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Northern Michigan Asylum #6
Dark Omen
Each book in the Northern Michigan Asylum Series is a stand-alone novel. What if you knew the day of your death? Eleven years ago today, Bette's and Crystal’s mother died. The sisters observe the day each year with a visit to her grave. As Bette stands in the forlorn cemetery, large oaks watching in silent contemplation, Crystal does not arrive.Flummoxed, though it’s too early to panic, Bette embarks on the usual calls and stops in search of her free-spirited sister.However, minutes soon turn into hours, and hours turn into days.As more secrets pour from Crystal’s life, it becomes clear that Crystal sensed the sinister destiny awaiting her. Step into a story of the missing, the murdered, and the people who carry their secrets to the grave.
346 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 20, 2020
About the author
J.R. Erickson
37 books1,023 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 55 reviews
February 29, 2020
Being the big sister, this one was hard to read at times. I don't know what I'd do if my sister was lost and we couldn't find her. That's exactly what happens to Bette. Her sister, Crystal, vanishes without a trace. Unlike most of the Northern Michigan Asylum books so far, we don't know what happened to Crystal for a good chunk of this story. The writing is good as always and the story kept me guessing. I'm enjoying this series and look forward to the next one.
February 21, 2024
I really liked this one. Not a lot of ghosts or paranormal creepy stuff, but a very good thriller/mystery nonetheless.
December 6, 2021
This is a 4.5 star read.
April 1, 2021
I should give this a trigger warning for sexual assault and abuse. ⚠️
I enjoyed this book. I'd give it 3.75 stars. It was not my favorite installment in the series, but it was a great addition. Our two main characters, Bette and Crystal were likeable and relatable. This was a fantastic mystery. The storyline played out well as you guessed if Crystal was still alive and who did what to her, and the end of the book was very satisfying. I enjoyed Greta/Hillary's back story and it made me feel some sympathy towards her for all that she had been through, despite all that she had done. My only qualm with this book, which keeps it from being a 4 star book was the minimal connection to the supernatural. Yes, there was a small supernatural element to it, but I wanted more. I wanted Greta to be a monster or a demon and it was set up that it could have been a good ghost story, but it was lacking in that department. Fantastic mystery, but not as tied to the supernatural as the other books have been. All in all, I'm enjoying this series.
All of that being said, whoever edits these books needs to be fired. Seriously, it's bad. There are numerous grammatical and spelling errors throughout all of the books. It's definitely going to turn some people off from reading the books at all. If the stories weren't so engaging, I would have quit reading by now due to the poor editing.
I enjoyed this book. I'd give it 3.75 stars. It was not my favorite installment in the series, but it was a great addition. Our two main characters, Bette and Crystal were likeable and relatable. This was a fantastic mystery. The storyline played out well as you guessed if Crystal was still alive and who did what to her, and the end of the book was very satisfying. I enjoyed Greta/Hillary's back story and it made me feel some sympathy towards her for all that she had been through, despite all that she had done. My only qualm with this book, which keeps it from being a 4 star book was the minimal connection to the supernatural. Yes, there was a small supernatural element to it, but I wanted more. I wanted Greta to be a monster or a demon and it was set up that it could have been a good ghost story, but it was lacking in that department. Fantastic mystery, but not as tied to the supernatural as the other books have been. All in all, I'm enjoying this series.
All of that being said, whoever edits these books needs to be fired. Seriously, it's bad. There are numerous grammatical and spelling errors throughout all of the books. It's definitely going to turn some people off from reading the books at all. If the stories weren't so engaging, I would have quit reading by now due to the poor editing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2020
Another excellent story in this series.
When Crystal disappears, her sister won't be dissuaded to let the police handle her search and she begins her own investigation. And as she keeps discovering unsettling facts about what was going on on her sister's life her suspicious about her boyfriend grow.
As always, the story is enthralling, and the characters are so fully-fledged that you'll think you know them. The plot is superb, and as we are learning more about the people involved in Crystal's life we keep switching suspects until the real culprit is revealed.
Like Crystal, I find myself hating the culprit and, at the same time, feeling deep sorrow for the hardships this person had to live through, which have shaped them in the monsters they are today (And yes, I'm using they/them to avoid even the tiniest spoiler)
An excellent thriller, and a very recommended read.
And Melanie Hensch did an awesome job with the narration.
When Crystal disappears, her sister won't be dissuaded to let the police handle her search and she begins her own investigation. And as she keeps discovering unsettling facts about what was going on on her sister's life her suspicious about her boyfriend grow.
As always, the story is enthralling, and the characters are so fully-fledged that you'll think you know them. The plot is superb, and as we are learning more about the people involved in Crystal's life we keep switching suspects until the real culprit is revealed.
Like Crystal, I find myself hating the culprit and, at the same time, feeling deep sorrow for the hardships this person had to live through, which have shaped them in the monsters they are today (And yes, I'm using they/them to avoid even the tiniest spoiler)
An excellent thriller, and a very recommended read.
And Melanie Hensch did an awesome job with the narration.
February 20, 2020
JR Erickson has written another hit in the Northern Michigan Asylum Series. Dark Omen is a disturbing, creepy, and horrific novel. What would you do if one of your siblings disappears? As Bette searches for her missing sister, she will find that Crystal is not the first. Filled with twists and turns, this is a great psychological horror thriller. I highly recommend it. I received a copy of this book for an honest review.
July 4, 2024
This one is definitely my favorite in this series so far. It’s twisty and spooky, and there’s a paranormal component, but it’s not as supernatural as the others. I feel like this was a lot more psychological. The MCs were fascinating. I liked the villain. The poor character who made stupid choices and got caught between them… Oh, man. I’d definitely recommend this one to a friend. 😊
June 1, 2024
Every book in the Northern Michigan Asylum Series is stand-alone. What if you could see your own death coming? The mother of Bette and Crystal died eleven years ago today. They visit her tomb on the anniversary every year. Standing at the gloomy cemetery with tall oaks serving as mute observers, Bette noticeably lacks Crystal. At first confused, Bette gathers herself and starts the customary rounds of calls and visits to find her lively sister. But minutes become hours and hours into days. It becomes clear from life revelations that Crystal might have predicted a terrible destiny. Enter a story intertwined with stories of the dead, the disappeared, and those bearing secrets to their grave.
First of all, the narrator was not good—at least until I sped it up to 1.5. And then it was mediocre at best. She makes the words seem like a 15-year-old wrote them. It's weird.
The storyline starts slow, even though the twin is missing... I had a hard time caring that the sister was in trouble.
The flashbacks with Crystal and Weston are hard to listen to, so mushy and corny.
I found myself wondering what I had just listened to. Couldn't keep my attention.
DNF
First of all, the narrator was not good—at least until I sped it up to 1.5. And then it was mediocre at best. She makes the words seem like a 15-year-old wrote them. It's weird.
The storyline starts slow, even though the twin is missing... I had a hard time caring that the sister was in trouble.
The flashbacks with Crystal and Weston are hard to listen to, so mushy and corny.
I found myself wondering what I had just listened to. Couldn't keep my attention.
DNF
September 13, 2020
Dark Omen is the 6th volume in J.R. Erickson's Northern Michigan Asylum collection. I love how each book is a standalone, yet they are all connected by an underlying theme. This particular story is full of murder, twists and turns and psychotic undertones. The storyline is fast-paced and well written. The characters are all well developed. I can't wait to read the next story to see what new adventures it will bring!
May 22, 2025
My least favourite book in the series
February 20, 2020
Each book in the Northern Michigan Asylum Series is a stand-alone novel.
What if you knew the day of your death?
Eleven years ago today, Bette's and Crystal’s mother died. The sisters observe the day each year with a visit to her grave.
As Bette stands in the forlorn cemetery, large oaks watching in silent contemplation, Crystal does not arrive.
Flummoxed, though it’s too early to panic, Bette embarks on the usual calls and stops in search of her free-spirited sister.
However, minutes soon turn into hours, and hours turn into days.
As more secrets pour from Crystal’s life, it becomes clear that Crystal sensed the sinister destiny awaiting her.
Step into a story of the missing, the murdered, and the people who carry their secrets to the grave.
This is a wonderful addition to this thrilling series!
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
What if you knew the day of your death?
Eleven years ago today, Bette's and Crystal’s mother died. The sisters observe the day each year with a visit to her grave.
As Bette stands in the forlorn cemetery, large oaks watching in silent contemplation, Crystal does not arrive.
Flummoxed, though it’s too early to panic, Bette embarks on the usual calls and stops in search of her free-spirited sister.
However, minutes soon turn into hours, and hours turn into days.
As more secrets pour from Crystal’s life, it becomes clear that Crystal sensed the sinister destiny awaiting her.
Step into a story of the missing, the murdered, and the people who carry their secrets to the grave.
This is a wonderful addition to this thrilling series!
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
December 30, 2023
This is the sixth book in the Northern Michigan Asylum series, but all of the books can be read as standalone because they have different plot lines and follow different characters. This is the third book that I have read in the series, and I have enjoyed all of the books I have read in this series so far. All of the books I have read out of this series have been dual timelines, which I love because I feel like that aspect of the story was why I was so invested. Instead of giving the answers right away, the story flips back and forth between past and present. In the past, we get to see the events that led to Crystal's disappearance and the events of Greta's past. In the present, we are witnessing Bette trying to track down her missing sister. I did believe that the answer of who was responsible for Crystal's disappearance was going to be an obvious one but I was surprised by the ending and the person it was revealed to be. I tend to turn to this series when I notice that I am in a reading slump or I am about to be in one because even though it's a series, they are all standalone, and I usually can read these in one sitting because I get so invested in the character's lives and trying to solve the mystery of the book. I will definitely be continuing on in this series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2020
One of the things I like so much about this series is how totally different they are from each other, with that little thread tying them back to the asylum. It is one of the few series I've read where it's hard to pick a favorite. They are each excellent!
Only a couple of years separate sisters Bette and Crystal but the two couldn’t be more different. Bette is the serious, studious one, straight to college after graduation, and now with a degree in anthropology. Crystal instead spent time traveling and even after returning to their hometown, holds several part-time jobs rather than one and is just beginning college. Still the sisters are extremely close telling each other everything, bonded from an early age by the death of their mother.
When Crystal doesn’t appear for the girl’s yearly dinner on the anniversary of their mother’s death, Bette immediately reports her missing. Getting cooperation from the police is another matter. After all, adults voluntarily go missing all the time. Even when they do begin to investigate, Bette doesn’t think they are doing enough.
Will Bette be able to save her sister? Or will she share Crystal’s fate?
Only a couple of years separate sisters Bette and Crystal but the two couldn’t be more different. Bette is the serious, studious one, straight to college after graduation, and now with a degree in anthropology. Crystal instead spent time traveling and even after returning to their hometown, holds several part-time jobs rather than one and is just beginning college. Still the sisters are extremely close telling each other everything, bonded from an early age by the death of their mother.
When Crystal doesn’t appear for the girl’s yearly dinner on the anniversary of their mother’s death, Bette immediately reports her missing. Getting cooperation from the police is another matter. After all, adults voluntarily go missing all the time. Even when they do begin to investigate, Bette doesn’t think they are doing enough.
Will Bette be able to save her sister? Or will she share Crystal’s fate?
August 1, 2026
Loved it. I started it less than 12 hours ago and stayed up all night reading. I love how the author uses the local towns of northern Michigan to tell the story. And I was very impressed with the topic of mental health and how she used it in the story. The author painted a very true picture of how it was viewed back 40 plus years ago and the advancement of how we look/treat it now. The paranormal aspect of the story kept me trapped and not able to put the book down.
As someone with a short fuse I related to the older sister Bette but so many times I found myself wanting to tell her to breathe and think about what she is saying or doing before she does it. She seriously needs some help herself.
Can't wait to read more of this series.
As someone with a short fuse I related to the older sister Bette but so many times I found myself wanting to tell her to breathe and think about what she is saying or doing before she does it. She seriously needs some help herself.
Can't wait to read more of this series.
July 28, 2025
Such an odd feeling. The book was slow but again not sure if it was me being ADHD or the book starting slow. It was such a good book and the farther into it I got the more I liked it.
Trying not to give spoilers but this book was based on an Asylum that led to a lot of heartache and of course a sociopath….. I was struggling to stay invested but I am also working ALOT of hours so I fell asleep when reading it. But by the time I got through like 3/4 of the book I had to stay awake and read it….
Well written, intriguing, not really a guess who did it book. But what happened was…. I would recommend
Trying not to give spoilers but this book was based on an Asylum that led to a lot of heartache and of course a sociopath….. I was struggling to stay invested but I am also working ALOT of hours so I fell asleep when reading it. But by the time I got through like 3/4 of the book I had to stay awake and read it….
Well written, intriguing, not really a guess who did it book. But what happened was…. I would recommend
August 28, 2026
OMG what a thrill ride!
J.R.Erickson has done it again! A young girl falls in love with her college professor. They truly love each other. Only problem is Professor Weston is married to a vicious and deadly psychopath. She kidnapped Crystal her husband's lover and tortures her in the house she grew up in on the grounds of the Northern Michigan Asylum. But, she underestimated Crystals sister Bette, who was determined to find her sister! Through a gripping history of Hillary, Bette learns the truth that Hillary has killed before and will again unless she can find her sister!
J.R.Erickson has done it again! A young girl falls in love with her college professor. They truly love each other. Only problem is Professor Weston is married to a vicious and deadly psychopath. She kidnapped Crystal her husband's lover and tortures her in the house she grew up in on the grounds of the Northern Michigan Asylum. But, she underestimated Crystals sister Bette, who was determined to find her sister! Through a gripping history of Hillary, Bette learns the truth that Hillary has killed before and will again unless she can find her sister!
February 17, 2020
Scarey good! The Northern Michigan State Asylum has many mysteries & still holds terror even though it has been closed for decades. Bette & her sister, Crystal, are exceptionally close since their mother's death. Crystal starts an affair with her former poetry professor and the weirdness begins.
Liked how the author goes back from the 60's to the present day and elaborates how the Asylum was still affecting lives in a tragic way.
Liked how the author goes back from the 60's to the present day and elaborates how the Asylum was still affecting lives in a tragic way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2020
This is the fourth or fifth book I have read in the series. All are essentially standalone and I have read them out of order with no confusion. Two sisters who always meet to honor their mother each year. One doesn't show and the other sister has to track her down. The missing sister has cool powers that seem to predict her own death. Fun story with lots of twists and turns. Spooky but I wouldn't classify it as gory. Adult themes for sure.
February 23, 2020
What a captivating read that I could not put down, once I started reading this story is so captivating and a real page turner the Author has brought forth an Epic read. With all the twists and turns, told from different characters point of view. I am loving the series. If you like captivating reads that habe epic scenes that you feel the characters emotions then this is definitely the read for you. It also worth more than 5 stars.
Shauna Joesten
Shauna Joesten
November 5, 2021
I loved this thriller. It takes place in both Lansing and Traverse City, Michigan, my home state. This series has a back drop of The Northern Michigan Asylum in Traverse City. The buildings of the asylum still exist and now house boutiques, restaurants, and condos. It’s a fun place to go now, but one still has the feeling of “if walls could talk.” Those walls have seen a lot of sadness. Ms. Erickson’s characters were very real and the book well written.
September 10, 2023
CW:
Another great installment in the Northern Michigan Asylum series! I honestly don't remember how I stumbled into this series but it has honestly been a delight. This one didn't have quite the supernatural vibe as the others have, but I was genuinely surprised by the twist and how the timelines connected. I hope to finish out this series during the fall!
Another great installment in the Northern Michigan Asylum series! I honestly don't remember how I stumbled into this series but it has honestly been a delight. This one didn't have quite the supernatural vibe as the others have, but I was genuinely surprised by the twist and how the timelines connected. I hope to finish out this series during the fall!
February 21, 2020
This was one of those books that you'll get so caught up in you won't get anything else done. Loaded with twists and turns. One mystery after another and questions that just don't seem to have answers unless characters have what it takes to dig deep enough. Great read. I can't wait to get the chance to read more of this series
May 14, 2020
Another in the Michigan Asylum series. Just like the others in the series, this is a stand-alone novel but has elements from other books. I really believe there are haunted places, people and things and this author continues to back up my belief with her description of the area, what people see and how to fight evil.
May 15, 2020
Lost a lot of sleep with this book.
One heck of a fascinating ghostly mystery
that had me enthralled all the way from
beginning to end. Kept me guessing about
who the killer was. This book had a totally
phenomenal story line and I enjoyed the
characters. Some more than others. I love
this series and can't wait for the next book
to come out. Great series! Brilliant author!
One heck of a fascinating ghostly mystery
that had me enthralled all the way from
beginning to end. Kept me guessing about
who the killer was. This book had a totally
phenomenal story line and I enjoyed the
characters. Some more than others. I love
this series and can't wait for the next book
to come out. Great series! Brilliant author!
July 11, 2020
Loved the book, but..
Editing was problematic. Tom was a given name then switched to Tim, then back to Tom. The story drifted off a couple times and I put it down, it did com blasting back with everything it had when I picked it up again! I would recommend and encourage patience!
Editing was problematic. Tom was a given name then switched to Tim, then back to Tom. The story drifted off a couple times and I put it down, it did com blasting back with everything it had when I picked it up again! I would recommend and encourage patience!
October 14, 2020
Strangely good
I stumbled on this book by mere chance and I think I just became a fan of this Northern Michigan series. Reminds me of my much younger days when a few of us rebels would occasionally skip school and head for the grounds of our local closed down asylum and recant stories of the unbelievable. This was just as twisted as the stories we imagined.
I stumbled on this book by mere chance and I think I just became a fan of this Northern Michigan series. Reminds me of my much younger days when a few of us rebels would occasionally skip school and head for the grounds of our local closed down asylum and recant stories of the unbelievable. This was just as twisted as the stories we imagined.
October 28, 2021
This is a story of two sisters, Crystal and Bette. Crystal is the silly sister in love, while Bette is the stable, reliable, down to earth sister. Weston is the man of Crystals dreams, but he's got secrets. Well written, great characters, and fast paced. Twists and an ending you won't forget easily.
June 1, 2024
What in the world. This book had so many elements that I love, and it was done extremely well. I really enjoyed all of the characters, down to the dad and late mother’s best friend. Maybe I’ll be able to better articulate my thoughts on this book in the near future, but just know I enjoyed it so much. It had and kept me hooked!
February 19, 2020
I loved it. I couldn't put it down. This is a nail-biter. A fast paced thriller with twists and turns you won't see coming. If you enjoy suspense filled thrillers, you will love Dark Omen. I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest review.
Read
March 3, 2020JR Erickson just keeps getting better with this series. This book has suspense and intrigue that does not let up. You know that the asylum will play into the story, but how and when. This story does not let the reader down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews