Stephen Prosapio

There’s a reason that the ghost story has been around since the beginning of time (check out First Samuel 28:3-25 if you doubt me). People are obsessed with the unknown, and there is no greater unknown than what happens after death. Sure, plenty of us think we know. Atheists say nothing, people of faith pin their hopes on a life beyond. But we can’t know for sure. Add to that mystery the things that go bump in the night, the shadow that moves in the distance, the figure in the corner of show more your eye that’s gone when you turn your head, and what do you have? Ghost stories.

That fertile field has attracted writers in legions over the years, and there are more ghost stories out there than you can shake a rusty chain at. Thank goodness then for Stephen Prosapio who has given us Ghosts of Rosewood Asylum, an original take on the classic haunting story that even the most jaded of horror fans can enjoy. Ghosts of Rosewood Asylum tells the story of Zach Kalusky, paranormal investigator and budding television star who is haunted in his own special way. When he was a baby, the spirit of his uncle attached itself to Zach and now acts as a sort of spiritual guide, helping Zach to uncover the truth behind the mysteries he investigates. Now Zach and his team, Xavier Paranormal Investigators, have been given the opportunity of a lifetime—an investigation of Rosewood Asylum, the most haunted location in Chicago. But when XPI is paired with the rival Demon Hunters, Zach begins to suspect he has a traitor in his midst, one that when combined with a growing evil that inhabits Rosewood, could put his entire group in mortal danger.

I think the thing that I loved most about Ghosts of Rosewood Asylum is how much is going on. There’s Rosewood itself, of course, the classic “bad place” that seems to attract and amplify evil, the sort of dark locale one would expect from Stephen King’s early work. By itself, Rosewood is the basis for a fantastic story. Mysterious fires, unsolved murders, vengeful spirits. Prosapio takes that story to another level by intertwining several other threads along with it. There is Zach and his affliction, one that goes beyond a mere haunting to something far more spiritually significant and physically dangerous. There’s the conflict between XPI and the Demon Hunters, between the two groups’ methods and the looming mystery over which member of Zach’s group may be manufacturing evidence. Prosapio even manages to throw in some romance. The story is told crisply with believable dialogue, flashbacks that are neither perfunctory nor confusing, and characters that have depth, existing for a purpose other than filling a needed stereotype.

Ghosts of Rosewood Asylum is the kind of book you start reading and don’t put down. It is easily one of my favorite novels I have read this year, and the single best part of the book? The preview of Prosapio’s next novel, one I cannot wait to get my hands on.

Brett J. Talley, author of That Which Should Not Be show less

Review posted here: http://offbeatvagabond.blogspot.com/2012/01/book-review-ghosts-of-rosewood-asylu...

Thanks to my good friend Heidi (@RainyDayRamblings), she has introduced me to the Ghosts of Rosewood Asylum Tour which in turn made me get the book. I love a great ghost story, so I had to jump on this. The synopsis sounded so good, I had to check this out immediately. I am so glad I did and I can assure you will too.

Ghosts of Rosewood Asylum is about a group of ghost hunters that work show more for Sci-D TV. The group, Xavier Paranormal Investigators, is a very popular show on the network. The founder and lead, Zach, has dreamed of investigating the old psychiatric hospital, Rosewood Asylum. The hospital has many stories and mysteries connected with it. Zach has been given the chance to uncover those secrets. Unfortunately, given how big the project is, he is forced to work alongside a rival ghost hunters show, Demon Hunters, a team known for sometimes doctoring their “paranormal” discoveries. Not only does Zach have to put up with an extra team that he doesn’t really trust, but he is fighting against time to get all the information he needs from the asylum. And the further they get into the investigation, the more secrets get revealed and Zach hopes it won’t be any of his.

I loooooved this story. It is so complex and intriguing. Prosapio really gives you all sides of the story. There I so much mystery, but we are never really left in the dark. You will really be along for the ride. I love the plot to this. We have a rival ghost hunting team at a very scary asylum that hasn’t been in operation for years, has mysterious fires and a couple of ghosts who may or may not be friendly. Then we have the intrigue of certain characters because we aren’t sure we can trust them or not. There is this lady who seemingly comes out of nowhere wanting to talk to Zach off the record. She knows something about the asylum because her mother used to work there, but there is something very fishy about her. Then we have the mystery of Amelia and Boy (their story is at the very beginning) and many more. I love this fresh look on the paranormal world. Being behind the scenes and getting a feel for reality television was definitely fun and exciting to read.

Now for a horror story, the atmosphere in this book is light at times. All the characters bring such interesting personalities; it makes the book more complex. Ghosts of Rosewood Asylum will have you laughing at one moment and being completely freaked out the next. The dialogue between some of the characters is so refreshing and will bring a smile to your face. I love the friendships between Zach and Hunter or Zach and Ray, they were a fun bunch to follow. There is even some romance in this which I was happy about because I was begging for it.

I honestly can’t think of anything bad to say about this. I must be careful, of course, with this. There are a lot of mysteries and each of them brings a whole new level to the book. The story flows so well and you never feel confused. This is just so well written. It is full of history, personality, horror, laughs, romance, twists and originality. I urge you all to check this out. I was so lucky to have this pretty much drop in my lap. I promise you will not be sorry. I am definitely going to keep my eyes on this author. show less

I met Stephen Prosapio in a gather.com writing contest and loved his entry, Dream War. But I always wondered how the different pieces would end up fitting together… a helicopter rescue, secrets stolen from dreams by CIA spies, a man and a woman vacationing in Italy, and bubbles of nightmares falling from the sky… Well, now I know, and the result was well worth waiting for.
Long after the CIA have dropped their dream science program, Lopez continues to fight the creatures of the night. show more Meanwhile Drew and Nadia find a curious medallion in their luggage. And scientists check the seismic monitors on Vesuvius. Add in a fascinating priest and repeated calls to save the little girl, and you have the setting for a wild and curious ride.
The author weaves a clever web. Fascinating science combines with the fluidity of dreams. Foreshadowing, though sometimes frustrating, conveys very well that dream-like falling into the well of despair. Prayer and study might help. Prophesy and history might offer a key. And a little girl might lead them.
Tension builds as the enemy closes in and his powers grow strong. If you’ve ever had nightmares, be sure they’re here, and be sure you need to fight them, or fight the beasts. With interwoven faith, mythology, history and pure imagination, this story’s an adventure that’s going to haunt my dreams. It’s cleverly plotted, intriguingly told, well-polished apart from the odd chip here and there, and a really fun read. show less

What a great start to what may be a brilliant series of books. I loved the descriptions of the scenery and the Rosewood Asylum building. I liked we got to know about the background of the Asylum too before all the ghosts were introduced into the book. I also enjoyed all the character descriptions of the people and the ghosts too. I don' t wish to give away spoilers but will say there are a few twists and turns in the plot that keep you guessing. There are a mixture of talents within the show more groups of Xavier Investigators and the Demon Hunters. Xavier's staff are more "honest" in their approach to their program, whereas Demon Hunters seem to be all about sensationalism. This book has a bit of everything, there's mystery, lost love, betrayal, possession, suspense,spookiness, a bit scary, danger from those that are the living and the ghosts too. I think there's a little bit of something for everyone within the book.
The whole concept of Rosewood Asylum is really believable as is the scenario of it being investigated by Paranormal Experts for a TV show. Zach and his fellow investigators are tricked into working with the less credible Demon Hunters. They have to solve the mystery and help the ghosts pass over and be at peace. There are certainly quite a few ghosts to be helped in this tale. Some "good guy" ghosts trying to protect the building of Rosewood Asylum and also the public from the more rogue element led ghosts that exist in the Asylum. Will they help everyone who needs their help? Will everyone be safe? Who or will anyone get hurt in the process?
There is one particular character where I had queried who she really was and when you found out more about her, it was a good twist though I had suspected it for a while.
Zach is a great character who has his own personal issues along with the Paranormal issues he investigates too.
I don't usually read "ghost" type books or mystery orientated ones but I have to say I did enjoy this one. Would I read a book 2? Yes I would! show less