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The Disturbing Incidents at Lonesome Woods Boarding School
The devastating start to Dr. Harper's career.I wasn't always like this, you know - paranoid, temperamental, vindictive.I mean, sure, I've always been a bit... high strung. But I never used to stalk my therapist patients. Or yell at them. Or hold them captive in my garage.No, all of that started after the incidents at Lonesome Woods Boarding School.And I'm not talking about the school shooter.This was something far more insidious - something... infectious. Like a cancerous disease that tore through the student body, rotting young hearts one by one.But mental illness can't do that.Can it?I came into this profession optimistic and ready to help. I was young, naive, and eager find to the glimmer of good in every patient.But after Lonesome Woods, I began to search for evil instead.
152 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 6, 2021
692 people are currently reading
3270 people want to read
About the author
Dr. Harper
4 books638 followersDr. Harper is a fictional character. The stories, the books, and their website are fictional. The author is not a mental health professional.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 291 reviews
August 9, 2024
4.5 stars
October 29, 2021
I did not read the first book of this series, but that didn't matter. This was a great standalone. It was intriguing, mysterious, gripping, dark, quirky, and fast-paced. It was refreshing and unique with a fantastic cast of characters playing a dangerous game among an ominous setting. I will be looking for more from this author for sure. Loved this!
August 3, 2022
I have always loved Dr. Harper's books, and man this was no different. This book was a tad different than the other books they've written. This was a bit more like a novel while the others told stories about their clients and their issues.
This book follows a small town and its boarding school. The area is believed to be cursed. Elliott is hired on to be a therapist / school counselor at the boarding school, and he gladly accepts... not quite believing any of the hype about the school.
He quickly realizes something is VERY wrong with the place. Students are appearing possessed; forks are being slammed into hands; someone jumps off a building... oh and did i mention a child was potentially murdered there years ago?
This book has some great twists to it, and it's SO worth the read!
This book follows a small town and its boarding school. The area is believed to be cursed. Elliott is hired on to be a therapist / school counselor at the boarding school, and he gladly accepts... not quite believing any of the hype about the school.
He quickly realizes something is VERY wrong with the place. Students are appearing possessed; forks are being slammed into hands; someone jumps off a building... oh and did i mention a child was potentially murdered there years ago?
This book has some great twists to it, and it's SO worth the read!
November 20, 2024
When I came across these books, I knew this one was released after the series. Being that the story is the prequel I decided to start with this one.
Dr. Harper is the most inappropriate, boundary crossing therapist ever and I absolutely loved him 🤣
The way this one was written kept me engaged and questioning what the heck was going on. Did not see some of the twists coming. Once the reveals happen I had to rethink earlier parts of the book.
It’s giving squirrelly vibes and I’m sorry I can’t explain it beyond that 😂 It was chaos and funny but messy. This book was creative and I was eager to pick up book one in the series.
Dr. Harper is the most inappropriate, boundary crossing therapist ever and I absolutely loved him 🤣
The way this one was written kept me engaged and questioning what the heck was going on. Did not see some of the twists coming. Once the reveals happen I had to rethink earlier parts of the book.
It’s giving squirrelly vibes and I’m sorry I can’t explain it beyond that 😂 It was chaos and funny but messy. This book was creative and I was eager to pick up book one in the series.
September 9, 2021
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for the insanity that is Dr. Harper.
This is a prequel to the Dr. Harper Therapy files. Which hello, if you haven’t read those, please do. I actually even suggest reading all 3 before you read this prequel. Part of the opening of this book is: ”I mean, sure, I’ve always been a bit…high strung. But I never used to stalk my therapy patients. Or yell at them. Or hold them captive in my garage. No, all of that started after the incidents at Lonesome Woods Boarding School.” You really can’t understand all of that in its glory and the shenanigans one Dr. Elliot Harper gets himself mixed up in, without reading Dr. Harper’s Therapy Files first.
But it’s okay, continue with the prequel beforehand if you must. You’ll come to love Elliot anyway. (At least I hope you do)
Anyways, Lonesome Woods is a place where people blame the rain for the tragedies that are bestowed upon Lonesome Woods Boarding School. A boarding school tucked neatly away in a more isolated area, and where privacy is of the utmost importance. This is where Dr. Harper is called in, to be the go to on hand for all personal issues. After some “hard” work, he’s developed a good relationship with some students at the school; Allie, Wyatt, Oliver, Isabelle and Kat. (Elliot said if he’s picking favorites his is Oliver, and I have to say so is mine.) After being introduced to the group, right away the classic craziness that is known in Dr. Harper’s stories starts happening. Self injury, blood, and chanting. Oh my. Because of this incident, Elliot is being forced to move in with his little posse of students and serve as their chaperone. Sounds like a great way for shit to get weird, right? Right.
When all of his students are shutting him out, Elliot decides to try out the local museum. A museum that Gabriel runs and he houses all of the stories of tragedies past. Gabriel is an odd man, one Elliot feels creeped out by. But of course, Elliot can’t help himself and accepts a date with the mysterious Gabriel. This date is interrupted by the death of a student at Lonesome Boarding School. The first one for Elliot to witness while working there. Events continue to happen.
Then we find out who is involved, what’s causing all of the curse hoopla and just wow. Like always, these stories have the BEST endings. I mean the best. I’m still just like wow. Mind tripping.
No really…I’ve lost my mind. What in the ever loving….what just happened. And James - Elliot and Noah’s son - is being sent to this school!? Why would Elliot ever do that!? Unless he didn’t. Is any of it real.
Okay I’m gonna go sit in a corner now and pry my brain apart.
Soooo good.
This is a prequel to the Dr. Harper Therapy files. Which hello, if you haven’t read those, please do. I actually even suggest reading all 3 before you read this prequel. Part of the opening of this book is: ”I mean, sure, I’ve always been a bit…high strung. But I never used to stalk my therapy patients. Or yell at them. Or hold them captive in my garage. No, all of that started after the incidents at Lonesome Woods Boarding School.” You really can’t understand all of that in its glory and the shenanigans one Dr. Elliot Harper gets himself mixed up in, without reading Dr. Harper’s Therapy Files first.
But it’s okay, continue with the prequel beforehand if you must. You’ll come to love Elliot anyway. (At least I hope you do)
Anyways, Lonesome Woods is a place where people blame the rain for the tragedies that are bestowed upon Lonesome Woods Boarding School. A boarding school tucked neatly away in a more isolated area, and where privacy is of the utmost importance. This is where Dr. Harper is called in, to be the go to on hand for all personal issues. After some “hard” work, he’s developed a good relationship with some students at the school; Allie, Wyatt, Oliver, Isabelle and Kat. (Elliot said if he’s picking favorites his is Oliver, and I have to say so is mine.) After being introduced to the group, right away the classic craziness that is known in Dr. Harper’s stories starts happening. Self injury, blood, and chanting. Oh my. Because of this incident, Elliot is being forced to move in with his little posse of students and serve as their chaperone. Sounds like a great way for shit to get weird, right? Right.
When all of his students are shutting him out, Elliot decides to try out the local museum. A museum that Gabriel runs and he houses all of the stories of tragedies past. Gabriel is an odd man, one Elliot feels creeped out by. But of course, Elliot can’t help himself and accepts a date with the mysterious Gabriel. This date is interrupted by the death of a student at Lonesome Boarding School. The first one for Elliot to witness while working there. Events continue to happen.
Then we find out who is involved, what’s causing all of the curse hoopla and just wow. Like always, these stories have the BEST endings. I mean the best. I’m still just like wow. Mind tripping.
No really…I’ve lost my mind. What in the ever loving….what just happened. And James - Elliot and Noah’s son - is being sent to this school!? Why would Elliot ever do that!? Unless he didn’t. Is any of it real.
Okay I’m gonna go sit in a corner now and pry my brain apart.
Soooo good.
December 21, 2021
i can't stop consuming dr. harper's books and i'm fearing that i'll mix up some of his sherlockian weirdass methods with my own therapist's which is just bad and inappropriate. the whole deal is that this author knows how to play with plot twists and give you false hints where you don't expect them, only to later make you rethink your whole experience with the book, with all the books really as they're all connected in a complicated web that's just. so. good.
July 28, 2024
This was by far the best book in the Dr.Harper series. It’s darker… spicier… and I’m just going to say it… it’s written better. I didn’t roll my eyes once. 😂
Knowing that Dr. Harper is fictional, it wouldn’t surprise me to learn that this was written by someone else using the same pen name. I’m not trying to shit on the first three books here… if it’s the same author, then I commend them on their evolution. I’m so excited that we will be returning to Lonesome Woods Boarding School and the next chapter will feature characters from all four book.
Knowing that Dr. Harper is fictional, it wouldn’t surprise me to learn that this was written by someone else using the same pen name. I’m not trying to shit on the first three books here… if it’s the same author, then I commend them on their evolution. I’m so excited that we will be returning to Lonesome Woods Boarding School and the next chapter will feature characters from all four book.
August 18, 2022
Oh gosh, these books always give me the creeps but they're impossible to look away from D:
March 25, 2023
It definitely wasn’t one of my favourites in the series this far but what a great prequel!
January 22, 2025
"I've always seen curses as nothing more than dark energy that lingers after deep psychological wounding."
I ABSOFREAKINGLUTELY LOVED THIS ONE! It very quickly became my favourite Dr Harper book! It was so different to the Therapy Series I was completely hooked! I am so sad to know there won't be an next instalment to this series. These books will definitely hold a special place in my soul and my mind. I wish you had more time on earth to bring us more of your brilliant stories. RIP Dr. Harper. 🤍
"Do you believe that hell was made to appear familiar at first glance? What might look like a school... a prison, an island retreat, a psych office... might only be a facade to give its captives false hope? After all, when in hell, one finds oneself in communion with an odd swarm of demons..."
I ABSOFREAKINGLUTELY LOVED THIS ONE! It very quickly became my favourite Dr Harper book! It was so different to the Therapy Series I was completely hooked! I am so sad to know there won't be an next instalment to this series. These books will definitely hold a special place in my soul and my mind. I wish you had more time on earth to bring us more of your brilliant stories. RIP Dr. Harper. 🤍
"Do you believe that hell was made to appear familiar at first glance? What might look like a school... a prison, an island retreat, a psych office... might only be a facade to give its captives false hope? After all, when in hell, one finds oneself in communion with an odd swarm of demons..."
July 16, 2022
This was such a good book. It’s the first one of the series I’ve read and it was so interesting it had me on edge the entire time trying to figure out what was happening. The ending of the book really had me trying to figure out who actually committed the crimes because of how crazy the ending was.
April 28, 2025
I am seriously obsessed with Dr. Harper books. These short books are interesting, detail oriented, straight to the point, and flow effortlessly with at least one major twist that throws you for a loop. If you haven't read these books, you need to. These books NEVER disappoint.
February 1, 2022
I've enjoyed all of the Dr Harper books, the stories are just perfectly outlandish. Such a great quick read, absolutley didn't disappoint.
October 28, 2022
Great short story, lots of twists and turns. Great short crime thriller. Read carefully as you may miss a few bits!
December 31, 2024
Well
Very interesting read. It was also a quick read. Great detail. It was predictable. Weird ending though. This author has a unique writing style that is very interesting.
Very interesting read. It was also a quick read. Great detail. It was predictable. Weird ending though. This author has a unique writing style that is very interesting.
January 17, 2025
oh my GAWD what just happened!!! Dr. Harper yet again had me guessing the entire time & I was STILL wrong. Bravo, bravo. Also, OLIVER MUST BE PROTECTED AT ALL COSTS
September 22, 2021
Not as good as the others but a fun, quick, wild ride!
January 2, 2022
I have no idea what this book is. I don’t have any clue what to call it, or really even how to explain it. It completely baffles me… and fills me with joy to read it! Exhilarating, quirky, funny to its core. I found myself constantly in a bind of, “Do I like this?” Because it’s unlike anything I’ve read before- even quite different from the trilogy that came before it. The formatting, as always, threw me off. It’s an unusual way to put together a book, but that is part of its charm, rife with piercing chapter titles, online message board quotes, and a storyline that goes back and forth between the current chaos and erotic vampire dreams. Yes, you heard me right.
I love the wild, creative mess that Dr. Harper weaves together, and as always, the ending was simply stunning. I adore following Dr. Elliot Harper- now in his earlier days, the days before his makeshift family from the trilogy- as he explores a supposedly cursed school. This novel has a lot of twists and turns, an intriguing romance plot that isn’t what it seems , and a whole new cast of characters to fall in love with. I can’t say much without spoiling it, and this is one of those books that I would hate to spoil: It’s something you need to experience for yourself, it will blow you away.
But to note a few things I loved: There is a mental twist that is ten times more captivating than The Silent Patient. The characters are unique, witty, and provide memorable moments. The plot will make your jaw drop. Then, of course, there are little things to tie it to the previous trilogy- which only made a fan like me love it even more.
As a writer myself, I am a strong believer in: If you have a great world with a great cast of characters, keep using them. Bounce off them, build them up, do more with them. Which is why I am thrilled to see Dr. Harper’s journey continuing, and I can't wait for the next book. In my opinion, this is one of the most skillfully written series of books I’ve come across this year, and extremely undervalued- more people need to check them out.
I love the wild, creative mess that Dr. Harper weaves together, and as always, the ending was simply stunning. I adore following Dr. Elliot Harper- now in his earlier days, the days before his makeshift family from the trilogy- as he explores a supposedly cursed school. This novel has a lot of twists and turns, an intriguing romance plot that isn’t what it seems , and a whole new cast of characters to fall in love with. I can’t say much without spoiling it, and this is one of those books that I would hate to spoil: It’s something you need to experience for yourself, it will blow you away.
But to note a few things I loved: There is a mental twist that is ten times more captivating than The Silent Patient. The characters are unique, witty, and provide memorable moments. The plot will make your jaw drop. Then, of course, there are little things to tie it to the previous trilogy- which only made a fan like me love it even more.
As a writer myself, I am a strong believer in: If you have a great world with a great cast of characters, keep using them. Bounce off them, build them up, do more with them. Which is why I am thrilled to see Dr. Harper’s journey continuing, and I can't wait for the next book. In my opinion, this is one of the most skillfully written series of books I’ve come across this year, and extremely undervalued- more people need to check them out.
September 28, 2021
As with all of this series, I finished this book in less than a day.
This is the fourth book, but a prequal to the first 3 and honestly, it's no wonder Elliot is the World's most messed up therapist!
His journey through Lonesome Woods boarding school throws more trauma and mystery into his life. Determined to help the students through 'a curse' that shadows over the school, he finds himself thrown into the depths of said curse.
Using his therapist/detective skills he thinks he's cracked it, or has it cracked him? Elliot struggles to work out which reality is true and which is his own repressed trauma resurfacing.
This book kept me hooked and when I thought it was all wrapped up too soon, I was happy to come across a twist in the story.. And then another one.
I recommend this series to any psychological thriller fans, they're fast easy reads that keep you hooked all the way through.
Ps, pay attention to the guest log book. Especially the last entry. I NEED ANSWERS.
This is the fourth book, but a prequal to the first 3 and honestly, it's no wonder Elliot is the World's most messed up therapist!
His journey through Lonesome Woods boarding school throws more trauma and mystery into his life. Determined to help the students through 'a curse' that shadows over the school, he finds himself thrown into the depths of said curse.
Using his therapist/detective skills he thinks he's cracked it, or has it cracked him? Elliot struggles to work out which reality is true and which is his own repressed trauma resurfacing.
This book kept me hooked and when I thought it was all wrapped up too soon, I was happy to come across a twist in the story.. And then another one.
I recommend this series to any psychological thriller fans, they're fast easy reads that keep you hooked all the way through.
Ps, pay attention to the guest log book. Especially the last entry. I NEED ANSWERS.
July 29, 2022
4.5 🌟 what can I say!!??!? Dr Elliott Harper delivers again. I'll expound on my review tomorrow.
Ok, to complete my review.
This book and series is a gem, a very dark gem! A total psychological mindfuck. Mindblowing twists and turns, and not graphically gruesome.
Every little plot twist has you wanting to learn more, and it's never what you thought. For those interested in spine tingling thrillers this series is for you! Once you get into the series and understand how the plot line works, you'll really enjoy it. Dr. Harper has one messed up and warped mind and psyche. Which makes for a fantastic and interesting read. Nothing is ever as it seems at first. I recommend this series. This book can be read first or as written, as a prequel.
This review is my own opinion and will be cross-posted.
Ok, to complete my review.
This book and series is a gem, a very dark gem! A total psychological mindfuck. Mindblowing twists and turns, and not graphically gruesome.
Every little plot twist has you wanting to learn more, and it's never what you thought. For those interested in spine tingling thrillers this series is for you! Once you get into the series and understand how the plot line works, you'll really enjoy it. Dr. Harper has one messed up and warped mind and psyche. Which makes for a fantastic and interesting read. Nothing is ever as it seems at first. I recommend this series. This book can be read first or as written, as a prequel.
This review is my own opinion and will be cross-posted.
May 21, 2022
I just finished the trilogy and was interested in reading what came next. I have to say it was better than the last conglomeration…this actually followed a storyline and had a plot. This was a prequel to the trilogy…a look at the start of Dr Harper’s career and the craziness that ensues. Dr Harper is hired to work as a counselor at a boarding school with a sordid past. It is known to be cursed. When the children begin performing strange rituals and one ends up dead, Mr Harper takes it upon himself to investigate. Crazy story, even crazier characters….I look forward to the next book in the series.
August 7, 2022
I am not sure what I picked up... this series was recommended to me by a fellow reader. I was immediately sucked into the first book and ran through all three books in the series in one day. The next day I picked up this prequel and am just bummed that there are no futher books in the series. This series contains trigger warnings but it is written as a black comedy (in my opinion) so even though some of the content was difficult it was written in a manner that left me a amused.
I read the audiobook but I did have a print copy and really appreciated the notes etc in the print version. I recommend BOTH!
I read the audiobook but I did have a print copy and really appreciated the notes etc in the print version. I recommend BOTH!
December 29, 2021
I absolutely LOVED the three therapist books, so was sooooo excited when I found out this one was available!!
This did not disappoint! Absolutely loved seeing where Dr Harper started, it has a very spooky vibe to the whole story. Just like with the other books, it kept me on the edge of my seat, rooting for Dr Harper!
That last part of the book, oh wow! The next book when it is released is going to be INCREDIBLE. I'm so EXCITED. What a way to finish the story, I need more!!
Read this ASAP!! And if you haven't read Dr Harpers three therapist books, read those too!!
This did not disappoint! Absolutely loved seeing where Dr Harper started, it has a very spooky vibe to the whole story. Just like with the other books, it kept me on the edge of my seat, rooting for Dr Harper!
That last part of the book, oh wow! The next book when it is released is going to be INCREDIBLE. I'm so EXCITED. What a way to finish the story, I need more!!
Read this ASAP!! And if you haven't read Dr Harpers three therapist books, read those too!!
July 23, 2024
It was kinda mid, but I liked how it uses the element of fear and deception to make the book for what it was. It almost felt real and as I'm writing this, I wonder how many people were tricked and then blackmailed into doing stuff they didn't want as a result of not being exposed. All in all, it was much better than the third book, and it was great how this prequel literally tied itself back to book one. Was it accurate? No. Did I feel like it came full circle? Yea.
July 20, 2024
I'm not sure if this came out before the patient files but I loved how it foreshadowed the series! It was great to see how Dr Harper started and I hope there are more stories from the school and with the students because I loved their little group! I didn't find the reveal as exciting as I have others, but it was still a great read.
December 24, 2021
Addictive
I really love the dr Harper series. They are always quick reads and I'm always genuinely engaged throughout! I started this series a few years ago when I was reading out of my comfort zone and I'm so glad I did! Because I love this series now!
I really love the dr Harper series. They are always quick reads and I'm always genuinely engaged throughout! I started this series a few years ago when I was reading out of my comfort zone and I'm so glad I did! Because I love this series now!
February 4, 2024
I should have read this book first before reading the other Dr. Harper series I read, but feel like this is also a good stand alone piece! The ending had a twist I wasn’t expecting and I fell in love with the kids in this story and their development throughout the book.
October 17, 2025
this was my favorite out of all the dr. Harper books. there's an actual mystery, lead up, conclusion, and character development in this one. I'd argue this is maybe the only one actually worth reading.
November 2, 2021
I absolutely loved this book, as always. Dr. Harper has done it again!
January 22, 2022
felt like the last twist at the end was a little cheap but fun enough.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 291 reviews