What do you think?
Rate this book
Going Insane
Who do you trust when you can't even trust yourself?
Occult novelist and cult escapee Brandy Lawson has worked very hard to put her past behind her.
Alone in the world save for her loving but often-absent airline pilot husband Justin, she does her best to live a quiet life.
Everything is disrupted, however, when she learns she’s finally inheriting a former cult property owned by her long-estranged parents.
But Brandy is unprepared for how taking possession of the isolated farmhouse will affect her mental health.
Peculiar occurrences on the property lead her to question her sanity, and a breakdown leads her to seek professional help and medications at the behest of her husband.
After initially chalking up the strange things happening in her home to her PTSD, soon it becomes clear that everyone is not who they appear to be.
To save their marriage and her sanity, they will have to investigate what may be causing the issues at her home, only to discover that their frightening, jealous “housemate” is something more disturbing than any ghost.
Occult novelist and cult escapee Brandy Lawson has worked very hard to put her past behind her.
Alone in the world save for her loving but often-absent airline pilot husband Justin, she does her best to live a quiet life.
Everything is disrupted, however, when she learns she’s finally inheriting a former cult property owned by her long-estranged parents.
But Brandy is unprepared for how taking possession of the isolated farmhouse will affect her mental health.
Peculiar occurrences on the property lead her to question her sanity, and a breakdown leads her to seek professional help and medications at the behest of her husband.
After initially chalking up the strange things happening in her home to her PTSD, soon it becomes clear that everyone is not who they appear to be.
To save their marriage and her sanity, they will have to investigate what may be causing the issues at her home, only to discover that their frightening, jealous “housemate” is something more disturbing than any ghost.
- GenresThriller
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 10, 2021
957 people are currently reading
510 people want to read
About the author
Cole Baxter
46 books370 followersCole Baxter loves writing psychological suspense thrillers. It's all about that last reveal that he loves shocking readers with.
He grew up in New York, where there crime was all around. He decided to turn that into something positive with his fiction.
His stories will have you reading through the night--they are very addictive!
Sign up for Cole's VIP Reader Club and find out about his latest releases, giveaways, and more. Copy and paste this link to sign up: http://eepurl.com/dqL8yT
He grew up in New York, where there crime was all around. He decided to turn that into something positive with his fiction.
His stories will have you reading through the night--they are very addictive!
Sign up for Cole's VIP Reader Club and find out about his latest releases, giveaways, and more. Copy and paste this link to sign up: http://eepurl.com/dqL8yT
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
August 13, 2024
While I really don’t like stories about cults, thankfully it’s fairly minor in this story. The protagonist moves with her husband to the home left to her by her father. Strange things keep happening to her and her husband is not supportive! In fact, he’s a wannabe cheater and distasteful in general. We learn quickly the source of the strange occurrences which I felt should have been left to later in the story. It’s kinda bittersweet. However, at times the story felt a little juvenile. I still felt it was interesting!
April 23, 2021
This is a story about a woman who as a child was raised in a cult. Her parents eventually died in the cult, so she was alone. There are a lot of twist and turns in this thriller about Brandy Lawson who escaped at age 14, after she had been abused by the “Reverend “ giving birth to a son, but was told he died at birth. Brandy is married to Justin an airline pilot, who doesn’t really know the true story of Brandy and has a hard time with some of her “delusions”.
This is a great story and I loved the characters. Did things work out for everyone?? Have to read and see what happens.
This is a great story and I loved the characters. Did things work out for everyone?? Have to read and see what happens.
June 18, 2021
Going Insane
Brandy had a life that wasn't one that anyone would want to live but some how she managed to make it out alive and she didn't want to relive old memories when she went back to the house her dad built especially with her cousin Brian doing things that wasn't legal. After moving back into the house Brandy starts realizing that she might not be alone after all while her husband Justin was away. Going insane is a great book and this author keeps you on the edge of your seat with excitement and mystery....
Brandy had a life that wasn't one that anyone would want to live but some how she managed to make it out alive and she didn't want to relive old memories when she went back to the house her dad built especially with her cousin Brian doing things that wasn't legal. After moving back into the house Brandy starts realizing that she might not be alone after all while her husband Justin was away. Going insane is a great book and this author keeps you on the edge of your seat with excitement and mystery....
January 8, 2022
An Absolute Great read!
All the turmoil and grief caused by horrible people are brought into context during this intense story. Tell you the truth, I really couldn't put this book down! The logic is carefully woven in and the writer is very careful to maintain the intensity of each character! If you crave a good mystery with all the dangerous side effects, get this book now! This story high-lights the effectiveness of therapeutic actions that when properly applied can be life balm for those whose behavior cries out for it!
Keep up the great stories!
All the turmoil and grief caused by horrible people are brought into context during this intense story. Tell you the truth, I really couldn't put this book down! The logic is carefully woven in and the writer is very careful to maintain the intensity of each character! If you crave a good mystery with all the dangerous side effects, get this book now! This story high-lights the effectiveness of therapeutic actions that when properly applied can be life balm for those whose behavior cries out for it!
Keep up the great stories!
April 6, 2021
Just when Brandy thought she escaped the crazy of her family's past she inherits the family home on the cult compound and things take some dark and twisted turns. With every crazy twisted thing that happened I was pulled into the story and was on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next. This is another definite must read people who love psychological thrillers. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
April 19, 2021
AN ENTERTAINING & SUSPENSFUL NOVEL
“Going Insane” by Cole Baxter was a terrific book! The main characters , Brandy & Justin Lawson, & Adam were wonderfully described, and vital characters. The novel is told in alternating POV, that of Brandy & Adam. The suspence had me on the edge of my seat, & the ending packed a punch.
I recommend this novel to those readers who enjoy suspense, mystery & psychological drama.
“Going Insane” by Cole Baxter was a terrific book! The main characters , Brandy & Justin Lawson, & Adam were wonderfully described, and vital characters. The novel is told in alternating POV, that of Brandy & Adam. The suspence had me on the edge of my seat, & the ending packed a punch.
I recommend this novel to those readers who enjoy suspense, mystery & psychological drama.
May 28, 2021
Misleading title
The book captivated me initially, tho the storyline is somewhat bizarre. When all is revealed towards the end, it was hurried and not quite believable. I kept waiting for the “twist you wont see coming”. The book ended as abruptly as the reveal and I’m still waiting for the twist. I didn’t see it coming. I didn’t see it at all. Seems like the author lost interest in the book and just wanted to end it.m
The book captivated me initially, tho the storyline is somewhat bizarre. When all is revealed towards the end, it was hurried and not quite believable. I kept waiting for the “twist you wont see coming”. The book ended as abruptly as the reveal and I’m still waiting for the twist. I didn’t see it coming. I didn’t see it at all. Seems like the author lost interest in the book and just wanted to end it.m
August 19, 2021
Cluncky, chunky
Hard to get through, I’m not sure why I kept going - mostly because Cole Baxter has written some really great books.
The author didn’t really have fully formed characters- he depended on cliches when describing and writing Brandy’s voice.
The end was blah. She found her son, her verbally abusive, unfaithful husband is suddenly “great” and it’s happy times for the Family of 3.
Pass
Hard to get through, I’m not sure why I kept going - mostly because Cole Baxter has written some really great books.
The author didn’t really have fully formed characters- he depended on cliches when describing and writing Brandy’s voice.
The end was blah. She found her son, her verbally abusive, unfaithful husband is suddenly “great” and it’s happy times for the Family of 3.
Pass
September 11, 2021
Mature readers. Traumatized,... may not feel comfortable reading this material.
Interesting; fast paced, once you start reading you can't put the book down, literally! Simply true -- a traumatic thriller with a twist. Quite enjoyable. The ending was heart rendering and fabulously touching. Great immersion and the protagonists convincing. Thank you Cole Baxter for such a fine read.PottsvillePA_09112021.
Interesting; fast paced, once you start reading you can't put the book down, literally! Simply true -- a traumatic thriller with a twist. Quite enjoyable. The ending was heart rendering and fabulously touching. Great immersion and the protagonists convincing. Thank you Cole Baxter for such a fine read.PottsvillePA_09112021.
January 8, 2022
I've read a couple of Baxters books and really liked them, but this book was a disappointment. Completely unrealistic plot, unlikeable characters, and an awful, unrealistic ending. I wanted to throw up at the fact she stayed with her cheating and emotionally abusive husband. It felt more like an adolescent campy book then anything else.
Also, if I ever see the words mused or gargin again, it'll be to soon
Also, if I ever see the words mused or gargin again, it'll be to soon
April 27, 2024
interesting hide out
This was my first book by Cole Baxter, and I did enjoy it, but I felt like at times that it just drug on.
I would have liked to know whether she finished her book she was writing and did she continue to be a successful writer?
Also, did Adam ever find out about her wanting reconstruction surgery for him?
So many unanswered questions, but overall I would say a pretty good story.
This was my first book by Cole Baxter, and I did enjoy it, but I felt like at times that it just drug on.
I would have liked to know whether she finished her book she was writing and did she continue to be a successful writer?
Also, did Adam ever find out about her wanting reconstruction surgery for him?
So many unanswered questions, but overall I would say a pretty good story.
March 18, 2021
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
April 11, 2021
Interesting plot
This book definitely had a different plot than most thrillers. Like an old "Columbo" tv episode, you knew who the protagonist was from the beginning. With a religious cult, child rape and pregnancy, abuse and adultery thrown in, this made for a very good read. Recommend.
This book definitely had a different plot than most thrillers. Like an old "Columbo" tv episode, you knew who the protagonist was from the beginning. With a religious cult, child rape and pregnancy, abuse and adultery thrown in, this made for a very good read. Recommend.
April 16, 2021
Very interesting read with a main character that I felt for. It held my attention all the way through and the story line was constantly filled with action that kept you wondering. No blood and guts and very little offensive language. The sex scenes were not offending to those who prefer not to read such actions. I would recommend this!
July 31, 2021
Oof.
The only thing keeping me from writing a genuine review is the very small chance that the author could see it. I don’t see how I could write anything about this book without being mean. I’ll say this: if it wasn’t an ebook, I wouldn’t put it back on the shelf but would throw it away.
The only thing keeping me from writing a genuine review is the very small chance that the author could see it. I don’t see how I could write anything about this book without being mean. I’ll say this: if it wasn’t an ebook, I wouldn’t put it back on the shelf but would throw it away.
August 2, 2021
3 stories
The first 2 were really good. Good story lines and characters, but the endings, though good, were predictable. Number 3 was my favorite. It made me so some serious thinking and read with enthusiasm right down to the final word. Can't wait to read more of good Coles books.
The first 2 were really good. Good story lines and characters, but the endings, though good, were predictable. Number 3 was my favorite. It made me so some serious thinking and read with enthusiasm right down to the final word. Can't wait to read more of good Coles books.
November 30, 2021
Well…
In some ways I really liked this book and in some ways I didn’t. I felt like in some scenes the author took shortcuts to emotional development while dragging out other scenes. The plot line was great, I really enjoyed the story itself! Sometimes the characters seemed fantastic, sometimes they seemed like tropes. I’ll have to try another one of his and see if I like it.
In some ways I really liked this book and in some ways I didn’t. I felt like in some scenes the author took shortcuts to emotional development while dragging out other scenes. The plot line was great, I really enjoyed the story itself! Sometimes the characters seemed fantastic, sometimes they seemed like tropes. I’ll have to try another one of his and see if I like it.
March 7, 2022
I had to force myself to finish the book. Although the content was very mature, the way it was written felt juvenile. There were parts that I liked but overall this was a miss for me. This was my first time reading this author and I am still debating if I want to try again. The author themselves have great reviews but this book just wasn’t it for me.
June 14, 2025
Ehhh, it was mediocre. I like that Cole Baxter allows the husbands in his stories to redeem themselves, but in the two I’ve read (Finding the Other Woman and this), the relationship arcs just aren’t realistic. He also uses characters’s first names a lot. Brandy this … Brandy that. A little juvenile. But not a terrible story either.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2021
GOING CRAZY? - OR TRUSTING INTUITION??
I chose this rating because I was interested initially by the couple's relationship. As more began to unfold, this book delves deeply into past pains, and a hopeful prayer. Twists and turns lead to an ending I'd rather not give away.
I chose this rating because I was interested initially by the couple's relationship. As more began to unfold, this book delves deeply into past pains, and a hopeful prayer. Twists and turns lead to an ending I'd rather not give away.
May 1, 2021
Meh. I don’t understand the glowing reviews of this book. I thought the writing was amateurish, with too much slang, maybe in an attempt to make the characters relatable to readers. I almost DNFed the book several times.
June 3, 2021
Unfortunately there were many mistakes in this book.... words left out, calling Justin Brian when the author was clearly talking about Justin, I found this several times. I felt like I was proof reading the book.
June 24, 2021
Very nice read
This was a very enjoyable book by a very good author whose books I have read before. I didn't notice some typos in the body of the book but other than that I really enjoyed the characters.
This was a very enjoyable book by a very good author whose books I have read before. I didn't notice some typos in the body of the book but other than that I really enjoyed the characters.
February 6, 2022
Good read, sad story
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good sad psychological read. The author made you feel what was being described. I got goosebumps a few times and even angry with what was happening. I recommend this book for sure.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good sad psychological read. The author made you feel what was being described. I got goosebumps a few times and even angry with what was happening. I recommend this book for sure.
June 13, 2022
Not bad, but needs work
Although I enjoyed reading this book for the most part, I felt like the writing style was stilted. Some parts seemed repetitive; other parts appeared almost juvenile in tone.
That being said, the story was good and the characters were memorable.
Although I enjoyed reading this book for the most part, I felt like the writing style was stilted. Some parts seemed repetitive; other parts appeared almost juvenile in tone.
That being said, the story was good and the characters were memorable.
May 23, 2024
COOL
I found this book interesting. You have a story about a cult. You throw in a few lies, deceit, radicalism, kidnapping, family feuds, secret passages, ptsd, marital disputes and family reunions . Then you wind up with a happy ending. Didn't see that coming.
I found this book interesting. You have a story about a cult. You throw in a few lies, deceit, radicalism, kidnapping, family feuds, secret passages, ptsd, marital disputes and family reunions . Then you wind up with a happy ending. Didn't see that coming.
April 3, 2021
Great read.
I enjoyed this book. For me there was so surprise ending, easy to figure out. However, I enjoyed the book very much.
I enjoyed this book. For me there was so surprise ending, easy to figure out. However, I enjoyed the book very much.
April 4, 2021
Excellent
This is an excellent, well written written story. The characters are brought to life. The w is quite good. You find yourself imagining alk kinds of possible scenarios.
This is an excellent, well written written story. The characters are brought to life. The w is quite good. You find yourself imagining alk kinds of possible scenarios.
May 11, 2021
Overcoming insanity
This book was intriguing about the cult aspect of the novel. The idea of the son living in the attic was a little farfetched but that was also a good part .
This book was intriguing about the cult aspect of the novel. The idea of the son living in the attic was a little farfetched but that was also a good part .
May 13, 2021
Kind of meh. There is so much repetition that it became a struggle to finish it. The plot was an interesting idea, but the writing just dragged it down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews