"The Dead Girls of Hysteria Hall" Review

"The Dead Girls of Hysteria Hall"
by Katie Alender
Publisher: Point
Release Date: Aug. 25, 2015

Source: sent by publisher

My Rating: 5 of 5 Stars

Summary from goodreads.com:

In this asylum, your mind plays tricks on you all the time…

Delia’s new house isn’t just a house. Long ago, it was the Piven Institute for the Care and Correction of Troubled Females—an insane asylum nicknamed “Hysteria Hall.” However, many of the inmates were not insane, just defiant and strong willed. Kind of like Delia herself.

But the house still wants to keep “troubled” girls locked away. So, in the most horrifying way, Delia gets trapped.

And that’s when she learns that the house is also haunted.

Ghost girls wander the halls in their old-fashioned nightgowns. A handsome ghost boy named Theo roams the grounds. Delia finds that all the spirits are unsettled and full of dark secrets. The house, as well, harbors shocking truths within its walls—truths that only Delia can uncover, and that may set her free.

But she’ll need to act quickly, before the house’s power overtakes everything she loves.

From master of suspense Katie Alender comes a riveting tale of twisted memories and betrayals, and the meaning of madness.

My Review:

This one took a long time before it really grabbed me, but once it did, I couldn't put the book down! What a  perfect creepy read for this time of year! The author takes a big risk and I really think it payed off and made for a very interesting and unique take on a ghost story. This story is super spooky at times, but in addition to the ghost story, there is a heartfelt message about the bond between families.

Since I love historicals, I love that even though this is a contemporary story, some of the ghosts lived 100 years ago. The storytelling really ties the past into the current story. There is interesting commentary on what it means to be 'troubled' both today and in the past, especially for women.

I loved the recurring theme of "everything is not always what it seems." I feel like this applied to the story over and over again. It was really eye opening and reminded the reader be open minded about everyone and everything, and not to take anything at face value.

You really have to read this one for yourself to truly understand the core of the book. I don't want to give any spoilers here, but know that this one really picks up speed around 20% into the book!


Main Characters: 5/5
Supporting Characters: 5/5
Setting: 5/5
Romance: 4/5
Uniqueness: 5/5
Cover: 5/5
Writing: 5/5

Bottom Line: The perfect read for a dark and stormy October night!


Grab this one right now for Kindle for only $2.99!! I'm not sure how long this price will last, so double check the price before you click buy!!

Disclosure: I received an e-copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.