Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
The once-famous Hotel Iberia was where society’s finest gathered in the days before 1859 when Victory, Louisiana became a ghost town. A building where people had laughed, dined and passed the time among friends became something dark, sinister and evil.
The town was dead, so no one complained when the Victory Institution for the Criminally Insane opened in the old hotel. The state sent its problems to the Asylum — violent, disturbed men who entered the gates of hell and never came back.
Hundreds died inside those walls before scandal closed the prison in 1907 and the corpses of those forgotten men were buried in a cemetery at the back of the property.
For a century, the building has been abandoned. But only by the living.
The dead couldn’t leave. Their tormented spirits couldn’t escape the horrors they had experienced. Unspeakable things kept them locked in the ancient cell blocks, doomed to haunt the building forever.
Rookie deputy sheriff Landry Drake spends a frightening afternoon inside the Asylum, investigates a series of apparently unrelated, unsolved murders inside the prison. He and a friend are caught in a trap. Kidnapped and chained in the old prison’s underground torture chamber, they know what fate awaits them at the hands of a maniacal sociopath. He’s killed many times before, and they will be next.
Landry must solve a puzzle before more people die, and he must find a way to keep himself from becoming the next name on the list of terrifying crimes at the Asylum.

264 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 26, 2018

745 people are currently reading
380 people want to read

About the author

Bill Thompson

26 books145 followers
If variety is the spice of life, author Bill Thompson’s life so far has been spicy for sure! Over the years, and in no particular order, he’s been

• an international insurance broker
• a mayor
• head of a state prison board
• a stockbroker
• a newspaper reporter
• a Bourbon Street piano player
• a corporate entrepreneur
• presented to Queen Elizabeth
• in jail (briefly … and wrongly!)
• a goat herder
• a church organist and choir member
• a real estate broker
• a world traveler
• president of an animal shelter
• a husband, father and grandfather
• an observer at a knighting in Westminster
• a fluent Russian speaker
• a passenger on the Concorde
• a caregiver
• a lifetime dog lover
• an award-winning novelist

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
439 (47%)
4 stars
292 (31%)
3 stars
144 (15%)
2 stars
36 (3%)
1 star
10 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
Profile Image for Shainlock.
821 reviews
June 24, 2019
Back in Louisiana near the river and back in Cajun country and the bayou —we go to a place that a previous character would like to see.
Once the most glorious and Grand Hotel Iberia for the wealthy and privileged, it now sits as an old asylum. The Railroad did not make it to the Parish and Victory became a ghost town. The hotel was purchased, renovated, and used as Sanatorium for anyone that no one else wanted to deal with. A prison. An un-regulated prison for profit.
Understaffed, the place was bad and only got worse. The story of this place closely lies parallel to two men. One good, and one evil. On either side ... many, many ghosts.
Profile Image for ☆Angel☆.
441 reviews38 followers
July 28, 2021
I would probably rate this one as 3.5 because the plot got better for me as it went along. I couldn't get into it too much at first. There was a lot of repetitiveness and I kept thinking, 'Why do I need to be told this three times?'

I liked the first book in the series better, although I did enjoy the ending of this one. I especially thought the tie-in with the previous book was cool.

Overall, if supernatural thrillers with a bit of treasure hunting is your cup of tea, you will like this story.
Profile Image for Regina Hunter.
Author 6 books56 followers
June 17, 2018
NetGalley Review:
This book looked quite promising, hitting every keyword in my current to-read list. I have enjoyed a great variety of Horror and Mystery books, but none were so disappointing. The book failed to capture any attention in the first two chapters. Now the old me would have tried to read it until the very end, but from my experiences, there is yet to be a book that proves itself worthy after a horrible start. The first chapter is sloppily written, it is more of a draft than an actual book, my e-version was quite messy. There was a paragraph one or two sentences long. Possibly if it was re-written, I would give another go, but thus far, this one was a fail.
Profile Image for Amanda.
208 reviews9 followers
July 9, 2018
This book is so cool in how it’s presented. In the beginning you are giving a sort of history lesson on how prisons worked 200 years ago. Then it goes to a young boy who is being dared to stay for an hour at this asylum in the area that is supposedly haunted, for $50. Years later that boy becomes a police officer and there were some deaths in the asylum. It causes him to research it even more and he realizes a lot of people were killed and a lot of them were unexplained as to how. Is it the ghosts that everyone is talking about or something more sinister? With the help of the owners daughter and the police officer they are trying to find out that very thing. Excellent book. It was a page turner!
Profile Image for Tessa.
196 reviews8 followers
September 13, 2022
A step up from the previous book, Forgotten Men which is book 2 in the Bayou Haunting series has more developed character speeches and a more sophisticated plot.

To make the book more enjoyable, the author should dealt harsher realities onto his characters. It was just too easy for Landry to solve the case when the daughter of the Asylum’s owner is smitten with him, and too easy that Landry and Cate got out from the kidnapping unscathed. We are talking about dangerous, violent men here, and you’re telling me they got out safe and sound. Also, in both books in the series, the main character always happens to be dirt broke in the beginning and filthy rich at the end. Hmmm, some change would be refreshing.

Also, I thought this book was going to be paranormal-ish. However that only constitutes like 10% of the book. In Callie, the paranormal content was higher- about 50% I think. It was also abit lame to be honest. Having the Asylum moan at random parts of the book and white sheets flying around does not creep the beejesus out of me one bit.

Feel free to read book 1 or 2 as a stand-alone as they don’t relate to each other at all. The only relation is a casual mention of Callie’s B&B at the end of book 2.

Tbh, this book serves as a 3, but I’ve rated it 4 as it is just not fair to rate new authors with the same intensity as I rate successful, established ones.
Profile Image for Icy-Cobwebs-In-Space .
5,606 reviews325 followers
January 9, 2019
This paranormal novel is absolutely enthralling! THE FORGOTTEN MEN is Book Two in the Bayou Hauntings series, and incorporates history, ghosts, serial killers, horrific prison conditions, the criminally insane, and pirate treasure. In 1820 a trader from New Orleans who has inexplicably gained wealth builds a grand hotel near Bayou Teche, Louisiana, and a small community forms around it, the town of Victory. Later he leaves the area, destination unknown; and the hotel is abandoned for decades, until it becomes the nation's first for-profit institution for incarceration of the criminally insane, who are brutally treated, starved, tortured, and beaten--then buried in an unnamed cemetery out back. Closed in 1907, the building remains occupied--although not by the living. Subject of adolescent dares, it also provides temporary housing for addicts and the homeless. Deputy Sheriff Landry Drake discovers a string of unsolved killings at the site, and determines to discover more, but is fired by the Sheriff. He is actually on the right track, though, as he will soon discover. There is more evil at the former Asylum than he could imagine: some deceased, some alive. THE FORGOTTEN MEN is a terrifying, engrossing, page-turner.
Profile Image for Adrienne.
3 reviews16 followers
September 18, 2021
I love the first book in the series, "Callie", so decided to try this one. I didn't like it nearly as much. The story jumped around too much. It followed multiple people at different times. At one point it jumps to a future scene and then jumps back to the present. There was a side story about pirate treasure that was never wrapped up. The female main character was seriously lacking. I also thought this was going to have a lot more paranormal in it but it was only a small part of the story. I did like the surprise ending and the main character was likeable.
Profile Image for Stacey Turner.
31 reviews
March 27, 2025
Spooky!!!

Book 2 is an exciting and fun read. I liked this book much better than book one. It also has a plot twist that is very good. It is not as scary or graphic as a Stephen King book, but it is really good. It is definitely worth a read if you like ghost stories.
Profile Image for Keith Chawgo.
484 reviews18 followers
July 9, 2018
Bill Thompson’s follow-up to the Bayou Hauntings series is an interesting read and one that hits all the right buttons. To be honest, I haven’t read the first book but this has not deter my enjoyment on reading this addition to the series.

Thompson’s strengths come from being able to give background information and keeping it interesting . This really comes to the fore when describing and going into the history of Variety’s turn of the century speciality hotel later turned into a criminal insane asylum with a horrific past. It is during these passages where the book really comes alive with the history and overall otherworldly presence.

The characters are very strong and although the book’s plot tends to hold them as a focus point for a number of chapters and then changes the view to another character. This works surprisingly well. He is able to make very likable characters of everyone and even the questionable of personality traits of the evil ones. This keeps the plot moving at a jaunty pace.

The plotting never feels forced although there are a few false endings to keep the reader on their toes. At times, some of the explanation does feel a little force and without revealing spoilers, is more prominent in the final chapters. Saying this, it does not take away from the overall enjoyment of the novel.

The main character of the piece is definitely the Asylum itself and this is where the book really comes alive. The explanation of the book and the reasoning behind what is happening really feed into the philosophy of the hauntings. This does lift the book to a higher plateau than most of the contemporaries who try to write for this market. He really exceeds in this.

Overall, there is a lot to enjoy and this is a mixed pot of genres which works surprisingly well. It is a mystery thriller on the background of a horror haunting historical ghost story. Thompson is able to mix these together to his advantage. This is an enjoyable book and should become a favourite for all readers who love to delve into the dark fiction market. Strong characters, engaging history and some dark corridors make this an exciting read.
Profile Image for Veronica.
741 reviews17 followers
September 14, 2021
Review to come

Merged review:

I really enjoyed the setting of the story. I like Bill Thompson's style of writing and the way he develops his main characters and plot.
Deputy Sheriff Landry Drake uncovers a series of cold cases that go back over 30 years. When he refuses to give up his investigation, he is fired but decides to continue investigating on his own.
I had thought it was going to be a ghost story but it ended up being more of a serial killer story. All in all it was an enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Holly Ites.
216 reviews2 followers
October 26, 2021
If you're like me and prefer your horror reading to not be revisited in nightmares, this is a great book. There's enough ghostly, demonic, psychopathic and mythic suspense to keep you turning the pages, but without the graphic gore and sadistic imagery.

In an abandoned town sits a large building that began as an antebellum hotel, but was later converted into a prison for the criminally insane and has the reputation of being haunted. On a dare from his older brother, an adolescent Landry Drake spends a terrifying hour in the building. That experience stays with him into adulthood when, as a deputy sheriff, his curiosity leads him there on a nightly patrol during which an encounter with spectral voices kindles an investigative spark within him. When his research reveals a possible connection to decades of cold case murders, Landry feels compelled to continue on a quest for truth that will endanger not only his career, but his life, from threats both corporeal and paranormal.

It's always a plus for me when I read something that prompts me to do some research of my own. In this instance, it involved the pirate Jean Lafitte, Angola Prison, and the histories of Acadiana, Bayou Treche, and New Iberia.

Author Bill Thompson channels a bit of Stephen King at the end, with a teasing reference to the first book in the series, "Callie," which I also recommend. I've already cued up the third installment, "The Nursery" and am looking forward to the continued imagining of the more sinister side of Spanish moss dripping from trees, the whispers of deserted plantation houses, and the creepy-crawly nocturnal sounds of marshlands.
Profile Image for Ross.
169 reviews1 follower
October 2, 2021
While I DNF'ed Callie, I enjoyed this 2nd book from the series. I was hesitant to pick it up at first but decided to give it a go because it includes an asylum. I am sucker for horror stories related to asylums. LOL

Landry Drake is a rookie cop with good investigative senses. He got interested in a number of cold cases from the past all related to the prison-slash-asylum. His boss wanted to him to let it go. But he just couldn't stay away. He got fired eventually but not before he got in touch with the owner of the property. He met with Cate and they hit if off. They are both so persistent and have a good head on their shoulders, I think they are a good match. I enjoyed the spooks and the mystery included her. The twist and villain that is Mad Mack is interesting. Also, I love getting a glimpse of bayou life!
Profile Image for Sharon Patchett.
255 reviews1 follower
June 21, 2020
Another good summer read

I enjoyed this book, my second by Bill Thompson. I liked it because it was suspense without a lot of blood, gore, and sex. There was no sex. There was a surprise ending about the hardened criminals who had remained hidden for 28 years and Reverend Billings, an evangelical minister preaching in bed small towns in Louisiana.

I thought this would pick up where Callie left off, but it didn't. The only mention of her mansion was in the last two pages, setting up for the third book.
Profile Image for Míchєllє.
40 reviews
March 10, 2025
The only reason I am giving this four stars and not five is because this is not a paranormal book. It only talks about the paranormal for 5 minutes if that. This was a great book, but as I was expecting paranormal like the first book, I was disappointed. The Forgotten Men ended up being the three escapees, with one still alive at the time this story takes place, not the souls of the trapped men who were abused rentlessly. If this book was about those souls and anything like Callie, I would have given this 5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Karrie.
194 reviews9 followers
February 10, 2019
I did enjoy this second installment of Bill Thompson's Bayou Hauntings Books.

I liked the first one better,simply because there were a few places in this story where I became a bit confused. Maybe it was just me, but I felt like I jumped into different storylines occasionally with little to no notice. But it was still an excellent read with interesting storylines and characters. I am really looking forward to the third book, The Nursery!
Profile Image for Faye Carey.
112 reviews
October 5, 2019
Very imaginative and thrilling! The Bayou series is very intriguing. Each book tells its own unique story, yet finds ways to string them all together in surprising ways! The stories are well thought out, and refreshing from the same scenarios one would usually encounter. The romance needs work ( it’s not very believable) but since that’s not the point of the book, I didn’t let it take away from the work itself.
1,322 reviews12 followers
August 13, 2018
An intense and entertaining mystery/ghost story.

Loved the story line in this ghostly mystery.
Enjoyed the characters as well. The action
was a little slow paced at times, but the
conclusion to this mystery was well worth
the wait. I enjoyed this book and I do
recommend it to those who like a good
ghostly mystery.
137 reviews1 follower
May 1, 2019
Not quite there

Book 1 of this series was great, so when I began this one I was expecting the same level and sadly did not see it. However, this novel is still worth the read. I thought the characters were not fully developed and plot was a little slow. Admittedly, the ending does have a clever and noteworthy twist.
Profile Image for Janice Anderson.
108 reviews
May 24, 2019
A Farewell Ghost 👻 Party

I gave this haunted mansion story give stars because it was very enjoyable reading 📚and I was greatly surprised that I didn't get scared 😨reading and I stayed up to 2:00 am reading because I just wanted to read what happens next. This was a great read and not boring in the least. I am getting ready to read book three the Nursery now.
Profile Image for Cynthia Turner.
7 reviews2 followers
July 16, 2019
Mystery and Haunting

Love this series. Combines surprising mysteries along with the hauntings and Mack is sure a terrifying creature. I would not want to meet him in a dark alley! I don’t know how Mack kept Ezekiel under control not giving away the character. Loved all the characters.
18 reviews
October 6, 2020
I enjoyed his second entry in the series, although not as much as the first. I enjoyed the setting, and the characters were likable. I did enjoy the twists in this one more, as there was little foreshadowing to them that I noticed while reading for pleasure. Looking forward to the next book in the series and hope the disparate stories begin to tie together in a meaningful way.
3 reviews
October 12, 2022
I enjoyed the read, but found it to be a little simplistic. I expected more.

I just thought it should have been more detailed. When the end came, I was thinking surely there was more. Also think he could have either left out the treasure hunting part or included more about it and somehow tied it into the story
Profile Image for Meghan Kathleen.
60 reviews16 followers
June 6, 2023
2.5 stars - as it kept hoping from point of view and making the plot muddy. I preferred the first book to this one, my favorite part was the tie back to the first book at the end.

That being said, I’ll more than likely read the next one in the series just because these have become my “fluffy reading” at the moment. I know not to take it too seriously and just enjoy the ride
Profile Image for Chrissy.
1,478 reviews17 followers
July 25, 2024
So here's the thing. The story of this book was great. The writing was all over the place. It jumped from one thing to another. All of the threads do eventually come together, but at one point I was so confused that I thought I had started a new book in the middle of reading. The ending was good, so I'm willing to give the next in the series a read. I just hope this author got a better editor.
Profile Image for Annarella.
14.1k reviews160 followers
June 1, 2018
A powerful mix of horror and mystery. This book is enthralling and creepy at the same time and you'll not be able to put it down.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Ascendente Books and Netgalley for this ARC
23 reviews
June 30, 2018
Amazing!

Hello to all the book worms out there! If you are ready for a story that will keep you turning pages and being a little scared but eager to keep pursing; this is the book for you!
Profile Image for Marci.
51 reviews1 follower
July 19, 2018
Super suspenseful

Ghosts, escaped deranged prisoners with mental disorders returning to their former prisons to murder new victims. Wonderful plot twists very well developed characters and great story line
60 reviews1 follower
July 23, 2018
Callie and Forgotten Men are great books

if you are looking for books you can't put down, Bill Thompsons books are what you are looking for, I read Callie and immediately downloaded this book, you will not be disappointed.
26 reviews
August 27, 2018
Forgotten amen ( The Bayou Hauntings Book 2 )

As r
The prior book a good read, had its twist and turns. But the first was to me better. The sequel missed something , but still a okay read.
11 reviews1 follower
September 9, 2018
Another page turner!

Great historical references yet again and well written story. A good mix of adventure and things that are haunted. Really kept the reader wanting to read the next chapter.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.