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Northern Michigan Asylum #8
Bitter Ground
More than a decade ago, six kids witnessed unspeakable horror. Not all of them lived to tell.
Riza is no longer that kid - troubled, angry, and filled with secrets. She’s grown up, and when she stumbles upon an on-line forum about the shuttered Northern Michigan Asylum, she tries to pretend it never happened - not the years of experimentation, nor the strange midnight writings, and most of all, not the murders.
But someone wants her to remember.
Deaths shockingly similar to those that occurred in 1989 are happening again.
As the killings get closer to home, Riza is forced to face her past one last time.
Get lost in a chilling story of childhood secrets, unsolved murder, and a malevolent asylum for the insane.
Bitter Ground is the final installment in the Northern Michigan Asylum Series.
Riza is no longer that kid - troubled, angry, and filled with secrets. She’s grown up, and when she stumbles upon an on-line forum about the shuttered Northern Michigan Asylum, she tries to pretend it never happened - not the years of experimentation, nor the strange midnight writings, and most of all, not the murders.
But someone wants her to remember.
Deaths shockingly similar to those that occurred in 1989 are happening again.
As the killings get closer to home, Riza is forced to face her past one last time.
Get lost in a chilling story of childhood secrets, unsolved murder, and a malevolent asylum for the insane.
Bitter Ground is the final installment in the Northern Michigan Asylum Series.
290 pages, Paperback
Published September 29, 2020
327 people are currently reading
467 people want to read
About the author
J.R. Erickson
39 books911 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
October 11, 2020
This was such a good ending to a really good series. Bitter Ground, the final book in the Northern Michigan Asylum series brings back some of the characters in previous books while introducing a new set. In this one we meet The Six. Six kids that lived at the asylum in 1989. A few of them displayed psychic phenomenon and were "studied." The doctors that took turns experimenting on the kids begin to die and the six run for it then scattered.
In present day we follow Riza and Casey, 2 of The Six. Someone has been killing the others off. Are they in danger? What is this about a curse on the ground where the asylum stands? Gotta read it to find out!
Although this is the last book in the series, I think it would be ok to read it as a stand alone. I liked the characters in this one. Riza is so flawed but she is doing her best, sometimes. She felt very real as a survivor of a traumatic past and trying to make her life better. I liked seeing or hearing about characters from the other book. I like how everything was tied together. This was a good series and I liked everyone of the books I read in it.
Thank you to J.R. Erickson for the ARC and the trip to Northern Michigan Asylum. It's been fun.
In present day we follow Riza and Casey, 2 of The Six. Someone has been killing the others off. Are they in danger? What is this about a curse on the ground where the asylum stands? Gotta read it to find out!
Although this is the last book in the series, I think it would be ok to read it as a stand alone. I liked the characters in this one. Riza is so flawed but she is doing her best, sometimes. She felt very real as a survivor of a traumatic past and trying to make her life better. I liked seeing or hearing about characters from the other book. I like how everything was tied together. This was a good series and I liked everyone of the books I read in it.
Thank you to J.R. Erickson for the ARC and the trip to Northern Michigan Asylum. It's been fun.
March 14, 2021
*I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.*
Six children experience abuse in an asylum, in the hands of "doctors" in charge of taking care of the patients just for showing naughty behaviours. Years later, somebody starts searching for and killing them.
CW for physical, sexual and mental abuse of minors and adults.
The story is a sample of thousands that have taken and are still taking place throughout the world. Its structure was perfect for me; it allows the reader to get to know the characters properly and I felt it was a bit more character than plot driven, which is not negative whatsoever.
At some point you suspect everyone and trust nobody. Although I had my suspicions, I could not be sure on who and why they were being haunted. A horror story with some romance and a story of recovery.
I found it quite logical and intriguing.
The writing style made the story even more engaging. Not repetitive, easy to follow but not too simple, relatable characters and a fairly good narrator made this audiobook more enjoyable.
If the CW don't trigger you, I'd highly recommend this one.
Six children experience abuse in an asylum, in the hands of "doctors" in charge of taking care of the patients just for showing naughty behaviours. Years later, somebody starts searching for and killing them.
CW for physical, sexual and mental abuse of minors and adults.
The story is a sample of thousands that have taken and are still taking place throughout the world. Its structure was perfect for me; it allows the reader to get to know the characters properly and I felt it was a bit more character than plot driven, which is not negative whatsoever.
At some point you suspect everyone and trust nobody. Although I had my suspicions, I could not be sure on who and why they were being haunted. A horror story with some romance and a story of recovery.
I found it quite logical and intriguing.
The writing style made the story even more engaging. Not repetitive, easy to follow but not too simple, relatable characters and a fairly good narrator made this audiobook more enjoyable.
If the CW don't trigger you, I'd highly recommend this one.
December 13, 2021
This is a 4.5 star read.
A fabulous, solid ending to the series!
A fabulous, solid ending to the series!
February 24, 2024
3.5 stars
I do have a hard time with the fact that this author always writes heroines who
I do have a hard time with the fact that this author always writes heroines who
September 29, 2020
WOW, what a read! The plot was intense, powerful and thrilling and held me captive all the way through! The characters fairly leaped off the page, and the tension was palpable. If you are looking for a book that you just CAN’T put down, then this is DEFINITELY the book for you!
September 28, 2020
This was the perfect ending for the Northern Michigan Asylum series. It follows Casey and Riza, two of six children imprisoned there who escaped and helped bring down the Brotherhood. Riza has finally put the past behind her for the most part and wants to keep it there. When Casey reaches out to her, her life goes into a tailspin. Will they succeed in finally putting to rest the horror that was the asylum or will they die trying? The book delves into events of 100 years ago to explain why the ground is bitter. Before the evil is put to rest there are several plot twists I didn't see coming, but loose ends from the series are satisfactorily explained.I will miss this series and look forward to the author's next offering.
February 28, 2022
This was my least favorite of the entire series. I felt like the story and the mystery of the whole thing was the weakest. I did like the characters, Riza was especially likable, and I enjoyed call backs to earlier characters and events in earlier books.
Overall, this series was super good. I really really liked everything about them. The northern Michigan settings, the writing, the supernatural story-lines, everything was really well done. I will definitely read more from this author.
Overall, this series was super good. I really really liked everything about them. The northern Michigan settings, the writing, the supernatural story-lines, everything was really well done. I will definitely read more from this author.
July 12, 2024
More than a decade ago, six kids witnessed unspeakable horror. Not all of them lived to tell.
Riza is no longer that kid - troubled, angry, and filled with secrets. She’s grown up, and when she stumbles upon an on-line forum about the shuttered Northern Michigan Asylum, she tries to pretend it never happened - not the years of experimentation, nor the strange midnight writings, and most of all, not the murders.
But someone wants her to remember.
☆★═══════════════★☆
Starts out slow, and I found that I wasn't listening many times.
When it came down to it, I only cared about the mystery and the Asylum stuff. The rest I skimmed.
I didn't love the narrator. She sounded much older than what Riza should sound like. And she pronounced Hearth as Herth.
I did enjoy revisiting Jake and Charlie's story, though.
Other issues I noticed that maybe an editor could have caught...Missing words ('Go to store' instead of 'Go to the store'), misnamed characters (Jake is suddenly referred to as Jack for a page or two, a headstone has the surname of a whole different character on it), a diary entry that slips from first person into third person for a few paragraphs. Sometimes, I would listen to a sentence repeatedly before giving up because it just didn't make sense. A good editor should have caught all that—also too many reused character names.
✿♥‿♥✿
NOTEs**
Unnecessary profanity (felt forced)
The author has some preoccupation with bathroom things.
Riza is no longer that kid - troubled, angry, and filled with secrets. She’s grown up, and when she stumbles upon an on-line forum about the shuttered Northern Michigan Asylum, she tries to pretend it never happened - not the years of experimentation, nor the strange midnight writings, and most of all, not the murders.
But someone wants her to remember.
☆★═══════════════★☆
Starts out slow, and I found that I wasn't listening many times.
When it came down to it, I only cared about the mystery and the Asylum stuff. The rest I skimmed.
I didn't love the narrator. She sounded much older than what Riza should sound like. And she pronounced Hearth as Herth.
I did enjoy revisiting Jake and Charlie's story, though.
Other issues I noticed that maybe an editor could have caught...Missing words ('Go to store' instead of 'Go to the store'), misnamed characters (Jake is suddenly referred to as Jack for a page or two, a headstone has the surname of a whole different character on it), a diary entry that slips from first person into third person for a few paragraphs. Sometimes, I would listen to a sentence repeatedly before giving up because it just didn't make sense. A good editor should have caught all that—also too many reused character names.
✿♥‿♥✿
NOTEs**
Unnecessary profanity (felt forced)
The author has some preoccupation with bathroom things.
February 10, 2022
This review is for the series as a whole. I read all eight books in about a week so it's kind of one big book in my mind.
I think there's a bit of genius in this series. The interweaving stories and timelines are incredibly well put together. I also enjoy the author's style. She pulls away from gratuitous crap, which I appreciate more than I can say. Too many books I read depict r*pe scenes or gore in trauma-inducing detail when it is absolutely not necessary. Erickson doesn't do that and it's really nice to read a book whose violent bits don't make me want to throw the book across the room. I appreciate the inclusion of LGBT characters who aren't just there "to be gay."
There are some problems, most of which can be attributed to an editor that isn't paying attention. Missing words ('Go to store' instead of 'Go to the store'), misnamed characters (Jake is suddenly referred to as Jack for a page or two, a headstone has the surname of a whole different character on it), a diary entry that slips from first person into third person for a few paragraphs. Sometimes I would read a sentence over and over again before giving up because it just didn't make sense. A good editor should have caught all that. Also too many reused character names. In one book there's a guy named Byron who owns a cabin, and in the next book a guy is hanging out at a cabin his uncle Byron used to own. So I'm thinking it's the same cabin, same family. But it wasn't, and that's confusing in a series where a lot of characters appear in multiple books. (By the way, I realize I sound like an elitist snob. Sorry.)
Most of the above mentioned mistakes would usually make me give up on a series because they drive me bonkers, but these stories are just so good that I couldn't put them down. Honestly, I really want to read them all again so I can map out the timelines and characters. If anyone wants to go in on a wiki with me let me know!
I think there's a bit of genius in this series. The interweaving stories and timelines are incredibly well put together. I also enjoy the author's style. She pulls away from gratuitous crap, which I appreciate more than I can say. Too many books I read depict r*pe scenes or gore in trauma-inducing detail when it is absolutely not necessary. Erickson doesn't do that and it's really nice to read a book whose violent bits don't make me want to throw the book across the room. I appreciate the inclusion of LGBT characters who aren't just there "to be gay."
There are some problems, most of which can be attributed to an editor that isn't paying attention. Missing words ('Go to store' instead of 'Go to the store'), misnamed characters (Jake is suddenly referred to as Jack for a page or two, a headstone has the surname of a whole different character on it), a diary entry that slips from first person into third person for a few paragraphs. Sometimes I would read a sentence over and over again before giving up because it just didn't make sense. A good editor should have caught all that. Also too many reused character names. In one book there's a guy named Byron who owns a cabin, and in the next book a guy is hanging out at a cabin his uncle Byron used to own. So I'm thinking it's the same cabin, same family. But it wasn't, and that's confusing in a series where a lot of characters appear in multiple books. (By the way, I realize I sound like an elitist snob. Sorry.)
Most of the above mentioned mistakes would usually make me give up on a series because they drive me bonkers, but these stories are just so good that I couldn't put them down. Honestly, I really want to read them all again so I can map out the timelines and characters. If anyone wants to go in on a wiki with me let me know!
April 10, 2021
What an ending! Such a perfect finale to this great series... I really loved it!
The story is, as always, really well written, with a perfect pace. It's thrilling, emotional and very, very gripping. The main characters, Riza and Casey, are not only interesting, they feel real. Their motivations and emotions are easy to understand so you can't help it: you feel their fear, their pain, their confusion and hopelessness, but also their rage, their defiance and their need to stop the Brotherhood, forever.
The structure worked really well for me because it allows us to get to know the characters and sympathize with them, so pretty soon we are really invested in their fate.
And although I hate that this is the last book, is such a satisfactory ending that I can't get mad. And I'll live in the hope that the author won't make us wait too much for a new story in a new series :P
Oh, and Caroline McLaughlin's narration is simply wonderful ♥
The story is, as always, really well written, with a perfect pace. It's thrilling, emotional and very, very gripping. The main characters, Riza and Casey, are not only interesting, they feel real. Their motivations and emotions are easy to understand so you can't help it: you feel their fear, their pain, their confusion and hopelessness, but also their rage, their defiance and their need to stop the Brotherhood, forever.
The structure worked really well for me because it allows us to get to know the characters and sympathize with them, so pretty soon we are really invested in their fate.
And although I hate that this is the last book, is such a satisfactory ending that I can't get mad. And I'll live in the hope that the author won't make us wait too much for a new story in a new series :P
Oh, and Caroline McLaughlin's narration is simply wonderful ♥
January 26, 2022
Good end to a great series!
I loved the Northern Michigan Asylum series, each book a stand alone plot but all of them connected by the evil of the Asylum through the 100 years of its existence. I read them in order, and I am glad I did, as the later books have cameos of previous characters and events.
This last book in the series brought it all together nicely, and tied up many loose ends. The story of the book itself, deals with the Six, a bunch of adolescents who were the last inhabitants of the asylum before it closed down, and who are now, many years later, being stalked and killed off one by one. Enter Casey and Riza who try to solve the puzzle before they become the next victims.
The past will dictate the present in this roller-coaster last instalment. I'm definitely going to miss that asylum! I will move on to JR Erickson's other works (these were the first by her I read) and hopefully have just as much good reading as I had here.
I loved the Northern Michigan Asylum series, each book a stand alone plot but all of them connected by the evil of the Asylum through the 100 years of its existence. I read them in order, and I am glad I did, as the later books have cameos of previous characters and events.
This last book in the series brought it all together nicely, and tied up many loose ends. The story of the book itself, deals with the Six, a bunch of adolescents who were the last inhabitants of the asylum before it closed down, and who are now, many years later, being stalked and killed off one by one. Enter Casey and Riza who try to solve the puzzle before they become the next victims.
The past will dictate the present in this roller-coaster last instalment. I'm definitely going to miss that asylum! I will move on to JR Erickson's other works (these were the first by her I read) and hopefully have just as much good reading as I had here.
September 26, 2020
WOW! Unfortunately I didn’t read all this series but what I’ve read was amazing! And this being the last book brought it all together with some twists. Sad I mean some parts were very sad and yes there was evil. To do the things the brotherhood did was just awful. Casey was determined to end it all and Riza wanted nothing to do with it. Would he be able to convince her to help him ? Will they be able to do anything ? Will the truth about what they did as well as the brotherhood come out ?
I received this as an ARC and this is my honest and voluntary review.
I received this as an ARC and this is my honest and voluntary review.
September 28, 2020
Welcome to the Bitter Ground, the last creepy tale in the Northern Michigan Asylum Series. Everything will come full circle as the past reaches out to the future, freeing the tortured and imprisoning the malevolent. Horrors will finally be put to rest as we find out why the grounds are so bitter in this incredible story. As much as I hated to see the series end, it was very well done. I was unable to pull myself away from this wonderfully written book. I received a copy of this book for an honest review.
September 29, 2020
This is a wonderful addition to this thrilling series!
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read what the author is bringing out next and so sad to see this one end!
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read what the author is bringing out next and so sad to see this one end!
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
September 29, 2020
I loved the latest Northern Michigan Asylum novel. I have read all of the Asylum novels and each one was better than the rest, but this one was my favorite. I had chills throughout...full of suspense and twists and turns that will surprise you. I would highly recommend this series. I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest review.
March 5, 2021
Awesome Books
I just finished this Series of eight books yesterday. Each book can be read as a stand-alone but I chose to read in the order written and I’m so glad I did. The were all great with characters you could cheer for or hate. This is the second Series I have read by this Author and she will be one I will follow and read everything she writes.
I just finished this Series of eight books yesterday. Each book can be read as a stand-alone but I chose to read in the order written and I’m so glad I did. The were all great with characters you could cheer for or hate. This is the second Series I have read by this Author and she will be one I will follow and read everything she writes.
April 7, 2021
Couldn't put it down
Another excellent book by this author. I've read 5 & have at least one more on my Kindle to go. I can't imagine how Ms. Erickson continues to pull these stories out of the asylum, but I'm glad she did. Great characters, excellent plot & wonderful scary parts! I feel like this one should have a sequel. Hint hint.
Another excellent book by this author. I've read 5 & have at least one more on my Kindle to go. I can't imagine how Ms. Erickson continues to pull these stories out of the asylum, but I'm glad she did. Great characters, excellent plot & wonderful scary parts! I feel like this one should have a sequel. Hint hint.
July 16, 2021
I read these out of order.This book was good,not great.I can barely remember it now.Caroline McLaughlin was a fine narrator.This book is about 6 kids from the asylum that reconnect online.One by one they die.Who is doing it? I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
December 23, 2021
It hurt
After a bad childhood and a bad time in my life this book bought it all back. I am66 now but I will always remember my childhood and some adulthood putting up with the h
C
Blackmail the milestone the incens and rapes I have always tries to forgave MT dad and my f as Miley th k you for writing this sincerely christinedunne Harlingen Texas
After a bad childhood and a bad time in my life this book bought it all back. I am66 now but I will always remember my childhood and some adulthood putting up with the h
C
Blackmail the milestone the incens and rapes I have always tries to forgave MT dad and my f as Miley th k you for writing this sincerely christinedunne Harlingen Texas
June 4, 2023
This book is my favorite from this author so far.
The artful weaving of everything into one book finale is incredibly satisfying to read. The reader finally gets all of the answers about the Asylum, while feeling sorry for the characters that we find out about from the past.
If I could rate this higher than a five, I would.
The artful weaving of everything into one book finale is incredibly satisfying to read. The reader finally gets all of the answers about the Asylum, while feeling sorry for the characters that we find out about from the past.
If I could rate this higher than a five, I would.
Read
October 1, 2020A great conclusion to a great series. This book does not let the reader down. It finishes this wonderful series in great style. I highly recommend this entire series to anyone that enjoys a mystery ride. Very well written and holds the reader's interest throughout the book.
October 2, 2020
Six kids lived in a world where evil lurked and they were force to survive horrible things . Present day 2 of them are made to face the fact that someone wants them gone. Is there a survivor they don't know about? Will they be able to survive or will the mystery stalker get to them first
Read
February 9, 2021Great series
I just finished this series. Amazing. I love how you made the psych come to life in a believable way, relying on things that could possibly happen,
Awesome series. I'm so glad I read it.
Can't wait to read to read your next series.
I just finished this series. Amazing. I love how you made the psych come to life in a believable way, relying on things that could possibly happen,
Awesome series. I'm so glad I read it.
Can't wait to read to read your next series.
June 14, 2024
Bitter Grounf
Very interesting storyline . Childhood abuse at it's worst. Revenge, but who is seeking revenge and who can be trusted remains elusive until the bitter end. Excellent reading. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
Very interesting storyline . Childhood abuse at it's worst. Revenge, but who is seeking revenge and who can be trusted remains elusive until the bitter end. Excellent reading. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
September 10, 2024
I liked this story well enough. I wasn't always sure who the villain was. It has a lot of twists and turns. I didn't really enjoy the characters, though. Overall, I'd still recommend it. I just wanted to share some sense into Riza.
February 26, 2025
Honestly, overall, I absolutely love this author. This book wasn’t necessarily one of my favorite ones by them, however, it kept me entertained. I was not particularly invested in any of the characters, but it was a fun journey along the way.
December 18, 2025
Two faces and ghosts
This series is always the best. It has murders, skeletons, curses and more. It is. full of mystery that will keep you guessing. You will finish it and be left wanting more.
This series is always the best. It has murders, skeletons, curses and more. It is. full of mystery that will keep you guessing. You will finish it and be left wanting more.
September 29, 2020
Suspense filled nail biter. Six kids are in asylum not all escape. Then something comes after them.
October 25, 2020
Love and hate
Love this book but hate that the series has came to an end .can't wait for the next great book to come out hope it is set in Michigan
Love this book but hate that the series has came to an end .can't wait for the next great book to come out hope it is set in Michigan
November 24, 2020
I just love everything about these books
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews