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The Ghosts of Northgate #2
The Ghosts of Northgate
Northgate Psychiatric Hospital for the Criminally Insane is home to England’s most depraved and twisted minds. Cannibals, serial killers, necrophiles, the worst mankind has to offer all locked up for life behind its walls, no chance of a reprieve. Better for all.But when one of the inmates, Harold Saggerbob, is found brutally mutilated in his cell and nothing on the CCTV footage to indicate the aggressor, Detective Inspector, Jim Morfield, is less than thrilled when he is called in to investigate. Northgate Hospital is the one place on Earth he does not like to visit. He has his own secrets connected to the prison, that haunt him in his dreams.Then, another inmate is found in similar circumstances. And yet, as he delves into the hospital’s history, he discovers the inmates may not be the only ones with secrets to hide. Or just the living.
- GenresHorror
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 30, 2022
21 people are currently reading
202 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
June 1, 2023
*I've changed my rating from a 4* to 5* read here more than a year later. I've been thinking about this book so many times since I've read it, and I have come to appreciate and love the characters and the introductory structure of it. This is a book I often mentioning to others in when relevant in discussions, and I think that argues for it to get a star-raise 😁.
Whenever a book make you love it even more in the time after you've read it than while reading it, it's made of some special stuff.
Great novella written in a introductory kind of style, giving the reader the allround teasers of the Boote universe of Northgate and it's surroundings.
I read Carnivore - the First of a Northgate trilogy before this introduction to the charaters and place, but it hasn't been to any inconveniences or confusions.
Well written, detailed buy not too much, and full of great different characters with each their wicked human flaws, as we all have...some more than others ...
Whenever a book make you love it even more in the time after you've read it than while reading it, it's made of some special stuff.
Great novella written in a introductory kind of style, giving the reader the allround teasers of the Boote universe of Northgate and it's surroundings.
I read Carnivore - the First of a Northgate trilogy before this introduction to the charaters and place, but it hasn't been to any inconveniences or confusions.
Well written, detailed buy not too much, and full of great different characters with each their wicked human flaws, as we all have...some more than others ...
May 12, 2022
A ghost story in an asylum, with a mystery that needs to be solved and doctors performing illegal experiments/treatments?? Yes please!!
There was not a single thing I didn't like about this book. The author is really good at writing with just the right amount of gore. And I really enjoyed the revenge that was had.
There was not a single thing I didn't like about this book. The author is really good at writing with just the right amount of gore. And I really enjoyed the revenge that was had.
February 14, 2024
The second story in the series of the Ghosts of Northgate we follow detective Jim Morfield investigating a series of unexplainable murders on the Northgate institution for criminals who are too mentally ill to serve their time in prison.
The story weaves the scary evil humans can contain with a twist of the supernatural.
The outcome is a creepy fast paced story cutting to the bone from the start with no unnecessary detours keeping the interests hight from start to the end.
Compared to Carnivore (the first story of the Ghosts of Northgate) it's less funny, but instead the creepyness is filling the space!
I could have wished for a less open ending, if I didn't knew there will be a third story. But now I'm just looking forward to the next chapter of a somewhat haunted place where evil seems to bread evil, insanity breads insanity.
Thanks to Justin Boote for receiving an ARC for an honest review.
The story weaves the scary evil humans can contain with a twist of the supernatural.
The outcome is a creepy fast paced story cutting to the bone from the start with no unnecessary detours keeping the interests hight from start to the end.
Compared to Carnivore (the first story of the Ghosts of Northgate) it's less funny, but instead the creepyness is filling the space!
I could have wished for a less open ending, if I didn't knew there will be a third story. But now I'm just looking forward to the next chapter of a somewhat haunted place where evil seems to bread evil, insanity breads insanity.
Thanks to Justin Boote for receiving an ARC for an honest review.
April 7, 2022
4.5 stars!!! This book is slower paced than the first in the series but well worth it! Story line, character development and CREEP factor on point!! Set in an insane asylum with multiple threats… you think you have it figured out but you do not! It will definitely have you questioning everything- the “blurred line” of good vs evil as a friend put it. This is my favorite Boote book to date!!
July 4, 2022
I read the first in this series and immediately needed more, so of course when Justin offered me an ARC for an honest review I just about flew to Spain to get it!
He has such a brilliant way of telling you a terrifyingly awful story that makes you come back for more. Have you ever smelled the inside of an insane asylum before? I feel like I have.
Do you know what it’s like to lose someone to insanity? Or what it’s like to lose yourself to the same fate? How fond of your eyeballs are you? Read Ghosts of Northgate and these questions will be answered and more !
I suggest starting with Carnivore and you better catch up quick - book three will be released soon !!
He has such a brilliant way of telling you a terrifyingly awful story that makes you come back for more. Have you ever smelled the inside of an insane asylum before? I feel like I have.
Do you know what it’s like to lose someone to insanity? Or what it’s like to lose yourself to the same fate? How fond of your eyeballs are you? Read Ghosts of Northgate and these questions will be answered and more !
I suggest starting with Carnivore and you better catch up quick - book three will be released soon !!
April 2, 2022
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book has it all. Spooky asylum atmosphere, questionable characters, experimentation and a whodunnit mystery. You just can’t go wrong by reading this!
The pacing is excellent, the action never lets up and it will keep you guessing until the very end. You don’t know if the antagonist is human or paranormal or something else. Add to a great storyline some character development in the main protagonist and you have got a mighty fine book!
This book has it all. Spooky asylum atmosphere, questionable characters, experimentation and a whodunnit mystery. You just can’t go wrong by reading this!
The pacing is excellent, the action never lets up and it will keep you guessing until the very end. You don’t know if the antagonist is human or paranormal or something else. Add to a great storyline some character development in the main protagonist and you have got a mighty fine book!
June 10, 2022
My second Justin Boote book finished! What a crazy ride! If you want a trip into a deranged asylum, with all the gory behind the scenes action, this is the perfect fit! I’m feeling like a patient after finishing this story, a bit insane! Well done!
May 2, 2022
Well.... I can't read Justin Boote's books any more before bed. 🥺 Why you ask? Because I woke up screaming around 4am because Kate was chasing me with a scalpel, and Hubs and Pup were NOT impressed. 😬 🙄 🤣
IF you have not read The Ghosts of Northgate yet, go grab your copy now. So I'm not the only one waking up the household in the middle of the night. 😉
5 😱😱😱😱😱 screams from me.
"She knew you'd come. We all did."
I do NOT like psychiatric hospitals for the criminally insane. I was right there in Detective Jim Morfield's shoes whenever he had to enter to investigate the serial killings going on inside the hospital (which is a very loose word to use, because the treatments going on in there are not conducive to "health").
Don't go in the basement. You won't like what you see.
"She knew you'd come. We all did."
The ending was not what I saw coming.
IF you have not read The Ghosts of Northgate yet, go grab your copy now. So I'm not the only one waking up the household in the middle of the night. 😉
5 😱😱😱😱😱 screams from me.
"She knew you'd come. We all did."
I do NOT like psychiatric hospitals for the criminally insane. I was right there in Detective Jim Morfield's shoes whenever he had to enter to investigate the serial killings going on inside the hospital (which is a very loose word to use, because the treatments going on in there are not conducive to "health").
Don't go in the basement. You won't like what you see.
"She knew you'd come. We all did."
The ending was not what I saw coming.
April 21, 2022
The Ghosts of Northgate is a marvellously creepy book.
The first half is very reminiscent of Shutter Island as Detective Jim Morfield is brought in to investigate the brutal murder of Harold Saggerbob. There are no witnesses, evidence or anything to go on. A complete and utter mystery,
As the pages turn, the plot thickens with vivid descriptions conjuring up an unsettling picture in your mind’s eye. It will have you reaching for every light switch in the house. There is torture, intrigue and nothing but great bloody horror all set in the confines of a psychiatric hospital for the criminally insane. Great stuff!
The first half is very reminiscent of Shutter Island as Detective Jim Morfield is brought in to investigate the brutal murder of Harold Saggerbob. There are no witnesses, evidence or anything to go on. A complete and utter mystery,
As the pages turn, the plot thickens with vivid descriptions conjuring up an unsettling picture in your mind’s eye. It will have you reaching for every light switch in the house. There is torture, intrigue and nothing but great bloody horror all set in the confines of a psychiatric hospital for the criminally insane. Great stuff!
June 14, 2022
I wasn’t expecting the second book in the series to be that much longer but it was well worth it! Suspense was built as a detective investigates mysteries within a mental institution, until an absolutely mad ending! Another fun horror/suspense read.
April 27, 2025
A good, solid asylum story with plenty of deranged characters including wicked doctors, determined detectives, murder-crazed inmates and evil, ghostly spirits.
Lots of bloody mutilation and killing to enjoy, though the ending, although appropriate for the tale, was not quite my own personal cup of tea.
This is the second book of a trilogy, but can definitely be read as a standalone horror adventure in itself.
Rating: 3.7 stars of madness that quite literally goes beyond the point of insanity.
Lots of bloody mutilation and killing to enjoy, though the ending, although appropriate for the tale, was not quite my own personal cup of tea.
This is the second book of a trilogy, but can definitely be read as a standalone horror adventure in itself.
Rating: 3.7 stars of madness that quite literally goes beyond the point of insanity.
Read
July 27, 2022*I'm not going to give you the 'what this book is about' blurb - you can read that elsewhere.
1. I do enjoy a good asylum setting, and this delivered. The descriptions made me feel like I was actually there - experiencing the dank oppressiveness of Northgate for myself which was both good and bad. Good because I love an immersive reading experience. Bad because, well, it's horror, so use your imagination.
2. At the beginning of the book I was feeling a bit like I wasn't a fan of Jim. I'm not sure why. As the book progressed though, I gained an understanding of him and came to like him which was really important for the plot. In book 1 I was so curious what had happened to his parents and wanted a better backstory of his Mom. You do get that in this book...but not necessarily in the way you would think. It's not wrapped up nicely and presented to you in one package, it's scattered and messy which works with the subject matter of the novel so well.
3. *Could be a spoiler* I love Nurse Fairweather! The inmates/patients need someone that's 'for them' and she is that. Could have easily been swayed by her complete dick of a husband, but remained strong and steadfast. I admire that.
4. The end was action packed! I couldn't put it down!
1. I do enjoy a good asylum setting, and this delivered. The descriptions made me feel like I was actually there - experiencing the dank oppressiveness of Northgate for myself which was both good and bad. Good because I love an immersive reading experience. Bad because, well, it's horror, so use your imagination.
2. At the beginning of the book I was feeling a bit like I wasn't a fan of Jim. I'm not sure why. As the book progressed though, I gained an understanding of him and came to like him which was really important for the plot. In book 1 I was so curious what had happened to his parents and wanted a better backstory of his Mom. You do get that in this book...but not necessarily in the way you would think. It's not wrapped up nicely and presented to you in one package, it's scattered and messy which works with the subject matter of the novel so well.
3. *Could be a spoiler* I love Nurse Fairweather! The inmates/patients need someone that's 'for them' and she is that. Could have easily been swayed by her complete dick of a husband, but remained strong and steadfast. I admire that.
4. The end was action packed! I couldn't put it down!
April 11, 2022
This book was awesome! If you like creepy books set in an insane asylum, this one’s for you! The story is action packed from start to finish and full of sinister, depraved characters.
My favorite parts about this book were the character development and the blurred lines between good and evil. Boote did a great job creating a haunting atmosphere along with some brutal imagery.
Thanks to Justin Boote for the ARC. I am super excited to read more of his books!
My favorite parts about this book were the character development and the blurred lines between good and evil. Boote did a great job creating a haunting atmosphere along with some brutal imagery.
Thanks to Justin Boote for the ARC. I am super excited to read more of his books!
April 18, 2022
Another 5 Star read
Murder investigation, ghosts and a psychiatric hospital, what more do you need? Another great book from Justin Boote. His writing style is fantastic, gory and disturbing without reading like a B rated horror movie.
Murder investigation, ghosts and a psychiatric hospital, what more do you need? Another great book from Justin Boote. His writing style is fantastic, gory and disturbing without reading like a B rated horror movie.
January 25, 2022
This is a very interesting story in that it begins in a village in England with one antagonist. The conclusion of this thread leads directly into another and then another. There are few main constants, one is Northgate Hospital for the criminally insane. I found this tale to be disturbing horror throughout! Also, it was so intense I felt compelled to discover the NEXT horrific crime in this village I hope to never visit!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this ebook from the author and this is my honest and unsolicited opinion.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this ebook from the author and this is my honest and unsolicited opinion.
January 3, 2022
Several very creepy stories that intertwine around a village and a mental hospital. Some of the stories involved the supernatural but others seemed brought about by terrible situations. Very well-written horror.
April 11, 2022
This book was awesome! If you like creepy books set in an insane asylum, this one’s for you! The story is action packed from start to finish and full of sinister, depraved characters.
My favorite parts about this book were the character development and the blurred lines between good and evil. Boote did a great job creating a haunting atmosphere along with some brutal imagery.
Thanks to Justin Boote for the ARC. I am super excited to read more of his books!
My favorite parts about this book were the character development and the blurred lines between good and evil. Boote did a great job creating a haunting atmosphere along with some brutal imagery.
Thanks to Justin Boote for the ARC. I am super excited to read more of his books!
November 6, 2025
Awesome book 🙌
April 1, 2022
The main character, Detective Inspector Jim Morfield was brought into a mental health institution for the criminally insane to help figure out who or what was killing it's patients. Along the way, he deals with his past and present traumas of having a very mentally ill and violent mother that just didn't want to let go of her son. He was also presented with a short list of suspects including unscrupulous doctors and caretakers and possibly even supernatural evil.
The creep factor was high with this one, along with the body count. It also really got me thinking about the inhumane treatment at mental health facilities that happened not that long ago. In some institutions, and in this book, the criminally insane were treated as guinea pigs by doctors looking to cure the insanity instead of just masque it with meds. This led to them using treatments like electric shock therapy, drilling holes in their heads to cut out brain matter that may or may not control the madness and(of course) lobotomies.
This was not quite as bloody as the first book in this series, but still full of plenty of gore and excrement. In my opinion, after the speed and action of the first book (Carnivore) this one has a slightly slower pace. But, the beginning and end absolutely grabbed me and made this a worthy horror read.
Just on a side note, I could easily see this being turned into an amazing horror series on some popular streaming platform. It almost seemed like it was written as a potential TV series.
Altogether, I gave this book 4.5 rounded up to 5⭐️. It is most definitely worth a read, especially if you are a fan of mysteries laced with some humor, a good amount of body horror, hauntingly creepy mental institutions and the idea of evil in both "sane" and insane individuals. Also, if you've ever been curious about more in depth discussions on outdated and cruel mental health medical practices, this book has that as well.
I am officially a fan of Justin Boote's work and I will definitely read the final installment of this series when it is released.
Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The creep factor was high with this one, along with the body count. It also really got me thinking about the inhumane treatment at mental health facilities that happened not that long ago. In some institutions, and in this book, the criminally insane were treated as guinea pigs by doctors looking to cure the insanity instead of just masque it with meds. This led to them using treatments like electric shock therapy, drilling holes in their heads to cut out brain matter that may or may not control the madness and(of course) lobotomies.
This was not quite as bloody as the first book in this series, but still full of plenty of gore and excrement. In my opinion, after the speed and action of the first book (Carnivore) this one has a slightly slower pace. But, the beginning and end absolutely grabbed me and made this a worthy horror read.
Just on a side note, I could easily see this being turned into an amazing horror series on some popular streaming platform. It almost seemed like it was written as a potential TV series.
Altogether, I gave this book 4.5 rounded up to 5⭐️. It is most definitely worth a read, especially if you are a fan of mysteries laced with some humor, a good amount of body horror, hauntingly creepy mental institutions and the idea of evil in both "sane" and insane individuals. Also, if you've ever been curious about more in depth discussions on outdated and cruel mental health medical practices, this book has that as well.
I am officially a fan of Justin Boote's work and I will definitely read the final installment of this series when it is released.
Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review.
April 4, 2022
I love the Northgate Hospital for the Criminally Insane, which has pretty much been hinted at in every other book by Justin Boote, and Im glad to be in amongst its creepy and dubious residents finally.
After just half of the first chapter, I knew I was going to love this - and I was right!
The atmosphere inside the asylum was described so well, I could feel it!! Chilling, creepy and ominous!
In this supernatural horror tale, the inmates of Northgate are being killed off in the same brutal manner, but by who or what? And why?
Amongst strange goings on, archaic torturous therapies, lobotomies, and deceit, Detective Inspector Jim Morfield is called in to solve the mystery.
But, its not as simple as that. Jim is haunted by a horrifying past connected to the asylum, which interferes with his investigations in a most brutal manner, and an old 'acquaintance' intent on revenge!
Justin works horror and the supernatural together really well. This series so far, reminds me of the Charlie Parker books by John Connolly (one of my fave supernatural horror series ever!) and thats what I want this to become, just like Connollys 20 book series, but with Det. Jim Morfield! 🕵♂️
This was a great read from start to absolutely savage finish! It flowed well, kept me wanting more, made me chuckle a few times, and the horror element was great too! (I also liked all the cat cameos, Im pretty sure Jim has a FatCat too 😹)
Thoroughly enjoyable, I cant wait for books 3 to 20!! 😉
5/5 Northgate Flies (that can fart!) 🪰🪰🪰🪰🪰
After just half of the first chapter, I knew I was going to love this - and I was right!
The atmosphere inside the asylum was described so well, I could feel it!! Chilling, creepy and ominous!
In this supernatural horror tale, the inmates of Northgate are being killed off in the same brutal manner, but by who or what? And why?
Amongst strange goings on, archaic torturous therapies, lobotomies, and deceit, Detective Inspector Jim Morfield is called in to solve the mystery.
But, its not as simple as that. Jim is haunted by a horrifying past connected to the asylum, which interferes with his investigations in a most brutal manner, and an old 'acquaintance' intent on revenge!
Justin works horror and the supernatural together really well. This series so far, reminds me of the Charlie Parker books by John Connolly (one of my fave supernatural horror series ever!) and thats what I want this to become, just like Connollys 20 book series, but with Det. Jim Morfield! 🕵♂️
This was a great read from start to absolutely savage finish! It flowed well, kept me wanting more, made me chuckle a few times, and the horror element was great too! (I also liked all the cat cameos, Im pretty sure Jim has a FatCat too 😹)
Thoroughly enjoyable, I cant wait for books 3 to 20!! 😉
5/5 Northgate Flies (that can fart!) 🪰🪰🪰🪰🪰
May 13, 2022
I am not sure what to think of this book. A good tale, but very obvious what is happening and why, and not scary.
I did like it anyway, but think I am done with the series. Not horror
I did like it anyway, but think I am done with the series. Not horror
March 24, 2022
Omg! This was amazing I live for books like this. I loved it If you're squeamish at all I would say pass on this one, but it was awesome. I was telling my boyfriend about it yesterday cause he's a reader too, he told me that it sounded good but I got some weird taste in books lol. Anyway I loved it my only complaint is that alot of the pages cut off the first word of ever sentence, I made the font bigger and smaller and it was still cut alwell still a great book. I received this as an ARC and voluntarily choose to reveiw.
May 3, 2025
Everything about this second book was unexpected. Just when you think you have it figured out, another twist comes along that ruins everything you thought you knew.
There's plenty of gore and things that will make you question your own sanity in this book, but like the first book, this second book will keep you hooked from the first page.
I give this book 4 of 5 Paws as I jump into the last book in this trilogy.
There's plenty of gore and things that will make you question your own sanity in this book, but like the first book, this second book will keep you hooked from the first page.
I give this book 4 of 5 Paws as I jump into the last book in this trilogy.
July 10, 2022
As much as I wanted to love this book, it was too slow for me and I found myself skipping chapters. I loved Carnivore and I’ll definitely read more of Justin’s work, especially Man’s Best Friend. This one just wasn’t for me even though It was very well written and descriptive.
August 25, 2024
Interesting story
The scenes and characters came to life. Sometimes to much so, I'd have to stop reading and take ab4eao. It's been a long time since that's happened to me. Both books were great.
The scenes and characters came to life. Sometimes to much so, I'd have to stop reading and take ab4eao. It's been a long time since that's happened to me. Both books were great.
December 21, 2022
Holy cow! I have read several of Justin’s books and I can’t get enough!
This one was wild!
We are talking murders, mental hospitals and ghosts!! What more could you ask for!
This one was wild!
We are talking murders, mental hospitals and ghosts!! What more could you ask for!
June 10, 2023
Several horror stories revolving around an insane asylum
August 23, 2024
Really good first two books. Both different and nothing to do with each other.
March 29, 2022
*Disclaimer: I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
Loved that opening chapter! I liked how stories from other books were woven in here. Good read! 4🌟
Loved that opening chapter! I liked how stories from other books were woven in here. Good read! 4🌟
April 17, 2022
Loved this! I might be alittle off lol but I love stories about Asylums, this was truly wonderful alittle nasty and twisted but I love it that way. lol can't wait for more. I'm currently in the process of Trixie to read other books by this Author as I love the style of writing and I mean omg! Look at the cover that's just so awesome and errie. I received this as an ARC and voluntarily choose to reveiw.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews