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A Menagerie of Suffering
Paris, 1940: Camille Sabot finds herself locked away in Chemin de vie—a mysterious asylum hidden deep in the countryside. Unstable and suicidal, she has spent most of her life inside institutions, but nothing could prepare her for the horrors of Chemin de vie.
Under the rule of the enigmatic Directrice Adeline Pagel and the sinister Dr. Hector Barousse, Chemin de vie is a place where the line between treatment and torment blurs. The patients—some broken, some dangerous, all discarded by the outside world—are subjected to unorthodox therapies and cruel experiments.
As Camille fights to keep her sanity, she befriends a cast of equally tormented souls: the frightened but hopeful Simone, the unpredictable Chloe, and the silent, haunting Isabella. But survival in Chemin de vie isn’t just about enduring the treatment—it’s about escaping before the asylum claims her mind and soul forever.
With the shadow of war pressing closer, Camille must unravel the secrets of Chemin de vie before it's too late. But in a place built on suffering, is escape even possible?
A Menagerie of Suffering is a gripping and unsettling tale, laced with gothic horror.
Under the rule of the enigmatic Directrice Adeline Pagel and the sinister Dr. Hector Barousse, Chemin de vie is a place where the line between treatment and torment blurs. The patients—some broken, some dangerous, all discarded by the outside world—are subjected to unorthodox therapies and cruel experiments.
As Camille fights to keep her sanity, she befriends a cast of equally tormented souls: the frightened but hopeful Simone, the unpredictable Chloe, and the silent, haunting Isabella. But survival in Chemin de vie isn’t just about enduring the treatment—it’s about escaping before the asylum claims her mind and soul forever.
With the shadow of war pressing closer, Camille must unravel the secrets of Chemin de vie before it's too late. But in a place built on suffering, is escape even possible?
A Menagerie of Suffering is a gripping and unsettling tale, laced with gothic horror.
426 pages, ebook
Published October 3, 2020
63 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Hubert L. Mullins
30 books98 followersHubert L. Mullins writes gripping tales of horror and survival that blend history, folklore, and the supernatural. His novels, including Blood & Salt and Under Bethel, immerse readers in worlds where myth and terror collide. When he isn’t writing, he’s exploring the darker corners of history to unearth the next chilling story.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 15, 2021
When I sat down to start this book, I wasn't aware that I would be sitting there until I had completed it, but I just could not put it down! This is such and interesting and unique read. Give me anything having to do with a historical setting and 9 times out of 10, I'm there for it anyway. But, then, to introduce a supernatural side to it? Yes, please! I was completely enthralled from start to finish and felt like I was an onlooker as Camilla was at certain times. You'll see what I'm talking about when you read this amazing story. Grab your snacks and a large coffee because you're probably gonna be there all night.
July 5, 2024
A good book with such an unusual and interesting storyline.
September 13, 2024
I always get sucked right into the worlds that Mullins creates and this one is no different. I wasn’t sure what to expect from this one, but the sharp turns in the story gave me mental whiplash in the best way possible.
I did have myself a good cry at a certain point in the book (I imagine those who have read this will know what wandering I’m referring to) but at this point, I expect that in my horror stories. I’m Le Sensitive lol
I might go as far to say that he might be my new favorite author 🤔
I did have myself a good cry at a certain point in the book (I imagine those who have read this will know what wandering I’m referring to) but at this point, I expect that in my horror stories. I’m Le Sensitive lol
I might go as far to say that he might be my new favorite author 🤔
October 16, 2024
Enjoy
This is the third book I’ve read of Mr. Mullins’ and I have enjoyed each for different reasons despite his writing not being from my usual fare.
I could have devoured this book in an afternoon if I had not had to work. I enjoyed the character development, the insight into the different girls’ backgrounds, and the twist at the end was so satisfying. This would be a magnificent book to develop into a limited series for a streaming service, but it would need to be done just right. Enjoy these characters and the time you have to sit with them.
This is the third book I’ve read of Mr. Mullins’ and I have enjoyed each for different reasons despite his writing not being from my usual fare.
I could have devoured this book in an afternoon if I had not had to work. I enjoyed the character development, the insight into the different girls’ backgrounds, and the twist at the end was so satisfying. This would be a magnificent book to develop into a limited series for a streaming service, but it would need to be done just right. Enjoy these characters and the time you have to sit with them.
August 24, 2023
Mixture of reality and fantasy, all outstanding
Working as I do in the mental health field, this book struck me on several levels. The character development, the settings, the terror I felt reading about the asylum, all converged into an amazing tale I expect to read again and again.
Working as I do in the mental health field, this book struck me on several levels. The character development, the settings, the terror I felt reading about the asylum, all converged into an amazing tale I expect to read again and again.
October 1, 2023
I knew I would like this book the moment I laid eyes on it. Definitely a thriller, psychological horror at its best. Add a dash of history, Nazis, time travel, found family, and a little bit of crazy and you get this wonderful recipe for trauma. This book will gross you out while drawing you further in, and make you cry over and over. So of course, it's my favorite by Mullins.... yet.
February 3, 2024
During the war wold two time period girls were placed in asylums, Were they had this doctor who liked to experiment on the gitrls, a fast story of truth and lives, The ending is a tear jerker if you believe in different time period
March 17, 2021
Great book
Never imagined it would end the way it did. This book kept surprising me. Be sure to read! I finished the book in two days.
Never imagined it would end the way it did. This book kept surprising me. Be sure to read! I finished the book in two days.
July 10, 2021
Wow
Just when you know what the ending will be the author puts in a big twist that you never saw coming. Bravo…this is a masterpiece.
Just when you know what the ending will be the author puts in a big twist that you never saw coming. Bravo…this is a masterpiece.
January 18, 2025
Amazing
I loved this book. Amazing twist. It was very well written and kept me intrigued that I finished it in one sitting .
I loved this book. Amazing twist. It was very well written and kept me intrigued that I finished it in one sitting .
March 13, 2025
Interesting, very interesting
Mr. Mullins has a weird writing sense!!!! The book is very well written. It keeps you guessing what is going to happen!!! Loved the book!!!
Mr. Mullins has a weird writing sense!!!! The book is very well written. It keeps you guessing what is going to happen!!! Loved the book!!!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews