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The Memory Ward
8 hours, 35 minutes
From critically acclaimed author Jon Bassoff, The Memory Ward is a haunting Russian doll of a novel about one man’s attempt to discover what’s real and what isn’t �
They say it’s always beautiful in Bethlam, Nevada. No place you’d rather live. The people are friendly, if a little nosy, and there’s no crime to speak of. Life is pretty perfect.
But postal worker Hank Davies has started to suspect something is off in this idyllic little town. And he’s certain of that when he realizes the letters he’s been delivering are just blank pages.
Hank isn’t the only one who’s noticed the oddities in Bethlam. One such person knocks on his window in the middle of the night, urging him to investigate his bedroom wall. When Hank pulls back the wallpaper, he discovers dozens of sheets of paper, full of a story that is either complete madness or unbelievable truth. As he begins looking beyond the veneer of his smiling neighbors and their white picket fences, Hank is drawn further and further into a disturbing new reality �
Told in Bassoff’s lyrical and evocative style, The Memory Ward is a disquieting page-turner that examines the nature of identity, trauma, and what it means to be human.
From critically acclaimed author Jon Bassoff, The Memory Ward is a haunting Russian doll of a novel about one man’s attempt to discover what’s real and what isn’t �
They say it’s always beautiful in Bethlam, Nevada. No place you’d rather live. The people are friendly, if a little nosy, and there’s no crime to speak of. Life is pretty perfect.
But postal worker Hank Davies has started to suspect something is off in this idyllic little town. And he’s certain of that when he realizes the letters he’s been delivering are just blank pages.
Hank isn’t the only one who’s noticed the oddities in Bethlam. One such person knocks on his window in the middle of the night, urging him to investigate his bedroom wall. When Hank pulls back the wallpaper, he discovers dozens of sheets of paper, full of a story that is either complete madness or unbelievable truth. As he begins looking beyond the veneer of his smiling neighbors and their white picket fences, Hank is drawn further and further into a disturbing new reality �
Told in Bassoff’s lyrical and evocative style, The Memory Ward is a disquieting page-turner that examines the nature of identity, trauma, and what it means to be human.
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First published March 4, 2025
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About the author
Jon Bassoff
15books288followersJon Bassoff is the author of nine novels. His mountain gothic novel, CORROSION, has been translated in French and German and was nominated for the Grand Prix de Litterature Policiere, France’s biggest crime fiction award. His psycho-noir novel, THE DISASSEMBLED MAN, has been adapted for the big screen with a filming date set to begin within the next hundred years. He also wrote the screenplay for BIZARRE LOVE TRIANGLE, which was named semi-finalist at the New York Cinematography Awards and a finalist at the Seattle Film Festival for best short film.
His novels have been lauded by authors like Craig Johnson (LONGMIRE series), James Grady (SIX DAYS OF THE CONDOR), Rob Hart (THE WAREHOUSE), Paul Trembley (A HEADFUL OF GHOSTS), S.A. Cosby (RAZORBLADE TEARS, Ramsey Campbell (THE HUNGRY MOON), Tom Piccirilli (LAST KIND WORDS), and Marcus Sakey (BRILLLIANCE Trilogy). His work has also been featured several times in New York Magazine. For his day job, Bassoff teaches high school English where he is known by students and faculty alike as the deranged writer guy. He is a connoisseur of tequila, hot sauces, psychobilly music, and flea-bag motels.
His novels have been lauded by authors like Craig Johnson (LONGMIRE series), James Grady (SIX DAYS OF THE CONDOR), Rob Hart (THE WAREHOUSE), Paul Trembley (A HEADFUL OF GHOSTS), S.A. Cosby (RAZORBLADE TEARS, Ramsey Campbell (THE HUNGRY MOON), Tom Piccirilli (LAST KIND WORDS), and Marcus Sakey (BRILLLIANCE Trilogy). His work has also been featured several times in New York Magazine. For his day job, Bassoff teaches high school English where he is known by students and faculty alike as the deranged writer guy. He is a connoisseur of tequila, hot sauces, psychobilly music, and flea-bag motels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 238 reviews
March 4, 2025
I was introduced to the author’s work when I read the very unique “Beneath Cruel Waters, in 2023, so I was excited to see that he had a new book coming out in March, and this one sounded equally as fascinating.
Life is GOOD in the idyllic small town of Bethlam, Nevada.-population around 500.
The neighbors are friendly, the weather always beautiful and crime is nonexistent.
It’s a life of routine for postal worker Hank Davies until one day something different happens when he trips over a tree branch and some letters fall out of his mailbag. One becomes unsealed and he is shocked, and confused by what he finds-the letters he’s been delivering are just blank pages.
His curiosity is piqued so he opens a couple more.
Three envelopes-three different senders-three different recipients-all blank.
What could it possibly mean? What is going on?
Well, I was INTRIGUED right along with Hank, BUT I CANNOT say that I ENJOYED this dark story-and I didn’t find the reveal very surprising either.
I can’t say much more, or I would risk spoilers, so I will keep this brief.
What I can say is that although it wasn’t a book for ME-you will PROBABLY enjoy it if you enjoyed the 2022 Oscar nominated film, “Don’t Worry Darling� or Jim Carrey’s movie called “The Truman Show�. Proof of that is the many 4 and 5 star reviews that have been written for this book, so be sure to seek out other opinions as well as mine.
Available Now
Thank You to Blackstone Publishing for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!
Life is GOOD in the idyllic small town of Bethlam, Nevada.-population around 500.
The neighbors are friendly, the weather always beautiful and crime is nonexistent.
It’s a life of routine for postal worker Hank Davies until one day something different happens when he trips over a tree branch and some letters fall out of his mailbag. One becomes unsealed and he is shocked, and confused by what he finds-the letters he’s been delivering are just blank pages.
His curiosity is piqued so he opens a couple more.
Three envelopes-three different senders-three different recipients-all blank.
What could it possibly mean? What is going on?
Well, I was INTRIGUED right along with Hank, BUT I CANNOT say that I ENJOYED this dark story-and I didn’t find the reveal very surprising either.
I can’t say much more, or I would risk spoilers, so I will keep this brief.
What I can say is that although it wasn’t a book for ME-you will PROBABLY enjoy it if you enjoyed the 2022 Oscar nominated film, “Don’t Worry Darling� or Jim Carrey’s movie called “The Truman Show�. Proof of that is the many 4 and 5 star reviews that have been written for this book, so be sure to seek out other opinions as well as mine.
Available Now
Thank You to Blackstone Publishing for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!
March 4, 2025
Happy Publication Day!!
This is one of those small mind-bending roads to insanity. As soon as I read the synopsis, I immediately had to read it!
Imagine a man with the personality of Mr Rogers delivering the mail. One day something out of the ordinary happens. The people of the town are also acting suspicious. What is really happening here?
I freaking love a book that has me baffled and searching for answers! A total memory loss trope that will leave readers shocked! Jon Bassoff has written a creepy tale of a boring monotonous daily routine eventually turning into madness.
What’s real and what isn’t?
4.5 ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks so much Jon Bassoff, Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity.
Pub date March 25, 2025
This is one of those small mind-bending roads to insanity. As soon as I read the synopsis, I immediately had to read it!
Imagine a man with the personality of Mr Rogers delivering the mail. One day something out of the ordinary happens. The people of the town are also acting suspicious. What is really happening here?
I freaking love a book that has me baffled and searching for answers! A total memory loss trope that will leave readers shocked! Jon Bassoff has written a creepy tale of a boring monotonous daily routine eventually turning into madness.
What’s real and what isn’t?
4.5 ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks so much Jon Bassoff, Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity.
Pub date March 25, 2025
April 18, 2025
What a fun and slightly dizzying read. It was confusing in a delightful way, where you couldn’t be sure what was going on. I love that feeling!
October 14, 2024
"You're traveling through another dimension, a dimension not only of sight and sound but of mind. A journey into a wondrous land whose boundaries are that of imagination. That's the signpost up ahead - your next stop, the Twilight Zone Memory Ward!"
Or, rather, Bethlam, Nevada. Where every day the weather is beautiful, the people are kind, and every thing is always so perfectly perfect. There is no place one would rather be. Ever. Or so the story goes....
But behind the beautiful façade lies a sinister darkness.
I can't discuss this one too much because it's hard to even summarize this novel in words without spilling the novels secrets. My best description is that it's a trippy descent into madness. The writing evokes a 1950's vibe and setting though I'm not sure if the timeframe is ever mentioned. It's just the feeling it gave off. The novels one downfall is a bit of repetitiveness. Though, in hindsight, I see that it was instrumental in telling this story.
Bassoff has yet again flexed his literary muscle with this mind-bending tale and it will surely leave readers both baffled and delighted. 4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for my complimentary copy.
Or, rather, Bethlam, Nevada. Where every day the weather is beautiful, the people are kind, and every thing is always so perfectly perfect. There is no place one would rather be. Ever. Or so the story goes....
But behind the beautiful façade lies a sinister darkness.
I can't discuss this one too much because it's hard to even summarize this novel in words without spilling the novels secrets. My best description is that it's a trippy descent into madness. The writing evokes a 1950's vibe and setting though I'm not sure if the timeframe is ever mentioned. It's just the feeling it gave off. The novels one downfall is a bit of repetitiveness. Though, in hindsight, I see that it was instrumental in telling this story.
Bassoff has yet again flexed his literary muscle with this mind-bending tale and it will surely leave readers both baffled and delighted. 4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for my complimentary copy.
March 14, 2025
3 stars! � Thanks to Blackstone Publishing - Audiobooks for the ALC through NetGalley! 💌
Okay� WHAT just happened?! 🤯 This book had me intrigued from the start, but the ending left me standing in the middle of Bethlam, Nevada, screaming, "HELLO?! EXPLANATION, PLEASE?" 😵�
Bethlam is the perfect little town—too perfect. 🌞 No crime, no worries, just sunshine and smiles. Our guy Hank, a postal worker, is just vibing through life until one day, he realizes the letters he’s delivering are BLANK. Yep. Empty pages. That’s when he starts questioning everything, and suddenly, Bethlam isn’t looking so idyllic anymore. 😨
The premise? 100% eerie. 👀 I was buckled in for a mind-bending ride, but then... NOTHING REALLY HAPPENED. 😩 The plot twist? The most obvious one imaginable. 🫠 I figured it out within the first 10%, and from there, I was just waiting for the book to catch up. 💤
The writing? Atmospheric. 🌫� It had that creepy, unsettling vibe, which I loved. The concept was there, but the execution? Meh. 🤷♀� I wanted more. More twists, more suspense, more "WTF?!" moments. Instead, the pacing was a slow burn that fizzled out into a very unsatisfying ending.
And the audio? 🎧 Not my favorite. The narrators did a solid job, but Wally’s voice had me on edge—not in a good way. Also, I just didn’t connect with the characters, so the emotional impact was... nonexistent.
Final verdict: Cool premise, lackluster execution. Not bad, but not great. 3 stars. ⭐⭐�
Okay� WHAT just happened?! 🤯 This book had me intrigued from the start, but the ending left me standing in the middle of Bethlam, Nevada, screaming, "HELLO?! EXPLANATION, PLEASE?" 😵�
Bethlam is the perfect little town—too perfect. 🌞 No crime, no worries, just sunshine and smiles. Our guy Hank, a postal worker, is just vibing through life until one day, he realizes the letters he’s delivering are BLANK. Yep. Empty pages. That’s when he starts questioning everything, and suddenly, Bethlam isn’t looking so idyllic anymore. 😨
The premise? 100% eerie. 👀 I was buckled in for a mind-bending ride, but then... NOTHING REALLY HAPPENED. 😩 The plot twist? The most obvious one imaginable. 🫠 I figured it out within the first 10%, and from there, I was just waiting for the book to catch up. 💤
The writing? Atmospheric. 🌫� It had that creepy, unsettling vibe, which I loved. The concept was there, but the execution? Meh. 🤷♀� I wanted more. More twists, more suspense, more "WTF?!" moments. Instead, the pacing was a slow burn that fizzled out into a very unsatisfying ending.
And the audio? 🎧 Not my favorite. The narrators did a solid job, but Wally’s voice had me on edge—not in a good way. Also, I just didn’t connect with the characters, so the emotional impact was... nonexistent.
Final verdict: Cool premise, lackluster execution. Not bad, but not great. 3 stars. ⭐⭐�
March 16, 2025
With a mind-bending premise straight out of The Twilight Zone, The Memory Ward pulled me into a story that twisted and turned as it descended into pure madness. You see, this page-turning tale of speculative fiction left me with questions about what was real and what was a well-orchestrated hoax, all of which had me thinking long and hard about the nature of memory, identity, and what it means to be human. Perfect for a book club pick or the next blockbuster film, I particularly loved The Truman Show feel mixed judiciously with a vibe straight out of The Stepford Wives world. After all, it took both of those films and gave them an even more sinister, dark, and heart-stopping finish that left me reeling for sure.
As for the guts of this novel, while I found it slightly repetitive given the format, the plotting was near utter perfection as the truth was revealed slowly over five parts in a metafiction-esque way. I mean, who doesn’t love a book-within-a-book storyline complete with a well-layered, jaw-dropping twist? But I have to say that the characters were what ultimately drove this book’s message home. Multi-dimensional and entirely realistic, I could sense their worlds imploding as if I was living their lives too. So if you love a claustrophobic tale that has a nightmarish quality built in, this is most definitely the novel for you. And while it might start off a tad slow, just hold on tight because the escalating pace meant that I couldn’t put it down. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS :
They say it's always beautiful in Bethlam, Nevada. No place you'd rather live. The people are friendly, if a little nosy, and there's no crime to speak of. Life is pretty perfect.
But postal worker Hank Davies has started to suspect something is off in this idyllic little town. And he's certain of that when he realizes the letters he's been delivering are just blank pages.
Hank isn't the only one who's noticed the oddities in Bethlam. One such person knocks on his window in the middle of the night, urging him to investigate his bedroom wall. When Hank pulls back the wallpaper, he discovers dozens of sheets of paper, full of a story that is either complete madness or unbelievable truth. As he begins looking beyond the veneer of his smiling neighbors and their white picket fences, Hank is drawn further and further into a disturbing new reality ...
Thank you to Jon Bassoff and Blackstone Publishing for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: March 4, 2024
Content warning: dementia, knife violence, gaslighting, mention of: domestic violence, rape
As for the guts of this novel, while I found it slightly repetitive given the format, the plotting was near utter perfection as the truth was revealed slowly over five parts in a metafiction-esque way. I mean, who doesn’t love a book-within-a-book storyline complete with a well-layered, jaw-dropping twist? But I have to say that the characters were what ultimately drove this book’s message home. Multi-dimensional and entirely realistic, I could sense their worlds imploding as if I was living their lives too. So if you love a claustrophobic tale that has a nightmarish quality built in, this is most definitely the novel for you. And while it might start off a tad slow, just hold on tight because the escalating pace meant that I couldn’t put it down. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS :
They say it's always beautiful in Bethlam, Nevada. No place you'd rather live. The people are friendly, if a little nosy, and there's no crime to speak of. Life is pretty perfect.
But postal worker Hank Davies has started to suspect something is off in this idyllic little town. And he's certain of that when he realizes the letters he's been delivering are just blank pages.
Hank isn't the only one who's noticed the oddities in Bethlam. One such person knocks on his window in the middle of the night, urging him to investigate his bedroom wall. When Hank pulls back the wallpaper, he discovers dozens of sheets of paper, full of a story that is either complete madness or unbelievable truth. As he begins looking beyond the veneer of his smiling neighbors and their white picket fences, Hank is drawn further and further into a disturbing new reality ...
Thank you to Jon Bassoff and Blackstone Publishing for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: March 4, 2024
Content warning: dementia, knife violence, gaslighting, mention of: domestic violence, rape
March 4, 2025
HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY!
“I know who you are.�
Invasion of the Body Snatchers meets The Stepford Wives.
In Bethlam, Nevada, life is perfect. Each day, Hank Davies delivers the mail and returns home to his beautiful wife. What more could a guy ask for?
“That’s a good way of living, I think. Too much knowledge can be dangerous.�
When Hank realizes the letters he delivers are blank, he begins to question everything. Then, a neighbor instructs him to look behind the wallpaper in his room and he learns that Bethlam is not as perfect as it seems.
What really happened on October 23rd, 2011?
I became of fan of Bassoff after really enjoying his last thriller, Beneath Cruel Waters. After rereading my review of that book, I realize that I have similar things to say about The Memory Ward.
In The Memory Ward, the plot revolves around themes of identity and trauma. Split into five sections, the three different characters� stories merge and evolve into an intricate plot, but leave the reader with an open ending. I enjoyed the fast-paced writing, but felt a little underwhelmed by the twists, as they lack originality. However, Bassoff’s characters are well-rounded and believable. Readers of Blake Crouch will surely enjoy this thriller.
3.5/5 stars rounded up
Trigger Warning: Domestic abuse, talk of rape
Expected publication day: 3/4/25
Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone publishing in exchange for an honest review.
“I know who you are.�
Invasion of the Body Snatchers meets The Stepford Wives.
In Bethlam, Nevada, life is perfect. Each day, Hank Davies delivers the mail and returns home to his beautiful wife. What more could a guy ask for?
“That’s a good way of living, I think. Too much knowledge can be dangerous.�
When Hank realizes the letters he delivers are blank, he begins to question everything. Then, a neighbor instructs him to look behind the wallpaper in his room and he learns that Bethlam is not as perfect as it seems.
What really happened on October 23rd, 2011?
I became of fan of Bassoff after really enjoying his last thriller, Beneath Cruel Waters. After rereading my review of that book, I realize that I have similar things to say about The Memory Ward.
In The Memory Ward, the plot revolves around themes of identity and trauma. Split into five sections, the three different characters� stories merge and evolve into an intricate plot, but leave the reader with an open ending. I enjoyed the fast-paced writing, but felt a little underwhelmed by the twists, as they lack originality. However, Bassoff’s characters are well-rounded and believable. Readers of Blake Crouch will surely enjoy this thriller.
3.5/5 stars rounded up
Trigger Warning: Domestic abuse, talk of rape
Expected publication day: 3/4/25
Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone publishing in exchange for an honest review.
March 3, 2025
This book has three protagonists. Hank has been delivering the mail in Bethlam, Nevada for five years. Bethlam is the safest, prettiest, friendliest town, where people watch out for each other. “Watch� is the operative word here. One day Hank drops a letter and when the envelope opens he takes a peek. The letter is just a blank sheet of paper and the same is true for several other letters. Even more puzzling is his wife’s reaction when Hank tells her what he discovered. And what’s up with the pages hidden behind the wallpaper? Then there is Walter, also a mail carrier, caring for his elderly, dementia-afflicted father. Walter witnesses a disturbing event on his route. Even more disturbing is the lack of reaction from the other witnesses. Finally, there’s Catherine, a housewife with a grown daughter and growing suspicions.
The blurb was correct when it described this book as a Russian doll. Think of the really good Twilight Zone episodes. The writing has a 1950’s vibe and I was riveted by the plot as I tried to guess what was going on. The title is a clue, but not the answer and I’m certainly not going to give it away. The book twists around on itself so many times that it’s disorienting. I definitely want to read more by this author.
I was initially attracted to this audiobook because Bronson Pinchot is one of the narrators. He did an excellent job, as did the other 2 narrators (although I couldn’t tell which of the 2 was reading which part of the book).
I received a free copy of this audiobook from the publisher.
The blurb was correct when it described this book as a Russian doll. Think of the really good Twilight Zone episodes. The writing has a 1950’s vibe and I was riveted by the plot as I tried to guess what was going on. The title is a clue, but not the answer and I’m certainly not going to give it away. The book twists around on itself so many times that it’s disorienting. I definitely want to read more by this author.
I was initially attracted to this audiobook because Bronson Pinchot is one of the narrators. He did an excellent job, as did the other 2 narrators (although I couldn’t tell which of the 2 was reading which part of the book).
I received a free copy of this audiobook from the publisher.
December 5, 2024
3.5
“It’s always beautiful in Bethlam. No place I’d rather be..� You can almost hear the birds chirping, smell the clean air, see the friendly waves from neighbors all the while feeling the undercurrent that something is just not right with this town. Hank, the mailman, feels the exact same way, Especially when he trips over a branch, spilling out his mail contents. One of the letters slips out of its envelope and he realizes it’s blank. This sets up the rest of the novel told through the POV of others who live Bethlam, who are also questioning their existence within this strange town.
This was a very quick read and definitely had you guessing what was going on. I liked the eerieness of the town as well as how all the characters intertwined . The book is divided into multiple parts and each part had a distinct feel, but yet a connecting quality to the other parts. The novel itself is rather short, and I felt it could’ve dug deeper into the town and more so into the characters as opposed to revealing it all at once at the end. But that’s just me. I have read similar plots prior, so I wasn’t wowed by the twist, but those who may not be familiar with the genre I can see really enjoying. I’ve never read the author before and I will certainly check out previous works as I did enjoy it and it was a super quick and hard to put down.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
“It’s always beautiful in Bethlam. No place I’d rather be..� You can almost hear the birds chirping, smell the clean air, see the friendly waves from neighbors all the while feeling the undercurrent that something is just not right with this town. Hank, the mailman, feels the exact same way, Especially when he trips over a branch, spilling out his mail contents. One of the letters slips out of its envelope and he realizes it’s blank. This sets up the rest of the novel told through the POV of others who live Bethlam, who are also questioning their existence within this strange town.
This was a very quick read and definitely had you guessing what was going on. I liked the eerieness of the town as well as how all the characters intertwined . The book is divided into multiple parts and each part had a distinct feel, but yet a connecting quality to the other parts. The novel itself is rather short, and I felt it could’ve dug deeper into the town and more so into the characters as opposed to revealing it all at once at the end. But that’s just me. I have read similar plots prior, so I wasn’t wowed by the twist, but those who may not be familiar with the genre I can see really enjoying. I’ve never read the author before and I will certainly check out previous works as I did enjoy it and it was a super quick and hard to put down.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
March 10, 2025
This book would make an excellent horror movie. I don’t know exactly what I was expecting but that may be for the best because what I got was a chaotic bunch of craziness that had me blinking at what just happened. Bethlam is an idyllic place. It’s always pleasant and most days are like the ones before. When postal worker Hank Davies starts to notice things that don’t seem quite right he isn’t sure how to best investigate. One of the letters he’s delivering falls open and inside is just a blank piece of paper. As he continues his search the book is told from other residents and Hank and his search from the truth takes him to questioning what even is real or not. This book was creepy and gripping. I listened to the audiobook of this one and the narrator did an excellent job bringing the narrato, and the creep factor, to the forefront. I gave this one 3.5 stars rounded up for the creative creepy levels.
February 24, 2025
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Jon Bassoff, and Blackstone Publishing Audiobooks for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Always eager to find a new author, I flocked to this novel by Jon Bassoff. The book was creepy from the opening pages and kept its momentum as the reader is pulled deeper into this head-scratcher. Bassoff shines as he adds depth and darkness to the piece, hinting that not all is as it seems while the story rushes onwards. I will certainly be looking into more of the author's work after reading this book and being completely addicted.
Bethlam, Nevada is as bucolic a town as one could imagine. Those who live here love it and could not think of a betterplace to set up roots. Local postal worker, Hank Davies, has been delivering the mail for just over five years and extols the wonders of Bethlam, loving the people,the weather, and the general feel. That is, until an odd event one day onhis route. While out and about. Hank inadvertently realises that he has been delivering blank sheets of paper within addressed envelopes to houses. When he returns home, his wife pushes blame on him for not doing his job, which snowballs into more confusion and less compassion for Hank on the eve of his birthday.
When Hank receives a knock on the window by another Bethlam resident, encouraging him to look on the walls for answers, what he discovers is highly concerning. A complete manuscript about oddities around town is presented to him. Hank may have stumbled onto something completely out in left field. The stories he reads tell of a town where nothing makes sense and people are left to wonder where reality ends and fiction commences. Thedeeper Hank digs, the more trouble he finds. Now, he will have to find a way to reveal it all before, he, too, becomes one of those who has the truth erased from him and is left to live an unsuspecting life in Bethlam. Bassoff keeps the reader hooked with all these twists and turns in this captivating read.
I have always enjoyed a good thriller, particularly those of a more psychological nature. Bassoff delivers the perfect story that has all the elements of a great piece and does so while luring the reader deeper into the mix. The narrative is strong and builds from chapter to chapter, all while inching forward into a mix of shadows and confusion. Characters add flavouring all their own, pacing their revelations as best they can. It's nothing short of genius the way things come together, particularly with the twists that Jon Bassoff finds to pepper within each chapter. What begins as strange is soon completelyoff the rails and the reader cannot escape. I am eager to find more novels like this to devour in my spare time.
Kudos, Mr. Bassoff, for impressing me in many ways!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
Always eager to find a new author, I flocked to this novel by Jon Bassoff. The book was creepy from the opening pages and kept its momentum as the reader is pulled deeper into this head-scratcher. Bassoff shines as he adds depth and darkness to the piece, hinting that not all is as it seems while the story rushes onwards. I will certainly be looking into more of the author's work after reading this book and being completely addicted.
Bethlam, Nevada is as bucolic a town as one could imagine. Those who live here love it and could not think of a betterplace to set up roots. Local postal worker, Hank Davies, has been delivering the mail for just over five years and extols the wonders of Bethlam, loving the people,the weather, and the general feel. That is, until an odd event one day onhis route. While out and about. Hank inadvertently realises that he has been delivering blank sheets of paper within addressed envelopes to houses. When he returns home, his wife pushes blame on him for not doing his job, which snowballs into more confusion and less compassion for Hank on the eve of his birthday.
When Hank receives a knock on the window by another Bethlam resident, encouraging him to look on the walls for answers, what he discovers is highly concerning. A complete manuscript about oddities around town is presented to him. Hank may have stumbled onto something completely out in left field. The stories he reads tell of a town where nothing makes sense and people are left to wonder where reality ends and fiction commences. Thedeeper Hank digs, the more trouble he finds. Now, he will have to find a way to reveal it all before, he, too, becomes one of those who has the truth erased from him and is left to live an unsuspecting life in Bethlam. Bassoff keeps the reader hooked with all these twists and turns in this captivating read.
I have always enjoyed a good thriller, particularly those of a more psychological nature. Bassoff delivers the perfect story that has all the elements of a great piece and does so while luring the reader deeper into the mix. The narrative is strong and builds from chapter to chapter, all while inching forward into a mix of shadows and confusion. Characters add flavouring all their own, pacing their revelations as best they can. It's nothing short of genius the way things come together, particularly with the twists that Jon Bassoff finds to pepper within each chapter. What begins as strange is soon completelyoff the rails and the reader cannot escape. I am eager to find more novels like this to devour in my spare time.
Kudos, Mr. Bassoff, for impressing me in many ways!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
March 5, 2025
I’m ultimately giving this 3.25 stars, because, while I was intrigued by the story, the last quarter of it was wholly unsatisfying. All that buildup, and then I was left confused and grasping for an explanation that made some kind of sense.
The premise is interesting enough: someone finds out he’s been delivering blank letters in his picture-perfect neighborhood, and everyone seems to be a little too interested in what he’s doing. Something is off, and it’s very unsettling. And so the investigation begins�.
Content warning: there are a few extremely gruesome scenes. Proceed with caution. I personally won’t be reading this again.
My thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
The premise is interesting enough: someone finds out he’s been delivering blank letters in his picture-perfect neighborhood, and everyone seems to be a little too interested in what he’s doing. Something is off, and it’s very unsettling. And so the investigation begins�.
Content warning: there are a few extremely gruesome scenes. Proceed with caution. I personally won’t be reading this again.
My thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
April 23, 2025
Brilliant!! Review to come
Read
April 24, 2025Review coming soon!
Read if you enjoyed:
Severance
Don't Worry Darling
The Truman Show
and Servant
A psychological, mind-bending, crime thriller/horror
Read if you enjoyed:
Severance
Don't Worry Darling
The Truman Show
and Servant
A psychological, mind-bending, crime thriller/horror
March 4, 2025
The Memory Ward 5⭐️
Brilliantly Bizarre.
There’s something calmly terrifying when every single resident of Bethlam smiles. Too much, too big, too long, too�.suspiciously. The Memory Ward was packed full of creepy vibes and lots of questions. It was unique and kept my attention from beginning to end. I was fully immersed in this story’s world and transported to the town of Bethlam. The writing style allowed me to see, hear, and experience each description provided.
Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. This review will be shared on NetGalley and ŷ.
Pub Date Mar 04 2025
Brilliantly Bizarre.
There’s something calmly terrifying when every single resident of Bethlam smiles. Too much, too big, too long, too�.suspiciously. The Memory Ward was packed full of creepy vibes and lots of questions. It was unique and kept my attention from beginning to end. I was fully immersed in this story’s world and transported to the town of Bethlam. The writing style allowed me to see, hear, and experience each description provided.
Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. This review will be shared on NetGalley and ŷ.
Pub Date Mar 04 2025
March 9, 2025
Wow! This audiobook gave me the jitters! It was horrifying, realistic, mysterious and eerie. It did start off slow paced, but then started picking up and became very fast paced. Once it started getting fast paced, it became suspenseful and full of twists and turns! I started to become confused as to what is real and what wasn’t. Reality started to become a blur in the book. It digs into identity, trauma and memory!
I highly recommend this book to anyone that loves reading horror! I rate this book a high 4 out of 5 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley, author Jon Bassoff, Blackstone Publishing - Audiobooks for this complimentary audiobook in exchange for my honest review!
The Memory Ward was published on March 4, 2025 and is out now!
I highly recommend this book to anyone that loves reading horror! I rate this book a high 4 out of 5 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley, author Jon Bassoff, Blackstone Publishing - Audiobooks for this complimentary audiobook in exchange for my honest review!
The Memory Ward was published on March 4, 2025 and is out now!
March 5, 2025
This was my first Jon Bassoff book and won’t be my last. So good, so unique, so many twists, so odd.
I don’t want to say too much because I feel like I’ll be giving things away but if you’re a fan of The Stepford Wives and The Truman Show, you gotta read this wild book!
It’ll have you guessing what’s real and what’s not. You do have to suspend your belief - it is a thriller after all. And I’d recommend going into this one blind.
Fun read! Love that it was so different than most thrillers.
I don’t want to say too much because I feel like I’ll be giving things away but if you’re a fan of The Stepford Wives and The Truman Show, you gotta read this wild book!
It’ll have you guessing what’s real and what’s not. You do have to suspend your belief - it is a thriller after all. And I’d recommend going into this one blind.
Fun read! Love that it was so different than most thrillers.
March 21, 2025
Speculative fiction straight out of the twilight zone and black mirror combining element from The Truman show (initially) and then later Stepford wives. The whole book gave me a sort of dejavu vibe. Have I read or seen something similar before?
The setting seems to mirror a 1950/60s time period, however I believe that was all smoke and mirrors and the real setting is actually present day or near future.
The book is split into different parts each part told by a different character all of which live in Bethlam, Nevada and idyllic picture perfect town where the residents are definitely not what they seem.
I listened to this on audio which provided a different voice for each character, which is always welcomed but I do have to say the voice of the main character Wally was really really off putting. Whether intentional or not (i actually think the former) this characters voice sounded meek and unintelligent often with a slight stutter. I understand voice acting and to a certain degree matched the character but wasn't needed it could have been portrayed differently and it really put me off the book a lot of the time. The rest of the narrators where excellent.
Without giving too much away I have to add that the pace of the book was very slow and repetitive (although the repetition makes sense) however there isn't much happening. A LOT of gaslighting (again makes sense) but incredibly frustrating because the pace is so slow and we as the reader are already 10 steps ahead and waiting for the book to catch up. It's not that we realised the twist (can we call it a twist) for me at least it was all very obvious what was going on we just needed to get there. Most of the action is presented to us in the last third of the book where pace picks up but in an effort to be 'original or clever' the author fell into the trap of adding drama and detail for the sake of shock value which was unnecessary.
The ending? Well I think it can be taken both way and again was trying to be 'clever' and was not well executed. Sometimes sticking to the plan is the best way.
An unfortunate execution to what could have been an excellent premise.
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing who provided me with an audiocopy of this book via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
The setting seems to mirror a 1950/60s time period, however I believe that was all smoke and mirrors and the real setting is actually present day or near future.
The book is split into different parts each part told by a different character all of which live in Bethlam, Nevada and idyllic picture perfect town where the residents are definitely not what they seem.
I listened to this on audio which provided a different voice for each character, which is always welcomed but I do have to say the voice of the main character Wally was really really off putting. Whether intentional or not (i actually think the former) this characters voice sounded meek and unintelligent often with a slight stutter. I understand voice acting and to a certain degree matched the character but wasn't needed it could have been portrayed differently and it really put me off the book a lot of the time. The rest of the narrators where excellent.
Without giving too much away I have to add that the pace of the book was very slow and repetitive (although the repetition makes sense) however there isn't much happening. A LOT of gaslighting (again makes sense) but incredibly frustrating because the pace is so slow and we as the reader are already 10 steps ahead and waiting for the book to catch up. It's not that we realised the twist (can we call it a twist) for me at least it was all very obvious what was going on we just needed to get there. Most of the action is presented to us in the last third of the book where pace picks up but in an effort to be 'original or clever' the author fell into the trap of adding drama and detail for the sake of shock value which was unnecessary.
The ending? Well I think it can be taken both way and again was trying to be 'clever' and was not well executed. Sometimes sticking to the plan is the best way.
An unfortunate execution to what could have been an excellent premise.
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing who provided me with an audiocopy of this book via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
March 19, 2025
#ad many thanks for my advance copy @blackstonepublishing #partner
& @librofm #partner for the ALC
Since I read the premise of this one I knew I wanted to read it. While this book wasn’t exactly what I thought it’d be, it also still was in some ways.
The Memory Ward by Jon Bassoff is a one-sitting type of read. By the end of chapter one you are all in and by chapter four you have to finish reading to see where the plot going.
While this was a fun read I found the pacing a little too slow, but it still kept me entertained. It felt reading a book version of Pleasant Ville and The Truman Show with a hit of We’ve Come to Welcome You.
This would make an excellent limited series! I think it’d work well, maybe better than reading it.
Quick fun read that begs you to find out what is going on. The writing is intriguing with eerie vibes and the main character pushes the plot along. I liked the sci-fi angle of the book.
The audio was also well done. I listened while following along.
Def a thought-provoking read that begs discussion! If given the option I think I’d have what’s in the book (no spoilers) done to me.
4-5 hr read
& @librofm #partner for the ALC
Since I read the premise of this one I knew I wanted to read it. While this book wasn’t exactly what I thought it’d be, it also still was in some ways.
The Memory Ward by Jon Bassoff is a one-sitting type of read. By the end of chapter one you are all in and by chapter four you have to finish reading to see where the plot going.
While this was a fun read I found the pacing a little too slow, but it still kept me entertained. It felt reading a book version of Pleasant Ville and The Truman Show with a hit of We’ve Come to Welcome You.
This would make an excellent limited series! I think it’d work well, maybe better than reading it.
Quick fun read that begs you to find out what is going on. The writing is intriguing with eerie vibes and the main character pushes the plot along. I liked the sci-fi angle of the book.
The audio was also well done. I listened while following along.
Def a thought-provoking read that begs discussion! If given the option I think I’d have what’s in the book (no spoilers) done to me.
4-5 hr read
October 23, 2024
Shockingly & Creepy
What's Real and what isn't?
This is my first time reading Jon Bassoff. He pulled off a wonderfully weird & creepy page-turner with The Memory Ward. If you enjoy Memory loss tropes you really need to read this one. It really did keep me hooked from beginning to end. The story gives off sort of a 50s Invasion of the Body Snatchers vibe. Think of a psychological thriller with some sci-fi ish aspects thrown in. Interesting and complex characters with a plot that keeps you guessing.
This was gearing up to be a 5 star for me except for the open ended conclusion disappointed me. Regardless, The Memory Ward is still absolutely worth the read. I'll definitely be checking for more of Jon Bassoff's previous work.
Thank you to Netgalley and Blackstone Publishing for my complimentary copy.
What's Real and what isn't?
This is my first time reading Jon Bassoff. He pulled off a wonderfully weird & creepy page-turner with The Memory Ward. If you enjoy Memory loss tropes you really need to read this one. It really did keep me hooked from beginning to end. The story gives off sort of a 50s Invasion of the Body Snatchers vibe. Think of a psychological thriller with some sci-fi ish aspects thrown in. Interesting and complex characters with a plot that keeps you guessing.
This was gearing up to be a 5 star for me except for the open ended conclusion disappointed me. Regardless, The Memory Ward is still absolutely worth the read. I'll definitely be checking for more of Jon Bassoff's previous work.
Thank you to Netgalley and Blackstone Publishing for my complimentary copy.
March 19, 2025
I was left with too many unanswered questions and a sense that the story never truly came together. The ending was baffling. The pace is sluggish, and the plot developments feel drawn out.
.
.
Reading notes along the way (may be some spoilers)...
30% I clearly missed something. What happened to his wife iris and what was on the letters? I think it switched to a different character who coincidentally is also a postal worker and name is very similar??? Very confusing on the audiobook.
46% slow tension building (I kind of wish more had happened by now)
77% so I think he's the same character from part 1 but he got :scrubbed: that makes more sense now
82% this isn't blowing me away. Kind of generic.
Erasing trauma to give people the past they want. Mostly projected use for soldiers though.
86% those gory details of abuse and SA were for shock value and not necessary. I hate reading garbage like that. Hate when authors use SA for shock value.
100% Wow I'm incredibly disappointed. I don't understand what the ending meant. This felt like a massive waste of time.
The Memory Ward starts with an intriguing premise, weaving themes of memory manipulation and trauma. While the novel offers some suspense, it falls short in many areas, ultimately leaving more questions than answers.
The ending—did the protagonist really just experience delusions the entire time? And if so, what was the point of the interlude told from the woman ( Catherine, I think) character’s point of view?
.
.
Reading notes along the way (may be some spoilers)...
30% I clearly missed something. What happened to his wife iris and what was on the letters? I think it switched to a different character who coincidentally is also a postal worker and name is very similar??? Very confusing on the audiobook.
46% slow tension building (I kind of wish more had happened by now)
77% so I think he's the same character from part 1 but he got :scrubbed: that makes more sense now
82% this isn't blowing me away. Kind of generic.
Erasing trauma to give people the past they want. Mostly projected use for soldiers though.
86% those gory details of abuse and SA were for shock value and not necessary. I hate reading garbage like that. Hate when authors use SA for shock value.
100% Wow I'm incredibly disappointed. I don't understand what the ending meant. This felt like a massive waste of time.
The Memory Ward starts with an intriguing premise, weaving themes of memory manipulation and trauma. While the novel offers some suspense, it falls short in many areas, ultimately leaving more questions than answers.
The ending—did the protagonist really just experience delusions the entire time? And if so, what was the point of the interlude told from the woman ( Catherine, I think) character’s point of view?
March 16, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for providing an ARC.
3.5
I really enjoyed listening to this, I sped through it pretty quickly. The premise is trippy.. very 1950s perfect town with perfect neighbors�. You know something is off but it’s not exactly clear. It’s a little too idealistic . I don’t want to give too much away on the trope or comparisons however I highly suggest the audio, the narrator did a great job capturing the cadence of the characters which imo played a big part. A little eerie, a little speculative. I feel like this book was enjoyable but the speculative nerd in me would have liked more of a backstory. However I love the genre and enjoyed the premise - sometimes short and sweet is just as effective, I highly suggest giving this a go
3.5
I really enjoyed listening to this, I sped through it pretty quickly. The premise is trippy.. very 1950s perfect town with perfect neighbors�. You know something is off but it’s not exactly clear. It’s a little too idealistic . I don’t want to give too much away on the trope or comparisons however I highly suggest the audio, the narrator did a great job capturing the cadence of the characters which imo played a big part. A little eerie, a little speculative. I feel like this book was enjoyable but the speculative nerd in me would have liked more of a backstory. However I love the genre and enjoyed the premise - sometimes short and sweet is just as effective, I highly suggest giving this a go
April 15, 2025
Loved the beginning. The ending not so much. It left me with too many questions. All that said, the whole journey was amazing.
I really enjoy Bassoff’s writing. The pacing is always on point and the way he pulls you through the story always works for me. This was no exception in that regard. Also, the setting, top notch!
Definitely recommend especially if you love reading about idyllic little towns with loads of secrets!
I really enjoy Bassoff’s writing. The pacing is always on point and the way he pulls you through the story always works for me. This was no exception in that regard. Also, the setting, top notch!
Definitely recommend especially if you love reading about idyllic little towns with loads of secrets!
April 30, 2025
Wow this was a ride! Gave me total Black Mirror vibes. I legit couldn’t put it down and that twist? I did not see that coming. Someone get this turned into a movie ASAP!
September 22, 2024
Another terrific effort from Bassoff, one of my favorite authors, about a seemingly idyllic community where some of the residents begin to suspect that things may be just a tad off, and the investigation leads to surprising revelations for them. It's rather reminiscent of The Blinds, another terrific book I read a short time ago, in its exploration of memories, past lives and paranoia either real or imagined. The writing is top notch as always and the characters are real, not cardboard. If you haven't read any of Bassoff's work, I strongly suggest you start soon. He's a top talent in the genre. 4.5 stars, very highly recommended. Thanks to Netgalley for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Want to read
February 16, 2025ARC received! Thank you, Blackstone Publishing!!
I've really enjoyed work from this author in the past, so am looking forward to checking this one out. It sounds so good!
I've really enjoyed work from this author in the past, so am looking forward to checking this one out. It sounds so good!
April 1, 2025
Book Review: The Memory Ward by Jon Bassoff
Jon Bassoff’s The Memory Ward promises an eerie and unsettling experience, blending elements of mystery, horror, and thriller. However, while the novel is well-crafted in certain respects, it ultimately falls short of delivering the gripping, psychologically intense narrative one might expect from its premise.
The story follows Hank Davies, a postal worker in Bethlam, Nevada, who slowly begins to unravel the unsettling reality of his seemingly idyllic town. The premise is intriguing: a man discovering blank letters, cryptic messages hidden behind wallpaper, and an unnerving sense that something is terribly wrong. The novel aims to immerse readers in an environment where reality and illusion blur, yet it does so with a sense of predictability that undercuts its suspense.
One of the book’s biggest weaknesses lies in its genre execution. Marketed as a thriller infused with horror, The Memory Ward lacks the necessary tension and fear to sustain these labels. The horror elements, if present, are too subtle to evoke genuine dread, and the thriller aspect suffers from a lack of compelling stakes. Readers expecting a mind-bending psychological thriller with shocking twists may find themselves underwhelmed. The major twist is foreshadowed too early in the story, making the climax feel more like a confirmation of suspicions rather than a surprising payoff.
Despite its shortcomings, the novel does have strengths. The use of unreliable narration is one of its most effective tools. The narrators are self-assured in their distorted perceptions, which keeps the reader questioning what is real and what is fabricated. The novel’s writing style also enhances the unsettling atmosphere, even if the plot does not fully support the tension it attempts to build.
Ultimately, The Memory Ward excels in crafting a disorienting, paranoia-infused setting and successfully employs unreliable narration, yet it lacks the depth and execution necessary to make it a standout thriller or horror novel. Readers looking for an introspective look at identity and memory might appreciate its literary qualities, but those seeking an unpredictable and truly gripping mystery may find themselves disappointed. Bassoff’s talent is evident, but this novel does not quite reach its full potential.
Jon Bassoff’s The Memory Ward promises an eerie and unsettling experience, blending elements of mystery, horror, and thriller. However, while the novel is well-crafted in certain respects, it ultimately falls short of delivering the gripping, psychologically intense narrative one might expect from its premise.
The story follows Hank Davies, a postal worker in Bethlam, Nevada, who slowly begins to unravel the unsettling reality of his seemingly idyllic town. The premise is intriguing: a man discovering blank letters, cryptic messages hidden behind wallpaper, and an unnerving sense that something is terribly wrong. The novel aims to immerse readers in an environment where reality and illusion blur, yet it does so with a sense of predictability that undercuts its suspense.
One of the book’s biggest weaknesses lies in its genre execution. Marketed as a thriller infused with horror, The Memory Ward lacks the necessary tension and fear to sustain these labels. The horror elements, if present, are too subtle to evoke genuine dread, and the thriller aspect suffers from a lack of compelling stakes. Readers expecting a mind-bending psychological thriller with shocking twists may find themselves underwhelmed. The major twist is foreshadowed too early in the story, making the climax feel more like a confirmation of suspicions rather than a surprising payoff.
Despite its shortcomings, the novel does have strengths. The use of unreliable narration is one of its most effective tools. The narrators are self-assured in their distorted perceptions, which keeps the reader questioning what is real and what is fabricated. The novel’s writing style also enhances the unsettling atmosphere, even if the plot does not fully support the tension it attempts to build.
Ultimately, The Memory Ward excels in crafting a disorienting, paranoia-infused setting and successfully employs unreliable narration, yet it lacks the depth and execution necessary to make it a standout thriller or horror novel. Readers looking for an introspective look at identity and memory might appreciate its literary qualities, but those seeking an unpredictable and truly gripping mystery may find themselves disappointed. Bassoff’s talent is evident, but this novel does not quite reach its full potential.
March 8, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Mysterious.
Unnerving.
Clever.
I am left wondering how Jon Bassoff pulled this one off. The Memory Ward was compelling right from the start. He cleverly crafted a story that quickly set a perturbed and quiet suburban atmosphere that was half a waking dream, half a living nightmare. I appreciated how Bassoff wrote a peculiar story about a man's attempt to discover what's real and what isn't. Even more, I appreciated how he explored identity, memory, trauma, observation, and suspicion.
Bassoff’s writing style brilliantly drew me in with the creepy opening pages and the eerie tone and mysterious elements had me turning pages quickly. As the story progressed, the depth and darkness pulled me deeper in and there was no going back.
I always enjoy a solid psychological mystery-thriller, and Bassoff delivered one with all the classic psychological mystery-thriller elements. The narrative was strong with one chapter building on the next, all while inching forward into a mix of shadows and confusion. Although this story had a slow build, I loved the seamless trajectory from weird to scary.
I was so fascinated by this book that I went into research mode and learned more about Jon Bassoff and his writing. I was pleased to learn he is a high school teacher and The Memory Ward had been a piece he had been working on for nearly six years. On top of that, this unique story brought a lot of his interests and obsessions together. He said he had always been curious about memory and identity and therefore merged the two together in this distinctly strange and tantalizing narrative.
Collectively, I was mesmerized by Bassoff’s compelling and artfully crafted novel that questioned morality, free will, and what makes us human. I absolutely loved the ambiguous ending. Without giving too much away, I savored how Bassoff left the final scene up to interpretation. If you are open to reading an uneasy, peculiar story that has you pondering long after its culmination, you will most likely find The Memory Ward an absorbing, unsettling read.
Mysterious.
Unnerving.
Clever.
I am left wondering how Jon Bassoff pulled this one off. The Memory Ward was compelling right from the start. He cleverly crafted a story that quickly set a perturbed and quiet suburban atmosphere that was half a waking dream, half a living nightmare. I appreciated how Bassoff wrote a peculiar story about a man's attempt to discover what's real and what isn't. Even more, I appreciated how he explored identity, memory, trauma, observation, and suspicion.
Bassoff’s writing style brilliantly drew me in with the creepy opening pages and the eerie tone and mysterious elements had me turning pages quickly. As the story progressed, the depth and darkness pulled me deeper in and there was no going back.
I always enjoy a solid psychological mystery-thriller, and Bassoff delivered one with all the classic psychological mystery-thriller elements. The narrative was strong with one chapter building on the next, all while inching forward into a mix of shadows and confusion. Although this story had a slow build, I loved the seamless trajectory from weird to scary.
I was so fascinated by this book that I went into research mode and learned more about Jon Bassoff and his writing. I was pleased to learn he is a high school teacher and The Memory Ward had been a piece he had been working on for nearly six years. On top of that, this unique story brought a lot of his interests and obsessions together. He said he had always been curious about memory and identity and therefore merged the two together in this distinctly strange and tantalizing narrative.
Collectively, I was mesmerized by Bassoff’s compelling and artfully crafted novel that questioned morality, free will, and what makes us human. I absolutely loved the ambiguous ending. Without giving too much away, I savored how Bassoff left the final scene up to interpretation. If you are open to reading an uneasy, peculiar story that has you pondering long after its culmination, you will most likely find The Memory Ward an absorbing, unsettling read.
March 11, 2025
3.5 stars
Not all is as it seems in Bethlam, Nevada. On the surface, it’s a quaint little town with charming neighbors, but beneath that facade, something more sinister is at play. It’s easy to sense early on that something is off and as we read the journals of the other characters, the truth becomes increasingly clear. The characters are rather one-dimensional, but this is the kind of book you read more for the plot than the characters. However, the story is fairly predictable and gets a bit repetitive toward the end. Overall, this was nothing groundbreaking, but it was still an enjoyable read.
Not all is as it seems in Bethlam, Nevada. On the surface, it’s a quaint little town with charming neighbors, but beneath that facade, something more sinister is at play. It’s easy to sense early on that something is off and as we read the journals of the other characters, the truth becomes increasingly clear. The characters are rather one-dimensional, but this is the kind of book you read more for the plot than the characters. However, the story is fairly predictable and gets a bit repetitive toward the end. Overall, this was nothing groundbreaking, but it was still an enjoyable read.
March 31, 2025
An amazing read by my co-worker. I could not put this book down!! Every chapter had me wondering what was going on, which resulted in me not being able to stop reading.
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