunted hospital isn't how you do that. Belinda wanted to go anyway though. She has a past there.
It's through this book that colorful characters are introduced including "Skunky Tom" and his niece Jersey. Jersey is a fun character with dyed hair, makeup and a sassy attitude to boot. She accompanies Belinda and Rudger into Danvers, but while the trio are exploring, they get locked in. Unable to figure out why, the horror of Belinda's own mental health problems and bad relationship begins to unfold. Rudger and Jersey develop a small romance, but this is quickly halted by the need to escape Danvers, especially when their own safety is threatened.
I didn't find Danvers: the Reckoning "scary" conventionally, but it is creepy. Written more for teenagers, I think Rebecca McNutt's more deep and mature writing is in "Bittersweet Symphony" and maybe her short stories. I haven't read any of her short stories yet. Danvers is a good debut and a fast-paced, funny and bone-chilling story. I didn't really get the ending. It felt a little rushed, but maybe I'm just speaking from personal tastes.
Favorite scene: "Revenge" (Belinda and the demise of her secret romance).
Peeve(s): Sometimes the comedy takes over the horror and just feels more weird than scary.
Loose ends: the police never seem to get involved here. I found that weird. Two deaths under mysterious circumstances and no deeper investigation? Rudger and Jersey are never questioned?
WARNING: THE FOLLOWING REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS.
Belinda Dawes is a single mother who has carved out a successful career for herself, but her son, Rudger, is a very nasty and misbehaved teen. His hijinks include tying shoelaces into knots, flooding bathrooms and disobeying his mother, and his teachers are fed-up with him. Belinda has the idea that a family road trip to the place where she used to work might be a way to rekindle the perfect family structure. FYI Belinda, taking your son to a haunted hospital isn't how you do that. Belinda wanted to go anyway though. She has a past there.
It's through this book that colorful characters are introduced including "Skunky Tom" and his niece Jersey. Jersey is a fun character with dyed hair, makeup and a sassy attitude to boot. She accompanies Belinda and Rudger into Danvers, but while the trio are exploring, they get locked in. Unable to figure out why, the horror of Belinda's own mental health problems and bad relationship begins to unfold. Rudger and Jersey develop a small romance, but this is quickly halted by the need to escape Danvers, especially when their own safety is threatened.
I didn't find Danvers: the Reckoning "scary" conventionally, but it is creepy. Written more for teenagers, I think Rebecca McNutt's more deep and mature writing is in "Bittersweet Symphony" and maybe her short stories. I haven't read any of her short stories yet. Danvers is a good debut and a fast-paced, funny and bone-chilling story. I didn't really get the ending. It felt a little rushed, but maybe I'm just speaking from personal tastes.
Favorite scene: "Revenge" (Belinda and the demise of her secret romance).
Peeve(s): Sometimes the comedy takes over the horror and just feels more weird than scary.
Loose ends: the police never seem to get involved here. I found that weird. Two deaths under mysterious circumstances and no deeper investigation? Rudger and Jersey are never questioned?
April 16, 2020
I constantly questioned throughout reading this if the author had ever interacted with another human being before. After reading that she’s a libertarian, I see I was correct in my presumptions. This belongs on 372 Pages I’ll Never Get Back. The combination of characters that don’t act like people, unnecessary or bizarre details in world building, the bananas twist, the incorrect formatting, it’s all [chef’s kiss]. If you want to read something that will give you the same feeling as The Room, I can’t recommend this book enough. I hope the author’s other works are just as entertaining.
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