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The Redwood Asylum
The dead do talk ... if you’re brave enough to hear their sinister secrets.
In a thick forest sits a forgotten stone building, The Redwood Asylum. Once inside, the criminally insane, the darkly disturbed, and the eternally confused residents learn one thing very quickly: they are at the mercy of ruthless evil in many forms.
At twenty-six, Jessica Rosen starts a new job at Redwood in the hopes of forgetting an insidious past. She quickly realizes, however, that Redwood harbors malevolent secrets and beings in every chilly corner. On her second day adjusting to her job, the unstable man in 5B quickly latches onto Jessica in an unsettling way. When his rantings and warnings start to make sense, though, Jessica will be taken on a ride of secrets, murder, and dangerous beings. As she begins to uncover the horrifying truths behind the man’s past , the terrors of Redwood Asylum will follow her home and make her question her own sanity.
Can Jessica solve the secrets of the man in 5B in time to save herself, or will the terrors trap her in Redwood’s evil clutches forever?
In a thick forest sits a forgotten stone building, The Redwood Asylum. Once inside, the criminally insane, the darkly disturbed, and the eternally confused residents learn one thing very quickly: they are at the mercy of ruthless evil in many forms.
At twenty-six, Jessica Rosen starts a new job at Redwood in the hopes of forgetting an insidious past. She quickly realizes, however, that Redwood harbors malevolent secrets and beings in every chilly corner. On her second day adjusting to her job, the unstable man in 5B quickly latches onto Jessica in an unsettling way. When his rantings and warnings start to make sense, though, Jessica will be taken on a ride of secrets, murder, and dangerous beings. As she begins to uncover the horrifying truths behind the man’s past , the terrors of Redwood Asylum will follow her home and make her question her own sanity.
Can Jessica solve the secrets of the man in 5B in time to save herself, or will the terrors trap her in Redwood’s evil clutches forever?
166 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 12, 2021
268 people are currently reading
854 people want to read
About the author
L.A. Detwiler
29 books303 followersL.A. Detwiler is the USA TODAY Bestselling thriller author of The Widow Next Door with HarperCollins UK and several other chilling page-turners. Her novel The Diary of a Serial Killer's Daughter was awarded the bronze medal for thrillers by Readers' Favorite and also translated into Polish. Her novels are noted for their dark, emotional depth and realistic portrayals of haunting topics.
During her final year at Mount Aloysius College, she started writing her first fiction novel, Voice of Innocence, which was published in 2015. She has numerous sweet romances published under Lindsay Detwiler. She has also written articles that have appeared in several women’s publications and websites.
L.A. Detwiler is a high school business teacher and writer in her hometown of Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. She taught high school English for ten years and also was an adjunct professor. She lives in her hometown with her husband, Chad. They have six cats and a Great Dane named Edmund (He appears in all of her current works; her late mastiff, Henry, is in the earlier novels). When she isn't training Edmund or writing, she is usually rewatching Outlander, drinking coffee, or buying makeup.
Connect with L.A. Detwiler on Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok @ladetwiler
During her final year at Mount Aloysius College, she started writing her first fiction novel, Voice of Innocence, which was published in 2015. She has numerous sweet romances published under Lindsay Detwiler. She has also written articles that have appeared in several women’s publications and websites.
L.A. Detwiler is a high school business teacher and writer in her hometown of Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. She taught high school English for ten years and also was an adjunct professor. She lives in her hometown with her husband, Chad. They have six cats and a Great Dane named Edmund (He appears in all of her current works; her late mastiff, Henry, is in the earlier novels). When she isn't training Edmund or writing, she is usually rewatching Outlander, drinking coffee, or buying makeup.
Connect with L.A. Detwiler on Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok @ladetwiler
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
July 5, 2021
Ima give this a 4.5 stars ⭐️ There are some predictable parts and you want to slap some people but I quite enjoyed it. An asylum, ghosts, mysteries, jerks…they have a bit of it all.
This is also on Kindle Unlimited in the US
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
This is also on Kindle Unlimited in the US
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
August 30, 2022
Asylum Terror!
Backstory:
Jessica begins a new job at Redwood Asylum and is immediately drawn into a mystery that weaves its way into her very soul. One of the patients 5B a/k/a Robert seems to taking a liking to her though and draws her cryptic pictures while he gives her mysterious statements of the asylum.
No one seems to want to share information with Jessica about the asylum or the mysteries surrounding it and the more she tries to find out what is really going on within the place the more the staff pushes her away to the point where they more or less demote her to the bottom floors of the asylum as they seem to not want her to find out what is happening within the asylum. Also it seems that the asylum is haunted and none of the staff want to address that either - they just laugh it off about the place having ghosts.
Things are not what they seem and when the staff starts moving patients around is when Jessica realizes that something is just not right, but to find out more she will need to reserve her strength and her mind to learn all she can about Redwood before something bad happens!
That is about all I can give on a backstory without giving away spoilers so if you want to know more than you will need to read the book!
Thoughts:
This is my second book by this author and once again I am drawn into a story filled with mystery and intrigue along with lots of spooky atmosphere. The writing style of this author just flows along with fast paced intrigue as the more I became involved in the story the more I wanted to keep reading to find out what would happen next.
I really liked the character Jessica and felt for her being in a new place with no where to turn for answers when things began to turn more serious. This book was so full of mystery and suspense that I didn't know what was going to happen next or what the character Jessica would be encountering within the story.
Another great book by this author and I have a couple or so more books on my kindle of her work. Looking forward to stepping into more of her books in the future. If you want a book that is suspenseful and mysterious then go check out this book. Giving this book four "Suspenseful Sinister" stars!
Backstory:
Jessica begins a new job at Redwood Asylum and is immediately drawn into a mystery that weaves its way into her very soul. One of the patients 5B a/k/a Robert seems to taking a liking to her though and draws her cryptic pictures while he gives her mysterious statements of the asylum.
No one seems to want to share information with Jessica about the asylum or the mysteries surrounding it and the more she tries to find out what is really going on within the place the more the staff pushes her away to the point where they more or less demote her to the bottom floors of the asylum as they seem to not want her to find out what is happening within the asylum. Also it seems that the asylum is haunted and none of the staff want to address that either - they just laugh it off about the place having ghosts.
Things are not what they seem and when the staff starts moving patients around is when Jessica realizes that something is just not right, but to find out more she will need to reserve her strength and her mind to learn all she can about Redwood before something bad happens!
That is about all I can give on a backstory without giving away spoilers so if you want to know more than you will need to read the book!
Thoughts:
This is my second book by this author and once again I am drawn into a story filled with mystery and intrigue along with lots of spooky atmosphere. The writing style of this author just flows along with fast paced intrigue as the more I became involved in the story the more I wanted to keep reading to find out what would happen next.
I really liked the character Jessica and felt for her being in a new place with no where to turn for answers when things began to turn more serious. This book was so full of mystery and suspense that I didn't know what was going to happen next or what the character Jessica would be encountering within the story.
Another great book by this author and I have a couple or so more books on my kindle of her work. Looking forward to stepping into more of her books in the future. If you want a book that is suspenseful and mysterious then go check out this book. Giving this book four "Suspenseful Sinister" stars!
May 30, 2021
Forget whomever the author keeps getting compared to in summaries or blurbs; she needs no comparison!
Her tone and writing style is uniquely her own— different from her peers! I have only read this one book of hers so far, but I loved how it was written. I hope to read more.
I’m not saying there is anything wrong with the other writers she is compared to, either, but I think she belongs in her own category.
This book was awesome ! There was the psychological, supernatural, criminal, ethical— just so many parts and facets to this story.
I really do hope she continues with this. If so, I’m in!
I love asylum stories. I love to slowly uncover secrets. I love an organization founded to help others that, for whatever reason ends up being about nothing but the bottom line! What that bottom line could be can be as simple as money or something even more twisted of a legacy.
Most of all I like ghosts, hauntings, fate, karma and stories where someone can get redemption.
This book had it all.
I just can’t wait to see if it continues to unfold. 4.5-5
Her tone and writing style is uniquely her own— different from her peers! I have only read this one book of hers so far, but I loved how it was written. I hope to read more.
I’m not saying there is anything wrong with the other writers she is compared to, either, but I think she belongs in her own category.
This book was awesome ! There was the psychological, supernatural, criminal, ethical— just so many parts and facets to this story.
I really do hope she continues with this. If so, I’m in!
I love asylum stories. I love to slowly uncover secrets. I love an organization founded to help others that, for whatever reason ends up being about nothing but the bottom line! What that bottom line could be can be as simple as money or something even more twisted of a legacy.
Most of all I like ghosts, hauntings, fate, karma and stories where someone can get redemption.
This book had it all.
I just can’t wait to see if it continues to unfold. 4.5-5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2021
A fantastically creepy book. This book is well written and a quick read. The plot is interesting and captivating. Chapters are short and told mostly from one point of view. I love book about ghostly stuff and this was quickly a favorite. It’s steeped in mystery and with a little twist at the end that you don’t see coming. Definitely recommend!
Read
October 19, 2021DNF.
This reminds me of something someone in my high school creative writing class would have written. 😵💫 Bye
This reminds me of something someone in my high school creative writing class would have written. 😵💫 Bye
February 15, 2021
I was pleasantly surprised with this one. So often paranormal horrors come off as cheesy and forced, but I was glad to say that this one hooked me early and held on. It is deliciously creepy and the twists and turns keep coming.
I didn't feel much for the main character as a lot of her story is hidden from the reader until the big reveal, but the story was so fast paced that it really didn't matter that much.
This author is definitely one I would read again.
I didn't feel much for the main character as a lot of her story is hidden from the reader until the big reveal, but the story was so fast paced that it really didn't matter that much.
This author is definitely one I would read again.
April 1, 2021
Well that was dark and creepy... highly recommend the audio, the narrator nails the voices!!
March 11, 2021
3.5 stars
The Redwood Asylum by L.A. Detwiler is a paranormal horror story.
First, let me thank NetGalley, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Jessica Rosen left Mercy Hospital without even giving notice. At 26, she needs to disappear, start fresh. And so she finds herself in a new job at The Redwood Asylum, a large stone building set in the middle of a thick forest. The nearby town of Oakwood holds the wealthy, and the Asylum holds the ones that don't fit in. It always has.
Jessica finds herself getting used to Redwood. The rules of other hospitals don't seem to apply, as the owners stay away, the paperwork is done shoddily if at all, and half the staff is not even qualified. Laws, and moral ethics are more guidelines, than requirements. Rules are broken, and no one complains. For all that, they say if you can last a day or two, you won't want to leave. Redwood somehow takes hold of you.
Amidst the confused residents, are the more disturbed, the criminally insane, the psychopaths, and the ghosts. Jessica seems to be finding a lot of ghosts.
One of her patients on the 5th floor insists that they were waiting for Jessica to arrive. His rantings and talk of nonsensical things has her baffled, but she is determined to understand this patient in room 5B. No one else seems to care.
But as her boss continually tells her to leave things alone, Jessica will not.....and this could cost her more than she had bargained for.
My Opinions:
This was good...an old-fashioned haunted asylum story. Unfortunately, it was rather predictable. The plot was nothing new, and nothing surprising, but it was still well-written. The book even had a "Nurse Ratched", if not in name.
Intermingled with the main chapters of Jessica and her problems, are chapters providing the history of The Asylum, and those were as interesting as the story. Apparently there will be a pre-quel to this book which will center on the early years of the asylum. That sounds promising.
I wish I could have liked Jessica more. She was very naive, and acted rashly. Although I didn't guess the exact circumstances of her needing a fresh start, I was close.
The pace was relatively quick, and it was a fast read. I was never bored, but neither was I "scared". The atmosphere was creepy, and some of the ghosts a little gross, but It seemed to be missing the actual fear factor (for me anyway).
Overall, it was a good haunted asylum story.
For a more complete review of this book and others (including my reason for choosing to read this, and author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
January 29, 2021
There are few more perfect genre locales than an asylum. Asylums are so naturally creepy they practically do most of the job for the authors. All the authors have to do is throw an original spin on the story and write it down well. And Detwiler did that. More or less.
I mean, it isn’t that original, it has ghosts, tons of ghosts, all over the place. Well, duh, of course it would have ghosts. Redwood has been around for a long time and, in fact, the most striking thing about it is that it’s been maintained very much like a facility of a bygone age, the same concept…the wealthy locking away their embarrassments, the same style of therapy…the wrong backwards kind, the same creepy goings on.
But it’s a job and our protagonist, 26 year old Jessica, needs one, having left her previous situation somewhat abruptly with nothing much outside of a plan to get away as far and as quickly as possible. At Redwood no one asks too many questions or check too many facts prior to hiring, a fact that in itself should raise questions, but…needs must and all that.
Now Jessica is stuck working on the violent criminal floor and there are ghosts all around and they seem to be zeroing in on her…for some mysterious reason. Is she going to mind it? Is her mind going? It’s a puzzle that needs solving and she is determined to do just that, at any cost. Which is really a terrible approach to puzzle solving or a variety of other things.
So what worked, what didn’t. Well, first and foremost it’s a coherent, competently written ghost tale. Very heavy on ghosts. The descriptions are quite good, Redwood and surrounding areas are very atmospheric and appropriately creepy. Jessica is a decent enough of a protagonist. The pacing…needed something. It doesn’t seem like enough of a story for the page count and might have been more effective as a shorter work. The main detractor…there’s something about the writing, something that makes me think of both YA and romance (this is the opposite of a compliment), something that’s somewhat overwrought and overwritten, maybe even goth is a way. It isn’t overwhelming by any means, but it’s there and for me it prevented the story from reaching its maximum potential. Which is to say, it should have been scarier by all means, In even read it at night, but instead it just made me sleepy or sleepier.
So expect paced and measured and somewhat mild thrills and you’ll be pleased enough, it’s getting a prequel it seems too, because of course, why leave a perfectly good fictional ghost laden asylum alone.
Decent, decently entertaining, nothing special, nothing terrible and reads pretty quickly, can easily be done in one sitting. Fans of supernatural fiction heavy on ghosts might enjoy this. Thanks Netgalley.
I mean, it isn’t that original, it has ghosts, tons of ghosts, all over the place. Well, duh, of course it would have ghosts. Redwood has been around for a long time and, in fact, the most striking thing about it is that it’s been maintained very much like a facility of a bygone age, the same concept…the wealthy locking away their embarrassments, the same style of therapy…the wrong backwards kind, the same creepy goings on.
But it’s a job and our protagonist, 26 year old Jessica, needs one, having left her previous situation somewhat abruptly with nothing much outside of a plan to get away as far and as quickly as possible. At Redwood no one asks too many questions or check too many facts prior to hiring, a fact that in itself should raise questions, but…needs must and all that.
Now Jessica is stuck working on the violent criminal floor and there are ghosts all around and they seem to be zeroing in on her…for some mysterious reason. Is she going to mind it? Is her mind going? It’s a puzzle that needs solving and she is determined to do just that, at any cost. Which is really a terrible approach to puzzle solving or a variety of other things.
So what worked, what didn’t. Well, first and foremost it’s a coherent, competently written ghost tale. Very heavy on ghosts. The descriptions are quite good, Redwood and surrounding areas are very atmospheric and appropriately creepy. Jessica is a decent enough of a protagonist. The pacing…needed something. It doesn’t seem like enough of a story for the page count and might have been more effective as a shorter work. The main detractor…there’s something about the writing, something that makes me think of both YA and romance (this is the opposite of a compliment), something that’s somewhat overwrought and overwritten, maybe even goth is a way. It isn’t overwhelming by any means, but it’s there and for me it prevented the story from reaching its maximum potential. Which is to say, it should have been scarier by all means, In even read it at night, but instead it just made me sleepy or sleepier.
So expect paced and measured and somewhat mild thrills and you’ll be pleased enough, it’s getting a prequel it seems too, because of course, why leave a perfectly good fictional ghost laden asylum alone.
Decent, decently entertaining, nothing special, nothing terrible and reads pretty quickly, can easily be done in one sitting. Fans of supernatural fiction heavy on ghosts might enjoy this. Thanks Netgalley.
May 22, 2021
3,5*
This book had one of my favorite settings in horror, an isolated Asylum. This particular Asylum had been opened for 200 years and nobody questioned what happened behind walls as long as they could keep the loved ones they now find embarrassing behind walls.
All families have secrets and some lock up their insane family members here and never look back. When Jennifer accepts a job here hoping to also disappear and start a brand new life for herself, she did not question the Asylum or their practices until it was too late.
Soon Jessica gets too close to the patients and their stories and nothing is what it seems in a place where ghosts roam freely and there is always someone watching in the shadows.
Even though the narrative did not bring anything fresh or new to these types of stories I still enjoyed it as well as the writing.
However I found it odd that we never really got to see any of the practices, the real doctors, nobody visits any of the patients etc This made it slightly less believable and I feel like seeing the illegal practices in the patients might have added more intensity to the horror.
This book had one of my favorite settings in horror, an isolated Asylum. This particular Asylum had been opened for 200 years and nobody questioned what happened behind walls as long as they could keep the loved ones they now find embarrassing behind walls.
All families have secrets and some lock up their insane family members here and never look back. When Jennifer accepts a job here hoping to also disappear and start a brand new life for herself, she did not question the Asylum or their practices until it was too late.
Soon Jessica gets too close to the patients and their stories and nothing is what it seems in a place where ghosts roam freely and there is always someone watching in the shadows.
Even though the narrative did not bring anything fresh or new to these types of stories I still enjoyed it as well as the writing.
However I found it odd that we never really got to see any of the practices, the real doctors, nobody visits any of the patients etc This made it slightly less believable and I feel like seeing the illegal practices in the patients might have added more intensity to the horror.
March 14, 2021
A fantastically creepy book. This book is well written and a quick read. The plot is interesting and captivating. Chapters are short and told mostly from one point of view. I love book about ghostly stuff and this was quickly a favorite. It’s steeped in mystery and with a little twist at the end that you don’t see coming. Definitely recommend!
January 29, 2021
ARC provided by NetGalley for an Honest Review
Redwood Asylum was every bit the thrilling and horrifying read the title promises. Like many horror movies with a similar plot, how things will end is always unclear. Redwood is set in a remote town surrounded by a truly secluded forest where even the towns residents turn the other way. The heroine Jessica is on the run from her life and needs somewhere to lay low. Redwood fits the bill to the T. As a trained nurse, Redwood hires her on the spot and seems to fully appreciate her skills. However as you read on each page delivers a horrible sense of foreboding and you just want her to run. Unfortunately Jessica gets sucked into the life of Redwood and it's residents. She wants to help them however she can, ghosts be damned. Even the employees acknowledge the existence of ghosts at Redwood and basically tell her to keep her head down and they'll leave her alone. Haunted by her own past Jessica just can't let go and it'll either be her downfall or salvation. Time will tell!
Every other chapter is told from Jessica's POV. At others it's as if Redwood itself is telling a story. Bit by bit pieces of it's history come to light and the more you learn the scarier it all becomes. Even Jessica wants to deny the questionable ethics occurring at Redwood. But it's 2020 and in modern times the asylum behaviors of the past can't possibly still be happening today can they??? This was a really great chilling read and one horror fans will truly appreciate. Aside from a few editing mistakes I have no complaints and really enjoyed the book.
"Not all madness gets locked up. Sometimes the maddest are left free, stalking about the world sucking up life."
Redwood Asylum was every bit the thrilling and horrifying read the title promises. Like many horror movies with a similar plot, how things will end is always unclear. Redwood is set in a remote town surrounded by a truly secluded forest where even the towns residents turn the other way. The heroine Jessica is on the run from her life and needs somewhere to lay low. Redwood fits the bill to the T. As a trained nurse, Redwood hires her on the spot and seems to fully appreciate her skills. However as you read on each page delivers a horrible sense of foreboding and you just want her to run. Unfortunately Jessica gets sucked into the life of Redwood and it's residents. She wants to help them however she can, ghosts be damned. Even the employees acknowledge the existence of ghosts at Redwood and basically tell her to keep her head down and they'll leave her alone. Haunted by her own past Jessica just can't let go and it'll either be her downfall or salvation. Time will tell!
"Some sins can't be cleansed by helping another. Some sins are ours to carry."
Every other chapter is told from Jessica's POV. At others it's as if Redwood itself is telling a story. Bit by bit pieces of it's history come to light and the more you learn the scarier it all becomes. Even Jessica wants to deny the questionable ethics occurring at Redwood. But it's 2020 and in modern times the asylum behaviors of the past can't possibly still be happening today can they??? This was a really great chilling read and one horror fans will truly appreciate. Aside from a few editing mistakes I have no complaints and really enjoyed the book.
March 7, 2021
I don’t know about you guys, but when I see the word Asylum in a book, movie, or TV show, I am on board because I know it will be an enthralling story. So when LA announced that her new book would be available for advance reading on NetGalley, I jumped right in, and as always, she never disappoints. The story follows the mystery of the Redwood Asylum and Jessica, who wants to start her life and hide from her past. Everything was going great when Jessica first started working on Redwood until she came across a man in 5B, and all the paranormal entities started to be more aggressive. I have to read this one slow because I quickly get scared; LA did a fantastic job describing all the ghostly actions and bringing the characters to life. The mysteries and secrets behind Redwood’s walls are impressive and disheartening. The story is disturbing, frightening, and has lots of gore. A must-read!
October 13, 2022
3.5 stars.
This was a decent story. There are a few things I would change, a few things that were repetitive like crying/tears but it was still enjoyable for me. There is definitely a similarity between this story and the Asylum season of American Horror Story; mainly Jessica's story being so similar to Sister Jude's story. Overall, it's a decent asylum book. Not a favorite but not upset I read it.
This was a decent story. There are a few things I would change, a few things that were repetitive like crying/tears but it was still enjoyable for me. There is definitely a similarity between this story and the Asylum season of American Horror Story; mainly Jessica's story being so similar to Sister Jude's story. Overall, it's a decent asylum book. Not a favorite but not upset I read it.
February 22, 2021
This book was just an okay read for me. When I came across it on Netgalley I was really hoping I had found a disturbing, creepy book that left me feeling uncomfortable and uneasy and I just didn’t get that with The Redwood Asylum. I felt like with Asylums you already have this very creepy atmosphere but I didn’t feel like the setting at Redwood was creepy at all.
The ghosts were there, but they weren’t eerie. They were comfortable with the main character and that just didn’t make me uncomfortable like I was hoping for. I don’t know, I guess I just would always prefer them to be disturbing. Think, American Horror Story: Asylum. I was hoping for that with this book.
It wasn’t anything special but it was a good read. I would recommend it to people just dipping their feet into the horror / paranormal genre. With these types of stories / books I really would rather have a fast-paced type of plot. The Redwood Asylum was more of a slow burn that built a lot of anticipation but just didn’t finish strong for me. It wasn’t really riveting or exciting but did the job it should have done.
The ghosts were there, but they weren’t eerie. They were comfortable with the main character and that just didn’t make me uncomfortable like I was hoping for. I don’t know, I guess I just would always prefer them to be disturbing. Think, American Horror Story: Asylum. I was hoping for that with this book.
It wasn’t anything special but it was a good read. I would recommend it to people just dipping their feet into the horror / paranormal genre. With these types of stories / books I really would rather have a fast-paced type of plot. The Redwood Asylum was more of a slow burn that built a lot of anticipation but just didn’t finish strong for me. It wasn’t really riveting or exciting but did the job it should have done.
February 15, 2021
Well this wasn't what I expected but I loved it. I loved the ghosts and what they meant. I love the way the story was told and we got answers and I loved the ending. It was nice that she didn't win and the cycle continued. The ghosts were cool and so was the few little bits at the end of the book like the ghosts account. The way the story was told was easy and fast paced. I didn't want to put it down and couldn't wait to find out what happened next.
February 8, 2021
I RECEIVED A FREE COPY OF THIS NOVEL IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW
Imagine a haunted story about a creepy and isolated asylum. Imagine all of the possibilities, all of the twists you could put on a familiar tale, all of the tropes and expectations you could twist to squeeze every ounce of horror out of a familiar scenario and setting.
Now, don't do any of that, and just write a straightforward, no frills novel that does pretty much everything you'd expect without taking any real chances or trying anything original, and you have "Redwood Asylum".
That's not to say the novel is *bad*, per se, but the author is clearly a capable writer, so the lack of anything resembling an even remotely original storyline or actual developed characters is incredibly disappointing. Everything in this novel is Tell, not Show, and while the asides regarding Redwood's origins and history are occasionally interesting they also suck you right out of what story there is, which is thin and predictable to begin with.
All in all this is a perfectly acceptable novel if what you're looking for is a very familiar feeling horror story without any true scares...but with so many original and compelling horror novelists working the field today, why settle for this?
This book was a letdown, and the first really disappointing read for me of 2021.
Imagine a haunted story about a creepy and isolated asylum. Imagine all of the possibilities, all of the twists you could put on a familiar tale, all of the tropes and expectations you could twist to squeeze every ounce of horror out of a familiar scenario and setting.
Now, don't do any of that, and just write a straightforward, no frills novel that does pretty much everything you'd expect without taking any real chances or trying anything original, and you have "Redwood Asylum".
That's not to say the novel is *bad*, per se, but the author is clearly a capable writer, so the lack of anything resembling an even remotely original storyline or actual developed characters is incredibly disappointing. Everything in this novel is Tell, not Show, and while the asides regarding Redwood's origins and history are occasionally interesting they also suck you right out of what story there is, which is thin and predictable to begin with.
All in all this is a perfectly acceptable novel if what you're looking for is a very familiar feeling horror story without any true scares...but with so many original and compelling horror novelists working the field today, why settle for this?
This book was a letdown, and the first really disappointing read for me of 2021.
February 25, 2021
The dead do talk ... if you’re brave enough to hear their sinister secrets”.
The Redwood Asylum was exactly what I needed to pull me from a book hangover.
Twisty, creepy paranormal freakish ghosts in all the right ways!
Jessica, starts a new job at the asylum with hopes of escaping her past. She soon realizes that Redwood is somehow off including spirits with sinister secrets. Also, unstable patient in 5B is immediately drawn to her with warnings that Sprits seeking redemption have found the one they think can help them – Jessica.
I absolutely loved this wild pager turning ride! Really enjoyed the ghosts and their meanings, the clutches and secrets of the asylum and the ending … Sequel?
YES PLEASE!
Thank you to Netgalley & author for sharing an e-copy with me in exchange for my review.
The Redwood Asylum was exactly what I needed to pull me from a book hangover.
Twisty, creepy paranormal freakish ghosts in all the right ways!
Jessica, starts a new job at the asylum with hopes of escaping her past. She soon realizes that Redwood is somehow off including spirits with sinister secrets. Also, unstable patient in 5B is immediately drawn to her with warnings that Sprits seeking redemption have found the one they think can help them – Jessica.
I absolutely loved this wild pager turning ride! Really enjoyed the ghosts and their meanings, the clutches and secrets of the asylum and the ending … Sequel?
YES PLEASE!
Thank you to Netgalley & author for sharing an e-copy with me in exchange for my review.
September 24, 2024
Really enjoyed this book and will definitely be looking for more from this author
January 31, 2021
▪︎Thoughts▪︎
Holy shitake mushrooms!! I told myself that I needed a GOOD horror book to close out my January with. Asylum stories get me all the time. I knew this book was for me!
The main character's name is Jessica and since we indeed have the same name what I thought would happen did, and I'm not mad about it..I slightly felt I morphed into her character 😬 yes, that was horrifying but only added to the entire experience!! Call me crazy, but!
I could not put this book down and read a huge majority of it in the dark. I was so in my element!
I really enjoyed the author's writing. She has this insane ability to make it as though you transported straight into Redwood. Loved the sinister chills I got in return for reading this book!
I recommend to add to your goodreads for any paranormal horror fans out there!!
Holy shitake mushrooms!! I told myself that I needed a GOOD horror book to close out my January with. Asylum stories get me all the time. I knew this book was for me!
The main character's name is Jessica and since we indeed have the same name what I thought would happen did, and I'm not mad about it..I slightly felt I morphed into her character 😬 yes, that was horrifying but only added to the entire experience!! Call me crazy, but!
I could not put this book down and read a huge majority of it in the dark. I was so in my element!
I really enjoyed the author's writing. She has this insane ability to make it as though you transported straight into Redwood. Loved the sinister chills I got in return for reading this book!
I recommend to add to your goodreads for any paranormal horror fans out there!!
August 29, 2021
Pretty good
Pretty good read. 3rd book I've read by this author and in all 3, the story hints at something the main character did, but doesn't tell you until the end. Makes for a frustrating read. However, it's still a good read.
Pretty good read. 3rd book I've read by this author and in all 3, the story hints at something the main character did, but doesn't tell you until the end. Makes for a frustrating read. However, it's still a good read.
March 11, 2021
An interesting premise, with American Horror Story vibes.
Jessica goes to Redwood to disappear from her own ghosts. Redwood is your typical asylum.. dark, creepy and full of ghosts. It’s a no questions asked kind of place.
While working on the fifth floor, Jessica is favoured by Robert Essic, in room 5B. Him, and his ghosts are drawn to Jessica. Robert feels Jessica can set his ghosts free. Soon enough, Jessica is encountering many ghosts and sightings.
Jessica becomes intrigued by 5B’s story and sets out to find answers. However, Jessica’s superior is none too pleased. In as many words, Jessica is told to leave it alone. But she cannot resist. She snoops through the hospital records, and spends her time off investigating 5B’s story.
Through Jessica’s findings she discovers some awful truths about Redwood. Which she intends to reveal.
Initially Jessica came to Redwood to run from her own ghosts, but Redwood is the worst place for her ghosts to find her. Between 5B’s ghosts, and her own, Jessica succumbs to the voices in her head.
When it becomes too much, she goes to the police. But that’s the worst thing she could have done. Jessica’s superior’s husband is on the police force, which would be fine except, her superior is a member of the founding family of Redwood. The matters Jessica is aware of, are not something that her superior want to be public knowledge. To prevent that, a deal is worked out so Jessica is admitted to the asylum.
Because Jessica has been admitted as property of the state, she will never be released from Redwood alive.
Jessica goes to Redwood to disappear from her own ghosts. Redwood is your typical asylum.. dark, creepy and full of ghosts. It’s a no questions asked kind of place.
While working on the fifth floor, Jessica is favoured by Robert Essic, in room 5B. Him, and his ghosts are drawn to Jessica. Robert feels Jessica can set his ghosts free. Soon enough, Jessica is encountering many ghosts and sightings.
Jessica becomes intrigued by 5B’s story and sets out to find answers. However, Jessica’s superior is none too pleased. In as many words, Jessica is told to leave it alone. But she cannot resist. She snoops through the hospital records, and spends her time off investigating 5B’s story.
Through Jessica’s findings she discovers some awful truths about Redwood. Which she intends to reveal.
Initially Jessica came to Redwood to run from her own ghosts, but Redwood is the worst place for her ghosts to find her. Between 5B’s ghosts, and her own, Jessica succumbs to the voices in her head.
When it becomes too much, she goes to the police. But that’s the worst thing she could have done. Jessica’s superior’s husband is on the police force, which would be fine except, her superior is a member of the founding family of Redwood. The matters Jessica is aware of, are not something that her superior want to be public knowledge. To prevent that, a deal is worked out so Jessica is admitted to the asylum.
Because Jessica has been admitted as property of the state, she will never be released from Redwood alive.
January 31, 2021
Thank you #NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to review this ARC from author L.A. Detwiler. Another 5 star chilling page turner, "The Redwood Asylum: A Paranormal Horror" to be released on March 12, 2021.
The main character, Jessica is running from "something" from her past. She accepts a position at "The Redwood Asylum" in Redwood, where criminally insane and disturbed are held. Jessica thinks this new town and new job will help her forget her past. The suspense of what she is trying to escape is nail biting.
If you like reading about spirits wanting redemption, the afterlife, this book is a must read. The characters almost jump out of the pages!
I'm delighted to hear a prequel is in process for this story, I'm so looking forward to reading it. This is the 3rd book I have read by this incredible author.
The main character, Jessica is running from "something" from her past. She accepts a position at "The Redwood Asylum" in Redwood, where criminally insane and disturbed are held. Jessica thinks this new town and new job will help her forget her past. The suspense of what she is trying to escape is nail biting.
If you like reading about spirits wanting redemption, the afterlife, this book is a must read. The characters almost jump out of the pages!
I'm delighted to hear a prequel is in process for this story, I'm so looking forward to reading it. This is the 3rd book I have read by this incredible author.
March 11, 2021
Oh, Jessica, why oh why did you want to work in an isolated asylum housing the criminally insane?
Full disclosure: I’m fascinated by old asylums, but I absolutely would not have worked one full day in this place. The rules are questionable, the staff is strange, the patients are, well, crazy, and there are ghosts. So, nope, let me out.
The Redwood Asylum is quick, creepy entertainment for those of us who want the experience without actually spending time in a haunted asylum.
*I received a review copy via NetGalley.*
Full disclosure: I’m fascinated by old asylums, but I absolutely would not have worked one full day in this place. The rules are questionable, the staff is strange, the patients are, well, crazy, and there are ghosts. So, nope, let me out.
The Redwood Asylum is quick, creepy entertainment for those of us who want the experience without actually spending time in a haunted asylum.
*I received a review copy via NetGalley.*
April 7, 2022
Thou this felt like a slow burn, I couldn't help but keep wanting more and couldn't put it down. There has always a creepy to old asylums and this book did not disappoint. The story progressives gradually at times feeling slow but becomes more perplexing and terrifying as you read. Consisting trying to figure out just who is good and who is bad will have you holding onto your set!
March 12, 2021
*ARC received from Netgalley in return for an honest review*
Video Review: https://youtu.be/UgrLllYSR3Q
Video Review: https://youtu.be/UgrLllYSR3Q
April 25, 2021
Audiobook version. Review after the readathon.
August 5, 2021
This was amazing. The author has such a unique writing style and the little chapters explaining parts of the asylum from a different narrator set the tone perfectly. The author also made sure there was a perfect balance of paranormal and um... insanity I guess? Anyway, I’m really excited to read the next one that’s supposed to come out this year!
December 16, 2025
this was pretty awful, the plot made no sense and I didn't like any character. on the plus, there was a few scary moments if you want scares
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