Review of The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James
From the moment I stumbled upon The Sun Down Motel, I was captivated. A haunted roadside motel nestled in the eerie backdrop of upstate New York? Count me in! Simone St. James, known for her masterful blend of suspense and the supernatural, delivered a tale that was as much about familial bonds as it was about ghostly mysteries, and it whisked me away on a haunting journey that spanned decades.
The narrative unfolds in a dual timeline, juxtaposing Viv Delaney’s experiences as a night clerk in 1982 with her niece Carly’s investigation in 2017. I found myself deeply invested in both characters. Viv’s youthful hopes and dreams contrast sharply with the chilling reality she faces at the motel, while Carly’s determination to uncover her aunt’s fate is both heartwarming and haunting. Their stories intertwine in ways that kept me guessing; every revelation peeled back another layer of the Sun Down’s dark past.
St. James’s writing style is a delightful dance between suspense and atmospheric storytelling. The pacing effectively built tension; I often caught myself holding my breath as Carly delved deeper into the unraveling tapestry of secrets involving the motel and the unsolved disappearances of young women. A particularly memorable quote from Viv, reflecting on her haunting encounters, resonated with me: “Some places hold memories like dust holds light.” It made me ponder the ghosts of our past—literal or metaphorical—and how they shape our present.
However, I did sense a few pacing issues, especially in the middle where I felt moments could have been tightened. While some readers might find it a tad predictable, I appreciated the journey more than the destination. The blend of crime, supernatural elements, and the poignant exploration of familial bonds made every page worth it.
The Sun Down Motel is a delightful read for fans of suspense and ghost stories alike, particularly those who enjoy strong, complex female protagonists navigating both personal and supernatural challenges. It serves as a reminder of the stories we inherit and the ghosts that linger, waiting to be brought to light.
If you crave a twisted, spooky narrative that artistically merges the past with the present, or find yourself drawn to atmospheric settings with a touch of the supernatural, this book is for you. It reignited my passion for storytelling and left me yearning for more from Simone St. James. Trust me—once you step into the Sun Down, you won’t want to leave!