Asylum is an intense read, telling the story of orphan brother’s who lost touch, brothers who suffered during their early childhood and the scares that suffering left them carrying onto their adult lives. The storyline highlights the shortcomings of psychiatric facilities in the past, touching on how badly people in these facilities were treated.

The author keeps you on the edge of your seat as this sad, deeply moving story unfolds. Based on the badly run asylums which were commonly used as dumping grounds for anyone different, anyone who society did not understand, she weaves a gripping tale that leaves you amazed at what was once acceptable. I am new to Tamera Lawrence’s writing, I loved her consistent intensity with this book. While elements of the story was a little predictable I found it hard to walk away from this story.

Kyle had a troubled start in life. Born in an asylum to a mother who could not look after him, his future looked bleak. Suffering at the hands of bullies day after day while there was never enough staff members to keep up with what was happening, life was anything but pleasant. Until Scott Hampton walked into his life. After being adopted and finally having a family of his own, it was easy for Kyle to put Rosehill behind him.

Twenty-eight years later he has not forgotten his little brother and he is still haunted by having left him behind. When Kyle visited the deserted Rosehill all his old memories return. But more than that, strange things start to happen. He is obsessed with the old building and cannot keep away. Is it just memories haunting him, or is there a bigger danger awaiting him among the damp, crumbling walls?

Can you ever really escape your past?

The author told this deeply moving story beautifully. Highlighting the wrongs of the past and reminding us how easily communities turned their backs on people who were different, on people who did not conform or who did not fit into the norm of society. It broke my heart to think of the poor souls who suffer unnecessarily in places like Rosehill all over the world.

The author created a brilliant cast of flawed and troubled people. Each facing their own demons and doing their best to cope with the baggage of their past.

Kyle was consumed by guilt over a situation he had no control over, making him a likeable, realistic character.

This was a hard read, that was draining with the emotion that dripped off the pages, but what a creative storyline. Looking at past injustices and creating a gripping, edge of your seat thriller. I loved this book.

If you are looking for a psychological thriller that will leave you chilled to the bone as you turn the pages, this is the book you should reach for. Asylum is a dark, chilling read that is guaranteed to keep you intrigued as you race to reach the end.