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Dark Corners #1
The Correction Floor
When the shadows come looking, it's time to hide.
The asylum was the last place Seth thought he'd ever go back to, but broke and eager to rest some demons of his own, he accepts a job offer that places him right in the centre of the madness he'd tried so hard to forget.
Seth has the gift, but his prowess as a medium is about to be tested to the full as he leads a ghost hunt around his childhood nightmare. Ravenmeols Mental Hospital should have been levelled when they closed the place down. But, the hospital isn't as abandoned as the ghost party hoped.
Can Seth protect his new friends from the evil that resides deep in the rotting building or will he have to face the horrors of the correction floor alone?
The Correction Floor is the first book of the Dark Corners series—paranormal horror novels that will make you reach for the light.
253 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 28, 2018
366 people are currently reading
284 people want to read
About the author
Robert Scott-Norton
21 books23 followersRobert Scott-Norton writes to thrill, entertain, and keep people reading until the last page. Raised in Southport, he’s lived there most of his life and has concluded that this ordinary seaside town is the perfect setting for all the horrors he can throw at it.
www.robertscottnorton.net
www.robertscottnorton.net
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
October 6, 2020
This had potential. And with some serious editing could have been good. However. POV jumping is the easiest thing to forgive. The interludes were great for backstory--but most of the info given was given AFTER it was needed. Naming characters that had never been mentioned before (Charlie) leaves the reader frankly confused. Too many holes, things not cleared up (And I realize this is a trilogy, but this was basic stuff-the two murdered characters are just not mentioned again). And for the love of God stop using the word "whilest"! It does not make you sound smart. And using it twice in a sentence left me thinking less that the author was pretentious and more that he is just really bad at his craft.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2020
DNF at 82%. The story had potential, but the book really needs more editing.
May 11, 2020
Good concept.
Good concept. However, the longer you read, the worse the grammatical errors cramp the story. I'm hoping with the next book, the characters will see more real
Good concept. However, the longer you read, the worse the grammatical errors cramp the story. I'm hoping with the next book, the characters will see more real
July 11, 2021
Horror is not my favourite genre to read at all, but being written by Robert Scott-Norton I had to give the book a go as I love his style of writing. I was not disappointed but I am sure I will have nightmares if I ever get to sleep at night for some time to come. Seth was a medium, who had lost his sister Kelly when he was young and who had found her body at the Ravenmeols Hospital for the mentally insane. He had kept away from this place ever since, but when he got offered a job to act as a medium to a group of ghost hunters, he needed the money so accepted the job. His friend Malc who was a vicar begged him not to return to the place which still haunted his dreams. Once the group arrived at the hospital the place itself was turning against them and the hunt took on a deadly twist putting all their lives in danger. It seemed as though Johnny and Roy the organisers had a hand in pulling all the strings in the unfolding nightmare. What was their game? Seth kept counting doors and Judy could also see both the doors and the shadowmen but did not know the significance of these two things. Tension builds up as the horror closes in on the group, turning what should have been a fun hunt into a nightmare. I found the story to be a real page turner and I am sure readers who enjoy horror and the paranormal will love this book and I would love to read the next two books in the series but am not sure I can handle these and go to sleep comfortably after doing so!
October 18, 2020
Interesting spooky story that keeps you guessing...
A well written story, that takes a lot of cliches of ghost stories and somehow turns them into something more.
Will probably buy the second book, because the author is very good at getting you to want to know what happens next and planting seeds of questions you want answers to.
Enjoyable story would recommend.
A well written story, that takes a lot of cliches of ghost stories and somehow turns them into something more.
Will probably buy the second book, because the author is very good at getting you to want to know what happens next and planting seeds of questions you want answers to.
Enjoyable story would recommend.
April 1, 2020
This was pretty darn good. Kept me engaged and the characters seemed believable. There are tons of stories about ghosts in orphanages and hospitals but this one seemed a bit different than others I have read. Its nice to read a classic type story yet still get a surprise here and there.
January 11, 2021
Excellent. Kept you turning the pages and well written
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2019
Scott-Norton creates a ghost story where the doubt doesn’t stop seeping in after the balance of probability has firmly tipped to the paranormal, and where no one is safe from permanent harm.
Seth grew up next to Ravenmeols Hospital, former asylum then children’s home, closed after the discovery of a Satanic cult within the staff. He thought he’d never go back, but the offer of a well-paying job as the official medium for ghost tours proves too tempting. He always tells his clients that the spirits can’t hurt them; however, as more powerful manifestations plague the tour he realises that, instead of laying his own demons to rest, he might be drawn deeper into nightmare.
The novel opens with Seth leaping from the roof of the hospital to escape some unspecified threat, then cuts back several days just before he ends his several storey plummet. This confirmation that events will drive Seth to extreme action but not what the threat is gives the reader a nebulous sense that something is going to go wrong that underpins the building tension of the ghost tour. The immediate revelation that the apparent protagonist is (barring a miracle) going to die horribly also makes it clear that no character is safe.
As with many paranormal horror novels, the basic arc is from a mature and modern doubt in supernatural evil combined with the same visceral thrill as a rollercoaster, through an escalating series of weird events that suggest a dark force but do not prove it, to the revelation of the truth to characters too scared to be reliable witnesses. However—as befits a tale woven from hints of the paranormal—the nuances make this more than a simple repetition of the framework.
Scott-Norton reveals the history and safety of Ravenmeols through several interweaving narratives: what the company organising the tour say, what participants have read/heard, what Seth tells people, and flashbacks to what Seth experienced as a child. The building dissonance between these last two both undercuts Seth’s stance that current events are unnerving but ultimately not dangerous, and makes the stated motives and beliefs of the other characters seem less certain.
This sense of doubt is further strengthened by the testimony closest to the potential horror, that of Seth when he lived beside the hospital, being delivered as flashbacks triggered by events; thus making it the doubly imperfect evidence provided by memories of a witness too young to be reliable.
The terrible uncertainty is especially present in the hidden evil itself, displaying enough similarity with reports of Satanic cult activity to confirm Seth’s memories and the rumours surrounding the hospital have some truth, but also performing actions that don’t fit the classic picture of demon-worshipping abusers.
Where the novel is more stereotypical, and thus less likely to generate uncertainty and dread, is in the choice of a former asylum as setting. Although Scott-Norton provides both immersive descriptions and personal resonances for the echoes of the hospital’s past, some readers might find the trappings of abandoned wards and evil doctors too familiar for true horror.
This novel both contains references to a wider paranormal fight and ends with an unexpected, if probably not unpleasant, undercutting of an apparent truth of the world, making it very clear that this is the first in a series. However, the events of the tour itself are brought to a clear conclusion. Readers are therefore unlikely to feel that they have been left hanging.
Seth is a well-crafted protagonist. Torn between the desire to keep people safe and the chance to answer questions from his past, he both remains heroic enough to be sympathetic while not becoming flat or saccharine, and serves to provide the reader with insight into the history and metaphysics of the world without challenging the plausibility of him then courting danger.
The supporting cast are similarly balanced, neither shallow enough to be tedious nor taken in a new direction without warning.
Overall, I enjoyed this novel. I recommend it to readers seeking paranormal horror that doesn’t offer the guarantee of evil being defeated by virtue alone.
I received a free copy from the author with a request for a fair review.
Seth grew up next to Ravenmeols Hospital, former asylum then children’s home, closed after the discovery of a Satanic cult within the staff. He thought he’d never go back, but the offer of a well-paying job as the official medium for ghost tours proves too tempting. He always tells his clients that the spirits can’t hurt them; however, as more powerful manifestations plague the tour he realises that, instead of laying his own demons to rest, he might be drawn deeper into nightmare.
The novel opens with Seth leaping from the roof of the hospital to escape some unspecified threat, then cuts back several days just before he ends his several storey plummet. This confirmation that events will drive Seth to extreme action but not what the threat is gives the reader a nebulous sense that something is going to go wrong that underpins the building tension of the ghost tour. The immediate revelation that the apparent protagonist is (barring a miracle) going to die horribly also makes it clear that no character is safe.
As with many paranormal horror novels, the basic arc is from a mature and modern doubt in supernatural evil combined with the same visceral thrill as a rollercoaster, through an escalating series of weird events that suggest a dark force but do not prove it, to the revelation of the truth to characters too scared to be reliable witnesses. However—as befits a tale woven from hints of the paranormal—the nuances make this more than a simple repetition of the framework.
Scott-Norton reveals the history and safety of Ravenmeols through several interweaving narratives: what the company organising the tour say, what participants have read/heard, what Seth tells people, and flashbacks to what Seth experienced as a child. The building dissonance between these last two both undercuts Seth’s stance that current events are unnerving but ultimately not dangerous, and makes the stated motives and beliefs of the other characters seem less certain.
This sense of doubt is further strengthened by the testimony closest to the potential horror, that of Seth when he lived beside the hospital, being delivered as flashbacks triggered by events; thus making it the doubly imperfect evidence provided by memories of a witness too young to be reliable.
The terrible uncertainty is especially present in the hidden evil itself, displaying enough similarity with reports of Satanic cult activity to confirm Seth’s memories and the rumours surrounding the hospital have some truth, but also performing actions that don’t fit the classic picture of demon-worshipping abusers.
Where the novel is more stereotypical, and thus less likely to generate uncertainty and dread, is in the choice of a former asylum as setting. Although Scott-Norton provides both immersive descriptions and personal resonances for the echoes of the hospital’s past, some readers might find the trappings of abandoned wards and evil doctors too familiar for true horror.
This novel both contains references to a wider paranormal fight and ends with an unexpected, if probably not unpleasant, undercutting of an apparent truth of the world, making it very clear that this is the first in a series. However, the events of the tour itself are brought to a clear conclusion. Readers are therefore unlikely to feel that they have been left hanging.
Seth is a well-crafted protagonist. Torn between the desire to keep people safe and the chance to answer questions from his past, he both remains heroic enough to be sympathetic while not becoming flat or saccharine, and serves to provide the reader with insight into the history and metaphysics of the world without challenging the plausibility of him then courting danger.
The supporting cast are similarly balanced, neither shallow enough to be tedious nor taken in a new direction without warning.
Overall, I enjoyed this novel. I recommend it to readers seeking paranormal horror that doesn’t offer the guarantee of evil being defeated by virtue alone.
I received a free copy from the author with a request for a fair review.
November 7, 2020
I got this e-book for free, and I was overcharged. Erratic. Horrible grammar and punctuation. Inconsistent. Transparent. Derivative. And those are the best things I can say about it.
Gave up at what my Kindle shows as 57% of the book, as I desperately tried to find a reason to keep going. This book is a case of a muse choosing the wrong vehicle to tell a story. I'm sure there's a story in there somewhere, but it's confused in its recounting. Effect happens before cause; characters suddenly reverse their demonstrated natures, without any explanation until several pages later; none of the characters can be relied upon for consistency or accuracy of reporting; and like a poorly-plotted mystery that relies upon revelations in the last five pages to reconcile its ending, the clues and reasons for this haunting are put forth late in the game, foiling any attempt to make a reasoned, steady build-up for a haunted-madhouse tale. It's all jump-scares and failed attempts to create a genuine sense of horror.
One last observation. I used the word "derivative." Instead of reading this book, go enjoy a genuinely frightening film like Session 9 (wherein the source of the derivative material can be found) or a book that builds slowly, in an orderly fashion, into genuine horror like Harvest Home, as a proper contrast. You'll see what I mean.
Gave up at what my Kindle shows as 57% of the book, as I desperately tried to find a reason to keep going. This book is a case of a muse choosing the wrong vehicle to tell a story. I'm sure there's a story in there somewhere, but it's confused in its recounting. Effect happens before cause; characters suddenly reverse their demonstrated natures, without any explanation until several pages later; none of the characters can be relied upon for consistency or accuracy of reporting; and like a poorly-plotted mystery that relies upon revelations in the last five pages to reconcile its ending, the clues and reasons for this haunting are put forth late in the game, foiling any attempt to make a reasoned, steady build-up for a haunted-madhouse tale. It's all jump-scares and failed attempts to create a genuine sense of horror.
One last observation. I used the word "derivative." Instead of reading this book, go enjoy a genuinely frightening film like Session 9 (wherein the source of the derivative material can be found) or a book that builds slowly, in an orderly fashion, into genuine horror like Harvest Home, as a proper contrast. You'll see what I mean.
June 19, 2024
The Correction Floor by Robert Scott-Norton was an interesting read. I am both a horror and paranormal fan but this book was on the edge of both. The supernatural aspect of being inside a haunted mental hospital, the trope has been used many times and frankly, I think it is overplayed. As for the horror aspect, the author's description of the almost doors, the shadowmen, and the impenetrable darkness was frightening but not exactly my scale of horror. The reason I gave it four stars was because of the characters in it. You get two people who are sensitive to everything that is happening in the place. You also get their point of view. One already knew what to expect, while the other was blown away. Together their insight makes for an interesting sequence of events. I was puzzled by the ending so I guess I have to get the next book to figure it out. I recommend this book to anyone who is into ghost hunts that go wrong.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2020
My, my, my, Nerds, it has been quite some time since I read a horror book that was, dare I say it, an actual horror book! Yasss, finally, an author comes through in a major way.
Speaking of a major way, Seth, our protagonist, has rent due and bills to pay. So, when a rather easy opportunity knocks on his door, Seth didn’t hesitate to answer. You see, Seth is a medium and possesses strange powers and gifts. He’s not one to brag, but his record speaks for itself. When Seth advises his best friend, Malc, that he’s been asked to head up a group of wannabe horror fans to go inside the now closed Ravenmeols Mental Hospital to see if he can summon up dead patients of yesteryear, Malc thought Seth had totally lost what little marbles he had left.
Ravenmeols held a special place in Seth’s heart and not for the kind you’d might think. His sister, Kelly, was a patient many years ago and died mysteriously there. Or did she? Seth lied to Malc and swore he wouldn’t be a part of this ghost-hunt, but Seth had something to prove to not only his employer, but to himself of what really happened to his sister.
As soon as Seth steps foot inside the hospital, along with the other guests that were there by invitation only, he soon wishes he hadn’t lied to Malc about taking this job. Dark shadows, strange noises and old squeaky wheelchairs rolling down the hallways by themselves have all the guests of Ravenmeols standing at attention besides the hair on their necks. It is at this time when Seth realizes this was a huge mistake. And that, readers, is where this little shop of horrors really takes shape.
Man, oh man did I love this book! Holy sh*t I was scared to death. I’m sitting at my table early in the morning getting my read on, and every single noise I heard made me jumpy! I loved every minute of it! I’m screaming at my Kindle trying to warn Seth and the others what was around that corner, but of course, they didn’t listen (chuckle)! Wow, I haven’t had a good heart thumping scary read like that since Rosemary’s Baby. This was well written and definitely brings the scary on, if you have the strength to read through it! (chuckle!)
The Sexy Nerd gives The Correction Floor five things that go bump in the night. Although I loved this story tremendously, what I absolutely abhorred was the cliffhanger at the end. You have to read the next installment to find out what happens next. But even though that was the case, I still loved this book.
To read original post, please go to https://www.thesexynerdrevue.com/2020...
Speaking of a major way, Seth, our protagonist, has rent due and bills to pay. So, when a rather easy opportunity knocks on his door, Seth didn’t hesitate to answer. You see, Seth is a medium and possesses strange powers and gifts. He’s not one to brag, but his record speaks for itself. When Seth advises his best friend, Malc, that he’s been asked to head up a group of wannabe horror fans to go inside the now closed Ravenmeols Mental Hospital to see if he can summon up dead patients of yesteryear, Malc thought Seth had totally lost what little marbles he had left.
Ravenmeols held a special place in Seth’s heart and not for the kind you’d might think. His sister, Kelly, was a patient many years ago and died mysteriously there. Or did she? Seth lied to Malc and swore he wouldn’t be a part of this ghost-hunt, but Seth had something to prove to not only his employer, but to himself of what really happened to his sister.
As soon as Seth steps foot inside the hospital, along with the other guests that were there by invitation only, he soon wishes he hadn’t lied to Malc about taking this job. Dark shadows, strange noises and old squeaky wheelchairs rolling down the hallways by themselves have all the guests of Ravenmeols standing at attention besides the hair on their necks. It is at this time when Seth realizes this was a huge mistake. And that, readers, is where this little shop of horrors really takes shape.
Man, oh man did I love this book! Holy sh*t I was scared to death. I’m sitting at my table early in the morning getting my read on, and every single noise I heard made me jumpy! I loved every minute of it! I’m screaming at my Kindle trying to warn Seth and the others what was around that corner, but of course, they didn’t listen (chuckle)! Wow, I haven’t had a good heart thumping scary read like that since Rosemary’s Baby. This was well written and definitely brings the scary on, if you have the strength to read through it! (chuckle!)
The Sexy Nerd gives The Correction Floor five things that go bump in the night. Although I loved this story tremendously, what I absolutely abhorred was the cliffhanger at the end. You have to read the next installment to find out what happens next. But even though that was the case, I still loved this book.
To read original post, please go to https://www.thesexynerdrevue.com/2020...
October 4, 2020
A fast pace and intense world building kept me going straight through this book as fast as I could go, grabbing odd moments here or there to try to read a couple more pages. The basis of reality and the ‘rules’ of the supernatural change and bend throughout the book, disorienting even those who thought they knew was was going on. What is the Almost Realm? Why was at least one ‘hitcher’ benign, when the others were not? What as really going on in that hospital? Even when you think you get an answer, it may not be real. Or it might be real at the time, but could change again within the chapter. Looking forward to reading the next book, to see what parts of reality bend and warp next time.
September 25, 2020
Good read
This book, is written with the present day, and the past. Seth, and his family, lived near a hospital. Now closed, this hospital has evil spirits. A group, goes there to explore.. They get more than they bargained for.
This book, is written with the present day, and the past. Seth, and his family, lived near a hospital. Now closed, this hospital has evil spirits. A group, goes there to explore.. They get more than they bargained for.
February 3, 2021
A really good book.
This turned out to be a very good read. Good plot, characters you cared about, liked or hated. Narrative flowed easily, never got bogged down and kept you interested from page one. Will definitely be reading more in series.
This turned out to be a very good read. Good plot, characters you cared about, liked or hated. Narrative flowed easily, never got bogged down and kept you interested from page one. Will definitely be reading more in series.
February 4, 2021
I read 30% of the book and it still hadn't "grabbed" me. I tried, but could not get interested in the story...couldn't discern a plot. I applaud anyone who sits down and puts word to paper, so I mean no disrespect to the author.
March 1, 2021
Not So Hot
I struggled to finish this one. It started out very promising and would have been pretty good if it finished as a novella around page 100. Too many black shadows and disappearing doors got in the way and bogged the story. This one not for me.
I struggled to finish this one. It started out very promising and would have been pretty good if it finished as a novella around page 100. Too many black shadows and disappearing doors got in the way and bogged the story. This one not for me.
October 9, 2021
Thrilling read
I was hooked from the beginning. The group in the hospital fight for survival as the shadow men seek to make their way into our world. The story of a boy who lost his sister to the same hospital and the man he has become.
I was hooked from the beginning. The group in the hospital fight for survival as the shadow men seek to make their way into our world. The story of a boy who lost his sister to the same hospital and the man he has become.
March 19, 2020
Great Book!!
Great book, storyline and characters. Very fast paced and couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen next. Time for the second book!
Great book, storyline and characters. Very fast paced and couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen next. Time for the second book!
May 23, 2020
Excellent had to read in one go.
September 29, 2020
Very scary page turner !!
October 6, 2020
What a fantastic book. It felt that I was there with them loved how the author told the story about the past and the present. Can't wait to find out what happens in Book 2 🤔🤔🤔🤔
October 9, 2020
Boring
Nothing to write home about. If you like horror stories this should not be on your list. Boring and dull. Glad it was free for me or I'd want my money back!
Nothing to write home about. If you like horror stories this should not be on your list. Boring and dull. Glad it was free for me or I'd want my money back!
October 10, 2020
Very interesting and scary! Would make a great horror film.
October 23, 2020
Story takes strange turns as it unfolds. It was not a book that I was in a hurry too finish as I lost interest the farther along it went. I will not be reading the next books.
October 31, 2020
A good haunted hospital story with a different take.
June 5, 2021
Cults
Great story! I enjoyed reading this book. I was interested from beginning to end. I give a 5🌟.I recommend this book. Very interesting and spooky doors.
Great story! I enjoyed reading this book. I was interested from beginning to end. I give a 5🌟.I recommend this book. Very interesting and spooky doors.
June 14, 2022
2.5 ⭐️
July 25, 2023
3 - 3.5 stars can't decide! Fun read.
September 4, 2025
Brilliant story tense from start to finish
Yes there are spelling mistakes and grammatical errors but it's still a great yarn
Yes there are spelling mistakes and grammatical errors but it's still a great yarn
September 6, 2023
4 stars!
A must read.
What an amazing ride this was.
There are way too many grammatical and spelling errors. But i have deducted only 1 star for that reason. Unlike how others describe their experience with this book i never felt like dnfing the book. It was a spectacular story i loved it through and through and i cant wait to read the other novels. It keeps your attention intact throughout the story.
How the puzzle pieces connect at the end is just amazing.
Loved the story the different names of the entities the whole concept of it. Not boring at all and keeps you hooked.
A must read.
What an amazing ride this was.
There are way too many grammatical and spelling errors. But i have deducted only 1 star for that reason. Unlike how others describe their experience with this book i never felt like dnfing the book. It was a spectacular story i loved it through and through and i cant wait to read the other novels. It keeps your attention intact throughout the story.
How the puzzle pieces connect at the end is just amazing.
Loved the story the different names of the entities the whole concept of it. Not boring at all and keeps you hooked.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews