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Inside Room 913
When eighteen-year-old Cynthia Holt takes a job at a former sanitarium, now operating as an assisted living center, she discovers there is something more occurring than providing the elderly with housing and care. Something very strange is going on behind the locked door of Room 913. After she is warned to stay away from the room and to not discuss it or the occupant with her co-workers, she is even more intrigued. And suspicious. Letting her curious nature guide her, she immediately begins asking questions. When she finds that Room 913 has been closed off; locked and sealed for many years, her curiosity turns to concern. Though rumors abound, no one seems inclined to talk about it. Not giving up so easily, Cynthia persists in her inquisitive pursuit until she finds out the truth - or does she?
158 pages, Paperback
First published September 5, 2013
41 people are currently reading
937 people want to read
About the author
Bruce A. Borders
21 books26 followersBruce A. Borders was born in 1967 in Cape Girardeau, MO. Bruce’s childhood years were spent in a number of states, including Missouri, Oregon, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
During his high school years, he was a member of the football, basketball and track teams, involved in various non-athletic activities such as school yearbook production and photography, and won numerous awards for his artistic creations. Bruce graduated Valedictorian in 1984.
While in school, Bruce held three part-time jobs; a store clerk, a janitor, and a dental technician, working about 60-70 hours per week. After graduation he became employed full time as a dental technician. Other jobs have included restaurant manager, carpenter and grocery store cashier. For the past sixteen years, he has worked as a commercial truck driver, logging more than two million miles.
At the age of fifteen, Bruce decided to become a writer. He began by writing songs, news articles and short stories. Eventually, books were added to the list. Over the years, he continued to write and currently has a catalog of more than 500 songs, numerous short stories and fifteen completed books. He writes on a variety of subjects such as the Bible and politics, as well as fictional novels of legal issues and westerns.
During his high school years, he was a member of the football, basketball and track teams, involved in various non-athletic activities such as school yearbook production and photography, and won numerous awards for his artistic creations. Bruce graduated Valedictorian in 1984.
While in school, Bruce held three part-time jobs; a store clerk, a janitor, and a dental technician, working about 60-70 hours per week. After graduation he became employed full time as a dental technician. Other jobs have included restaurant manager, carpenter and grocery store cashier. For the past sixteen years, he has worked as a commercial truck driver, logging more than two million miles.
At the age of fifteen, Bruce decided to become a writer. He began by writing songs, news articles and short stories. Eventually, books were added to the list. Over the years, he continued to write and currently has a catalog of more than 500 songs, numerous short stories and fifteen completed books. He writes on a variety of subjects such as the Bible and politics, as well as fictional novels of legal issues and westerns.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
April 11, 2015
The title of this book intrigued me. Who, or what, was inside room 913? The first answer is such a glorious variation on the theme of The Phantom of the Opera I could actually hear the music, until Cynthia demolished the whole theory with logic.
Cynthia, blessed with all the “satiable curtiosity” of The Elephant’s Child, and a strong sense of compassion, went on asking forbidden questions. Every answer was different: every answer flawed, but they were amusing stories, weren’t they? Not when Cynthia began to feel her life was in imminent danger.
Like all the very best mysteries, the solution is grounded early, but the end remains hidden until the end.
This is one of the best books I've read, ever. Don't miss it!
Cynthia, blessed with all the “satiable curtiosity” of The Elephant’s Child, and a strong sense of compassion, went on asking forbidden questions. Every answer was different: every answer flawed, but they were amusing stories, weren’t they? Not when Cynthia began to feel her life was in imminent danger.
Like all the very best mysteries, the solution is grounded early, but the end remains hidden until the end.
This is one of the best books I've read, ever. Don't miss it!
November 3, 2014
The initial premise was promising: a room containing an individual not seen by anyone for over forty years in a retirement home that was once a sanatorium with a reputation for highly questionable medical practices. New employee Cynthia Holt, 18 years old and on a minimum wage, is told she might go freely into any of the many rooms and interact with anyone she met, “but into room 913 thou shalt not go, nor shalt thou ever enquire into the identity of the mysterious resident therein.” In other words: offer her the oldest kind of temptation in the world, and her name need not be Eve, just set her loose...
The gradual reveal - keeping the reader guessing along with the main character - was handled brilliantly by John Fowles in 1965 with the ‘godgames’ played by the wealthy recluse Maurice Conchis in The Magus. Stephen King also set the bar high in 1977 with The Shining, when Danny was warned to stay away from Room 237 in the Overlook Hotel. If the 5* accolade is to be reserved for books of this quality, then sadly I can’t bestow it on Inside Room 913.
The challenge for any writer in a particular genre is to match or exceed the expectations of readers conditioned by great writers in broadly that genre. I wanted twists and turns in the plot through layers of increasing character complexity towards a conclusion that taught me something important about the intricacy of the human psyche.
What I got was a straightforward, accurate writing style with some enjoyably dry turns of phrase – e.g. “A lobotomy was not presently high on her bucket list” - which established the baseline at 3*. Thereafter I struggled a little to understand why the mystery surrounding Room 913 so rapidly became such an obsession for this apparently ordinary girl with no childhood or family issues as far as we know. Her mother used to work there, and suggested that she should too (as she needed a job and there was one going); but thereafter hardly seemed to figure: remaining a shadowy figure, even at the end…
The supporting characters were each given dominating characteristic to distinguish one from the other, but were otherwise there merely to present other possible scenarios for the situation in Room 913. Once Cynthia got inside the room, the opportunity for an interesting family history that might have explained her obsession with it and its ‘occupant’ presented itself, but sadly wasn’t taken up. I can’t go into detail without spoiling the denouement, but its delivery left me - sadly - disengaged.
Inside Room 913 was a competently written, easy, enjoyable read; but suspension of disbelief was for me a problem throughout, and I didn’t experience the catharsis that is always at the heart of more profoundly satisfying reading experiences.
The gradual reveal - keeping the reader guessing along with the main character - was handled brilliantly by John Fowles in 1965 with the ‘godgames’ played by the wealthy recluse Maurice Conchis in The Magus. Stephen King also set the bar high in 1977 with The Shining, when Danny was warned to stay away from Room 237 in the Overlook Hotel. If the 5* accolade is to be reserved for books of this quality, then sadly I can’t bestow it on Inside Room 913.
The challenge for any writer in a particular genre is to match or exceed the expectations of readers conditioned by great writers in broadly that genre. I wanted twists and turns in the plot through layers of increasing character complexity towards a conclusion that taught me something important about the intricacy of the human psyche.
What I got was a straightforward, accurate writing style with some enjoyably dry turns of phrase – e.g. “A lobotomy was not presently high on her bucket list” - which established the baseline at 3*. Thereafter I struggled a little to understand why the mystery surrounding Room 913 so rapidly became such an obsession for this apparently ordinary girl with no childhood or family issues as far as we know. Her mother used to work there, and suggested that she should too (as she needed a job and there was one going); but thereafter hardly seemed to figure: remaining a shadowy figure, even at the end…
The supporting characters were each given dominating characteristic to distinguish one from the other, but were otherwise there merely to present other possible scenarios for the situation in Room 913. Once Cynthia got inside the room, the opportunity for an interesting family history that might have explained her obsession with it and its ‘occupant’ presented itself, but sadly wasn’t taken up. I can’t go into detail without spoiling the denouement, but its delivery left me - sadly - disengaged.
Inside Room 913 was a competently written, easy, enjoyable read; but suspension of disbelief was for me a problem throughout, and I didn’t experience the catharsis that is always at the heart of more profoundly satisfying reading experiences.
November 9, 2014
This is an intriguing story, well written in an easy to read style. The author maintains the suspense as young Cynthia tries to solve the mystery of who lives in Room 913 of the retirement home where she has recently started working. She reminded me a little bit of an aspiring Nancy Drew, doggedly trying to get to the root of the mystery.
There is an interesting set of well described characters and the story moves at a fast pace with a good twist at the end.
It is quite a short story and will help to very pleasantly pass a plane or train journey.
There is an interesting set of well described characters and the story moves at a fast pace with a good twist at the end.
It is quite a short story and will help to very pleasantly pass a plane or train journey.
August 16, 2014
Sadly, 'Inside Room 913' didn't manage to float my proverbial boat.
If I had to say why, well, I think it would come down to the following things:
1. No building of intrigue - it's a good premise (a room in a former sanitarium where the resident hasn't been seen for 50 years, but where the food that's left is always eaten), but the main character (Cynthia) becomes almost instantly obsessed by Room 913 without any real basis for being so (yes, we're told she's inquisitive, but the 'need to know' is almost instantaneous from the moment she starts working there - I felt it would have been better if there had been events which piqued her interest and slowly drew her in to investigating Room 913, rather than her immediately jumping in).
2. The re-stating of the protagonists characteristics e.g. Janet's tendency for excessive talking, Cynthia's curious nature, etc. In my humble opinion, such things only need to be stated once by the author, and then maybe occasionally re-iterated. Repetition of such things isn't really needed and slows the narrative.
3. A slightly predictable 'twist' - I'm afraid I suspected that Mr Jacobson was Cynthia's father from quite early in the story. As such, the denouement lacked impact for me.
4. The final chapter - I felt that this went on for too long, providing a series of detailed explanations as to the how and why of Jacobson's actions and his relationship with Cynthia. For me, it would have been much better if this information could have been subtly drip-fed into the narrative in earlier chapters so that the final 'reveal' (Jacobson's one-night-stand with Cynthia's mother) comes right at the very end.
5. Tight editing - the novel would, I suggest, benefit from some aggressive editing to really tighten up the narrative and add an edge to the scenes of tension (such as when Cynthia actually breaks into Room 913).
Of course, other people will no doubt read this book and will enjoy it - that's the nature of opinion. For me, though, it didn't quite hit the mark.
If I had to say why, well, I think it would come down to the following things:
1. No building of intrigue - it's a good premise (a room in a former sanitarium where the resident hasn't been seen for 50 years, but where the food that's left is always eaten), but the main character (Cynthia) becomes almost instantly obsessed by Room 913 without any real basis for being so (yes, we're told she's inquisitive, but the 'need to know' is almost instantaneous from the moment she starts working there - I felt it would have been better if there had been events which piqued her interest and slowly drew her in to investigating Room 913, rather than her immediately jumping in).
2. The re-stating of the protagonists characteristics e.g. Janet's tendency for excessive talking, Cynthia's curious nature, etc. In my humble opinion, such things only need to be stated once by the author, and then maybe occasionally re-iterated. Repetition of such things isn't really needed and slows the narrative.
3. A slightly predictable 'twist' - I'm afraid I suspected that Mr Jacobson was Cynthia's father from quite early in the story. As such, the denouement lacked impact for me.
4. The final chapter - I felt that this went on for too long, providing a series of detailed explanations as to the how and why of Jacobson's actions and his relationship with Cynthia. For me, it would have been much better if this information could have been subtly drip-fed into the narrative in earlier chapters so that the final 'reveal' (Jacobson's one-night-stand with Cynthia's mother) comes right at the very end.
5. Tight editing - the novel would, I suggest, benefit from some aggressive editing to really tighten up the narrative and add an edge to the scenes of tension (such as when Cynthia actually breaks into Room 913).
Of course, other people will no doubt read this book and will enjoy it - that's the nature of opinion. For me, though, it didn't quite hit the mark.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2014
How many of us can remember the jobs we all had as teenagers? How can remember how we felt when we found we’ve just been fired? Naturally we all wanted to find another job, a job which would mean for many of us that we could at long last move away from the all inquisitive eyes of our parents.
Unfortunately as this story by Bruce A. Borders, eighteen year old Cynthia Holt has lost her job, which meant a return to a life under her father’s roof. When her mother found out about this she suggests to her daughter she should apply for a job at the assisted living facility she once worked at, naturally Cynthia cringes at hearing it, but subsequently agrees.
The facility in question had once been a sanitarium, or mental hospital in its early days; and with that came an list of horror stories regarding what had occurred there.
The most important instruction she received on her first day had been to totally ignore Room 913, which included talking about it with any of her co¬-workers. Working there, she could interact with any of its residents, and soon began to develop a relationship with some of them. Apparently one of the residents had a few secrets he kept close to himself, and one of them had concerned the forbidden room.
What is this secret? Is this resident more than what he appears to be? Does he know a secret regarding Cynthia? All of these questions are revealed as the story progresses to its conclusion. While I’d been somewhat happy with the ending, it did seem a little anti-climactic leaving a few questions seeming hanging there unanswered.
All-in-all the book had been an enjoyable quick read, which I completed in a single sitting, I’m giving this endeavor by Bruce A. Borders 4 STARS and hope to read more of his offerings.
Robin Leigh Morgan is the author of a recently released book entitled "Micro Fiction - An Anthology," as well as the author of a MG/YA Paranormal Romance novel entitled "I Kissed a Ghost."
Unfortunately as this story by Bruce A. Borders, eighteen year old Cynthia Holt has lost her job, which meant a return to a life under her father’s roof. When her mother found out about this she suggests to her daughter she should apply for a job at the assisted living facility she once worked at, naturally Cynthia cringes at hearing it, but subsequently agrees.
The facility in question had once been a sanitarium, or mental hospital in its early days; and with that came an list of horror stories regarding what had occurred there.
The most important instruction she received on her first day had been to totally ignore Room 913, which included talking about it with any of her co¬-workers. Working there, she could interact with any of its residents, and soon began to develop a relationship with some of them. Apparently one of the residents had a few secrets he kept close to himself, and one of them had concerned the forbidden room.
What is this secret? Is this resident more than what he appears to be? Does he know a secret regarding Cynthia? All of these questions are revealed as the story progresses to its conclusion. While I’d been somewhat happy with the ending, it did seem a little anti-climactic leaving a few questions seeming hanging there unanswered.
All-in-all the book had been an enjoyable quick read, which I completed in a single sitting, I’m giving this endeavor by Bruce A. Borders 4 STARS and hope to read more of his offerings.
Robin Leigh Morgan is the author of a recently released book entitled "Micro Fiction - An Anthology," as well as the author of a MG/YA Paranormal Romance novel entitled "I Kissed a Ghost."
April 29, 2015
Bruce A. Borders’INSIDE ROOM 913 is an engaging mystery that recalls adolescent fascination with the forbidden, secrets, and the unexplained. 18-year-old Cynthia Holt has landed a new job in Parkview Manor, a retirement home with a sordid past as a sanitarium. The employee handbook contains “common sense” rules, and on her first day of work Cynthia’s superior informs her of a rule that is not listed, a special rule never to be transgressed: there is to be no contact with the man locked inside room 913, and no discussion about room 913 or the “tenant” is allowed among the employees.
The rule sparks Cynthia’s curiosity and imagination. Why the secrecy? Is the man in room 913 being held against his will? Is he locked up for his own protection? To protect others? Is he crazy, a remnant from the days when the retirement home was a sanitarium? Despite the special rule against discussion about room 913, Cynthia finds tenants and coworkers willing to broach the subject, but the information she garners raises more questions than answers and further piques her curiosity. She is determined to uncover the truth, a perilous quest that wends its way through the sordid past of Parkview Manor and leads to Cynthia’s own self-discovery.
INSIDE ROOM 913 is a quick read, yet resolves itself all too quickly and without a discernible climax, the final chapter wrapping up the mystery via sedentary dialogue. There is depth to the story however, enough to propel that last chapter into a sequel of Cynthia Holt’s next adventurous investigation.
--Seve Verdad
The rule sparks Cynthia’s curiosity and imagination. Why the secrecy? Is the man in room 913 being held against his will? Is he locked up for his own protection? To protect others? Is he crazy, a remnant from the days when the retirement home was a sanitarium? Despite the special rule against discussion about room 913, Cynthia finds tenants and coworkers willing to broach the subject, but the information she garners raises more questions than answers and further piques her curiosity. She is determined to uncover the truth, a perilous quest that wends its way through the sordid past of Parkview Manor and leads to Cynthia’s own self-discovery.
INSIDE ROOM 913 is a quick read, yet resolves itself all too quickly and without a discernible climax, the final chapter wrapping up the mystery via sedentary dialogue. There is depth to the story however, enough to propel that last chapter into a sequel of Cynthia Holt’s next adventurous investigation.
--Seve Verdad
February 15, 2015
First I would like to say thank you to Bruce A Borders and the Goodreads First Reads program for providing me with a copy of this book. I really enjoyed it.
Overall this book was captivating and suspenseful. The plot was enticing.
Cynthia Holt is starting a new job at Parkview Manor. A hotel/home for elderly or just a place for people to say. But there is a mystery surrounding Parkview Manor-Room 913. No one knows who lives in Room 913. It is locked and sealed from the outside. The windows are barred making it seem like Room 913 is a prison for it's occupant. Cynthia is fascinated by Room 913. Over the course of her training she hears many stories about how Room 913 came to be, who lives there, and why he is locked up. Cynthia does not trust these stories and makes it her mission to figure out who lives in Room 913 and why.
This book was well-written and very interesting. I finished the book in one morning. It is a very fast read and you wont want to stop reading until Cynthia, and you, solve it's mystery.
There were a few problems with this book such as it was very predictable. I found myself putting clues together before Cynthia realized them herself. The twist at the end was not much of a twist but a obvious solution. Other than that, the character dialogue did not sound very natural. It seemed forced, unlike how people speak in real life.
I would recommend reading this book for a fun and entertaining time. I definitely had a good time reading this.
Overall this book was captivating and suspenseful. The plot was enticing.
Cynthia Holt is starting a new job at Parkview Manor. A hotel/home for elderly or just a place for people to say. But there is a mystery surrounding Parkview Manor-Room 913. No one knows who lives in Room 913. It is locked and sealed from the outside. The windows are barred making it seem like Room 913 is a prison for it's occupant. Cynthia is fascinated by Room 913. Over the course of her training she hears many stories about how Room 913 came to be, who lives there, and why he is locked up. Cynthia does not trust these stories and makes it her mission to figure out who lives in Room 913 and why.
This book was well-written and very interesting. I finished the book in one morning. It is a very fast read and you wont want to stop reading until Cynthia, and you, solve it's mystery.
There were a few problems with this book such as it was very predictable. I found myself putting clues together before Cynthia realized them herself. The twist at the end was not much of a twist but a obvious solution. Other than that, the character dialogue did not sound very natural. It seemed forced, unlike how people speak in real life.
I would recommend reading this book for a fun and entertaining time. I definitely had a good time reading this.
March 5, 2015
Generally, I am not a big fan of suspense. I don't love sitting on the edge of my seat and I'm not crazy about my pulse racing. Despite those tendancies and preferences, Inside Room 913 intrigued me and I decided to give it a try. I was a worthwhile read, no doubt, and if you are a fan of mild suspense, it may be just your cup of tea.
Other reviews have expertly recounted the need-to-know plot teases, so I won't dive into all of that. It's made very clear that the payoff for the protagonist, Cynthia, as well as the reader, is finding out what is "Inside Room 913". The writing by Bruce A. Borders is strong, though I must admit I tired of Cynthia's internal dialogue, which quite often became Cynthia talking to herself and asking herself rhetorical questions. But that just comes down to preference.
I'm giving this book four stars, because I liked it - plain and simple. Having said that, the ending was anticlimactic, at least for me. Maybe it's because I'm not a fan of suspense. Perhaps I was preparing myself for the worst, so as not to fall victim to a racing pulse when taken off guard. But by the time I learned what was Inside Room 913, it was pretty much exactly what I suspected. But I thoroughly and surprisingly enjoyed sitting on the edge of my seat for most of the journey.
Other reviews have expertly recounted the need-to-know plot teases, so I won't dive into all of that. It's made very clear that the payoff for the protagonist, Cynthia, as well as the reader, is finding out what is "Inside Room 913". The writing by Bruce A. Borders is strong, though I must admit I tired of Cynthia's internal dialogue, which quite often became Cynthia talking to herself and asking herself rhetorical questions. But that just comes down to preference.
I'm giving this book four stars, because I liked it - plain and simple. Having said that, the ending was anticlimactic, at least for me. Maybe it's because I'm not a fan of suspense. Perhaps I was preparing myself for the worst, so as not to fall victim to a racing pulse when taken off guard. But by the time I learned what was Inside Room 913, it was pretty much exactly what I suspected. But I thoroughly and surprisingly enjoyed sitting on the edge of my seat for most of the journey.
March 31, 2015
Inside Room 913 is an interesting story of suspense and mystery. A young woman, Cynthia Holt, goes to work in an assisted living facility which was formerly a sanitarium for the mentally imbalanced and insane. Her mother had worked there in the past and had told her daughter on many occasions that it was a good job and paid fairly well for the little work that was expected of her. Cynthia finally decides to apply for the position after her mother dies. There is a strange story about one of the rooms - 913 where a man has lived in seclusion for over forty years. Cynthia doesn't believe that a man could live in the room for all those years without the need to come out of the room. The staff is only allowed to bring one tray a day to the room and use a trap door to slide the tray in and the next day take out the used one. Other staff have been fired when showing too much interest in room 913.
Strange stories were going around the facility which add to the mystery. Cynthia is the only one who doesn't believe any of them and is determined to solve the mystery on her own. What she finds is surprising but what she still doesn't know is even more shocking.
This was an enjoyable quick read that kept my interest and surprised me with the ending. This is the first book I have read by Bruce A. Borders. I look forward to reading more by this creative author.
Strange stories were going around the facility which add to the mystery. Cynthia is the only one who doesn't believe any of them and is determined to solve the mystery on her own. What she finds is surprising but what she still doesn't know is even more shocking.
This was an enjoyable quick read that kept my interest and surprised me with the ending. This is the first book I have read by Bruce A. Borders. I look forward to reading more by this creative author.
October 5, 2014
There is nothing better than a good suspense story. Inside Room 913 has a premise that just invites a suspenseful journey. There’s a guy who has been in a room for over forty years and the protagonist Cynthia is hired to work in the place where he is. She shows up for work and is given the background that a person has been sealed in a room and has been there for over forty years. She is told by her boss not to even think about asking for any information about the guy who is in Room 913. She is warned not to discuss the issue with anyone on staff and to keep her nose out of the man’s business. Well for Cynthia this is an invitation to plan and scheme to try and get information on the man and why he was sealed in the room. The balance of the story concerns her hunt for information and an eventual discovery that she never expected.
The story is well written by Mr. Boarders and it is very evident he knows how to construct a compelling piece of suspense. The reader is literally unable to guess the surprises and gets to the end of the story still wondering what is going to happen. Only in the final moments do the details jump up and resolve the story to great satisfaction. I would recommend this book to suspense readers and anyone who would enjoy a good story.
The story is well written by Mr. Boarders and it is very evident he knows how to construct a compelling piece of suspense. The reader is literally unable to guess the surprises and gets to the end of the story still wondering what is going to happen. Only in the final moments do the details jump up and resolve the story to great satisfaction. I would recommend this book to suspense readers and anyone who would enjoy a good story.
January 11, 2015
This tightly written, fast-paced novella is a fun read. Like the main character Cynthia, I didn’t buy Janet’s account about the man in room 913 at the assisted living facility (and former sanitarium) where Cynthia is now employed. I also wondered about the many other stories that followed, some outlandish, some creepy and plausible. I won’t name them because it’s more pleasant to hear the various rumors from the characters themselves, but in this way Mr. Borders keeps the reader guessing as to what exactly is going on. I admit that I solved the mystery before reaching the end, but that didn’t bother me in the least. After all, there is a sense of satisfaction in figuring out the puzzle.
Mr. Borders’ writing style is one of his strengths. His story flows fluidly, his voice is strong and at time humorous. Then again, I like his music, too. If you enjoy country and western, check out his song There’ll Never Be Another Johnny Cash. Heck, if you don’t like country check it out. It’s good.
I will say I expected more of a Stephen King tale but received instead O. Henry. Yet Inside Room 913 is a good story—perfect in fact for the rainy Saturday morning I spent reading it.
Mr. Borders’ writing style is one of his strengths. His story flows fluidly, his voice is strong and at time humorous. Then again, I like his music, too. If you enjoy country and western, check out his song There’ll Never Be Another Johnny Cash. Heck, if you don’t like country check it out. It’s good.
I will say I expected more of a Stephen King tale but received instead O. Henry. Yet Inside Room 913 is a good story—perfect in fact for the rainy Saturday morning I spent reading it.
August 7, 2014
Cynthia Holt is the newest employee at an assisted living centre, she is also very inquisitive. So, when she is told on her first day that the occupant of Room 913 is not to be discussed or contacted in any way, she ignores her instructions completely. Upon finding the room completely sealed off, with the only access being a serving hatch, she is stumped, but not for long.
Inside Room 913 is a mystery that will keep you guessing. There are numerous rumours, but none of them will get you closer to the truth. There was a nice little twist at the end, which I had wondered a little about along the way, but not to the degree of being certain. The plot is tight, and the pacing is steady. I felt the characters could have been brought to life a bit more, and the writing style is passive. There was one sudden and abrupt head hop in the middle of a paragraph, but otherwise the point of view remained clear and steady. The proofreading is done well, with hardly any errors at all.
I enjoyed this light read, and feel that readers of mystery novels will enjoy this book. I offer Three and a Half Stars, rounded up to Four for rating.
Inside Room 913 is a mystery that will keep you guessing. There are numerous rumours, but none of them will get you closer to the truth. There was a nice little twist at the end, which I had wondered a little about along the way, but not to the degree of being certain. The plot is tight, and the pacing is steady. I felt the characters could have been brought to life a bit more, and the writing style is passive. There was one sudden and abrupt head hop in the middle of a paragraph, but otherwise the point of view remained clear and steady. The proofreading is done well, with hardly any errors at all.
I enjoyed this light read, and feel that readers of mystery novels will enjoy this book. I offer Three and a Half Stars, rounded up to Four for rating.
August 21, 2014
Borders has crafted a charming novel/novella that features an equally charming protagonist, eighteen-year-old Cynthia Holt, who is possessed of a truly Nancy Drewien character. At her mother's suggestion, Holt applies for work at an assisted living facility that once was a mental hospital. The beginning has all the trappings of a horror story, but then turns into an interesting mystery centered around who the occupant of room 913 might be.
On her first day at work, Cynthia is warned to never discuss anything to do with the mysterious, reclusive resident of 913. But her irrepressible curiosity and eventual concern leads her to investigate who the occupant might be and why he has been locked away for many years.
The story holds your interest and keeps you turning pages as it introduces a cast of enjoyable characters. There are times when the intensity of Cynthia's compulsion to investigate seems a bit implausible and there is a bit of a tendency by the author to redundantly over-explain, but in counterpoint, there are stretches of delightfully well-written passages that allow you to overlook the passages of prose that are less than artfully drawn.
On her first day at work, Cynthia is warned to never discuss anything to do with the mysterious, reclusive resident of 913. But her irrepressible curiosity and eventual concern leads her to investigate who the occupant might be and why he has been locked away for many years.
The story holds your interest and keeps you turning pages as it introduces a cast of enjoyable characters. There are times when the intensity of Cynthia's compulsion to investigate seems a bit implausible and there is a bit of a tendency by the author to redundantly over-explain, but in counterpoint, there are stretches of delightfully well-written passages that allow you to overlook the passages of prose that are less than artfully drawn.
August 4, 2014
Bruce has done it again!
Bruce Borders has written another really good book that can be read in one sitting. The reason I start with that comment is to prepare you for the inevitable. You will not be able to put it down once you begin.
Cynthia Holt, an eighteen year old, goes to work at Parkview Manor, an assisted living facility, formerly Parkview Sanitarium, a former mental institution. She is given her job duties the first day of work, and informed that she is never to disturb the person in Room 913 and never to discuss Room 913 with any of the other employees or residents of the facility. Cynthia becomes obsessed with discovering the mystery of Room 913. Against instruction, and under threat of being fired, she learns many conflicting stories about Room 913 from other employees and residents. The story takes many twists and turns until it reaches the great final twist. Bruce Borders is a master storyteller, and I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys suspense, an easy read, and a fascinating story.
Bruce Borders has written another really good book that can be read in one sitting. The reason I start with that comment is to prepare you for the inevitable. You will not be able to put it down once you begin.
Cynthia Holt, an eighteen year old, goes to work at Parkview Manor, an assisted living facility, formerly Parkview Sanitarium, a former mental institution. She is given her job duties the first day of work, and informed that she is never to disturb the person in Room 913 and never to discuss Room 913 with any of the other employees or residents of the facility. Cynthia becomes obsessed with discovering the mystery of Room 913. Against instruction, and under threat of being fired, she learns many conflicting stories about Room 913 from other employees and residents. The story takes many twists and turns until it reaches the great final twist. Bruce Borders is a master storyteller, and I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys suspense, an easy read, and a fascinating story.
December 22, 2014
Cynthia Holt is the newest employee at an assisted living centre, she is also very inquisitive. So, when she is told on her first day that the occupant of Room 913 is not to be discussed or contacted in any way, she ignores her instructions completely. Upon finding the room completely sealed off, with the only access being a serving hatch, she is stumped, but not for long.
Inside Room 913 is a mystery that will keep you guessing. There are numerous rumours, but none of them will get you closer to the truth. There was a nice little twist at the end, which I had wondered a little about along the way, but not to the degree of being certain. The plot is tight, and the pacing is steady. I felt the characters could have been brought to life a bit more, and the writing style is passive. There was one sudden and abrupt head hop in the middle of a paragraph, but otherwise the point of view remained clear and steady. The proofreading is done well, with hardly any errors at all.
I enjoyed this light read, and feel that readers of mystery novels will enjoy this book.
Inside Room 913 is a mystery that will keep you guessing. There are numerous rumours, but none of them will get you closer to the truth. There was a nice little twist at the end, which I had wondered a little about along the way, but not to the degree of being certain. The plot is tight, and the pacing is steady. I felt the characters could have been brought to life a bit more, and the writing style is passive. There was one sudden and abrupt head hop in the middle of a paragraph, but otherwise the point of view remained clear and steady. The proofreading is done well, with hardly any errors at all.
I enjoyed this light read, and feel that readers of mystery novels will enjoy this book.
June 10, 2014
Inside Room 913 is a mysterious tale which follows a young girl, Cynthia, as she starts her first proper job at Parkview Manor.
A former sanatorium, the now assisted living facility seems to Cynthia to be the perfect place to work. All she needs to do, is help the residents with any chores they need done, oh, and not ask any questions about the guy who lives in room 913.
A sealed room on the top floor of the facility, anyone who delves too deeply into its occupant and his mysterious circumstances finds themselves fired.
Cynthia wants to settle in, but she can't shake her curiosity about the mysterious room.
The story is gripping and keeps you as intrigued as its protagonist; hearing various outlandish stories about the hermit who resides in the hotel. If you're looking for a quick read with various twists and turns, I really recommend this story.
A former sanatorium, the now assisted living facility seems to Cynthia to be the perfect place to work. All she needs to do, is help the residents with any chores they need done, oh, and not ask any questions about the guy who lives in room 913.
A sealed room on the top floor of the facility, anyone who delves too deeply into its occupant and his mysterious circumstances finds themselves fired.
Cynthia wants to settle in, but she can't shake her curiosity about the mysterious room.
The story is gripping and keeps you as intrigued as its protagonist; hearing various outlandish stories about the hermit who resides in the hotel. If you're looking for a quick read with various twists and turns, I really recommend this story.
August 31, 2014
I thought the start of this story was a little slow because of the amount of detail given but the writing quickly settled down and I found myself drawn into this intriguing and original mystery. Just who is inside Room 913? There are many rumours put to Cynthia when she starts work at Parkview Manor which does seem strange particularly as she has been warned not to talk to anyone about it. Nobody seems to take any notice of the privacy requested by the occupant of Room 913 and you can see even though she is told not to go near the room unless to deliver food or to have anything to do with its occupant she is not about to heed such warnings. But Cynthia is curious, very curious and cannot leave the mystery alone, purposefully going looking for the answers to her questions.
There is a great twist at the end and I’d recommend to anyone who enjoys a smooth, easy to read mystery.
There is a great twist at the end and I’d recommend to anyone who enjoys a smooth, easy to read mystery.
June 10, 2015
Cynthia Holt starts her first day as carer in a residential home, but is told by her boss never to go in room 913 or speak to the person who lives there. The room is sealed from the outside, and Cynthia is told that the person in 913 has not left the room in over 40 years.
Naturally Cynthia is curious as to why the room is locked and the person must be left alone. Other residents at the complex have their own stories of why he must never be bothered, but Cynthia doesn’t find them believable, and decides to find out for herself.
Inside Room 913 is a riveting read, full of suspense and with a great twist at the end. It certainly kept me reading right up until the last page. I dare you to try it!
Naturally Cynthia is curious as to why the room is locked and the person must be left alone. Other residents at the complex have their own stories of why he must never be bothered, but Cynthia doesn’t find them believable, and decides to find out for herself.
Inside Room 913 is a riveting read, full of suspense and with a great twist at the end. It certainly kept me reading right up until the last page. I dare you to try it!
August 17, 2014
Inside Room 913 by Bruce A. Borders - such a fun read!!! I love surprise endings and this one definitely had me guessing until the very end. I also liked that this was a quick and entertaining read. Great plot, steady pacing, and interesting characters.
Cynthia Holt is an eighteen year old that goes to work for an assisted living facility (it's also a former mental institution). She is quickly suspicious of Room 913 since she was told to never disturb the tenant or discuss the room with any of the other employees or residents of the facility. She becomes obsessed with discovering the mystery of Room 913. I truly enjoyed the storytelling of this novel and I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys suspense!
Cynthia Holt is an eighteen year old that goes to work for an assisted living facility (it's also a former mental institution). She is quickly suspicious of Room 913 since she was told to never disturb the tenant or discuss the room with any of the other employees or residents of the facility. She becomes obsessed with discovering the mystery of Room 913. I truly enjoyed the storytelling of this novel and I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys suspense!
July 12, 2017
The opening scene touched me. Like Cynthia, I, too, couldn't bear living in the house where my mother had spent her last few years. Too many painful memories.
"Inside Room 91" is an easy book to read. It sprinkles in vivid descriptions throughout. I could picture the room where Cynthia sat on her first day. A dark ceiling is lightened by cobwebs and dust. Nice. It has a few minor punctuation problems, and one point of view change, but other than that, the story was well-written.
The story has nice twists throughout. My one complaint was why Cynthia never questioned why someone else was allowed to live on a floor with a man who wanted the world to leave him alone. Especially when the threat of a contagious disease was mentioned.
But in all it was a pleasant evening's read.
"Inside Room 91" is an easy book to read. It sprinkles in vivid descriptions throughout. I could picture the room where Cynthia sat on her first day. A dark ceiling is lightened by cobwebs and dust. Nice. It has a few minor punctuation problems, and one point of view change, but other than that, the story was well-written.
The story has nice twists throughout. My one complaint was why Cynthia never questioned why someone else was allowed to live on a floor with a man who wanted the world to leave him alone. Especially when the threat of a contagious disease was mentioned.
But in all it was a pleasant evening's read.
August 27, 2014
The story unfolds as Cynthia Holt reports to work at a retirement residential facility. I could really relate to this, as my own elderly mom lives in one now. Mr. Borders does a great job in describing the facility, and the personalities/characters that live in one! Cynthia is told about the mysterious room and man that resides in 913 and is warned to stay away. Her overactive investigative skills get the best of her, and well...you must read the book to find out the rest!
I found Mr. Borders story interesting. He had good character development, and an interesting, well-written story. The story contained just enough twists and turns keeping the reader intrigued to the very end. Overall, I enjoyed the light, easy read.
I found Mr. Borders story interesting. He had good character development, and an interesting, well-written story. The story contained just enough twists and turns keeping the reader intrigued to the very end. Overall, I enjoyed the light, easy read.
October 29, 2014
This book had me hooked all the way through. Young Cynthia Holt is more than just a little inquisitive - she's a proper sleuth, and immediately after being told that room 913 at Parkview Manor is a no go, no talk about room, she has to find out why. Trying to find out why its resident has been locked inside for over forty years, she leaves no stone unturned, and had me seriously worried for her safety quite a few times. I loved the different takes on the resident of room 913 from various residents and workers at the institution as to who lurked behind that door - not wanting to post spoilers here, but a couple were hilarious. I didn't see the ending coming at all, but when it did it was wonderfully heartwarming. I recommend this book to lovers of mysteries everywhere.
March 23, 2016
An intriguing mystery set at an assisted living facility that used to be an asylum. Eighteen-year-old Cynthia is immediately warned not to ask questions about the man in room 913 on her first day of work. Curiosity, however, gets the best of her. She begins to delve into the mystery, first by prying information from her co-workers, and then digging deeper on her own through outside sources.
I admit to guessing a few things early on, but there was always another twist waiting in the wings to build on the puzzle. I enjoyed the way the author kept dropping another piece of the puzzle in place just when you thought you’d already figured out the entire picture. Good story, with a likable main character and a shifting mystery to keep the reader engaged!
I admit to guessing a few things early on, but there was always another twist waiting in the wings to build on the puzzle. I enjoyed the way the author kept dropping another piece of the puzzle in place just when you thought you’d already figured out the entire picture. Good story, with a likable main character and a shifting mystery to keep the reader engaged!
March 3, 2014
A truly suspenseful tale reminiscent of Bluebeard and his wives, complete with that creepy cloud of anxiety prodding us to keep turning the pages. Who is locked in the forbidden room of the former sanitarium? Hard-headed but brave Cynthia Holt—with the young adult sense of righting wrongs that many of us experience when we are the immortal age of 18—is the heroine. Not considering her personal danger until it is too late, she forges ahead into a room locked for over forty years. And if you think you've figured out the ending, like I thought, guess again. Bruce A. Borders is a master of the plot twist!
August 28, 2014
There’s a mystery going on in room 913 at Parkview Manor and Cynthia Holt can’t let it go, even though everyone has told her not to ask any questions. It could put her in danger or will surely get her fired, but she wants to get to the bottom of matters. A light and easy read, this book follows along as she unravels the mystery. The solution to the mystery reveals more than she ever could have imagined when she took that job at Parkview Manor. A well-written, gentle suspense story with a bit of a twist at the end. This is a quick and enjoyable read. Great for a Saturday afternoon on the patio or take it along on your next plane flight.
August 30, 2014
I had to find out the mystery of room 913. Just had to. So I read the book in just a few days, giving up most of my home life, because this book could not wait. The suspense remains until the end but the author teases the reader by giving away little bits of information, sometimes false, sometimes real. The last chapter comes as a surprise, yet as the only logical explanation. I loved it. Beyond this story, It also made me think that we all have a room 913 in our lives, something that we want to hide from others, a place we crawl in when we want to isolate ourselves. When you finish the book, ask yourself this: what's inside YOUR room 913?
January 7, 2015
Verified Purchase
This review is from: Inside Room 913 (Suspense) (Kindle Edition)
This book was probably the most fun I've had reading in a while. It had several elements of a good murder mystery and drama rolled into one. I'm usually pretty good at uncovering the truth in a story so I wasn't totally surprised by the ending but most people would be and it was a great way to wrap it all up. This was a quick and entertaining read that I would recommend to anyone. I look forward to checking out his other books. Great job Bruce!
This review is from: Inside Room 913 (Suspense) (Kindle Edition)
This book was probably the most fun I've had reading in a while. It had several elements of a good murder mystery and drama rolled into one. I'm usually pretty good at uncovering the truth in a story so I wasn't totally surprised by the ending but most people would be and it was a great way to wrap it all up. This was a quick and entertaining read that I would recommend to anyone. I look forward to checking out his other books. Great job Bruce!
January 17, 2015
I received this book from a Goodreads First Read Giveaway.
This was my first book by this author. I loved this book. I read this book in one day. It was so suspenseful. The main character, Cynthia, takes a job at an assisted living facility/hotel. She becomes obsessed with finding out the secret about what is going on in Room 913. I kept reading this book because I was also really interested in finding out what was going on in that room. The story kept me constantly guessing until the very end.
This was my first book by this author. I loved this book. I read this book in one day. It was so suspenseful. The main character, Cynthia, takes a job at an assisted living facility/hotel. She becomes obsessed with finding out the secret about what is going on in Room 913. I kept reading this book because I was also really interested in finding out what was going on in that room. The story kept me constantly guessing until the very end.
November 15, 2015
Fun and Enjoyable Mystery
Well-written and enjoyable mystery with drama all rolled up into an entertaining read. The story takes quite a few twists and turns until it reaches a pleasurable and satisfactory ending. I'm pretty good a figuring out who done what in mysteries, but I did second guess myself a couple of times. I wasn't completely surprised with the end. I highly recommend "Inside Room 913" to anyone who enjoys a good, suspenseful story.
Well-written and enjoyable mystery with drama all rolled up into an entertaining read. The story takes quite a few twists and turns until it reaches a pleasurable and satisfactory ending. I'm pretty good a figuring out who done what in mysteries, but I did second guess myself a couple of times. I wasn't completely surprised with the end. I highly recommend "Inside Room 913" to anyone who enjoys a good, suspenseful story.
August 17, 2014
I read this book in 2 sittings. How the writer is able to sustain the the suspense page after page is a real feat. Cynthia works in a retirement home where a room is forbidden to enter. There are all kinds of rumors of murder, wealth...what/whom is inside Room 913!
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