The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James is the story of Viv Delaney and Carly Kirk, only their stories take place 35 years apart. Viv works at the Sun Down Motel in Fell NY in 1982 as the late night clerk, a temporary job as she pays her way to New York City. Or so she thinks. Some customers to the Sun Down are from out of town, while others are locals hiding their own secrets. Viv discovers something isn't quite right at the Sun Down. That even when it's occupants are sleeping, the Sun Down Motel is awake and trying to tell it's own secrets. Before long, she's determined to listen and figure out what mystery lies behind it's doors.
35 years later Carly Kirk, Viv's niece is in Fell looking for her Aunt. She mysteriously disappeared during her shift at the Sun Down in 1982. What happened to her? Soon Carly will discover the secrets her Aunt once knew and realize something is still not right at the Sun Down Motel and it all may rest on her to finally lay old secrets to rest for good.
The Sun Down Motel had me hooked within the first 20 pages. That's how you know it's a good book. St. James aims to have her readers in suspense from the first chapter with her descriptions of the Sun Down and the residence (living or dead) that call the place home. From the beginning the story grabs the reader and makes you want to solve the mystery while scaring you to death at the same time.
I don't usually read psychological /paranormal thrillers because I'll be honest, they usually keep me up at night and sometimes long after I read them. But when I saw The Sun Down Motel I couldn't resist. I was really excited to get this book right when it was published because I'm usually the one whose always playing catch up with books and not reading them when they're first published.
I loved how Carly and her Aunt Viv are very close in personality and their love of solving mysteries. Carly never knew her Aunt but it's apparent right away that she takes after her and that connection helps the reader become invested in both their stories a little easier. Although, truthfully it's not hard to sink yourself into this book. St. James does an amazing job writing each character, letting the reader truly hear each of their voices. I think this would be a great book to read on a dark stormy weekend or somewhere around Halloween. You'll be jumping out of your chair at every sound while you read this chilling thriller!
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