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The Last Room on the Left
The caretaker at an isolated mountain hotel finds herself fighting for her life—and sanity—in this twisty, addictive thriller.
Kerry’s life is in shambles: Her husband has left her, her drinking habit has officially become a problem, and though the deadline for her big book deal—the one that was supposed to change everything—is looming, she can’t write a word. When she sees an ad for a caretaker position at a revitalized roadside motel in the Catskills, she jumps at the chance. It’s the perfect getaway to finish her book and start fresh.
But as she hunkers down in a blizzard, she spots something through the window: a pale arm peeking out from a heap of snow. Trapped in the mountains and alone with a dead, frozen body, Kerry must keep her head and make it out before the killer comes for her too. But is the deadly game of cat-and-mouse all in her mind? The body count begs to differ...
Kerry’s life is in shambles: Her husband has left her, her drinking habit has officially become a problem, and though the deadline for her big book deal—the one that was supposed to change everything—is looming, she can’t write a word. When she sees an ad for a caretaker position at a revitalized roadside motel in the Catskills, she jumps at the chance. It’s the perfect getaway to finish her book and start fresh.
But as she hunkers down in a blizzard, she spots something through the window: a pale arm peeking out from a heap of snow. Trapped in the mountains and alone with a dead, frozen body, Kerry must keep her head and make it out before the killer comes for her too. But is the deadly game of cat-and-mouse all in her mind? The body count begs to differ...
336 pages, Hardcover
First published January 14, 2025
431 people are currently reading
8140 people want to read
About the author
Leah Konen
14 books875 followersLeah Konen is the author of The Last Room on the Left, Keep Your Friends Close, You Should Have Told Me, The Perfect Escape, All the Broken People, and several young adult novels, including Love and Other Train Wrecks and The Romantics. Her books have been featured in Vogue, Rolling Stone, Marie Claire, Reader’s Digest and The NY Post, among others. She lives in Brooklyn and the Catskills with her husband and two daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 841 reviews
June 4, 2025
Honestly, I think that the blurb calling this a “feminist take on The Shining” is probably a bit … ambitious. They both involve alcoholic caretakers of a hotel/motel and a winter storm, and that's about where the similarities end. There's nothing supernatural about this tale and the entire plot line revolves around there being an outside killer “terrorizing” the caretaker, not the caretaker's own descent into murderous insanity. I'm also not even sure how this book can be considered “feminist,” unless the two main characters simply being women counts (spoiler alert: it doesn't).
Really, The Last Room on the Left is mostly just a garden-variety psychological thriller. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but let's not pretend that this is some groundbreaking piece of literature. It's an easy, fast-paced read and it's entertaining enough, but it's certainly not deep. If you generally enjoy psychological thrillers, there's probably a decent chance that you'll enjoy this one. Just don't expect any iconic “Here's Johnny!”-esque scenes.
The mystery itself is okay. Who killed the previous caretaker and is the murderer still lurking around the hotel? I originally thought the plot was headed in one direction and was surprised when it went elsewhere, but after that the big reveal was fairly predictable. Red herrings abound, however.
Otherwise, expect lots of drunkenness and questionable decision making. Expect gratuitous (but extremely mild) S&M with questionable consent. Expect a main character who really likes the word "ass." Expect an unintentionally hilarious scene involving a bathroom window. Do not expect likeable characters or a super deep plot.
I realize that this review probably makes it sound like I didn't enjoy this one, but it really was … fine. I have a love-hate relationship with psychological thrillers and it takes an exceptional one to get me truly excited. This isn't a particularly novel novel (ha!), but it still kept me turning the pages.
My overall rating: 3.4 stars, rounded down. If you normally enjoy uncomplicated psychological thrillers that are not at all comparable to The Shining, you just might enjoy this one too.
Many thanks to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review. Its expected publication date is January 14, 2025.
Really, The Last Room on the Left is mostly just a garden-variety psychological thriller. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but let's not pretend that this is some groundbreaking piece of literature. It's an easy, fast-paced read and it's entertaining enough, but it's certainly not deep. If you generally enjoy psychological thrillers, there's probably a decent chance that you'll enjoy this one. Just don't expect any iconic “Here's Johnny!”-esque scenes.
The mystery itself is okay. Who killed the previous caretaker and is the murderer still lurking around the hotel? I originally thought the plot was headed in one direction and was surprised when it went elsewhere, but after that the big reveal was fairly predictable. Red herrings abound, however.
Otherwise, expect lots of drunkenness and questionable decision making. Expect gratuitous (but extremely mild) S&M with questionable consent. Expect a main character who really likes the word "ass." Expect an unintentionally hilarious scene involving a bathroom window. Do not expect likeable characters or a super deep plot.
I realize that this review probably makes it sound like I didn't enjoy this one, but it really was … fine. I have a love-hate relationship with psychological thrillers and it takes an exceptional one to get me truly excited. This isn't a particularly novel novel (ha!), but it still kept me turning the pages.
My overall rating: 3.4 stars, rounded down. If you normally enjoy uncomplicated psychological thrillers that are not at all comparable to The Shining, you just might enjoy this one too.
Many thanks to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review. Its expected publication date is January 14, 2025.
September 18, 2025
This book presents a compelling locked room mystery set in the mountains of the Catskills at a roadside motel. With a power outage, a blizzard, no cell reception, and a dead body among numerous potential suspects, the atmosphere is perfect for a thrilling mystery!
Kerry, in her mid-thirties, has hit rock bottom after several failed IVF attempts, being dumped by her husband, and struggling with excessive drinking, exacerbated by mixing alcohol with sedatives that make her see things that aren’t real. Despite her personal turmoil, she has managed to sell the film rights to her short story, which she’s supposed to turn into a novel—a task she's failing at due to her self-destructive behavior. She has also blocked her best friend, Siobhan, who is dealing with her own relationship issues involving her alcoholic boyfriend, Charlie.
Desperate for a change, Kerry accepts a job as the caretaker of a roadside motel with limited (almost non-existent) connection to the outside world, which mirrors her emotional state. She has recently stopped drinking, her husband has left to stay with his brother, and her only hope of resolving her issues lies in focusing on and finishing her book as promised. However, upon arriving at the snow-covered motel, she discovers that the previous caretaker threw a raucous party, leaving a mess behind. More disturbingly, the caretaker didn’t leave at all—her body is lying in the backyard.
Kerry immediately seeks help from the nearest Victorian house, where she meets Denise, a resilient woman in her fifties who despises the artsy types renting the motel (including Kerry). Denise lives with her young son, Tyler, who works several odd jobs to save enough money to leave the area permanently. Denise calls a relative who is a police officer to check the scene, but when they arrive, the body is gone. It appears to have vanished into thin air, or perhaps the sedatives Kerry took are causing her to hallucinate.
Despite this, Kerry is convinced there was a body and that everyone around could be suspects, including Denise, who harbors a deep dislike for renters, Jeremy, a reclusive hedge fund millionaire with legal issues with the motel’s owners, and a young woman who is seen lurking around the property.
Kerry also finds threatening messages and belongings of the dead woman, which shock her because she might know the woman’s real identity and be more entangled in the murder investigation than she thought. She realizes she must find the killer for the sake of the victim and her own safety.
Overall, the plot is intriguing with good pacing and several unexpected twists. Although the culprit might be somewhat predictable, the story’s resolution and the final twist are well-executed, leading me to rate this book 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars! This is a thoroughly enjoyable locked room mystery, and Leah Konen has once again delivered a satisfying read. I look forward to more of her future works.
Many thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam/G.P. Putnam’s Sons for sharing this page-turner’s digital review copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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Kerry, in her mid-thirties, has hit rock bottom after several failed IVF attempts, being dumped by her husband, and struggling with excessive drinking, exacerbated by mixing alcohol with sedatives that make her see things that aren’t real. Despite her personal turmoil, she has managed to sell the film rights to her short story, which she’s supposed to turn into a novel—a task she's failing at due to her self-destructive behavior. She has also blocked her best friend, Siobhan, who is dealing with her own relationship issues involving her alcoholic boyfriend, Charlie.
Desperate for a change, Kerry accepts a job as the caretaker of a roadside motel with limited (almost non-existent) connection to the outside world, which mirrors her emotional state. She has recently stopped drinking, her husband has left to stay with his brother, and her only hope of resolving her issues lies in focusing on and finishing her book as promised. However, upon arriving at the snow-covered motel, she discovers that the previous caretaker threw a raucous party, leaving a mess behind. More disturbingly, the caretaker didn’t leave at all—her body is lying in the backyard.
Kerry immediately seeks help from the nearest Victorian house, where she meets Denise, a resilient woman in her fifties who despises the artsy types renting the motel (including Kerry). Denise lives with her young son, Tyler, who works several odd jobs to save enough money to leave the area permanently. Denise calls a relative who is a police officer to check the scene, but when they arrive, the body is gone. It appears to have vanished into thin air, or perhaps the sedatives Kerry took are causing her to hallucinate.
Despite this, Kerry is convinced there was a body and that everyone around could be suspects, including Denise, who harbors a deep dislike for renters, Jeremy, a reclusive hedge fund millionaire with legal issues with the motel’s owners, and a young woman who is seen lurking around the property.
Kerry also finds threatening messages and belongings of the dead woman, which shock her because she might know the woman’s real identity and be more entangled in the murder investigation than she thought. She realizes she must find the killer for the sake of the victim and her own safety.
Overall, the plot is intriguing with good pacing and several unexpected twists. Although the culprit might be somewhat predictable, the story’s resolution and the final twist are well-executed, leading me to rate this book 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars! This is a thoroughly enjoyable locked room mystery, and Leah Konen has once again delivered a satisfying read. I look forward to more of her future works.
Many thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam/G.P. Putnam’s Sons for sharing this page-turner’s digital review copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
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February 3, 2025
Yet again, Leah Konen hit it out of the park. From the isolated, wintry setting to the perfectly drawn unreliable narrator, The Last Room on the Left had me eagerly inhaling page after page. After all, I’ve always been a sucker for a well-played locked room mystery premise. Add in a tension-filled blizzard that raised the stakes over and over? I’m a goner for sure. You see, with decidedly suspicious characters—including both of the narrators—and a plot that kept me on the edge of my seat, I was utterly riveted from the thrilling first word until the authentic and chilling conclusion that provided one altogether brilliant twist right there at the end.
While I was an avid admirer of both dual POVs, Kerry easily won me over hook, line, and sinker. A seemingly true-to-life portrayal of an alcoholic who has wholly given in to her urges, I wanted to shake her but good all while giving her a serious side-eye through each and every scene. Was she losing her mind? Or was she stuck in a horror movie that could rival The Shining? I questioned it all right up until the perfectly timed climax and shocking, two-part reveal. Did I anticipate a twist here and there? Well, yes—but that was likely down to my insatiable appetite for all things suspense and not a bit due Ms. Konen’s sharp, clever writing.
All in all, I had a blast riding shotgun with Kerry and Siobhan. With an iconic locale of a roadside motel, a dynamic character arc, and a scenario that had me thinking “What would I do?”, I sped through this quick, easy read in no time at all. Was it a bit more of a slow burn at times than I was expecting? Maybe. But I wouldn’t have changed a thing in this psychological thriller. I mean, who doesn’t love a bit of paranoia and a horror-esque feel? Have no fear, though, as this was most definitely a suspense/thriller and not an out-and-out horror tale. So definitely check this one out if you love a popcorn thriller that will keep you spellbound from beginning to end. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Kerry’s life is in shambles: Her husband has left her, her drinking habit has officially become a problem, and though the deadline for her big book deal—the one that was supposed to change everything—is looming, she can’t write a word. When she sees an ad for a caretaker position at a revitalized roadside motel in the Catskills, she jumps at the chance. It’s the perfect getaway to finish her book and start fresh.
But as she hunkers down in a blizzard, she spots something through the window: a pale arm peeking out from a heap of snow. Trapped in the mountains and alone with a dead, frozen body, Kerry must keep her head and make it out before the killer comes for her too. But is the deadly game of cat-and-mouse all in her mind? The body count begs to differ…
Thank you to Leah Konen and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: January 14, 2025
Content warning: alcoholism, anxiety, infidelity, mention of: infertility, S&M
While I was an avid admirer of both dual POVs, Kerry easily won me over hook, line, and sinker. A seemingly true-to-life portrayal of an alcoholic who has wholly given in to her urges, I wanted to shake her but good all while giving her a serious side-eye through each and every scene. Was she losing her mind? Or was she stuck in a horror movie that could rival The Shining? I questioned it all right up until the perfectly timed climax and shocking, two-part reveal. Did I anticipate a twist here and there? Well, yes—but that was likely down to my insatiable appetite for all things suspense and not a bit due Ms. Konen’s sharp, clever writing.
All in all, I had a blast riding shotgun with Kerry and Siobhan. With an iconic locale of a roadside motel, a dynamic character arc, and a scenario that had me thinking “What would I do?”, I sped through this quick, easy read in no time at all. Was it a bit more of a slow burn at times than I was expecting? Maybe. But I wouldn’t have changed a thing in this psychological thriller. I mean, who doesn’t love a bit of paranoia and a horror-esque feel? Have no fear, though, as this was most definitely a suspense/thriller and not an out-and-out horror tale. So definitely check this one out if you love a popcorn thriller that will keep you spellbound from beginning to end. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Kerry’s life is in shambles: Her husband has left her, her drinking habit has officially become a problem, and though the deadline for her big book deal—the one that was supposed to change everything—is looming, she can’t write a word. When she sees an ad for a caretaker position at a revitalized roadside motel in the Catskills, she jumps at the chance. It’s the perfect getaway to finish her book and start fresh.
But as she hunkers down in a blizzard, she spots something through the window: a pale arm peeking out from a heap of snow. Trapped in the mountains and alone with a dead, frozen body, Kerry must keep her head and make it out before the killer comes for her too. But is the deadly game of cat-and-mouse all in her mind? The body count begs to differ…
Thank you to Leah Konen and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: January 14, 2025
Content warning: alcoholism, anxiety, infidelity, mention of: infertility, S&M
August 14, 2025
**2.5-stars rounded up**
Recently, Kerry's life has been falling apart. She's completely lost control. Her marriage, career and friendships are in shambles, but her drinking is stronger than ever.
With a deadline looming, Kerry knows she needs a change if she's ever going to finish her book. Thus, she ends up accepting the position as an off-season Caretaker at a refurbished motel in a remote area of the Catskills.
Arriving at the motel, wholly-unprepared, I might add, for her assignment, Kerry immediately feels something is off. The motel is supposed to be abandoned, but someone's stuff is littered throughout her room.
Feeling unsettled, but not quite sure what to do about it, Kerry tries to ignore the red flags blowing all around her. With a blizzard bearing down on the motel as well, she's essentially trapped at the motel.
Circumstances go from bad to disastrous once Kerry notices a lifeless hand poking out of a snowbank. She thinks she may have found the owner of all those belongings, but who is it, and how did they end up dead and buried?
The Last Room on the Left had its moments. At times, it had me intrigued enough to think that it could turn out to be a 4-star read. By the end though, it just felt lackluster, predictable, and don't even get me started on Kerry.
Additionally, I wish that it hadn't been the comp to The Shining that sold this one to me, because it's absolutely NOTHING like The Shining.
It's funny, the more I think about this one, the less enthused I feel about it. I wanted so much more of an atmosphere and eerie/claustrophobic vibe, of which I got none.
Additionally, it left me with unanswered questions. Were there plot holes, or does my brain just not want to think about this one anymore?
From the very start I was annoyed by Kerry. Stupid mistake, after stupid mistake, had me feeling like, whatever happens to this woman, she deserves it.
I know that sounds awful. It's a terrible thought, but you have to understand, I was compelled to feel that way because of the ridiculous stream of choices. Nevertheless, Kerry wasn't the only character, LUCKILY, and I did end up enjoying the others.
As mentioned above, this did have moments and when I was in it, I was in it. I also felt it entertaining to try to figure out what the heck was actually going on. While certain portions felt quite predictable, others def took me by surprise.
I think perhaps the downfall of this was that I felt it was pitched to me a certain way, so my expectations were high, and focused in a particular direction, and when I didn't get that, I was disappointed.
I don't believe the comp phrase, a feminist take on The Shining, is being used anymore, at least I'm not seeing it in the current synopsis, and for that I'm grateful. I wouldn't want others to go down the same route that I did with this one.
With all this being said, and with apologies for my grumpiness, I do believe I'm a minority opinion on this one, so if it sounds intriguing to you, please do pick it up.
There's a book for every Reader and a Reader for every book. Sadly, this just wasn't the best fit for me. In spite of that, I do very much want to thank the publisher, G.P. Putnam's Sons, for providing me with a copy to read and review.
I have enjoyed Leah Konen's work in the past, and look forward to picking up future releases. This slight disappointment certainly isn't enough to stop me!
Recently, Kerry's life has been falling apart. She's completely lost control. Her marriage, career and friendships are in shambles, but her drinking is stronger than ever.
With a deadline looming, Kerry knows she needs a change if she's ever going to finish her book. Thus, she ends up accepting the position as an off-season Caretaker at a refurbished motel in a remote area of the Catskills.
Arriving at the motel, wholly-unprepared, I might add, for her assignment, Kerry immediately feels something is off. The motel is supposed to be abandoned, but someone's stuff is littered throughout her room.
Feeling unsettled, but not quite sure what to do about it, Kerry tries to ignore the red flags blowing all around her. With a blizzard bearing down on the motel as well, she's essentially trapped at the motel.
Circumstances go from bad to disastrous once Kerry notices a lifeless hand poking out of a snowbank. She thinks she may have found the owner of all those belongings, but who is it, and how did they end up dead and buried?
The Last Room on the Left had its moments. At times, it had me intrigued enough to think that it could turn out to be a 4-star read. By the end though, it just felt lackluster, predictable, and don't even get me started on Kerry.
Additionally, I wish that it hadn't been the comp to The Shining that sold this one to me, because it's absolutely NOTHING like The Shining.
It's funny, the more I think about this one, the less enthused I feel about it. I wanted so much more of an atmosphere and eerie/claustrophobic vibe, of which I got none.
Additionally, it left me with unanswered questions. Were there plot holes, or does my brain just not want to think about this one anymore?
From the very start I was annoyed by Kerry. Stupid mistake, after stupid mistake, had me feeling like, whatever happens to this woman, she deserves it.
I know that sounds awful. It's a terrible thought, but you have to understand, I was compelled to feel that way because of the ridiculous stream of choices. Nevertheless, Kerry wasn't the only character, LUCKILY, and I did end up enjoying the others.
As mentioned above, this did have moments and when I was in it, I was in it. I also felt it entertaining to try to figure out what the heck was actually going on. While certain portions felt quite predictable, others def took me by surprise.
I think perhaps the downfall of this was that I felt it was pitched to me a certain way, so my expectations were high, and focused in a particular direction, and when I didn't get that, I was disappointed.
I don't believe the comp phrase, a feminist take on The Shining, is being used anymore, at least I'm not seeing it in the current synopsis, and for that I'm grateful. I wouldn't want others to go down the same route that I did with this one.
With all this being said, and with apologies for my grumpiness, I do believe I'm a minority opinion on this one, so if it sounds intriguing to you, please do pick it up.
There's a book for every Reader and a Reader for every book. Sadly, this just wasn't the best fit for me. In spite of that, I do very much want to thank the publisher, G.P. Putnam's Sons, for providing me with a copy to read and review.
I have enjoyed Leah Konen's work in the past, and look forward to picking up future releases. This slight disappointment certainly isn't enough to stop me!
January 16, 2025
If you were to ask me what is my favorite kind of thriller setting.. I would say.. an isolated.. creepy motel.. and SNOWY … ❄️ Which is EVERYTHING this is!! @leahkonen killed it!! 👏 This was a buddy read with @nikkileethrillseeker and we LOVED it!! 😍 She was a bit ahead of me and I kept messaging her… OMGGG… and she kept saying… Just you wait! 😂.. She was right! 😳
You are a successful author… but you are in a bit of a slump.. 😬… What better inspiration to set up camp in a retro motel… in the middle of nowwhere… I mean… What could go wrong?? OMG Kerry!! You write books about this stuff!!! Come on! 😂
Kerry rolls into town and it is SO cold. 🥶 Cut off from the world with sketchy cell service… She ventured outside… and saw.. a hand 🤚.. sticking out from the snow..WAIT… you know that OPI nail polish 💅… and you know who wears it. 😳😳😳
THAT my thriller loving friends… is JUST the beginning! 😍
This was such a great setting!! Even the title screams ATMOSPHERIC!! 😍😳I couldn’t put it down! I blew through this!! I NEVER saw those twists coming!! Calling all fans of a creepy, snowy, secluded setting!! This locked 🔒 room thriller is for you!! 😍🥶🫶❄️
You are a successful author… but you are in a bit of a slump.. 😬… What better inspiration to set up camp in a retro motel… in the middle of nowwhere… I mean… What could go wrong?? OMG Kerry!! You write books about this stuff!!! Come on! 😂
Kerry rolls into town and it is SO cold. 🥶 Cut off from the world with sketchy cell service… She ventured outside… and saw.. a hand 🤚.. sticking out from the snow..WAIT… you know that OPI nail polish 💅… and you know who wears it. 😳😳😳
THAT my thriller loving friends… is JUST the beginning! 😍
This was such a great setting!! Even the title screams ATMOSPHERIC!! 😍😳I couldn’t put it down! I blew through this!! I NEVER saw those twists coming!! Calling all fans of a creepy, snowy, secluded setting!! This locked 🔒 room thriller is for you!! 😍🥶🫶❄️
September 4, 2024
All the bridges in my life had been burned, and there was no way out of the mess I’d made for myself. And I was determined to get through it now, without booze, without pills, without the scroll scroll scroll to numb me. And was there anything more terrifying than that?
I’d never felt more alone in my life.
Except . . .
I wasn’t alone, was I?
Thanks to NetGalley and Putnam Books for sending me an ARC of The Last Room on the Left in exchange for an honest review.
Kerry has an drinking problem, and it’s ruining her life. Her husband Frank has left her. She hasn’t spoken to her best friend Siobhan in two months. She has a book deal that could make her career but she can’t get the words on paper. So she’s going to spend the month of February working as a caretaker at the Twilite Motel in the Catskills, in the hopes that the isolation will help her stop drinking and start writing. But within hours, she thinks she’s found a woman’s dead body in the snow, but did she? Because it’s gone when the police arrive. Is Kerry in danger from a killer or is she going crazy?
The Last Room on the Left is a pretty standard psychological thriller. It’s got the multiple points-of-view and the non-linear storytelling that are so common in the genre now. There are half a dozen potential suspects, and several red herrings, but you’ll probably know who the killer is. It’s the kind of book I usually rate as 3.5 stars rounded up 4.
But The Last Room on the Left is expressly positioning itself as a “feminist take on The Shining.” And this book certainly borrows the set-up of The Shining: an alcoholic writer takes a winter hotel caretaker job to finally stop drinking and write their novel.
And yet for me, it was perfect, my own little Overlook Hotel, where I could finish my book (minus the ghosts, psychotic break, and homicide, of course). And unlike Jack Torrance, I didn’t even have a family to terrorize and I wasn’t going to be drinking a single drop. All work and no play was finally going to make Kerry a truly successful girl.
But The Shining uses that set-up to show Jack’s slow, supernaturally aided descent into homicidal madness. The Last Room on the Left does none of that and nothing like that. Moreover, I’d argue The Last Room on the Left isn’t even feminist. Placing women in mortal danger at the hands of men is not feminist. Instead, the three main female characters are actually pretty awful to each other throughout the story.
The Last Room on the Left is the rare book that I rate as 3.5 stars rounded down to 3.
November 19, 2024
This was a fun thriller, full of unlikeable characters set in a snow storm, it certainly kept me intrigued throughout, even though these people made such terrible decisions!! I can see some similarities to The Shining but at a whole different level.
Our main character is just an absolute mess. Her husband has left her, her best friend hates her, she has writers block and is drinking herself into oblivion. She decides to get away from it all and takes a caretaker job at a closed motel in February. She just wants to write . But a huge snow storm takes out the power and things get a little crazy from there.
Thank to Penguin Group Putnam for my advanced copy of this book to read. Published on January 14th.
Our main character is just an absolute mess. Her husband has left her, her best friend hates her, she has writers block and is drinking herself into oblivion. She decides to get away from it all and takes a caretaker job at a closed motel in February. She just wants to write . But a huge snow storm takes out the power and things get a little crazy from there.
Thank to Penguin Group Putnam for my advanced copy of this book to read. Published on January 14th.
January 8, 2025
3.5 stars
Can you believe that this is my first read from Leah Konen?! After hearing about how popular her thrillers are, I knew that I wanted to prioritize her newest, THE LAST ROOM ON THE LEFT. It sounds perfect for this cold New York January season. Taking place in upstate New York with a marriage falling apart, I felt very connected to this story. Our main character, Kerry, is literally having her life falling apart. Her husband has left, her drinking is out of control, and her looming book deadline feels impossible to meet. Desperate for a fresh start, she takes a caretaker job at a secluded roadside motel in the Catskills, hoping the isolation will help her write. But when a blizzard traps her with a frozen corpse outside her window, Kerry must outwit a possible killer—or confront the terrifying possibility that she’s losing her grip on reality.
This story was fun and yet also frustrating at times. The drunk protagonist trope is a bit played out, but coming from someone who went through a divorce, NOTHING MAKES YOU DRINK MORE, so I was able to commiserate with Kerry while reading this book. The story gave me very cold, sinister, creepy motel vibes, that's for sure! Leah's writing takes center stage as it really kept me engaged with how the story was developing. This is a total popcorn thriller through and through, and if you want something lighter and juicy (with a bit of BDSM mixed in), THE LAST ROOM ON THE LEFT will be a good palate cleanser from a dense read. I will be tuning into what's next for Leah Konen!
Can you believe that this is my first read from Leah Konen?! After hearing about how popular her thrillers are, I knew that I wanted to prioritize her newest, THE LAST ROOM ON THE LEFT. It sounds perfect for this cold New York January season. Taking place in upstate New York with a marriage falling apart, I felt very connected to this story. Our main character, Kerry, is literally having her life falling apart. Her husband has left, her drinking is out of control, and her looming book deadline feels impossible to meet. Desperate for a fresh start, she takes a caretaker job at a secluded roadside motel in the Catskills, hoping the isolation will help her write. But when a blizzard traps her with a frozen corpse outside her window, Kerry must outwit a possible killer—or confront the terrifying possibility that she’s losing her grip on reality.
This story was fun and yet also frustrating at times. The drunk protagonist trope is a bit played out, but coming from someone who went through a divorce, NOTHING MAKES YOU DRINK MORE, so I was able to commiserate with Kerry while reading this book. The story gave me very cold, sinister, creepy motel vibes, that's for sure! Leah's writing takes center stage as it really kept me engaged with how the story was developing. This is a total popcorn thriller through and through, and if you want something lighter and juicy (with a bit of BDSM mixed in), THE LAST ROOM ON THE LEFT will be a good palate cleanser from a dense read. I will be tuning into what's next for Leah Konen!
November 5, 2024
Calling this “a feminist take on The Shining” is…aspirational.
I did enjoy the beginning and thought it had some creepy potential, but I should have paid attention to the drunk white lady red flag and quit while I was ahead.
What is actually like “The Shining” in this book? On the most surface of levels: a (h/m)otel with a mentally unstable caretaker who is supposed to be writing a book, plus a bunch of snow. That’s it.
WTAF is feminist about this book? Well, not much. Three women, supposedly friends, all worrying about who is prettier, all pining and/or dithering over some man and/or another, and it turns out one fucked another one’s husband (I guess that’s a spoiler?) And then a mysterious and ethereally beautiful (of course) teenage girl shows up and provides an opportunity for one of the three ladies (can’t remember which one bc they all blurred together) to pedantically talk about how consent works, which I guess is enough to slap a feminist label on this? MEH
And then there’s some random (hilarious/pointless) S&M?
And a motel owner who “doesn’t want to pay for wifi for two months” but then invites dingdongs with zero maintenance skills to be her property’s winter caretakers? Dead bodies in the snow aside, the ability to contact a plumber seems fairly important, but sure.
I would very much like to read a feminist take on The Shining, but this book is not even close.
* thanks to Putnam for the NetGalley review copy. The Last Room on the Left publishes in January 2025.
I did enjoy the beginning and thought it had some creepy potential, but I should have paid attention to the drunk white lady red flag and quit while I was ahead.
What is actually like “The Shining” in this book? On the most surface of levels: a (h/m)otel with a mentally unstable caretaker who is supposed to be writing a book, plus a bunch of snow. That’s it.
WTAF is feminist about this book? Well, not much. Three women, supposedly friends, all worrying about who is prettier, all pining and/or dithering over some man and/or another, and it turns out one fucked another one’s husband (I guess that’s a spoiler?) And then a mysterious and ethereally beautiful (of course) teenage girl shows up and provides an opportunity for one of the three ladies (can’t remember which one bc they all blurred together) to pedantically talk about how consent works, which I guess is enough to slap a feminist label on this? MEH
And then there’s some random (hilarious/pointless) S&M?
And a motel owner who “doesn’t want to pay for wifi for two months” but then invites dingdongs with zero maintenance skills to be her property’s winter caretakers? Dead bodies in the snow aside, the ability to contact a plumber seems fairly important, but sure.
I would very much like to read a feminist take on The Shining, but this book is not even close.
* thanks to Putnam for the NetGalley review copy. The Last Room on the Left publishes in January 2025.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2025
Writer Kerry takes a job as a caretaker for an isolated hotel in the Catskills hoping it will help fuel her creativity and escape from the mess she’s made of her personal life. But as a blizzard gets underway, she discovers a hand peeking out of the snow - a hand she fears belongs to the last caretaker.
The creepiness vibes of this book started out so strong. I was very intrigued by Kerry and the mystery body, as well as the victorian house with the creepy owner. But when the first POV shift occurs, it lost some of the steam for me, and sadly never fully recovered.
🎧 There are elements I enjoyed such as the whodunnit and the snowy setting, but it did become both over the top and predictable as we reached the conclusion. This book was very bingy and good on audio with three different narrators (Karissa Vacker being one) so if you are looking for a popcorn type snowy thriller to binge on a cold winter’s day or a quick listen on audio, this book might be perfect.
Read if you like:
▪️locked room mysteries
▪️winter thrillers
▪️isolated settings
▪️unreliable narrators
▪️multiple POV/timelines
Thank you Putnam and PRH Audio for the gifted copies and my friend Ali for the buddy read!
The creepiness vibes of this book started out so strong. I was very intrigued by Kerry and the mystery body, as well as the victorian house with the creepy owner. But when the first POV shift occurs, it lost some of the steam for me, and sadly never fully recovered.
🎧 There are elements I enjoyed such as the whodunnit and the snowy setting, but it did become both over the top and predictable as we reached the conclusion. This book was very bingy and good on audio with three different narrators (Karissa Vacker being one) so if you are looking for a popcorn type snowy thriller to binge on a cold winter’s day or a quick listen on audio, this book might be perfect.
Read if you like:
▪️locked room mysteries
▪️winter thrillers
▪️isolated settings
▪️unreliable narrators
▪️multiple POV/timelines
Thank you Putnam and PRH Audio for the gifted copies and my friend Ali for the buddy read!
February 9, 2025
* ⭐️⭐️⭐️🚫🌶️
* Blizzard, body parts, creepy motel, struggling alcoholic author whose life is in shambles, horror movie film set bestie, lies betrayal and cheating.
* Blizzard, body parts, creepy motel, struggling alcoholic author whose life is in shambles, horror movie film set bestie, lies betrayal and cheating.
December 19, 2024
This was an engaging and twisty thriller that will make you question your own sanity.
Kerry's life is falling apart: her husband has left her, she has a book deadline that she can't seem to meet, and her drinking is officially out of control. When she finds a job as a caretaker at a motel that is closed for the season, she sees it as an opportunity to get away and write. However, soon after arriving, she discovers she isn't alone up her when she finds a hand sticking up out of the snow. Trapped in the mountains with a frozen dead body, she must keep her head together before she ends dead too. Is she sequestered out in the snow with a killer, or is the isolation playing tricks her mind?
I loved Leah's writing style, how she ropes you in with these unreliable characters, a creepy motel setting, and enough suspects to keep your head spinning. A must-read for mystery lovers.
Kerry's life is falling apart: her husband has left her, she has a book deadline that she can't seem to meet, and her drinking is officially out of control. When she finds a job as a caretaker at a motel that is closed for the season, she sees it as an opportunity to get away and write. However, soon after arriving, she discovers she isn't alone up her when she finds a hand sticking up out of the snow. Trapped in the mountains with a frozen dead body, she must keep her head together before she ends dead too. Is she sequestered out in the snow with a killer, or is the isolation playing tricks her mind?
I loved Leah's writing style, how she ropes you in with these unreliable characters, a creepy motel setting, and enough suspects to keep your head spinning. A must-read for mystery lovers.
January 14, 2025
🔥🔥🔥 Happy Publication Day 🔥🔥🔥
This story really surprised me!! I ABSOLUTELY could NOT put it down!!! A perfect snowed in fast- paced thriller/horror that will have you flipping through the night! Told in multiple POV, my FAVORITE! Plus, shocking twists that will blow your mind!
Kerry’s life’s a hot mess who can’t stop drinking, husband left her, her friend, Siobhan, hasn’t talked to her and her writing has halted. She takes a caretaker position at a the Twilight Motel for a month to spark her writing and get a grip on life. However, that grip is hardly in her grasp.
As a blizzard blows through, Kerry finds a dead body. 😱 Who is it and will Kerry make it out alive???
I ate this sucker up so fast! The definition of an UNPUTDOWNABLE thriller! There’s horror elements as well. Add this one to your TBR! You won’t be disappointed!
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
❗️Side note— Please do not expect it to be like The Shining. Some things are similar, but this is a totally different story❗️
Another buddy read with my amazing friend Kim, itsallaboutthethrill . Stay on the lookout for her review!
Massive thanks to Putnam’s Books and Leah Konen for my beautiful gifted copy!!!
This story really surprised me!! I ABSOLUTELY could NOT put it down!!! A perfect snowed in fast- paced thriller/horror that will have you flipping through the night! Told in multiple POV, my FAVORITE! Plus, shocking twists that will blow your mind!
Kerry’s life’s a hot mess who can’t stop drinking, husband left her, her friend, Siobhan, hasn’t talked to her and her writing has halted. She takes a caretaker position at a the Twilight Motel for a month to spark her writing and get a grip on life. However, that grip is hardly in her grasp.
As a blizzard blows through, Kerry finds a dead body. 😱 Who is it and will Kerry make it out alive???
I ate this sucker up so fast! The definition of an UNPUTDOWNABLE thriller! There’s horror elements as well. Add this one to your TBR! You won’t be disappointed!
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
❗️Side note— Please do not expect it to be like The Shining. Some things are similar, but this is a totally different story❗️
Another buddy read with my amazing friend Kim, itsallaboutthethrill . Stay on the lookout for her review!
Massive thanks to Putnam’s Books and Leah Konen for my beautiful gifted copy!!!
December 26, 2024
ARC✶REVIEW
#ad many thanks for the advance copy of this book @putnambooks #partner
🆃🅷🅴 🅻🅰🆂🆃 🆁🅾🅾🅼 🅾🅽 🆃🅷🅴 🅻🅴🅵🆃
Available: January 14, 2025
@leahkonen
The Shining with a feminist twist …
What an absolutely insane but unputdownable story! Packed with twists, turns, and jaw-dropping shocks, this book kept me on the edge-of-my-seat and left my head spinning - in the best way possible. If you’re a thriller adrenaline junkie like me, this book will satisfy that need, this book is the perfect fix.
Konen once again proves she’s a master of suspense, delivering all the heart-pounding antics we have come to love and expect. The characters are compelling, the pacing is relentless, and I devoured this book in a day because I had to know what was going on. And let me tell you, I didn’t see any of it coming.
📖 “Kerry’s life is in shambles: Her husband has left her, her drinking habit has officially become a problem, and though the deadline for her big book deal—the one that was supposed to change everything—is looming, she can’t write a word. When she sees an ad for a caretaker position at a revitalized roadside motel in the Catskills, she jumps at the chance. It's the perfect getaway to finish her book and start fresh.
But as she hunkers down in a blizzard, she spots something through the window: a pale arm peeking out from a heap of snow. Trapped in the mountains and alone with a dead, frozen body, Kerry must keep her head and make it out before the killer comes for her too. But is the deadly game of cat-and-mouse all in her mind? The body count begs to differ . . .”
An absolute must-read!
#PutnamBooks #TheLastRoomontheLeft #arcreview #thrillerbooks #thriller #nonstopaction #bookstagram #bibliophile #books #reading
#ad many thanks for the advance copy of this book @putnambooks #partner
🆃🅷🅴 🅻🅰🆂🆃 🆁🅾🅾🅼 🅾🅽 🆃🅷🅴 🅻🅴🅵🆃
Available: January 14, 2025
@leahkonen
The Shining with a feminist twist …
What an absolutely insane but unputdownable story! Packed with twists, turns, and jaw-dropping shocks, this book kept me on the edge-of-my-seat and left my head spinning - in the best way possible. If you’re a thriller adrenaline junkie like me, this book will satisfy that need, this book is the perfect fix.
Konen once again proves she’s a master of suspense, delivering all the heart-pounding antics we have come to love and expect. The characters are compelling, the pacing is relentless, and I devoured this book in a day because I had to know what was going on. And let me tell you, I didn’t see any of it coming.
📖 “Kerry’s life is in shambles: Her husband has left her, her drinking habit has officially become a problem, and though the deadline for her big book deal—the one that was supposed to change everything—is looming, she can’t write a word. When she sees an ad for a caretaker position at a revitalized roadside motel in the Catskills, she jumps at the chance. It's the perfect getaway to finish her book and start fresh.
But as she hunkers down in a blizzard, she spots something through the window: a pale arm peeking out from a heap of snow. Trapped in the mountains and alone with a dead, frozen body, Kerry must keep her head and make it out before the killer comes for her too. But is the deadly game of cat-and-mouse all in her mind? The body count begs to differ . . .”
An absolute must-read!
#PutnamBooks #TheLastRoomontheLeft #arcreview #thrillerbooks #thriller #nonstopaction #bookstagram #bibliophile #books #reading
December 19, 2024
If you like to read seasonally and don’t mind another thriller about an alcoholic woman with memory issues this was pretty fun. I loved the locked room style setting at a motel during a snowstorm, especially as Kerry is caretaking and she’s the only one staying there. The creepy vibes were definitely apparent and it doesn’t take long to get to the action either. The main question of whodunnit was fairly easy for me to predict BUT there were several smaller twists along the way that I didn’t catch. I know I can count on the author when I want a fast paced and binge worthy thriller and she delivered for me once again!
March 9, 2025
Audiobook (10 hours) narrated by:
Karissa Vacker - Earphones award winning and Audie Award finalist narrator
Erin Bennett - Earphones Award winning and Audie nominated narrator
Julie Webster
At the time of this review the audiobook edition has not yet been listed on goodreads, however, it was published on January 14, 2025 along with the hardcover and kindle editions by Books on Tape.
Two of the three narrators of this audiobook have won and been nominated for narration awards, as noted. The three of them worked very well together and the editing was seamless.
In my mind The Last Room on the Left is a character driven, interpersonal relationships book first and foremost.
The three main characters, who each have their own narrator voice, are very human, messy, struggling in life with not just their careers and relationships, but the day to day. We can feel the pressure that these woman have placed on themselves with plans and timelines.
As noted in the synopsis, one of the three is struggling with alcohol addiction. Leah Konen gets right into her characters soul, laying her inner feelings bare. We, as readers, are allowed deep inside where we see and hear everything.
The character creation is vivid, vibrant, and brutal.
It was no surprise to me when I took a small dive into Leah Konen that I spotted a familiar book in her top four. While the author was not mentioned, I knew immediately who one of her inspirations was. The book? On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King.
While I am not insinuating that Konen writes like King, at all, the meticulous care that she takes with her characters is notable and something that us constant readers have grown accustomed to seeing in Kings works, that we do not always have the option of seeing in other authors, at least not the extent that we greedily devour in King novels. The empathy, compassion, and brutal honest character combination is difficult to come by, but we see it here, across the board from the main characters down to the smallest of side characters. It. Is. Awesome.
It is the characters that make the story as good as it is. In fact, without the characters messiness, the story would be more than a little meh.
The story idea is OK, the execution is outstanding.
Entertainment level is a clear 5 stars for me. I look forward to viewing more of Konen's work.
Karissa Vacker - Earphones award winning and Audie Award finalist narrator
Erin Bennett - Earphones Award winning and Audie nominated narrator
Julie Webster
At the time of this review the audiobook edition has not yet been listed on goodreads, however, it was published on January 14, 2025 along with the hardcover and kindle editions by Books on Tape.
Two of the three narrators of this audiobook have won and been nominated for narration awards, as noted. The three of them worked very well together and the editing was seamless.
In my mind The Last Room on the Left is a character driven, interpersonal relationships book first and foremost.
The three main characters, who each have their own narrator voice, are very human, messy, struggling in life with not just their careers and relationships, but the day to day. We can feel the pressure that these woman have placed on themselves with plans and timelines.
As noted in the synopsis, one of the three is struggling with alcohol addiction. Leah Konen gets right into her characters soul, laying her inner feelings bare. We, as readers, are allowed deep inside where we see and hear everything.
The character creation is vivid, vibrant, and brutal.
It was no surprise to me when I took a small dive into Leah Konen that I spotted a familiar book in her top four. While the author was not mentioned, I knew immediately who one of her inspirations was. The book? On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King.
While I am not insinuating that Konen writes like King, at all, the meticulous care that she takes with her characters is notable and something that us constant readers have grown accustomed to seeing in Kings works, that we do not always have the option of seeing in other authors, at least not the extent that we greedily devour in King novels. The empathy, compassion, and brutal honest character combination is difficult to come by, but we see it here, across the board from the main characters down to the smallest of side characters. It. Is. Awesome.
It is the characters that make the story as good as it is. In fact, without the characters messiness, the story would be more than a little meh.
The story idea is OK, the execution is outstanding.
Entertainment level is a clear 5 stars for me. I look forward to viewing more of Konen's work.
November 15, 2024
This book took on several genres: horror, thriller and mystery.
Kerry is a little bit of a mess. On the cusp of a nasty divorce, behind on her latest novel and using alcohol as her own brand of therapy,... she agrees to be the caretaker of a seasonal hotel in the Catskills. It is the off season, so what better way to focus on her writing than being isolated with no wifi and distractions in a snowbound location?
If this premise sounds familiar, it is- thats the exact storyline the Shining presented to us many years ago.
This takes different spins, but has that same creepy, isolated atmosphere. A few times I felt the back of neck tingle for sure- sign of a good creepy book.
I did not see the turns coming, and while they lean more towards a psychological thriller than horror, I was entertained the whole time.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin House for the opportunity to read in return for my honest opinion.
Kerry is a little bit of a mess. On the cusp of a nasty divorce, behind on her latest novel and using alcohol as her own brand of therapy,... she agrees to be the caretaker of a seasonal hotel in the Catskills. It is the off season, so what better way to focus on her writing than being isolated with no wifi and distractions in a snowbound location?
If this premise sounds familiar, it is- thats the exact storyline the Shining presented to us many years ago.
This takes different spins, but has that same creepy, isolated atmosphere. A few times I felt the back of neck tingle for sure- sign of a good creepy book.
I did not see the turns coming, and while they lean more towards a psychological thriller than horror, I was entertained the whole time.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin House for the opportunity to read in return for my honest opinion.
February 7, 2025
3.5 Stars, rounded up. This one had a lot of potential and was going in the right direction but then it kind of just puttered out and the ending just didn't do a whole lot for me. It was a little bit predictable and uneventful I suppose would be the best way to describe it?? Might change my rating after more contemplation...
June 2, 2025
This girl fell flat on her face NINE separate times in this book
December 17, 2024
Man this was such a good read! Thanks NetGalley for giving me the chance to read this arc:) this seamlessly blended past and present perfectly and when both finally met up I needed to know how everything went down! This one definitely kept me guessing from start to finish and was so dark and twisty in a good way. It also did a really good job having creepy vibes throughout that kept me in an unease for sure and trying to figure out if it was going to be a paranormal type reason behind it all. This book did a great job fleshing out the characters and giving you a perfect amount of backstory for everyone. Awesome read for sure
November 11, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of
The Last Room on the Left.
I'm always up for a retelling of a classic story especially if it's a horror reimagining, but this was no feminist version of The Shining.
First, the main character is an unlikable, unreliable person with no interesting qualities.
Naturally, she's struggling with alcoholism so you can't believe a word she says or anything she sees.
Second, I love the isolated setting, the atmosphere and desolation of being snowbound, but the narrative lacked urgency.
We're stuck in Kerry's head most of the time, naturally, but her thoughts are a repetitive whirlwind of her ex, Frank, her former BFF, and how she's cut them out of her life.
Of course, readers are left hanging as to the reasons why.
I'm not sure the reason behind the S&M angle; it doesn't bother me but what was the point?
People who enjoy S&M are not bad, but there was an undertone that because this person is into this, they're bad.
Third, the narrative is full of standard tropes; women afraid to be alone, Charlie is a hottie, Allison is, too, Kerry senses she's being followed, being watched.
Third, the story lacked suspense, and I guessed whodunit almost immediately.
The epilogue was a nice touch but not enough to warrant all that came before it.
I'm always up for a retelling of a classic story especially if it's a horror reimagining, but this was no feminist version of The Shining.
First, the main character is an unlikable, unreliable person with no interesting qualities.
Naturally, she's struggling with alcoholism so you can't believe a word she says or anything she sees.
Second, I love the isolated setting, the atmosphere and desolation of being snowbound, but the narrative lacked urgency.
We're stuck in Kerry's head most of the time, naturally, but her thoughts are a repetitive whirlwind of her ex, Frank, her former BFF, and how she's cut them out of her life.
Of course, readers are left hanging as to the reasons why.
I'm not sure the reason behind the S&M angle; it doesn't bother me but what was the point?
People who enjoy S&M are not bad, but there was an undertone that because this person is into this, they're bad.
Third, the narrative is full of standard tropes; women afraid to be alone, Charlie is a hottie, Allison is, too, Kerry senses she's being followed, being watched.
Third, the story lacked suspense, and I guessed whodunit almost immediately.
The epilogue was a nice touch but not enough to warrant all that came before it.
October 28, 2024
So the biggest mistake of all is that an editor or publisher or even the author themselves decided to describe this as a feminist take on The Shining.
Yeah…it’s not.
I mean, it’s in a motel and our MC is an alcoholic caretaker. And all comparisons to The Shining abruptly cease there.
The feminist part? I mean…there are some important things in the book about consent and daring to speak up for other women, but it’s late in the book and incredibly unimportant to the plot.
What you do have is a very serviceable dual timeline mystery. I was curious about what was happening, concerned for our women, and was definitely surprised by the *who* of everything. And if I weren’t set up to think I was getting some eerie Shining homage, I likely would have been much more satisfied.
Read it for what it actually is…not what it says it is.
• ARC via publisher
Yeah…it’s not.
I mean, it’s in a motel and our MC is an alcoholic caretaker. And all comparisons to The Shining abruptly cease there.
The feminist part? I mean…there are some important things in the book about consent and daring to speak up for other women, but it’s late in the book and incredibly unimportant to the plot.
What you do have is a very serviceable dual timeline mystery. I was curious about what was happening, concerned for our women, and was definitely surprised by the *who* of everything. And if I weren’t set up to think I was getting some eerie Shining homage, I likely would have been much more satisfied.
Read it for what it actually is…not what it says it is.
• ARC via publisher
March 9, 2025
This was a fun popcorn thriller about an author that takes a job as an off season caretaker at a remote motel in the Catskills. She wants to get away and finish her book, as she's been stuck with her writing since things in her life just seem to be falling apart. Once there, a huge winter storm is brewing, and she sees the dead body of the previous caretaker. She's stranded, there is no power, there may be a murderer around the motel, and she is determined to not be the next person to be murdered. This was an enjoyable thriller. nothing earth shattering but I still found it interesting enough to not be bored. The MC, Kerry definitely makes some crazy and stupid decisions that kinda drove me crazy, but overall, I was definitely entertained.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
January 30, 2025
I enjoyed this! The pacing is good and it's very atmospheric. The twists are good and unexpected. The ending is good. Kerry is a really entertaining character which drew me into the story. I would recommend this! Special Thank You to Leah Konen, Penguin Group Putnam and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 15, 2025
Oooh, this was a fun, twisty little thriller. One that kept me guessing and guessing and guessing until I finally just had to go along for the ride!
Kerry is almost at rock bottom of her life. She's run away to a small, snowed in motel - to watch it for a month, make sure the pipes don't burst, while she finishing writing a book she is very late on. She's also an alcoholic and she'd like to try to stay away from that while she's here too.
But as soon as she arrives, she knows something is off. The motel room is trashed, the previous carer for the month clearly has not left or cleaned up and she's left wondering what to do now. It isn't until she spots something red in the snow that she get scared.
This was wonderfully twisty and kept me guessing. I loved how it was hard to count on any one character and it lead me wondering, constantly, who all was lying. The ending was the perfect wrap up. I loved this one!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
Kerry is almost at rock bottom of her life. She's run away to a small, snowed in motel - to watch it for a month, make sure the pipes don't burst, while she finishing writing a book she is very late on. She's also an alcoholic and she'd like to try to stay away from that while she's here too.
But as soon as she arrives, she knows something is off. The motel room is trashed, the previous carer for the month clearly has not left or cleaned up and she's left wondering what to do now. It isn't until she spots something red in the snow that she get scared.
This was wonderfully twisty and kept me guessing. I loved how it was hard to count on any one character and it lead me wondering, constantly, who all was lying. The ending was the perfect wrap up. I loved this one!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
January 28, 2025
Unfortunately, my journey with this author's books has not grown as I had hoped. Since first reading The Perfect Escape.
I was mildly intrigued as the story involved a murder mystery at a snowed-in motel! Yet that is where it remained, back in chapter 10.
Indulgent, not only lacks depth, it tries to fake depth. Superficial and all surface level. Eventually, I didn't care who did it. It's even worse after finding out who did it. Feels light years away from the potential in the first book I read.
On another note, I'm neither a fan nor a foe of Andrea Bartz's work. That said, the author's note stated she had a significant hand in shaping and helping Leah Konen with this novel. My disappointment after finishing made a little more sense, when I learned that. Take from it what you will.
I was mildly intrigued as the story involved a murder mystery at a snowed-in motel! Yet that is where it remained, back in chapter 10.
Indulgent, not only lacks depth, it tries to fake depth. Superficial and all surface level. Eventually, I didn't care who did it. It's even worse after finding out who did it. Feels light years away from the potential in the first book I read.
On another note, I'm neither a fan nor a foe of Andrea Bartz's work. That said, the author's note stated she had a significant hand in shaping and helping Leah Konen with this novel. My disappointment after finishing made a little more sense, when I learned that. Take from it what you will.
January 19, 2025
A caretaker for a hotel arrives to find the previous caretaker dead in the snow. She feels she is being watched and wonders if the killer is still out there waiting for her. This is your typical run of the mill psychological thriller. We have our unreliable alcoholic caretaker, and suspects she surrounds herself with trying to find out who is the killer. It is full of red herrings, and I was able to figure out the main plot twist before it happened. The storyline was interesting enough, but this one wasn’t something to call home about IMO.
February 27, 2025
I wanted to stop on this so many times. I struggled to get through. I really dislike reading characters who use abuse alcohol all the time and stumble about through the storyline. There was no real depth to this story or the people in it. I stayed with it because I liked the setting and the plot idea, but it did not live up to expectations based on the book summary. To be honest, I skimmed the last fourth of this just to get it over with.
This is 1000% NOT a feminist version of The Shining. Don't insult King or feminists this way.
This is 1000% NOT a feminist version of The Shining. Don't insult King or feminists this way.
January 22, 2025
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
This book definitely had lots of surprises and secrets that I didn’t see coming! I liked all the complex characters and unreliable narrators always are intriguing. The glimpses into the past really helped to distinguish the friendships and relationships of all the girls. The setting was perfect for the story and I always love some good gaslighting! I would recommend if you like psychological thrillers and mysteries!
This book definitely had lots of surprises and secrets that I didn’t see coming! I liked all the complex characters and unreliable narrators always are intriguing. The glimpses into the past really helped to distinguish the friendships and relationships of all the girls. The setting was perfect for the story and I always love some good gaslighting! I would recommend if you like psychological thrillers and mysteries!
December 17, 2024
This one is hard to review. It’s compared to a “feminist take on The Shining” and the only part of “The Shining” I got from this was a motel and snow. This pretty much combined a whole bunch of popcorn thriller tropes into a locked room setting. The twists were all predictable. I am SO over the drunk female narrator. It is an easy read and has some entertaining quips but all in all it was basic. My favorite thing about it was the cover. Props to the artist.
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