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Northern Michigan Asylum #2
Calling Back the Dead
The sprawling Kerry Manor has stood abandoned for nearly a century.
But that hasn’t kept the darkness at bay. Stories about the cursed house trickle out. Violent deaths, strange sightings, and always the chilling sound of a little girl’s song permeates the murky halls.
Today, Kerry Manor is restored to its original grandeur. Corrie and Sammy Flynn, and their daughter Isis, move into the house for a winter retreat. As they settle into the dim, gothic rooms, they cannot imagine the terror that awaits them.
Kerry Manor houses a malevolence that spans a century. A twisted tale that began when a little girl went into the Northern Michigan Asylum for the Insane and emerged as something dark - something evil.
Kerry Manor is the second novel in a series of stand-alone stories in the Northern Michigan Asylum Series. Start your chilling journey today.
But that hasn’t kept the darkness at bay. Stories about the cursed house trickle out. Violent deaths, strange sightings, and always the chilling sound of a little girl’s song permeates the murky halls.
Today, Kerry Manor is restored to its original grandeur. Corrie and Sammy Flynn, and their daughter Isis, move into the house for a winter retreat. As they settle into the dim, gothic rooms, they cannot imagine the terror that awaits them.
Kerry Manor houses a malevolence that spans a century. A twisted tale that began when a little girl went into the Northern Michigan Asylum for the Insane and emerged as something dark - something evil.
Kerry Manor is the second novel in a series of stand-alone stories in the Northern Michigan Asylum Series. Start your chilling journey today.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 25, 2019
878 people are currently reading
855 people want to read
About the author
J.R. Erickson
39 books883 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 - 30 of 115 reviews
March 25, 2025
Good suspenseful horror novel
Calling Back the Dead
By J.R. Erickson
Great novel of spirits, horror, possession, and love. Great characters, plot, and suspense.
Will definitely read more in the series!
Calling Back the Dead
By J.R. Erickson
Great novel of spirits, horror, possession, and love. Great characters, plot, and suspense.
Will definitely read more in the series!
November 14, 2021
This is a 3.5 star read.
October 4, 2022
If you are looking for a book to read for this month that gives spooky and creepy vibes I would definitely recommend this one. This would also be a good one to read on Halloween because the events that happen in this book take place on Halloween night. I feel that this book is about more than a creepy ghost story. It showed how grief and loss can have an affect on people. I have never really cried over a book before but this one had me sobbing more than a couple of times. I listened to the audio for this one and it just made the situations the characters faced in the story seem so real and I felt that it was relatable how it was hard for the characters in the story to face the losses of their loved ones. Because of this I did have to take breaks from listening to the story a couple of times because it was making me too emotional. I do feel that this story is one that will stay heavy on my mind for awhile.
July 24, 2020
Calling Back the Dead is the second book in the Northern Michigan Asylum Series. This can be read as a stand alone novel. The Asylum plays a lesser role in this book, but there is a tie in. I have to say that this one is my favorite between the first two books. This time around, we are treated to a great haunted house story. The story opens with Corrie waking up and finding her husband had been stabbed to death the night before during their Halloween party. The story then waffles between the events that lead up to that night and the events after.
This book was really creepy. In fact, this would make a great movie. I love a story where I'm not sure I can trust any or all of the perspectives. Corrie kept me guessing as she slowly fell down the rabbit hole of grief. Her husband Sammy was a horror buff and there is a scene where I kept asking why he apparently never showed Corrie Pet Sematary. Because maybe she would have learned something. I highly recommend this one as well and can't wait to read more books in the series.
This book was really creepy. In fact, this would make a great movie. I love a story where I'm not sure I can trust any or all of the perspectives. Corrie kept me guessing as she slowly fell down the rabbit hole of grief. Her husband Sammy was a horror buff and there is a scene where I kept asking why he apparently never showed Corrie Pet Sematary. Because maybe she would have learned something. I highly recommend this one as well and can't wait to read more books in the series.
September 7, 2019
i really enjoyed this one! Sammy (my dream date) and Corrie rent this big old creepy house for the winter. They are throwing the best Halloween party ever when everything goes all wrong. the story that follows is one of possession and heart ache. I really enjoyed falling down this rabbit hole and learning more and more with each turn of the page. I would read or listen to more from this series and author.
Kelsey Navarro narrated this book. She did a good job, spoke clearly and i had no problem understanding her.
I requested a free audio version of this book and give this review voluntarily.
March 9, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. The story was gripping and there was definitely a creepy vibe throughout the whole book. I finished this within two days. My only issue is with the resolution of the story. It just seemed too easy, as was the case with the first novel. These are really good books, and this will not deter me from reading the rest of the series. I'm really liking these books so far.
Now, for my review of the Kindle edition I borrowed through Kindle Unlimited. The editing for this book was horrible. There were numerous typos and words that were inverted within sentences. It was quite distracting. I am hoping that it is only like this for the Kindle edition and not the print copies. The first book did not have this problem.
Now, for my review of the Kindle edition I borrowed through Kindle Unlimited. The editing for this book was horrible. There were numerous typos and words that were inverted within sentences. It was quite distracting. I am hoping that it is only like this for the Kindle edition and not the print copies. The first book did not have this problem.
February 10, 2024
3.5 stars
I really like this author but this wasn't my favorite book.
I still liked its creepiness and I was genuinely spooked at times. I just had a hard time liking the characters.
I really like this author but this wasn't my favorite book.
I still liked its creepiness and I was genuinely spooked at times. I just had a hard time liking the characters.
February 25, 2019
Another chilling episode in the history of the North Michigan Asylum for the Insane. North Michigan Asylum, a place where evil poses as physicians, and patients are fed to the monsters. How far can their evil roam affecting the lives of nearby residents? Start now and find out!
In 1900 a young girl with behavior problems spent some time in the asylum. Ethel walked in a frightened, innocent child. What walked out after treatment was something else entirely. The result was disaster for her family at Kerry Manor. This was the first incident of tragedy there, though far from the last.
In 2001 Corrie and Sammy with their two year old, Isis, thought they were in for an exciting new chapter in their lives when they had the chance to rent the newly restored Kerry Manor for eight months. Corrie was taking time off from her therapy work to write a novel. Sammy, a creator of comics loved the old place and the few stories he had heard of it.
The highlight of Sammy’s year was his annual Halloween party. He always went crazy with the decorating, and every other aspect of hosting this yearly bash. This year should prove to be the best yet, set as it was in the creepy old house.
But Corrie, Sammy and Isis weren’t the only things to live in the manor. The presence there had been waiting, ready to catch the unwary in its web. Will this family escape unscathed? Or will they be devoured, fed to the monster?
In 1900 a young girl with behavior problems spent some time in the asylum. Ethel walked in a frightened, innocent child. What walked out after treatment was something else entirely. The result was disaster for her family at Kerry Manor. This was the first incident of tragedy there, though far from the last.
In 2001 Corrie and Sammy with their two year old, Isis, thought they were in for an exciting new chapter in their lives when they had the chance to rent the newly restored Kerry Manor for eight months. Corrie was taking time off from her therapy work to write a novel. Sammy, a creator of comics loved the old place and the few stories he had heard of it.
The highlight of Sammy’s year was his annual Halloween party. He always went crazy with the decorating, and every other aspect of hosting this yearly bash. This year should prove to be the best yet, set as it was in the creepy old house.
But Corrie, Sammy and Isis weren’t the only things to live in the manor. The presence there had been waiting, ready to catch the unwary in its web. Will this family escape unscathed? Or will they be devoured, fed to the monster?
January 29, 2022
I am so happy that I took a chance with this series! This one was as good or even better than the first book! I loved the plot twist at the end!
August 9, 2020
By the time I finished Calling Back the Dead, I was not only considering the validity of paranormal activity, but I was also questioning my own sanity!
Lover of all things macabre and horror-related, Sammy Flynn jumps at the chance to move his family into the century-old Kerry Manor for the winter. The rumors and stories of mysterious singing and violent deaths only heighten Sammy’s excitement.
When Corrie Flynn wakes up in Kerry Manor, the morning after the mega-Halloween bash she and Sammy hosted, she’s hungover, covered in blood, and Sammy is dead at the base of a tree… murdered.
As the police track down and question all those who attended the party, their focus is on Corrie but they lack physical evidence, much of it unwittingly destroyed by Sara, Sammy’s twin sister, the morning after his murder.
While Sara believes in Corrie’s innocence, she recalls conversations she had with her brother about changes in Corrie’s behavior since they moved into the Manor. Sammy shrugged off his concerns at first, but his concern grows until he decides to move his family away from Kerry Manor, but he’s killed before he can make it happen.
Annoyed by the police, Sara searches for her own answers and meets Will, a teen who attended the Halloween party and has a tragic connection to Kerry Manor… his father was convicted of killing his mother there and sent to prison where he committed suicide. Will still believes in his father’s innocence and that something dark and evil dwells inside the Manor.
Brokenhearted Corrie knows something is wrong with her and believes she’ll stop seeing the little girl and hearing the singing… if she can just bring Sammy back.
As the police close-in on Corrie, her search for the man who wrote a book on calling back the dead, and Sara and Will’s search for the truth about Kerry Manor will lead them all to the abandoned Northern Michigan Asylum for the Insane where evil still survives.
This one got me!
The closer the story got to the truth, the tighter the suspense!
Unmasking Sammy’s killer answered many questions… and opened a new can of worms.
The story kept me on edge right up to the ending… and left me there! What just happened?
Well-written with good narration, I definitely recommend Calling Back the Dead. Just leave the lights on!
Enjoy!
Lover of all things macabre and horror-related, Sammy Flynn jumps at the chance to move his family into the century-old Kerry Manor for the winter. The rumors and stories of mysterious singing and violent deaths only heighten Sammy’s excitement.
When Corrie Flynn wakes up in Kerry Manor, the morning after the mega-Halloween bash she and Sammy hosted, she’s hungover, covered in blood, and Sammy is dead at the base of a tree… murdered.
As the police track down and question all those who attended the party, their focus is on Corrie but they lack physical evidence, much of it unwittingly destroyed by Sara, Sammy’s twin sister, the morning after his murder.
While Sara believes in Corrie’s innocence, she recalls conversations she had with her brother about changes in Corrie’s behavior since they moved into the Manor. Sammy shrugged off his concerns at first, but his concern grows until he decides to move his family away from Kerry Manor, but he’s killed before he can make it happen.
Annoyed by the police, Sara searches for her own answers and meets Will, a teen who attended the Halloween party and has a tragic connection to Kerry Manor… his father was convicted of killing his mother there and sent to prison where he committed suicide. Will still believes in his father’s innocence and that something dark and evil dwells inside the Manor.
Brokenhearted Corrie knows something is wrong with her and believes she’ll stop seeing the little girl and hearing the singing… if she can just bring Sammy back.
As the police close-in on Corrie, her search for the man who wrote a book on calling back the dead, and Sara and Will’s search for the truth about Kerry Manor will lead them all to the abandoned Northern Michigan Asylum for the Insane where evil still survives.
This one got me!
The closer the story got to the truth, the tighter the suspense!
Unmasking Sammy’s killer answered many questions… and opened a new can of worms.
The story kept me on edge right up to the ending… and left me there! What just happened?
Well-written with good narration, I definitely recommend Calling Back the Dead. Just leave the lights on!
Enjoy!
August 22, 2019
Great second book in this entertaining ghost trilogy set in a haunted asylum in Michigan. I love the locale of the midwest, as I grew up here and love the ease of flow of her storytelling. Her ghost story is not a typical haunted house story, but deals more with the condition of the human heart and our ability to love and grieve.
November 13, 2023
Fabulously haunting!! Easy to follow along…. I love making my way through this authors books!!
June 14, 2025
Wonderful ghost story
It's not a creepy horror story, but one of love and loss. Makes you think of the power of love and how it transcends across time. It's definitely worth the read, wonderful conclusion.
It's not a creepy horror story, but one of love and loss. Makes you think of the power of love and how it transcends across time. It's definitely worth the read, wonderful conclusion.
December 14, 2023
I really enjoyed this one! I liked the split POV, the way the story shifted between past and present, and the mystery of it all. Can’t wait to read the next one!
July 5, 2020
Scary
I couldn't read before bed. It touched me on so many levels. The pain, grief, and love was palpable. Surprises at end of book. I have already bought the rest of books in series. I recommend this book.
I couldn't read before bed. It touched me on so many levels. The pain, grief, and love was palpable. Surprises at end of book. I have already bought the rest of books in series. I recommend this book.
February 10, 2024
Sammy je sympaťák, pohlcený l��skou ke všemu hororovému, a tak je nasnadě, že když se mu naskytne možnost nastěhovat se na zimu do domu s pověstí, jakou má Kerry Manor, nezaváhá. Pak už se věci obrací jen k horšímu, minimálně pro Sammyho. Přesně tak, jak to v případě dobrých hororů má být. Příběh je čtivý, takže netrvá dlouho a zcela vás pohltí.
Stejně jako v případě prvního dílu, však ani tu nepočítejte s vyloženě duchařským příběhem. I tentokrát se totiž jedná spíše o mysteriózně laděný thriller. Příběh vyprávěný z pohledu Sammyho manželky Corrie, a jeho dvojčete Sary, záhy nabírá spád a své čtenáře nejednou překvapí nečekaným zvratem, nebo odhalením. Střídání obou pohledů tak udržuje čtenáře v napětí a nejistotě, kde přesně leží pravda. Přiznám se, že sama jsem se občas ztrácela v tom, která z obou žen právě příběh vypráví. To je však v mém případě pravděpodobně zapříčiněno tím, že knihu poslouchám za pomoci TTS aplikace, a věřím, že během klasické četby, by tento problém nevyvstal. Celkové uzavření příběhu mi pak přišlo poněkud přehnané, pravděpodobně mělo působit jako překvapivé odhalení, ale mě zanechalo lehce rozčarovanou.
I tak mě však tato kniha bavila a zaujala, a už teď se moc těším na další díly této série.
Stejně jako v případě prvního dílu, však ani tu nepočítejte s vyloženě duchařským příběhem. I tentokrát se totiž jedná spíše o mysteriózně laděný thriller. Příběh vyprávěný z pohledu Sammyho manželky Corrie, a jeho dvojčete Sary, záhy nabírá spád a své čtenáře nejednou překvapí nečekaným zvratem, nebo odhalením. Střídání obou pohledů tak udržuje čtenáře v napětí a nejistotě, kde přesně leží pravda. Přiznám se, že sama jsem se občas ztrácela v tom, která z obou žen právě příběh vypráví. To je však v mém případě pravděpodobně zapříčiněno tím, že knihu poslouchám za pomoci TTS aplikace, a věřím, že během klasické četby, by tento problém nevyvstal. Celkové uzavření příběhu mi pak přišlo poněkud přehnané, pravděpodobně mělo působit jako překvapivé odhalení, ale mě zanechalo lehce rozčarovanou.
I tak mě však tato kniha bavila a zaujala, a už teď se moc těším na další díly této série.
June 8, 2020
Oh, this one was even better than the first! I loved the way in which the story develops, the way in which all characters are deeply motivated by love, the deep sense of tragedy that permeates the whole narration.
There is evil at Kerry Manor. But there is also a lot of love. This is a very haunting story, with really chilling moments and a lot of suspense in it, but it's also strangely beautiful.
I can't wait for the next book in this series!
Kelsey Navarro did a truly excellent work with the narration.
There is evil at Kerry Manor. But there is also a lot of love. This is a very haunting story, with really chilling moments and a lot of suspense in it, but it's also strangely beautiful.
I can't wait for the next book in this series!
Kelsey Navarro did a truly excellent work with the narration.
September 9, 2024
Another visit to the Northern Michigan Asylum
Corrie, Sammy, and Isis move into the renovated Kerry Manor for the winter, throwing a huge Halloween bash. What follows is a haunting unlike any other I have read. The terror is palpable and the singing is chilling. The search for answers leads them to the Northern Michigan Asylum.
Part of me wishes I had waited for the fall to read this as it is perfect for spooky season!
Corrie, Sammy, and Isis move into the renovated Kerry Manor for the winter, throwing a huge Halloween bash. What follows is a haunting unlike any other I have read. The terror is palpable and the singing is chilling. The search for answers leads them to the Northern Michigan Asylum.
Part of me wishes I had waited for the fall to read this as it is perfect for spooky season!
June 12, 2019
Cool
Right up my alley type book. Spooky in a sweet way. Parts was way out there and a bit strange.
Right up my alley type book. Spooky in a sweet way. Parts was way out there and a bit strange.
August 24, 2020
5 stars overall, 5 stars story, 5 stars narration
A spooky and unique paranormal thriller
This audiobook surprised and entertained me with its unpredictable, emotional, scary, and romantic story. Yes, there have been famous novels about a haunted house or possession by an evil spirit or about making the dead return. This book has all of those elements, but it is far from being an awkward hodgepodge. J.R. Erickson has brilliantly written something subtle and extraordinary with realistic details. It is about love, life, and family. It can break your heart and send chills up your spine. It has a bittersweet tone threaded through with a sneaky evil. The deliberate pacing sucked me in and made me yearn to return to it every time I had to leave my audiobook. Although there are brief bursts of violence, the story does not linger on any graphic or bloody details. I do not remember any bad language. There is hardly any sexual content, just a little making out and a few closed door love scenes.
This is a standalone book in a series of related books. The setting is 2001-2002 in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It starts with a murder on Halloween, and the timeline switches back and forth to what happened before the murder and what happened after. The story is told in present tense first person perspective of two characters, Corrie and Sara. Corrie is a young woman about 31 and mother of a toddler whose beloved husband, Sammy, was brutally murdered after a Halloween party at the large historical house that they rented for six months. Sara is Corrie's sister-in-law and the twin sister of Sammy. The narrative choice of having these two characters' perspectives really opened up the possibilities and increased the tension. I also appreciate the fascinating minor characters in the book.
This “Calling Back the Dead” was further enhanced by an expert performance by Kelsey Navarro. At first I didn’t really like the voice/accent that she had for Corrie, but I soon realized that it was perfect for the character. I am not familiar with accents in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, so I am not sure if the accents were accurate. She did make every character's voice distinctive. The narrator provided excellent pacing, especially with the most thrilling scenes. She also was perfect at the wide range of emotions present in this story.
This is my first book by J.R. Erickson, and I can’t wait to listen to more in this series. It blew my mind. I totally recommend this book to everyone who likes paranormal thrillers, light horror books, or tragic romances. In addition, everyone who likes haunted house books should try this one.
I requested and received a free audiobook copy via #AudiobookObsession, and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.
#AudiobookObsession Reviewer
A spooky and unique paranormal thriller
This audiobook surprised and entertained me with its unpredictable, emotional, scary, and romantic story. Yes, there have been famous novels about a haunted house or possession by an evil spirit or about making the dead return. This book has all of those elements, but it is far from being an awkward hodgepodge. J.R. Erickson has brilliantly written something subtle and extraordinary with realistic details. It is about love, life, and family. It can break your heart and send chills up your spine. It has a bittersweet tone threaded through with a sneaky evil. The deliberate pacing sucked me in and made me yearn to return to it every time I had to leave my audiobook. Although there are brief bursts of violence, the story does not linger on any graphic or bloody details. I do not remember any bad language. There is hardly any sexual content, just a little making out and a few closed door love scenes.
This is a standalone book in a series of related books. The setting is 2001-2002 in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It starts with a murder on Halloween, and the timeline switches back and forth to what happened before the murder and what happened after. The story is told in present tense first person perspective of two characters, Corrie and Sara. Corrie is a young woman about 31 and mother of a toddler whose beloved husband, Sammy, was brutally murdered after a Halloween party at the large historical house that they rented for six months. Sara is Corrie's sister-in-law and the twin sister of Sammy. The narrative choice of having these two characters' perspectives really opened up the possibilities and increased the tension. I also appreciate the fascinating minor characters in the book.
This “Calling Back the Dead” was further enhanced by an expert performance by Kelsey Navarro. At first I didn’t really like the voice/accent that she had for Corrie, but I soon realized that it was perfect for the character. I am not familiar with accents in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, so I am not sure if the accents were accurate. She did make every character's voice distinctive. The narrator provided excellent pacing, especially with the most thrilling scenes. She also was perfect at the wide range of emotions present in this story.
This is my first book by J.R. Erickson, and I can’t wait to listen to more in this series. It blew my mind. I totally recommend this book to everyone who likes paranormal thrillers, light horror books, or tragic romances. In addition, everyone who likes haunted house books should try this one.
I requested and received a free audiobook copy via #AudiobookObsession, and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.
#AudiobookObsession Reviewer
April 26, 2022
Calling Back the Dead is #2 in the series by J.R. Erickson and is the story of Corrie and her husband, Sammy, who rented an old mansion with a scary history, along with their 2 yr old daughter, Isis, for the winter. The mansion has been refurbished, yet is still very creepy and weird. The house is said to be haunted by the spirit for a 10 year old girl, who killed her family 100 years ago. This child was named, Ethel, and was sent to a nearby asylum all those years ago, to teach her a lesson because her mother couldn't deal with her. It did not go well. The asylum was used by evil doctors who experimented on their patients.
Sammy is a comic book writer, loves ghosts, creepy horror and things that go bump in the night. His twin sister is Sarah, who doesn't share this hobby, but enjoys a good scare, along with Corrie, Sammy's wife. They tolerate Sammy's extremes, his idea to live in this creepy place for the winter and plan to have the biggest, most fun Halloween party ever, at the mansion.
Corrie and Sammy have a wonderful marriage and are madly in love with each other and their child. They are devoted to each other and their family, making the story painful on so many levels as pages are turned.
Unfortunately, things start to go a little weird as Corrie starts acting different, wakes in strange places, has dreams and loses hours where she cannot remember what happened. Things are moved, noises and a child singing rhymes are heard, mostly by Corrie at first.
Sarah and Sammy have conversations about just how Corrie is behaving, and how maybe they need to get her out of the house (you think??) They plan to do that, after the Halloween party, which of course, is a big mistake.
I really enjoyed the characters but the ending was not what I hoped for and seemed disjointed. I was hoping for things to work out with the 17 yr old and the death, but it was still a good read.
Sammy is a comic book writer, loves ghosts, creepy horror and things that go bump in the night. His twin sister is Sarah, who doesn't share this hobby, but enjoys a good scare, along with Corrie, Sammy's wife. They tolerate Sammy's extremes, his idea to live in this creepy place for the winter and plan to have the biggest, most fun Halloween party ever, at the mansion.
Corrie and Sammy have a wonderful marriage and are madly in love with each other and their child. They are devoted to each other and their family, making the story painful on so many levels as pages are turned.
Unfortunately, things start to go a little weird as Corrie starts acting different, wakes in strange places, has dreams and loses hours where she cannot remember what happened. Things are moved, noises and a child singing rhymes are heard, mostly by Corrie at first.
Sarah and Sammy have conversations about just how Corrie is behaving, and how maybe they need to get her out of the house (you think??) They plan to do that, after the Halloween party, which of course, is a big mistake.
I really enjoyed the characters but the ending was not what I hoped for and seemed disjointed. I was hoping for things to work out with the 17 yr old and the death, but it was still a good read.
November 16, 2023
Podle mého o něco slabší, než první díl. Věřím ale, že spousta čtenářů to bude mít naopak. U této knihy mám mírný problém s žánrovým zařazením. Na horor je to slabé jak čaj, žádná hrůza člověka při čtení opravdu nejímá. Na thriller je tam zase málo napětí a prakticky žádná akce. Jde jednoduše o duchařský příběh, který je dle mého mínění přinejlepším průměrný.
Mezi silné stránky bych zařadil samotnou postavu Corrie, "sídlo hrůzy" a jemné propojení s prvním dílem série, které je natolik nenásilné, že knihu lze určitě číst i samostatně.
Negativně hodnotím většinu vedlejší postav, ať už jde o Brook, Fletchera, kteří byli velmi epizodní, nebo Mazura, který se objevil odnikud a dospěl nikam. Občas divné skoky v místě a čase, kdy jsem byl zmatený, kde se daná postava nachází, jak se tam dostala a proč. Nejhorší je ale naprostá neuvěřitelnost celého "života" všech postav. Prakticky nikdo nepracuje, peněz evidentně jako šlupek. Působí to dojmem, jakoby vše bylo podřízeno jen vyprávění onoho duchařského příběhu a na uvěřitelnost všeho okolo se nehraje.
Přesto jsem většinu knihy váhal mezi třemi a čtyřmi hvězdami, ale zakončení mě přesvědčilo, že čtyři si tato kniha nezaslouží. Promrhaný potenciál, kdy se celá záležitost s duchem uzavře na pár stránkách za pomoci postavy, kterou autorka vytáhla z klobouku. Podobně jako v prvním díle i zde je zbytečně přeslazený epilog, který už tak nepříliš dobrý dojem ještě zhoršil. Tahle kniha má své světlé stránky a určitě si své publikum, zejména mezi milovníky strašidelných domů, najde. Pro mě však nabízela příliš málo, aby ji to jasně zařadilo do některého žánru a přestože příběh sám byl celkem dobrý, zpracováním autorka tentokrát nepřesvědčila. Za mě průměrné hodnocení pro zcela průměrnou knihu.
Mezi silné stránky bych zařadil samotnou postavu Corrie, "sídlo hrůzy" a jemné propojení s prvním dílem série, které je natolik nenásilné, že knihu lze určitě číst i samostatně.
Negativně hodnotím většinu vedlejší postav, ať už jde o Brook, Fletchera, kteří byli velmi epizodní, nebo Mazura, který se objevil odnikud a dospěl nikam. Občas divné skoky v místě a čase, kdy jsem byl zmatený, kde se daná postava nachází, jak se tam dostala a proč. Nejhorší je ale naprostá neuvěřitelnost celého "života" všech postav. Prakticky nikdo nepracuje, peněz evidentně jako šlupek. Působí to dojmem, jakoby vše bylo podřízeno jen vyprávění onoho duchařského příběhu a na uvěřitelnost všeho okolo se nehraje.
Přesto jsem většinu knihy váhal mezi třemi a čtyřmi hvězdami, ale zakončení mě přesvědčilo, že čtyři si tato kniha nezaslouží. Promrhaný potenciál, kdy se celá záležitost s duchem uzavře na pár stránkách za pomoci postavy, kterou autorka vytáhla z klobouku. Podobně jako v prvním díle i zde je zbytečně přeslazený epilog, který už tak nepříliš dobrý dojem ještě zhoršil. Tahle kniha má své světlé stránky a určitě si své publikum, zejména mezi milovníky strašidelných domů, najde. Pro mě však nabízela příliš málo, aby ji to jasně zařadilo do některého žánru a přestože příběh sám byl celkem dobrý, zpracováním autorka tentokrát nepřesvědčila. Za mě průměrné hodnocení pro zcela průměrnou knihu.
August 12, 2020
The Kerry Mansion is haunted and has been recently restored to its former splendor. Sammy and Corrie Flynn and their two-year-old daughter are excited to stay in it for the winter season. With stories of a little girls singing and other darker events it is a big draw to Sammy, a huge horror story fan. But there are dark things happening and Corrie has been changing. They decide to throw a huge Halloween party, but things go bad when the next morning Sammy is found dead and it is looking like Corrie killed him.
I loved Sam and his horror story obsession; I was so sad when he was found dead. Sara is Sammy’s twin sister. She mentioned to Sammy earlier about Corrie’s changes and he initially dismissed them. After his death, Sara become frustrated with the police and decides to investigate on her own. At the same time, Corrie is having some serious doubts about her own sanity.
Some Can See, the first book in the series, was a good start although a bit rough. Calling Back the Dead instantly sucked me in and had me enthralled through the entire story. I do believe in evil and haunted places and Kerry Mansion would be one of those places that I would avoid in real life. There is so much pain and suffering revolving around this house and its history that you just know nothing involved with it will end well.
This is a great second book to the Northern Michigan Asylum series. You can read it as a standalone book. I listened to the audiobook and I think Kelsey Navarro did a fantastic job narrating this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily listened to it and posted an honest review.
I loved Sam and his horror story obsession; I was so sad when he was found dead. Sara is Sammy’s twin sister. She mentioned to Sammy earlier about Corrie’s changes and he initially dismissed them. After his death, Sara become frustrated with the police and decides to investigate on her own. At the same time, Corrie is having some serious doubts about her own sanity.
Some Can See, the first book in the series, was a good start although a bit rough. Calling Back the Dead instantly sucked me in and had me enthralled through the entire story. I do believe in evil and haunted places and Kerry Mansion would be one of those places that I would avoid in real life. There is so much pain and suffering revolving around this house and its history that you just know nothing involved with it will end well.
This is a great second book to the Northern Michigan Asylum series. You can read it as a standalone book. I listened to the audiobook and I think Kelsey Navarro did a fantastic job narrating this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily listened to it and posted an honest review.
August 12, 2020
I really liked this audiobook. I’m not sure if it’s just me but the North Michigan Asylum for the Insane puts instant creeptastic visions in my head. Sammy Flynn is obsessed with all things horror and ghoulish, he’s ecstatic at the opportunity to move his family into the Kerry Manor for the winter… I mean, a century-old asylum… like a century-old asylum with rumors of hauntings. But no, those rumors and stories of violent deaths seem to only increase Sammy’s excitement. I’m not even sure how my husband could possibly talk me into moving into an old asylum… I love my husband but he’s on his own! So anyways, from that move in things start to get eerie and life will never be the same for this family!
The narrator Kelsey Navarro was fabulous! She has some great energy. To be able to have the characters seem like they’re conversing was a serious talent. I’ve listened to several of Navarro’s narrations and this is, by far, her best work yet! Besides the narration, the author, J.R. Erickson, gives us her best book from this series yet. Ok, ok, I know, this is only the second book, but the story was so good! I just ate this creepy story up and couldn’t stop until there was no more… I can’t wait for more!
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by J.R. Erickson. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
The narrator Kelsey Navarro was fabulous! She has some great energy. To be able to have the characters seem like they’re conversing was a serious talent. I’ve listened to several of Navarro’s narrations and this is, by far, her best work yet! Besides the narration, the author, J.R. Erickson, gives us her best book from this series yet. Ok, ok, I know, this is only the second book, but the story was so good! I just ate this creepy story up and couldn’t stop until there was no more… I can’t wait for more!
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by J.R. Erickson. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
August 12, 2020
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by J.R. Erickson. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
This is the second in the Northern Michigan Asylum Series, but it’s a stand alone novel. There’s no relation between this and the first book in the series except the part that the Northern Michigan Asylum and the evil Brotherhood plays.
When Corrie and Sammy Flynn move into the scary Kerry Manor, Sammy is in heaven. He is obsessed with all things horror. In fact, Halloween is like their Christmas. They have the best Halloween party ever, decorating the entire manor, but Sammy ends up murdered.
Sammy’s twin Sara is sure that Corrie didn’t murder Sammy. While Corrie is spiraling, and the police are trying to find evidence against her, Sara decides to investigate the murder. The investigation takes her to places she never imagined she’d find herself in, and she meets some people who aren’t anywhere near “normal.”
The narrator did a great job with the voices, pace, and timing.
Calling Back the Dead is more horror than just paranormal, but it is still good. The ending was an absolute surprise!
This is the second in the Northern Michigan Asylum Series, but it’s a stand alone novel. There’s no relation between this and the first book in the series except the part that the Northern Michigan Asylum and the evil Brotherhood plays.
When Corrie and Sammy Flynn move into the scary Kerry Manor, Sammy is in heaven. He is obsessed with all things horror. In fact, Halloween is like their Christmas. They have the best Halloween party ever, decorating the entire manor, but Sammy ends up murdered.
Sammy’s twin Sara is sure that Corrie didn’t murder Sammy. While Corrie is spiraling, and the police are trying to find evidence against her, Sara decides to investigate the murder. The investigation takes her to places she never imagined she’d find herself in, and she meets some people who aren’t anywhere near “normal.”
The narrator did a great job with the voices, pace, and timing.
Calling Back the Dead is more horror than just paranormal, but it is still good. The ending was an absolute surprise!
August 13, 2020
Calling Back the Dead is the 2nd book in the Northern Michigan Asylum series by J.R. Erickson. It is the 3rd book in the series I have read. I read book 6 first then book 1 now book 2. This is a stand alone series. They all feature the Northern Michigan Asylum in some way but none of the people are the same nor are the stories. These books all seem to have a past present thing going on. So you will jump around quite a bit in time. The asylum does have a tiny part in this book from the distant past. Then you have the present, but you also have the recent past leading up to Sammy's death
This out of the 3 books I have read is my favorite. This book takes you through several stages of grief. There is a mystery and my favorite, there are ghosts.
In this book you have a young couple and their baby daughter who sublet a Kerry Manor for the winter. The house is said to be haunted. Which is right down Sammy's alley. He loves all things spooky. Halloween is right after they move and Sammy and Cory decide to host a huge Halloween party. On the night of the party Sammy is brutally killed out in the yard.
As Cory falls apart with grief Sammy's twin sister tries to help find the murderer. The ghost is that of a little girl. and the killer is someone you will never guess.
This out of the 3 books I have read is my favorite. This book takes you through several stages of grief. There is a mystery and my favorite, there are ghosts.
In this book you have a young couple and their baby daughter who sublet a Kerry Manor for the winter. The house is said to be haunted. Which is right down Sammy's alley. He loves all things spooky. Halloween is right after they move and Sammy and Cory decide to host a huge Halloween party. On the night of the party Sammy is brutally killed out in the yard.
As Cory falls apart with grief Sammy's twin sister tries to help find the murderer. The ghost is that of a little girl. and the killer is someone you will never guess.
July 26, 2023
This was a great ghost story, I put off listening to it because I listened to book 1 so long ago, I wanted to do a quick skim first to make sure I remembered it. Well, I am a dummy. Had I read the summary of the book, I would have known that it was not necessary. These are standalone books. Duhhh. lol. But I was glad to re-listen to book 1 again because it was such a great book.
Originally, I thought Book 1 was much better. But the further we got into the story, the more I realized what a fantastic book it was! And the ending was something serious! It left me in tears practically. I can't wait to read more from this author. The narrator also did a great job. I actually just finished listening to the series Depraved Sinners and she was the narrator in that series. Yet she sounded so different. I would have never known it was the same narrator. That is the mark of a true performer, not just someone who can read well and narrate a little. I am down to read any book by J.R Erickson and any narrated by Kelsey Navarro. They both do great work. And great job together. I can't wait to start book 3 and see what scariness the next book brings. I love scary. I'm kind of like Sammy that way I guess.
Originally, I thought Book 1 was much better. But the further we got into the story, the more I realized what a fantastic book it was! And the ending was something serious! It left me in tears practically. I can't wait to read more from this author. The narrator also did a great job. I actually just finished listening to the series Depraved Sinners and she was the narrator in that series. Yet she sounded so different. I would have never known it was the same narrator. That is the mark of a true performer, not just someone who can read well and narrate a little. I am down to read any book by J.R Erickson and any narrated by Kelsey Navarro. They both do great work. And great job together. I can't wait to start book 3 and see what scariness the next book brings. I love scary. I'm kind of like Sammy that way I guess.
August 11, 2020
This is the second book in the Northern Michigan Asylum Series, a chilling and gothic psychological paranormal thriller. This story is a standalone in the Series. Wow! This story is scarier than the first book in the Series! I wasn't prepared for it. The story is set in Kerry Manor, a grievous haunting gothic house. The world building is devilishly fantastic, haunting, intriguing, and captivating. Coorie's story is sorrowful. The supporting characters are intriguing. The ending is unexpectedly twisted, and mournful. Kelsey Navarro did an outstanding job with the narration. She is a fantastic narrator, versatile, and professional. The audio quality is perfect. Looking forward to listen to the next book in the Series, Ashes Beneath Her. If you like gothic thriller, this one is for you! I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by J.R. Erickson. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
September 21, 2020
Calling Back the Dead is the perfect fall listen. This stand alone, second book of the Northern Michigan Asylum series captured my attention with this psychological thriller. Meet Corrie and Sammy. They have rented the well-known cursed house, Kerry Manor. Sammy loves horror, authoring a scary comic. Little did he know, this house would be his demise. And what happens next is frightening! From haunting creepy nursery rhymes to having that feeling of being watched, the suspense will keep you on the edge of your seat. And just when you think you have the answers, another twist will lead you in another direction. It has all the elements of a great horror story! I was hooked and will go back and find the first book in the series now.
Kelsey Navarro is an amazing narrator. She adapts to this genre with such ease, building the suspense and creating the personalities of all the characters perfectly. I love her creepy little girl nursery rhyme voice, the kind that you will hear in the middle of the night! She creates the atmosphere with her voice and kept me riveted.
Kelsey Navarro is an amazing narrator. She adapts to this genre with such ease, building the suspense and creating the personalities of all the characters perfectly. I love her creepy little girl nursery rhyme voice, the kind that you will hear in the middle of the night! She creates the atmosphere with her voice and kept me riveted.
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May 4, 2021Calling Back the Dead is the perfect fall listen. This stand alone, second book of the Northern Michigan Asylum series captured my attention with this psychological thriller. Meet Corrie and Sammy. They have rented the well-known cursed house, Kerry Manor. Sammy loves horror, authoring a scary comic. Little did he know, this house would be his demise. And what happens next is frightening! From haunting creepy nursery rhymes to having that feeling of being watched, the suspense will keep you on the edge of your seat. And just when you think you have the answers, another twist will lead you in another direction. It has all the elements of a great horror story! I was hooked and will go back and find the first book in the series now.
Kelsey Navarro is an amazing narrator. She adapts to this genre with such ease, building the suspense and creating the personalities of all the characters perfectly. I love her creepy little girl nursery rhyme voice, the kind that you will hear in the middle of the night! She creates the atmosphere with her voice and kept me riveted.
Kelsey Navarro is an amazing narrator. She adapts to this genre with such ease, building the suspense and creating the personalities of all the characters perfectly. I love her creepy little girl nursery rhyme voice, the kind that you will hear in the middle of the night! She creates the atmosphere with her voice and kept me riveted.
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