by Simone St. James
Genres: Mystery, Thriller
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Something hasn’t been right at the roadside Sun Down Motel for a very long time, and Carly Kirk is about to find out why in this chilling new novel from the USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of The Broken Girls.
Upstate New York, 1982. Viv Delaney wants to move to New York City, and to help pay for it she takes a job as the night clerk at the Sun Down Motel in Fell, New York. But something isnʼt right at the motel, something haunting and scary.
Upstate New York, 2017. Carly Kirk has never been able to let go of the story of her aunt Viv, who mysteriously disappeared from the Sun Down before she was born. She decides to move to Fell and visit the motel, where she quickly learns that nothing has changed since 1982. And she soon finds herself ensnared in the same mysteries that claimed her aunt.
I have a new favorite author. ?Her first novel The Broken Girls made my top ten list and is one I continue to recommend. The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James will be as well! Addictive, atmospheric, and original, I could not set this down!
Move over Norman & the Bates Motel, welcome to Fell, New York and the Sun Down Motel. Fair warning ⚠️ Turn off your phone, lock your door and tell everyone you have plans because once you begin this tale you won’t be able to set it down. St. James delivers an atmospheric tale that is part mystery and part murder-mystery. It weaves in plenty of supernatural elements to get the heart racing. I. Loved. It.
The story is told from two time lines, both from the POV of a twenty-year-old. Both are compelling and both made my heart race as they sent shivers down my spine.
The first time-line is from 1982. Viv Delaney, left home and ended up taking a job as the night desk clerk at the Sun Down Motel in Fells, NY. It wasn’t planned, in fact when she left she told her mother she was headed to NY to become a star, but here she is. Something is wrong at the Sun Down and Viv is scared.
The second time line is present day 2017. Carly Kirk’s mother has just died from cancer and she takes time off from school to learn more about her Aunt Viv. Aunt Viv mysteriously disappeared from Fells, NY in 1982. When she visits, she soon finds herself caught up in same mysteries that haunted her aunt. Will she find answers, or will she disappear too?
The synopsis is vague, and if I am completely honest, I didn’t even read it before reading. I loved the author’s first book that much. I will not give spoilers either. Why ruin the fun! I will tell you there is plenty of mystery and suspense as both girls try to answers questions about the motel and things happening locally. Both are quite clever. There were twists I didn’t see coming, and the paranormal elements were pure perfection.
Atmospheric, original, and addictive The Sun Down Motel is a must for lovers of paranormal suspense, mysteries and thrillers. This is a book I will recommend to a broad spectrum of fans from those who like Joe Hill to those who fancy Karen White.
The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James was atmospheric, suspenseful and the perfect mystery thriller to curl up with. #NewRelease #2020Fave #MustRead Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Lorna
Well you sold me. You read instead of listened? I think I will listen instead. I’m heading to Audible.
Kimberly
I was going to, but had the ARC sent to me, and the damn thing kept calling to me. So I read it.?
Sophie
OK this is the last straw! You convinced me Kimberley! I had my sight on this one seeing all the raving reviews now, it’s ordered LOL
Jennifer
I’m on the waitlist at the library for the audiobook. Sounds good.
Kimberly
Yeah, I had it in the house and couldn’t hold out. I . Am. Weak.
Anne - Books of My Heart
This was a fun and unique style of mystery. Fabulous review!
Tyler H. Jolley
I cannot wait to read this! Your review just amped me up even more. Happy reading Kim!
Lindy@ A Bookish Escape
I love atmospheric reads, and this one sounds like a superb murder mystery. I love that is has paranormal elements and twists that you don’t see coming. Excellent Review Kim!
Greg
Yeah I need this one. Sounds fab. I love how eerie it sounds…
Katherine @ I Wish I Lived in a Library
This sounds amazing and so creepy! Plus, this is an author I’ve been wanted to read for ages so that’s an added reason to pick this one up!
Mary Kirkland
I love finding a book that’s really hard to put down.
Jonetta (Ejaygirl) | Blue Mood Café
Wow! You’ve made this sound delectable, Kimberley? Now I’m feeling smug about having gotten the audiobook. Can’t wait!
sherry fundin
fantastic review! I have seen her name around and after reading your review, I’ll have to add this series to my reading list. I love books that place in an area I am familiar with and I lived in New York for ten years, so I know the area pretty well
ShootingStarsMag
I was really curious about The Broken Girls, and this one sounds equally good, so I really need to get with it. Love when I find a new favorite author!
-Lauren
http://www.shootingstarsmag.net
kindlemom1
So glad you loved this as well Kim. It really was so much fun. I love all her books so far that I have tried.
Nadene
You have piqued my curiosity, and now I want to know more. Not good for my TBR. ?
Debbie S Haupt
And keep the lights on while you read too. Oh yes please it sounds breath stealingly good. Thanks Kim
Olivia Roach
Yay for having a new favourite author! That’s always such a fun feeling and it sounds like this one was just such a page turner. I am happy you were incredibly addicted. I think sometimes it is for the best that synopses are left vague as sometimes they spoil too much!