The Gray Chamber
True Colors: Historical Stories of American Crime
by Grace Hitchcock
Pub Date 01 Jan 2020
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Talking about this book? Be sure to tag it using #TheGrayChamber #NetGalley |
Description
True Colors: Historical Stories of American Crime
Fiction Based on Strange, But True, History
Will Edyth prove her sanity before it is too late?
On Blackwell’s Island, New York, a hospital was built to keep its patients from ever leaving.
With her late parents’ fortune under her uncle’s care until her twenty-fifth birthday in the year 1887, Edyth Foster does not feel pressured to marry or to bow to society’s demands. She freely indulges in eccentric hobbies like fencing and riding her velocipede in her cycling costume about the city for all to see. Finding a loophole in the will, though, her uncle whisks Edyth off to the women’s lunatic asylum just weeks before her birthday. And Edyth fears she will never be found.
At the asylum she meets another inmate, who upon discovering Edyth’s plight, confesses that she is Nellie Bly, an undercover journalist for The World. Will either woman find a way to leave the terrifying island and reclaim her true self?
Also Look for:
White City by Grace Hitchcock (March 2019)
Pink Bonnet by Liz Tolsma (June 2019)
Yellow Lantern by Angie Dicken (August 2019)
Blue Cloak by Shannon McNear (March 2020)
Fiction Based on Strange, But True, History
Will Edyth prove her sanity before it is too late?
On Blackwell’s Island, New York, a hospital was built to keep its patients from ever leaving.
With her late parents’ fortune under her uncle’s care until her twenty-fifth birthday in the year 1887, Edyth Foster does not feel pressured to marry or to bow to society’s demands. She freely indulges in eccentric hobbies like fencing and riding her velocipede in her cycling costume about the city for all to see. Finding a loophole in the will, though, her uncle whisks Edyth off to the women’s lunatic asylum just weeks before her birthday. And Edyth fears she will never be found.
At the asylum she meets another inmate, who upon discovering Edyth’s plight, confesses that she is Nellie Bly, an undercover journalist for The World. Will either woman find a way to leave the terrifying island and reclaim her true self?
Also Look for:
White City by Grace Hitchcock (March 2019)
Pink Bonnet by Liz Tolsma (June 2019)
Yellow Lantern by Angie Dicken (August 2019)
Blue Cloak by Shannon McNear (March 2020)
True Colors: Historical Stories of American Crime
Fiction Based on Strange, But True, History
Will Edyth prove her sanity before it is too late?
On Blackwell’s Island, New York, a hospital was built...
Fiction Based on Strange, But True, History
Will Edyth prove her sanity before it is too late?
On Blackwell’s Island, New York, a hospital was built...
Description
True Colors: Historical Stories of American Crime
Fiction Based on Strange, But True, History
Will Edyth prove her sanity before it is too late?
On Blackwell’s Island, New York, a hospital was built to keep its patients from ever leaving.
With her late parents’ fortune under her uncle’s care until her twenty-fifth birthday in the year 1887, Edyth Foster does not feel pressured to marry or to bow to society’s demands. She freely indulges in eccentric hobbies like fencing and riding her velocipede in her cycling costume about the city for all to see. Finding a loophole in the will, though, her uncle whisks Edyth off to the women’s lunatic asylum just weeks before her birthday. And Edyth fears she will never be found.
At the asylum she meets another inmate, who upon discovering Edyth’s plight, confesses that she is Nellie Bly, an undercover journalist for The World. Will either woman find a way to leave the terrifying island and reclaim her true self?
Also Look for:
White City by Grace Hitchcock (March 2019)
Pink Bonnet by Liz Tolsma (June 2019)
Yellow Lantern by Angie Dicken (August 2019)
Blue Cloak by Shannon McNear (March 2020)
Fiction Based on Strange, But True, History
Will Edyth prove her sanity before it is too late?
On Blackwell’s Island, New York, a hospital was built to keep its patients from ever leaving.
With her late parents’ fortune under her uncle’s care until her twenty-fifth birthday in the year 1887, Edyth Foster does not feel pressured to marry or to bow to society’s demands. She freely indulges in eccentric hobbies like fencing and riding her velocipede in her cycling costume about the city for all to see. Finding a loophole in the will, though, her uncle whisks Edyth off to the women’s lunatic asylum just weeks before her birthday. And Edyth fears she will never be found.
At the asylum she meets another inmate, who upon discovering Edyth’s plight, confesses that she is Nellie Bly, an undercover journalist for The World. Will either woman find a way to leave the terrifying island and reclaim her true self?
Also Look for:
White City by Grace Hitchcock (March 2019)
Pink Bonnet by Liz Tolsma (June 2019)
Yellow Lantern by Angie Dicken (August 2019)
Blue Cloak by Shannon McNear (March 2020)
Available Editions
EDITION | Other Format |
ISBN | 9781643522357 |
PRICE | $12.99 (USD) |
Featured Reviews

My Recommendation
|
|
Another thrilling story in the True Crimes series! A romantic suspense that swept me up in the reading and held my rapt attention throughout. I couldn't read it fast enough! "Fear not, for the Lord will be with you." I found myself quickly attached to the main characters, and held my breath when it seemed all hope was lost. A few Bible verses and prayers of the characters, especially when in peril, kept the story from becoming too dark, and brought inspiration to the tale. I shudder to think that some of these events actually happened. The treatment of the mentally ill in the 1880's and corruption of the system were horrible. Nellie Bly's account and her part in the tale was well done, adding authenticity to poor Edyth's experience. The conclusion was done smoothly, with a gentle wrap up, making for a very satisfying read. Recommend for readers who enjoy historical romantic suspense with faith, and based on real events. For further reading about the historical treatment of the mentally ill, I recommend Jane Kirkpatrick's book, One Glorious Ambition, about the work of Dorothea Dix. 5 stars! |
My Recommendation
|

My Recommendation
|
|
As soon as I saw that this was the next book in the series I knew I HAD to read it. The cover first caught my attention and than reading what the book was about I knew it would be good.I loved the character of Edyth. She was amazing. Her spunk was unrivaled. The fact that she didn't care what society thought made her so unique and in the time of 1880's would have been scandalous. I loved how her character evolved throughout the book but still remained true to herself.Bane was so amazing! His steadfastness throughout the book is what makes people keep reading! I mean who wouldn't love a man you can fence? I have always loved sword fighting so I immediately loved this character. As the book went on I only loved him more!I found my self reading very quickly through parts because I had to find out what happened next. I highly encourage people to read this book.I had heard of this story from history before I had read this book and was fascinated by the history this book is based upon. Readers know that though this is fiction things like this actually happened in real life! This book showed how we need to trust God in all things, be still and know Him and Scripture Memorization is so important. Storing up God's Word in our heart! This author is new to me BUT will certainly be among my favorites! I couldn't put this book down. I read it in 3 days or less! |
My Recommendation
|

My Recommendation
|
|
Heart-Breaking wonderful tale. this books is amazing, i was enthralled from the first page i couldn't help but devour this book. it is a tale of amazing strength and love. Edyth is a strong independent character that you cant help but support through-out the story. even though the characters are fictions the story is based on true advents and this story make you realize how easy it was back then to fob off a relative simply by saying there insane. i am still reeling from this epic tale. at the end the author even refers to the book that she used as reference and i love that because it opens my reading to books i wouldn't normal venture in. this is a ten star review its a shame i can only give it five stars. i will be following this author and cant wait to read more by her. |
My Recommendation
|

My Recommendation
|
|
I rarely buy multiple copies of the same book, but this is going to be one of them! I have the ebook and I am buying the paperback. This story was AMAZING!! This is my second story from this author and she is firstly becoming a favorite, must read, instant click author. This is a historical romance with American crime and a few Christian verses. This book was addictive, informative, heartbreaking and redemptive! I loved how the author wrote a true crime story, with romance intertwined and made me believe in the power of love again. Psychology and pre-war medical treatments and laws are a particular interest of mine (and romance) this book covers all of those and is perfect for a great many readers. It was scary just how fast and with such little proof the main character was committed to the hospital. I had goose bumps reading this. Edyth is a strong lady and I was passionate about her getting her HEA. This story was brilliant in its prose and form and addictive in its plot and characters. I could not have loved this story more. I highly recommend it to all readers (history lovers, medical loves, romance lovers, Victorian lovers and the rest)! I had the extreme pleasure of receiving an ARC from NetGalley and I am leaving my honest review. This is going on my book gift list for sure! |
My Recommendation
|

My Recommendation
|
|
The Gray Chamber is a page turning tale of greed and betrayal. Edyth Foster was not your typical socialite. She was adventuresome. She loved fencing, riding her velocipede, drawing and painting, though she might be impulsive, she was not insane. How could she prove that from Blackwell's Island? Deception, betrayal, abuse, and danger battle against truth, honor, courage, and love. WOW! I could not put this book down even when the hair on the back of my neck stood up! I loved Poppy, Nellie Bly and Raoul. Grace Hitchcock has done an excellent job with a difficult reality that isn't completely left to history. I received an ARC of this book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a review. |
My Recommendation
|

My Recommendation
|
|
I am really enjoying the True Colors series from Barbour Publishing! The Gray Chamber did not disappoint! First of all this cover is really haunting and really reflects the atmosphere that is created in the book. The story was intriguing and the characters were smart, capable, and easy to like. This novel really showcased some of the unfair and brutal treatments that some patients endured on Blackwell Island. It was chilling. As soon as Edyth entered the asylum I felt tense and anxious. There was such a sense of hopelessness to her situation, but she didn't lose hope in spite of her dire circumstances. There were several intense and suspenseful scenes in this book that had me on the edge of my seat! I was happy with the conclusion of the book and also felt like I had learned a bit of history within the context of this story. |
My Recommendation
|

My Recommendation
|
|
This was my introduction to the True Colors series, and I was hooked from the get-go! The fact that it is based off true stories makes it all the more compelling. We meet Edyth Foster, an eccentric young woman who is about to come into a large inheritance. But there’s a catch, and Edyth soon finds herself locked away behind the cold, cruel walls of the Blackwell Island Lunatic Asylum. Desperate to escape and be reunited with the man she loves, Edyth sets out to reclaim her life before it’s too late. The story is told through two voices: one of Edyth and the other, her dear friend and fencing master, Bane. I found both characters’ perspectives complemented each other well as they puzzled and mused over their predicaments. It also felt fairly cinematic as I was reading, like I am already casting the Gray Chamber movie in my head! Overall, I quite enjoyed this book, and I look forward to more from the True Colors series! Thank you to Barbour Publishing for the advanced copy! |
My Recommendation
|

My Recommendation
|
|
Really outstanding book! Edyth is a definite person!! We understand her and are rooting for her all the way through the book! The descriptions of the asylum and its keepers are horrifying! Totally interesting!! |
My Recommendation
|

My Recommendation
|
|
Thank you to Barbour Publishing and Net Galley for the chance to read and review this book. I am really enjoying this series-historical fiction based on real events. What a great concept! This story takes place in 1877, and involves the horrific conditions at the insane asylums. Edyth, who will inherit a fortune when she turns 25, is under the care of her uncle and aunt. In order to keep her from inheriting the fortune, they have her committed to Blackwell's Island in New York. If she is declared insane, her uncle will get all of the money and everything she is going to inherit. While she is there, she meets Nellie Bly, who is undercover to report on the terrible conditions at the insane asylum. Edyth also has a boyfriend named Bane. This is the story of how Bane and Nellie rescue Edyth from Blackwell's Island. Lots of excitement and some romance. Another winner in this series! |
My Recommendation
|

My Recommendation
|
|
Words can not do this book justice! Grace Hitchcock is a magnificent story teller, her books will captivate your heart. Stories woven around true historical crimes brings shock and emotions from its readers. I read this book in one sitting and couldn’t put it down until completed. The suspense, betrayal and heartbreak had me captured in its pages. The sweet life giving romance and faith in God brought closure to such a harrowing tale. This book will have you clamoring for more from this author! Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. |
My Recommendation
|

My Recommendation
|
|
This historical fiction was filled with suspense which kept me turning pages. I absolutely loved the development of the wonderful relationship between the hero and heroine. This romance is not straight forward but it is definitely swoon worthy! Hitchcock creates these unique and memorable characters and puts them in this gripping storyline. The heroine is strong, resourceful and not at all what society would expect. I would want her in my corner. I appreciated the faith lessons learned during such incredibly difficult circumstances, such a great reminder of the true value of trusting God. I don’t want to forget to mention the fantastic use of humor throughout this engaging story. Hitchcock is a talented writer and as I finished this book I knew that it had been time well spent. I will be watching for her next novel. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. |
My Recommendation
|

My Recommendation
|
|
I’m a sucker for the unconventional underdog and got very drawn in to this story for that reason. But, I stayed for the plucky heroine, the sweetness of a love story, the gentle reminder of the Father’s presence and the promise of good hopefully triumphing over evil. I was not disappointed! This book takes a fascinating look into the practices of the infamous Blackwell Island mental asylum in the 1800’s which definitely makes one shudder as well. Spoiler alert. God always wins! #gracehitchcock #thegraychamber #blackwellisland |
My Recommendation
|

My Recommendation
|
|
Epic and heart wrenching: What an amazing book! The writing style was great, with the story flowing well and it drew me in right from the very beginning. It was disturbing and difficult to read at times due to the injustice and sad subject matter; yet I wanted to keep going in order to see how things turned out. There is plenty of angst and it wrenches your emotions but it is also a story about trusting and relying on God during hardships.The treatment of women and the mentally ill (actual and falsely accused) was shocking and deplorable. It made me count my blessings and appreciate anew all that has been bestowed upon me! I enjoyed reading about spunky and quirky Edyth and the love and dedication bestowed upon her by Blane. All in all an enlightening and enjoyable read. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own. |
My Recommendation
|

The Gray Chamber
Grace Hitchcock
Additional Information
Available Editions
EDITION | Other Format |
ISBN | 9781643522357 |
PRICE | $12.99 (USD) |
Featured Reviews

My Recommendation
|
|
Another thrilling story in the True Crimes series! A romantic suspense that swept me up in the reading and held my rapt attention throughout. I couldn't read it fast enough! "Fear not, for the Lord will be with you." I found myself quickly attached to the main characters, and held my breath when it seemed all hope was lost. A few Bible verses and prayers of the characters, especially when in peril, kept the story from becoming too dark, and brought inspiration to the tale. I shudder to think that some of these events actually happened. The treatment of the mentally ill in the 1880's and corruption of the system were horrible. Nellie Bly's account and her part in the tale was well done, adding authenticity to poor Edyth's experience. The conclusion was done smoothly, with a gentle wrap up, making for a very satisfying read. Recommend for readers who enjoy historical romantic suspense with faith, and based on real events. For further reading about the historical treatment of the mentally ill, I recommend Jane Kirkpatrick's book, One Glorious Ambition, about the work of Dorothea Dix. 5 stars! |
My Recommendation
|

My Recommendation
|
|
As soon as I saw that this was the next book in the series I knew I HAD to read it. The cover first caught my attention and than reading what the book was about I knew it would be good.I loved the character of Edyth. She was amazing. Her spunk was unrivaled. The fact that she didn't care what society thought made her so unique and in the time of 1880's would have been scandalous. I loved how her character evolved throughout the book but still remained true to herself.Bane was so amazing! His steadfastness throughout the book is what makes people keep reading! I mean who wouldn't love a man you can fence? I have always loved sword fighting so I immediately loved this character. As the book went on I only loved him more!I found my self reading very quickly through parts because I had to find out what happened next. I highly encourage people to read this book.I had heard of this story from history before I had read this book and was fascinated by the history this book is based upon. Readers know that though this is fiction things like this actually happened in real life! This book showed how we need to trust God in all things, be still and know Him and Scripture Memorization is so important. Storing up God's Word in our heart! This author is new to me BUT will certainly be among my favorites! I couldn't put this book down. I read it in 3 days or less! |
My Recommendation
|

My Recommendation
|
|
Heart-Breaking wonderful tale. this books is amazing, i was enthralled from the first page i couldn't help but devour this book. it is a tale of amazing strength and love. Edyth is a strong independent character that you cant help but support through-out the story. even though the characters are fictions the story is based on true advents and this story make you realize how easy it was back then to fob off a relative simply by saying there insane. i am still reeling from this epic tale. at the end the author even refers to the book that she used as reference and i love that because it opens my reading to books i wouldn't normal venture in. this is a ten star review its a shame i can only give it five stars. i will be following this author and cant wait to read more by her. |
My Recommendation
|

My Recommendation
|
|
I rarely buy multiple copies of the same book, but this is going to be one of them! I have the ebook and I am buying the paperback. This story was AMAZING!! This is my second story from this author and she is firstly becoming a favorite, must read, instant click author. This is a historical romance with American crime and a few Christian verses. This book was addictive, informative, heartbreaking and redemptive! I loved how the author wrote a true crime story, with romance intertwined and made me believe in the power of love again. Psychology and pre-war medical treatments and laws are a particular interest of mine (and romance) this book covers all of those and is perfect for a great many readers. It was scary just how fast and with such little proof the main character was committed to the hospital. I had goose bumps reading this. Edyth is a strong lady and I was passionate about her getting her HEA. This story was brilliant in its prose and form and addictive in its plot and characters. I could not have loved this story more. I highly recommend it to all readers (history lovers, medical loves, romance lovers, Victorian lovers and the rest)! I had the extreme pleasure of receiving an ARC from NetGalley and I am leaving my honest review. This is going on my book gift list for sure! |
My Recommendation
|

My Recommendation
|
|
The Gray Chamber is a page turning tale of greed and betrayal. Edyth Foster was not your typical socialite. She was adventuresome. She loved fencing, riding her velocipede, drawing and painting, though she might be impulsive, she was not insane. How could she prove that from Blackwell's Island? Deception, betrayal, abuse, and danger battle against truth, honor, courage, and love. WOW! I could not put this book down even when the hair on the back of my neck stood up! I loved Poppy, Nellie Bly and Raoul. Grace Hitchcock has done an excellent job with a difficult reality that isn't completely left to history. I received an ARC of this book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a review. |
My Recommendation
|

My Recommendation
|
|
I am really enjoying the True Colors series from Barbour Publishing! The Gray Chamber did not disappoint! First of all this cover is really haunting and really reflects the atmosphere that is created in the book. The story was intriguing and the characters were smart, capable, and easy to like. This novel really showcased some of the unfair and brutal treatments that some patients endured on Blackwell Island. It was chilling. As soon as Edyth entered the asylum I felt tense and anxious. There was such a sense of hopelessness to her situation, but she didn't lose hope in spite of her dire circumstances. There were several intense and suspenseful scenes in this book that had me on the edge of my seat! I was happy with the conclusion of the book and also felt like I had learned a bit of history within the context of this story. |
My Recommendation
|

My Recommendation
|
|
This was my introduction to the True Colors series, and I was hooked from the get-go! The fact that it is based off true stories makes it all the more compelling. We meet Edyth Foster, an eccentric young woman who is about to come into a large inheritance. But there’s a catch, and Edyth soon finds herself locked away behind the cold, cruel walls of the Blackwell Island Lunatic Asylum. Desperate to escape and be reunited with the man she loves, Edyth sets out to reclaim her life before it’s too late. The story is told through two voices: one of Edyth and the other, her dear friend and fencing master, Bane. I found both characters’ perspectives complemented each other well as they puzzled and mused over their predicaments. It also felt fairly cinematic as I was reading, like I am already casting the Gray Chamber movie in my head! Overall, I quite enjoyed this book, and I look forward to more from the True Colors series! Thank you to Barbour Publishing for the advanced copy! |
My Recommendation
|

My Recommendation
|
|
Really outstanding book! Edyth is a definite person!! We understand her and are rooting for her all the way through the book! The descriptions of the asylum and its keepers are horrifying! Totally interesting!! |
My Recommendation
|

My Recommendation
|
|
Thank you to Barbour Publishing and Net Galley for the chance to read and review this book. I am really enjoying this series-historical fiction based on real events. What a great concept! This story takes place in 1877, and involves the horrific conditions at the insane asylums. Edyth, who will inherit a fortune when she turns 25, is under the care of her uncle and aunt. In order to keep her from inheriting the fortune, they have her committed to Blackwell's Island in New York. If she is declared insane, her uncle will get all of the money and everything she is going to inherit. While she is there, she meets Nellie Bly, who is undercover to report on the terrible conditions at the insane asylum. Edyth also has a boyfriend named Bane. This is the story of how Bane and Nellie rescue Edyth from Blackwell's Island. Lots of excitement and some romance. Another winner in this series! |
My Recommendation
|

My Recommendation
|
|
Words can not do this book justice! Grace Hitchcock is a magnificent story teller, her books will captivate your heart. Stories woven around true historical crimes brings shock and emotions from its readers. I read this book in one sitting and couldn’t put it down until completed. The suspense, betrayal and heartbreak had me captured in its pages. The sweet life giving romance and faith in God brought closure to such a harrowing tale. This book will have you clamoring for more from this author! Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. |
My Recommendation
|

My Recommendation
|
|
This historical fiction was filled with suspense which kept me turning pages. I absolutely loved the development of the wonderful relationship between the hero and heroine. This romance is not straight forward but it is definitely swoon worthy! Hitchcock creates these unique and memorable characters and puts them in this gripping storyline. The heroine is strong, resourceful and not at all what society would expect. I would want her in my corner. I appreciated the faith lessons learned during such incredibly difficult circumstances, such a great reminder of the true value of trusting God. I don’t want to forget to mention the fantastic use of humor throughout this engaging story. Hitchcock is a talented writer and as I finished this book I knew that it had been time well spent. I will be watching for her next novel. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. |
My Recommendation
|

My Recommendation
|
|
I’m a sucker for the unconventional underdog and got very drawn in to this story for that reason. But, I stayed for the plucky heroine, the sweetness of a love story, the gentle reminder of the Father’s presence and the promise of good hopefully triumphing over evil. I was not disappointed! This book takes a fascinating look into the practices of the infamous Blackwell Island mental asylum in the 1800’s which definitely makes one shudder as well. Spoiler alert. God always wins! #gracehitchcock #thegraychamber #blackwellisland |
My Recommendation
|

My Recommendation
|
|
Epic and heart wrenching: What an amazing book! The writing style was great, with the story flowing well and it drew me in right from the very beginning. It was disturbing and difficult to read at times due to the injustice and sad subject matter; yet I wanted to keep going in order to see how things turned out. There is plenty of angst and it wrenches your emotions but it is also a story about trusting and relying on God during hardships.The treatment of women and the mentally ill (actual and falsely accused) was shocking and deplorable. It made me count my blessings and appreciate anew all that has been bestowed upon me! I enjoyed reading about spunky and quirky Edyth and the love and dedication bestowed upon her by Blane. All in all an enlightening and enjoyable read. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own. |
My Recommendation
|