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Asylum Lake
The State s second largest Psychopathic Hospital opened in 1917 on 600 wooded acres overlooking a small lake near Bedlam Falls, Michigan. Through its doors came the weak and the weary, the disabled and the discarded, the frail and the forgotten. But an open door is an invitation, and some visitors, once invited, are loath to leave. The hospital abruptly closed in 1958 under a cloud of mystery. It has remained empty and silent, save for the memories trapped both within its walls and far below the surface of the nearby lake that bears its name. At the bottom of Asylum Lake, the unremembered are growing restless.
Brady Tanner is trying to outrun memories of his own. After the sudden death of his wife, Brady retreats to the small town where he spent the summers of his youth. But he soon learns small towns can be stained by memories...and secrets, too. As Brady is drawn into unearthing these secrets, as he discovers a new love in an old friend, he is also drawn into the mystery of Asylum Lake and the evil that lies submerged beneath its sparkling surface. What is the source of this evil and what does it want with Brady Tanner?
Brady Tanner is trying to outrun memories of his own. After the sudden death of his wife, Brady retreats to the small town where he spent the summers of his youth. But he soon learns small towns can be stained by memories...and secrets, too. As Brady is drawn into unearthing these secrets, as he discovers a new love in an old friend, he is also drawn into the mystery of Asylum Lake and the evil that lies submerged beneath its sparkling surface. What is the source of this evil and what does it want with Brady Tanner?
208 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2010
154 people are currently reading
1972 people want to read
About the author
R.A. Evans
2 books4 followersIf you like your humor dark, bloodletting messy, and the creepiness factor cranked to 11 - you've come to the right place.
By day I work in digital marketing. By night I write. Both require me to ask one very important question.
What if?
By day I work in digital marketing. By night I write. Both require me to ask one very important question.
What if?
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 193 reviews
October 16, 2011
I would give this 1 and 1/2 stars if I could. I didn't like it, but it is too bad, because the idea could have been a good one. It could have been creepy and scary, but was trying to do too many things....be scary, romantic, funny, serious...it didn't work all in the same book. I was excited that it took place in Michigan, so I was familiar with many locations, but the ridiculous overuse of cliches in this book ruined even that. It was poorly written and poorly executed and the Kindle edition was full of mistakes and the font changed size and emphasis constantly for no reason.....very annoying. This horror was SCREAMING for an editor!
June 9, 2012
I have to start my review by doing something that I never do...address issues raised in a few of the negative reviews. The biggest being a remark made about Mr. Evans depiction of a particular religious faith. It was one paragraph in a book and it was from a character POV. The criticism is without merit and I urge any who consider passing on this title based on such a volatile statement to ignore that review and purchase the book.
So, Asylum Lake revolves around Brady Tanner and is one of those stories that has so many elements that it spans a broad number of genres. It is a ghost story, but there is also a mystery, and a tale of dealing with grief and loss of a loved one. Mr. Evans does an outstanding job of keeping all the balls in the air as he juggles the many aspects of this story. There is even a budding romance and a tale of friendships left untended. I would most liken Evans' story telling style to Robert McCammon.
I enjoyed the fact that this tale sets up what is apparently going to be a series set around Bedlam Falls and Asylum Lake. There is obviously more to the story and the conclusion is satisfying yet leaves that door open.
I would be remiss if I did not address issues. The early portion of the book seemed to have need of some editing. The majority was clean (or I became so engrossed in the story that I failed to notice), but the first quarter could use a little tidying up. As I am familiar with his editor in passing, I know that the individual will certainly address the issues and likely revisit the work. I will say that it was nothing worth setting the book aside, the mistakes were minor ones and not worth missing such an entertaining read. I will certainly read more by Mr. Evans.
So, Asylum Lake revolves around Brady Tanner and is one of those stories that has so many elements that it spans a broad number of genres. It is a ghost story, but there is also a mystery, and a tale of dealing with grief and loss of a loved one. Mr. Evans does an outstanding job of keeping all the balls in the air as he juggles the many aspects of this story. There is even a budding romance and a tale of friendships left untended. I would most liken Evans' story telling style to Robert McCammon.
I enjoyed the fact that this tale sets up what is apparently going to be a series set around Bedlam Falls and Asylum Lake. There is obviously more to the story and the conclusion is satisfying yet leaves that door open.
I would be remiss if I did not address issues. The early portion of the book seemed to have need of some editing. The majority was clean (or I became so engrossed in the story that I failed to notice), but the first quarter could use a little tidying up. As I am familiar with his editor in passing, I know that the individual will certainly address the issues and likely revisit the work. I will say that it was nothing worth setting the book aside, the mistakes were minor ones and not worth missing such an entertaining read. I will certainly read more by Mr. Evans.
October 26, 2011
Asylum Lake roped me in right from the beginning, from the moment we meet Brady Tanner – a wonderfully tragic character that I couldn’t get enough of. Evans did a fantastic job portraying Brady as a broken, yet resilient character (refreshing, since all too often this translates into a giant, pathetic mess of an MC). The story switches constantly between past and present, but it was done very well and I was never confused by the lack of chronology. Actually, Evans incorporated the past events so flawlessly that I had a difficult time putting this novel down because, right when I thought I might unravel some of the mystery, he’d reflect on the past and further build my suspense. I even fell asleep and woke up to my laptop fan burning the hell out of my thigh because I had to find out what happens to Brady before passing out – didn’t happen, obviously, but the effort was there .
Overall, this story has an awesome main character and it’s pretty terrifying as well. I’m a sucker for horror and psychiatric hospitals top the list of ‘things that freak me out’, so Evans really got under my skin with Asylum Lake. I’m also excited that he left a few loose ends for the potential makings of a sequel because I loved this book. I would compare this author to Dean Koontz (who I happen to be completely obsessed with) and that’s saying something, considering this is Evans’ debut novel …what?! I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes mystery/horror. If it helps persuade you, I’m probably going to read it again very soon.
Reviewed by Brittany for Book Sake.
Overall, this story has an awesome main character and it’s pretty terrifying as well. I’m a sucker for horror and psychiatric hospitals top the list of ‘things that freak me out’, so Evans really got under my skin with Asylum Lake. I’m also excited that he left a few loose ends for the potential makings of a sequel because I loved this book. I would compare this author to Dean Koontz (who I happen to be completely obsessed with) and that’s saying something, considering this is Evans’ debut novel …what?! I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes mystery/horror. If it helps persuade you, I’m probably going to read it again very soon.
Reviewed by Brittany for Book Sake.
September 28, 2014
Back in 1917 a psychiatric hospital was opened overlooking a small lake in the town of Bedlam Falls.Many patients passed through the doors and many of them never left. The doors of the asylum were closed abruptly in 1958. Many mysterious deaths took place at the asylum and that lead to it closing' The asylum remained empty for all these years. Many years later, Brady Tanner travels back to his family's summer house to escape the personal tragedy that crushed his life. Brady returns to a house that holds a few dark memories for him. Brady discoveries a new love interest and things are looking up for him. Brady is drawn into the mystery of Asylum Lake and the things that haunt him. Brady is a journalist with some good detective skills. Brady needs to talk to some of the old timers who were around when the asylum closed down. Brady has come to the conclusion that he must search the grounds of asylum, if he wants to discover the truth. Brady search party is made up of an ex-cop, a reverend and an addict. Can Brady discover the source of evil that surrounds Asylum Lake? This was an enjoyable read by a new author for me. Evans is a good writer and an excellent storyteller. There is a sequel to this book coming out in the near future. I would highly recommend this book.
November 18, 2011
I saw glimmers of greatness in this book, though they were overshadowed by some not so great stuff.
What I liked: The characters are each unique and the dialogue is handled well. The plot is engaging and kept me involved. I enjoyed the writing style. Evans is able to show a scene vividly without an overabundance of words. The story moves at a good pace, never dragging or getting weighed down with too many facts.
What I didn't like: The story jumps from the 1970s, to present day, back to the '70s and even further back to those characters' memories. It's difficult to get a foothold in the story, and the eras and characters don't connect until midway through. I often felt like I was reading various short stories, rather than a novel. There is no real main character to connect with. The ending felt totally anticlimactic, particularly after the huge build-up leading us there.
The final thing that bothered me is something I rarely comment on - editing. This book is riddled with problems that are impossible to ignore. A good edit would make a world of difference.
What I liked: The characters are each unique and the dialogue is handled well. The plot is engaging and kept me involved. I enjoyed the writing style. Evans is able to show a scene vividly without an overabundance of words. The story moves at a good pace, never dragging or getting weighed down with too many facts.
What I didn't like: The story jumps from the 1970s, to present day, back to the '70s and even further back to those characters' memories. It's difficult to get a foothold in the story, and the eras and characters don't connect until midway through. I often felt like I was reading various short stories, rather than a novel. There is no real main character to connect with. The ending felt totally anticlimactic, particularly after the huge build-up leading us there.
The final thing that bothered me is something I rarely comment on - editing. This book is riddled with problems that are impossible to ignore. A good edit would make a world of difference.
January 6, 2012
Asylum Lake is one of the best books I've read, and lately there have been many in the "best books" category. Thankfully this is the first of at least a duology! There's so much more to understand and explore; it's not a case of loose ends left untied, because almost everything is sorted out by the thrilling end. Instead, it's like uncovering a family history, or a sordid episode in history that's gone untold: Layer upon layer is peeled away, revealing new secrets; and yet, there's always more to find out. I found this book exquisite, and unforgettable. I'm on edge waiting for the sequel. How often can a reader say that?
Asylum Lake combines mysteries, Supernatural, paranormal, thriller, and horror elements, in a novel in which the characterizations are subtly but cleverly tweaked; the plotting is unexpected, and the author manages well not to telegraph anything he doesn't wish to reveal yet. I definitely recommend it to any reader.
Asylum Lake combines mysteries, Supernatural, paranormal, thriller, and horror elements, in a novel in which the characterizations are subtly but cleverly tweaked; the plotting is unexpected, and the author manages well not to telegraph anything he doesn't wish to reveal yet. I definitely recommend it to any reader.
December 14, 2013
Any book with an asylum in it should theoretically have a build in creepy factor. Not necessarily the case here. This book had a lot of potential, angry ghosts, possession, dark secrets, murder, madness...it just sort of wasn't horror capable enough of handling all of those things. This book was very much horror lite, targeted for more mainstream (Dean Koontz like, but much better than Koontz, none of his narrow minded political propaganda on every page) audience. So for anyone who likes their story slightly spooky and lightly supernatural, this would certainly do the trick. To me it lacked a certain edge and the ending was a real let down. Kind of abrupt, fairly unresolved with much too many unanswered questions, very open ended, sequel ready, but in a way that this is definitely a part one of and not a self contained book. The writing was pretty decent, serviceable read with a disappointing ending. Oh well, at least it wasn't a long one.
March 24, 2012
I just read a marvelous book called "Asylum Lake", written by the wonderfully demented and extremely talented R.A. Evans.
The novel opens with a young man being found guilty of murder. We leave that scene and are introduced to our main character Brady Tanner. The book was good up to this point, but it isn’t too long before we get to the chapter, entitled: "Crimes Against Humanity". From there, Evans blows the roof off, and if you’re anything like me, you won’t be able to put it back down again until you’ve consumed the entire book whole.
It was such a brilliant moment, as if the story was written by two different authors. We went from quaint story with a bit of creepiness to full-out horror. It’s tough in that house, if you happen to have a nervous stomach. I highly advice you to cover your face and read through splayed fingers. A subsequent chapter is entitled: "House of the Dead", if that's any indication.
I found the heroes and villians in this novel to be well-conceived, imaginative and memorable. The pacing is done very well and is often told through flashbacks. I know this turns some folks off, but I found it easy enough to follow, thanks to time and date stamps before those chapters. Music plays a large part of what goes on and I loved that, being a huge music fan myself. The pieces selected were well chosen and not at all forced fed into the story (as some authors have done - as if the they simply wanted to use their favorite songs). I commend Evans here. He is also extremely witty and intelligent, and uses those attributes to pepper his story like a great chef would an otherwise fine dish, making it stand well above the rest.
Really, my only complaint had to do with formatting, and, if memory serves, those issues were being corrected.
Be warned. There are a few squeamish moments regarding children, but I highly recommend this fantastic novel. At first, I thought it might be good, but when that moment came - the moment when the afterburners were lit and everything just took off, I cursed happily under my breath, knowing at that moment that this ride was going to be something special.
The novel opens with a young man being found guilty of murder. We leave that scene and are introduced to our main character Brady Tanner. The book was good up to this point, but it isn’t too long before we get to the chapter, entitled: "Crimes Against Humanity". From there, Evans blows the roof off, and if you’re anything like me, you won’t be able to put it back down again until you’ve consumed the entire book whole.
It was such a brilliant moment, as if the story was written by two different authors. We went from quaint story with a bit of creepiness to full-out horror. It’s tough in that house, if you happen to have a nervous stomach. I highly advice you to cover your face and read through splayed fingers. A subsequent chapter is entitled: "House of the Dead", if that's any indication.
I found the heroes and villians in this novel to be well-conceived, imaginative and memorable. The pacing is done very well and is often told through flashbacks. I know this turns some folks off, but I found it easy enough to follow, thanks to time and date stamps before those chapters. Music plays a large part of what goes on and I loved that, being a huge music fan myself. The pieces selected were well chosen and not at all forced fed into the story (as some authors have done - as if the they simply wanted to use their favorite songs). I commend Evans here. He is also extremely witty and intelligent, and uses those attributes to pepper his story like a great chef would an otherwise fine dish, making it stand well above the rest.
Really, my only complaint had to do with formatting, and, if memory serves, those issues were being corrected.
Be warned. There are a few squeamish moments regarding children, but I highly recommend this fantastic novel. At first, I thought it might be good, but when that moment came - the moment when the afterburners were lit and everything just took off, I cursed happily under my breath, knowing at that moment that this ride was going to be something special.
November 21, 2011
Why worry about the tornado if you're in a basement? Sorry, it's stuff like this that drive me nuts when I read fiction. And animals getting injured to move the plot along.
With that said, this story has promise. It's too long, padded with unnecessary stuff, like the impending tornado mentioned above -- totally not needed, made the ending more like something I'd watch on the SyFy channel's movie of the week (you know, a raging wildfire during an earthquake with the eye of a category five hurricane fast approaching ... ) The interwoven timeline got very confusing at times -- needs some more editing for sure (and I like time interweaving -- just don't want to have to draw a diagram so I don't get lost). The music drop-ins didn't work very well for me since the songs mentioned are not the classics everybody has heard (Pearl Jam? Really?) and it felt like a total ripoff from King (not done nearly as well). But it was a pretty good read -- interesting story, dialog not bad at all. Heavy editing and a rewrite and this will almost be a really good book.
Almost? Well, the ending was confusing, lame, and not enough. I know there's a sequel in the works, but I didn't know that going into the book. I put it way too much time to be left with a "WTF?" The best sequel setups are those that give you enough information to really care about what happens next while at the same time satisfying you with the ending of the current story. I don't want to say too much because I don't want to spoil it for anyone -- just that this was a lot of work without enough payoff.
So, if the writer gets a good editor and gives it a good rewrite and adds an actual ending to the current story, or at least enough of an ending to reward the hours it took to get there, it would be a really good book.
Will I read the sequel? I don't know. I don't know enough about the villain or the victims in this story (the nuthouse inmate who's driving the story is who I mean by victim) and I'm still confused by it all. I might if I notice when it comes out and if the price is right.
With that said, this story has promise. It's too long, padded with unnecessary stuff, like the impending tornado mentioned above -- totally not needed, made the ending more like something I'd watch on the SyFy channel's movie of the week (you know, a raging wildfire during an earthquake with the eye of a category five hurricane fast approaching ... ) The interwoven timeline got very confusing at times -- needs some more editing for sure (and I like time interweaving -- just don't want to have to draw a diagram so I don't get lost). The music drop-ins didn't work very well for me since the songs mentioned are not the classics everybody has heard (Pearl Jam? Really?) and it felt like a total ripoff from King (not done nearly as well). But it was a pretty good read -- interesting story, dialog not bad at all. Heavy editing and a rewrite and this will almost be a really good book.
Almost? Well, the ending was confusing, lame, and not enough. I know there's a sequel in the works, but I didn't know that going into the book. I put it way too much time to be left with a "WTF?" The best sequel setups are those that give you enough information to really care about what happens next while at the same time satisfying you with the ending of the current story. I don't want to say too much because I don't want to spoil it for anyone -- just that this was a lot of work without enough payoff.
So, if the writer gets a good editor and gives it a good rewrite and adds an actual ending to the current story, or at least enough of an ending to reward the hours it took to get there, it would be a really good book.
Will I read the sequel? I don't know. I don't know enough about the villain or the victims in this story (the nuthouse inmate who's driving the story is who I mean by victim) and I'm still confused by it all. I might if I notice when it comes out and if the price is right.
May 10, 2011
This is a seriously creepy book. It's 3:00 in the morning, I just finished it, and don't see sleeping any time soon. I LOVE supernatural thrillers and this fit the bill. I was disapointed in that it is part of a series. I would have liked to have known that before I started, but I look forward to reading the rest of the story. This is a gory, scary, and creepy book, and I really liked it. Yes the ending came quickly, and that was a bit of a disapointment, but the story was very compelling. I would classify it as a page turner, though it did jump around a lot and it was confusing at times, I am willing to overlook that because it's a debut novel. I am hoping that the follow up will be a bit more linear.
February 22, 2012
This is one of the best ghost stories I have read in a really long time. I love horror/ghost stories. I have been reading them since I was way too young to be reading them. I have gotten away from the genre for awhile but the blurb for this book really caught my eye so I downloaded it. All I can say is thank goodness I was on a road trip and had a lot of time to read! Once I started reading this story I literally did not want to put it down. It sucked me in and took me on a crazy ride. This is not a simple spirit that needs some closure to move on. This story has darkness that is unconscionable. It has depravity. It is the kind of horror that touches you and leaves a mark for a long time.
Asylum Lake is a great read. If you like ghost stories, you will love this book.
Asylum Lake is a great read. If you like ghost stories, you will love this book.
October 16, 2011
Honestly, I don't understand why this book has such high ratings here on Goodreads. The book was badly in need of an editor, at least the kindle edition! Also, the storylines were all over the place. Characters were introduced and then the author didn't really do anything with them. It was a short book and an easy read, but not really an enjoyable one. If this book had not been so short I probably would have chucked it.
June 7, 2025
The past haunts us all
Connections through family both known and unknown. Former friends, past lovers, hidden secrets all come to light in this tale of the supernatural.
Connections through family both known and unknown. Former friends, past lovers, hidden secrets all come to light in this tale of the supernatural.
January 27, 2011
In the spirit of full disclosure, I must confess I was originally drawn to this book for two reasons: it is set in Michigan, the place where I born and grew up and it's horror. Little did I know, I'd discover another connection, that to Seattle, where I now reside. If this wasn't enough to give me a shiver, the story of Asylum Lake certainly was! Beware, you might not want to read right before turning off the lights and going to bed. Too scary? Not for me! This is exactly the kind of mysterious paranormal horror I love to read. The characters attract tragedy and death. At first, they seem like a very unfortunate lineage, but as this mysterious thriller unfolds you will be enlightened to the purpose behind the events. For those from the 'mitt' you will like the authentic setting and subtle humor. I had to chuckle at the Up North House. Any true Michigander goes up north for vacation because south would lead to Chicago. I can not think of a better setting for this tale to take place than on a secluded lake in northern Michigan, whether it is on a hot, muggy summer night or a cool, breezy fall day, viewing an abandoned state asylum would be enough to scare even the toughest Mid-Westerner.
Another interesting aspect, and I'm certain this is the case with many small towns, is our fascination with old crime stories. I appreciate how influential cases are sited by the author (whether they are real or not) and work to draw a connection from past to present. This grounds the paranormal making it believable, which in my opinion is a key element to escalating the horror level. Getting a reader to imagine that an event truly could or did happen is essential. Old crimes and cases don't die in places like Bedlam Falls. One thing you can count on is people will certainly remember what happened but might forget the details. By making use of this human tendency, Evans creates a creepy mystery. Circumstances similar to the one surrounding the characters of Asylum Lake become legends in towns like Bedlam. Stories permanently attach to the land, they seep in and hibernate until the next thaw. Brady brings the thaw, but why and how? Well, I'm not going to give that away! I can't wait to read the next book and learn more about what happened to Lionel and Dr. Clovis!
Another interesting aspect, and I'm certain this is the case with many small towns, is our fascination with old crime stories. I appreciate how influential cases are sited by the author (whether they are real or not) and work to draw a connection from past to present. This grounds the paranormal making it believable, which in my opinion is a key element to escalating the horror level. Getting a reader to imagine that an event truly could or did happen is essential. Old crimes and cases don't die in places like Bedlam Falls. One thing you can count on is people will certainly remember what happened but might forget the details. By making use of this human tendency, Evans creates a creepy mystery. Circumstances similar to the one surrounding the characters of Asylum Lake become legends in towns like Bedlam. Stories permanently attach to the land, they seep in and hibernate until the next thaw. Brady brings the thaw, but why and how? Well, I'm not going to give that away! I can't wait to read the next book and learn more about what happened to Lionel and Dr. Clovis!
May 5, 2011
Asylum Lake is the debut novel of author R.A. Evans, and tells the tale of Brady, an ex-reporter heading home to Michigan from Chicago after suffering through a personal tragedy. His parent's old Lake House that he is returning to holds some dark memories for him, especially since both his parents have passed away since he was last there, but nothing prepares him for the strange and eerie occurrences that happen upon his arrival. There is an old abandoned mental institution on the opposite side of the lake that holds even darker memories for many people in the town he lives in, including the many patients who met their tragic end there years before.
Asylum Lake not only tells Brady's tale, but another that takes place nearly forty years earlier along with yet another that dips even further into the past, all of them intertwined and revealed in bits and pieces as they tell of the hauntings and murders that have been a part of the town surrounding the lake's fabric for years. This is not only a ghost story, but also a story that contains gruesome and dark elements of possession and revenge. The characters are easy to get comfortable with, and the plot is amply twisty, revealing things piecemeal so you can't get too far ahead of yourself by presuming you know what is happening, especially as it goes backwards in time and then jumps back to the present repeatedly. It was a fun read, though my main complaint with it probably is that it felt like it should have been longer, and the 'reveals' could have been stretched out even more pages than they were. Don't get me wrong. The author set the stage, created a wonderfully creepy setting, and gave it and those who inhabited it a righteously tragic saga. I just felt like the stage could have been used even more. The asylum itself wasn't explored and the details about it not revealed enough for my tastes, though I realize the author will be coming out with a follow up book that explains more of the mysteries involved with the asylum and the people who met their tragic end there. In a way, my criticism is a compliment, because the author did a good job with what he'd created, and left me curious to find out more. So I think that means he will have a customer when the next book is released.
Asylum Lake not only tells Brady's tale, but another that takes place nearly forty years earlier along with yet another that dips even further into the past, all of them intertwined and revealed in bits and pieces as they tell of the hauntings and murders that have been a part of the town surrounding the lake's fabric for years. This is not only a ghost story, but also a story that contains gruesome and dark elements of possession and revenge. The characters are easy to get comfortable with, and the plot is amply twisty, revealing things piecemeal so you can't get too far ahead of yourself by presuming you know what is happening, especially as it goes backwards in time and then jumps back to the present repeatedly. It was a fun read, though my main complaint with it probably is that it felt like it should have been longer, and the 'reveals' could have been stretched out even more pages than they were. Don't get me wrong. The author set the stage, created a wonderfully creepy setting, and gave it and those who inhabited it a righteously tragic saga. I just felt like the stage could have been used even more. The asylum itself wasn't explored and the details about it not revealed enough for my tastes, though I realize the author will be coming out with a follow up book that explains more of the mysteries involved with the asylum and the people who met their tragic end there. In a way, my criticism is a compliment, because the author did a good job with what he'd created, and left me curious to find out more. So I think that means he will have a customer when the next book is released.
September 6, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. The author has a way of bringing readers into the story and making them feel at home -- maybe not the BEST thing for a horror/paranormal book, but I felt as if I lived in this small community and had been neighbors with the characters all my life.
The plot is excellent and the story never dragged, in my opinion. I will admit the ending fell a bit flat, but will not discourage me from reading the second novel in this series. There are too many unanswered questions that I must know! The characters, though very different in style, are entertaining in their own ways and I loved the closeness they shared. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves an old fashion spooky story!
The plot is excellent and the story never dragged, in my opinion. I will admit the ending fell a bit flat, but will not discourage me from reading the second novel in this series. There are too many unanswered questions that I must know! The characters, though very different in style, are entertaining in their own ways and I loved the closeness they shared. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves an old fashion spooky story!
March 12, 2015
Certainly an author I plan on following.
Kudos to, R.A. Evans, a very talented author who writes great horror tales, filled with suspense and a wonderful sense of dread.
I loved the story and found it quite intriguing, very suspenseful and super scary.
The characters believable and real. You couldn't help but feel that you actually knew them in real life.
Highly recommend - a great read.
Kudos to, R.A. Evans, a very talented author who writes great horror tales, filled with suspense and a wonderful sense of dread.
I loved the story and found it quite intriguing, very suspenseful and super scary.
The characters believable and real. You couldn't help but feel that you actually knew them in real life.
Highly recommend - a great read.
May 28, 2024
It was okay. I thought it started out great but then fell flat. It had such good potential.
June 6, 2011
In a Nutshell:
A reporter Brady Tanner, returns to his families summer home to pick up the pieces after the tragic death of his wife and recent loss of his parents. The Up North House, as it was called by his family, begins to reveal secrets about the abandoned Insane Asylum nearby and his family. Brady must follow the history of his family and the Asylum before his own sanity is forever lost.
First Thoughts:
Just started this last night and I am expecting, from what I have heard about this book, a very straight forward classic horror story. So far it seems like it. It's quiet with great character building, a bit of a grabber at the start with the trial, which is exceptionally well written as is everything thus far. The introduction of the Scrabbleboard has so much promise of creepiness!
Can't wait to keep reading.
Thoughts Upon Completion:
Like warm chocolate chip cookies coming out of the oven, R.A. Evans has written a horror story using a classic recipe to thread a tale of ghosts and haunted places and game boards that never gets old. It has possessed children and near death experiences and lots of creep factors. There were no attempts to make a "new" vision of a horror story and that sat well with me. I couldn't wait to see where the story was going and how it was going to get there and wasn't disappointed with either. I also fell in love with all of the characters and genuinely cared what was going to happen to them.
There were a couple of things that could have been a little different, the relationship with his former father-in-law could have been explored and exploited a bit more. His love interests fathers character could have possibly had more to give and there were lots of details left unexplored that were given too much attention. I do believe however that there is a follow up coming so those will likely be addressed in that (although I personally am not crazy about horror sequels, but with Friday the 13th part 46 I'm one of the few I'm sure).
Overall:
R.A. Evans is the real deal, a truly gifted horror with a vision of what affectionados are looking for in this genre and with his debut novel, did not fail to provide.
Thanks for Reading
D. Ryan Leask
Score:
5 + 4 + 4 = ☼☼☼☼☼
A reporter Brady Tanner, returns to his families summer home to pick up the pieces after the tragic death of his wife and recent loss of his parents. The Up North House, as it was called by his family, begins to reveal secrets about the abandoned Insane Asylum nearby and his family. Brady must follow the history of his family and the Asylum before his own sanity is forever lost.
First Thoughts:
Just started this last night and I am expecting, from what I have heard about this book, a very straight forward classic horror story. So far it seems like it. It's quiet with great character building, a bit of a grabber at the start with the trial, which is exceptionally well written as is everything thus far. The introduction of the Scrabbleboard has so much promise of creepiness!
Can't wait to keep reading.
Thoughts Upon Completion:
Like warm chocolate chip cookies coming out of the oven, R.A. Evans has written a horror story using a classic recipe to thread a tale of ghosts and haunted places and game boards that never gets old. It has possessed children and near death experiences and lots of creep factors. There were no attempts to make a "new" vision of a horror story and that sat well with me. I couldn't wait to see where the story was going and how it was going to get there and wasn't disappointed with either. I also fell in love with all of the characters and genuinely cared what was going to happen to them.
There were a couple of things that could have been a little different, the relationship with his former father-in-law could have been explored and exploited a bit more. His love interests fathers character could have possibly had more to give and there were lots of details left unexplored that were given too much attention. I do believe however that there is a follow up coming so those will likely be addressed in that (although I personally am not crazy about horror sequels, but with Friday the 13th part 46 I'm one of the few I'm sure).
Overall:
R.A. Evans is the real deal, a truly gifted horror with a vision of what affectionados are looking for in this genre and with his debut novel, did not fail to provide.
Thanks for Reading
D. Ryan Leask
Score:
5 + 4 + 4 = ☼☼☼☼☼
January 26, 2011
I had the pleasure of receiving a copy of Asylum Lake by R.A. Evans for review. I must say that I absolutely enjoyed reading it. It follows the story of not one, but two lives. Brady Tanner is a journalist that has had a very hard life, many ups and downs to account for. He travels back to his family’s old summer home to escape from a tragedy that had struck in his life, only to find more awaiting him. His life is slowly dragged into the path of Ellis Arkema, a previous patient at the asylum on the lake that Brady’s family’s home rested on. Ellis’ life, filled with nothing but misery and dread, ended too soon. Throughout the novel, his soul seeks revenge for what had been done.
While searching for a reprieve from the sadness that Brady was living with, he gets thrown in the middle of a past that was not his own. He must find a way to save all that he holds dear, before time runs out for more than just himself.
Asylum Lake is a gruesome tale filled with trials and tribulations of the mind and the soul. It is a gripping tale that keeps you on the edge of your seat and not wanting to put the book down. The story has many facets and brings much to the table, love, destruction, religion, and death. It is definitely a novel that I would recommend to anyone, especially to those that love a good horror story.
While searching for a reprieve from the sadness that Brady was living with, he gets thrown in the middle of a past that was not his own. He must find a way to save all that he holds dear, before time runs out for more than just himself.
Asylum Lake is a gruesome tale filled with trials and tribulations of the mind and the soul. It is a gripping tale that keeps you on the edge of your seat and not wanting to put the book down. The story has many facets and brings much to the table, love, destruction, religion, and death. It is definitely a novel that I would recommend to anyone, especially to those that love a good horror story.
May 28, 2011
Being a real scaredy cat I usually tend to avoid reading anything that might freak me out a little, but lately I've succumbed to a number of thriller/horror movies (and really enjoyed them!) so I figured I would take the plunge and try to read something within the same genre. When I first read the blurb on Asylum Lake, I decided to give it a go.
The first night I started reading, I woke up in a cold sweat after having a really scary nightmare! It didn't put me off though and I persevered. I am so glad that I did. R.A Evans has a real talent for the written word and, other than the odd minor spelling error, I couldn't fault his beautiful prose. The story flowed brilliantly and I found it to be a real page-turner. Although I was expecting the ending to conclude with more of a bang, it did leave me feeling more than satisfied.
Asylum Lake would make a terrific movie.... are you listening Hollywood? R.A Evans is a name you should be taking notice of!
All in all, a fantastic thriller / horror (still not sure what to call it!). I shall eagerly await Evans' next novel.
The first night I started reading, I woke up in a cold sweat after having a really scary nightmare! It didn't put me off though and I persevered. I am so glad that I did. R.A Evans has a real talent for the written word and, other than the odd minor spelling error, I couldn't fault his beautiful prose. The story flowed brilliantly and I found it to be a real page-turner. Although I was expecting the ending to conclude with more of a bang, it did leave me feeling more than satisfied.
Asylum Lake would make a terrific movie.... are you listening Hollywood? R.A Evans is a name you should be taking notice of!
All in all, a fantastic thriller / horror (still not sure what to call it!). I shall eagerly await Evans' next novel.
July 2, 2012
About half way through this book I realized I didn't know how I felt about this book. Ultimately, I didn't like it.
As others have said, it jumps around in the timelines very much, which can be confusing because there seems to be no connection between characters. I kept wondering what the story from the 70's had to do with the story from the present. Toward the end everything was connected. The ending was very anti-climatic, and that kind of ruined it for me. Also, I didn't really like the new love that was budding between Brady and April. I realize they had a history, but there was just something about it that I didn't like. I also was not ok with the animal abuse.
The editing, typos and wrong word usage did bother me as well. When Brady was driving he was listening to his iPod. By the next page, it was his iPhone. It really can be the little things.
I will not be reading the sequel because I just don't think I care. Others have suggested a rewrite to make the ending better, to actually give it an ending, and that might help. But, there was a lot of build up for nothing.
As others have said, it jumps around in the timelines very much, which can be confusing because there seems to be no connection between characters. I kept wondering what the story from the 70's had to do with the story from the present. Toward the end everything was connected. The ending was very anti-climatic, and that kind of ruined it for me. Also, I didn't really like the new love that was budding between Brady and April. I realize they had a history, but there was just something about it that I didn't like. I also was not ok with the animal abuse.
The editing, typos and wrong word usage did bother me as well. When Brady was driving he was listening to his iPod. By the next page, it was his iPhone. It really can be the little things.
I will not be reading the sequel because I just don't think I care. Others have suggested a rewrite to make the ending better, to actually give it an ending, and that might help. But, there was a lot of build up for nothing.
March 6, 2014
The beginning of this book was a little confusing, due to all the time shifts and memories going on. The writer never made it really clear where we were in the book at all. However, after getting through the first couple of chapters, the book settled down into a very enjoyable read. As you progress through the story, you realise that without the shifts and memories at the beginning, the story would have been unable to unfold, so the beginning confusion was a little more necessary than you would think.
The story centres around three generations of men, all likeable and who I came to care about quite quickly. Their lives were all interwoven with (as the title suggests) Asylum Lake. The pace, scene setting and atmosphere were really well told.
The ending was quite satisfactory, although I would have preferred it to have been slightly longer, with more interaction between the two characters.
All in all this book was a very enjoyable read, and has everything you want in a supernatural thriller. I'm looking forward to reading the sequel.
The story centres around three generations of men, all likeable and who I came to care about quite quickly. Their lives were all interwoven with (as the title suggests) Asylum Lake. The pace, scene setting and atmosphere were really well told.
The ending was quite satisfactory, although I would have preferred it to have been slightly longer, with more interaction between the two characters.
All in all this book was a very enjoyable read, and has everything you want in a supernatural thriller. I'm looking forward to reading the sequel.
April 12, 2016
Brady Tanner and his dog Gruff leave Chicago after the sudden death of his wife. He returns to his family's summer home. The house sits on the shore of Asylum Lake. The lake is named after a psychiatric hospital that was opened in 1917 overlooking a lake in the city of Bedlam Falls.
When Brady goes to Kroger to get groceries he runs into an old girlfriend. She helps Brady get organized which includes going into his parent's old bedroom. Brady has not opened the door since he has been back to the house. Brady is surprised to see his Dad, who was a former sheriff has been investigating some murders and a connection to the lake.
Asylum Lake has a good story line. There are well defined characters, interesting story. I debated between 4 and 5 stars, it probably should be 4.5.
When Brady goes to Kroger to get groceries he runs into an old girlfriend. She helps Brady get organized which includes going into his parent's old bedroom. Brady has not opened the door since he has been back to the house. Brady is surprised to see his Dad, who was a former sheriff has been investigating some murders and a connection to the lake.
Asylum Lake has a good story line. There are well defined characters, interesting story. I debated between 4 and 5 stars, it probably should be 4.5.
October 29, 2012
This book jumps around so much and is very hard to follow. Most of the story doesn't even make any sense at all and needs to be either left out or explained. *spoiler* this is one of thing things, I don't see a small 12 year old being able to just kill two grown men with one shot and small town cop or not why would he pick up a bloody hammer or see blood on the ground so just walk right into a shed? There were also many, many places that I was like um.. how did this person even get here and what happened to what I was just reading. This was so hard to get through. The ending... what ending!? It was horrible. Very badly written, all of it.
September 10, 2014
I rated this book a four star rating because it had everything you could ask for in a book, if you like edgy thrillers. I enjoyed all the aspects of this tale. It has romance, horror, humor also it could have its own soundtrack because of the classic rock lyrics referred too through out the story. Another thing I a preciated was a spiritual aspect that was true to the Bible and didn't portrait the Christian as a lunatic. Each character was genuinely and lovingly crafted so that the reader could relate to each one, even the nastiest. I look forward to reading the sequel. And by the way, the humor was well placed and there are several laugh out loud parts.
November 16, 2014
Thrilling and spinetingling
Creepy and eerie, Evans weaves a carefully crafted thriller that tells a haunting tale of the injustice of an insane asylum that treated their patients as garbage. Unknown and forgotten patients were abused in more horrific ways than the human mind should even consider. Evil transforms itself and continues to victimize a community that either knowingly or unwittingly turns their back on the atrocities. Read as three generations try to figure out what has haunted the sleepy community. As you do keep the lights on and listen carefully for the "bumps in the night."
Creepy and eerie, Evans weaves a carefully crafted thriller that tells a haunting tale of the injustice of an insane asylum that treated their patients as garbage. Unknown and forgotten patients were abused in more horrific ways than the human mind should even consider. Evil transforms itself and continues to victimize a community that either knowingly or unwittingly turns their back on the atrocities. Read as three generations try to figure out what has haunted the sleepy community. As you do keep the lights on and listen carefully for the "bumps in the night."
October 3, 2015
Looking for a creepy, spooky read? Well this one just might give you those chills you are hoping for. As a big fan of the earlier Stephen King books, it takes a lot to make me jumpy while reading a creepy book, but this one had me turning on lights before entering rooms. This is supposed to be a triology but as far as I can tell the next book Grave Undertakings isn't even on the horizon! Come on R.A. Evans don't leave me hanging! The only drawback to this book is its editing, but I'm sure it won't bother most.
November 1, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. Due to Hurricane Sandy I had a ton of time to catch up on books due to no power. It was a quick read. When the four characters were going into the abandoned asylum during the storm it was almost like a Scooby Doo Mystery except Scooby is a large rottweiler and Shaggy is a meth addict. I do wonder what ever happened with Brady and his father in-law and the trust fund. I can't wait to read the next book.
November 16, 2010
Asylum Lake is a story that reaches to the darkest parts of the soul while, at the same time, reminding you what it was like to have your first crush and your first kiss. With relatable characters and a story line that twists and turns, keeping you guessing, the satisfaction of reading it doesn't last long, you will crave another stay at the asylum!
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