What do you think?
Rate this book
Northern Michigan Asylum #4
Dead Stream Curse
Murder is not a secret if the dead can tell...
Deep in the forest, far back on Spellway Road, sits a long forgotten mansion. The curtains billow despite the still day, and in the dark, shadowy rooms lies a secret kept under lock and key for two decades.
The cursed; however, do not simply stay dead and buried.
Twenty years ago, Liv did a horrible thing. Now the past seeks to right those wrongs. Skeletal fingers reach into her dreams. They grab hold of her heart and squeeze. She must return to Northern Michigan to the place where it all began, to the scene of the murder, the curse, to Halloween night 1945.
Get lost in a creepy tale of Norse magic, cold-blooded murder, and ghosts.
Deep in the forest, far back on Spellway Road, sits a long forgotten mansion. The curtains billow despite the still day, and in the dark, shadowy rooms lies a secret kept under lock and key for two decades.
The cursed; however, do not simply stay dead and buried.
Twenty years ago, Liv did a horrible thing. Now the past seeks to right those wrongs. Skeletal fingers reach into her dreams. They grab hold of her heart and squeeze. She must return to Northern Michigan to the place where it all began, to the scene of the murder, the curse, to Halloween night 1945.
Get lost in a creepy tale of Norse magic, cold-blooded murder, and ghosts.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 4, 2019
528 people are currently reading
690 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
March 31, 2020
J.R. Erickson tells 2 stories, one set in 1945 and one in 1965.
1945 centers around Liv and Stephen. Stephen rescues Liv and her sister from drowning. They quickly become friends and spend the summer together.Stephen learns that Liv is what i would call a witch. She and her Uncle George practice a type of Scandinavian folk magic. I loved, loved, loved the bits with the magic. Stephen sees Liv's magic as a way to get revenge.
1965- Mack starts seeing a ghost and is set on a mission to unravel the mysteries of the past and what happened to Liv and Stephen on that Halloween night.
I enjoyed this book very much. I did not have any problems with the time line switching back and forth. I liked both narrators. So far, this series has been very, very good. I requested the audio book and have left this review voluntarily.
1945 centers around Liv and Stephen. Stephen rescues Liv and her sister from drowning. They quickly become friends and spend the summer together.Stephen learns that Liv is what i would call a witch. She and her Uncle George practice a type of Scandinavian folk magic. I loved, loved, loved the bits with the magic. Stephen sees Liv's magic as a way to get revenge.
1965- Mack starts seeing a ghost and is set on a mission to unravel the mysteries of the past and what happened to Liv and Stephen on that Halloween night.
I enjoyed this book very much. I did not have any problems with the time line switching back and forth. I liked both narrators. So far, this series has been very, very good. I requested the audio book and have left this review voluntarily.
March 2, 2024
3.8 stars
Whyyyyyyy does this author always make the herione fall for the bad guy?
Whyyyyyyy does this author always make the herione fall for the bad guy?
November 14, 2021
This is a 4.5 star read.
I just luuuuurve the Northern Michigan Asylum series!
I just luuuuurve the Northern Michigan Asylum series!
March 14, 2021
Another solid entry in the Northern Michigan Asylum series. I've been flying right through these books as they're gripping from start to finish. It may have something to do with the fact that they are set in my home state, only a shot distance from where I live and when you live in rural Northern Michigan, you don't get books set in your stomping grounds often, unless they're true crime. I'm loving the supernatural aspect of these books. I grew up well after the old State Hospital closed down, but I remember the stories. It was a place we talked about in horror stories around campfires, but these books are far better stories than we ever told. This book was unique from the previous three as it had an aspect of old Norse magic involved. Previously, our main characters have had supernatural abilities that included, communing with the dead, possession by demons, experiencing others lives through touching objects, but never old magic. It gave it a whole new feel, which I enjoyed very much. It was the least predictable of the series so far and I am looking forward to reading the next four books. This is a solid 4.5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2020
This has a very interesting story. Although, I found it a bit hard to follow. This one might be better read than listened to. Still overall a decent story with several unexpected twists.
April 27, 2022
I feel like I'm in a minority with Dead Stream Curse, but I just didn't enjoy it as much as the other books. Liv was a likeable character and I loved Mack too (With all his flaws) but found myself almost wanting to skip with this one a little. The back and forth time lines (For the first time in these books as we've had them in previous ones) I found confusing and it would take a page or 2 to connect.
The story had a good pace, I liked the magical element and that we got a look into Stephen Kaiser. That's one thing I have enjoyed about these books is hearing about the Doctors and finding them at different places in time and how they changed.
But alas, something just didn't sit as well for me with Dead Stream Curse I'm afraid and for me its was just a 3 star book. As I said I am in the minority here and others have really loved it, so I recommend checking out other reviews rather than just mine on this book. A kindle Unlimited read, so free if you subscribe to the service.
The story had a good pace, I liked the magical element and that we got a look into Stephen Kaiser. That's one thing I have enjoyed about these books is hearing about the Doctors and finding them at different places in time and how they changed.
But alas, something just didn't sit as well for me with Dead Stream Curse I'm afraid and for me its was just a 3 star book. As I said I am in the minority here and others have really loved it, so I recommend checking out other reviews rather than just mine on this book. A kindle Unlimited read, so free if you subscribe to the service.
January 17, 2020
Dead Stream Curse is a modern day good versus evil story and the 4th book in the Northern Michigan Asylum Series by J. R. Erikson. It is a true stand alone novel as it was the first book in the series that I listened to and I didn’t feel like I was missing any plot points. The story flows between 1945 and 1965 and focuses primarily on two main characters who went their separate ways following a disastrous halloween party in 1945.
In 1945, Liv and Stephen are teenagers from the opposite sides of the tracks in a small community in northern Michigan. They become unlikely friends, and eventually lovers, after Stephen saves Liv and her little sister’s lives after they fall into a lake in Dead Stream Swamp. Stephen invites Liv to his mother’s lavish Halloween party where they plan on playing a trick on his abusive mother. However, Stephen violently lashes out at his mother when she makes a scene about Liv’s presence at the party. Liv runs away that eventing and doesn’t return to the area until 20-years later.
In 1965, Mack is a homeless nomad after losing his wife and young son in a tragic accident. He starts seeing a ghost who sets him on a mission to unravel the mysteries of the past. Mack eventually wonders into an old abandoned home that once belonged to Stephen’s mother. As Mack uncovers the past, we learn about what happened to Liv and Stephen in the intervening years. Neither of them grow up living normal lives and Liv is haunted by what she thinks happened all those years ago. Thankfully, Mack helps restore her sanity.
While I really enjoyed this story that weaves Norse folk magic, ghosts, and murder, the quality of the narrations were disappointing. [I requested a copy of this audiobook and leave this review voluntarily.] Nicole Swanson’s narration was softer and harder to hear than Craig Hart’s narration. I would have enjoyed the audio more had the quality of the recordings and volume been more equal. Despite that, I really enjoyed the story and plan on listening to others in the series.
In 1945, Liv and Stephen are teenagers from the opposite sides of the tracks in a small community in northern Michigan. They become unlikely friends, and eventually lovers, after Stephen saves Liv and her little sister’s lives after they fall into a lake in Dead Stream Swamp. Stephen invites Liv to his mother’s lavish Halloween party where they plan on playing a trick on his abusive mother. However, Stephen violently lashes out at his mother when she makes a scene about Liv’s presence at the party. Liv runs away that eventing and doesn’t return to the area until 20-years later.
In 1965, Mack is a homeless nomad after losing his wife and young son in a tragic accident. He starts seeing a ghost who sets him on a mission to unravel the mysteries of the past. Mack eventually wonders into an old abandoned home that once belonged to Stephen’s mother. As Mack uncovers the past, we learn about what happened to Liv and Stephen in the intervening years. Neither of them grow up living normal lives and Liv is haunted by what she thinks happened all those years ago. Thankfully, Mack helps restore her sanity.
While I really enjoyed this story that weaves Norse folk magic, ghosts, and murder, the quality of the narrations were disappointing. [I requested a copy of this audiobook and leave this review voluntarily.] Nicole Swanson’s narration was softer and harder to hear than Craig Hart’s narration. I would have enjoyed the audio more had the quality of the recordings and volume been more equal. Despite that, I really enjoyed the story and plan on listening to others in the series.
February 21, 2022
This was probably one of my favorites so far. The plot lines were easier to follow with the flip flopping storyline, since there were only two different timelines to follow.
What I Loved:
- Loved how Stephen finally got what he deserved. I guess he had a really, really rough childhood, which explained the darkness in him.
- I really felt for Stephen. As a child, he had a demon for a mom, much less a man lover. I loved how this explained the darkness in his soul.
- I LOVED the ending!!!
- I loved how this was still really fast paced and gripping, this is one of the rare series that can still be really exciting after four books, I’ll have to see if the rest are just as exciting.
What I Didn’t Like:
-The only I didn’t like was the addition of magic. This was never used in the rest of the books, I didn’t think it neeeded to be added now.
Overall, really good, I will definitely be returning for more.
What I Loved:
- Loved how Stephen finally got what he deserved. I guess he had a really, really rough childhood, which explained the darkness in him.
- I really felt for Stephen. As a child, he had a demon for a mom, much less a man lover. I loved how this explained the darkness in his soul.
- I LOVED the ending!!!
- I loved how this was still really fast paced and gripping, this is one of the rare series that can still be really exciting after four books, I’ll have to see if the rest are just as exciting.
What I Didn’t Like:
-The only I didn’t like was the addition of magic. This was never used in the rest of the books, I didn’t think it neeeded to be added now.
Overall, really good, I will definitely be returning for more.
March 19, 2024
The cursed; however, do not simply stay dead and buried.
🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃
Twenty years ago, Liv did a horrible thing. Now, the past seeks to right those wrongs. Skeletal fingers reach into her dreams. They grab hold of her heart and squeeze. She must return to Northern Michigan to the place where it all began, to the scene of the murder, the curse, to Halloween night 1945.
👻👻👻
This started really slow. I think it was the narrator. I had to actually speed it up because I was starting to fall asleep.
When George talks to Liv, it sounds like he calls her Vulva. It turns out it's this> A Völva, or as it is pronounced in old Norse, a Vǫlva (in Danish a ”Vølve”), is what we in English would call a Seeress. It was unnerving. The narrator did a strange Scandinavian accent.
It was a bit confusing at times with the time travel back and forth - sometimes, you couldn't tell what was happening or where you were. I felt like I lost my bearings in the story at the beginning of each chapter.
Personally I preferred Jesse and Mack's story.
🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃
Twenty years ago, Liv did a horrible thing. Now, the past seeks to right those wrongs. Skeletal fingers reach into her dreams. They grab hold of her heart and squeeze. She must return to Northern Michigan to the place where it all began, to the scene of the murder, the curse, to Halloween night 1945.
👻👻👻
This started really slow. I think it was the narrator. I had to actually speed it up because I was starting to fall asleep.
When George talks to Liv, it sounds like he calls her Vulva. It turns out it's this> A Völva, or as it is pronounced in old Norse, a Vǫlva (in Danish a ”Vølve”), is what we in English would call a Seeress. It was unnerving. The narrator did a strange Scandinavian accent.
It was a bit confusing at times with the time travel back and forth - sometimes, you couldn't tell what was happening or where you were. I felt like I lost my bearings in the story at the beginning of each chapter.
Personally I preferred Jesse and Mack's story.
June 11, 2020
Another fantastic story, although this one was a bit different as it has two narrators, which surprised me but made easier to follow the jumps in time.
There are two stories here: Liv and Stephen's story and Mack and Jesse's story, which happens a couple of decades later.
As we advance into the narration we begin to see how both stories connect, and when the end arrives is truly thrilling and deeply satisfying.
And, if you have read the previous stories you'll be delighted to find that Sophia makes a brief cameo here. And we also learn A LOT about Dr Kaiser, and it gives us a lot of insight into the reasons behind his character.
Oh! And we also have Nordic mythology! I really liked that :D
I liked both narrators, Nicole Jatho Swanson & Craig A Hart, although it would have been better if, after the recording, both narrations would have been put at the same volume.
There are two stories here: Liv and Stephen's story and Mack and Jesse's story, which happens a couple of decades later.
As we advance into the narration we begin to see how both stories connect, and when the end arrives is truly thrilling and deeply satisfying.
And, if you have read the previous stories you'll be delighted to find that Sophia makes a brief cameo here. And we also learn A LOT about Dr Kaiser, and it gives us a lot of insight into the reasons behind his character.
Oh! And we also have Nordic mythology! I really liked that :D
I liked both narrators, Nicole Jatho Swanson & Craig A Hart, although it would have been better if, after the recording, both narrations would have been put at the same volume.
January 4, 2025
It took me some time to finish this book, but I’m glad I did.
Having read four books in this series so far, I’m continually impressed by the intricate connections between them.
This installment provides a fascinating look into one of the series’ most notorious villains, Dr. Stephen Kaiser. Previously both a main character and a recurring presence, this time we delve deeper into his backstory, growing up alongside him to uncover what shaped him into such a dark and formidable force.
Exploring the series further and witnessing how the characters’ worlds intersect creates a truly immersive and richly detailed narrative experience.
Having read four books in this series so far, I’m continually impressed by the intricate connections between them.
This installment provides a fascinating look into one of the series’ most notorious villains, Dr. Stephen Kaiser. Previously both a main character and a recurring presence, this time we delve deeper into his backstory, growing up alongside him to uncover what shaped him into such a dark and formidable force.
Exploring the series further and witnessing how the characters’ worlds intersect creates a truly immersive and richly detailed narrative experience.
April 10, 2020
Got what he deserved!
Excellent story. I love how each novel can be a stand alone but includes information from other books. Stephen is so disturbed (we find out how abusive his mother was) that Liv did not stand a chance to help him. She loved him but I do not think she realized how much he had lost his soul to finding out about dark magic. I liked how this book ended. I am still looking forward to reading the rest of the books.
Excellent story. I love how each novel can be a stand alone but includes information from other books. Stephen is so disturbed (we find out how abusive his mother was) that Liv did not stand a chance to help him. She loved him but I do not think she realized how much he had lost his soul to finding out about dark magic. I liked how this book ended. I am still looking forward to reading the rest of the books.
September 5, 2020
Dead Stream Curse is the 4th volume in J.R. Erickson's Northern Michigan Asylum collection. While each book is it's own story, they are interconnected by the theme of the asylum and sometimes characters that carry over. This book in particular gives us some background into the terrifying past of Dr Stephen Kaiser. True evil does exist. Filled with murder, ghosts, magic and curses, this story will take you on a long journey - on a quest for answers, resolution and absolution.
May 9, 2021
Another great story
I have become a J. R. Erickson fan. I have read six of her books so far and this one doesn't disappoint.
In the beginning of the book we meet Liv and Stephen, then later Jesse and Mack. I wondered how their lives would fit together, and they eventually did, in a most chilling way. The Asylum figures into the story, although not in the way it did in the other books. Murder, suspense and the paranormal add twisty elements to the tale.
I have become a J. R. Erickson fan. I have read six of her books so far and this one doesn't disappoint.
In the beginning of the book we meet Liv and Stephen, then later Jesse and Mack. I wondered how their lives would fit together, and they eventually did, in a most chilling way. The Asylum figures into the story, although not in the way it did in the other books. Murder, suspense and the paranormal add twisty elements to the tale.
May 19, 2020
Another winner
This is the fourth book in the series and they just keep getting better although the second one is still my favorite. It was nice to get the background on DR Stephen Kaiser and find out what drove him to his madness. This author knows how to write a story that pulls you in and doesn’t let go. I’m onto the fifth book.
This is the fourth book in the series and they just keep getting better although the second one is still my favorite. It was nice to get the background on DR Stephen Kaiser and find out what drove him to his madness. This author knows how to write a story that pulls you in and doesn’t let go. I’m onto the fifth book.
May 31, 2023
Yet another great novel within the series! I enjoyed George and Liv’s magic — the way it lived and worked throughout the journey. I did get a bit confused in the beginning with following Liv, Mack, and Jesse. This book kept me less consistently intrigued in comparison to the others in the series, however it was still extremely well-written.
March 17, 2024
This one had an interesting premise. All along, I was invested in the story. I liked the dual-timelines, and the plot was unique. It had a decent amount of Norse mythology background. I think it’s cool how you can see a connection between the books without having to read them all. My biggest complaint is that the ending felt pretty rushed.
November 7, 2020
I love this series
This is the third of this series that I have read. I have enjoyed all three. However, this book had a number of typos and grammatical errors which side-tracked me.
This is the third of this series that I have read. I have enjoyed all three. However, this book had a number of typos and grammatical errors which side-tracked me.
January 10, 2021
Great Series
Each book gets better. I’m amazed how she can write stand alone books that all revolve around the asylum, though the third book mentioned the name of the main character in this book. Terrific book.
Each book gets better. I’m amazed how she can write stand alone books that all revolve around the asylum, though the third book mentioned the name of the main character in this book. Terrific book.
February 17, 2022
All time favorite.
I've enjoyed five out of this series . This is my favorite so far. A real page turner that kept me up way past my bedtime. Now on to Bag a Bones after I catch up on my sleep.
I've enjoyed five out of this series . This is my favorite so far. A real page turner that kept me up way past my bedtime. Now on to Bag a Bones after I catch up on my sleep.
January 18, 2023
I love all the twists and turns in this book! All the different characters and how their paths intersected. I also love the connections to past books in the series. Another great story. On to the next!
July 11, 2023
I didn't love the story in this one as much as the others. I think if the book had been longer, with more time to develop the story on the page, I would've enjoyed it more. Still, what a fun time!! Can't wait to keep going in this series.
September 12, 2023
masterful series!
Rarely have I read a series where each book is outstanding until JR Erickson. These stand-alone yet connected books are so thrilling. I have read 3 so far and can’t put them down. Well done! You have earned a fan for life. Please keep them coming!
Rarely have I read a series where each book is outstanding until JR Erickson. These stand-alone yet connected books are so thrilling. I have read 3 so far and can’t put them down. Well done! You have earned a fan for life. Please keep them coming!
February 12, 2022
Awesome reading
I enjoyed reading this book. The writer hooks you from page 1 all the way to the end. The book is really good.
I enjoyed reading this book. The writer hooks you from page 1 all the way to the end. The book is really good.
April 25, 2022
Good!
I am really enjoying this series of books! I wish I would have found them sooner. Well written and very interesting!
I am really enjoying this series of books! I wish I would have found them sooner. Well written and very interesting!
September 11, 2023
Kaiser creeps me out
Compelling reading
Twists and turns
Definitely worth the read
I like how these are all stand alone novels but have an interconctedness
Compelling reading
Twists and turns
Definitely worth the read
I like how these are all stand alone novels but have an interconctedness
November 9, 2023
Wow!! Another night of little sleep and not just because of the goosebumps this book gave me!! Page turner,I had to know what happens next! Loved it!
November 16, 2023
Awesome
An exciting story. Couldn't put it down. Edge of the seat reading. I've actually read it before, and read it again for the thrill of it.
An exciting story. Couldn't put it down. Edge of the seat reading. I've actually read it before, and read it again for the thrill of it.
February 25, 2024
An addictive series and yet another incredibly great fast read.
August 28, 2024
Started this one on the cruise and I just found it and finally finished it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews