The year is 1890. The Barrow Haven Asylum is a private facility in rural England housing some of the country’s wealthiest insane. Some inmates are truly insane, some banished by family members, others perhaps feigning insanity and with questionable agendas.
Ten stories of shock and suspense brought to you by ten of your favorite authors.
I also write under the name, Sheridan Knight. So, look for other reads from me there. I grew up an Army brat, so my childhood involved moving every three years. However, truly a southern gal, I currently split my time in Alabama and Florida with my husband, two Chihuahuas, two Golden Retrievers, a mean cat, and a turtle. I have two sons, who live on their own, a daughter in college, and a stepson and stepdaughter. Romance novels have always been my first reading choice. I'm a hopeless romantic, and that trait materializes in every aspect of my life. “Wearing your heart on your sleeve” has been a common phrase repeatedly heard throughout my life. Writing romance and happily ever afters comes naturally. Whether a result of my childhood, or not, I love to travel. Warm weather and beautiful beaches are always my choice destination.
In a time when mental illness was treated in some truly terrifying ways, the Barrow Haven Asylum was home to the wealthiest of England’s people. Ten authors have gotten together to recreate the era and tell ten tales of horror, romance and of flawed humans often discarded by their families. Some may even have agendas of their own.
Dr. Jonathan Marsh is brilliant in his profession, yet a social failure, one patient will draw him in and even as he tries to resist, the beautiful woman draws him in. Can he keep his objective eye or will he discover a new lease on life through Lily?
A murderer is sent to Barrow Haven to be imprisoned in privilege, but now people are dying all around her…
A former spy, whose secrets could bring down the crown is now a patient at Barrow Haven. Can she escape to freedom and still survive?
Two teens trade places for one night, one rich, and the other poor. For the promise of food for her family Emily unknowingly was about to become the newest patient at Barrow Haven. Can she survive the “treatment” meant for Clara? Why can no one see she is clearly not the well-heeled Clara? Harry Williams’ family found a way to end their falling out, commit him to Barrow Haven. His solace came in the form of letter writing, but were the words his own or was he possessed by something sinister?
The stories go on, the common thread is Barrow Haven and the barbaric treatment they receive in the name of “curing” what ails their minds. Feel the atmosphere of an era that fancied itself “cutting edge.” Cringe at the treatments or tortures, marvel at the resiliency of patients wrongfully committed and be amazed that their minds don’t always shatter as a result.
While each author has their own flare, these stories feel interconnected and as if a shared hand penned them, they have all done such a fine job of building a world around Barrow Haven. Feel as if you have stepped back in time, a fly on the walls of this institution and remember this was top care they were receiving. I even wondered what happened to the poor with mental issues, as well as how easy it would be to be committed in the late nineteenth century.
You will most definitely be engrossed in each tale and equally glad not to have lived these lives. A fabulous anthology that can be savored, one story at a time. A job well-done by these authors!
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Lisa Acerbo! This is my honest and voluntary review.
Publisher: Perfectly Poisoned Press (January 19, 2020) Publication Date: January 19, 2020 Genre: Gothic Horror Print Length: 423 pages Available from: Amazon For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
I downloaded this for JA! As always well written😍 amazing characters! And phenomenal story! I enjoyed several of the story's in this anthology! Great job,!!
This was a fascinating collection of stories that took place inside the Barrow Haven Asylum. While the majority of the residents seemed to come from upper class families and were often placed there by their families for a number of reasons, (one possible example: to hide an inconvenient pregnancy.) Some of the residents did have more serious problems. One common diagnosis for women was “hysteria.” Hysteria appears to have been a sort of catch-all diagnosis for pretty much any sort of behavior considered inappropriate by a husband or other family member, thus requiring a person to be hidden away from society until such behavior could be appropriately “corrected.”
Treatments were often cruel and quite painful. In today’s world, such “treatments” would more appropriately be called torture but were considered both normal and appropriate given the time period and the circumstances. While there were those working within the Asylum who honestly sought only to help and cure those placed within their care, there appeared to be just as many who seemed to relish the opportunity to hurt their charges. Clearly, if one had to be hidden away in an Asylum such as this one was, it paid to be among those in the wealthier class. They were generally better treated and able to afford much nicer rooms and more privileges.
I enjoyed reading about the many different men & women who resided within Barrow Haven, and I believe others will also enjoy the variety of tales told by the various authors who have participated in this collection. I know I was fascinated by the number of different reasons a man or woman could be confined in an institution such as Barrow Haven. Some were willingly residing there, while others had been forcibly confined for any number or reasons by their families
A few of the stories may be a touch more adult oriented than would be appropriate for younger readers, but then in general I don't believe this to be a collection intended for younger audiences.