The Sun Down Motel

Hey guys, I’m baaaackkkkkk.

I am one of those people who reads a lot of books with a similar subject matter. I like horror, true crime, ghost stuff, and mysteries… Sprinkled with a romance from time to time. But because I often stick to the same stuff, it can get stale sometimes.

But The Sun Down Motel somehow managed to wrap all of those categories into one!

When I saw this book popping up on Instagram, even though I prooooomised myself I’d stop buying so many books, (if you’re reading this, you know what I’m talking about,) I immediately popped onto the B&N app and frantically ordered this shit like it was the cure to Coronavirus.

And boy, am I glad that I did!

Summary

Carly Kirk has always been fascinated by her Aunt Viv, who disappeared from her job at The Sun Down Motel in 1982.

With a small inheritance that her mother left when she passed, Carly packs up her belongings and heads to Fell, New York, where she intends to solve the 35 year mystery of her aunt’s disappearance.

Very soon after Carly’s arrival, she is mirroring her Aunt Viv’s life; working the night shift at The Sun Down Motel and living in the very same apartment.

Helpful to Carly’s quest, the hotel hasn’t changed at all since 1982, including the same handwritten guest book, which helps Carly to realize that Viv was trying to unravel some mysteries of her own at the time she disappeared! Including a plethora of ghosts at the Sundown and a possible serial killer.

If Carly can find the answers that Viv was searching for, she might just be able to solve the mystery that’s haunted her family for years… As well as the hauntings that plague The Sun Down Motel.

My Feels

This. Book. Is. EVERYTHING!

I love this book with all of my heart. Dare I say, in my opinion, it is the perfect book.

Now, I’m not saying it’s going to be one of those classics that people talk about and refer to forever, but it was perfect to me.

As you may or may not be aware, I’ve been going through some really scary stuff with my dog/best friend/son, so I have been focusing all of my attention on his diagnosis, surgery, and recovery.

Because of the high stress, I didn’t want to read something depressing, violent, scary, or upsetting. My emotions already have me on the edge of a constant crying fit, so I just wanted something fun that could temporarily put me into a more lighthearted atmosphere.

The Sun Down Motel was the perfect choice.

The mysteries in this book are layered, well thought out, and well executed. I was guessing until the very end and everything was revealed seamlessly. (Note: I am not a huge fan of endings that are unexplained or overly complicated.) The story, the mystery, the characters, and the writing style was exhilarating and refreshing. I can honestly stay I loved this book on all fronts.

I read this book from front to back in less than a day. It was addictive! It was also extra thrilling because it was presented with two timelines: Aunt Viv in 1982, and Carly in 2017. There were times that I read a chapter by Aunt Viv that ended on such a cliffhanger, that I literally had to keep reading to get back to that timeline, and vice versa.

As you may know, the mysteries not only include Aunt Viv’s disappearance, but also a possible serial killer, extreme hauntings at The Sun Down Motel, and the questionable intentions of many people from the past and present.

There is never a dull moment.

The ghost activity was really spooky and fun! It added such a unique flare to a story combining so many other elements and genres, but not once did it ever feel overly complicated or difficult to follow. I appreciated the unique combination of genres and how they all effortlessly fit together to form an extraordinary story.

All of the characters are so smart and relatable! For once! *Insert a round of applause*

I never once felt like what our characters were up to was a waste of time. Each one contributed to keeping the story line moving and the mystery evolving; they were brilliant. I enjoyed getting to know the characters of past, present, and the beyond! *Cue spooky music*

The pacing of the book is also incredible. There is never a dull or wasteful moment in the story. I was hooked every step of the way and every sentence felt purposeful. I do not often feel like this when reading books, as there is often some filler.

My Rating: ★★★★★

Everything about this book had me excited and entertained. I cannot wait to see what’s next from Simone St. James.

Did you read The Sun Down Motel?

Did you love it as much as I did?!

I’d love to hear your thoughts!

xoxo,

Ande