The Sun Down Motel (by Simone St. James)
During the recent Halloween spooky reading season, I read a book set in a haunted motel that left me feeling underwhelmed. A fellow reader had recommended Simone St. James’ “The Sun Down Motel.” This book was on my radar; however, I just hadn’t gotten around to reading it. I decided this recommendation was the perfect time to place a hold with my local library.
“The Sun Down Motel” is a chilling supernatural thriller that unfolds in the decaying Sun Down Motel in Fell, New York. In 1982, Viv Delaney mysteriously vanishes while working the night shift, leaving behind only rumors and ghostly apparitions. Thirty-five years later, her niece Carly Kirk arrives in the same town, takes the same night-shift job at the same haunted motel, and embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind her aunt’s disappearance. As the past and present converge, both women confront restless spirits, a series of unsolved murders, and a malevolent force that has haunted the motel’s flickering neon halls for decades.
St. James skillfully weaves together an eerie ghost-story atmosphere with suspense, crafting a haunting narrative that delves into secrets, vengeance, and the women who refuse to remain silent, even after death. I thoroughly enjoyed following the journeys of Viv and Carly, both courageous and inquisitive, as they tirelessly search for answers. The dual timelines seamlessly blend, creating a captivating reading experience. The motel itself becomes a character in its own right, its eerie ambiance immersing me in the story. The combination of ghostly chills and gripping mystery kept me on the edge of my seat, eagerly listening to the unfolding events. “The Sun Down Motel” is an atmospheric, emotional, and perfectly spooky read that leaves a lasting impression.
I borrowed the audiobook of “The Sun Down Motel” from my local library using Libby. The narrators, Brittany Pressley and Kirsten Potter, were exceptional in bringing the characters to life, infusing them with depth and authenticity. Their performances were so captivating that I couldn’t help but be drawn into the story, fully immersed in the world of the Sun Down Motel.
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