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The Hotel
Four of them went to the hotel
Four students travel to Ravencliffe, an eerie abandoned hotel perched on steep cliffs on the Welsh coast. After a series of unexplained accidents, only three of them leave. The fourth, Leo, disappears, and is never seen again.
Only three of them came back
A decade on, the friends have lost contact. Oscar is fame-hungry, making public appearances and selling his story. Richard sank into alcoholism and is only just recovering. Bex just wants to forget – until one last opportunity to go back offers the chance to find out what really happened to Leo.
Ten years later, they return one last time
But as soon as they get to the hotel things start going wrong again. Objects mysteriously disappear and reappear. Accidents happen. And Bex realises that her former friends know far more than they are letting on about the true events at Ravencliffe that night…
Four students travel to Ravencliffe, an eerie abandoned hotel perched on steep cliffs on the Welsh coast. After a series of unexplained accidents, only three of them leave. The fourth, Leo, disappears, and is never seen again.
Only three of them came back
A decade on, the friends have lost contact. Oscar is fame-hungry, making public appearances and selling his story. Richard sank into alcoholism and is only just recovering. Bex just wants to forget – until one last opportunity to go back offers the chance to find out what really happened to Leo.
Ten years later, they return one last time
But as soon as they get to the hotel things start going wrong again. Objects mysteriously disappear and reappear. Accidents happen. And Bex realises that her former friends know far more than they are letting on about the true events at Ravencliffe that night…
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 22, 2023
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March 22, 2024
10-years ago, Bex and her best friend, Leo, were set to explore the remote and abandoned hotel, Ravencliffe, as a way to celebrate the end of school. Bex's new boyfriend, Richard and his best friend, Oscar, end up weaseling their way into the trip as well.
Four went there, but only three returned. Leo was lost that day, from a high cliffside, never to be seen again.
Richard, an aspiring filmmaker, recorded their entire doomed exploration of the old property. The footage of that day has become a Horror Cult Classic; think The Blair Witch Project had it been real.
A decade later, the trio of survivors have drifted apart, living very different lives and each coping with the events of that fateful night in their own way.
As the ten-year anniversary approaches a documentary project is proposed wherein Richard, Oscar and Bex will meet up and return to the property, to face the demons of their past once and for all.
Our main character, Bex, has lived in isolation in London for many years. She's cut herself off from everyone, haunted by the past. Leo was her best friend. She has so many unresolved feelings stemming from that night.
Even though she's against it initially, Bex ultimately decides that returning to Ravencliffe may provide her with the opportunity to get answers about what happened to Leo. So, begrudgingly she agrees to take part in the project.
Bex, Richard and Oscar are reunited just prior to filming and return to the property from whence all their nightmares stem; along with a whole host of crew members for the documentary, of course.
The property seems just a malevolent as ever and incidents aplenty occur as they begin to film. Will Ravencliffe end up taking more lives?
While I did see one of the reveals coming a mile away, there was quite a bit about this book that I found compelling.
I loved how Mumford told this story mostly using just Bex as the narrative voice, but providing both present and past perspectives. I really enjoyed the present perspective, but was equally as interested in the past, which followed the characters from the time they planned the fateful trip, up through Leo's disappearance.
It was a slow build initially, but I didn't mind it. I loved Bex as a main character, even though I understand she probably won't be every Readers cup of tea.
Personally, I love a main character who is flawed in some way, maybe haunted by their past and deals with it by isolation, self-sabotage, or self-medicating. I also always enjoy when these same characters decide they finally need answers and go back to their hometowns, or some other remote location, to investigate the past.
In this way, The Hotel was made for me.
I would say this continued the slow build until about the halfway mark and then events began to escalate more quickly. Regardless of the slow burn, I was never bored and disengaged from the narrative.
The atmosphere was incredible. I loved the remote, stark setting of the hotel, as well as its dark history. It had a solid is it supernatural, is it not supernatural-feel, which I enjoy. Give me all the dark, spooky things.
Overall, I thought this was a super-entertaining read. The plot elements kept me engaged and I loved the overriding tone and feel of the story. Even though it was slightly predictable in places, it was still a great time nevertheless. Well done by Mumford!
Thank you so much to the publisher, HQ, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I really enjoyed this one and am looking forward to picking up more from this author!
Four went there, but only three returned. Leo was lost that day, from a high cliffside, never to be seen again.
Richard, an aspiring filmmaker, recorded their entire doomed exploration of the old property. The footage of that day has become a Horror Cult Classic; think The Blair Witch Project had it been real.
A decade later, the trio of survivors have drifted apart, living very different lives and each coping with the events of that fateful night in their own way.
As the ten-year anniversary approaches a documentary project is proposed wherein Richard, Oscar and Bex will meet up and return to the property, to face the demons of their past once and for all.
Our main character, Bex, has lived in isolation in London for many years. She's cut herself off from everyone, haunted by the past. Leo was her best friend. She has so many unresolved feelings stemming from that night.
Even though she's against it initially, Bex ultimately decides that returning to Ravencliffe may provide her with the opportunity to get answers about what happened to Leo. So, begrudgingly she agrees to take part in the project.
Bex, Richard and Oscar are reunited just prior to filming and return to the property from whence all their nightmares stem; along with a whole host of crew members for the documentary, of course.
The property seems just a malevolent as ever and incidents aplenty occur as they begin to film. Will Ravencliffe end up taking more lives?
While I did see one of the reveals coming a mile away, there was quite a bit about this book that I found compelling.
I loved how Mumford told this story mostly using just Bex as the narrative voice, but providing both present and past perspectives. I really enjoyed the present perspective, but was equally as interested in the past, which followed the characters from the time they planned the fateful trip, up through Leo's disappearance.
It was a slow build initially, but I didn't mind it. I loved Bex as a main character, even though I understand she probably won't be every Readers cup of tea.
Personally, I love a main character who is flawed in some way, maybe haunted by their past and deals with it by isolation, self-sabotage, or self-medicating. I also always enjoy when these same characters decide they finally need answers and go back to their hometowns, or some other remote location, to investigate the past.
In this way, The Hotel was made for me.
I would say this continued the slow build until about the halfway mark and then events began to escalate more quickly. Regardless of the slow burn, I was never bored and disengaged from the narrative.
The atmosphere was incredible. I loved the remote, stark setting of the hotel, as well as its dark history. It had a solid is it supernatural, is it not supernatural-feel, which I enjoy. Give me all the dark, spooky things.
Overall, I thought this was a super-entertaining read. The plot elements kept me engaged and I loved the overriding tone and feel of the story. Even though it was slightly predictable in places, it was still a great time nevertheless. Well done by Mumford!
Thank you so much to the publisher, HQ, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I really enjoyed this one and am looking forward to picking up more from this author!
September 30, 2023
Ten years ago, four teenage students (Bex, Leo, Richard, and Oscar) decide to make a film (like the Blair Witch Project) at the rundown, abandoned Ravencliffe Hotel on the Welsh coast. But when they leave the hotel, there is only three of them. Leo has disappeared without a trace. Ten years later, Bex, Richard, and Oscar return again for an anniversary/reunion show. Each of them has their own personal reasons for going back, especially Bex who was very close to the missing Leo and is looking for answers to what ever happened to him. But things start to go wrong when they arrive at the hotel. Accidents, mistrust between friends, and ghostly sightings… Will they ever find out what happened to Leo?
This was an okay read. It started out slow, but picked up once they got back to the hotel. My main problem with this book is I really didn’t like Bex at all, she was a very annoying and irritating character. She thought she was more important than she really was. Hiding and moping in her house for ten years from her "fans", from the world, etc. And unfortunately, most of the story is told from her viewpoint. I also found it hard to believe this "movie" they made became that popular, to get such a huge cult following and fan base. I did like the dark and creepy atmosphere of the old hotel, and slowly discovering what happened all those years ago as the story went back and forth between the present day and the past. There were also some surprises towards the end.
A so-so read.
This was an okay read. It started out slow, but picked up once they got back to the hotel. My main problem with this book is I really didn’t like Bex at all, she was a very annoying and irritating character. She thought she was more important than she really was. Hiding and moping in her house for ten years from her "fans", from the world, etc. And unfortunately, most of the story is told from her viewpoint. I also found it hard to believe this "movie" they made became that popular, to get such a huge cult following and fan base. I did like the dark and creepy atmosphere of the old hotel, and slowly discovering what happened all those years ago as the story went back and forth between the present day and the past. There were also some surprises towards the end.
A so-so read.
April 12, 2023
Ten years ago, Beck Richard, Oscar and Leo travel to the derelict Victorian Ravencliffe Hotel to make a horror film during which Leo disappears, his body never found. The film becomes a sensation and a fan club ‘RavenCon’ is created. At RavenCon10 hundreds of film buffs and fans gather, Bex attends too as she still craves answers to what happened to her best friend and it haunts her. She tries to live out of the public eye but not so Oscar who announces at RavenCon10 they’re going back for the anniversary to make a reunion film. This is news to Bex, she says she won’t attend but she receives a package which changes her mind.
First of all, the positives. The atmosphere of Ravencliffe, a ‘bad luck place’ is done well, it does feel malign and thus it’s a horror film makers dream. It’s easy to picture the fan circus of RavenCon and I like the idea of the four friends film becoming a cult sensation and it’s easy to see how the story would grab the imagination. The comparison between the characters then and now is clear to see and the dynamics between them are intriguingly good and you feel the tension especially towards Oscar. It does have a ghostly, creepy vibe at times, there’s a sense of claustrophobia but it never quite delivers shivers down my spine sadly.
Unfortunately, the start of the book feels very muddled and I’m confused about what is going on but the main thing I simply can’t get around is how slow the pace is. It speeds up around the half way point but it sure needs to. The narrative includes information we don’t need which detracts from and takes us off the plot path. There’s a really good premise in here but because of the pacing it loses its punch. I also hope for more dynamite from the ending after all the build up but it just seems to fizzle out.
This should have been a solid attention grabber but it partly misses the mark.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HQ for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
First of all, the positives. The atmosphere of Ravencliffe, a ‘bad luck place’ is done well, it does feel malign and thus it’s a horror film makers dream. It’s easy to picture the fan circus of RavenCon and I like the idea of the four friends film becoming a cult sensation and it’s easy to see how the story would grab the imagination. The comparison between the characters then and now is clear to see and the dynamics between them are intriguingly good and you feel the tension especially towards Oscar. It does have a ghostly, creepy vibe at times, there’s a sense of claustrophobia but it never quite delivers shivers down my spine sadly.
Unfortunately, the start of the book feels very muddled and I’m confused about what is going on but the main thing I simply can’t get around is how slow the pace is. It speeds up around the half way point but it sure needs to. The narrative includes information we don’t need which detracts from and takes us off the plot path. There’s a really good premise in here but because of the pacing it loses its punch. I also hope for more dynamite from the ending after all the build up but it just seems to fizzle out.
This should have been a solid attention grabber but it partly misses the mark.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HQ for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
April 9, 2023
Ten years ago Bex and three friends go to Ravencliffe to film and see if the ghost stories are true. Tragedy strikes and her best friend Leo disappears. Present day they are going back to Ravencliffe with a film crew and try to make sense of what happened that night.
This was a great creepy story that I finished quickly. Thanks NetGalley and HQ Digital for this ARC that will be released June 22, 2023!
This was a great creepy story that I finished quickly. Thanks NetGalley and HQ Digital for this ARC that will be released June 22, 2023!
October 16, 2023
This is a beautifully written thriller that will keep you guessing. This book follows a group of friends who, 10 years ago, went to a haunted hotel to film their adventure. However, one of them did not return. Present day…a movie company has decided to send the remaining friends back as a reunion adventure. You will be hooked from the very beginning of this book!!!!
June 23, 2023
I liked this sinister mystery from Mumford and some points really had my toes curling because of the vivid description. At the same time, it did take me a while to get interested in the story because of its slow start.
We are first introduced to Bex, a recluse who is clearing suffering from some sort of emotional trauma. Hidden away from the world, it is soon revealed that she has become an internet sensation following her visit to Ravencliffe a decade earlier. A visit that saw the disappearance of her best friend, Bex’s infamy has caused her to hide away from society, whilst still torturing herself about the events that took place.
As the narrative progresses, I liked how Mumford returns the story to the night in question. It was refreshing to watch events unfold in real-time, rather than seeing clues from Bex and her her friends. Furthermore, I enjoyed how Mumford links the present day timeline with the previous story, showing how the past still haunts the present – especially for Bex. Because Bex has returned to Ravencliffe after all this time, after receiving mysterious messages that the truth about Leo’s disappearance will be revealed – and she can’t leave that to chance.
The reunion show that the three friends become involved with sounded incredibly awkward. They have all moved on but are irrevocably drawn back to Ravencliffe – albeit for different reasons. Bex, however, remains determined to find more answers about the night that she cannot forget and I liked how this triggered chapters to move into the past. In fact, there were times when I found this earlier narrative to be more interesting than the present – especially when we find more about Richard’s accident – yuk!
This is a haunted house mystery that will provide plenty of escapism and will be particularly chilling during the winter months. I loved the plot surprises that Mumford added and found this made the story even more unsettling and atmospheric. The personification of the abandoned hotel was terrifying and deep down I knew it couldn’t be true, but I found I was still second guessing the presence of ghosts. Could the previous victims and the hotel itself be warning people to still stay away, especially with its bloody history?
I really enjoyed this suspenseful read and my only criticism is that some points lacked pace and excitement. It was an interesting story and I was curious to see what the truth was behind this disturbing night a Ravencliffe – a hotel that never leaves you.
With thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
We are first introduced to Bex, a recluse who is clearing suffering from some sort of emotional trauma. Hidden away from the world, it is soon revealed that she has become an internet sensation following her visit to Ravencliffe a decade earlier. A visit that saw the disappearance of her best friend, Bex’s infamy has caused her to hide away from society, whilst still torturing herself about the events that took place.
As the narrative progresses, I liked how Mumford returns the story to the night in question. It was refreshing to watch events unfold in real-time, rather than seeing clues from Bex and her her friends. Furthermore, I enjoyed how Mumford links the present day timeline with the previous story, showing how the past still haunts the present – especially for Bex. Because Bex has returned to Ravencliffe after all this time, after receiving mysterious messages that the truth about Leo’s disappearance will be revealed – and she can’t leave that to chance.
The reunion show that the three friends become involved with sounded incredibly awkward. They have all moved on but are irrevocably drawn back to Ravencliffe – albeit for different reasons. Bex, however, remains determined to find more answers about the night that she cannot forget and I liked how this triggered chapters to move into the past. In fact, there were times when I found this earlier narrative to be more interesting than the present – especially when we find more about Richard’s accident – yuk!
This is a haunted house mystery that will provide plenty of escapism and will be particularly chilling during the winter months. I loved the plot surprises that Mumford added and found this made the story even more unsettling and atmospheric. The personification of the abandoned hotel was terrifying and deep down I knew it couldn’t be true, but I found I was still second guessing the presence of ghosts. Could the previous victims and the hotel itself be warning people to still stay away, especially with its bloody history?
I really enjoyed this suspenseful read and my only criticism is that some points lacked pace and excitement. It was an interesting story and I was curious to see what the truth was behind this disturbing night a Ravencliffe – a hotel that never leaves you.
With thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 9, 2023
For those of us who consider ourselves a thrill seeker, this one had great promise!
I was immediately drawn to the fantastic cover and my eyes couldn’t stop roaming over the small details. Ravencliffe definitely gives creepy hotel vibes. I loved it!
Mumford also nailed the unsettling setting, set the tone for the story, established the mood and made me feel like I was part of the experience. Her setting was so well done that I felt part of the story and this added to the tension. Mumford also perfectly presented the reality of stardom. The mele surrounding the RavenCon10 and the stalking was expertly conveyed.
However, despite the great atmosphere and setting and a great plot, the pacing, for me, was the downfall of this book.
Mumord’s previous book, The Safe House, was a five-star read for me because of her writing style and her choice to make the home a character. I’ll continue to search out her writing, despite not enjoying this one as much as I’d hoped.
I was gifted this copy by HQ and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
I was immediately drawn to the fantastic cover and my eyes couldn’t stop roaming over the small details. Ravencliffe definitely gives creepy hotel vibes. I loved it!
Mumford also nailed the unsettling setting, set the tone for the story, established the mood and made me feel like I was part of the experience. Her setting was so well done that I felt part of the story and this added to the tension. Mumford also perfectly presented the reality of stardom. The mele surrounding the RavenCon10 and the stalking was expertly conveyed.
However, despite the great atmosphere and setting and a great plot, the pacing, for me, was the downfall of this book.
Mumord’s previous book, The Safe House, was a five-star read for me because of her writing style and her choice to make the home a character. I’ll continue to search out her writing, despite not enjoying this one as much as I’d hoped.
I was gifted this copy by HQ and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
July 9, 2023
I liked the premise but telling was so predictable. Don't get me wrong there was plenty of tension and suspense but I just knew how it was going to end. Very disappointed, I am sure other readers will enjoy it more just not for me.
Thanks to Netgalley for the Arc.
Thanks to Netgalley for the Arc.
July 31, 2023
Dragged on and on
Calling this a psychological thriller, is a real stretch.
The story drags on to the point that I did something I Never do. I skipped huge sections by just spot reading pages and I could see I was not missing anything. The only reason I finished this book is because I wanted to know exactly what happened to Leo, who disappeared ten years previously when he and three others decided to explore a "haunted" abandoned hotel.
If you elect to skip this book believe me, you are not missing anything.
Calling this a psychological thriller, is a real stretch.
The story drags on to the point that I did something I Never do. I skipped huge sections by just spot reading pages and I could see I was not missing anything. The only reason I finished this book is because I wanted to know exactly what happened to Leo, who disappeared ten years previously when he and three others decided to explore a "haunted" abandoned hotel.
If you elect to skip this book believe me, you are not missing anything.
June 29, 2023
Creepy, and dark and at times very slow. It took me awhile to get into this book but, once I did I enjoyed it. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
nope-dnf
September 7, 2023DNF 17 %. I am just so genuinely bored.
I don't care.... there is nothing interesting that is happening or keeping my attention. The characters are not interesting. Everything I am reading is honestly just going in 1 ear and out the other.
I don't care.... there is nothing interesting that is happening or keeping my attention. The characters are not interesting. Everything I am reading is honestly just going in 1 ear and out the other.
November 20, 2023
The Hotel by Louise Mumford
Join 4 teenagers on an adventure to a dilapidated hotel with an ominous past. Perhaps the drab structure can't talk but it can decide whether or not the uninvited guests leave alive or dead.
The story is told through the eyes of Bex. Along with her "friends", Leo, Richard, and Oscar, they decide to record an adventure to an abandoned hotel with stories to tell. The footage captured incites a cult following which propels them into celebrity status. We are witness to the effects of stardom as each person has their adversities to overcome. A corporate plan is devised to rekindle interest in the film for its tenth anniversary. Who will be there and at what cost?
An extremely fun read, if only because I loved the "Blair Witch-Esque" vibe that it delivered. I felt the author did an excellent job with pacing which lent itself to a quick enjoyable read. Choosing to use Bex as the main protagonist proved wise as her particular arc offered a surprising amount of growth as well as unforeseen surprises. The writing style was effective in keeping the reader guessing. From being vaulted into the past and then pulled back into the future. I found myself "fact-checking" and using these clues to decipher the mystery in the present time.
Admittedly the story isn’t doing anything new and for that, some readers may find it lacking. For those like myself who want an accessible mystery with a pinch of coming-of-age elements, this may be a perfect book for you. This gets a solid 4, great for anyone who wants a mysterious adventure on a cold winter's night by the fire.
Join 4 teenagers on an adventure to a dilapidated hotel with an ominous past. Perhaps the drab structure can't talk but it can decide whether or not the uninvited guests leave alive or dead.
The story is told through the eyes of Bex. Along with her "friends", Leo, Richard, and Oscar, they decide to record an adventure to an abandoned hotel with stories to tell. The footage captured incites a cult following which propels them into celebrity status. We are witness to the effects of stardom as each person has their adversities to overcome. A corporate plan is devised to rekindle interest in the film for its tenth anniversary. Who will be there and at what cost?
An extremely fun read, if only because I loved the "Blair Witch-Esque" vibe that it delivered. I felt the author did an excellent job with pacing which lent itself to a quick enjoyable read. Choosing to use Bex as the main protagonist proved wise as her particular arc offered a surprising amount of growth as well as unforeseen surprises. The writing style was effective in keeping the reader guessing. From being vaulted into the past and then pulled back into the future. I found myself "fact-checking" and using these clues to decipher the mystery in the present time.
Admittedly the story isn’t doing anything new and for that, some readers may find it lacking. For those like myself who want an accessible mystery with a pinch of coming-of-age elements, this may be a perfect book for you. This gets a solid 4, great for anyone who wants a mysterious adventure on a cold winter's night by the fire.
June 22, 2023
Bex Harrison is a 28-year-old social recluse, originally from Wales, but now living in London.
When she was 18, her and her three friends, Richard, Oscar, and Leo, equipped with handheld cameras, travelled to West Wales to film the supposedly haunted Ravencliffe Hotel.
Leo, who was Bex’s childhood friend, never returned home. He suffered a fall, but was it accidental or was he pushed?
Their film, which was released soon after Leo’s accident, became an overnight sensation, a new Blair Witch Project.
Now, as the tenth anniversary of Leo’s disappearance is looming, the trio return to Ravencliffe once more…
Ooh I really enjoyed this tense, eerie thriller. The secluded location of the hotel reminded me of The Overlook Hotel from The Shining.
I enjoyed Bex as a character, she was relatable and likeable. She really felt responsible for her friend’s disappearance and she couldn’t move on.
I enjoyed the background story of the Ravencliffe Hotel: a Victorian man with a vision, which is thwarted by a series of misfortunes and then the lack of funds; and his wife, which he only married for her money.
When she was 18, her and her three friends, Richard, Oscar, and Leo, equipped with handheld cameras, travelled to West Wales to film the supposedly haunted Ravencliffe Hotel.
Leo, who was Bex’s childhood friend, never returned home. He suffered a fall, but was it accidental or was he pushed?
Their film, which was released soon after Leo’s accident, became an overnight sensation, a new Blair Witch Project.
Now, as the tenth anniversary of Leo’s disappearance is looming, the trio return to Ravencliffe once more…
Ooh I really enjoyed this tense, eerie thriller. The secluded location of the hotel reminded me of The Overlook Hotel from The Shining.
I enjoyed Bex as a character, she was relatable and likeable. She really felt responsible for her friend’s disappearance and she couldn’t move on.
I enjoyed the background story of the Ravencliffe Hotel: a Victorian man with a vision, which is thwarted by a series of misfortunes and then the lack of funds; and his wife, which he only married for her money.
July 23, 2023
Ten years ago, Beck,Richard, Oscar and Leo travel to a derelict hotel to make a horror video. Leo disappears and his body is never found.
A decade later the friends have drifted apart, but as the 10 year anniversary looms a return to the hotel is proposed. Will we finally find out what happened to Leo?
I was gripped from the start and loved the eerie Victorian hotel and location. A great creepy book that I read in one sitting, holding my breath as I quickly turned the pages!!!
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
A decade later the friends have drifted apart, but as the 10 year anniversary looms a return to the hotel is proposed. Will we finally find out what happened to Leo?
I was gripped from the start and loved the eerie Victorian hotel and location. A great creepy book that I read in one sitting, holding my breath as I quickly turned the pages!!!
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 20, 2024
Very slow and very boring..
May 28, 2023
I was delighted to receive this book via @netgalley and I really enjoyed it. It had lots of twists in it. Although I found it slowed in the middle it picked back up and I couldn't put it down.
I really liked Bex, I thought she was very head strong. I loved Hollie also 🙌 Richard just sort of annoyed me 🤣🤣
I loved the hotel location and I could picture it so clearly in my mind. All the spooky aspects and that maze 😳 and the hooded creature 🙈
I liked the way it switched between the present time and 10 years ago at the time of the incident, so we slowly got to see what actually happened that night.
Overall I really liked this book and it kept me guessing and it still had twists right up until the end 🙌
I really liked Bex, I thought she was very head strong. I loved Hollie also 🙌 Richard just sort of annoyed me 🤣🤣
I loved the hotel location and I could picture it so clearly in my mind. All the spooky aspects and that maze 😳 and the hooded creature 🙈
I liked the way it switched between the present time and 10 years ago at the time of the incident, so we slowly got to see what actually happened that night.
Overall I really liked this book and it kept me guessing and it still had twists right up until the end 🙌
May 15, 2023
It took me a few chapters to get into the plot of this book. The plot did not really grab me, there was lots of unnecessary detail which did not add either to the interest or the story and there were lots of characters which took a while to sort out in my mind. Towards the end the plot did pick up and made more sense and the different strands came together. In the middle, my attention wandered and I was skim reading just to get through the book (I don't like to abandon a book)
Not a bad read, perhaps the plot could be tightened up more.
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
Not a bad read, perhaps the plot could be tightened up more.
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
January 6, 2024
Mysterious Mayhem
3.5 rounded up to 4.
I’m still a little unsure about how I feel about this one. I liked it but I didn’t… it felt like two stories competing to be one that didn’t quite work. Initially I didn’t like very many of the characters and I thought the ‘big twist’ was extremely underwhelming but towards the end I actually began to feel empathy for the main characters left behind and I liked the little added flare of the ‘unknown’ Morwood story. Could have been better overall though!
3.5 rounded up to 4.
I’m still a little unsure about how I feel about this one. I liked it but I didn’t… it felt like two stories competing to be one that didn’t quite work. Initially I didn’t like very many of the characters and I thought the ‘big twist’ was extremely underwhelming but towards the end I actually began to feel empathy for the main characters left behind and I liked the little added flare of the ‘unknown’ Morwood story. Could have been better overall though!
April 24, 2023
Thanks to Netgalley for allowing me to review this book.
Unfortunately this just wasn't for me and I did end up adding it to my DNF shelf.
I completely disliked the first character, Bex. The repetitiveness just got to me and the start was very slow.
For me, I have to be gripped instantly whereas I just didn't get that with this book.
I thought the plot sounded amazing but that's where it stopped.
Sorry I couldn't finish this. It's such a shame but I'm sure many will still enjoy it
Unfortunately this just wasn't for me and I did end up adding it to my DNF shelf.
I completely disliked the first character, Bex. The repetitiveness just got to me and the start was very slow.
For me, I have to be gripped instantly whereas I just didn't get that with this book.
I thought the plot sounded amazing but that's where it stopped.
Sorry I couldn't finish this. It's such a shame but I'm sure many will still enjoy it
June 23, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me access to an ARC in exchange for my review. The Hotel is a story that entertains throughout.
As teens Bex, Leo, Richard and Oscar visited the deserted Ravencliffe Hotel in order to make a film about the stories linked to the place. During their ill-fated trip, Leo goes missing. His body is never found and when footage of the trip is screened the survivors become celebrities.
In the years since their trip, Bex has become a recluse. She is desperate to find out what happened to her friend and when the media company who shared their footage organise to reconvene the survivors she agrees to take part.
We follow our three through initial meetings and the time at the hotel. Someone seems to know more than they admitted at the time, and as Bex draws closer to learning the truth she finds herself at risk.
The actual revelation felt somewhat unlikely, but the story was tense and well-plotted to keep us entertained. Things picked up the pace rapidly and though our story was resolved it still felt as if some elements could have been better set-up.
As teens Bex, Leo, Richard and Oscar visited the deserted Ravencliffe Hotel in order to make a film about the stories linked to the place. During their ill-fated trip, Leo goes missing. His body is never found and when footage of the trip is screened the survivors become celebrities.
In the years since their trip, Bex has become a recluse. She is desperate to find out what happened to her friend and when the media company who shared their footage organise to reconvene the survivors she agrees to take part.
We follow our three through initial meetings and the time at the hotel. Someone seems to know more than they admitted at the time, and as Bex draws closer to learning the truth she finds herself at risk.
The actual revelation felt somewhat unlikely, but the story was tense and well-plotted to keep us entertained. Things picked up the pace rapidly and though our story was resolved it still felt as if some elements could have been better set-up.
March 28, 2023
Four students visit Ravencliffe, a hotel abandoned after the owner mysteriously takes his own life. Once they arrive a series of accidents occur and only three of them escape, leaving the fourth to never be seen again. Struggling to cope with the loss of their friend Leo, their lives are forever changed by what happened on that fateful day. They each cope differently, one taking on the spotlight by making public appearances, hungry for fame.
A decade later they all agree to return and find out what really happened to their friend Leo.. But when history starts to repeat itself, they learn that someone has been keeping secrets.
I really wanted to like this story. A decent plot, a creepy hotel, and a mystery to solve. Completely up my alley. But while I liked the characters and the setting, I found that I was over half way through the book before I really felt invested. I found it to be a unnecessarily slow start, but ultimately an enjoyable read
Thank you Netgalley for allowing me the opportunity to read this book for an honest review.
A decade later they all agree to return and find out what really happened to their friend Leo.. But when history starts to repeat itself, they learn that someone has been keeping secrets.
I really wanted to like this story. A decent plot, a creepy hotel, and a mystery to solve. Completely up my alley. But while I liked the characters and the setting, I found that I was over half way through the book before I really felt invested. I found it to be a unnecessarily slow start, but ultimately an enjoyable read
Thank you Netgalley for allowing me the opportunity to read this book for an honest review.
June 23, 2023
Well, this one was just full of shocks and surprises!
Ten years ago, four students thought it would be a good idea to explore Ravencliffe, an abandoned hotel on the sheer cliffs on the Welsh coast. Four arrived, only three left. Ten years later, they are no longer in contact but are offered a chance to go back, for a sum of money one of them badly needs. For Bex, it's not the money but the chance to find out what happened to her childhood friend, Leo, but as soon as they return strange things begin to happen and Bex realises that the others know far more about previous events than she does. With a vigilant tv crew tracking their every movement, will it be possible to find out what really happened ten years ago?
Let me first say that this is a tad darker than my usual reads, but I enjoyed this author's previous novels and wasn't going to miss her latest. However, I can assure you that nothing - absolutely nothing - would get me into an abandoned house, and most definitely, NOT EVER, one on a cliff! This story sucked me in and it didn't take long before I, too, wanted to find out what happened to Leo. Lying in the dark, reading by the light of my kindle, there were times I wished I had stuck to daylight hours! A riveting read, which I'm happy to recommend and, for me, 4.5*.
Ten years ago, four students thought it would be a good idea to explore Ravencliffe, an abandoned hotel on the sheer cliffs on the Welsh coast. Four arrived, only three left. Ten years later, they are no longer in contact but are offered a chance to go back, for a sum of money one of them badly needs. For Bex, it's not the money but the chance to find out what happened to her childhood friend, Leo, but as soon as they return strange things begin to happen and Bex realises that the others know far more about previous events than she does. With a vigilant tv crew tracking their every movement, will it be possible to find out what really happened ten years ago?
Let me first say that this is a tad darker than my usual reads, but I enjoyed this author's previous novels and wasn't going to miss her latest. However, I can assure you that nothing - absolutely nothing - would get me into an abandoned house, and most definitely, NOT EVER, one on a cliff! This story sucked me in and it didn't take long before I, too, wanted to find out what happened to Leo. Lying in the dark, reading by the light of my kindle, there were times I wished I had stuck to daylight hours! A riveting read, which I'm happy to recommend and, for me, 4.5*.
April 24, 2023
Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers for an advanced copy of The Hotel in exchange for a review.
Ten years ago, Bex and her college friends Leo, Richard and Oscar dare themselves to do some filming at the abandoned, and apparently haunted, Ravencliffe Hotel for the ultimate project to help them get into film schools.
From the flashbacks at the start, we know that they experienced some terrible things which led to Leo going missing – and they still have no more answers as to what happened ten years later.
In this time, the film has become a cult smash hit, with fans attending meet-ups every year dressed as the friends and delving into the footage to try and work out what happened to Leo. Now, on the ten year anniversary, a film crew wants to get the remaining friends back together and back to the hotel.
Arg, I hate to leave a negative review but this just fell so flat for me. The premise sounded really good and promising, but for me there was absolutely no tension and creepy build-up to what happened that night ten years ago. I found myself just not even caring about what happened. And then when we finally got to what did happen, it was so ‘meh is that all?’ that I felt a new level of disappointment! Just not for me!
Ten years ago, Bex and her college friends Leo, Richard and Oscar dare themselves to do some filming at the abandoned, and apparently haunted, Ravencliffe Hotel for the ultimate project to help them get into film schools.
From the flashbacks at the start, we know that they experienced some terrible things which led to Leo going missing – and they still have no more answers as to what happened ten years later.
In this time, the film has become a cult smash hit, with fans attending meet-ups every year dressed as the friends and delving into the footage to try and work out what happened to Leo. Now, on the ten year anniversary, a film crew wants to get the remaining friends back together and back to the hotel.
Arg, I hate to leave a negative review but this just fell so flat for me. The premise sounded really good and promising, but for me there was absolutely no tension and creepy build-up to what happened that night ten years ago. I found myself just not even caring about what happened. And then when we finally got to what did happen, it was so ‘meh is that all?’ that I felt a new level of disappointment! Just not for me!
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July 5, 2023N.B. I do not rate on Goodreads.
This is the third novel I've read by Louise Mumford, and I've thoroughly enjoyed them all. It's strange how you get to recognize an author's voice and in doing so escape to a place of comfort, even when the subject matter is dark.
With an abandoned hotel in Wales as the setting this was bound to be a winner as far as I was concerned, and that was before I realized it incorporated a creepy maze! I was totally immersed in the story. I felt the rain on my face, the wind whipping my hair, the breathless climb to the top of the cliff. The fictional Ravencliffe hotel is set in an area of Wales I know personally which only added to the atmosphere.
The plot is gradually revealed through distinct chapters, written as back story, and this worked very well, adding to the final reveal.
Short chapters, tick!
Atmospheric setting, tick!
Pacy, tick!
Tension, tick!
Curses and ghosts, tick!
I could go on, but I'll stop there.
One last thing before I go, the relationships between the characters are very well developed, particularly the tender friendship between Bex and Leo. To say I experienced several 'lump in the throat' moments is no exaggeration.
I will look forward to seeing what the author does next.
This is the third novel I've read by Louise Mumford, and I've thoroughly enjoyed them all. It's strange how you get to recognize an author's voice and in doing so escape to a place of comfort, even when the subject matter is dark.
With an abandoned hotel in Wales as the setting this was bound to be a winner as far as I was concerned, and that was before I realized it incorporated a creepy maze! I was totally immersed in the story. I felt the rain on my face, the wind whipping my hair, the breathless climb to the top of the cliff. The fictional Ravencliffe hotel is set in an area of Wales I know personally which only added to the atmosphere.
The plot is gradually revealed through distinct chapters, written as back story, and this worked very well, adding to the final reveal.
Short chapters, tick!
Atmospheric setting, tick!
Pacy, tick!
Tension, tick!
Curses and ghosts, tick!
I could go on, but I'll stop there.
One last thing before I go, the relationships between the characters are very well developed, particularly the tender friendship between Bex and Leo. To say I experienced several 'lump in the throat' moments is no exaggeration.
I will look forward to seeing what the author does next.
June 19, 2023
Ten years ago, Bex, Leo, Oscar, and Richard headed to Ravencliffe, an eerie hotel with a haunted history, to film a Blair Witch Project type movie. Only three of them survive that night and their home movie skyrockets. Now, the three remaining friends are brought back to Ravencliffe for a reunion show and odd things start happening, leading Bex to believe that someone knows more than they’ll admit.
THE HOTEL by Louise Mumford was a fast-paced, atmospheric mystery!
I was immediately hooked by the opening chapter and found Bex to be such an easy character to root for! I loved the alternating timelines between present day and ten years prior and the way they were interwoven.
The hotel and its location were so creepy and ghosty and just provided the perfect setting for these characters to go exploring.
Such a quick, spooky, and heartfelt read for all thriller and mystery fans!
Thanks to NetGalley and HQ for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Publication Date: June 22
THE HOTEL by Louise Mumford was a fast-paced, atmospheric mystery!
I was immediately hooked by the opening chapter and found Bex to be such an easy character to root for! I loved the alternating timelines between present day and ten years prior and the way they were interwoven.
The hotel and its location were so creepy and ghosty and just provided the perfect setting for these characters to go exploring.
Such a quick, spooky, and heartfelt read for all thriller and mystery fans!
Thanks to NetGalley and HQ for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Publication Date: June 22
April 23, 2023
My first “finished in 24 hours” thriller in a while! I LOVED this book! It had everything I love in a suspense: a dark, atmospheric setting, an unpredictable plot, alternating between past and present timelines, and a strong female leading character in Bex.
I loved the Victorian gothic elements of this, with Ravencliffe itself even having echos of Edgar Allen Poe with the naming, but also with how atmospheric it was, with almost human like characterization. “This place meant them harm, she could feel it in the air like salt on the breeze.”
There were so many vivid descriptions of the hotel, but I also loved the way the story unfolded with multiple layers, not only of the central characters past but the past the hotel had before them.
I thought this was a beautifully constructed story that really gave me nostalgia for my days as an English Major reading Poe and the Bronte’s. Victorian gothic at its modern day finest!
I loved the Victorian gothic elements of this, with Ravencliffe itself even having echos of Edgar Allen Poe with the naming, but also with how atmospheric it was, with almost human like characterization. “This place meant them harm, she could feel it in the air like salt on the breeze.”
There were so many vivid descriptions of the hotel, but I also loved the way the story unfolded with multiple layers, not only of the central characters past but the past the hotel had before them.
I thought this was a beautifully constructed story that really gave me nostalgia for my days as an English Major reading Poe and the Bronte’s. Victorian gothic at its modern day finest!
February 26, 2024
The Hotel ended up being an enjoyable thriller. Mainly told through the eyes of Beth, as she returns to the remote island that houses The Ravencliffe Hotel. Ten years before she and three friends went there to ghost hunt. Only 3 of them came back. Now, they are back and Beth is hoping to figure out what really happened that night.
As I said, I really enjoyed this one. I was left guessing and was surprised by the reveal at the end. The events of the past were laid out in just the right way to keep the suspense going until just the right time for the reveal. The best part about the story is the spooky atmosphere. There is one scene in a tunnel toward the end that was outright creepy. I thought the characters were compelling. Each of them were affected so differently by that night. Having the story go between past and present enables the reader to really see how each of them changed. I don't want to give too much away, so I'll just say I do recommend this one.
As I said, I really enjoyed this one. I was left guessing and was surprised by the reveal at the end. The events of the past were laid out in just the right way to keep the suspense going until just the right time for the reveal. The best part about the story is the spooky atmosphere. There is one scene in a tunnel toward the end that was outright creepy. I thought the characters were compelling. Each of them were affected so differently by that night. Having the story go between past and present enables the reader to really see how each of them changed. I don't want to give too much away, so I'll just say I do recommend this one.
April 20, 2023
With overtones and nods towards Stephen King novels, The Shining in particular The Hotel features a gothic
Welsh allegedly haunted Ravenscliffe hotel which the main character Bex draws similarities between it and King's Overlook hotel. With a dual narrative then (set 10 years previously) and now, the story features a group of friends who went to the Ravenscliffe to film their experiences, think Blair Witch however things go wrong.......jump forward 10 years and their film has a huge following in fact their fans are rather cult like and the group find themselves unwilling participants returning once more to the Ravenscliffe but this time with a film crew in tow.
Well written with a bit of tension thrown in for good luck The Hotel will be popular with the readership of Sarah Pearse and Ruth Ware.
Welsh allegedly haunted Ravenscliffe hotel which the main character Bex draws similarities between it and King's Overlook hotel. With a dual narrative then (set 10 years previously) and now, the story features a group of friends who went to the Ravenscliffe to film their experiences, think Blair Witch however things go wrong.......jump forward 10 years and their film has a huge following in fact their fans are rather cult like and the group find themselves unwilling participants returning once more to the Ravenscliffe but this time with a film crew in tow.
Well written with a bit of tension thrown in for good luck The Hotel will be popular with the readership of Sarah Pearse and Ruth Ware.
April 4, 2023
This was such a fantastically creepy and atmospheric novel! So many layers and multiple timelines, and fabulous characters. I could not put this down. Even guessing the major "surprises" this is still a 5 star book! Thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
October 31, 2023
A dark tale about returning to face your fears.
A good thriller, that keeps you hooked as the story bounces forwards and backwards between the group's first visit to Ravencliffe and their last!!
A good thriller, that keeps you hooked as the story bounces forwards and backwards between the group's first visit to Ravencliffe and their last!!
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