Thirty-five years ago Vivian (Viv) Delaney set out for New York City and ended up instead in the small town of Fell, New York. It was her intention to work there for a short time to fund her way to the city, taking the night shift at The Sun Down Motel in the meantime. It doesn’t take long for her to realize that not only was there something off about the motel but also the town as young women were mysteriously turning up dead. Transition to the present (2017) and Viv’s niece, Carly Kirk, decides to visit Fell and look into the disappearance of her aunt now that her own mother has died from cancer. See, Viv inexplicably disappeared from the town in 1982.
I’m always a little leery of ghost stories because they sometimes can veer absurdly into dimensions that require a belief suspension I can’t muster. When I decided to listen to this book, I thought it was more a mystery rather than having supernatural elements. Well, I should have paid more attention to the title and cover as that motel is all kinds of creepy. Even though some of the ghostly activities could be over the top at times, it was completely in keeping with the story and characters. I’m also a fan of dual timelines so that worked for me, too, though I sometimes confused the ghosts.
Listening to this story was the best decision. Both narrators delivered great performances but I absolutely love Kirsten Potter’s voice (Viv)! It’s deep and sultry, with just a little bit of wit behind every remark. I enjoyed the story overall and loved the mystery element. I did think, though, both Viv and Carly had a few too many TSTL moments (for those unfamiliar with the term: too stupid to live). Sometimes their decisions just didn’t ring authentic but it was fun to go along because they took me into the scary. As ghost stories go, this was a win for me, which is rare. I like how it ended with lots of resolution and remaining questions I’m content to mull over on my own.
Book Info
- Release Date: February 18, 2020
- Narrators: Brittany Pressley & Kirsten Potter
- Audio Length: 11 hours
- Publisher: Penguin Audio
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(Thanks to Penguin Random House Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
I really enjoyed this book! I may have to listen to it on audio as well. Great review! Always love reading your take on different books! 🙂
Thank you so much, Amy💜 Great to know that you enjoyed it, too!
Haha, I love your comment about the TSTL moments! To be honest, I never realised this was partly a ghost story. I always learn something from reading your reviews! Probably, I will pass on this one – ghosts are not my favourite thing.
It’s a major ghost story, which isn’t my thing either. Fortunately, this one worked out.
Great review, Jonetta! I loved this book and can already tell I’ll want to re-read eventually – I’ll be sure to check out the audio next time!
Thank you, Kyra💜 It’s a great audio experience.
Fab review and I loved that audio sample! 😀
Thanks, Nicki💜 I love that you check out the sample.
Well I do love an audio sample! 😀
I was on the fence on whether to read this one or not. Maybe rather than reading it I should be listening to it! 🙂
Oh, definitely opt for listening!!!
Excellent review! I enjoyed this one – very creepy.
Anne – Books of My Heart
Thank you, Anne💜 It defines creepy!
I really enjoyed the audiobook, loved the atmosphere and the parallel storylines. It was my first book by this author, and I was told I should read The Broken Girls next. Have you read anything else by her?
~ Corina | The Brown Eyed Bookworm
I have two of her other books but haven’t yet read them. Both have received high praise. Glad you enjoyed this one, too, Corina💜
I’m happy to hear you loved it!
Thanks, Carol💜
Great review! It sounds like something I could enjoy listening to when I don’t need to pay much attention, as anything ghostly makes me roll my eyes haha! xx
Thanks, Meggy💜 Fortunately, there were only a few eye rolling moments in this one.
I thought this one was special, too, and now I really want to listen to the audio because it sounds like it only adds to it. Fab review, Jonetta! ♥️
Thanks, Jennifer💜 The audio made it even creepier!
Fab review! I’m happy to hear you enjoyed your time with this story too… The audio version sounds brilliant! xx
Thanks, Yvo💜 It made all the difference in my reading experience!
This one for me just went over the top in the hard to believe category but I am happy that the audio was a great way to enjoy this book. Wonderful review, Jonetta!
Thanks, Marialyce💜 Thats one of my problems with ghost stories. Sorry it was a bust for you.
I really enjoyed this book too. I read the ebook but now you have me so tempted to listen to the audio version. I also just really want to read more from this author.
The audio was a definite plus. If you reread, I highly recommend you go that route, Suzanne.