Review: The Dead Girls of Hysteria Hall by Katie Alender

When Delia's Aunt Cordelia passes away, she's surprised to hear she has inherited her home.  It isn't your typical home, of course.  The Piven Institute for the Care and Correction of Troubled Females, nicknamed Hysteria Hall, was once the home, and ultimately the resting place, for dozens of women and children.  Some of these women were too defiant and strong-willed for their time, but there were others who were, in fact, quite disturbed.  Forced to live out their final years in an insane asylum, some died naturally. Others...not so much.

Delia is certain Hysteria Hall is haunted.  Her parents and younger sister brush off her claims as typical teen drama.  Until, that is, she becomes one of the many ghosts that roam the floors of Hysteria Hall.  Now trapped, Delia learns that Hysteria Hall has quite the sordid history.  Some deaths were covered up while others were written off as suicide.  They were all tied together, connected to a darkness that has lay buried for all this time.  Delia soon realizes that her aunt's decision to will her this home was intentional. She is the only one who can uncover the secrets hidden within the walls of Hysteria Hall, the only one who can set free the dozens of innocents trapped there.

I’m all about horror novels set in asylums. I mean, ghosts are pretty spooky as is, but ghosts of the insane? Terrifying.

Though this title wasn’t as terrifying as I would have hoped (I really wouldn’t classify it as a horror, but a thriller or suspense with ghosts!), I did appreciate the feminist undertones.  It’s no secret that women were once (and sometimes, still!) considered insane for desiring more in life, things that extend beyond what men deemed appropriate.  This is definitely a novel that has the reader contemplating things far deeper than the storyline itself.

Although Delia is a typical 16 year old girl with age-appropriate feelings and emotions, she’s strong-willed and determined to beat her fate, to help save her loved ones.  She refuses to accept the limits placed upon her, instead forgoing all risk to put an end to the evil that resides within Hysteria Hall.

I actually really enjoyed this read, despite the fact it didn’t terrify me in the least. I think this is actually a good selling point! If you are a reader looking for something spooky, but not too spooky, to read this Halloween, this is the perfect title for you. Highly recommended.