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Kerry Manor: A Northern Michigan Asylum Story
- GenresHorror
Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2018
1 person is currently reading
146 people want to read
About the author
J.R. Erickson
39 books894 followersJ.R. Erickson writes novels that blend murder mysteries with haunted houses. Her Northern Michigan Asylum series are novels of paranormal suspense inspired by a real former asylum in Traverse City. Her current books, the Troubled Spirits series, are all inspired by real crimes, which she covers in her true crime podcast, Bitter Endings.
Jacki is a lifelong lover of all things spooky, and started penning scary stories in childhood. She grew up in Mason, Michigan and is a graduate of Michigan State University with a B.A. in Psychology. These days, Jacki resides near Traverse City, Michigan with her husband, son, and three cats.
Jacki is a lifelong lover of all things spooky, and started penning scary stories in childhood. She grew up in Mason, Michigan and is a graduate of Michigan State University with a B.A. in Psychology. These days, Jacki resides near Traverse City, Michigan with her husband, son, and three cats.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 24, 2019
I actually didn't mind this creepy little offering featuring an aunt and her niece who are so close in age they are more like sisters. The short story seemed to be divided into two plotlines that become interwoven; the first being the haunting of a mansion and a malevolent spirit that attaches itself to one of the women, while the second concerns the Mental Asylum one of the women is committed to and the horrific paranormal experiments one Doctor perpetrates.
My only complaint is that the writing reflects a Gothic element when the timeframe of this story is in the 60's. The prose was more old fashioned than it should have been and it was distracting. Still, an enjoyable, spooky read that sets the stage for the author's Northern Michigan Asylum series.
My only complaint is that the writing reflects a Gothic element when the timeframe of this story is in the 60's. The prose was more old fashioned than it should have been and it was distracting. Still, an enjoyable, spooky read that sets the stage for the author's Northern Michigan Asylum series.
December 1, 2020
Oh wow!! This story just grabs you up by your shirt collar and doesn't ease until the very.last..word.! I was definitely captured...thrilling ....a bit spooky....a bit dark side horror...great read!
Yes, it was a little cliche' in that when you drive up to an abandoned burnt shell of a mansion set back in the woods and no near neighbors and the lore of the area about a little girl burning her family inside....Will give you the jeebies!
So, who here can say they've never felt the chill in their bones, the little hairs on the back of their neck tingle to life, the goose bumps on their arms join forces to make you feel like one big huge goose?? Can you? Me? Oh yeah....SO! This short read will do that for you!!
Just imagine yourself driving your car down the rutted old "car path" lane, seeing no nearby houses or other types of buildings , and you come to an old huge structure that at one time was a mansion complete with turrets and mullioned windows. What goes thru your mind? What does your "mind's eye" see? Are your a little (or a lot) scared? Can you rationalize away your sweaty palms? Slow your beating heart? Inflate your lungs for a deep breath because you're hyperventilating from a wee bit of fear? You just want to leave, but your best friend for your whole life....wants to explore!? Whaddya do??
Gotcha!! --grab a comfy seat, take a breather, have that warm cuppa and enjoy the "bejeebers" 😀 I did! ! And thanks JR..(yes, I'll be reading more of you!)--P/
Yes, it was a little cliche' in that when you drive up to an abandoned burnt shell of a mansion set back in the woods and no near neighbors and the lore of the area about a little girl burning her family inside....Will give you the jeebies!
So, who here can say they've never felt the chill in their bones, the little hairs on the back of their neck tingle to life, the goose bumps on their arms join forces to make you feel like one big huge goose?? Can you? Me? Oh yeah....SO! This short read will do that for you!!
Just imagine yourself driving your car down the rutted old "car path" lane, seeing no nearby houses or other types of buildings , and you come to an old huge structure that at one time was a mansion complete with turrets and mullioned windows. What goes thru your mind? What does your "mind's eye" see? Are your a little (or a lot) scared? Can you rationalize away your sweaty palms? Slow your beating heart? Inflate your lungs for a deep breath because you're hyperventilating from a wee bit of fear? You just want to leave, but your best friend for your whole life....wants to explore!? Whaddya do??
Gotcha!! --grab a comfy seat, take a breather, have that warm cuppa and enjoy the "bejeebers" 😀 I did! ! And thanks JR..(yes, I'll be reading more of you!)--P/
October 5, 2025
Okay. So. I am a big fan of novellas usually. They are quick reads and offer a fun, more laid back view into a world that can make it more approachable.
Kerry Manor did not do that for me.
This is the second of J.R. Erikson's books that I have read, both in the Northern Michigan Asylum series. The first one was also pretty good, but I had issues with the spelling and grammar errors in it. KM was no different. Please, please do yourself a favor and find an editor. It takes me out of the story when I have to decipher what you are trying to say. For example, Delila's name was spelled *three* different ways throughout the story: Delila, Delilah, and Delia. How can a reader take a story seriously if the author doesn't even spell the characters name consistently? It is lazy writing, which is a shame because the stories are great. I love paranormal, murder mysteries, thrillers and this series has all of that--and does it well!
Second, I don't believe this adds much to the NMA universe. I appreciated that Sophia showed up in it, but was a little disappointed when Sophia brushed Delila off onto another patient instead of helping her. It may have been to feed more into the Kaiser part of the story, and that tracks perfectly, but still. I wish she had done more for the MC in this story.
It was a quick read, I finished it in roughly an hour. I did enjoy the story itself for the most part (the end was kinda cheesy...), but I would have loved to have learned more about the Kerry family. It was a bit glossed over.
Overall, not bad but definitely needs some work.
Kerry Manor did not do that for me.
This is the second of J.R. Erikson's books that I have read, both in the Northern Michigan Asylum series. The first one was also pretty good, but I had issues with the spelling and grammar errors in it. KM was no different. Please, please do yourself a favor and find an editor. It takes me out of the story when I have to decipher what you are trying to say. For example, Delila's name was spelled *three* different ways throughout the story: Delila, Delilah, and Delia. How can a reader take a story seriously if the author doesn't even spell the characters name consistently? It is lazy writing, which is a shame because the stories are great. I love paranormal, murder mysteries, thrillers and this series has all of that--and does it well!
Second, I don't believe this adds much to the NMA universe. I appreciated that Sophia showed up in it, but was a little disappointed when Sophia brushed Delila off onto another patient instead of helping her. It may have been to feed more into the Kaiser part of the story, and that tracks perfectly, but still. I wish she had done more for the MC in this story.
It was a quick read, I finished it in roughly an hour. I did enjoy the story itself for the most part (the end was kinda cheesy...), but I would have loved to have learned more about the Kerry family. It was a bit glossed over.
Overall, not bad but definitely needs some work.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2022
I got this free through BookFunnel. It’s a decent, short set-up story for Ms. Erickson’s Calling Back the Dead, which is the second book in her Northern Michigan Asylum series. I believe this is a rough draft and that’s why it’s free. There were a lot of errors, one of which is the MC’s name. Is it supposed to be Delia or Delila? It’s said both ways throughout the book.
I haven’t read the other book yet, so I don’t know if this short story is essential to understanding that book.
I haven’t read the other book yet, so I don’t know if this short story is essential to understanding that book.
October 16, 2022
Definitely read this at the right time of year! So spooky throughout this book. And continuing through the previews at the end of the book. I love the characters and how they relate. Delila, Edward, Christie and Richard. Very relatable characters. Absolutely perfect for Halloween month of October. So glad my sister suggested it for me. 💜💜💜
February 4, 2019
This was a great short story, perfect for it's size. Delila filled with adventure was intrigued with a mansion that had been deserted for fifty years due to a fire that destroyed part of it and killed an entire family with it. Her and her niece decide for their last fun adventure together they would go check out the inside of the mansion and Delila gets more than she expected there and when she leaves. The story was interesting all the way through and ended perfectly definitely recommend this short thriller.
🤓📚👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
🤓📚👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
December 8, 2019
This horror short story comes with a bonus short story, and both are fantastic! The two ghost stories in this book are exceptionally well plotted, the characters are expertly drawn and the stories are intriguing and will leave you a little shaken. If these two stories are any indication the Northern Michigan Asylum Story series is one to watch!
February 12, 2019
Kerry Manor is about an aunt and neice who are practically the same age. They're the best of friends and do near everything together. Since the day they'd lived together, they've lived like sisters. The problem is, they're stupid. Oh- I'm sorry, there I go on my tangit. Let me explain... Their childhood passion was the need to go exploring. never left them, sinking them into something insane.
They go to a haunted house to check around the outside of the place, but one is so ignorant, she ventures inside without telling the other. She's soon attacked by something, yet manages to escape. Then the haunting takes place. She sees things, she hears things, and no one can help her. She'll never be able to help herself again!
The reason I didn't care for Kerry Manor is because the characters were the most ignorant people on the planet! Not only did I not like them, I didn't even care about for them- that's how dumb they were! Who just goes into an abandoned house and does what she does? Sorry- I can't say what she did. It simply did nothing for me. Not knocking the author, because he's published many books. They just have to be better than this one.
Anyway, I'm off to the next read. Cheers!
Kerry Manor
Written by J. R. Erickson
Self-Published and free from website. (Click on author's name for site)
They go to a haunted house to check around the outside of the place, but one is so ignorant, she ventures inside without telling the other. She's soon attacked by something, yet manages to escape. Then the haunting takes place. She sees things, she hears things, and no one can help her. She'll never be able to help herself again!
The reason I didn't care for Kerry Manor is because the characters were the most ignorant people on the planet! Not only did I not like them, I didn't even care about for them- that's how dumb they were! Who just goes into an abandoned house and does what she does? Sorry- I can't say what she did. It simply did nothing for me. Not knocking the author, because he's published many books. They just have to be better than this one.
Anyway, I'm off to the next read. Cheers!
Kerry Manor
Written by J. R. Erickson
Self-Published and free from website. (Click on author's name for site)
October 13, 2025
3.5 ⭐
Synopsis:Delila and Christie, cousins, but more like siblings after their parents died. Deciding to have one last adventure together to visit Kerry Manor. What they didn't expect was what they would find...or what would soon find them. Reluctant to go in Christie stayed outside reveling in the lake breeze and views, while Delila had other plans. Soon she found herself in the Northern Michigan Asylum with Ethel Kerry attached to her.
Thoughts:While a short story, I did enjoy this read. It's the perfect amount of spooky and paranormal. I would have liked to see a little more detail of what happened and why the community felt split on the events of Kerry Manor.
I did take 2.5 stars off because there were a lot of grammatical errors.
Synopsis:Delila and Christie, cousins, but more like siblings after their parents died. Deciding to have one last adventure together to visit Kerry Manor. What they didn't expect was what they would find...or what would soon find them. Reluctant to go in Christie stayed outside reveling in the lake breeze and views, while Delila had other plans. Soon she found herself in the Northern Michigan Asylum with Ethel Kerry attached to her.
Thoughts:While a short story, I did enjoy this read. It's the perfect amount of spooky and paranormal. I would have liked to see a little more detail of what happened and why the community felt split on the events of Kerry Manor.
I did take 2.5 stars off because there were a lot of grammatical errors.
March 15, 2020
It was ok. The story itself was entertaining, albeit mildly cliché. I am from Michigan myself, and enjoy reading stories set in my home state. I think what mainly kept me going though, was knowing it was a short read, and one I could easily (and shamelessly) add to my reading goal this year.
Delia, I mean Delilah, I mean um, DELILA had so many spelling variations of her name it made me question the integrity of the editor. If there hadn't been as many grammar errors, I probably would have given it 3 stars.
Delia, I mean Delilah, I mean um, DELILA had so many spelling variations of her name it made me question the integrity of the editor. If there hadn't been as many grammar errors, I probably would have given it 3 stars.
October 24, 2023
A spine tingling, chilling, and eeirey ghost story. I absolutely enjoyed the authors writing style with vivid descriptions that build suspense that makes you spooked because she creates subtle clues, leaving the reader to explore their greatest fears through their imagination. The story is about Delila that convinces her neice to explore an old abandoned mansion that caught on fire, killing a family of five. I was literally on the edge of my seat reading book in one day. It's a sensational book. I loved it!
February 16, 2020
I love ghost stories and this one didn't disappoint! When I was younger a friend of mine and I used to go out to the country, in central Illinois, and check out abandoned houses.
This book reminds me very much of that time, when it was easy to go into ancient houses and find things that would easily make you feel like they were haunted. The characters are being followed by the spirit of a young girl who killed her family 100 years ago.
I will definitely be reading more from this author!
This book reminds me very much of that time, when it was easy to go into ancient houses and find things that would easily make you feel like they were haunted. The characters are being followed by the spirit of a young girl who killed her family 100 years ago.
I will definitely be reading more from this author!
September 20, 2024
This book was such a simple read I loved it. Its three short stories but they are connected either closer to present day, far past and after the fire. I loved that they all centered around same family or house. It is the perfect time of year for this type of story, I could so see this being a little Halloween special. So, if you want to read a very interesting short story to get you in the mood for spooky season this is the book.
December 20, 2019
A rather good read, the mood was spot on and the plot was interesting, it got me quite curious as to what the rest of the series has to offer. It was eerie and whimsical, just not as terrifying or unexpected as I had hoped for, but maybe I'm too jaded where it comes to horror... Still, a very nice read that set the pace for the rest of the series.
January 1, 2020
Old mansions with their stately names draw me in wanting a peek into their pasts. Kerry Manor’s state of ruin from fire was especially intriguing and author, J. R. Erickson gave me a peek that I could never anticipate or wipe from my sight. She also peaked my interest to read more. Book 2, ‘Calling Back the Dead’ is a must for me. Kerry Manor is a shocking goodread.
February 15, 2020
Gothic mystery intertwined with the present. We've traveled in Michigan & the U.P. and the state's history surrounds one.
Delila convinces her niece to go on one last cousin adventure to Kerry Manor an abandoned mansion damaged by a fire that killed the family of five. They should not have gone into the house.
Very well written, scarey - don't read right before bed!
Delila convinces her niece to go on one last cousin adventure to Kerry Manor an abandoned mansion damaged by a fire that killed the family of five. They should not have gone into the house.
Very well written, scarey - don't read right before bed!
May 23, 2019
WOW!!!I loved it. a psychological thriller that grabs you from the first page and doesn't let go. Do not read this book before you go to bed if you plan on sleeping. I would highly recommend this book. J.R. Erickson is now one of my favorite authors. I can't wait to read the next one.
September 17, 2020
I thought this was a great short story. I loved the aunt and niece who were raised as sisters and were very close. One last orphan adventure and boy was it. One they will never forget. The suspense was good and the eerie feeling was there as well.
August 26, 2020
Now that was a good book
November 26, 2020
A nice free short story and gave a bit more back story to the series
April 7, 2022
I know this was a short novella but I wish there was more development. This was well written and definitely makes me want to check out the other books.
April 10, 2022
Amazing short story that grabs you right from the beginning! If you love a good spook, this is it!
December 19, 2023
A good spooky read
April 17, 2025
Creepy for a short story! Enjoyed how the different timelines connected.
November 1, 2025
hooked from the start, I would love to read more on this as I love a thriller book. I even felt a little creeped out from Ethel 🤣
October 27, 2025
Haunting, Atmospheric, and Impossible to Put Down!
Kerry Manor by J.R. Erickson is the kind of book that pulls you in from the very first page and refuses to let go. Erickson has once again proven why she’s one of the best at crafting spine-chilling, emotionally charged mysteries. The story perfectly balances eerie suspense with deep, human emotion, keeping you on edge while tugging at your heart.
The setting of Kerry Manor is absolutely haunting — you can feel the cold, hear the creaking floors, and sense the whispers of the past echoing through the halls. The characters are layered and real, each with secrets that slowly unravel in the most satisfying way. I especially loved how the paranormal elements blended seamlessly with the mystery, never overdone but always unsettling enough to keep you guessing.
If you love dark, atmospheric thrillers with strong heroines, secrets buried deep, and a touch of the supernatural, this is a must-read. J.R. Erickson delivers another chilling masterpiece that lingers long after the last page.
💀 Perfect for fans of gothic suspense, haunted house mysteries, and stories that make you sleep with the lights on!
Kerry Manor by J.R. Erickson is the kind of book that pulls you in from the very first page and refuses to let go. Erickson has once again proven why she’s one of the best at crafting spine-chilling, emotionally charged mysteries. The story perfectly balances eerie suspense with deep, human emotion, keeping you on edge while tugging at your heart.
The setting of Kerry Manor is absolutely haunting — you can feel the cold, hear the creaking floors, and sense the whispers of the past echoing through the halls. The characters are layered and real, each with secrets that slowly unravel in the most satisfying way. I especially loved how the paranormal elements blended seamlessly with the mystery, never overdone but always unsettling enough to keep you guessing.
If you love dark, atmospheric thrillers with strong heroines, secrets buried deep, and a touch of the supernatural, this is a must-read. J.R. Erickson delivers another chilling masterpiece that lingers long after the last page.
💀 Perfect for fans of gothic suspense, haunted house mysteries, and stories that make you sleep with the lights on!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews