THE NOVEL TOURIST: ASYLUM

 

Lunch with the Novel Tourist of Philadelphia

October 2021

"The Novel Tourist" chose my book "Asylum" to read & review. After this group toured the old Pennhurst State School & Hospital in Spring City, we met up at the Spring Hollow Golf Club for an author's luncheon and lively chat. 

We discussed how a stolen pair of "Boots" sets off an unexpected chain of events, that leads the main character back into the asylum of his birth, where hidden secrets takes a deadly turn. 

 Here is an Asylum excerpt: 

"Don't go back there. You You have no idea how it's affected you. Just you bringing the boots here has me on edge. I think you should get rid of them. Burn them or something." 

"Seriously?" 

"Seriously." 

"No."

"Why not? She crossed her arms, mouth firmly set.

"Because I like them." He shoved a forkful of pancake into his mouth, chewing it slowly. 

"I was scared last night," she said. "Afraid in my own house and you were downstairs without a care in the world. You could hardly wake up."

"Well you still managed to wake me, didn't you?"

"Barely. If there had been a real emergency, I would've been on my own, or I would've had to call the cops."  

"I'm not getting rid of my boots," he said. Enough was enough. So much for keeping the peace.  "You're being paranoid."

Her sour expression changed to disbelief. Score one point for Kyle.

Author Tamera Lawrence

ASYLUM 

GHOSTS OF MAYFLOWER: A PENNHURST HAUNTING

PENNHURST GHOSTS OF MAYFLOWER 11

THE POND 

All the above books are available online at Amazon, Barnes & Nobel, Target, Walmart and other fine retailers. 

Readers Favorite Book Award Contest: Asylum Review

 Reviewed By Ankita Shukla for Readers’ Favorite

Tamera Lawrence's Asylum is a nail-biting thriller whose story revolves around Kyle. Like all the other resident kids of the Rose Hill Asylum, Kyle also silently wished to get adopted. This was the only way to escape the violent bullying and darkness of the asylum. When he turned nine, his wish was granted. However, this blessing came with a complication: his new parents were unable to adopt his younger brother, Roy. As much as he wanted to take care of his brother, he could not pass on this opportunity to finally have a family. After many years Kyle got married and had a baby daughter but the guilt of leaving Roy behind in that dingy and dark place gnawed at him. Therefore, when his friend, Randy, proposed the idea of exploring the abandoned Rose Hill Asylum, he couldn't resist the temptation. Unbeknownst to him, he brought back from that daunting asylum something more than mere memories. And this "something" will stop at nothing to get revenge.

Since the entire plot of Asylum rests on the Rose Hill Asylum, it was important to create an unsettling image of the place that holds the plot together. Everything from the tunnels to the dark and damp rooms instills a fear of the unknown in readers. Whenever Kyle crawls inside the tunnels, it is impossible to breathe. Tamera Lawrence has used the right words and emotions to hold her audience. Her storytelling captivates and dares the reader to put down the book. Kyle and Beth's arguments that go from zero to infinity in a matter of minutes will resonate with a majority of married couples. There is no lack of love between the couple, yet the marital responsibilities and Kyle's need for a break from these duties produce arguments that are quite entertaining.

The characters, whether side or main ones, have certain unique attributes that make them memorable. The antagonist, with his quirky dialogues, strange expressions, and dangerous mood swings, has come out as a spine-chilling villain. The psychology of an orphan child, especially their fear of not getting adopted, could not have been described any better. A married man's jealousy over his bachelor friend's free lifestyle and vice versa is another absorbing inclusion in Asylum. Without giving away spoilers, I can surely say that after reading Asylum, the phrase, "if you twist, you'll get stitched," will never be the same.

https://www.amazon.com/Asylum-Tamera-Lawrence/dp/1509235221

ASYLUM book review

 

The Reviews are coming in for ASYLUM. Here is a recent one. 

KarnagesMistress rated it it was amazing

Shelves: giveaways, 2021-wcpl-reading-challenge

This book properly belongs in the horror section. Humans are the biggest monsters of all, and Asylum is full of them. There is an intensity to this story, and I did have some disturbing dreams after my second late-night reading session. The descriptions of the various parts of the old asylum left me with the need to take a shower. I thought that the story flowed nicely, carrying you right along with it. A quick read, but not an easy one-- Tamera Lawrence's characters are far too real. Rose Hill isn't real, but it is based on reality. Even without a traditional serial killer thrown in the mix, what happened in places such as these is the stuff of nightmares. That's another thing that Tamera Lawrence accomplished with Asylum: while this isn't quite a book about social justice, she make me think about these issues.

THE HAUNTING OF MADDY CLARE Book Review

 

The Haunting of Maddy Clare

Review 

NOT YOUR AVERAGE GHOST STORY 

 

Three ghost hunters go on a quest to bring about evidence to prove ghosts do exist at a historical time where ghost hunting is anything but normal. None, however, are prepared as to what they encounter, a spirit unlike any other, haunting the very barn in which a young woman had hung herself. The entity, Maddy Clare, has been having tantrums, her rage knowing no bounds. What follows is a play of wills between a ghost and a young woman, whose life up until then had been pretty mundane. Sarah Piper had considered herself plain and boring. She is anything but - surprising not only herself but the two men who have underestimated her.

Over the years, I have read plenty of ghosts stories and have written a few of my own. What I like about Simone St James’s ghostly tale is that it is different from the normal bump-in-the-night ghost story.  Maddy Clare is terrifying and yet at times woeful. This ghost story kept me guessing as to what happened to Maddy Clare in real life, the story heartbreaking, and her revenge a soothing balm. Sarah Piper was a great character and the love story between she and Matthew was well played.  

I highly recommend this read.

Tamera Lawrence 

Author of GHOST OF MAYFLOWER, PENNHURST GHOST OF MAYFLOWER II, THE POND & ASYLUM (March 10, 2021) 

THE THINGS YOU FIND IN ROCKPOOLS Book Review

 

Review

 

Billy Wheatley is not your average kid. A bit on the loner side, Billy likes to explore Silverlea beach and likes to do research on hermit-crabs at a place he calls the rock-pools. Living with his dad, Billy feels he can’t measure up to his dad’s expectations, especially when it comes to surfing. Young Billy hates the water. He has an unnatural fear of surfing, a bit of discourse between father and son. Things get stranger when a teenage girl goes missing. Billy becomes his own detective, trying to solve the case, but trouble is just around the corner as he begins pointing the finger to a suspect. Things get crazier as Billy’s dad becomes more obtrusive. As Billy unravels the mystery and gets himself into trouble with the law, Billy’s dad has a new mission – force Billy to surf and face his fears. But does Billy have a right to be afraid of the water. Things are not what they seem.

THE THINGS YOU FIND IN ROCKPOOLS by Gregg Dunnett was a good read with a few unexpected twists. I thoroughly enjoyed this fishy tale.

 

Reviewed by Author Tamera Lawrence

Author of GHOSTS OF MAYFLOWER I & II, THE POND & coming soon ASYLUM

MISSING: EXTRAORDINARY RELATION OF ORDINARY PEOPLE

Heart-broken Zia Quiser, a Pakistani born American national has been hit hard with the loss of several family members, including his beloved daughter. In an effort to console himself, he decides to learn several languages, something she had wanted to do. When Z signs up on the internet to learn a language, he uses a username dedicated to his daughter. A similar username replies to his inquiry. Intrigued by this coincidence, Zia reaches out to the Russian woman, behind the name. Charmed by her silky voice, Zia and Lena Volkova hit it off as they share their language skills and discover a bond between them. Then Lena goes missing, setting off a chain of events that will send Zia back to the roots of his heritage.

Mian Mohsin Zia has a fresh voice that is easy to discern. I enjoyed this book. 

Reviewed by Author Tamera Lawrence 

HISTORICAL HOUSE TOUR: BOYERTOWN PA

My parents enjoyed the evening.

On Friday, December 6^th I attended the Boyertown Historical Holiday tour - a 2-day event. In the past, I have been on other tours in other townships but think I have found my new favorite. 

And to think it was right in my own neck of the woods!

The weather was perfectly chilled for a December evening, cool and a bit blustery but our hearts were warmed by opening doors and welcoming smiles. 

Numerous businesses and homes participated.

People touring with us were in a festive mood.  Houses popped in color and displays. The homeowners were kindhearted and loved sharing the history of their homes. Treats were plentiful. Hot chocolate a must. I enjoyed the yummy cheeses and wine. Then of course, there was the shuttle buses toting us around – most welcome for my weary feet. The drivers were thoughtful and most had Christmas music echoing throughout the drive.

The Festival of Trees stood out, memorable for the beautifully displayed trees also raffled off at the end of the event. (The Boyertown Area Multi-Service sponsored this charity event.)

All-in-all, it was an enjoyable evening – one I eagerly look forward to repeating next season!

Here are a few highlights from our tour.  

Beautiful trees 

Generous treats for guest!

This bedroom was located at a farm in Gilbertsville

A favorite books sits on this chair

   

The reason for the season! 

Farm in Gilbertsville - a favorite of the night

This homeowner was a gracious host. 

A charming porch sit and wait for the shuttle's arrival

               

Wishing You and Yours a Very Merry Christmas! 

Author Tamera Lawrence