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Ophelia's Room
Parsons, Kansas
Winter - 1968
A brutal murder has taken place. The God-fearing citizens of the sleepy midwestern town are convinced evil has taken root.
A young married couple, Charlie and Delia Mull are left to pick up the pieces of shattered lives after the unspeakable tragedy.
Townsfolk whisper from church pews that pretty Delia Mull has brought the misfortune upon herself - a cursed family legacy. Others believe the horrific crime is merely another sign of a violent and godless age.
A mysterious woman has rented the house six doors down. Betty Malcomb is the new teacher hired at the high school. Locals are suspicious of the reclusive outsider. Why has she traveled to their peeling little town? What reasons would make her stay?
Located in the remote Kansas prairie sits the state penitentiary. Imprisoned in a concrete cell, a lone madman silently awaits his opportunity to complete his unholy calling.
Winter - 1968
A brutal murder has taken place. The God-fearing citizens of the sleepy midwestern town are convinced evil has taken root.
A young married couple, Charlie and Delia Mull are left to pick up the pieces of shattered lives after the unspeakable tragedy.
Townsfolk whisper from church pews that pretty Delia Mull has brought the misfortune upon herself - a cursed family legacy. Others believe the horrific crime is merely another sign of a violent and godless age.
A mysterious woman has rented the house six doors down. Betty Malcomb is the new teacher hired at the high school. Locals are suspicious of the reclusive outsider. Why has she traveled to their peeling little town? What reasons would make her stay?
Located in the remote Kansas prairie sits the state penitentiary. Imprisoned in a concrete cell, a lone madman silently awaits his opportunity to complete his unholy calling.
- GenresFiction
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 30, 2021
113 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
About the author
Michael Scott Garvin
3 books180 followersMichael Scott Garvin is an award winning custom home builder, interior designer & author. His design firm Michael Scott Garvin Studio has designed and built custom homes throughout the Southwest.
A Faithful Son is Garvin's debut novel.
His second novel "Aunt Sookie & Me" was released July 2017
A Faithful Son is Garvin's debut novel.
His second novel "Aunt Sookie & Me" was released July 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
November 9, 2021
Starting with a horrific event, the book took me to many places and the first was the recess of the minds of a criminal. What sort of a man was he? Did he truly repent what he had done? Why did he do what he had done?
But it did not stop with that. It went on to a normal family life of a couple in the sixties. Delia and Charlie are the most beautiful couple I have ever read about. The way they are there for each other, is not something from a romance book. It is from reality. The pain, the suffering, the comfort and finally their love, it was beautifully brought out.
Betty was the only side character I felt sorry for. But the way her character came to life with all her flaws, probably that was the way it has to go.
Jugs or Abraham, was another memorable character, making the surroundings more real. Thelma and Roy sometimes made me laugh and most of the times the couple seemed so jarringly perfect, I was left wondering whether all the older couples of those times were like that.
The story itself moves from a simple house life to the jail house of Kansas and both parts were so different and still melded well with each other and kept me engrossed throughout.
And the end was chilling and perfect. Enjoyed every bit of it
But it did not stop with that. It went on to a normal family life of a couple in the sixties. Delia and Charlie are the most beautiful couple I have ever read about. The way they are there for each other, is not something from a romance book. It is from reality. The pain, the suffering, the comfort and finally their love, it was beautifully brought out.
Betty was the only side character I felt sorry for. But the way her character came to life with all her flaws, probably that was the way it has to go.
Jugs or Abraham, was another memorable character, making the surroundings more real. Thelma and Roy sometimes made me laugh and most of the times the couple seemed so jarringly perfect, I was left wondering whether all the older couples of those times were like that.
The story itself moves from a simple house life to the jail house of Kansas and both parts were so different and still melded well with each other and kept me engrossed throughout.
And the end was chilling and perfect. Enjoyed every bit of it
August 3, 2021
Amazing
I’m not sure that I have the proper words for this book. It’s one that will definitely stay with me fir awhile. I was totally captured and drawn into this story. It’s so well written that it’s like being there and watching it happen. I couldn’t stop reading. I just had to know the story. The author has a true gift for story telling. The descriptions of the country style culture is there in detail. The characters are believable. I normally read romances so this was a new adventure for me. There’s a lot of hard truths within these pages. This story had feeling every emotion possible. Well done.
I’m not sure that I have the proper words for this book. It’s one that will definitely stay with me fir awhile. I was totally captured and drawn into this story. It’s so well written that it’s like being there and watching it happen. I couldn’t stop reading. I just had to know the story. The author has a true gift for story telling. The descriptions of the country style culture is there in detail. The characters are believable. I normally read romances so this was a new adventure for me. There’s a lot of hard truths within these pages. This story had feeling every emotion possible. Well done.
January 26, 2024
borrrrring
Started out with a bang and then I kept waiting for something to happen . I felt like it should have been a short story . I expected Betty would come in for a big ending but that didn’t happen either.
Started out with a bang and then I kept waiting for something to happen . I felt like it should have been a short story . I expected Betty would come in for a big ending but that didn’t happen either.
November 8, 2021
Phenomenal!
This book has all of the elements of a true masterpiece. The writing is superb, the characters are complex and relatable, and the plot keeps you on the edge of your seat. It will make you laugh and make you cry. It will even leave you pondering the meaning of life, the cruelty/kindness juxtaposition of humanity, and more. I am really looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
This book has all of the elements of a true masterpiece. The writing is superb, the characters are complex and relatable, and the plot keeps you on the edge of your seat. It will make you laugh and make you cry. It will even leave you pondering the meaning of life, the cruelty/kindness juxtaposition of humanity, and more. I am really looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
November 4, 2024
This grabs you from the beginning with something so unfathomably horrific that the graphic details won't easily be forgotten. Ever.
I wasn't sure I could like the book after that opener, but each of the characters' personalities and the setting and time period compelled me to keep reading. The suspense that escalates near the end makes this book one you can't put down.
The book should come with a disclaimer that if you have ever lost a baby, read at your own mental health risk.
I wasn't sure I could like the book after that opener, but each of the characters' personalities and the setting and time period compelled me to keep reading. The suspense that escalates near the end makes this book one you can't put down.
The book should come with a disclaimer that if you have ever lost a baby, read at your own mental health risk.
August 1, 2021
Great book
The actions in the first chapter were unexpected and shocking -- and it just continued from there. If the word violence gives you pause, you might consider a different book. Otherwise, read this. Fantastic book, great writing style, and well built characters. Worth the read!
The actions in the first chapter were unexpected and shocking -- and it just continued from there. If the word violence gives you pause, you might consider a different book. Otherwise, read this. Fantastic book, great writing style, and well built characters. Worth the read!
November 7, 2021
Another stunner 💗
Again, my heart broke for the characters and their lives. From the first line to the last I was completely entangled in the story. Garvin has a way of creating characters that are fully dimensional and hard not to love.
Again, my heart broke for the characters and their lives. From the first line to the last I was completely entangled in the story. Garvin has a way of creating characters that are fully dimensional and hard not to love.
November 4, 2021
Page turner
This book grips you from the first chapter making it hard to put down. Although it's not my normal reading genre I couldn't stop reading. I highly recommend this book.
This book grips you from the first chapter making it hard to put down. Although it's not my normal reading genre I couldn't stop reading. I highly recommend this book.
October 25, 2021
The newborn Ophelia is tragically murdered by her own grandfather who seemed to be in a trancelike state. We follow the struggles of the young couple Charlie and Delia as they try to recover from the senseless and random act in a town full of gossiping neighbors. Lloyd, the grandfather faces his own challenges inside the state prison. Months after the murder a new, young, and attractive schoolteacher moves to Parsons, Kansas with secrets of her own. Nothing is as it seems and the story is truly wonderfully woven and well written. I highly recommend it.
October 29, 2021
Good read
Amazing descriptions and good character development of you love books with amazing descriptions this one is for you. You feel for each character.
Amazing descriptions and good character development of you love books with amazing descriptions this one is for you. You feel for each character.
October 25, 2021
hard beginning, but stick with it
The story starts off with a tragedy involving a newborn. I’m a mother of five so it was hard to read, but I managed. The rest of the story focuses on the ups and downs of relationships and the hurt caused by Delia’s father. It’s well written and captivating. There’s a lot of religious undertones, but it’s not done in a way that feels like religion is being shoved down your throat. I’d love to read more by this author.
The story starts off with a tragedy involving a newborn. I’m a mother of five so it was hard to read, but I managed. The rest of the story focuses on the ups and downs of relationships and the hurt caused by Delia’s father. It’s well written and captivating. There’s a lot of religious undertones, but it’s not done in a way that feels like religion is being shoved down your throat. I’d love to read more by this author.
October 12, 2021
Gripping!!!
This thriller took me on a journey that held my attention for the entire read. I did not want this novel to end. It was uniquely crafted by the author's ability to write a suspenseful works intertwined with matters of religiosity, life and death as well as taboo. Ophelia's Room centers around Delia and Charlie Mull as they struggle to mend the pieces of their lives after a sudden tragedy to their family. Delia searches for answers in attempts to connect with her convict father in the state's penitentiary. Just when things appear to be more clearer for a happier Delia, a twist ensues. Reader, get ready for this gripping tale that will keep you anticipating more!
This thriller took me on a journey that held my attention for the entire read. I did not want this novel to end. It was uniquely crafted by the author's ability to write a suspenseful works intertwined with matters of religiosity, life and death as well as taboo. Ophelia's Room centers around Delia and Charlie Mull as they struggle to mend the pieces of their lives after a sudden tragedy to their family. Delia searches for answers in attempts to connect with her convict father in the state's penitentiary. Just when things appear to be more clearer for a happier Delia, a twist ensues. Reader, get ready for this gripping tale that will keep you anticipating more!
October 11, 2021
Somber
A somber tale of small town Kansas. Like many small towns, Parsons has its share of gossiping women, strained relationships, and dark secrets. From the new schoolteacher harboring an allegedly checkered past and a scandalous secret. To the daughter of a madman trying to navigate her way through the grief of losing her daughter and finding closure regarding the event. This book takes you on a journey through loss, madness, love, and what lies beneath the surface of "quaint small town life".
A somber tale of small town Kansas. Like many small towns, Parsons has its share of gossiping women, strained relationships, and dark secrets. From the new schoolteacher harboring an allegedly checkered past and a scandalous secret. To the daughter of a madman trying to navigate her way through the grief of losing her daughter and finding closure regarding the event. This book takes you on a journey through loss, madness, love, and what lies beneath the surface of "quaint small town life".
October 2, 2021
Absolutely awe-inspiring
This is a beautifully written novel, based on the lives of several people in a town whose lives become intwined. The beginning of this book sets the tone but it doesn't stop there. It still manages to shock and stun you as you read. The complex characters are written with such clarity, you'd think they are people you know in real life, in fact you probably do. Nothing in this book is worthless or just filler, it's so expertly drafted that you don't see what's coming until it happens and then it seems obvious. I simply can't describe how good this book is and how incredibly and uniquely talented this author is.
This is a beautifully written novel, based on the lives of several people in a town whose lives become intwined. The beginning of this book sets the tone but it doesn't stop there. It still manages to shock and stun you as you read. The complex characters are written with such clarity, you'd think they are people you know in real life, in fact you probably do. Nothing in this book is worthless or just filler, it's so expertly drafted that you don't see what's coming until it happens and then it seems obvious. I simply can't describe how good this book is and how incredibly and uniquely talented this author is.
October 4, 2021
So, this is the first book by this author I was introduced to, and I can happily say it didn’t disappoint. What a roller coaster it is, indeed. I look forward to the next one - thumbs up
September 18, 2021
A thrilling story!
I thoroughly enjoyed this one! The story revolves around Delia and Charlie, who just had a baby. Her father Lloyd begrudgingly takes the baby as everyone is celebrating, which was a poor choice. Lloyd locks himself in a chapel and proceeds to choke the newborn by stuffing rosary beads down her throat. He's sent to prison but the story unfolds more as the religious deranged killer plots his escape. His daughter and son-in-law have a long rocky marriage, with infidelities on both sides. There's plenty of drama and nefarious scheming that will keep you guessing until the end of the book. I highly recommend this one!
I thoroughly enjoyed this one! The story revolves around Delia and Charlie, who just had a baby. Her father Lloyd begrudgingly takes the baby as everyone is celebrating, which was a poor choice. Lloyd locks himself in a chapel and proceeds to choke the newborn by stuffing rosary beads down her throat. He's sent to prison but the story unfolds more as the religious deranged killer plots his escape. His daughter and son-in-law have a long rocky marriage, with infidelities on both sides. There's plenty of drama and nefarious scheming that will keep you guessing until the end of the book. I highly recommend this one!
September 13, 2021
Another good book by this author for sure. Full of action, and kept me on the edge of my seat from the beginning of the book until the end of the book! So engaging, and I did not want to put the book down. All of the events happening I was like wait! Like all the twists, and turns going throughout the book. Readers out there that need a good thriller...then I recommend this book for sure. I cannot wait to read more from this author.
August 8, 2021
Excellent book
One of the best I've read recently. It was haunting and thought provoking. I highly recommend this book. It left me thinking about it long after finishing it.
One of the best I've read recently. It was haunting and thought provoking. I highly recommend this book. It left me thinking about it long after finishing it.
October 1, 2025
Michael Scott Garvin’s Ophelia’s Room is a haunting and deeply atmospheric novel that captures the shadows of small town America in 1968. Set in Parsons, Kansas, the story begins with a brutal murder that rattles a God fearing community already gripped by fear, suspicion, and whispered superstitions. At its heart, this is a tale of grief, judgment, and the quiet violence of rumor, layered with an unsettling sense of dread.
Garvin masterfully builds tension by weaving together the perspectives of the Mull family, devastated by tragedy; the townspeople, clinging to faith and suspicion in equal measure; and Betty Malcomb, the enigmatic newcomer whose presence sparks unease in the community. The juxtaposition of a reclusive outsider with a close knit but fractured town adds depth to the narrative, while the looming menace of a prisoner with unfinished business casts a chilling shadow over every page.
With prose that is lyrical yet unflinching, Garvin explores how loss, fear, and prejudice can fester beneath the surface of an otherwise ordinary town. Ophelia’s Room is both a gripping thriller and a powerful meditation on human frailty, small-town dynamics, and the persistence of evil. Fans of dark literary fiction and suspense will find themselves both unsettled and captivated.
Garvin masterfully builds tension by weaving together the perspectives of the Mull family, devastated by tragedy; the townspeople, clinging to faith and suspicion in equal measure; and Betty Malcomb, the enigmatic newcomer whose presence sparks unease in the community. The juxtaposition of a reclusive outsider with a close knit but fractured town adds depth to the narrative, while the looming menace of a prisoner with unfinished business casts a chilling shadow over every page.
With prose that is lyrical yet unflinching, Garvin explores how loss, fear, and prejudice can fester beneath the surface of an otherwise ordinary town. Ophelia’s Room is both a gripping thriller and a powerful meditation on human frailty, small-town dynamics, and the persistence of evil. Fans of dark literary fiction and suspense will find themselves both unsettled and captivated.
November 21, 2025
Ophelia’s Room is a chilling, atmospheric thriller that plunges readers into the heart of a small Midwestern town gripped by fear, superstition, and a violent legacy. Michael Scott Garvin masterfully balances the intimate struggles of Charlie and Delia Mull with the looming threat of a calculating, imprisoned madman, creating a tension that permeates every page. The arrival of the mysterious Betty Malcomb adds an eerie, unpredictable element, keeping both the townspeople and the reader on edge. With its rich period detail, psychological depth, and layered suspense, Ophelia’s Room is a gripping exploration of fear, morality, and the dark undercurrents that ripple through a community.
August 29, 2023
A tale of a dark and twisted madman
A story that had me on edge all the way through. The constant dark undertone serves as the perfect backdrop for the insanity of a man possessed by evil.
However, I found the poor editing distracting. The incorrect use of punctuation (or the absence of it), the wrong homonyms, misspelled words, etc. discredit the well-structured story. Great writing, but it would be a good idea to have a better proofreader and editor for the next book, Mr Garvin.
A story that had me on edge all the way through. The constant dark undertone serves as the perfect backdrop for the insanity of a man possessed by evil.
However, I found the poor editing distracting. The incorrect use of punctuation (or the absence of it), the wrong homonyms, misspelled words, etc. discredit the well-structured story. Great writing, but it would be a good idea to have a better proofreader and editor for the next book, Mr Garvin.
August 7, 2021
Excellent
Best book I’ve read so far this year. Emotional roller coaster ride. I could not put this book down. I felt pathos, terror, joy, sadness and finally the inevitability that in the end we all live the best life we can in spite of the hand we are dealt and the consequences of our decisions.
Best book I’ve read so far this year. Emotional roller coaster ride. I could not put this book down. I felt pathos, terror, joy, sadness and finally the inevitability that in the end we all live the best life we can in spite of the hand we are dealt and the consequences of our decisions.
September 26, 2021
This book starts with a shocking murder and gets better and more complex as it goes. It's very well written and gives an accurate picture of the kinds of characters inhabiting the very small town of Parsons, Kansas. The stranglehold hard religion has on everyone comes into sharp focus. I like the dialogue and the characters are very realistic - I know because I lived there for a while.
October 24, 2021
Review for Ophelia’s Room by Michael Scott Garvin
★★★★★
What a talented author!
Michael Scott Garvin in my opinion is the Wizard of Words and the Icon of Imagination. This is a heart-pounding ride where the next pages were calling my name. The descriptions are so vivid that this story will stay with me for a while.
★★★★★
What a talented author!
Michael Scott Garvin in my opinion is the Wizard of Words and the Icon of Imagination. This is a heart-pounding ride where the next pages were calling my name. The descriptions are so vivid that this story will stay with me for a while.
October 31, 2021
Charlie and Delia experienced horrible grief but stay together as they figure out life. Delia searches for answers so she can deal with her father going to prison. The author makes you feel the emotions of the character and leads you through their pain and emotions with empathy and rooting for something to happen. Great book and recommend the book. I must read more of his books.
November 19, 2021
Suspenseful
Ophelia’s Room is definitely a thriller. The author wrote a creative plot. It started off with Delia’s demon possessed father murdering her newborn baby at the hospital in the chapel. This book may not be for everyone. To me it was very dark, depressing, and hopeless. As a serious Christian I cringed when some scripture was taken out of context or at how lost the “God fearing” people were and prayed to Mary, use rosary beads, which is against the teaching of scripture.
Ophelia’s Room is definitely a thriller. The author wrote a creative plot. It started off with Delia’s demon possessed father murdering her newborn baby at the hospital in the chapel. This book may not be for everyone. To me it was very dark, depressing, and hopeless. As a serious Christian I cringed when some scripture was taken out of context or at how lost the “God fearing” people were and prayed to Mary, use rosary beads, which is against the teaching of scripture.
January 10, 2022
This book is written very well and the characters have been described really well - the characters are complex but also very relatable which makes them more interesting to follow. The plot contains many unexpected twists amd turns to keep you flicking through the pages. I recommend this book to others...
October 8, 2025
Ophelia’s Room isn’t just a novel it’s an experience that lingers long after the last page. Michael Scott Garvin has crafted something extraordinary here: a lyrical, deeply emotional, and utterly riveting story that blends the intimacy of literary fiction with the suspense of a psychological thriller.
October 6, 2021
Depressing
This book is very depressing as it deals with mental illness, child abuse,poverty,marital affairs, unhappy marriages, violence,murder,unrequited love,religious questioning. I do not think there was one happy page in this book. I finished reading it, but I wss
This book is very depressing as it deals with mental illness, child abuse,poverty,marital affairs, unhappy marriages, violence,murder,unrequited love,religious questioning. I do not think there was one happy page in this book. I finished reading it, but I wss
November 4, 2021
Warning!
This is one of the most depressing books I have read in a long time. Begins and ends with tragedy, I could find nothing redeeming about the story line. Life is hard enough these days, give this one a miss.
This is one of the most depressing books I have read in a long time. Begins and ends with tragedy, I could find nothing redeeming about the story line. Life is hard enough these days, give this one a miss.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews