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The Shadow of the Langham Hotel

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The third installment of Jonathan L. Ferrara's young adult paranormal anthology series is here!This past year, Collin Winters has tried to put the events of Chateau Du Coeur behind him. He’s struggling to move on with his life. It’s a new year, in a new school, in a new city, and with a new heart beating in his chest.

Shortly after his first term at the Art Institution in London, Collin is selected by the headmaster to partake in a class field-trip to New York City where he, and four other students, will check-in to an old hotel. Amongst those students is Collin’s roommate—Aaron, who is trying to put his own past behind him. The two boys don’t always get along. One moment they’re the best of friends, the next they’re rolling around the hotel’s lobby throwing punches and nearly getting themselves expelled. The boys’ friendship only strengthens as they attempt to unearth the hotel’s dark secret. It turns out, the building isn’t quite what it seems to be. There’s something lurking in the hotel’s shadows…something watching the classmates from afar. While Collin and his friends attempt to solve the mystery of the Langham Hotel, Collin starts to remember that he might have stayed in the building once before. The past is about to catch up to Collin Winters and will surely put his sanity to the test.

648 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 23, 2024

3 people are currently reading
31 people want to read

About the author

Jonathan L. Ferrara

10 books236 followers
Hello there! My name is Jonathan L. Ferrara, author of THE GHOST OF BUXTON MANOR, a YA LGBT Paranormal romance based off of the real life inspiration of Peter Pan. I live in Los Angeles with my husband, a cartoonist and creator of our comic "Husband & Husband", updating weekly at http://www.tapastic.com/series/husban.... I love making new friends and spreading positivity within the community, so put a smile on! :)

BRAND NEW, YA LGBT Paranormal book releases 10/12/2016!

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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
Profile Image for Naito Diamond.
Author 3 books14 followers
August 6, 2024
I was in the mood for something easy to read, and the description of "The Shadow of the Longham Hotel" seemed intriguing, so I decided to give it a try. This book left me with mixed feelings, but overall, it offered a unique reading experience.

The story revolves around Collin, who, along with his roommate Aaron and three other students from an art institute, embarks on a school trip to New York. They end up staying in the eerie Longham Hotel, a bankrupt establishment with a dark history. The setting is atmospheric, with the empty hotel adding a sense of isolation and suspense to the narrative.

Aaron quickly became one of my favorite characters. His interactions with Collin added depth and warmth to the story, and I appreciated the slow-burn development of their relationship. The budding romance between the main characters was well-crafted and felt genuine, providing a nice balance to the paranormal elements.

However, the story sometimes felt clichéd. The haunted hotel, the black cat, and the backstory of a crazy doctor conducting experiments on patients seemed like familiar tropes. The plot involves solving a riddle left by the doctor to determine if a person is cured of their mental illness, which the five students attempt to unravel. At times, this was fun to read, reminiscent of a mix between "Alice in Wonderland," "Jumanji," "Scooby-Doo," and "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets." If you enjoy these stories, you might find "The Shadow of the Longham Hotel" to your liking.

That said, there were moments where the story felt disjointed, pulling me out of the narrative. Some elements seemed out of place or overly contrived, which affected the overall flow. I couldn't help but think that this book might have been more successful if targeted as a young adult (YA) novel. The blend of mystery, paranormal, and budding romance felt suited to that genre.

Despite these issues, "The Shadow of the Longham Hotel" was an engaging read with its own charm. The author's writing style was easy to follow, making it a quick and light read. If you're looking for a paranormal slow-burn MM romance with a touch of mystery and enjoy stories with a mix of classic adventure elements, this book might be a good fit for you.

Overall, while it wasn't perfect, I found it to be an interesting read and would recommend it to fans of the aforementioned genres.
Profile Image for Precociousp .
282 reviews
April 27, 2024
Johnathan Ferrera has once again delivered a captivating tale with "The Shadow of the Langham Hotel," the third installment in The Buxton Manor series. While I initially only delved into the first book and hadn't yet acquired the second, I found that this latest addition can stand alone quite effectively. However, diving into the entire series provides valuable emotional depth, particularly concerning the main characters Aaron (from Book 1) and Collin (from Book 2). Reconnecting with Aaron since "The Ghost of Buxton Manor" was a delight. Ferrera's masterful handling of character development shines through in the novel. From Aaron's journey of self-discovery to Collin's inner struggles, the characters evolve organically, resonating with readers on a deep emotional level."

Yet, readers should be forewarned: this novel transcends genres. It's not merely a paranormal mystery but delves into elements of horror, touching upon sensitive topics such as mental health and heartbreak. Whether you're a fan of paranormal mysteries or psychological horror, 'The Shadow of the Langham Hotel' has something to offer. With its richly drawn characters, atmospheric setting, and gripping plot twists, this book will appeal to a wide range of readers seeking a captivating and thought-provoking read. Talking about atmosphere, The Langham Hotel serves as more than just a backdrop. It's a character in its own right. Ferrera's vivid descriptions transport readers into the heart of this eerie locale, where every creaking floorboard and flickering light adds to the sense of foreboding.

One minor setback, however, was the occasional deviation from the central plot, leading to moments of incoherence. This divergence from the tight narrative structure found in the first book prevented me from awarding it a perfect rating. Nevertheless, the overall story remains intriguing. At its core, 'The Shadow of the Langham Hotel' explores themes of friendship, love, and the resilience of the human spirit. Through Aaron and Collin's intertwined journeys, Ferrera delves into the depths of the human experience, offering readers a poignant meditation on loss, redemption, and the bonds that hold us together

Based on what I learned from the first book. Ferrera's prose is as haunting as it is beautiful, weaving a spellbinding tale that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned. His lyrical descriptions and razor-sharp dialogue draw readers into the heart of the story, immersing them in a world where the line between reality and nightmare blurs. I wholeheartedly recommend "The Shadow of the Langham Hotel." Ferrera's writing style shines, particularly in his poignant depiction of Aaron and Collin's emotional journey. Their stories are woven with both beauty and depth, a testament to Ferrera's narrative prowess. So compelling was this installment that I now find myself eager to explore Collin's story in the second book, "The Monster of Chateau Du Coeur."

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Juls.
54 reviews
May 14, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The Shadow of the Langham Hotel is a book in first person, narrated by the main character, where we have Colin and four more art students on a trip to New York where they'll learn all about the different arts. However, the main focus is the Langham Hotel, where they are staying for five weeks. Something dark happens at the hotel and it's the mission of the five students to discover it, and with each day they get to know each other a little better, especially Colin and Aaron, who are roommates. Meanwhile, Colin struggles with the fact that maybe he has been there before, but has he?

To begin, this book is the third of a series, and although you can read this one even as a standalone, my impression as someone who hasn't read the other two is that it's better to read all of them because if not, you'll miss more than half the lives of the main characters. Even if we get small pieces of their past, it feels incomplete, so I recommend reading them in order.

The plot itself is really good. I enjoyed a lot the cleverness of the author, who didn't stop surprising me with each page. For me, the story is well-built and the mystery got me totally hooked to the book. Once I was at eighty per cent of it, I didn't care that it was two in the morning, I had to finish it. Still, I might have to say that there were some things that were a little too much for me. I get that it's a fantasy book so not everything has to make sense, but at one point I was overwhelmed.

All the characters had a purpose and they were clearly different from each other. No one was the same which was refreshing. Also, they aren't just there to fill the story, but they all have a background and baggage, which makes them more interesting. Their dynamic was good too.

The book is really detailed and even if I like it when authors take the time to do so, sometimes it felt quite long, maybe because of the way it's structured, which made me lose the focus of the story at times because it's all in one long paragraph.

Also, I would say that this book is not exactly a romance, but more a getting-to-know-each-other. That's not bad, I just expected another thing, but I know a fourth book is coming, so I'm not complaining that much about it. It was nice seeing them grow together.

Lastly, I enjoyed a lot some characters and their role in the whole story. I even shed a tear or two. I liked their messages.

This book is totally worth it if you're looking for a mystery book with deep reflections and mental health representation. Still, be aware that it has topics that aren't for everyone.
8 reviews1 follower
July 22, 2024
The Shadow of the Langham Hotel The Ghost of Buxton Manor: Book 3

Jonathan L. Ferrara presents a gripping continuation with "The Shadow of the Langham Hotel," the third instalment in his series "The Ghost of Buxton Manor." This work skilfully combines the genres of Young Adult, Paranormal Romance, M M Romance, Paranormal Mystery, and Mystery Romance, offering a thrilling blend of supernatural events and emotional depth.

//Plot and Character Development://

A year after the traumatic events at Chateau Du Coeur, Collin Winters attempts to rebuild his life. With a new heart, he starts his first term at an art school in London. Along with four other students, including his complex roommate Aaron, he participates in a class trip to New York City.

As Collin and Aaron investigate the dark secrets of an old hotel in New York, their friendship deepens. The eerie atmosphere and unsettling occurrences in the hotel steadily build tension, challenging Collin's mental stability.

//Thematic Depth and Trigger Warnings://

The book addresses sensitive topics such as suicide, profanity, and death with the necessary seriousness and sensitivity, adding additional depth to the story.

//Recommendation://

Although the book can be read independently, reading the previous volumes is recommended to fully appreciate the character development. Fans of the series will be delighted to join Collin and his friends on another adventure.

//Conclusion://

"The Shadow of the Langham Hotel" is a captivating sequel that will enthral both longstanding fans and new readers. The complex characters and compelling twists make this book a must-read for enthusiasts of Young Adult and paranormal novels. Ferrara has once again demonstrated his mastery of suspense and character development.

** free ad/ didn't bought the book
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.**
Profile Image for Books+Coffee=Happiness Blog.
276 reviews12 followers
May 18, 2024
Be prepared for a twisted ride through Wonderland…

I’m not sure what I expected when I accepted an ARC of this book. I got something entirely different but in a good way.

I will say the beginning was a bit slow for me. It wasn’t until I was five or six chapters in that I was truly hooked. This one may be a ghost story, but it’s not scary. It’s a story of overcoming your obstacles or darker parts of your life and finding not only acceptance of yourself but also allowing yourself to be happy.

First, I didn’t read the previous book in the series. There was enough information in this story that I didn’t feel lost. So don’t hesitate to jump right in!

And second… you’re going to love this book!

The characters were well developed and intriguing, although Charlotte had a tendency to annoy me. The glimpses we see of Ruby during Collin’s childhood honestly made her my favorite character. There was more to her than most people saw.

It’s full of romance, intrigue, and lots of riddles! Honestly, I’d consider this more of a ghost mystery.

This story will keep you guessing and there’s one heck of a plot twist! More than one actually…

But reader beware … closer to the end, be prepared to cry! Not because of a horrible ending by any means. The opposite in fact.

This book will put you through an emotional roller coaster. But it’s one heck of a ride!

* Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. The review above is only my opinion.
48 reviews1 follower
April 22, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Despite this book being part of a series it can definitely be read and enjoyed as a stand alone. It's definitely on the older end of young adult, around 16+, and as paranormal mysteries go this definitely strayed on the side of horror.

I loved all the characters in this book (Pasquale >>) they are all so complex and the banter is just so snarky and so funny. The in depth conversations about mental health, family, love and loss, really pulled at my heart strings throughout the book.

I usually don't read mystery books as I tend to find them predictable, but I genuinely didn't know where this story was going at times, which definitely kept me interested. I read the last 70% of the book in one sitting because it just sucked me in so well and I really couldn't put it down.

I loved this book despite the fact that I missed the trigger warnings at first (they are on the copyright page) so some things definitely took me by surprise. Over all this book was really good and quite unsettling at times.
Profile Image for Traci S.
2,017 reviews12 followers
May 7, 2024
4.5⭐️
Wow, this was crazy good. I love a ghost story but it can be hard to find ones that are genuinely creepy, and this one is excellent. The author creates such a wonderfully atmospheric setting as soon as Collin enters the Langham Hotel, he can sense it and so can the reader. It’s small things at first, the feeling of being watched or a glimpse of something out of the corner of your eye, the deserted and bankrupt hotel is perfectly brought to life. I loved the characters as well, Collin and Aaron in particular. I’ve not read the previous books so Collin and Aaron’s are new to me, but the author shares enough background that I was able to jump right in. They have quite an interesting dynamic, I enjoyed the tension between them and their snarky give and take brought a bit of balance to the more harrowing parts of the story. I loved how the author writes with such emotion and touches on topics like mental health. Collin’s and his mother’s story was quite heartbreaking but added depth to the story. I loved this a lot, it is really beautifully written and wonderfully spooky.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Profile Image for Jina.
497 reviews4 followers
August 7, 2025
I enjoyed this book so much I kept debating whether it was a 4 or 5 star read for me.

The more I think about this story, the only reason that I ultimately did not give it a solid 5 stars is because of the riddle aspect of this third installment in the series.

The riddle portion of the story lowered my level of enjoyment of the story and slowed down the pacing for a bit.

However, the story not only picks back up after the riddle portion, it takes off, and from that point on, I did not want the book to end.

The ending was bittersweet and satisfying.

Honestly, though, there was a scene close to the end when I was hoping that there would have been a more uplifting and happy ending for one of the side characters. My heart hurt for that last connecting scene between the side character and Collin.

I really love this series as a whole. I was excited to learn that there will be one last read to conclude the series sometime in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Val Francis.
Author 15 books16 followers
June 12, 2024
Reading the previous novels in the series might be preferable, but I was new to the trio, and I still enjoyed The Shadow of the Langham Hotel. It was good to read, albeit as a stand-alone novel or as part of the series. I enjoyed all the characters with their different personalities and traits, and there were great interactions between them. The story flowed well, and I found it a particularly easy-to-read novel. Jonathan L. Ferrara knows how to write a good story and though I suspect that a younger audience has been targeted, I'd nevertheless recommend it to anyone of any age who enjoys a good mystery.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Melanie.
73 reviews2 followers
July 15, 2024
I received an ARC of this book from BookSirens. This is such a cute paranormal book that leaves you to question, does it all really happen, or are they all just mad? This book is inspired by Alice in Wonderland. There are two books ahead of this one, but I think as able to jump in to the series starting with this book and did just fine. I will go back and read the first two because I just have to know Collin’s backstory now.

It is a slow burn and honestly nothing happens in this book, but I’m hoping Collin and Aaron get their chance at love in the next book.

I would definitely recommend this book for paranormal readers, as well as psychological thriller fans.
Profile Image for Adii.
8 reviews
August 30, 2024
The book was a good read. The mysteries surrounding the Langham Hotel really made me more interested to know what will happen next. The characters were all funny though I found sometimes they were cliche.. The riddles were great and felt like evn i was part of the group trying to solve them. One thing that I think would be better is if the author could reduce the amount of descriptions a little… even though it is understood that the author wishes for the readers to get the vivid view sometimes these makes the reading a little tiring.

The plot twist was just unbelievable and have to say I want to know this Aaron character more.

Over all I enjoyed reading this book🙂
Profile Image for ABurch74.
416 reviews2 followers
May 16, 2024
This is the third book in a series. While it can be read as a standalone, I feel like it would have been better to have read the first two books as some of the background in the characters' lives was missing. However, this was an enjoyable book. The author does a great job created the perfect atmosphere for the story. I really enjoyed the interactions between the characters and the twists and turns of the story.

I received an advance copy for free. The review is my honest opinion and is left voluntarily.
Profile Image for David Van Horne.
51 reviews
February 23, 2025
Jonathan has written another enthralling story. I love the way his imagination works. I found this book very hard to put down.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews

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