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Northern Michigan Asylum #3
Ashes Beneath Her
Orla has a gift, an ability to sense things she touches: memories, traumas… murders.
On a sunny day in 1975, she sets off on a bike ride into the picturesque countryside and vanishes. She is not the first young woman to go missing and she will not be the last.
Ashes Beneath Her is the third novel in the stand-alone Northern Michigan Asylum Series.
On a sunny day in 1975, she sets off on a bike ride into the picturesque countryside and vanishes. She is not the first young woman to go missing and she will not be the last.
Ashes Beneath Her is the third novel in the stand-alone Northern Michigan Asylum Series.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 28, 2019
583 people are currently reading
757 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 81 reviews
July 9, 2020
i really liked this story! it takes place during the summer in the 70's. Girls are going missing with no witnesses, leads, nothing. the story takes shape around Orla and her disappearance. Hazel, Orla's friend continues to search for her. The story is really good and kept me attention. I love the setting, the suspense and the writing. Out of the 2 i've listened to from this series, this one is favorite. i would definitely read more in this series.
I requested this audio book from the author and left this review voluntarily.
I requested this audio book from the author and left this review voluntarily.
May 14, 2022
The setting was in Traverse City just on the southern side of the Mackinac Bridge in my beautiful state of Michigan. It would have been nice if the author had done more description of Lake Michigan and the surrounding areas which are nothing short of magnificent. Otherwise, it was a fast paced and very well written story. I expected it to be a little more on the paranormal side, but it had a really good serial killer mystery angle. If you are a fan of a good ghost story, a murder mystery blended with the supernatural, and some tenacious characters, then this book may be just the thing for you.
February 15, 2024
4.25 stars
A new favorite by this author!
This was thrilling! I couldn't wait to find out what happened.
The mystery, the ghosts, it was all wonderful.
A new favorite by this author!
This was thrilling! I couldn't wait to find out what happened.
The mystery, the ghosts, it was all wonderful.
June 6, 2019
This is the third book in the Northern Michigan Asylum series and it is the best yet! It is hard for an author to produce book after book and keep the quality excellent, but this author for just that! Each novel is it's own complete story, but you will definitely love the entire series.
Girls have been going missing in the counties surrounding the Northern Michigan Asylum for quite a few years. The authorities have never made a connection since the incidents are spread over several jurisdictions. Most of these disappearance were written off as runways, but not by their families! None of them had reasons to leave. Even the rare incidents that were investigated led nowhere.
One newspaper reporter has seen a pattern. He is doing his own investigation for an upcoming article. Abe, working with Liz, the mother of one of the missing girls, has been hard at work trying to solve these crimes. They hope to gather enough evidence and public support to force the police to reopen the cases, and for the jurisdictions to share their leads.
Orla is a seamstress, happily going about her life. She designs and creates clothing both for herself and as a budding business. Orla shares a house with three other girls, all busy students who all look out for each other.
The only dark spot in Orla's life is her gift. When she touches things, she can see the background of the items and feel the emotions of the people who most recently touched them. It is a gift that has cursed nearly all of her years. To help her live with her gift, Orla's mother began making gloves for her to wear. Now they have become an important accessory. She wears them nearly all of her waking hours.
For relaxation, Orla's enjoys nature. Long bike rides to parks and rural settings, is something she does often. On one such ride she encounters a handsome stranger, and changes the flat tire on his flashy sports car. He seems such a nice guy that she agrees to meet him again. Could this be the beginning of a new relationship? How far can you trust a stranger?
Will Abe be able to solve the case of the missing girls in time to save the next victim? It will be a race between him and a killer! Who will win?
Kindle Unlimited edition
Girls have been going missing in the counties surrounding the Northern Michigan Asylum for quite a few years. The authorities have never made a connection since the incidents are spread over several jurisdictions. Most of these disappearance were written off as runways, but not by their families! None of them had reasons to leave. Even the rare incidents that were investigated led nowhere.
One newspaper reporter has seen a pattern. He is doing his own investigation for an upcoming article. Abe, working with Liz, the mother of one of the missing girls, has been hard at work trying to solve these crimes. They hope to gather enough evidence and public support to force the police to reopen the cases, and for the jurisdictions to share their leads.
Orla is a seamstress, happily going about her life. She designs and creates clothing both for herself and as a budding business. Orla shares a house with three other girls, all busy students who all look out for each other.
The only dark spot in Orla's life is her gift. When she touches things, she can see the background of the items and feel the emotions of the people who most recently touched them. It is a gift that has cursed nearly all of her years. To help her live with her gift, Orla's mother began making gloves for her to wear. Now they have become an important accessory. She wears them nearly all of her waking hours.
For relaxation, Orla's enjoys nature. Long bike rides to parks and rural settings, is something she does often. On one such ride she encounters a handsome stranger, and changes the flat tire on his flashy sports car. He seems such a nice guy that she agrees to meet him again. Could this be the beginning of a new relationship? How far can you trust a stranger?
Will Abe be able to solve the case of the missing girls in time to save the next victim? It will be a race between him and a killer! Who will win?
Kindle Unlimited edition
May 9, 2022
4.5 stars - This is the third book released in JR Erickson’s Northern Michigan Asylum series. While I have read a different book penned by Ms. Erickson, this is the first book of this series I have picked up. Each book is a stand-alone story based around the Northern Michigan Asylum. As far as I know, the setting is the only common thread between the 8 books in this series.
The first book I read by JRE was very good, but it had a few sections that read like info dumps from college text books. However, I enjoyed her writing and was curious to see if this occurred in all of her books. I’m happy to say that I did not experience any info dumping in this story. Yay!
I am intrigued by stories set in abandoned asylums or old prisons. This was a great tale about several young women who have gone missing in Michigan that the police have failed to connect. A newspaper reporter, Abe Levett, is researching these cases for an article he is writing. It brings him into contact with Liz, a mother of one of the missing girls, and Hazel, whose best friend Orla has also gone missing. It’s set in the 1970s but didn’t have a 70s vibe to it, which I appreciated. The lack of cell phones and some of the descriptions of the clothing were the only noticeable indicators of the time period.
The story is told from alternating points of view. We get to hear from Abe, Liz, Hazel, and Orla. The sections are well labeled with whose POV you’re getting, but I did find a few times when it was supposed to be one character’s POV and it slipped into someone else’s. I also would have liked to have known what happened to one other “bad guy” who seemed to escape. There was still a bit of mystery left unexplained, but it was minor to the overall storyline.
I will definitely be adding the other books of this series into my TBR pile.
The first book I read by JRE was very good, but it had a few sections that read like info dumps from college text books. However, I enjoyed her writing and was curious to see if this occurred in all of her books. I’m happy to say that I did not experience any info dumping in this story. Yay!
I am intrigued by stories set in abandoned asylums or old prisons. This was a great tale about several young women who have gone missing in Michigan that the police have failed to connect. A newspaper reporter, Abe Levett, is researching these cases for an article he is writing. It brings him into contact with Liz, a mother of one of the missing girls, and Hazel, whose best friend Orla has also gone missing. It’s set in the 1970s but didn’t have a 70s vibe to it, which I appreciated. The lack of cell phones and some of the descriptions of the clothing were the only noticeable indicators of the time period.
The story is told from alternating points of view. We get to hear from Abe, Liz, Hazel, and Orla. The sections are well labeled with whose POV you’re getting, but I did find a few times when it was supposed to be one character’s POV and it slipped into someone else’s. I also would have liked to have known what happened to one other “bad guy” who seemed to escape. There was still a bit of mystery left unexplained, but it was minor to the overall storyline.
I will definitely be adding the other books of this series into my TBR pile.
February 10, 2024
This one was really interesting. I’d definitely read it again. The characters were unique. The female MCs were strong and determined. I liked Ben from the start. 😊 A lot of the story took place away from the asylum, but a good part happened there as well, and I think that was well done, overall. This one did need more proofreading. That’s my biggest complaint.
August 3, 2020
Talk about a suspenseful story! This book had me hooked from the first line to the very end. I went on this mystery with the characters. Girls and women are going missing. No one is linking them together. That is until one journalist makes it his mission to find the kidnapper and hopefully save a life. We get the point of view of many characters and I loved it that way. I love getting to see all points of view. But I did want to shout to the other characters the truth. This is a gripping story. I am not giving details on purpose. I don't want to rob anyone of the enjoyment of surprise. And trust me, you'll be surprised plenty of times in this book. If you listen to it you will really be pulled in by this narrator. Perfect voice to keep you guessing and made it feel so real. I definitely want to read more in this series! Again, highly suggest for suspense mystery fans.
November 4, 2021
A heart pounding serial killer investigation with a tangential connection to the Northern Michigan Asylum and The Brotherhood. Woven in is the usual ghostly, supernatural occurrences making for an exciting read!
February 11, 2022
I have FULL BODY CHILLS after reading this.
The thing that sparked my interest in this book is that it takes place in Northern Michigan. An area I grew up my entire life. And yet I still found myself shook when I read bits like "Emmet county sheriff." (Emmet county is where I grew up).
The book itself though is a whirlwind of emotions. You want so badly for the girls to be found alive, knowing that the liklihood is not good that they will be. The book itself follows the reporter, Abe, who is doing a better investigation than the cops are. Orla, the girl who was most recently abducted. Hazel, Orla's roommate who isn't afraid to get her hands dirty physically and supernaturally. And the parents of Orla and Susan Miner who had been abducted before Orla. There is also Ben who plays an important role in this story.
Personally this book had me all over the place and read so fast. There wasn't a slow moment in the book from the get go. Based back in the 1970s anyone who has listened to a true crime podcast knows all too well the story unfolding. Girl meets strange guy, guy charms girl, and girl ends up in an insane asylum.
Okay, maybe that last part isn't typical of true crime podcasts, but what unfolds isn't all that typical either. I'm not going to go into it because hello spoiler alerts, but know that it is SO beyond worth it to pick up this book. I'm actually eager to get my hands on the rest in the series.
5 stars for sure.
The thing that sparked my interest in this book is that it takes place in Northern Michigan. An area I grew up my entire life. And yet I still found myself shook when I read bits like "Emmet county sheriff." (Emmet county is where I grew up).
The book itself though is a whirlwind of emotions. You want so badly for the girls to be found alive, knowing that the liklihood is not good that they will be. The book itself follows the reporter, Abe, who is doing a better investigation than the cops are. Orla, the girl who was most recently abducted. Hazel, Orla's roommate who isn't afraid to get her hands dirty physically and supernaturally. And the parents of Orla and Susan Miner who had been abducted before Orla. There is also Ben who plays an important role in this story.
Personally this book had me all over the place and read so fast. There wasn't a slow moment in the book from the get go. Based back in the 1970s anyone who has listened to a true crime podcast knows all too well the story unfolding. Girl meets strange guy, guy charms girl, and girl ends up in an insane asylum.
Okay, maybe that last part isn't typical of true crime podcasts, but what unfolds isn't all that typical either. I'm not going to go into it because hello spoiler alerts, but know that it is SO beyond worth it to pick up this book. I'm actually eager to get my hands on the rest in the series.
5 stars for sure.
June 6, 2024
Jednoznačně zatím nejlepší kniha této thrillerové série. Upřímně jsem nečekal, že mě bude až tolik bavit a že nebude mít prakticky žádné rušivé prvky.
Kniha začíná ve velkém stylu a plnou dávkou napětí od prvních stránek. Příběh mě prakticky ihned vtáhnul. Ačkoliv postavy nejsou nijak extra zvlášť propracované neměl jsem žádný problém s nimi soucítit a jejich osud mě zajímal. Oceňuji také, že se autorce povedlo vyhnout se nějaké trapně zbytečné romantické mini lince. Skutečně jsem čekal, že tam podobný rušivý element bude. Ještě vyzdvihnu ideálně zvolenou délku, kdy se povedlo příběh hezky prezentovat bez zbytečného natahování.
Samozřejmě kniha není úplně dokonalá. Přestože dar Orly byl zajímavý a dodával pěkně mysteriózní nádech, dalo se, co se týče nadpřirozena, skončit u něj. Obešlo by se to i bez dalších duchů apod. Občas jsem si říkal, že je příběh zamotaný až zbytečně komplexně, ale nakonec to bylo asi akorát.
Hodnocení je u mě na vážkách mezi čtyřmi a pěti, ale zaokrouhlím nahoru. Kniha mě velmi bavila a velmi dobře držela tempo.
Kniha začíná ve velkém stylu a plnou dávkou napětí od prvních stránek. Příběh mě prakticky ihned vtáhnul. Ačkoliv postavy nejsou nijak extra zvlášť propracované neměl jsem žádný problém s nimi soucítit a jejich osud mě zajímal. Oceňuji také, že se autorce povedlo vyhnout se nějaké trapně zbytečné romantické mini lince. Skutečně jsem čekal, že tam podobný rušivý element bude. Ještě vyzdvihnu ideálně zvolenou délku, kdy se povedlo příběh hezky prezentovat bez zbytečného natahování.
Samozřejmě kniha není úplně dokonalá. Přestože dar Orly byl zajímavý a dodával pěkně mysteriózní nádech, dalo se, co se týče nadpřirozena, skončit u něj. Obešlo by se to i bez dalších duchů apod. Občas jsem si říkal, že je příběh zamotaný až zbytečně komplexně, ale nakonec to bylo asi akorát.
Hodnocení je u mě na vážkách mezi čtyřmi a pěti, ale zaokrouhlím nahoru. Kniha mě velmi bavila a velmi dobře držela tempo.
March 12, 2021
Another great addition to the Northern Michigan Asylum series. This has been my favorite of the series so far. While the first two books had somewhat lackluster endings, this one was much more satisfying. While these are all stand alone novels, this one had some connections to the first book in the series, so I do recommend reading the series in order. All in all, I'd give this 4.5 stars. Very good book.
August 19, 2020
***** AUDIOBOOK REVIEW *****
Woah! I keep thinking JR Erickson can’t top her last book until I listen to her next book. The writing is creative and really interesting. She delves into really in-depth storylines and explores really unique characters. The entire story I kept working if I would find Orla’s “gift” a gift or if I would consider it a curse? Can you imagine touching something and getting the entire background on the items and to feel the emotions of the people you touch… no thank you! I can totally understand why her mother made her gloves! Several girls across a 200-mile radius go missing… without a trace. No one sees a connection due to the mileage between the cases. Listen to learn more! It’s a fabulous series!
The narration by Margy Stein was pretty good. She seemed like a steady narrator. Stein has a deep voice that seemed to work for several characters. She didn’t really alter her voice, but I’m ok with that. As long as she reads the story decently, she doesn’t have to bring the story to life exactly.
Woah! I keep thinking JR Erickson can’t top her last book until I listen to her next book. The writing is creative and really interesting. She delves into really in-depth storylines and explores really unique characters. The entire story I kept working if I would find Orla’s “gift” a gift or if I would consider it a curse? Can you imagine touching something and getting the entire background on the items and to feel the emotions of the people you touch… no thank you! I can totally understand why her mother made her gloves! Several girls across a 200-mile radius go missing… without a trace. No one sees a connection due to the mileage between the cases. Listen to learn more! It’s a fabulous series!
The narration by Margy Stein was pretty good. She seemed like a steady narrator. Stein has a deep voice that seemed to work for several characters. She didn’t really alter her voice, but I’m ok with that. As long as she reads the story decently, she doesn’t have to bring the story to life exactly.
August 20, 2020
Ashes Beneath Her is book 3 in the Northern Michigan Asylum series. This one takes place in between books 1 and 2. But it can be read as a stand alone. I think I have said this before about this series, I love the balance between mystery and paranormal. One doesn't outweigh the other and it makes for a pleasant reading experience.
This one did kind of remind me a little of the first book as far as storyline goes. But not enough that this one wasn't a unique story. The scenes in the asylum were horrendous and hard to listen to. But, the mystery was really good and kept me guessing. I loved the twists in the end. I never guessed that is where the story was going. The characters were well fleshed out. And, if you have read the first book, there is a familiar face that makes an appearance in this one. I highly recommend this series. I look forward to reading more from this author.
This one did kind of remind me a little of the first book as far as storyline goes. But not enough that this one wasn't a unique story. The scenes in the asylum were horrendous and hard to listen to. But, the mystery was really good and kept me guessing. I loved the twists in the end. I never guessed that is where the story was going. The characters were well fleshed out. And, if you have read the first book, there is a familiar face that makes an appearance in this one. I highly recommend this series. I look forward to reading more from this author.
September 11, 2019
I have enjoyed This series so far, having been enticed to sample them, by the excellent cover art. Whilst each could be read as a stand alone novel, I feel that the most enjoyment comes from reading the whole set. This book begins to bring together characters from the previous books in the series, using previous leading characters as plot hooks, name drops and guest stars.
Stepping up the levels of suspense and drama, it feels like the author has really started to find her groove, making this novel even better than those previous. Definitely a five star read; make sure though that if you start it, you have time to finish it in one sitting, as you will be unable to put it down!
Stepping up the levels of suspense and drama, it feels like the author has really started to find her groove, making this novel even better than those previous. Definitely a five star read; make sure though that if you start it, you have time to finish it in one sitting, as you will be unable to put it down!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2025
Tbh, I chose this book because of its setting, which is not that far from where I live. I am now totally hooked on the author and will be reading more.
Its a murder(s) mystery with a side of paranormal (ghostly) thrown in, but still very believable. I didn't have alot of time to read when I started, and just read a couple of chapters. However, today I had to sit down and finish it all...that's how intense and engaging it is.
I thought I knew something of what was going to happen...and I was wrong! As an avid murder/mystery/thriller reader, I love when I can't figure it out and there's twists and turns.
I will be looking up and reading more of Ms Erickson's offerings!
Its a murder(s) mystery with a side of paranormal (ghostly) thrown in, but still very believable. I didn't have alot of time to read when I started, and just read a couple of chapters. However, today I had to sit down and finish it all...that's how intense and engaging it is.
I thought I knew something of what was going to happen...and I was wrong! As an avid murder/mystery/thriller reader, I love when I can't figure it out and there's twists and turns.
I will be looking up and reading more of Ms Erickson's offerings!
September 9, 2024
Girls are going missing, no witnesses, no clues, no evidence. Of course it all ties back to the Northern Michigan Asylum! A blending of murder mystery and supernatural, I was kept guessing and turning the pages right until the end.
August 16, 2020
Tenacious investigative reporter Abraham “Abe” Levitt is working on the biggest story of his career. The police won’t listen, but when the public reads his article, someone will have to listen… to stop a serial killer.
Six girls are missing. All blondes with green eyes, except Orla Sullivan, the last one. The disappearances happened over a two-hundred-mile radius. Different communities. Different police jurisdictions. No one has bothered to look for a connection, but Abe is sure there is one.
As he interviews family and friends of the missing girls, Abe meets Liz Minor, the mother of one of the missing girls, and Hazel, one of Orla’s roommates. Liz has never given up hope her daughter, Susan, would return to her, and Hazel’s psychic abilities push her forward to find Orla.
Backed by many in the community, these three will follow leads—some that lead to dead ends—and interview people while covering a good deal of northern Michigan, but in the end, all roads lead to the Northern Michigan Asylum for the Insane.
Ashes Beneath Her is my third trip to the Northern Michigan Asylum for the Insane and my favorite so far!
Though it starts slow with the disappearance of Susan Minor and the emotional rollercoaster Liz Minor rides, the story picks up the pace after Orla is taken and Abe enters the story.
Abe is a noble character. Knowing his story isn’t winning him any friends with law enforcement, he plods on, supported by his dad, a retired prosecutor, and driven by his own traumatic loss in his past.
Through a Tarot reading, Hazel knew Abe would seek her out and she’s more than ready to help with his investigation. Frustrated, her spirit wanes a time or two, but she’s determined to find out what happened to her friend. Abe doesn’t believe in Tarot readings or psychic mumbo-jumbo… but his beliefs will change.
Orla’s POV is heartbreaking. Her empathic gift has made her a prisoner. But though drugged, tested, tortured, abused, and starved, she never loses that spark that makes her Orla. I could feel her fear, frustration, and desperation… and her anger. It’s Orla who takes us to the “aha moment” where book title and story intersect… and she handled it better than I would have!
JR Erickson has a way with villains, and Byron Crowe is no exception. He’s cut from the same cloth as Kaiser (book 1) and Kemp (book 2) and it’s not a good look. Makes me wonder about ALL the doctors at the asylum.
Narrator Margy Stein nails this! She voiced characters with a smooth transition style, and her deep pitch heightened the danger and suspense… and creeped me out during scenes in the asylum!
Ashes Beneath Her delivered with great writing and spot-on narration.
Enjoy!
Six girls are missing. All blondes with green eyes, except Orla Sullivan, the last one. The disappearances happened over a two-hundred-mile radius. Different communities. Different police jurisdictions. No one has bothered to look for a connection, but Abe is sure there is one.
As he interviews family and friends of the missing girls, Abe meets Liz Minor, the mother of one of the missing girls, and Hazel, one of Orla’s roommates. Liz has never given up hope her daughter, Susan, would return to her, and Hazel’s psychic abilities push her forward to find Orla.
Backed by many in the community, these three will follow leads—some that lead to dead ends—and interview people while covering a good deal of northern Michigan, but in the end, all roads lead to the Northern Michigan Asylum for the Insane.
Ashes Beneath Her is my third trip to the Northern Michigan Asylum for the Insane and my favorite so far!
Though it starts slow with the disappearance of Susan Minor and the emotional rollercoaster Liz Minor rides, the story picks up the pace after Orla is taken and Abe enters the story.
Abe is a noble character. Knowing his story isn’t winning him any friends with law enforcement, he plods on, supported by his dad, a retired prosecutor, and driven by his own traumatic loss in his past.
Through a Tarot reading, Hazel knew Abe would seek her out and she’s more than ready to help with his investigation. Frustrated, her spirit wanes a time or two, but she’s determined to find out what happened to her friend. Abe doesn’t believe in Tarot readings or psychic mumbo-jumbo… but his beliefs will change.
Orla’s POV is heartbreaking. Her empathic gift has made her a prisoner. But though drugged, tested, tortured, abused, and starved, she never loses that spark that makes her Orla. I could feel her fear, frustration, and desperation… and her anger. It’s Orla who takes us to the “aha moment” where book title and story intersect… and she handled it better than I would have!
JR Erickson has a way with villains, and Byron Crowe is no exception. He’s cut from the same cloth as Kaiser (book 1) and Kemp (book 2) and it’s not a good look. Makes me wonder about ALL the doctors at the asylum.
Narrator Margy Stein nails this! She voiced characters with a smooth transition style, and her deep pitch heightened the danger and suspense… and creeped me out during scenes in the asylum!
Ashes Beneath Her delivered with great writing and spot-on narration.
Enjoy!
August 28, 2022
This book was set in 1975 and a young woman has gone missing. The police think that she has just taken off on her own, but her family never believes that. Soon, another woman disappears and her friends and family also say that Orla would never leave without telling them. Her roommate, Hazel, teams up with the mother of another missing girl and a newspaper reporter named Abe who is convinced that these two and several others are all the work of a serial kidnapper/killer.
The story was interesting and had elements of the paranormal throughout, though not heavily so. There are people who claim to see ghosts, a woman who communicates with the dead, tarot card readings and Orla's ability to see things by touching objects. There was a loose connection between these disappearances and the Northern Michigan Asylum, including some mysterious and evil group doing unorthodox experiments.
I enjoyed the book, but I would have liked to know more about the perpetrator and the motives behind his crimes. I felt like that part of the book was a little lacking. The narrator did a pretty good job, but her voices all sounded pretty much alike and did not allow me as a listener to know who was talking at times. Also, her voices were all pretty deeply masculine and it took me a while to figure out that it was a woman's voice.
All in all, this was a pretty good psychological thriller with paranormal aspects and I will definitely read more by this author. I was given the chance to listen to the audiobook version by the author/narrator/publisher and chose to review it.
The story was interesting and had elements of the paranormal throughout, though not heavily so. There are people who claim to see ghosts, a woman who communicates with the dead, tarot card readings and Orla's ability to see things by touching objects. There was a loose connection between these disappearances and the Northern Michigan Asylum, including some mysterious and evil group doing unorthodox experiments.
I enjoyed the book, but I would have liked to know more about the perpetrator and the motives behind his crimes. I felt like that part of the book was a little lacking. The narrator did a pretty good job, but her voices all sounded pretty much alike and did not allow me as a listener to know who was talking at times. Also, her voices were all pretty deeply masculine and it took me a while to figure out that it was a woman's voice.
All in all, this was a pretty good psychological thriller with paranormal aspects and I will definitely read more by this author. I was given the chance to listen to the audiobook version by the author/narrator/publisher and chose to review it.
May 23, 2020
( Format : Audiobook )
"Death comes for all of us ..."
Ashes Beneath Her is the third standalone story in the series based on and around the Norther Michigan Asylum. Now that's an area to avoid. A mix of mystery thriller and the paranormal, the book is initially slow moving but the tempo builds as the tensions, and theories, develope. The real beauty of these stories is the excellent character development, the protagonists becoming both real and memorable, eliciting out empathy and keeping the reader involved. And the paranormal is not overly intrusive with some ghostly manifestations, tarot cards and someone's ability to feel the past history of an item through touch.
Narration, by Marty Stein, is excellent. She has a velvety voice which is used to good effect, the text well paced and delivered with expression, her character voices individually distinctive and appropriate. Her performance definitely enhances the enjoyment of this book.
I was fortunate in being freely gifted with a complimentary copy of Ashes Beneath Her, at my request, by the rights holder via Audiobook Unleashed. Thank you. This is my second book from this series and, though not quite as intriguing as Rag Doll Bones, the previous book I read, it still has a fine, chi!long presence throughout combined with a normality which firmly grips the reader's attention and immagination. Good writing and fine reading. Recommended.
"Death comes for all of us ..."
Ashes Beneath Her is the third standalone story in the series based on and around the Norther Michigan Asylum. Now that's an area to avoid. A mix of mystery thriller and the paranormal, the book is initially slow moving but the tempo builds as the tensions, and theories, develope. The real beauty of these stories is the excellent character development, the protagonists becoming both real and memorable, eliciting out empathy and keeping the reader involved. And the paranormal is not overly intrusive with some ghostly manifestations, tarot cards and someone's ability to feel the past history of an item through touch.
Narration, by Marty Stein, is excellent. She has a velvety voice which is used to good effect, the text well paced and delivered with expression, her character voices individually distinctive and appropriate. Her performance definitely enhances the enjoyment of this book.
I was fortunate in being freely gifted with a complimentary copy of Ashes Beneath Her, at my request, by the rights holder via Audiobook Unleashed. Thank you. This is my second book from this series and, though not quite as intriguing as Rag Doll Bones, the previous book I read, it still has a fine, chi!long presence throughout combined with a normality which firmly grips the reader's attention and immagination. Good writing and fine reading. Recommended.
August 13, 2020
Ashes Beneath her is the 3rd book in the Northern Michigan Asylum series. And the 4 the book I have read in this series. These books are stand alones. They all feature some connection to the Asylum but all the people and stories are completely different. The Asylum was a real place but was not considered bad. It is now a shopping complex real life. These books are a mix between mystery and thriller.
In the story there have been 5 girls who went missing without a trace. The police have made no connections at all. But one of the girls mothers knows there is a connection. She runs across a young reporter who has a connection to one of the other girls who has went missing and together showed him the connection.
Now Orla who doesn't really fit the profile of the other girls has gone missing. She is tall and dark haired where the others have all been blond and of small stature. Abe the reporter and Hazel Orla's room mate team up to solve Orla and the other girls kidnapping.
Orla has a gift. She can touch things and get pictures of the past, of others who have touched the object. Too bad she hadn't taken her ever present gloves off before that fateful day. She is being held in the Asylum and drugged by a mad Doctor.
Orla's gift may be able to help her solve the case but first she has to get away from the Asylum.
In the story there have been 5 girls who went missing without a trace. The police have made no connections at all. But one of the girls mothers knows there is a connection. She runs across a young reporter who has a connection to one of the other girls who has went missing and together showed him the connection.
Now Orla who doesn't really fit the profile of the other girls has gone missing. She is tall and dark haired where the others have all been blond and of small stature. Abe the reporter and Hazel Orla's room mate team up to solve Orla and the other girls kidnapping.
Orla has a gift. She can touch things and get pictures of the past, of others who have touched the object. Too bad she hadn't taken her ever present gloves off before that fateful day. She is being held in the Asylum and drugged by a mad Doctor.
Orla's gift may be able to help her solve the case but first she has to get away from the Asylum.
March 12, 2025
This reminded me of the house of Wax (psycho family who lures people).
Spoiler Free Summary:
Young women within a sector of Northern Michigan keep disappearing and a journalist and a victim's roommate pair up to find her and what happened to the other women.
Feels:
First off, I love any book that has a setting in Michigan or mentions it. As for the book itself, I thought it was pretty good! Initially I thought this was a ghost story due to Michigan's historical horror relationship with Asylums. I did feel that some incidents of this book was pretty realistic which for some reason gave me anxiety. The entitlement of others' bodies because they "can" or because of a professional label really matched up to past and modern thinking of that sector of society. However, this book was way more of a thriller. It did start to drag towards the end but otherwise it was pretty good.
Loved that the good guys (Abe and Ben) got rewarded in the end instead of getting screwed over. The ending of the epilogue made me ugly cry. Finally, absolutely loved the ending as well when Abe gets his closure thanks to Orla.
Time it took to read: 2 hourish
Triggers:
S. Assault
Kidnapping
Imprisonment
Drugging
Physical copy: Thick pages and decent sized/spaced print, but print could still be bigger
Spoiler Free Summary:
Young women within a sector of Northern Michigan keep disappearing and a journalist and a victim's roommate pair up to find her and what happened to the other women.
Feels:
First off, I love any book that has a setting in Michigan or mentions it. As for the book itself, I thought it was pretty good! Initially I thought this was a ghost story due to Michigan's historical horror relationship with Asylums. I did feel that some incidents of this book was pretty realistic which for some reason gave me anxiety. The entitlement of others' bodies because they "can" or because of a professional label really matched up to past and modern thinking of that sector of society. However, this book was way more of a thriller. It did start to drag towards the end but otherwise it was pretty good.
Loved that the good guys (Abe and Ben) got rewarded in the end instead of getting screwed over. The ending of the epilogue made me ugly cry. Finally, absolutely loved the ending as well when Abe gets his closure thanks to Orla.
Time it took to read: 2 hourish
Triggers:
S. Assault
Kidnapping
Imprisonment
Drugging
Physical copy: Thick pages and decent sized/spaced print, but print could still be bigger
August 18, 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 third in the Northern Michigan Asylum Series, but it’s a stand alone novel. There’s no relation between this and the first two books in the series except the part that the Northern Michigan Asylum and its horrible doctors play.
When Orla disappears, Hazel (her roommate) and her parents find out that other girls have gone missing over the past few years. The police are in different districts and aren’t investigating them together. Abe, a reporter, is on the case and working to find Orla and the others, or at least get enough evidence for the police to work together on the cases.
As Abe, Hazel, and the mother of one of the missing children try to find clues, Orla is being tortured at the Northern Michigan Asylum. Will they find her in time?
The narrator has a deep voice that seemed to fit this story. She didn’t change her voice much for the characters, but it was just enough.
This is my favorite of the three books in the series. I definitely recommend all three of them, especially this one.
This is the third in the Northern Michigan Asylum Series, but it’s a stand alone novel. There’s no relation between this and the first two books in the series except the part that the Northern Michigan Asylum and its horrible doctors play.
When Orla disappears, Hazel (her roommate) and her parents find out that other girls have gone missing over the past few years. The police are in different districts and aren’t investigating them together. Abe, a reporter, is on the case and working to find Orla and the others, or at least get enough evidence for the police to work together on the cases.
As Abe, Hazel, and the mother of one of the missing children try to find clues, Orla is being tortured at the Northern Michigan Asylum. Will they find her in time?
The narrator has a deep voice that seemed to fit this story. She didn’t change her voice much for the characters, but it was just enough.
This is my favorite of the three books in the series. I definitely recommend all three of them, especially this one.
August 19, 2020
It’s 1975 and several women have gone missing around the Northern Michigan Asylum. But they are in several different areas, so the police just think the girls are runaways. But the families and Abe Levitt don’t think so. Abe notices that all of the women are blonde and have green eyes and is determined to find out who the serial killer is.
Orla Sullivan lives with several girls that look out for each other. Orla has a powerful ability to sense things through touch. One day while out she meets a young man and helps him out. Things seem to be looking up for her until she disappears too.
I love how each of the book in this series can be read as a standalone book but they all link together with the asylum. This story was a little slow in the beginning for me. But when Orla got kidnapped that is when the story really picked up for me. Margy Stein did a fantastic job keeping me with the story and building the suspense.
I really have enjoyed this series. I’m really happy to see that there are more books in the series and I can’t wait to get into Dead Stream Curse. If you like thrillers with a touch of paranormal you need to check out this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to listen to and share an honest review.
Orla Sullivan lives with several girls that look out for each other. Orla has a powerful ability to sense things through touch. One day while out she meets a young man and helps him out. Things seem to be looking up for her until she disappears too.
I love how each of the book in this series can be read as a standalone book but they all link together with the asylum. This story was a little slow in the beginning for me. But when Orla got kidnapped that is when the story really picked up for me. Margy Stein did a fantastic job keeping me with the story and building the suspense.
I really have enjoyed this series. I’m really happy to see that there are more books in the series and I can’t wait to get into Dead Stream Curse. If you like thrillers with a touch of paranormal you need to check out this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to listen to and share an honest review.
April 26, 2022
Wow I'm flying through the Northern Michigan Asylum series. Ashes Beneath her was another great book in the series although not my favourite so far. I felt the characters worked so much better together this time, but at first as there was so many players in this book it was a little confusing especially with many of the female characters. It wasn't till the story got going they each found their own voice.
It was lovely to see a glimpse of Hattie in this book, I do hope win future books we see more of the characters make a cameo in them. Hattie has an exceptional gift although I'm not sure it compares to Orla's in this book.
The more of this series I read the more I have feelings for characters in these books. This book my focus became on Ben. I won't say more about him as I won't give spoilers but Ben became my Corrie (In the last book). I can say I never warmed to Hazel in this one although loved Abe.
Another fast paced book, I'm finding I fly through them and am shocked when I get to the end. There's the perfect amount of mystery and supernatural elements which should please more readers. Another solid 4 stars, kindle unlimited read so free if you subscribe to the service.
It was lovely to see a glimpse of Hattie in this book, I do hope win future books we see more of the characters make a cameo in them. Hattie has an exceptional gift although I'm not sure it compares to Orla's in this book.
The more of this series I read the more I have feelings for characters in these books. This book my focus became on Ben. I won't say more about him as I won't give spoilers but Ben became my Corrie (In the last book). I can say I never warmed to Hazel in this one although loved Abe.
Another fast paced book, I'm finding I fly through them and am shocked when I get to the end. There's the perfect amount of mystery and supernatural elements which should please more readers. Another solid 4 stars, kindle unlimited read so free if you subscribe to the service.
April 23, 2020
Six girls have gone missing without a trace in the area near the Northern Michigan Insane Asylum in the last five years but police have not made the connection and most were written off as runaways. A young reporter thinks they are connected and works with the mother of one of the victims to investigate in hopes of getting the police to reopen the cases. The book mostly concentrates on the latest victim Orla, a young girl with a "gift". She can touch an item and tell things about it and the person whom it belongs to. This gift could help her solve the case, if she can get away from the mad doctor holding her captive. The book moves at a fast pace and kept me listening all day. The narrator has a soft spoken voice that at first I thought would detract from a twisty thriller, but this was not the case. She did a very good job. This is the second book in the Northern Michigan Insane Asylum series that I have read and enjoyed. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
July 16, 2022
🦷🧤Ashes Beneath Her 🧤🦷
By JR Erickson (via kindle unlimited)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I haven’t read anything else by this author and Ashes Beneath Her is the third book in the series, but it is described as a stand-alone. I’m not sure what I was expecting, but now I might just go and read the rest of the Northern Michigan Asylum series. A little bit paranormal and a lotta bit suspense, this one kept me on the tips of my toes and my adrenaline pumping.
It’s the 1970’s and six girls have gone missing, without a trace, in different areas of northern Michigan. Orla, the most recent missing girl, not only doesn’t fit the blonde hair and petite pattern of the other girls, but she also has a unique gift. When she touches certain items, she can sense memories or details attached to them. A group of people, bonded by a missing loved one, are determined to figure out what happened to Orla…and hopefully find her alive.
#read #readmore #goodreads #books #bookstagram #kindle #kindleunlimited
By JR Erickson (via kindle unlimited)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I haven’t read anything else by this author and Ashes Beneath Her is the third book in the series, but it is described as a stand-alone. I’m not sure what I was expecting, but now I might just go and read the rest of the Northern Michigan Asylum series. A little bit paranormal and a lotta bit suspense, this one kept me on the tips of my toes and my adrenaline pumping.
It’s the 1970’s and six girls have gone missing, without a trace, in different areas of northern Michigan. Orla, the most recent missing girl, not only doesn’t fit the blonde hair and petite pattern of the other girls, but she also has a unique gift. When she touches certain items, she can sense memories or details attached to them. A group of people, bonded by a missing loved one, are determined to figure out what happened to Orla…and hopefully find her alive.
#read #readmore #goodreads #books #bookstagram #kindle #kindleunlimited
August 20, 2022
Ashes Beneath Her by J.R. Erickson is book 3 in the Northern Michigan Asylum series. The books are all standalones and can be read in any order. As far as I know the only connection is that the stories are based around the asylum.
This story circles around a string of missing girls all in the same area. When a girl who happens to have special abilities becomes one of those victims, her friend and an investigator decide to work together to try and solve this mystery.
I listened to this one on audiobook and it was just so good. The story has multiple POVs and is set in the 1970s. What more could you want in a creepy story from the 70s based around an asylum? I loved the spooky and mysterious paranormal vibes. It captured me from the beginning, I was there right along side the characters trying to figure out who did it. It was creepy and I will definitely read the rest!
Follow me on IG @jennys_library
This story circles around a string of missing girls all in the same area. When a girl who happens to have special abilities becomes one of those victims, her friend and an investigator decide to work together to try and solve this mystery.
I listened to this one on audiobook and it was just so good. The story has multiple POVs and is set in the 1970s. What more could you want in a creepy story from the 70s based around an asylum? I loved the spooky and mysterious paranormal vibes. It captured me from the beginning, I was there right along side the characters trying to figure out who did it. It was creepy and I will definitely read the rest!
Follow me on IG @jennys_library
March 6, 2020
I am not sure if I would want the ability Orla has. Sure, it would be great to find out information, but at what cost to one’s psyche. I am always intrigued by the plot of these books. Every book is a standalone book and yet they involve the Brotherhood. How is it that this group has not been discovered? Abe definitely has the tenacity to stick with his gut and connect the dots to each missing girl. If it had not been for him, I do not feel the girls remains would have ever been found. I can only imagine how each parent with a missing girl felt as the years continued to pass with no further leads. After I finished this book, I delved within my imagination and wondered how it would be to help people find their missing loved ones. This was a fictional book but how awesome would it be to be able to end family’s questions as to where a missing person might be.
May 28, 2019
Orla has a gift, an ability to sense things she touches: memories, traumas… murders.
On a sunny day in 1975, she sets off on a bike ride into the picturesque countryside and vanishes. She is not the first young woman to go missing and she will not be the last.
Ashes Beneath Her is the third novel in the stand-alone Northern Michigan Asylum Series.
This is an absolutely amazing addition to the series.
I am so enthralled with these characters and they just keep getting better with each book.
I love the whole story line and somehow these novels just keep getting better each time.
Sitting here on tender hooks waiting on the next one now!!!!
Highly recommend reading!
I received an ARC from the superbly talented author and this is my own honest voluntary review.
On a sunny day in 1975, she sets off on a bike ride into the picturesque countryside and vanishes. She is not the first young woman to go missing and she will not be the last.
Ashes Beneath Her is the third novel in the stand-alone Northern Michigan Asylum Series.
This is an absolutely amazing addition to the series.
I am so enthralled with these characters and they just keep getting better with each book.
I love the whole story line and somehow these novels just keep getting better each time.
Sitting here on tender hooks waiting on the next one now!!!!
Highly recommend reading!
I received an ARC from the superbly talented author and this is my own honest voluntary review.
February 27, 2024
Orla has a gift, an ability to sense things she touches: memories, traumas… murders.
On a sunny day in 1975, she vanishes on a bike ride into the picturesque countryside. She is not the first young woman to go missing, and she will not be the last.
A well-written ghost story about six women who have vanished without a trace.
There are multiple POVs. Abe- Liz- Hazel and Orla. It is set in the 70's. But there are only a few clues that this is true. Later on, Hazel started getting pretty whiney, and I wanted to skip her parts. But since she is with Abe, I had to listen. There are a few slow parts, but not enough to stop reading.
NOTE** There are some disturbing descriptions. It was hard to listen.
On a sunny day in 1975, she vanishes on a bike ride into the picturesque countryside. She is not the first young woman to go missing, and she will not be the last.
A well-written ghost story about six women who have vanished without a trace.
There are multiple POVs. Abe- Liz- Hazel and Orla. It is set in the 70's. But there are only a few clues that this is true. Later on, Hazel started getting pretty whiney, and I wanted to skip her parts. But since she is with Abe, I had to listen. There are a few slow parts, but not enough to stop reading.
NOTE** There are some disturbing descriptions. It was hard to listen.
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