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You're Always Welcome... At the Bloodridge Motel
Midnight check-ins. Disturbing blood stains. A family with a standing reservation for over a century. These are a few things you may deal with when burdened with inheriting a motel.
Every two years, a family of seven check-in to the remote Bloodridge Motel. Situated along a highway known for its haunting history of disappearances and murder, the mountain-top lodging borders a national park dedicated to a labyrinth of mysterious caverns. Regularly hosting road-weary travelers and tourists, the Bloodridge rarely receives repeat business, except for The Family.
When the motel is left to the founder's last living descendant, the truth behind The Family and their unnatural origin is uncovered, one body at a time. The reluctant owner's decision to sell the motel sets in motion the unraveling of a decades-old mystery that begs the question, who are The Family and why don’t they seem to age?
A horrifying story about loss, isolation, and immortality.
Every two years, a family of seven check-in to the remote Bloodridge Motel. Situated along a highway known for its haunting history of disappearances and murder, the mountain-top lodging borders a national park dedicated to a labyrinth of mysterious caverns. Regularly hosting road-weary travelers and tourists, the Bloodridge rarely receives repeat business, except for The Family.
When the motel is left to the founder's last living descendant, the truth behind The Family and their unnatural origin is uncovered, one body at a time. The reluctant owner's decision to sell the motel sets in motion the unraveling of a decades-old mystery that begs the question, who are The Family and why don’t they seem to age?
A horrifying story about loss, isolation, and immortality.
212 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
August 19, 2023
I really really really liked this book. I didn’t really know what to expect going in but as I was reading it I could totally see an episode of the twilight zone playing in my head! Or an old time monster movie! It has a feeling of thriller and just enough twists to keep you guessing but also an element or horror and supernatural creepiness, a touch of gore but not over the top and a lot of heart! it really has something for every one.
This book tells the story of a family who in a very isolated location runs a motel. Business comes and goes but one group is a constant. Every two years a family of 7 checks in, keeps to themselves and checks out… like clockwork. The most mysterious part of the family is they never seem to age… even after all these years!!
This book was so much fun! And I really enjoyed the ending! Looking forward to reading more from J. Hunter Richardson in the future!
This book tells the story of a family who in a very isolated location runs a motel. Business comes and goes but one group is a constant. Every two years a family of 7 checks in, keeps to themselves and checks out… like clockwork. The most mysterious part of the family is they never seem to age… even after all these years!!
This book was so much fun! And I really enjoyed the ending! Looking forward to reading more from J. Hunter Richardson in the future!
October 23, 2023
Finding out that the author started this book as a short story and then continued writing it as readers asked for the next part , made me change my rating from a 3 to a 4 .
February 24, 2026
It is a very predictable horror story about a family who never ages that visits a motel and leaves a terrible mess behind after every visit...
May 1, 2023
When I first started reading, I thought the book had a nice, welcoming tone. But before the first chapter was even finished, I was hit by sadness followed by mystery and I was hooked by the end of chapter two. This is a tense, scary book that kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time.
Richardson’s style is reminiscent of the feeling of someone telling you a scary story around a campfire, demanding your full engagement. More intrigue is added with each chapter, and I found myself just as invested in the mystery as the narrator. A plus is that the chapters are fairly short, so it’s easy to pick up and read a little to find out more. The narrator himself, however, is just a little *too* passive, so around chapter 7 or 8 I would gloss over a sentence or two.
The other characters in the story are far more interesting, with a favorite of mine being G. Edward Ballard. Even the mysterious Family somehow manages to capture my attention, even though they don’t say much. I personally couldn’t predict where the story was going, so when the mystery finally unfolded I was shocked in the best way. This book could really work as a 90ish minute horror film.
The description of the book claims the story deals with loss, isolation, and immortality. The theme of isolation is present in every chapter in some shape or form, excluding the fact that the motel is in the mountains basically in the middle of nowhere. As mentioned earlier, I was hit by sadness immediately, and as the story goes on that sadness creeps up on you. By the end of the book, I felt that I went on a journey. This book made me *feel* and kept me engrossed the entire time. Truly a great first work.
9/10
Richardson’s style is reminiscent of the feeling of someone telling you a scary story around a campfire, demanding your full engagement. More intrigue is added with each chapter, and I found myself just as invested in the mystery as the narrator. A plus is that the chapters are fairly short, so it’s easy to pick up and read a little to find out more. The narrator himself, however, is just a little *too* passive, so around chapter 7 or 8 I would gloss over a sentence or two.
The other characters in the story are far more interesting, with a favorite of mine being G. Edward Ballard. Even the mysterious Family somehow manages to capture my attention, even though they don’t say much. I personally couldn’t predict where the story was going, so when the mystery finally unfolded I was shocked in the best way. This book could really work as a 90ish minute horror film.
The description of the book claims the story deals with loss, isolation, and immortality. The theme of isolation is present in every chapter in some shape or form, excluding the fact that the motel is in the mountains basically in the middle of nowhere. As mentioned earlier, I was hit by sadness immediately, and as the story goes on that sadness creeps up on you. By the end of the book, I felt that I went on a journey. This book made me *feel* and kept me engrossed the entire time. Truly a great first work.
9/10
June 5, 2023
Thriller worth reading.
I happened upon the author on TikTok. I used to only read thrillers, horror and true crime. I stopped for a long time since I needed a break. I started again with Bloodridge. I am so glad I did. I devoured it in a day. It is a story of family devotion and requirements, we all have felt at some point. It reads as a true story that a friend might be sharing. Then comes in the supernatural, thriller tale woven in perfectly. Definitely give it a chance. You will be seriously intrigued.
I happened upon the author on TikTok. I used to only read thrillers, horror and true crime. I stopped for a long time since I needed a break. I started again with Bloodridge. I am so glad I did. I devoured it in a day. It is a story of family devotion and requirements, we all have felt at some point. It reads as a true story that a friend might be sharing. Then comes in the supernatural, thriller tale woven in perfectly. Definitely give it a chance. You will be seriously intrigued.
November 10, 2024
Not bad at all! Suspenseful and a bit spooky. It dragged a tiny bit but I would still recommend.
October 30, 2023
Spooky October Read #15.
Lingering spoiler questions:
Why did the grandfather enter the agreement in the first place?
What was the origin of the cave creature?
Why do they need the crystals...but also can be killed by them?
Lingering spoiler questions:
Why did the grandfather enter the agreement in the first place?
What was the origin of the cave creature?
Why do they need the crystals...but also can be killed by them?
October 17, 2023
I’m not the target audience for this book, I expected something kinda twilight zone esque. However, the intended audience would love this book but it’s hard to get it into their hands without spoiling the reveal.
Also, if I compare it to the movie it reminds me of, that will also spoil the plot. So there’s a bit of a pickle here.
Also, if I compare it to the movie it reminds me of, that will also spoil the plot. So there’s a bit of a pickle here.
April 23, 2023
What a bloody wild ride. Im someone that loves a good spooky motel movie/book I will take that setting in any format I can get it!
That being said, this was brilliant. It was a story that unraveled it’s pieces as the story went on. The main character was super likeable and definitely had their floors but made for a good story. It felt personal and I enjoyed that. Im a supernatural girly always so I loved that element to it. Scary motels and supernatural? Chefs kiss.
Overall I loved the book, it was something I sunk my teeth write into and had a fun time with. Excellent writing and creativity in this one.
Ps, that cover? Stunning!!!
That being said, this was brilliant. It was a story that unraveled it’s pieces as the story went on. The main character was super likeable and definitely had their floors but made for a good story. It felt personal and I enjoyed that. Im a supernatural girly always so I loved that element to it. Scary motels and supernatural? Chefs kiss.
Overall I loved the book, it was something I sunk my teeth write into and had a fun time with. Excellent writing and creativity in this one.
Ps, that cover? Stunning!!!
June 23, 2023
I really enjoyed this one. I do think it went on longer than it needed to, but I still liked it.
There is a part where a twist is identified, and it felt to me like it was the end of the story, and it would've been great to end it there. I read in the author's notes that the original story ended there, funny enough, and due to fans wanting to know more, he continued writing and adding onto the story. But, to me, it felt like a definite ending, and I was almost surprised to see it continue.
This was creepy, had mild gore, and a couple great twists (one I figured out early on). I enjoyed this author's writing style, and I will definitely read more of his work in the future.
4⭐️
There is a part where a twist is identified, and it felt to me like it was the end of the story, and it would've been great to end it there. I read in the author's notes that the original story ended there, funny enough, and due to fans wanting to know more, he continued writing and adding onto the story. But, to me, it felt like a definite ending, and I was almost surprised to see it continue.
This was creepy, had mild gore, and a couple great twists (one I figured out early on). I enjoyed this author's writing style, and I will definitely read more of his work in the future.
4⭐️
May 2, 2023
This story is a kitschy, moody, off-kilter delight. At turns suspenseful, thrilling, and downright scary, this book is great for anyone who wonders if anyone actually still stays at those quaint, forgotten roadside motels.
May 27, 2023
What a fun ride of a book. Twist I never saw coming and an ending that came much sooner than my liking.
October 16, 2025
This book is so freaking good that when I finished it I was angry it was over. I need an HBO series of this stat! Or a movie! Or a 12 sequels! It’s INCREDIBLE! I don’t want to spoil the plot but if you like spooky horror and lines that when you read them a chill goes up your spine - you will love this. I sent one quote from this to my cousin just to be like “this is what I’m reading, isn’t this crazy?” and she immediately got chills and goosebumps. IT’S. THAT. SPOOKY. AND. EERIE. AND FANTASTIC.
April 10, 2026
I’m still in the process of reading this book, however I have a bit of a leg up because I read the original creepypasta this book is derived from. Coming from the shorter form version of this story from the NoSleep archives, I had high expectations for how Richardson would adapt his work into a full length novel. And he did a fantastic job, the novel variation of this story features an entirely new world of details and elements that you don’t hear originally. And most importantly in my eyes, we learn much more about the protagonist than we originally did in the creepypasta’s shorter length version. Overall, if you’re looking for a short but very fun read about vampires. Check this out!
January 5, 2024
A fascinating and well thought out [redacted] story. I loved the twists and the body horror horror was written wonderfully.
Great read, I am hoping that we get more from this author in the future :)
Great read, I am hoping that we get more from this author in the future :)
January 4, 2026
mmmmmmm mid. lost me at the action sequence that shit sucked
May 25, 2026
very fun & interesting take on vampires !!
October 11, 2023
This book was wack.
September 17, 2025
3⭐️
I listened to this through CreepCast with Papa Meat & Wendigoon.
the fact this started out as a reddit post is insane. although i will say, it went a tad bit overboard at the end. which is why i went with 3 instead of 4⭐️
SPOILER:
also, did she not get bit at the end???
I listened to this through CreepCast with Papa Meat & Wendigoon.
the fact this started out as a reddit post is insane. although i will say, it went a tad bit overboard at the end. which is why i went with 3 instead of 4⭐️
SPOILER:
also, did she not get bit at the end???
May 27, 2026
A delightfully eerie slow-burn with fantastic atmosphere
If you love gothic horror mixed with modern-day mystery, You're Always Welcome... At the Bloodridge Motel by J. Hunter Richardson is well worth the check-in.
What Wowed Me
The Atmosphere: Richardson excels at setting a scene. The Bloodridge Motel feels like a character of its own—isolated, decaying, and shrouded in mountain fog. The proximity to a labyrinth of mysterious national park caverns adds a suffocating sense of claustrophobia that kept me on edge.
The Lore of "The Family": The central hook of a immortal-seeming family checking in every two years is brilliant. Every time they appeared on the page, the tension spiked. Richardson does a fantastic job of unraveling their unnatural origins "one body at a time," balancing classic supernatural dread with a gritty, true-crime vibe.
The Reluctant Protagonist: Inheriting a haunted, blood-stained motel is a nightmare scenario, and the protagonist’s desperate desire to just sell the place and run away felt incredibly grounded and relatable.
Where It Creeped a Little Slow
While the mystery is compelling, the pacing in the middle section bogs down slightly as the protagonist digs into old financial records and decades-old town history. The build-up is a true slow-burn, which works perfectly for the atmosphere, but readers looking for non-stop action might find themselves wanting the puzzle pieces to come together just a bit faster.
The Verdict
The payoff is absolutely worth the wait. The climax delivers a satisfying, skin-crawling resolution to who The Family is and why they’ve held a standing reservation for over a century. It's a spooky, clever, and deeply atmospheric horror novel that will make you think twice the next time you have to make a midnight check-in at a remote roadside motel. Highly recommended for fans of insular horror mysteries!
If you love gothic horror mixed with modern-day mystery, You're Always Welcome... At the Bloodridge Motel by J. Hunter Richardson is well worth the check-in.
What Wowed Me
The Atmosphere: Richardson excels at setting a scene. The Bloodridge Motel feels like a character of its own—isolated, decaying, and shrouded in mountain fog. The proximity to a labyrinth of mysterious national park caverns adds a suffocating sense of claustrophobia that kept me on edge.
The Lore of "The Family": The central hook of a immortal-seeming family checking in every two years is brilliant. Every time they appeared on the page, the tension spiked. Richardson does a fantastic job of unraveling their unnatural origins "one body at a time," balancing classic supernatural dread with a gritty, true-crime vibe.
The Reluctant Protagonist: Inheriting a haunted, blood-stained motel is a nightmare scenario, and the protagonist’s desperate desire to just sell the place and run away felt incredibly grounded and relatable.
Where It Creeped a Little Slow
While the mystery is compelling, the pacing in the middle section bogs down slightly as the protagonist digs into old financial records and decades-old town history. The build-up is a true slow-burn, which works perfectly for the atmosphere, but readers looking for non-stop action might find themselves wanting the puzzle pieces to come together just a bit faster.
The Verdict
The payoff is absolutely worth the wait. The climax delivers a satisfying, skin-crawling resolution to who The Family is and why they’ve held a standing reservation for over a century. It's a spooky, clever, and deeply atmospheric horror novel that will make you think twice the next time you have to make a midnight check-in at a remote roadside motel. Highly recommended for fans of insular horror mysteries!
January 10, 2024
A great indie horror/thriller read. It reminded me of an episode of the twilight zone. It's about our main character who inherits their parents motel where ever since he was a child the same 7 member family visits(every 2 years). They never age and always leave a huge mess when they leave. I'm really surprised this book hasn't got more reads its on kindle unlimited.
October 13, 2023
Excellent read for spooky season!!!
February 29, 2024
If you’re looking for an atmospheric and spooky horror, look no further!
March 3, 2024
Excellent book. So different to other horror based books.
The family who keeps returning & their connection to the motel owners is just wild!
The story just goes off and in so many ways. Loved it.
The family who keeps returning & their connection to the motel owners is just wild!
The story just goes off and in so many ways. Loved it.
May 18, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up.
A wild and atmospheric ride.
A wild and atmospheric ride.
February 27, 2026
*** thanks Creepcast (February 27 2026)
January 7, 2024
This is a fantastic read that will have Twilight Zone fans raving. The pace of the story and the utter creepiness is top notch, and I would recommend it highly to fans of that show.
June 2, 2026
I don’t have words because I was so bored that it took me a month to finish because I didn’t want to read it.
October 2, 2023
I was not expecting to enjoy this book as much as I did. I saw it reviewed on TikTok and thought hmm, seems interesting. It had me hooked from the first chapter. It is a remarkably fast read that keeps you guessing till the very end and just when I thought, oh I know where this is going BAM, it twisted. So happy to have found this book.
October 4, 2023
GREAT READ for spooky season!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews