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Iris Lowe Mysteries #1
Woman on Ward 13
‘The first thing they question is your memory. You must hold on to it, at any cost.’
1900
Asylum attendant, Katy Owen, hates the isolation, the bars on the windows, and the way the mad women watch her. She should not believe their delusional tales, but when her charge talks of murder, she is drawn into a story of tragedy and conspiracy that threatens her own sanity.
1956
Iris Lowe is a nurse on the infamous Ward 13 at Smedley Psychiatric Hospital. After one patient receives her first visitor in over fifty years, Iris suspects there might be more to her story than meets the eye.
As she battles against buried secrets, Iris unearths harrowing and heart-wrenching atrocities that span almost a century.
But is it too late to serve justice?
Woman on Ward 13 is a captivating gothic time-slip novel, the first in the new series, The Iris Lowe Mysteries. Step inside the asylum and get your copy today!
1900
Asylum attendant, Katy Owen, hates the isolation, the bars on the windows, and the way the mad women watch her. She should not believe their delusional tales, but when her charge talks of murder, she is drawn into a story of tragedy and conspiracy that threatens her own sanity.
1956
Iris Lowe is a nurse on the infamous Ward 13 at Smedley Psychiatric Hospital. After one patient receives her first visitor in over fifty years, Iris suspects there might be more to her story than meets the eye.
As she battles against buried secrets, Iris unearths harrowing and heart-wrenching atrocities that span almost a century.
But is it too late to serve justice?
Woman on Ward 13 is a captivating gothic time-slip novel, the first in the new series, The Iris Lowe Mysteries. Step inside the asylum and get your copy today!
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 17, 2020
108 people are currently reading
243 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 1, 2020
Woman on Ward 13 is the best book I've read in a very long time. I love to read but not just anything will do. I don't have a lot of free time so I'm very selective about my reading material. I don't often say things like, "I couldn't put it down," or "it cost me some late nights because I couldn't stop turning pages." Except with this book, that's exactly how it was. Gothic elements, dark brooding atmosphere, historical settings, complex and compelling characters that I felt unusually fond of and unusually invested in. It was raw and real and heartbreaking. Both the writing and the storytelling are exceptional. Delphine Woods is my new favorite author and I will be reading all of her books.
July 21, 2020
This atmospheric, unsettling and deeply engaging read takes us to a time when a women's life was held in the all knowing all powerful hands of men.
"Womanly" afflictions?- Asylum. Not willing to marry?- Aslyum. Pregnant out of wedlock- Asylum. Troublesome and meddling? - Asylum.
With a dual timeline, dark secrets and wrongs that need to be righted, "The Woman on Ward 13" takes us inside an Asylum during the 1900's and forward to 1950's.
Women housed here fade away from polite society into darkness; a name in a ledger lost to most. This is a nothing place where their lives and dreams are only whispers that echo from the walls.
Reduced to routine and medications, day becomes night as their names fade from the lips of family.
Iris becomes a caregiver to Kath, but Iris has secrets of her own. And as we soon come to discover, Kath has a lifetime of sorrow that she wants to remember, and needs to tell.
Weaving timelines seamlessly, author Delphine Woods creates incredibly complex and beautiful characters that hold your imagination until the shocking conclusion.
Thank you to Pepper Pot Publishing, and the author Ms. Delphine Woods for the opportunity to read this Advanced Readers Copy of "The Woman on Ward 13". The opinions expressed in this review are mine alone.
"Womanly" afflictions?- Asylum. Not willing to marry?- Aslyum. Pregnant out of wedlock- Asylum. Troublesome and meddling? - Asylum.
With a dual timeline, dark secrets and wrongs that need to be righted, "The Woman on Ward 13" takes us inside an Asylum during the 1900's and forward to 1950's.
Women housed here fade away from polite society into darkness; a name in a ledger lost to most. This is a nothing place where their lives and dreams are only whispers that echo from the walls.
Reduced to routine and medications, day becomes night as their names fade from the lips of family.
Iris becomes a caregiver to Kath, but Iris has secrets of her own. And as we soon come to discover, Kath has a lifetime of sorrow that she wants to remember, and needs to tell.
Weaving timelines seamlessly, author Delphine Woods creates incredibly complex and beautiful characters that hold your imagination until the shocking conclusion.
Thank you to Pepper Pot Publishing, and the author Ms. Delphine Woods for the opportunity to read this Advanced Readers Copy of "The Woman on Ward 13". The opinions expressed in this review are mine alone.
August 6, 2020
Nu a fost rea, dar nici ceea ce ma asteptam ...
September 7, 2020
I'm a sucker for Gothic-inspired books. Everything, from the blurb to the back cover spelled, "Gothic treasure," in "Woman on Ward 13. And then I started reading...did the experience match my expectations?
Even better, it surpassed them.
Delphine Woods creates an intricate tale spanning two time periods joined by one location: a mental hospital where Katy Owen is an attendant in 1900 and where Iris Lowe, a nurse in 1956 works. Each of the women endures different types of hardships in their jobs and personal lives. But a tragedy that happened in the hospital's early days begins to haunt Iris.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and will definitely be looking for more from this author. Thankfully, it appears she has an entire series for me to dive into. If you love slow-burn mysteries and Gothic, atmospheric novels with complex characters, this book is for you.
Even better, it surpassed them.
Delphine Woods creates an intricate tale spanning two time periods joined by one location: a mental hospital where Katy Owen is an attendant in 1900 and where Iris Lowe, a nurse in 1956 works. Each of the women endures different types of hardships in their jobs and personal lives. But a tragedy that happened in the hospital's early days begins to haunt Iris.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and will definitely be looking for more from this author. Thankfully, it appears she has an entire series for me to dive into. If you love slow-burn mysteries and Gothic, atmospheric novels with complex characters, this book is for you.
July 11, 2022
This gothic suspense novel pulled me right in and kept me there. I am usually not a big fan of dual timelines but this was done so seamlessly and I easily moved into the switch back and forth. I enjoyed both historical time frames equally as well. The author has really mastered the art of a gothic tale and is a fantastic storyteller. Looking forward to Book 2 in this series!
September 7, 2020
“You think a secret would fade over time. It doesn’t. It grows.”
This book wasn't bad; it just wasn't what I expected.
I was hoping for a bit more “crazy patient” and even a bit of experimental treatments. What I got.... A maybe murder and a lot of confused characters that were told they are crazy.
I figured out the plot at 45% and the end revealed was so obvious you couldn't help to guess it right.
But I think if you are someone who likes murder with a side of romance this is all the way up your alley.
This book wasn't bad; it just wasn't what I expected.
I was hoping for a bit more “crazy patient” and even a bit of experimental treatments. What I got.... A maybe murder and a lot of confused characters that were told they are crazy.
I figured out the plot at 45% and the end revealed was so obvious you couldn't help to guess it right.
But I think if you are someone who likes murder with a side of romance this is all the way up your alley.
November 2, 2020
A Twisted Story of Betrayal, Lies, and Evil
This is a tale told of three women: Katy Owen’s story from 1900 as an attendant to the mad Mrs. Leverton, Kath’s story in 1956 at Smedley in Ward 13, and Iris Lowe’s story, also at Smedley working as a young attendant. Once I got accustomed to the timelines and became familiar with the characters, the author took me on a ride spanning over 5 decades in which 3 women are bound up in a tale of misunderstanding and loss. The two asylums portrayed are the common thread between them, and though many decades separate them, it seems in many ways that little had changed.
I enjoyed the unraveling of the mystery here, in which Iris, reading from Katy’s diary, learns why Mrs. Leverton has been resigned to play out the rest of her days at Basilton House. There is also the mystery of aged Kath and why she’s received her first visitor in over fifty years. The links here between the timelines were intriguing and I enjoyed watching Iris feel for Kath, and her desire to learn the truth. There were several twists and turns along the way that were further intriguing, especially Katy’s timeline when her world is turned upside down and her trust in her fiancé, as well as the dreams for her future, are shattered, leading her on a very different path that anyone, including herself, could ever have imagined.
Wood’s writing is excellent, and she is adept at keeping the storylines clear, which in a lesser writer could have confused the reader. Instead, Wood is a grand master here, laying out breadcrumb after breadcrumb of the mystery and leading the reader along a path of betrayal, lies, and evil. I enjoyed this book and as it looks like this is book 1 of the Iris Lowe Mysteries, I look forward to seeing what Woods writes next in the series.
This is a tale told of three women: Katy Owen’s story from 1900 as an attendant to the mad Mrs. Leverton, Kath’s story in 1956 at Smedley in Ward 13, and Iris Lowe’s story, also at Smedley working as a young attendant. Once I got accustomed to the timelines and became familiar with the characters, the author took me on a ride spanning over 5 decades in which 3 women are bound up in a tale of misunderstanding and loss. The two asylums portrayed are the common thread between them, and though many decades separate them, it seems in many ways that little had changed.
I enjoyed the unraveling of the mystery here, in which Iris, reading from Katy’s diary, learns why Mrs. Leverton has been resigned to play out the rest of her days at Basilton House. There is also the mystery of aged Kath and why she’s received her first visitor in over fifty years. The links here between the timelines were intriguing and I enjoyed watching Iris feel for Kath, and her desire to learn the truth. There were several twists and turns along the way that were further intriguing, especially Katy’s timeline when her world is turned upside down and her trust in her fiancé, as well as the dreams for her future, are shattered, leading her on a very different path that anyone, including herself, could ever have imagined.
Wood’s writing is excellent, and she is adept at keeping the storylines clear, which in a lesser writer could have confused the reader. Instead, Wood is a grand master here, laying out breadcrumb after breadcrumb of the mystery and leading the reader along a path of betrayal, lies, and evil. I enjoyed this book and as it looks like this is book 1 of the Iris Lowe Mysteries, I look forward to seeing what Woods writes next in the series.
September 19, 2020
Tragic Times
It is sad to thunk what women have had to suffer through time. There wss a time in history that women could be placed in an asylum for just having normal emotions. This book was a great example of that. The thought of Katy being forgotten was heartbreaking. As sad as it was the story was extraordinary and probably very true to the time. I also enjoyed Iris' quest for the truth.
It is sad to thunk what women have had to suffer through time. There wss a time in history that women could be placed in an asylum for just having normal emotions. This book was a great example of that. The thought of Katy being forgotten was heartbreaking. As sad as it was the story was extraordinary and probably very true to the time. I also enjoyed Iris' quest for the truth.
April 26, 2022
Time slip mystery.
A superb introduction to the work of a gifted author. I have already bought the next time slip book featuring Iris Lowe. Delphine makes the characters come alive like only the best author's can. I was engrossed with the happenings surrounding each and every one. The plot is satisfyingly complex with a surprise ending. Highly recommended to all fans of Victorian gothic fiction.
A superb introduction to the work of a gifted author. I have already bought the next time slip book featuring Iris Lowe. Delphine makes the characters come alive like only the best author's can. I was engrossed with the happenings surrounding each and every one. The plot is satisfyingly complex with a surprise ending. Highly recommended to all fans of Victorian gothic fiction.
September 27, 2020
Excellent story. It's written with dual timelines of 1900 and 1956. This is the story of 3 women in an asylum, 2 are residents and 1 a care giver. There is tragedy and a conspiracy with many twists and turns. Very good character development. The story draws you in from the first and continues right to the end. I recommend this book highly.
February 16, 2025
Loved it, as per usual. At times I lost my train of thought and forgot what timeline what woman belonged too, as there’s three different women’s life stories all mingling but I think that was more of my own life distractions fault than the book’s. The epilogue saddened me so much and I know I’ll be thinking about these characters for a while.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2025
Different times
Heartbreaking stories across 3 generations of wrongs that could never be righted but the truth revealed. Iris pursues the stories of Persephone and Katy of why they ended up where they did. Mental asylums were never kind not even the "posh" ones, still prisons but with curtains and better food.
Heartbreaking stories across 3 generations of wrongs that could never be righted but the truth revealed. Iris pursues the stories of Persephone and Katy of why they ended up where they did. Mental asylums were never kind not even the "posh" ones, still prisons but with curtains and better food.
May 25, 2025
1900. Kath, or Katy, works in a lunatic asylum. She looks after Persephone who apparently has delusions and believes she is a murderer.
1956. Iris works at the same place and looks after Katy.
We get Katy's back story when she agrees to let Iris read her diary.
A freebie on Kindle Unlimited.
I really enjoyed this. Not too many characters and well-written.
1956. Iris works at the same place and looks after Katy.
We get Katy's back story when she agrees to let Iris read her diary.
A freebie on Kindle Unlimited.
I really enjoyed this. Not too many characters and well-written.
October 30, 2020
Heartbreaking
The author gives a great insight into a victorian asylum and the stigma attached not only back then but also in the 50s.
Iris finishes what Katy started, and finds the answers to not one but two heartbreaking histories.
An excellent book by an excellent author.
The author gives a great insight into a victorian asylum and the stigma attached not only back then but also in the 50s.
Iris finishes what Katy started, and finds the answers to not one but two heartbreaking histories.
An excellent book by an excellent author.
June 26, 2021
This was a delightfully atmospheric Gothic read with poignant characters and an intricate storyline that kept me guessing and turning the pages. I very much enjoyed the different perspectives and timelines. Looking forward to reading more of Delphine Woods' work!
August 14, 2022
Interesting read
This was outside my normal realm of reading but I really enjoyed the story. Delphine Woods knows how to pull in a reader and keep them reading. I look forward to more.
This was outside my normal realm of reading but I really enjoyed the story. Delphine Woods knows how to pull in a reader and keep them reading. I look forward to more.
November 8, 2023
Absolutely boring
There is nothing interesting about any of the ill-picked characters or the storyline.. I don’t understand why they mentioned the book as a gothic and thriller .. it’s not even close to what they claim
Such fake things!!
There is nothing interesting about any of the ill-picked characters or the storyline.. I don’t understand why they mentioned the book as a gothic and thriller .. it’s not even close to what they claim
Such fake things!!
August 25, 2024
Top notch
Such a good book. Love that it was so enthralling I couldn't put it down. So heart rendering and poignant the "hysteria" of women and men gaining the advantage and taking the advantage of them .
Such a good book. Love that it was so enthralling I couldn't put it down. So heart rendering and poignant the "hysteria" of women and men gaining the advantage and taking the advantage of them .
March 13, 2025
The story was quite good, but utterly confusing with so many different timelines. Even at the end, I think there was a twist to the story, but I couldn’t be too sure due to struggling so hard to follow it
August 12, 2020
wow, in other words, its profoundly interesting...its interests is almost too much to bear ....lol...i really enjoyed it. This is one of the best reads i have ventured on so far
January 17, 2022
Wow
This is one of the best books I have read
It had me enthralled with the storyline
Definitely recommend to anyone who likes to read as it will appeal to all 👍
This is one of the best books I have read
It had me enthralled with the storyline
Definitely recommend to anyone who likes to read as it will appeal to all 👍
Read
February 20, 2023Dnf.
Was a kindle unlimited borrow. Ran out of time. One day I'll pick it up and finish it.
Was a kindle unlimited borrow. Ran out of time. One day I'll pick it up and finish it.
January 14, 2024
A hard emotional read
January 23, 2025
This book was brilliant !!
The twists and turns kept me saying wow through out the book.
Worth a read :)
The twists and turns kept me saying wow through out the book.
Worth a read :)
February 28, 2025
A great tale
Loved the two stories woven together.i loved all the characters and how the stories were told. How women were treated not so long ago
Loved the two stories woven together.i loved all the characters and how the stories were told. How women were treated not so long ago
April 10, 2025
Well deserved 5 stars, this book was throughly thought provoking
December 19, 2023
Powerful, poignant, mesmerising. Wow what a read this proved to be. This is a new-to-me author and I can tell you that she has certainly gained a fan here. The stories are heart breakingly brave and so painful in many ways. I shudder to think of how the woman endured day after day of nothingness in these Victorian asylums and I burn with anger at the men who callously leave their ladies there, often because it is convenient. Well written, obviously well researched and put together in an amazing book. Looking out for more from this author in the future.
May 15, 2022
Delphine at her best❤️I’ve read a few of her books and she never fails to bring it!
Loved the gothic feel to it and of course the time slip reading. Great from start to finish. Can’t wait for her next one 👍
Loved the gothic feel to it and of course the time slip reading. Great from start to finish. Can’t wait for her next one 👍
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews