This novel was given to me by the publisher and netgalley in return for an honest review 
 Not sure what to say about this book, aside from the fact that I liked it. It was kind of underwhelming. 
 I enjoyed taking a real life place like Asylum 
 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asylum_T... 
 and giving it a tawdry history, a ghost story and some decent characters and a mystery to flush it out. 
 This novel had many of the things I enjoy; a) a ghost b)a small town with a detailed and colorful history c) a killer and d) magic. 
 The MC was very likeable and easy to relate to, though the insta-love I could have done without, it does carry the plot forward. The secondary characters like the MC best friend and her mom felt very flushed out and real. The best part about the book was the town and it's historical back ground as an asylum from people fleeing the French Revolution and the flash backs to Marin ( a witchy and kind of evil French aristocrat). 
 The reason this book is getting a four instead of a five was because I didn't feel like the magic had any rules. Why do these people have magic? Is there a limit and why did the author shove it all into the end of the book, the reader pretty much sees no magic until the end, which was rushed and cut off abruptly making sure the reader knows there will be a sequel. I also felt like the bad guy was WAY too obvious. 
 So if you like your books with links to history (even made up and vague) read this, it was a fun read for me, especially during a weekend with my in-laws! 
 Happy Reading!