This was an interesting story, comparable to The Truman Show, The Stepford Wives, The Pines. Small town but nothing is as it seems.

Interesting concept but sadly I guessed the ending at the halfway point and wasnt able to be surprised by much more. I think the audiobook was well spoken and the variation in voices was well used

Pre-Read Notes:

I like stories about memory so this title was like a fish hook in my brain. The similarities to The Stepford Wives is impossible to ignore, but I would say rather that this older work is an influence, rather than this book being a retelling.

"...[T]here were times that it seemed that I didn't know him at all. I would stare at his thick and hairy hands, and imagine them holding that poor girl underwater, while she violently slapped the porcelain tub. Then I would feel ashamed."

Final Review

My 3 Favorite Things:

✔️ This is a story similar in concept to Stepford Wives, which is scary as heck. This one is suspenseful and weird in ways that make it distinctive.

✔️ I like these kinds of stories, in which someone seems different in a threatening way, but the explanation is obfuscated to create suspense and mystery for the readers. It can be such a window into human nature. It's almost a scifi trope and it works very well in many different genres.

✔️ I think this is a good example of an execution of the unreliable narrator that maximizes their vulnerability. Why can't we trust them? What if we can't trust the reason we get for our mistrust? It creates a heavy tension between reality and perception.


Notes:

1. content notes: gaslighting, dopplegangers, domestic violence, emotional abuse, human experimentation, matricide, gr_pe (off-page, brief description), paranoia, amnesia

Thank you to the author Jon Bassoff, Blackstone Publishing, and NetGalley for an advance audiobook copy of THE MEMORY WARD. All views are mine.

🧠✨ What in the world did I just read?!
Jon Bassoff’s THE MEMORY WARD is a straight-up Black Mirror-meets-The Truman Show HEAD TRIP — and I mean that in the BEST way possible. Imagine Pleasantville, The Stepford Wives, and Invasion of the Body Snatchers all sat down and plotted a psychological thriller together… yeah, it’s THAT wild. 🤯

🌀 This book is a fast-paced, twisty mind-bender that asks:
👉 Who are we without our memories?
👉 Can grief warp your reality?
👉 And what actually happened on October 23rd, 2011?! 😳

🎧 The audiobook? Chef’s kiss. Bronson Pinchot, Dawn Harvey, and Janina Edwards serve up performances so eerie and nuanced, you’ll be checking your own wallpaper. 📻 Highly, highly recommend the audio for maximum chills!

💭 The ending? Sublime. Unsettling. Made me question reality — the best kind of brain fog. Honestly, if this isn’t adapted into a film soon, we riot.

A book about taking away criminals' memories and giving them new lives. The story was ok, but not my genre. I didn't really enjoy it.

Bethlam, Nevada is a wonderful place to live. The people are friendly and there’s no crime. Life is perfect. That is, until, a few residents begin to realise that not everything is as it seems and there might be something deeper behind the picture-perfect town.

I won’t lie. After the first couple of chapters, I believed that I wasn’t going to make it through the entire book. I thought this was going to be a read that fell flat for me and wouldn’t hold my attention.

However, I was happily wrong. I soon felt sucked into the mystery and I couldn’t help but want to stay tuned so I could unravel it all. There was truly so much to unpack.

This book gave me Don’t Worry Darling vibes and while it didn’t end up being the same, I loved that it had a similar atmosphere.

I think it’s fantastic that there were multiple narrators to help convey the story.

I would check out more works by this author.

Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for providing me with this audiobook. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This is one of those stories that keeps subverting your expectations. The deeper you get in to the story, the more you become unsure of what to expect. That makes for an exciting read. There is a general sense of unease from the beginning that really amps up in the third act. While there are hints from the beginning, the twist is still a surprise. The narrators did an excellent job relaying the confusion in an entertaining manner.

A gripping psychological thriller with an unreliable narrator, I always knew there was more behind the scenes so when the plot twist happened I was left a little speechless...it wasn't what I was guessing! Overall I enjoyed the story but I did feel like the audiobook quality had some rough moments to it. The narrators did a great job though, and I enjoyed the book.

Thank you Blackstone for the gifted ALC.

This was so good I was on the edge of my seat with needing to k ow more and I couldn’t stop reading it

I just finished The Memory Ward by Jon Bassoff, and to say I’m confused would be an understatement—in the best way possible. This was one of the most unique and twist-filled plots I’ve come across in a while. I listened to the audiobook version, and while I enjoyed it overall, I do think it made it a bit harder to catch all the subtle clues than if I had read a physical or digital copy.

There were a few audio quality issues—some chapters were crystal clear while others sounded slightly grainy or muffled. Still, the narrators did a great job of distinguishing the characters and bringing the eerie atmosphere to life.

This is definitely a story that plays with reality and leaves plenty open to interpretation. If you enjoy unreliable narrators and like finishing a book with more questions than answers, this one might be right up your alley. I’d love to hear what others thought of this one—because I’m still trying to wrap my head around it!

This was really interesting. It was super creepy and kept me guessing the whole time.

Its hard to review this without spoiling too much, but I think going in pretty blind is a good idea. I read somewhere that this was kind of like a creepier Truman Show, and I think that's a pretty good description.

Unfortunately, the sound quality was pretty low on this audiobook. There was a strange tinny sound the entire book that was distracting and took from the story.

I think the story itself was interesting and I love books dealing with mental health. I also enjoyed the unreliable narrator and the since of unease the story created.

Jon Bassoff crafts an eerie, atmospheric tale that blurs the line between reality and delusion. The setup is intriguing—blank letters, unsettling neighbors, and a town too perfect to be real. The novel pulls you in like a fever dream, with clues tucked behind wallpaper and creeping paranoia at every turn. While the premise is compelling and the writing often lyrical, the story sometimes gets lost in its own haze. Themes of identity and trauma are present but don’t always land with clarity. An interesting, unsettling read—but not quite as memorable as it wants to be.

I listened to The Memory Ward on audio, and I thought it was interesting and insane all at once. The narrator did a phenomenal job with this. The end made it worth it but it was a bit of journey to get to the final destination.

This is one where you’re wondering if our MC is unreliable or not. It kind of gave me Wayward Pines vibes but I don’t want to say anything that will give it away. Thanks to Blackstone Publishing for my audiobook!

This was an interesting ride. A bit slow in parts but a good premise.

Walter Daly grows up in an idyllic town called Bethlam, Nevada. Life is good until it seems weird. Walter sees some odd things, people seem to be watching him. Walter's memories seem blurred.

I enjoyed the characters, set up and story. This gives Truman Show Vibes. I would read more from this author.

The audio was my preferred method of ingesting this novel. Atmospheric and creepy it was a great slow burn thriller. The narrators do a great job telling this story and making it come to life.

Brief synopsis: Hank is a postal worker in the Pleasantville-esque town of Bethlam, Nevada. One day he realizes all the the letters he delivers are blank. Soon after, he starts noticing other unusual things and people in the town. The Memory Ward is Truman Show meets Don't Worry Darling—but with a twist not given away by either of those comparisons.

The Memory Ward takes us down a rabbit hole of stories within stories within letters within memories within a whole separate spinoff. Fortunately I had an easy time keeping track of all the characters and narratives, which is truly surprising, but Bassoff did an amazing job giving each character a distinct voice and identity.

The ending surprised me, which is why I rounded my rating up to four stars, but the journey there was a *little* tedious. I wanted more answers, more of a glimpse into the world outside of Bethlam, but I did really enjoy listening to this unique story. I personally feel like it's more sci-fi/speculative fiction than horror, so make sure you're in the mood for that if you pick this up.

As for the audiobook? It's one of the best audio productions I've ever listened to. Bronson Pinchot is an incredible narrator. I'll be looking for more of his performances to listen to.

Thriller readers, pick up The Memory Ward by Jon Bassoff. This was a good audiobook and it's available now.

I absolutely refuse to write a real review for this book because literally anything I say could ruin the surprise.

But if you like stories with unreliable narrators and potentially less than conclusive endings, this is one for you.

I loved it.

The Memory Ward is a surreal and unsettling journey into the mind of a man unraveling in a town that seems too perfect to be real. Jon Bassoff crafts a story that feels like a blend of The Truman Show and Black Mirror, with a strong psychological undercurrent that keeps you questioning what’s real and what’s imagined.

The audiobook narration is solid, engaging, and well-paced, with a tone that matches the eerie, dreamlike quality of the story. The premise is undeniably compelling: a postal worker in a seemingly idyllic town discovers that the letters he delivers are blank, and from there, the mystery deepens.

However, while the setup is strong, the story occasionally stumbles under the weight of its own ambition. The narrative becomes increasingly abstract, and some of the twists feel more confusing than revelatory. The ending, in particular, may leave listeners divided—it’s thought-provoking, but not entirely satisfying.

Overall, The Memory Ward is worth a listen for fans of psychological thrillers and speculative fiction, especially those who enjoy stories that blur the line between reality and illusion. Just be prepared for a few narrative detours that may not fully pay off.

Thank you to NetGalley, Jon Bassoff, and Blackstone Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book hit some nerves!
It had tension, sort of action, quite the mystery and a bit of horror. I did like that nothing that we see is what we see and the final revelations, though kind of predictable, because what else could it be? were some kind of self explanatory and almost unnecessary. But overall the entire book keeps you awake and reading till the last page.

Audiobook/Narration: 4.55/5
Book/ Story Overall: 3.75/5

What a ride from start to finish! A little bit of Black Mirror mashed up with The Truman Show! This book had me feeling all the eerie vibes right from the start. After reading a lot of slower-paced books, this was refreshing and held my attention all the way through. I will definitely be recommending it to all my suspense and horror friends out there. I’d even suggest it to readers who want to start—or have just started—reading horror as well. Especially because this isn’t your typical horror book; it leans more into suspense and thriller territory with horror elements.

Everyone in Bethlam knows Hank Davies is a good man. He’s a good son, a loving husband, and a hard worker. He has a great job with the Postal Service and takes each day as it comes—no matter how routine. He is good, life is good, and Bethlam, Nevada is amazing. Because nothing goes wrong in Bethlam…

Until one day isn’t like the others.

Part of the reason I really enjoyed this book is because the author acknowledges that there's an element of predictability in the story. There's a consistent undertone of suspense and something lingering that starts right at the beginning. We get this gradual buildup for both our main character, Hank Davies, the people in Bethlam, and the reader. The author doesn't try to hide the fact that something’s off about Bethlam. It’s described as idyllic and perfect in a way that feels programmed and unsettling. It’s obvious to the reader that not everything is as it seems. Your mind immediately starts going in a million different directions with all the possibilities of what the secret of Bethlam is. As the story progresses, you can pretty much guess where it’s going—but I think many readers won’t expect how far it actually goes.

Now, this isn’t just a story about a creepy town. It’s a story about finding the truth at all costs—and wondering whether that truth is even worth it. It's also largely about memories: the power they have to control us, keep us in a trance, and sometimes trap us in the past, unable to move forward. We kind of see this theme throughout the book. That’s why I found it to be really interesting that every time Hank started to feel out of place, someone was always there to help him "remember" and bring him back down. But brewing underneath it all is the Hank that never left. Which is why by the end of the book it’s interesting to see the changes Hank experiences while trying to escape a routine and cycle that’s beyond his control. He ends up becoming part of that cycle in a different way. And I think many readers, like myself, will get to the end and wonder if Hank made the right decision—or if he ever really had a choice at all.

Funny enough, I don’t usually enjoy stories that leave me guessing too much or have you wondering what’s real and what isn’t. But I actually enjoyed those elements here, because they supported the larger structure and premise: watching someone unravel while also creating a cyclic experience. I know some readers might find the beginning a little slower, but I personally thought the pacing was perfect for the story’s progression. It’s intentional that we see Hank’s days repeat, with just enough variation and strange occurrences each time to build tension and keep both Hank and the reader in a growing sense of unease. The author really succeeded in making the reader feel just as confused and off-balance as Hank.
I listened to the audiobook for this read and was fully engaged the entire time. I never once felt lost, and I think the narrator did a fantastic job capturing the tone and fear in the characters, especially as we meet people with secrets of their own—like Veronica, who helps Hank realize Bethlam isn’t what it seems. I really enjoyed hearing Hank’s father and witnessing the realizations unfold between them. But the most powerful part was hearing Hank at the beginning versus Hank at the end—there’s a little more darkness in his voice, a sharper edge. The audiobook made it easy to be immersed in the world and atmosphere of the story.

And speaking of atmosphere, I found the 1950s/60s elements in Bethlam really entertaining. I’ve seen some readers express confusion about the timeline or when exactly the story takes place, but I thought that was a clever choice on the author’s part—it draws readers deeper into the unraveling of Hank’s reality and descent into madness. There’s both a sense of comfort and creepiness. The furniture Hank once didn’t notice is suddenly so out of date. This reminded me of WandaVision and its 1950s suburban aesthetic—this facade of safety: the working husband, the loving housewife, the perfect neighborhood. But it’s all fake.

While I really enjoyed this read, I’m not surprised it has mixed reviews. Like any thriller, some readers will find one element boring and another fascinating. Something will feel too slow for one reader, too fast for another. It really comes down to individual interpretation. I know some readers might feel the predictability ruined it, but others—like me—were happy to be along for the ride. I’ve also seen reviews saying the truth reveal was jarring, and I definitely understand that perspective. Hank’s truth is dark, and I questioned whether the level of detail was necessary. But considering how Hank is being used, I understood why the author included that information. I think the intent was to make the reader feel just as uncomfortable and disoriented as Hank. You're seeing someone who’s both unfamiliar and somehow still him. I completely understand why some readers might be turned off by that, but for me, it was a welcome shift from my recent reads, and the audiobook energy hooked me. I hope more people check it out!

Spoilers
It’s hard to review this book without diving into what it’s really about, so I’ll touch on some spoilers here. If you don’t want to know them, stop reading now.

I’ll start by saying that this is definitely one of those books where your enjoyment will depend a lot on personal preferences. If you’re not into government conspiracy theories, this might not be the book for you. If you dislike ambiguous endings or the whole “is it real or is it a dream?” thing, again, this might not be your cup of tea. And if you need a main character to connect with or root for deeply, this book may also fall short for you.

Hank is our main character, but he’s not really someone you’re supposed to connect with emotionally. I felt like the real connection here was with the eerie tone of the story, the lingering fear, and the question of whether something like this could actually happen. You do occasionally root for Hank—but more so because you want to uncover the truth, not necessarily because you care about him personally. Once you realize that Bethlam is a government-owned city used for memory-based experiments, it becomes clear that none of the characters are who they seem, including Hank.
The idea of implanting memories is especially compelling because people do this every day—they misremember or reframe events, and eventually those become their truths. Some people lie to themselves so much that they start to believe the lie. That concept worked really well here, especially since the memory tampering is presented as a form of therapy—to help traumatized people forget. Early on, it becomes pretty clear that Hank has done something he wants to forget. Readers may suspect that Hank has a dark or traumatic past, as opposed to the idea that the government randomly selected people for this experiment. And as we meet more people in Bethlam, we see how many of them are actors—being paid to reinforce Hank’s implanted memories. Or maybe their other patients👀…

By the end, when Hank’s truth is revealed—along with the truths of the two women he meets—we learn they’re all murderers. They all committed horrific crimes, and this program is offered in exchange for jail time. So when Hank is given the choice between prison and going back into the experiment, I wasn’t shocked when he chose the experiment again. I think Hank is so traumatized that he’d rather live in a cycle of partial discovery and repression than fully face what he did.

The book ends with Hank repeating the same cycle—finding the notes and writings he left for himself, just like at the beginning. It’s a loop he can’t escape.

Thanks so much to NetGalley & Blackstone Publishing Audio for this ALC.