Review of "The Sun Down Motel" by Simone St. James
As a fan of thrillers infused with a hint of the supernatural, I was immediately drawn to "The Sun Down Motel" by Simone St. James. The premise of a haunted motel which intertwines the fates of two women across different timelines piqued my curiosity. Particularly, I loved hearing about the haunting aspects and mysteries that linger in the pages of this book, making it an ideal read for the Halloween season.
The book channels two timelines: one set in 1982, where Viv Delaney works the night shift at the Sun Down Motel, and another in 2017, featuring Carly Kirk, Viv’s niece, who is determined to uncover her aunt’s mysterious disappearance. This dual narrative propelled the story forward, inviting me into a world where past and present collide in unsettling ways.
One of the standout aspects of St. James’s writing is her ability to create a genuinely spooky atmosphere. Descriptions of the eerie ambience of the Sun Down Motel had me glued to the page, and I often felt a chill as the stories unfolded—much like the best ghost stories told around a campfire. Readers are treated to a mix of atmospheric tension and detailing of strong, determined female characters—a theme that resonates deeply throughout the book. As other readers have noted, particularly BBrown, “it is written with two timelines, with well-developed characters,” which adds to the depth of the narrative.
However, I did encounter some pacing issues throughout the novel. As Carpool Book Club aptly pointed out, the beginning felt a tad slow. The first chapters took time to grip my attention as the foundation of the story was laid. It wasn’t until the stakes were raised and the plot started to unravel that I found myself racing toward the conclusion. While the slower start didn’t ruin my experience, I can certainly see why it might frustrate some readers looking for a quicker hook.
The character development also became a topic of debate for me. Although I appreciated the connection and parallels between Carly and Viv, there were moments where character choices felt a bit contrived or too predictable, as noted by Buzy_reading. This sometimes dulled the impact of their journeys. At times, especially in the latter sections, I found a few moments sacrificed for the plot, leading to choices that contradicted the carefully built tension earlier in the book.
Despite these drawbacks, St. James’s supernatural elements were delightfully balanced. The incorporation of ghostly presences felt organic, adding to the overall tension without overshadowing the profound connection between the two protagonists. As Elle Ess describes, the supernatural aspects serve as “the icing on a very delicious cake.” This encapsulates my feeling that the author gracefully blended the eerie with the emotional.
In contrast, I wouldn’t agree with those who felt the endings wrapped up too swiftly or became muddled with too many characters. While there were a few loose ends, I found the conclusion satisfying, bringing closure to the haunted history of the Sun Down Motel and the mysteries surrounding Carly and Viv.
Overall, my reading experience with "The Sun Down Motel" was a pleasant one. The story, while initially slow to unfold, offered rich atmospheric tension and captivating mysteries that intensified as the book progressed. If you’re someone who enjoys compelling mysteries with a slant on the supernatural, this book should definitely be on your reading list.
In summary, I highly recommend "The Sun Down Motel"—it’s perfect for anyone looking to immerse themselves in a chilling story that blends the past and present, featuring strong female leads and an intriguing ghostly mystery. If you have the patience to ride through the initial slower pace, you’ll be rewarded with a gripping, suspenseful read. Overall, I would rate it 4.5 out of 5 stars for its captivating tale and well-drawn characters!
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