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The Eleventh Floor
The view is a killer ... Darkly compelling and twisty psychological drama from a talented new Australian author. Perfect for readers who love Sally Hepworth, Pip Drysdale and Adele Parks.
Will one mother's lie cost another woman her life? Sleep deprived, struggling and at breaking point, first-time mum Gracie Michaels books one night - alone - at The Maxwell Hotel. A king-size bed all to herself. No demands. With time to recharge she'll be able to return to her family more like the unflappable mother she pretends to be. Instead, she wakes in a room she doesn't recognise after an encounter with a man who is not her husband. Then she sees something she wishes she didn't. Being drawn into a crime was not something Gracie had planned for her hotel stay but when a distraught family appeals for information and a police investigation heats up she is trapped in a maze of lies. To speak out jeopardises her marriage, but her silence threatens her son, her sanity and her safety. Will Gracie destroy her own family by telling the truth or devastate someone else's by keeping her secrets?
Will one mother's lie cost another woman her life? Sleep deprived, struggling and at breaking point, first-time mum Gracie Michaels books one night - alone - at The Maxwell Hotel. A king-size bed all to herself. No demands. With time to recharge she'll be able to return to her family more like the unflappable mother she pretends to be. Instead, she wakes in a room she doesn't recognise after an encounter with a man who is not her husband. Then she sees something she wishes she didn't. Being drawn into a crime was not something Gracie had planned for her hotel stay but when a distraught family appeals for information and a police investigation heats up she is trapped in a maze of lies. To speak out jeopardises her marriage, but her silence threatens her son, her sanity and her safety. Will Gracie destroy her own family by telling the truth or devastate someone else's by keeping her secrets?
416 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2024
29 people are currently reading
531 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
February 6, 2024
I loved Kylie Orr’s debut book and have been eagerly awaiting her next one and wow I was pulled into this dark, gripping and compelling story, a story that I think should be told, it takes in the life of a young mother in a very happy marriage, but having a baby and sleepless nights and no time for herself takes its toll, when her husband Joe suggests she has a night to herself in a luxury hotel, Gracie says yes, but maybe she shouldn’t have.
Gracie Michaels arrives at the luxury hotel ready to rest, but maybe a bit of shopping and a drink at the bar first, it has been a while but when she is pulled into a conversation with a guy and one drink turns to two and the next thing she is waking up practically naked with a man in another hotel room, while trying to get way she sees something out of the window, something she wishes she had never seen.
Gracie leaves early and takes her time getting home to her husband and son, with many thoughts going through her mind, what will she do, if she says anything it will probably destroy her marriage, but what about what she saw is that person safe? So many questions, keeping everything to herself is best, but when the police are asking questions about a missing woman and Gracie is called in things heat up and then her son becomes ill and the truth must come out, will there ever be justice for what has happened?
I loved this twisty psychological drama, it is fast paced, and so edge of your seat suspense my heart was in my stomach with what Gracie was going through, and the decisions she made it is filled with intrigue and sadly things that happen too often, MS Orr has written this one with empathy and lots of research I would say, the characters are fabulous and come to life on the pages. I f you love a good twisty tale filled with lots of emotions then this is one to read, I do highly recommend it.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my copy to read and review.
Gracie Michaels arrives at the luxury hotel ready to rest, but maybe a bit of shopping and a drink at the bar first, it has been a while but when she is pulled into a conversation with a guy and one drink turns to two and the next thing she is waking up practically naked with a man in another hotel room, while trying to get way she sees something out of the window, something she wishes she had never seen.
Gracie leaves early and takes her time getting home to her husband and son, with many thoughts going through her mind, what will she do, if she says anything it will probably destroy her marriage, but what about what she saw is that person safe? So many questions, keeping everything to herself is best, but when the police are asking questions about a missing woman and Gracie is called in things heat up and then her son becomes ill and the truth must come out, will there ever be justice for what has happened?
I loved this twisty psychological drama, it is fast paced, and so edge of your seat suspense my heart was in my stomach with what Gracie was going through, and the decisions she made it is filled with intrigue and sadly things that happen too often, MS Orr has written this one with empathy and lots of research I would say, the characters are fabulous and come to life on the pages. I f you love a good twisty tale filled with lots of emotions then this is one to read, I do highly recommend it.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my copy to read and review.
May 14, 2024
I went into this book thinking it was a standard thriller. The book morphed into something else, a genre/topic I was not interested in reading about for various reasons. Therefore, my low rating is, I suppose, the result of a mismatch. I was disappointed as I was looking forward to it.
The genre of tired mums with newborns is one I’ve read a lot of lately, perhaps too much so, which again shows a bad choice. Gracie was desperate, at the end of her tether, and in need of a good sleep. Bad choice in going to the bar, everything goes downhill from there.
The narration was not enjoyable for me, particularly when the character of Gracie’s best friend was speaking.
As the story proceeded, the reverberations from this terrible night approach a marriage in ruins, then proceeds into the zone of a very topical societal issue of the current times, and this is what I was not expecting or particularly enjoyed. I found a lot was trying to be approached, a melting pot if you will. I didn’t grasp onto any of the characters in an enjoyable way, and parts of the ending fell flat also.
Others have enjoyed this more going from the reviews I’ve read, so I will definitely concede to being an outlier with this book.
I listened to this via the BorrowBox app and my public library.
2.5 stars rounded up.
The genre of tired mums with newborns is one I’ve read a lot of lately, perhaps too much so, which again shows a bad choice. Gracie was desperate, at the end of her tether, and in need of a good sleep. Bad choice in going to the bar, everything goes downhill from there.
The narration was not enjoyable for me, particularly when the character of Gracie’s best friend was speaking.
As the story proceeded, the reverberations from this terrible night approach a marriage in ruins, then proceeds into the zone of a very topical societal issue of the current times, and this is what I was not expecting or particularly enjoyed. I found a lot was trying to be approached, a melting pot if you will. I didn’t grasp onto any of the characters in an enjoyable way, and parts of the ending fell flat also.
Others have enjoyed this more going from the reviews I’ve read, so I will definitely concede to being an outlier with this book.
I listened to this via the BorrowBox app and my public library.
2.5 stars rounded up.
January 20, 2024
There are a lot of issues covered in this novel about new mother Gracie Michaels. From parenting to relationships, to sexual violence and how the legal and justice systems deal with these cases. And that’s probably why it ended being a three star read, the first half was good, I was drawn into the story but I read the second half expecting some twists and turns only for it to almost turn into a life coaching manual. Okay it’s not that bad but the issues did feel more important than the story and of course the issues are important, it just took away the intensity of the read for me.
April 24, 2024
The Eleventh Floor is a dark domestic drama novel that starts out by shining a light on the mental stress experienced by new mothers. But then things are taken to a whole new level with a horrible sexual assault creating a nightmare world for a young family.
When Gracie Michaels admits she’s finding it difficult to cope with a baby who seems never to sleep, screaming day and night, she starts dreaming of taking a single night’s break. Her husband’s fully on board and books her a room in a luxury hotel so she can relax, recharge and get a good night’s sleep.
She’s a little perturbed upon checking in when she discovers the hotel is hosting a national conference for salesmen and the place is simply crawling with businessmen and women. Nevertheless, she’s determined to have her quiet night, getting in some indulgent shopping first before kicking back and relaxing.
On her way down to the lobby, she bumps into a man, one of the conference attendees, who somehow talks her into dropping into the hotel’s bar that night for a chance to let her hair down. Against her better judgement, she decides this would be a good chance to feel normal again and winds up dressing herself up and going out for the night.
The nightmare begins when she wakes up at around 3am in the man’s bedroom on the 11th floor of the hotel. Looking out the window in confusion she appears to witness a man assaulting a woman on the street below. Not only that but she’s having flashback memories of what must have happened to her in the previous few hours.
She’s distraught, ashamed and disgusted with herself and can’t bear to discuss the sexual assault she was victim to. Her silence, however, is going to prove to have devastating consequences, both with her marriage and legally when the police come knocking asking questions about the assault that took place outside the hotel.
It’s at this point that I thought I knew the direction in which the story was heading. A devastating assault, witnessing another horrible crime and recriminations over a night to forget. But this wasn’t a thriller where danger was to lie around every corner. Instead the story turns into one of redemption, empowerment and strength as Gracie decides to fight back against her abuser, something that all too frequently ends up putting the victim through an even greater trauma.
Gracie is perfectly depicted as the victim who feels fear, confusion and even guilt following a sexual assault where she was drugged first. Her pain and denial that quickly becomes self-loathing is understandable and has been graphically captured by Kylie Orr through the judicious use of the first person narrative. The only source of annoyance I had came from Gracie’s almost chronic need to lie - to her husband, to the police, to her best friend. And most times there was no good reason to lie, a choice that caused inevitable major problems.
The Eleventh Floor highlights the difficulties women who are victims of sexual abuse have when dealing with the legal system. As was pointed out a number of times in the course of the fight, justice has no place in the legal process so Gracie’s fight for justice was always going to be a difficult one.
I thought this was an important story and it was well told. It wasn’t quite the thriller I was expecting, but that’s okay because the dogged fight through the various legal channels created its own type of suspense that was gripping in itself.
When Gracie Michaels admits she’s finding it difficult to cope with a baby who seems never to sleep, screaming day and night, she starts dreaming of taking a single night’s break. Her husband’s fully on board and books her a room in a luxury hotel so she can relax, recharge and get a good night’s sleep.
She’s a little perturbed upon checking in when she discovers the hotel is hosting a national conference for salesmen and the place is simply crawling with businessmen and women. Nevertheless, she’s determined to have her quiet night, getting in some indulgent shopping first before kicking back and relaxing.
On her way down to the lobby, she bumps into a man, one of the conference attendees, who somehow talks her into dropping into the hotel’s bar that night for a chance to let her hair down. Against her better judgement, she decides this would be a good chance to feel normal again and winds up dressing herself up and going out for the night.
The nightmare begins when she wakes up at around 3am in the man’s bedroom on the 11th floor of the hotel. Looking out the window in confusion she appears to witness a man assaulting a woman on the street below. Not only that but she’s having flashback memories of what must have happened to her in the previous few hours.
She’s distraught, ashamed and disgusted with herself and can’t bear to discuss the sexual assault she was victim to. Her silence, however, is going to prove to have devastating consequences, both with her marriage and legally when the police come knocking asking questions about the assault that took place outside the hotel.
It’s at this point that I thought I knew the direction in which the story was heading. A devastating assault, witnessing another horrible crime and recriminations over a night to forget. But this wasn’t a thriller where danger was to lie around every corner. Instead the story turns into one of redemption, empowerment and strength as Gracie decides to fight back against her abuser, something that all too frequently ends up putting the victim through an even greater trauma.
Gracie is perfectly depicted as the victim who feels fear, confusion and even guilt following a sexual assault where she was drugged first. Her pain and denial that quickly becomes self-loathing is understandable and has been graphically captured by Kylie Orr through the judicious use of the first person narrative. The only source of annoyance I had came from Gracie’s almost chronic need to lie - to her husband, to the police, to her best friend. And most times there was no good reason to lie, a choice that caused inevitable major problems.
The Eleventh Floor highlights the difficulties women who are victims of sexual abuse have when dealing with the legal system. As was pointed out a number of times in the course of the fight, justice has no place in the legal process so Gracie’s fight for justice was always going to be a difficult one.
I thought this was an important story and it was well told. It wasn’t quite the thriller I was expecting, but that’s okay because the dogged fight through the various legal channels created its own type of suspense that was gripping in itself.
February 2, 2024
A sleep-deprived new mom's husband gives her a gift:
A night off to spend in a hotel to relax and unwind.
QUESTION: What could possibly go wrong?
ANSWER: Everything!
(Especially if you bring sexy lingerie with you and invite a strange man into your hotel room).
This book was a DNF for me at 60%.
Waay too many sexually explicit details and repetitious text.
(I prefer G-rated thrillers!)
I listened to the audiobook read by Hannah Fredericksen, who did a superb job with the narration.
One star, rounded up.
February 16, 2024
4.5 stars rated up!
Ooooh, this was good!
The Eleventh Floor was one of my highly anticipated books this year and boy, it didn’t disappoint. I loved Someone Else’s Child - Kylie's debut (highly recommended if you haven’t read it) this one is even better!
When new mum Gracie is offered a blissfully needed night away from home to catch up on sleep and some self love, she jumps at the chance. Her husband books her a swanky hotel suite and Gracie is in heaven … until she wakes up and finds herself in another mans bed. Not just that, she also thinks she has just witnessed a crime.
Trying to gather her thoughts and quickly packing to return home early, Gracie is a mess. Attempting to piece things together from her sketch memory, all she is positive of, is she can’t tell her husband the truth, nor the police who are now looking for witnesses from the hotel to an alleged missing person investigation.
I absolutely devoured this book. Full of unexpected twists and turns and peppered with Kylies trademark witty, often hilarious writing, I was captivated from start to finish.
It’s a story of motherhood, especially those early months as a first time mum - many of the scenes were highly relatable. The story also explores the seedier side of nightlife and what people are prepared to do to protect themselves.
Brava Kylie! I cannot wait for your next one ❤️
Many thanks to the wonderful team @harlequinaus for a #gifted advanced reading copy
Ooooh, this was good!
The Eleventh Floor was one of my highly anticipated books this year and boy, it didn’t disappoint. I loved Someone Else’s Child - Kylie's debut (highly recommended if you haven’t read it) this one is even better!
When new mum Gracie is offered a blissfully needed night away from home to catch up on sleep and some self love, she jumps at the chance. Her husband books her a swanky hotel suite and Gracie is in heaven … until she wakes up and finds herself in another mans bed. Not just that, she also thinks she has just witnessed a crime.
Trying to gather her thoughts and quickly packing to return home early, Gracie is a mess. Attempting to piece things together from her sketch memory, all she is positive of, is she can’t tell her husband the truth, nor the police who are now looking for witnesses from the hotel to an alleged missing person investigation.
I absolutely devoured this book. Full of unexpected twists and turns and peppered with Kylies trademark witty, often hilarious writing, I was captivated from start to finish.
It’s a story of motherhood, especially those early months as a first time mum - many of the scenes were highly relatable. The story also explores the seedier side of nightlife and what people are prepared to do to protect themselves.
Brava Kylie! I cannot wait for your next one ❤️
Many thanks to the wonderful team @harlequinaus for a #gifted advanced reading copy
April 22, 2024
I enjoyed this one, it started of really strong and I liked the sense on humor in it... I did feel the last 3rd of the book was very long, still enjoyable. 3.5 rounded down
February 17, 2024
A generous two stars
This was so disappointing and what hurts more is I loved Someone Else's Child so I was highly anticipating this book. I loved the set up of this book and some of the reveals initially really surprised me. However, about halfway through, the tone of this book completely changed to more of a contemporary/women's fiction vibe (nothing wrong with that, just not my mood at the time). I wanted clever and shocking reveals in this, but it felt too happy go lucky in the end and I'm low key mad if I am being honest.
This was so disappointing and what hurts more is I loved Someone Else's Child so I was highly anticipating this book. I loved the set up of this book and some of the reveals initially really surprised me. However, about halfway through, the tone of this book completely changed to more of a contemporary/women's fiction vibe (nothing wrong with that, just not my mood at the time). I wanted clever and shocking reveals in this, but it felt too happy go lucky in the end and I'm low key mad if I am being honest.
January 21, 2024
Thank you Harlequin for sending us a copy to read and review.
The wait is over, Kylie Orr’s second outing is here and it gives off suburban domestic drama and suspense vibes and verifying she is no one hit wonder.
Gracie Michaels is having troubling sleeping and emotionally a mess.
She is struggling being a mum for the first time.
So she books a night alone at a hotel to get some sleep and rejuvenate.
Joe, her husband, agrees it is what she needs.
Arriving in the luxury room she is ready to relax.
Hours later she wakes up in a strangers room.
Not knowing how she met the man or how she got there.
Gracie also vaguely remembers seeing a crime from the window.
Her choice to go silent will have its consequences.
What happened…..
A very realistic look at parenthood, emotional overload, family dynamics and sleep deprivation.
Thought provoking, discussion worthy and a glimpse into the role of motherhood.
With the added context of tension, intrigue, numerous themes and the way society portrays right and wrong, it’s definitely good for book club chats.
The Eleventh Floor is a dark, raw, honest and important story.
The wait is over, Kylie Orr’s second outing is here and it gives off suburban domestic drama and suspense vibes and verifying she is no one hit wonder.
Gracie Michaels is having troubling sleeping and emotionally a mess.
She is struggling being a mum for the first time.
So she books a night alone at a hotel to get some sleep and rejuvenate.
Joe, her husband, agrees it is what she needs.
Arriving in the luxury room she is ready to relax.
Hours later she wakes up in a strangers room.
Not knowing how she met the man or how she got there.
Gracie also vaguely remembers seeing a crime from the window.
Her choice to go silent will have its consequences.
What happened…..
A very realistic look at parenthood, emotional overload, family dynamics and sleep deprivation.
Thought provoking, discussion worthy and a glimpse into the role of motherhood.
With the added context of tension, intrigue, numerous themes and the way society portrays right and wrong, it’s definitely good for book club chats.
The Eleventh Floor is a dark, raw, honest and important story.
February 4, 2024
Gracie Michaels is a new mum who is struggling. Motherhood is not what she thought it would be and she is exhausted. Battling feelings of guilt and not being good enough, she really needs a break. Convincing her husband to book a solo night at the Maxwell Hotel for her, Gracie plans to sleep and enjoy some time to herself. Despite the best laid plans, Gracie instead finds herself waking next to a man who is not her husband and then witnessing what is possibly a crime through the hotel room window. What follows is an ever spiralling litany of lies and secrets as Gracie tries to hide the truth.
The Eleventh Floor explores themes of motherhood, emotional load and the changing family relationships after children. Some parts were incredibly challenging to read as they were so relatable. I had to take a break on a couple of occasions to process the emotions that it was provoking, definitely the sign of fantastic writing.
The underlying mystery of what Gracie had witnessed gave this book a sinister edge which I loved and had me compulsively turning the pages.
An unputdownable and tension packed novel that was both timely and gripping. I can’t wait for more from Kylie Orr.
The Eleventh Floor explores themes of motherhood, emotional load and the changing family relationships after children. Some parts were incredibly challenging to read as they were so relatable. I had to take a break on a couple of occasions to process the emotions that it was provoking, definitely the sign of fantastic writing.
The underlying mystery of what Gracie had witnessed gave this book a sinister edge which I loved and had me compulsively turning the pages.
An unputdownable and tension packed novel that was both timely and gripping. I can’t wait for more from Kylie Orr.
February 1, 2024
What started as a simple night out away from parenting led to the biggest mistake of Gracie's life.
All the worn-out mum wanted was a relaxing bath, room service, a movie, and interrupted sleep in the luxurious Maxwell Hotel. Yet, she somehow ended up in a room that wasn't hers, with a man that wasn't her husband sleeping beside her. Disoriented and confused, she looks out of the window only to witness a brutal attack, taking place eleven floors below.
Gracie knows that she should report the incident to the police, but if she does, it would also mean admitting her infidelity. There's no way that she would want to risk everything that her and her husband Joe had built up - a solid trusting marriage and a much loved and wanted child.
Yet, the decision to remain silent is taken out of her hands when the missing young women's family appeals for any information. By the time that police detectives catch up with Gracie, she's running scared. Ramifications of that night are already making themselves known, and she's only created a big mess for herself.
If only she could turn the clock back and stay at home....
This was my first Kylie Orr experience. One that was highly entertaining. The suspense and intrigue that was promised in the blurb was delivered in part one. I couldn't tear myself from the pages, watching this train wreck develop. Gracie just made everything harder for herself by making some questionable choices in regard to this massive dilemma.
Part two, however, was a nice, unexpected change of pace. As the immediate aftermath passed, it was time for Gracie to start accepting the past and look forward to the future. That's not to say established events were all but forgotten. Because of a few twists, justice was served in the way I wasn't expecting.
Thanks to Harper Collins Australia for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
4🌟
All the worn-out mum wanted was a relaxing bath, room service, a movie, and interrupted sleep in the luxurious Maxwell Hotel. Yet, she somehow ended up in a room that wasn't hers, with a man that wasn't her husband sleeping beside her. Disoriented and confused, she looks out of the window only to witness a brutal attack, taking place eleven floors below.
Gracie knows that she should report the incident to the police, but if she does, it would also mean admitting her infidelity. There's no way that she would want to risk everything that her and her husband Joe had built up - a solid trusting marriage and a much loved and wanted child.
Yet, the decision to remain silent is taken out of her hands when the missing young women's family appeals for any information. By the time that police detectives catch up with Gracie, she's running scared. Ramifications of that night are already making themselves known, and she's only created a big mess for herself.
If only she could turn the clock back and stay at home....
This was my first Kylie Orr experience. One that was highly entertaining. The suspense and intrigue that was promised in the blurb was delivered in part one. I couldn't tear myself from the pages, watching this train wreck develop. Gracie just made everything harder for herself by making some questionable choices in regard to this massive dilemma.
Part two, however, was a nice, unexpected change of pace. As the immediate aftermath passed, it was time for Gracie to start accepting the past and look forward to the future. That's not to say established events were all but forgotten. Because of a few twists, justice was served in the way I wasn't expecting.
Thanks to Harper Collins Australia for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
4🌟
April 17, 2024
3.5 stars.
Sleep deprived, struggling and at breaking point, first-time mum Gracie Michaels booked a me-time at The Maxwell Hotel. Somehow, she woke up in a room she didn’t recognise after an encounter with a man who was not her husband. Then she saw something she wished she hadn't, and found herself at the heart of a police investigation. Would she destroy her family’s trust in order to reveal the truth?
I had an interesting experience reading this book. I don’t know why, but I initially thought this was your usual pop-corn thriller with some whodunnit mystery. So I was super confused when I almost reached the end of the book and there was no ‘murder mystery’ (because it wasn’t supposed to be one 🙈!).
So, genre misunderstanding aside (due to my own mistake and nobody else’s!), I found most of the motherhood parts to be relatable, except the part where Gracie made bad decisions involving drinks and the hotel bar (I wanted to tell her to turn around and leave)! I kept nodding at the struggles, frustrations and loneliness she felt, being a newborn mum.
I probably would’ve enjoyed the book more had I not mistaken the genre, but in the end this was a great introduction to Kylie Orr’s writing! I liked her wittiness and dark humour (I unexpectedly chuckled at some dark moments before catching myself!), and some of the scenes were outstandingly written. Plus, I listened to the audiobook (alternating with the physical copy), and the narration was done well - I think I finished the book in a day and a bit!
So yes, I immediately moved on to Kylie’s backlist afterwards.
See my bookstagram review.
Sleep deprived, struggling and at breaking point, first-time mum Gracie Michaels booked a me-time at The Maxwell Hotel. Somehow, she woke up in a room she didn’t recognise after an encounter with a man who was not her husband. Then she saw something she wished she hadn't, and found herself at the heart of a police investigation. Would she destroy her family’s trust in order to reveal the truth?
I had an interesting experience reading this book. I don’t know why, but I initially thought this was your usual pop-corn thriller with some whodunnit mystery. So I was super confused when I almost reached the end of the book and there was no ‘murder mystery’ (because it wasn’t supposed to be one 🙈!).
So, genre misunderstanding aside (due to my own mistake and nobody else’s!), I found most of the motherhood parts to be relatable, except the part where Gracie made bad decisions involving drinks and the hotel bar (I wanted to tell her to turn around and leave)! I kept nodding at the struggles, frustrations and loneliness she felt, being a newborn mum.
I probably would’ve enjoyed the book more had I not mistaken the genre, but in the end this was a great introduction to Kylie Orr’s writing! I liked her wittiness and dark humour (I unexpectedly chuckled at some dark moments before catching myself!), and some of the scenes were outstandingly written. Plus, I listened to the audiobook (alternating with the physical copy), and the narration was done well - I think I finished the book in a day and a bit!
So yes, I immediately moved on to Kylie’s backlist afterwards.
See my bookstagram review.
March 22, 2024
I was hooked right from the start with this one! The story line is written cleverly to make the reader believe that a particular thing happens one dreadful night. However, as the story progresses, we learn that the truth of that night is far more sinister.
This book was a roller-coaster and dealt with some strong themes (check trigger warnings).
This book was a roller-coaster and dealt with some strong themes (check trigger warnings).
March 26, 2024
Quite possibly the dullest, most vomity book I have read for years.
March 29, 2024
I listened to this courtesy of an audio book through Libro.fm
and Harper Audio. It’s a great quality audio and a wonderful way to have ‘read’ this particular book.
This is an interesting read, and a first by this author for me. It threw me for a loop as I thought I was delving into a thriller and that’s how it started out, but it took a bit of a turn mid way through and was more contemporary (Women’s) fiction. It became less of the gritty thriller detail about a murder and some lies a woman told, and more about the dynamics that unfolded, the context of her familial and personal life. There is an underlying narrative about sexual and personal violence against women but I won’t say how it relates to the plot as I think that part of the synopsis gives a bit too much of the story away.
As someone who has worked in this area I’m all about the subject matter - I’ve recently read Prima Facie which has a similar tone but was presented quite differently. I find both books to be good, but Prima Facie was a little more edgy, and somewhat more direct in its plot whereas this one sort of felt like it was trying to do too much.
Still liked it, and whilst it’s all from Gracie’s POV because it’s her experience, I did wonder about an epilogue as the final chapters whilst alluding to certain things just didn’t do so satisfyingly for me. I don’t mind being left hanging but if so it’s got to be a WTF moment whereas here it was a whimper more than a bang.
and Harper Audio. It’s a great quality audio and a wonderful way to have ‘read’ this particular book.
This is an interesting read, and a first by this author for me. It threw me for a loop as I thought I was delving into a thriller and that’s how it started out, but it took a bit of a turn mid way through and was more contemporary (Women’s) fiction. It became less of the gritty thriller detail about a murder and some lies a woman told, and more about the dynamics that unfolded, the context of her familial and personal life. There is an underlying narrative about sexual and personal violence against women but I won’t say how it relates to the plot as I think that part of the synopsis gives a bit too much of the story away.
As someone who has worked in this area I’m all about the subject matter - I’ve recently read Prima Facie which has a similar tone but was presented quite differently. I find both books to be good, but Prima Facie was a little more edgy, and somewhat more direct in its plot whereas this one sort of felt like it was trying to do too much.
Still liked it, and whilst it’s all from Gracie’s POV because it’s her experience, I did wonder about an epilogue as the final chapters whilst alluding to certain things just didn’t do so satisfyingly for me. I don’t mind being left hanging but if so it’s got to be a WTF moment whereas here it was a whimper more than a bang.
February 25, 2024
This book was a disturbing, thought provoking and intense read.
February 28, 2024
✨ REVIEW ✨
As a mum of young kids, both of which were fans of cat naps throughout the day and party animals at night, I know exactly what it feels like to be sleep deprived and just want a night off from it all.
Cue to our heroine in this story. Gracie is a sleep deprived mum who needs a break but alone. Without her child, her husband or her best friend, she just wants to chill alone so off she goes to a hotel to relax and indulge. Which is actually a great idea for mums, especially if you love your solitude.👏🏻
However, instead of relaxing bliss, everything that could go wrong from just that one night, does. Literally everything. While I really enjoyed the writing, I could not at all, get on board with Gracie being… well Gracie and doing what she does in this book that’s marketed almost like a thriller.
If you plan to read this book, I need to put a SPOILER ALERT so you can stop reading my review.
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From wanting a night off to then waking up next to a man that’s not her husband then to seeing a possible murder, that is just the start of the roller coaster. The fact that Gracie stays quiet about it all made me question her as a person and I absolutely could not relate to that. Yes yes I know she is fictional. BUT. Still.
This book did not come with a content/trigger warning which I think it really needed.
It talks a lot about how mothers can become overwhelmed but also there is quite a bit around how the Australian Justice system handles Sexual Violence cases. Other triggers included Postnatal Depression, Mental Illness, Sexual Violence/Date Rape, Non Con, Drugs, Talk of Medical Termination are just some that are covered.
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Okay so that was alot I know.
Towards the end I felt a little deflated about the whole thriller aspect. It started off really really strongly but then fell flat for me where I thought I was reading therapy session notes.
I have to admit though that while I didn’t love the story, I did enjoy the writing so I would happily pick up another book from this author.
Thank you @harpercollinsaustralia for the #gifted copy.
As a mum of young kids, both of which were fans of cat naps throughout the day and party animals at night, I know exactly what it feels like to be sleep deprived and just want a night off from it all.
Cue to our heroine in this story. Gracie is a sleep deprived mum who needs a break but alone. Without her child, her husband or her best friend, she just wants to chill alone so off she goes to a hotel to relax and indulge. Which is actually a great idea for mums, especially if you love your solitude.👏🏻
However, instead of relaxing bliss, everything that could go wrong from just that one night, does. Literally everything. While I really enjoyed the writing, I could not at all, get on board with Gracie being… well Gracie and doing what she does in this book that’s marketed almost like a thriller.
If you plan to read this book, I need to put a SPOILER ALERT so you can stop reading my review.
✨✨✨✨✨
From wanting a night off to then waking up next to a man that’s not her husband then to seeing a possible murder, that is just the start of the roller coaster. The fact that Gracie stays quiet about it all made me question her as a person and I absolutely could not relate to that. Yes yes I know she is fictional. BUT. Still.
This book did not come with a content/trigger warning which I think it really needed.
It talks a lot about how mothers can become overwhelmed but also there is quite a bit around how the Australian Justice system handles Sexual Violence cases. Other triggers included Postnatal Depression, Mental Illness, Sexual Violence/Date Rape, Non Con, Drugs, Talk of Medical Termination are just some that are covered.
✨✨✨✨✨
Okay so that was alot I know.
Towards the end I felt a little deflated about the whole thriller aspect. It started off really really strongly but then fell flat for me where I thought I was reading therapy session notes.
I have to admit though that while I didn’t love the story, I did enjoy the writing so I would happily pick up another book from this author.
Thank you @harpercollinsaustralia for the #gifted copy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
Firstly, I want to thank HQ for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I’m forever grateful for receiving paperback arcs from such an amazing company.
The Eleventh Floor was a very interesting read. The story was compelling and most of the shocks kept me very interested in what would happen next.
Where it fell flat for me was the FMC. For me, she was incredibly insufferable. The decisions she made would just infuriate me so much. Some of them felt too ridiculous. Like they were put in just for the shock factor.
This book is very heavy on family, children, breastfeeding etc so if that isn’t your thing I wouldn’t recommend reading this book as it is throughout the entirety of the book. I don’t mind it and could relate to some things so I enjoyed those elements.
There was a plot point that never got fully answered which I would have liked it to so we are just left wondering.
I would recommend giving this book a go if you’re interested in constant shocks and relatability to motherhood.
Firstly, I want to thank HQ for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I’m forever grateful for receiving paperback arcs from such an amazing company.
The Eleventh Floor was a very interesting read. The story was compelling and most of the shocks kept me very interested in what would happen next.
Where it fell flat for me was the FMC. For me, she was incredibly insufferable. The decisions she made would just infuriate me so much. Some of them felt too ridiculous. Like they were put in just for the shock factor.
This book is very heavy on family, children, breastfeeding etc so if that isn’t your thing I wouldn’t recommend reading this book as it is throughout the entirety of the book. I don’t mind it and could relate to some things so I enjoyed those elements.
There was a plot point that never got fully answered which I would have liked it to so we are just left wondering.
I would recommend giving this book a go if you’re interested in constant shocks and relatability to motherhood.
March 4, 2024
Okay I really wanted to like this one, the synopsis certainly drew me in - however I struggled a lot and almost DNF (i only kept going coz i really hate not finishing books, lol).
This was touted as a 'psychological thriller', but almost a third of the way through it practically turned into a mummy-drama book about the battles of juggling motherhood, husbands and careers. Not that there is anything wrong with those types of stories, its just not MY type of story.
And the murder that Gracie witnessed didnt really go anywhere, I was hoping for some full-on twist (like, it turned out it was actually her husband she saw, or something equally twisty, lol), but unfortunately not - again I felt like this part of the book was the side story to Gracies mummy dramas, and overall the book just missed a few too many marks.
The ending was also a little disappointing - it would have been good if there was an epilogue that was from Jocelyns/Ravis point of view so that we knew exactly what happened (even though it was insinuated), again a twist here would have been good too (for example, it turned out Joe gave Ravi the tip off...... if you havent already guessed, I love books with twists, LOL)
This was touted as a 'psychological thriller', but almost a third of the way through it practically turned into a mummy-drama book about the battles of juggling motherhood, husbands and careers. Not that there is anything wrong with those types of stories, its just not MY type of story.
And the murder that Gracie witnessed didnt really go anywhere, I was hoping for some full-on twist (like, it turned out it was actually her husband she saw, or something equally twisty, lol), but unfortunately not - again I felt like this part of the book was the side story to Gracies mummy dramas, and overall the book just missed a few too many marks.
The ending was also a little disappointing - it would have been good if there was an epilogue that was from Jocelyns/Ravis point of view so that we knew exactly what happened (even though it was insinuated), again a twist here would have been good too (for example, it turned out Joe gave Ravi the tip off...... if you havent already guessed, I love books with twists, LOL)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2024
I really wanted to enjoy this book but I didn't. The first half was interesting but then fell flat. I skimmed through last 100 pages waiting for something to happen but it didn't. No plot twist here. No idea what the name colour thing was, just strange to me. All the crap that happened to the main character was not believable to me. So many things in this book just wouldn't happen.
March 29, 2024
This book was tired, repetitive and boring
The book started off with an interesting idea. The premise was interesting but the constant, continuous feelings of guilt of the main character running through the story was tiresome. The middle of the book was a repetition of a day to day description of a young mums life. I lost interest and flicked through the last pages . The ending was as unsatisfying and I was disappointed.
The book started off with an interesting idea. The premise was interesting but the constant, continuous feelings of guilt of the main character running through the story was tiresome. The middle of the book was a repetition of a day to day description of a young mums life. I lost interest and flicked through the last pages . The ending was as unsatisfying and I was disappointed.
January 27, 2024
The eleventh floor opens with a distressed new mum, Gracie; her nightmare child has not stopped crying for eight months and she is at the end of her tether and barely functioning as a human. She feels a complete failure as a mother. All she wants to do is have one night of uninterrupted sleep. Her husband treats her to a night off in a fancy hotel - one night with no husband, no baby, just peace and quiet and sleep.
Then Gracie decides to go shopping for new clothes and after a flirty exchange with a kind man decides to accept his offer of a drink in the hotel bar. She hopes that for one hour she will feel like a woman rather than a feeding machine. But it all goes pear-shaped when the kind man turns out to be a nasty man and gets her drunk, slips a drug into the last drink, and takes her to his room where he rapes her.
Gracie comes to, is utterly disorientated, sees him asleep, panics and gathers her torn clothes. As she dresses she glances out of the window and sees a woman being attacked outside the hotel. Gracie focuses on getting out of the hotel room and making her way back to her room, dithering as to whether she should report what she has seen. She is so ashamed of her husband finding out, and still half out of her senses due to her drugged state, she doesn’t do anything.
Gracie goes home the next day, but soon discovers the woman she saw being attacked is now a missing woman. Still wanting to hide her “sin”, Gracie lies to her husband, friend and police before circumstances force her to come clean about her one night stand/rape and seeing the missing woman being attacked. Her wonderful husband supports her and her life improves as she is now supported by the police to pursue the man who raped her. She is lucky, the police have found evidence that supports her story while they were investigating the missing woman.
The rest of the book follows Gracie’s case. After spending the first part of the story actively trying to forget what happened, Gracie now decides to go off on a tangent after the police tell her not to. This left this reader wondering if Gracie’s case was going to be jeopardised by her refusal to listen to advice and possibly ending up with her assailant getting off. Overall it was a real page turner to find out how it was all going to end. Not sure I liked the ending, but it is what it is. Gracie made some stupid decisions, in the first half of the book, however utter sleep deprivation, and the trauma of the assault was a reasonable excuse. But in the second half she had no excuses - just stubbornness and stupidity - and I can’t help thinking that maybe by doing what she did, it triggered the outcome that happened.
The story was well written and heartbreaking as the sexual abuse and workplace sexism was laid out. The plot felt very real - the police processes, getting inside Gracie’s head and understanding her motivation. The story also explained how thousands of women put up with bad behaviour from men in the workplace, as well as their homes across the country, and are not going to put up with it any more. Thankfully, the story also emphasises that not all men are evil, which they aren’t, there are many, many good ones out there. I found it interesting because recently there has been a high profile rape case in the news and I found myself comparing it with Gracie’s fictional case where evidence had been found, despite her showering immediately and not reporting the rape, to the real case where it really is word of mouth.
I really recommend this book.
With thanks to Netgalley and HQ Fiction for my copy to review
Then Gracie decides to go shopping for new clothes and after a flirty exchange with a kind man decides to accept his offer of a drink in the hotel bar. She hopes that for one hour she will feel like a woman rather than a feeding machine. But it all goes pear-shaped when the kind man turns out to be a nasty man and gets her drunk, slips a drug into the last drink, and takes her to his room where he rapes her.
Gracie comes to, is utterly disorientated, sees him asleep, panics and gathers her torn clothes. As she dresses she glances out of the window and sees a woman being attacked outside the hotel. Gracie focuses on getting out of the hotel room and making her way back to her room, dithering as to whether she should report what she has seen. She is so ashamed of her husband finding out, and still half out of her senses due to her drugged state, she doesn’t do anything.
Gracie goes home the next day, but soon discovers the woman she saw being attacked is now a missing woman. Still wanting to hide her “sin”, Gracie lies to her husband, friend and police before circumstances force her to come clean about her one night stand/rape and seeing the missing woman being attacked. Her wonderful husband supports her and her life improves as she is now supported by the police to pursue the man who raped her. She is lucky, the police have found evidence that supports her story while they were investigating the missing woman.
The rest of the book follows Gracie’s case. After spending the first part of the story actively trying to forget what happened, Gracie now decides to go off on a tangent after the police tell her not to. This left this reader wondering if Gracie’s case was going to be jeopardised by her refusal to listen to advice and possibly ending up with her assailant getting off. Overall it was a real page turner to find out how it was all going to end. Not sure I liked the ending, but it is what it is. Gracie made some stupid decisions, in the first half of the book, however utter sleep deprivation, and the trauma of the assault was a reasonable excuse. But in the second half she had no excuses - just stubbornness and stupidity - and I can’t help thinking that maybe by doing what she did, it triggered the outcome that happened.
The story was well written and heartbreaking as the sexual abuse and workplace sexism was laid out. The plot felt very real - the police processes, getting inside Gracie’s head and understanding her motivation. The story also explained how thousands of women put up with bad behaviour from men in the workplace, as well as their homes across the country, and are not going to put up with it any more. Thankfully, the story also emphasises that not all men are evil, which they aren’t, there are many, many good ones out there. I found it interesting because recently there has been a high profile rape case in the news and I found myself comparing it with Gracie’s fictional case where evidence had been found, despite her showering immediately and not reporting the rape, to the real case where it really is word of mouth.
I really recommend this book.
With thanks to Netgalley and HQ Fiction for my copy to review
May 6, 2024
I gobbled the first half of The Eleventh Hour, it was well-paced and well-communicated. The second half of this book tries too hard on sexual violence myth busting, which destroys the pacing and takes it through some unexpected turns. I get why the writer, Kylie Orr, did this, and her reasoning is sound, but it stops short of being a good book because of this choice: "I was full to the brim with rage, yet we were taught to keep ourselves safe, to act in a way that wouldn’t draw unwelcome attention, that could endanger our lives."
"I love Theo more than anything I've ever loved, but I'm not loving this motherhood deal." There's actually quite a lot going on in one book. It's about both motherhood and sexual violence: "bending my mind towards the reality of rape proved harder than I expected." What The Eleventh Hour conveys well is that sexual violence permeates into all aspects of your life, including being a mother. The lead protagonist is also a synesthete who sees the alphabet, and thus people's names, in colour, which adds another layer of complexity: "I was muddled enough without my synesthesia clouding my thoughts." There's also a bit of gendered analysis focused on both responses to sexual violence, and the gendered distribution of labour, like child rearing: "I found it interesting that Joe didn’t even ask who was in charge of Theo tonight. It automatically fell to me. Was this the way the division of labour fell to women, or was Joe still punishing me?"
"Victim. Sexual assault. They had a foul taste to them and their colours were murky, like chewed tobacco. Tarred." What I liked the best about this book was the way it addressed the self doubt and self-loathing that come with sexual violence, particularly when the victim and survivor engaged in flirtation or used drugs and alcohol: "There was no doubt I went to that bar dressed in a way that felt provocative and drank alcohol with a stranger." It also does a good job with intrusive memories, actually providing some very useful advise on not fighting them, but allowing them and then deciding not to hold onto the thought: "let the thought come and then I let it go. It was a practice that took energy." I gave it four stars because it was a good attempt at bringing together what it's like being a sexual assault victim and survivor trying to pursue a just legal outcome.
"I love Theo more than anything I've ever loved, but I'm not loving this motherhood deal." There's actually quite a lot going on in one book. It's about both motherhood and sexual violence: "bending my mind towards the reality of rape proved harder than I expected." What The Eleventh Hour conveys well is that sexual violence permeates into all aspects of your life, including being a mother. The lead protagonist is also a synesthete who sees the alphabet, and thus people's names, in colour, which adds another layer of complexity: "I was muddled enough without my synesthesia clouding my thoughts." There's also a bit of gendered analysis focused on both responses to sexual violence, and the gendered distribution of labour, like child rearing: "I found it interesting that Joe didn’t even ask who was in charge of Theo tonight. It automatically fell to me. Was this the way the division of labour fell to women, or was Joe still punishing me?"
"Victim. Sexual assault. They had a foul taste to them and their colours were murky, like chewed tobacco. Tarred." What I liked the best about this book was the way it addressed the self doubt and self-loathing that come with sexual violence, particularly when the victim and survivor engaged in flirtation or used drugs and alcohol: "There was no doubt I went to that bar dressed in a way that felt provocative and drank alcohol with a stranger." It also does a good job with intrusive memories, actually providing some very useful advise on not fighting them, but allowing them and then deciding not to hold onto the thought: "let the thought come and then I let it go. It was a practice that took energy." I gave it four stars because it was a good attempt at bringing together what it's like being a sexual assault victim and survivor trying to pursue a just legal outcome.
April 1, 2024
Wow, I’ve never read a novel by Kylie Orr before and what a way to be introduced to her. Kylie’s second novel, The Eleventh Floor is a dark, gripping and a totally addictive read.
Gracie Michaels, a new mum, is struggling to adapt to the life of a stay-at-home mum with a baby who won’t sleep. Sleep deprived, emotional and barley hanging in there Gracie’s husband, Joe, gifts her a night at the luxurious The Maxwell Hotel, a night alone to relax, do something for herself and to sleep.
It appears that this night away is too good to be true. Gracie heads for a spot of shopping before heading to the roof top bar for a few drinks. When Joe, offers to buy Gracie a few drinks it all seems like harmless fun, that is until she wakes up in a room she doesn't recognise with Tom laying naked in the bed. Panicking and trying to pull herself together Gracie looks from the Eleventh-Floor room window and witnesses a horrific crime.
Slowly Gracie’s world tumbles around her as police begin investigations and Gracie’s night, of what should have been rejuvenation, starts to be uncovered.
Divided into two parts, part one is fast paced and was very addictive. I could not get enough of the twists and was left wondering after every chapter if it could get any worse for Gracie. Part two is a little slower in pace as Gracie starts to sort out the web of lies that she has found herself entangled in.
From Kylie’s writing you can see how much research has gone into the novel, from victims of sexual assault, the behaviours of someone who has been assaulted and to the legal system and the process of investigation.
This is an important read and certainly makes you think about how an innocent night can turn so very bad, and so quickly.
Well done, Kylie, I thoroughly enjoyed reading your novel and loved you coming to our small Tasmania town to talk about it. If you get a chance to attend one of Kylie’s talks do it as she is a natural story teller and very entertaining.
Gracie Michaels, a new mum, is struggling to adapt to the life of a stay-at-home mum with a baby who won’t sleep. Sleep deprived, emotional and barley hanging in there Gracie’s husband, Joe, gifts her a night at the luxurious The Maxwell Hotel, a night alone to relax, do something for herself and to sleep.
It appears that this night away is too good to be true. Gracie heads for a spot of shopping before heading to the roof top bar for a few drinks. When Joe, offers to buy Gracie a few drinks it all seems like harmless fun, that is until she wakes up in a room she doesn't recognise with Tom laying naked in the bed. Panicking and trying to pull herself together Gracie looks from the Eleventh-Floor room window and witnesses a horrific crime.
Slowly Gracie’s world tumbles around her as police begin investigations and Gracie’s night, of what should have been rejuvenation, starts to be uncovered.
Divided into two parts, part one is fast paced and was very addictive. I could not get enough of the twists and was left wondering after every chapter if it could get any worse for Gracie. Part two is a little slower in pace as Gracie starts to sort out the web of lies that she has found herself entangled in.
From Kylie’s writing you can see how much research has gone into the novel, from victims of sexual assault, the behaviours of someone who has been assaulted and to the legal system and the process of investigation.
This is an important read and certainly makes you think about how an innocent night can turn so very bad, and so quickly.
Well done, Kylie, I thoroughly enjoyed reading your novel and loved you coming to our small Tasmania town to talk about it. If you get a chance to attend one of Kylie’s talks do it as she is a natural story teller and very entertaining.
January 1, 2024
I was first introduced to Kylie with her debut novel Someone's Else's Child which was such a great book which I rated 5 stars. Well this novel takes a whole new turn and takes on a whole new topic and ramps up the tension.
Gracie has an 8 month old baby called Theo and a loving husband Joe. Unfortunately she hasn't had a decent nights sleep in months and is really feeling the pain. Joe suggests she take herself away and stay in a hotel overnight so she can have a spa, meal a wine or two and get a good nights sleep.
What starts out wonderful ends up in disaster as Gracie has one too many drinks in the hotel bar where a gentleman starts up a conversation with her.
Fast forward next morning, Gracie is in a bed with a man she doesn't recognise and is very hungover and does not know how she got there. She looks out the window and sees a young lady being attacked in the building opposite.
To save her embarrassment and marriage, she says nothing. But that one night starts a chain reaction of events that will change her life forever.
This novel I read over 2 days and it kept me up to see in the new year and beyond as I had to get it finished.
I love this direction that Kylie has taken and this is a fast paced domestic suspense novel that I would highly recommend to readers of this genre. Can't wait to see what the next novel is like!! 5 amazing stars.
Gracie has an 8 month old baby called Theo and a loving husband Joe. Unfortunately she hasn't had a decent nights sleep in months and is really feeling the pain. Joe suggests she take herself away and stay in a hotel overnight so she can have a spa, meal a wine or two and get a good nights sleep.
What starts out wonderful ends up in disaster as Gracie has one too many drinks in the hotel bar where a gentleman starts up a conversation with her.
Fast forward next morning, Gracie is in a bed with a man she doesn't recognise and is very hungover and does not know how she got there. She looks out the window and sees a young lady being attacked in the building opposite.
To save her embarrassment and marriage, she says nothing. But that one night starts a chain reaction of events that will change her life forever.
This novel I read over 2 days and it kept me up to see in the new year and beyond as I had to get it finished.
I love this direction that Kylie has taken and this is a fast paced domestic suspense novel that I would highly recommend to readers of this genre. Can't wait to see what the next novel is like!! 5 amazing stars.
November 18, 2024
This knocked me for six.
It was not at all what I was expecting.
Much heavier.
I was expecting a rear window style thriller- lady witnesses murder from her eleventh floor hotel room and tries to solve the crime.
Which I think was why it took me so long to pick this up.
Instead it’s a gritty exploration of new motherhood, consent, sexual assault, marriage, pregnancy - you name it.
Gracie is absolutely knackered; desperate for some respite from her exhausting life as a new mum to baby Theo.
She is gifted the opportunity of an evening off. One night alone in a hotel room to sleep and recuperate.
Feeling like she is losing her identity to sleep schedules and puree and nappy rash she decides to embrace the moment and enjoy a few cocktails in the hotel bar.
She then wakes up in an unknown hotel room in the early morning and witnesses a crime from the hotel window.
What follows is truly horrendous. A hideous domino effect.
I felt like this book should have come with Valium - it’s tense and anxious and you feel everything with Gracie.
It’s a massive journey she takes through a fairly f%&ked up system.
This book was addictive. I had to keep reading for some closure!
Can most definitely recommend but check trigger warnings first xx
It was not at all what I was expecting.
Much heavier.
I was expecting a rear window style thriller- lady witnesses murder from her eleventh floor hotel room and tries to solve the crime.
Which I think was why it took me so long to pick this up.
Instead it’s a gritty exploration of new motherhood, consent, sexual assault, marriage, pregnancy - you name it.
Gracie is absolutely knackered; desperate for some respite from her exhausting life as a new mum to baby Theo.
She is gifted the opportunity of an evening off. One night alone in a hotel room to sleep and recuperate.
Feeling like she is losing her identity to sleep schedules and puree and nappy rash she decides to embrace the moment and enjoy a few cocktails in the hotel bar.
She then wakes up in an unknown hotel room in the early morning and witnesses a crime from the hotel window.
What follows is truly horrendous. A hideous domino effect.
I felt like this book should have come with Valium - it’s tense and anxious and you feel everything with Gracie.
It’s a massive journey she takes through a fairly f%&ked up system.
This book was addictive. I had to keep reading for some closure!
Can most definitely recommend but check trigger warnings first xx
March 16, 2024
Huge thanks to #KylieOrr for being such a lovely writing supporter and to @harpercollinsaustralia for going above and beyond to provide me with an ARC of this brilliant book!
When you pick up this book, you won’t be able to put it down!
#TheEleventhFloor by @kylieorr_writer is an all-engrossing read that captures the harsh realities of our imperfect society.
When struggling first-time mum Gracie takes a night off motherhood, her plans to rest and recharge are forgotten in the blink of an elevator ride.
Then she wakes up in a room she doesn’t recognise with a man who is not her husband! And if all this wasn’t stressful enough, when Gracie looks out the window, she witnesses a crime she’ll wish she never saw.
This book had me from the first line. It shines a light on gender biases, consent, our imperfect legal system, motherhood, marriage, and the importance of inner and outer truth.
I highly recommend this new release, it’s one you won’t want to miss because of the honest way Kylie writes and because her protagonist, Gracie is a unique character with a cool quirk!
The dilemma of truth and consequences make this a thrilling read from start to finish.
When you pick up this book, you won’t be able to put it down!
#TheEleventhFloor by @kylieorr_writer is an all-engrossing read that captures the harsh realities of our imperfect society.
When struggling first-time mum Gracie takes a night off motherhood, her plans to rest and recharge are forgotten in the blink of an elevator ride.
Then she wakes up in a room she doesn’t recognise with a man who is not her husband! And if all this wasn’t stressful enough, when Gracie looks out the window, she witnesses a crime she’ll wish she never saw.
This book had me from the first line. It shines a light on gender biases, consent, our imperfect legal system, motherhood, marriage, and the importance of inner and outer truth.
I highly recommend this new release, it’s one you won’t want to miss because of the honest way Kylie writes and because her protagonist, Gracie is a unique character with a cool quirk!
The dilemma of truth and consequences make this a thrilling read from start to finish.
February 6, 2024
This book gripped me right from the outset and I couldn’t put it down. The MC Gracie is a strung out mother on the brink when her husband sends her to a hotel for a night to relax. A whole lot of horrific events unfold as Gracie struggles to keep up with the web of lies in her ultimate search of truth and justice. Kylie Orr managed to find glimmers of light for the reader amongst some grim realities and dark humour pops through just when you need it.
Some might try and blame Gracie for her own fate, which is indicative of the blame culture that permeates society, making women responsible for the actions of men. The author explores these issues with heart and grit.
A cracking good read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Some might try and blame Gracie for her own fate, which is indicative of the blame culture that permeates society, making women responsible for the actions of men. The author explores these issues with heart and grit.
A cracking good read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 8, 2024
A difficult read for the fact that it covers incredibly heavy topics, however the writing was excellent and made it easy to digest.
I found it hard to relate to protagonist Gracie, initially, as I felt her actions as a new mother were a little off - despite completely relating to the sleep deprivation and loss of identity as a first time mum. However, as we continue on the journey with Gracie, her self realisations and change in behaviour make her a lot more likeable.
I think the character development was deft and the supporting characters were well portrayed and dynamic. It was also very well researched, showing many sides of Australia’s legal system, the systemic issues with sexual assault cases & of course the very real concerns many women face in society.
4.5 ⭐️
I found it hard to relate to protagonist Gracie, initially, as I felt her actions as a new mother were a little off - despite completely relating to the sleep deprivation and loss of identity as a first time mum. However, as we continue on the journey with Gracie, her self realisations and change in behaviour make her a lot more likeable.
I think the character development was deft and the supporting characters were well portrayed and dynamic. It was also very well researched, showing many sides of Australia’s legal system, the systemic issues with sexual assault cases & of course the very real concerns many women face in society.
4.5 ⭐️
July 16, 2024
I was disappointed by this as I feel that the blurb is very misleading. The genre changed, the focus of the story changed and I feel as though I was lead down the garden path. Not a suspense thriller, lots of plot holes. The whole murder premise (the blurb on the back of the book!) was sidestepped and you weren’t even given closure as to why Phoebe was murdered and what happened. Literally the reason I bought the book. Skim read the last 50 pages or so because I was so annoyed.
This was messy and I won’t be reading any more from this author.
This was messy and I won’t be reading any more from this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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