These Walls DO Speak

by Susan Horsnell

In the shadows of the Josdall Lunatic Asylum, the past refuses to stay silent.

As they piece together journals, hidden ledgers, and whispered spirits, Andrea Butler-O’Leary and Hazel Emmett unravel a web of injustice, silent resistance, and a secret network of women determined to protect one another in the face of cruelty. But attempting to reveal the truth comes at a deadly cost—one that has echoed through generations.

When Lily Cunningham, a molecular genetics student and descendant of a forgotten patient, volunteers to guide ghost tours at the long-abandoned Josdall Asylum, she expects eerie tales — not a journey into her own family’s buried secrets. Lily is pulled into a haunting vision of the asylum’s darkest days, the stories of women trapped behind cold stone walls. Stories of courage, betrayal, and untold suffering.

Haunted by voices lost to time, Lily will confront the injustices of the past and ensure the truth is finally told.

Some truths wait patiently for the right ears. And these walls DO speak.

217 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 28, 2025

About the author

I was born in Manly on the Northern Beaches in Sydney, Australia and grew up in the west after we moved there to help my brother’s eczema which was made worse by salt air. I now reside in the beautiful sunny state of Queensland.

My dad had the biggest impact on my life. I have always had an overactive imagination and would often tell him stories which floated in my mind. He encouraged me to put pen to paper convinced that one day they would become published books.

Apart from marrying the love of my life, the highlight of my life was being accepted into Nursing just before my 16th birthday. It had been a long-time dream and one which encompassed 37 years of my life. Along with nursing, being married to a Naval Officer for almost 47 years, and posted in numerous places, gave me experiences which I have written into many of my books.

We enjoy traveling the country with our Caravan/RV, and Jack Russell puppy by the name of Gemma who will be joining us.

As my parents were British, never Australian citizens, I hold dual citizenship and we plan to take advantage of this to spend two years traveling the UK and Europe in the near future. It will also give me the opportunity to catch up with many family members who reside in England.

My books are in various genres - Western Historical Romance-both steamy and sweet, Contemporary Romance-steamy and sweet, Male/Male, Australian Outback and City Romance. I also have one menage and one paranormal romance along with two children's books. As I said earlier, I have a rather overactive imagination.

I hope you will pick up one of my books and when you close the cover on one of my stories it will be with a satisfied sigh.

Author Links

Blog:
http://susanhorsnell.com

Web:
http://www.susanhorsnellromanceauthor...

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/susanhorsnel...

Bookbub:
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/susan...


You can email me at:

horsnells@yahoo.com.au

Reviews

[Wendy Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can imagine thousands of atrocities like these happened in Asylums over the centuries, unimaginable pain for those that suffered being incarcerated. The ghosts that must haunt them all over the world, needing someone to hear their voices and stories. This felt very real, very sad. Those women were strong, but threatened because time could run out any day. Those stories should be told and were. This is fiction but I would love to see investigations into all real-life places and those consumed to a lifetime of pain and suffering for the selfish actions of others. Fabulously haunting story, I read it quite fast as it just flowed and kept me needing to know what happened and if anyone managed to tell the stories.

[Robyn Corcoran · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story focuses on Josdall Lunatic Asylum and the atrocities committed there in the mid-1800s. I had to think about this story before writing my review because it truly had such an impact on me.

My heart sank as each story was told by these young women and yet at the same time I was also filled with admiration for them. The determination to uncover the truth and to share it was extraordinary.

I also became outraged on behalf of these poor women, and yes, I know it is a fictional story but things like this unfortunately have happened and it’s this reality that incites me.

I applaud this author for her well-written tale. I will also admit I did shed a tear or two so you might be wise to have a tissue handy.

[Liz Ranne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this! It's a short & quick read & is perfect for spooky season! This is Lilly's story; she's on a ghost tour at Josdall Asylum & she finds more than she bargained for. There were so many stories told of the atrocities that happened there in the 18oo's; unfortunately, a lot of what took place probably did happen IRL at real places like it. I loved this book & story & can't wait to read more from her!

[JoAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! Haunting and heartwrenching. Stories of injustices, cruelity, suffering, attrocities, and betrayals but also stories that show the courage, resistance, and determination of these woman trapped in this aweful place. So well written to bring out your emotions but also causes one to be in awe of how these women dealth with it.

[Clayr Catherall · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gripping read!

I couldn’t believe my eyes as everything unfolds in this story.

What starts as ghost tour turns into so much more. Starting present day and then delving into the past of Josdall Asylum.

If you like ghost stories you will really enjoy this book.