The Enlightenment Project

by Lynn Hightower

Cutting-edge science meets demonic the long-awaited new supernatural thriller from award-winning author Lynn Hightower.
"Sensitive characterizations match the imaginative plot. Readers will compulsively turn the pages to see how it all ends" -  Publishers Weekly  Starred Review

Noah Archer is a renowned neurosurgeon, with an impressive success record. He has a happy home, with his beloved wife Moira, their two adopted sons, and a dog who's a very good girl.

But Noah keeps a dark secret, shared only with his old friend Father Perry Cavanaugh. When he was just a boy, he was possessed by a demon - and it was only thanks to the exorcist priest that he survived.

Now, Noah works at the cutting of edge of medical science and religion, researching the effects of spirituality on the brain. His current research study - The Enlightenment Project - promises breakthrough treatments for depression, addiction and mental illness, and preliminary results are astounding.

But after a late-night emergency surgery, Noah returns to his office to find Father Perry waiting for him, with a terrible warning. The Enlightenment Project may not be closing the door to the darkness at all . . . but instead letting it in.

Demonic possession is now a recognized psychiatric condition, and the number of exorcist priests in the US has quadrupled in the last decade. As well as being a thrilling read, THE ENLIGHTENMENT PROJECT is an intelligent and fascinating view into the complex worlds of both the medical and the supernatural.

Genres: Horror, Fiction, Science Fiction

1 pages, Audio CD

First published February 1, 2022

About the author

Lynn Hightower grew up in Kentucky, and graduated from the University of Kentucky, where she studied creative writing with Wendell Berry and earned a degree in Journalism. She also teaches novel writing in the Writer’s Program at UCLA. Survival jobs include writing television commercials, catering waitress, and bartender for one day.

Her books have been included in the New York Times List of Notable Books, the London Times Bestseller List, and the W.H. Smith Fresh Talent Awards. She has received the Shamus Award, and been nominated for the Kentucky Literary Award, the Kentucky Librarians First Choice Award, and the Mary Higgins Clark Award. Hightower’s books have been published in numerous foreign countries, including Great Britain, Australia, Japan, Germany, Italy, Norway, Sweden, Israel and The Netherlands.

Hightower spends ridiculous amounts of time curled up reading, but also enjoys small sports cars and tame horses. She is married to The Frenchman, writes full time, shares an office with her Belgian Shepherd, Leo the Lion, plays bad but fierce tennis, loves to dance and is learning to Tango.

Hightower enjoys canoeing and is witty after two glasses of wine. She has studied French and Italian, but is only fluent in Southern.

Hightower is a Kentucky native, and lives in a small Victorian cottage with a writing parlor.

Reviews

[Nicole Korczyk · Rating 2 out of 5]

A neurosurgeon believes he can study possessions, a wife is hardcore unreasonable, and Catholics or whatever somehow make demons boring. There's some scary bits in the middle relating to a red-haired fake priest, but I honestly fell asleep during the final exorcism. It's like the book already had a badass antagonist but it chose to focus on some randoms instead because it didn't realize the demons were way more interesting than the MRIs.

For such a short book, this feels overcrowded. Way too many descriptions, sentences too long to allow for any sense of urgency. So much backstory for characters that we never meet or hear about again. Too many physical descriptions of what people are wearing and whether the narrator finds them attractive or if women potentially find them attractive.

I am disappointed.

[Joseph VanBuren]

I couldn't finish this one. It started off good and had an interesting concept but just started to drag in the middle. Too much time spent on the same thoughts, introducing characters in the middle of the book, and describing people and scenes that aren't important. It really felt like the author was stretching it out to be a novel, when it could have been a much more effective novella.

[Debbie · Rating 2 out of 5]

it wasn't spooky, scary or suspenseful. And I question if Lee Child really read this book because if he did how can he can he say 'Lynn Hightower is a brave, bold, writer - and this spooky, suspenseful masterpiece could be her best yet.'... - well this could be her best -I have not other books by her to judge but what was so brave and bold about this yawn of a book. It ended with a whimper - and the wife - her reaction to her husband's childhood was just weird and read so false. Not sure I would read another by this author.

[Lukasz · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid supernatural thriller. Review to come. Probably.

[Jenny Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

A marvellously spooky thriller incorporating fascinating developments in neuro-science with the oldest psychological fears of humanity - fear of demons and demonic possession, all told with a convincing contemporary edge.
Noah Archer is a renowned neurosurgeon with an impressive success record and a dark secret. from his childhood.
It's the reason he became passionate about neuroscience,. But when some research he's undertaken tilts sideways, he's caught in a career-threatening dilemma.
Admit to his experiments gone wrong, and face the consequences, or try to right the situation and keep it all hushed up?
Lynn Hightower presents a seat of the edge nail biter, which will kep0p you thinking for weeks and months after you've closed the covers on it. I loved it.
Lynn can be heard talking about her research and the book's premise on The Joys of Binge Reading podcast.
https://thejoysofbingereading.com/lyn...

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good spooky possession story (ghost and possessions are quickly becoming my horror faves) that was let down by b grade descriptions of all the characters but particularly the women and an anti climatic ending? This was good and quick though.

[Kim Sundling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Net Gallery and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book.

I absolutely devoured this book. This is a super-natural horror with a medical twist. Sign me up! I'm a pharmacist, so I especially enjoyed the anatomy parts. This book will make you cringe, scream, and hide. This is a great read and look forward to reading more by this author. Well done.

[Genevieve Paquette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this. I'd like to note that the narration was pretty good, except when the narrator did the possessed voice. Annoying does not begin to describe it. It set my teeth on edge, a genuine, visceral reaction of disgust.
Apparently, being annoyed by voices in inherently sexist, as it is nearly always women's voices being singled out, or, I guess, male voices that are higher in pitch. I'm not sure if I agree with the premise, but it's something to consider. However, this guy doing the demon voice as well as the fallen angel voice, it wasn't like he was shrill, just... fussy? Overly annunciated? Weirdly soft but also staccato? I think he was aiming for quietly sinister, but it didn't work out that way. I didn't feel menaced, I felt agitated. Ugh.
The writing was solid and the story had its moments, but it kind of fizzled. The concept was very interesting, as the author did a nice job of marrying the spiritual and the scientific. I also appreciated that she eschewed the standard Catholic priest for an Episcopalian- I think she ust have been writing what she knew, and I respect that.
The thing is, though, not a lot actually happened. It was slow. Which would be ok, except that there was never a real sense of urgency. I think that's partly due to insufficient world-building? Things were just introduced and accepted without question, like the priest being a descendant of Christ and Mary Magdalen (seriously, like it was absolutely no big deal, not even worth a second thought) or the concept of angelic possession. And for a book about possession, even the demonic was was presented in a very mild way. I can't explain it. it just wasn't scary. Which I'm totally ok with, just, it wasn't terribly compelling, either. The focus was so tight on the protagonist and his wife that the situation seemed small and contained, too, with little impact on anyone outside of a very small circle.
I liked the reasonably happy ending, though.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the take on exorcisms in this book, I also loved that it was combined with science and neurology. The story itself was really well developed and so were the characters. There were definitely some really good creepy parts of the book which I thoroughly enjoyed especially at the end.
There were definitely a few moments in the book where I thought the descriptions were a little excessive. But overall I did enjoy it and I would definitely recommend this book to others who like possession stories. Thank you Netgalley for letting me read this book in exchange for a review.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

A scary, gripping, and riveting story that kept me reading. I loved. It's the first book I read by this author and I appreciated the style of writing and the storytelling.
It's got the right level of creepy, good character development and a well developed plot.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun possession novel with some heart. Loved it.

[Angela Dupay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked it but the descriptions of each characters outfits were excessive. Like if Perry in full religious gear okay, but otherwise I really didn’t care what they wore to dinner.

[The Honest Book Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting concept for a book. This book is paranormal, psychologically thrilling, spooky bliss with a very interesting medical premise thrown into the mix. It follows main character, Noah, who's a neurosurgeon. He has an interesting past, having been the victim of demonic possession as a child. He's conducting a study with people to see if they can awaken an enlightened state in people's minds that would give them a religious or serene experience. Maybe it will cure people of depression, for example. Only, by awakening parts of the mind, they are opening a door for evil to get through.

So starts new struggles for Noah, his wife, and his children. An old friend, the priest who helped Noah as a child, comes to him with a story. One of the patients in the study could be possessed. He needs Noah to help. By helping, is Noah putting his own life, and his family's lives, in danger?

And who is the mysterious, and possibly dangerous, leader of a strange church, that is hanging around Noah's house? And why does Noah think he knows him?

This book relies of well written psychological tension and suspense to drag the reader through a very chilling tale. I enjoyed this very much, and actually think this would make for a great movie. The characters do feel real, and the author has a great way of showing exactly how they feel, without giving away the secrets we're yet to learn. I thought this a smashing read.

[M · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lynn Hightower stirs her thriller with religious undertones in her novel The Enlightenment Project. Brilliant neurosurgeon Noah Archer has spent the majority of his adult life trying to offer hope. Having been the subject of a demonic possession as a child, Archer now works on an experimental procedure designed to map out the scientific avenue of the soul. Yet this undertaking seems to have awoken long-forgotten evils, ones that are looking to twist the project in a negative light. Aided by his old friend Father Perry and his wife Moira, Archer must find the strength to stand against the darkness Hightower starts off strong, creating a tense tale that blends the aspects of science and religion while avoiding the pitfall of delving too deep into their philosophical divisions. The characters are endearing, despite the oft-putting need to have the protagonist physically describe all his female colleagues, and the pacing sets the book up for success. However the psychological terror is shelved in favor of by-the-book scares. The unique premise of medicine offering a doorway into the spiritual realm is tossed out in favor of classic movie tropes; eerie sounds, a creepy stranger, and cryptic threats overtake the narrative. The Enlightenment Project shines a light on new aspects of exorcisms, but burns out upon its conclusion.

[The Headless Horror · Rating 4 out of 5]

Out of all the subgenres of horror, demonic possession is one that has always been top-tier scare material for me, so I was excited to read this book based on the summary. I work in the Science world, and being a horrorphile, this premise of the story was so unique! I am going to do more research into neurological studies and demonic activity now. I thought the book flowed well and kept me interested. There were just a few small details I would have like wrapped up in a better manner. The main character's previous instance of possession- we get glimpses of it, but I think there was more to be told there. Smallwood and the church- we know the town isn't happy with them over various things, but I would have liked more background there. And lastly, the ending to the book was not as action-packed as I would have expected, but I still enjoyed it. An aspect I did enjoy is hearing the some of the hospital day to day procedures (though I don't know how accurate it is), just about MRI machines and how much they cost and how the facilities set up use of them. Scare factor was good-especially with Henry's character, reminded me of the old film The Exorcist. All in all-interesting book, full marks for a fresh plot I haven't encountered before. Thanks, NetGalley and Publisher for the ARC!

[Milt Theo · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's not clear to me why Lynn Hightower's book is not far more well known. It's a solid 5-star story, with an interesting take on demonic possession, great dialogue, great pacing, and a satisfying ending. It never goes over the top (though it could), it never throws blame on religion (though it could), and it sure as heck does not go easy on the main character (though it certainly could!). The premise is original and very interesting: demonic possession is understood to be a fact, a recognized psychological condition, that can be studied neurologically. However, this implies that science may affect the possessed in ways the entities doing the possession do not want. And from this, there starts a whole story, with a neurosurgeon in the center, a former possessed, who tries to study possession without putting his family in danger. Unfortunately, this doesn't work.

I really like how exorcisms are portrayed in the book, without drama or metaphysical shenanigans. The stress falls on the human aspects of the story, even when the focus is on science. I'd recommend this to whoever would like to read a book on demon possession that doesn't rehash al the familiar tropes.

[Allyssa Parker · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. I only finished this book because there was so much potential to the story. The story did eventually come together and give some value and resolution. This author's description of women (every single one we meet) is unnecessarily sexual for a story narrated by a man so wholy in love and devoted to his wife.
This book is confused. The driving story is great but there's at least 100 pages that have nothing to do with it and add nothing to your experience as the reader. It's also wrapped up in a total of two pages... without actually giving you the opportunity to solve the mystery OR even enjoy the dramatic moment. It ends with an unexpected twist but honestly the story I wanted wasn't there. Probably won't read anything else by this author- overall disappointed by what could have been and was instead glossed over!

[Laura Newsholme · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm sad about this one because I thought that the premise sounded really interesting, but unfortunately for me, I felt like the author was trying to do too much. This left the plot feeling really muddled and disjointed and meant that what should have been a whopping blow out of a final act was a bit of a damp squib. Such a shame.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Dorothy Mahoney · Rating 4 out of 5]

A definite creep factor as the once possessed Noah Archer, neurosurgeon, takes on patients with issues that become entangled with demonic possession during his 'enlightenment project.' The priest, Perry, who guided him comes back to help him as all is in peril including his family. Thankfully nothing horrific happens to the dog, Tash, who is always aware and barking.

[Catherine Marshall-smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Ride of a Book

The Enlightenment Project is a suspense filled mix of mystic exorcism and modern day science when a neuro surgeon links with an exorcist to save the souls of those they love.

[Josef Hernandez · Rating 3 out of 5]

A unique and interesting take on demonic possession

For a full review, please go to https://areviewerdarkly.blogspot.com/... and follow me on Twitter @josenher

[Jenny F Youman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read 100%

I enjoyed this book so much. Its well written and gets you hooked from the beginning. I read it in one day. I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend this book !!!!!

[Betty Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breathtakingly original!

A spiritual thriller that will make you rethink your thoughts about demons and everyday-saints. Do demons exist? Do angels? Or they merely symptoms of a disordered mind?

[Kathleen Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I May Never Close My Eyes in a MRI

The story hits you between the eyes and doesn't stop. Hightower has created a Hot Shit Surgeon who is tragedy personified who is also noble.

[Melissa Milich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Properly spooky. Love the concept, and I admire the author for taking it on. (I wonder if she got nightmares when she was writing it???) Not sure how this book would translate to someone who doesn't believe in the spiritual, but as a Catholic, it's very very compelling to me.

Some of the middle chapters are quite a slog, and easily thirty pages could be edited out. As an example, there's a scene with a brief interaction between the protagonist and a hospital security guard. We learn not only about the security guard's background but also about the WIFE of the security guard who is not physically present in the scene nor even referred to during the interaction. At the time I was thinking with all the background information provided on the WIFE of the security guard, she was going to play an important role later on in the story. But nope. We never saw her once during the encounter, nor was she ever referenced again. So several paragraphs about how she acted up during medical school were puzzling... what did this have to do with the story? Stuff like this contributed to the rambling nature of the middle sections. Also, a lot of scenes seemed to be repeats of what happened earlier. Where was the editor for this book?

Despite these minor stumbles, I still remained engaged through the tedious middle. The characters were so well-drawn and there was enough spookiness to make this an enjoyable read. Also, writers rarely take on this subject, and Hightower provided a new and original spin. I did very much appreciate this book.

[Karrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book could only be good IF there is a follow up it’s a great beginning, but only if there’s a follow up. Alone, it’s a 2.5.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to net galley for the ARC!
Once I started this I couldn't stop--truly a page turner. Some scary moments and eerie atmosphere.

Tash is a Very Good Girl.

[Jae · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

I'm always down for a demonic possession story.

[Madi Mogianesi · Rating 3 out of 5]

It started out good then it became all over the place. I enjoyed the beginning where it introduces a neurosurgeon and science. The story kept me interested. I had a hard time understanding the characters and becoming interested in them. I loved how it tied in possessions in the science realm, I wish it had more.

[The Headless Horror · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exorcist fans! Science meets horror in this fast-paced story about a neurologist who accidentally opens a forbidden door- Noah is a neurologist at the forefront of a study called The Enlightenment Project doing research into addiction, depression, and other ailments by stimulating parts of the brain. A visit from an old family friend turned-priest, Perry, dredges up memories of Noah’s childhood, including an exorcism he was the beneficiary of. Perry also has some ominous news- some of the participants of Noah’s study, while cured of their initial disorders, are showing some questionable symptoms such as personality changes, hearing dark voices, and seeing the same man in their dreams. Noah must determine whether his miraculous discovery has rendered his patients vulnerable to demonic possession. Such an interesting plot that will leave you wanting to conduct your own research into psychological studies of exorcisms and possession.