What do you think?
Rate this book
The Guest in Room 120: A Novel
A Zibby's Most Anticipated Book of Fall 2025! A BookBub Most Anticipated Mystery & Thriller of Fall 2025! A She Reads Most Anticipated Historical Fiction of Fall 2025!
From USA Today bestselling author Sara Ackerman comes a spellbinding dual-timeline novel set at Honolulu’s iconic Moana Hotel, where a real-life mysterious death in 1905 collides with a writer’s search for the truth one hundred years later. For fans of Ariel Lawhon and Fiona Davis.
1905 As the mother of a university and a woman with an iron will, Jane Stanford has made her share of enemies. After a scare at her mansion in San Francisco and on the advice of her doctor, she flees to Honolulu and the fashionable new Moana hotel. But as fate would have it, the island is not as safe as it seems.
2005 Zoe Finch is a bestselling author who desperately needs a jump start on her next novel, and she makes a split decision to attend a writers' conference at the Moana under an assumed name. As a storm brews offshore, she begins having nightmares that feel hauntingly real. Terrified, Zoe enlists the help of mystery writer Dylan Winters and, over the course of the week, races to uncover the shocking truth of what happened in the hotel one hundred years ago almost to the day.
1905 ‘Iliahi Baldwin’s life changes the moment she lands a job at the Moana. Newly hired and reeling from a tragic loss, she strikes up an unlikely friendship with the formidable Jane Stanford upon her arrival, which leaves young ‘Ili devastated when the unthinkable happens. ‘Ili knows things, but there are powerful people who need the truth to remain hidden, and to cross them could prove disastrous.
Inspired by the incredible true story of one of America’s most mysterious deaths, this is an unforgettable tale of betrayal and secrets that still echoes through the years.
More captivating stories from Sara The Maui Effect The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West The Codebreaker's Secret Radar Girls Red Sky Over Hawaii The Lieutenant's Nurse Island of Sweet Pies & Soldiers
From USA Today bestselling author Sara Ackerman comes a spellbinding dual-timeline novel set at Honolulu’s iconic Moana Hotel, where a real-life mysterious death in 1905 collides with a writer’s search for the truth one hundred years later. For fans of Ariel Lawhon and Fiona Davis.
1905 As the mother of a university and a woman with an iron will, Jane Stanford has made her share of enemies. After a scare at her mansion in San Francisco and on the advice of her doctor, she flees to Honolulu and the fashionable new Moana hotel. But as fate would have it, the island is not as safe as it seems.
2005 Zoe Finch is a bestselling author who desperately needs a jump start on her next novel, and she makes a split decision to attend a writers' conference at the Moana under an assumed name. As a storm brews offshore, she begins having nightmares that feel hauntingly real. Terrified, Zoe enlists the help of mystery writer Dylan Winters and, over the course of the week, races to uncover the shocking truth of what happened in the hotel one hundred years ago almost to the day.
1905 ‘Iliahi Baldwin’s life changes the moment she lands a job at the Moana. Newly hired and reeling from a tragic loss, she strikes up an unlikely friendship with the formidable Jane Stanford upon her arrival, which leaves young ‘Ili devastated when the unthinkable happens. ‘Ili knows things, but there are powerful people who need the truth to remain hidden, and to cross them could prove disastrous.
Inspired by the incredible true story of one of America’s most mysterious deaths, this is an unforgettable tale of betrayal and secrets that still echoes through the years.
More captivating stories from Sara The Maui Effect The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West The Codebreaker's Secret Radar Girls Red Sky Over Hawaii The Lieutenant's Nurse Island of Sweet Pies & Soldiers
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 23, 2025
224 people are currently reading
7321 people want to read
About the author
Sara Ackerman
9 books1,504 followersSara Ackerman is the Hawaii born, USA Today bestselling author of contemporary and historical novels set in the Islands.
Sara's books have been labeled “unforgettable” by Apple Books, “empowering & deliciously visceral” by Book Riot, and New York Times bestselling authors Kate Quinn and Madeline Martin have praised Sara’s novels as “fresh and delightful” and “brilliantly written.” Amazon chose Radar Girls as a best book of the month, and ALA Booklist gave The Codebreaker’s Secret a starred review.
Find out more about Sara and her books at www.ackermanbooks.com and follow her on Instagram @saraackermanbooks and on FB @ackermanbooks.
Sara's books have been labeled “unforgettable” by Apple Books, “empowering & deliciously visceral” by Book Riot, and New York Times bestselling authors Kate Quinn and Madeline Martin have praised Sara’s novels as “fresh and delightful” and “brilliantly written.” Amazon chose Radar Girls as a best book of the month, and ALA Booklist gave The Codebreaker’s Secret a starred review.
Find out more about Sara and her books at www.ackermanbooks.com and follow her on Instagram @saraackermanbooks and on FB @ackermanbooks.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 239 reviews
September 22, 2025
What really happened to Jane Stanford?
Sara Ackerman’s dual timeline follows the 1905 journey of Jane Stanford and Iliahi Baldwin and the 2005 journey of Zoe Finch. All three women are connected by the Moana Hotel in Honolulu. Jane and Zoe are guests in Room 120 and Iliahi is employed at the same upscale beachfront hotel.
Ackerman’s examination of this mysterious death is both compelling and enlightening. Readers are pulled in immediately by the mysterious cover. It hints of something mysterious happening in Room 120 and as readers flip pages, the mystery begins to take hold - switching timelines becomes compelling rather than cumbersome.
I can’t think of anyone better to tell this story; Ackerman’s Hawaiian heritage, her love of the islands, and her stellar ability to infuse her narrative with a distinct sense of place make this novel worth reading. I’ve always loved Ackerman’s characters; this time, her mystery stepped into the spotlight and was enriched by the meticulous crafting of her sense of place.
I hope this mystery enchants you as it did me. If you love true crime, Hawaiiana, unique characters, and multiple time-hops, this one’s for you.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Sara Ackerman’s dual timeline follows the 1905 journey of Jane Stanford and Iliahi Baldwin and the 2005 journey of Zoe Finch. All three women are connected by the Moana Hotel in Honolulu. Jane and Zoe are guests in Room 120 and Iliahi is employed at the same upscale beachfront hotel.
Ackerman’s examination of this mysterious death is both compelling and enlightening. Readers are pulled in immediately by the mysterious cover. It hints of something mysterious happening in Room 120 and as readers flip pages, the mystery begins to take hold - switching timelines becomes compelling rather than cumbersome.
I can’t think of anyone better to tell this story; Ackerman’s Hawaiian heritage, her love of the islands, and her stellar ability to infuse her narrative with a distinct sense of place make this novel worth reading. I’ve always loved Ackerman’s characters; this time, her mystery stepped into the spotlight and was enriched by the meticulous crafting of her sense of place.
I hope this mystery enchants you as it did me. If you love true crime, Hawaiiana, unique characters, and multiple time-hops, this one’s for you.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Read
September 26, 2025Dear Friends,
I wanted to share a little bit about what this book means to me. The Guest in Room 120 was one of the most challenging stories I’ve ever written. I went down so many rabbit holes researching the mysterious death of Jane Stanford, and weaving that history together with a modern-day storyline stretched me in new ways as a writer.
This book took me back to Waikīkī, to the Moana Hotel in 1905, and deep into questions of truth, secrecy, and resilience. At its heart, this is also a story about strong women across time who refuse to be silenced. I hope readers feel transported, and maybe even a little haunted, by the world of Room 120.
Thank you to everyone who has already picked up a copy or left a review — it means the world. 💙
I wanted to share a little bit about what this book means to me. The Guest in Room 120 was one of the most challenging stories I’ve ever written. I went down so many rabbit holes researching the mysterious death of Jane Stanford, and weaving that history together with a modern-day storyline stretched me in new ways as a writer.
This book took me back to Waikīkī, to the Moana Hotel in 1905, and deep into questions of truth, secrecy, and resilience. At its heart, this is also a story about strong women across time who refuse to be silenced. I hope readers feel transported, and maybe even a little haunted, by the world of Room 120.
Thank you to everyone who has already picked up a copy or left a review — it means the world. 💙
November 29, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | MIRA for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
Three women's lives become intertwined in a Hawaiian hotel, one hundred years apart.
It's been a while since I have been able to lose myself in a book, but Sara Ackerman's look into the mysterious circumstances surrounding Jane Stanford's( yep, think Stanford University) death in 1905 was just the escapism that I needed. Throw in an author( Zoe) looking for ideas for her next novel, and a journal written by a maid ( Iliahi) that may have seen what really happened, and this was a book that I couldn't put down.
A word of caution- don't expect to like all the characters. Jane was abrasive, but there were aspects of her character that I liked. No doubt some people had a motive to see her die. I was so-so on the romance, but I enjoyed the paranormal aspect of the tale. Oh, and the cat Storm earns a little bit of the star weighting for just being cute.
My verdict: Perhaps my favourite Sara Ackerman.
#TheGuestinRoom120 #NetGalley
Publication Date 23/09/25
Goodreads Review 23/11/25
Three women's lives become intertwined in a Hawaiian hotel, one hundred years apart.
It's been a while since I have been able to lose myself in a book, but Sara Ackerman's look into the mysterious circumstances surrounding Jane Stanford's( yep, think Stanford University) death in 1905 was just the escapism that I needed. Throw in an author( Zoe) looking for ideas for her next novel, and a journal written by a maid ( Iliahi) that may have seen what really happened, and this was a book that I couldn't put down.
A word of caution- don't expect to like all the characters. Jane was abrasive, but there were aspects of her character that I liked. No doubt some people had a motive to see her die. I was so-so on the romance, but I enjoyed the paranormal aspect of the tale. Oh, and the cat Storm earns a little bit of the star weighting for just being cute.
My verdict: Perhaps my favourite Sara Ackerman.
#TheGuestinRoom120 #NetGalley
Publication Date 23/09/25
Goodreads Review 23/11/25
June 1, 2025
One of my fav authors has written a splendid dual timeline histfic mystery based on the unsolved death of Stanford University co-founder Jane Stanford. I could not put this one down and you won't be able to either. Brava, Sara!
June 9, 2025
4.5⭐️s!
Sara Ackerman wrote a historical fiction with an eerie mystery vibe and I am so here for it!! I have loved every book I’ve read of hers and this was no different. Inspired by the mysterious death of Jane Stanford, this follows a dual timeline between 1905 and 2005. We get flashbacks to Jane’s story, journal entries from Ili, a hotel employee during the time of Jane’s story, and then the more current timeline following Zoe who’s an author attending a writers conference in Hawaii 100 years later. It ends up that Zoe stays in the room in which Jane Stanford died, and she starts experiencing strange dreams regarding this past, so there’s a touch of a paranormal aspect to this which was so fun. I love anything paranormal so it made me love the book even more. Zoe then decides to explore Jane Stanford’s unsolved death with the help of the journal entries, and it inspires her next novel.
This book came together so well for me. While the first 30% or so was a little slower start and lots of back and forth between timelines without much connecting right away, I knew eventually the connections would be made and when they were I was hooked! I loved how much depth there was to the characters, particularly how Ili and her journals played a role. Every character seemed to have their own troubles and afflictions they were dealing with in their lives and it was easy to connect with them emotionally.
One of my favorite things about Sara’s books are how they transport you to the setting. I always feel like I’m there in Hawaii when reading them. Not to mention for historical fiction novels, these are more like “feel-good” stories. When I want a story that will make me feel warm inside but I’m craving some history, Sara Ackerman books are a go-to!
If you want a mix of unique historical fiction, with a hint of mystery and a touch of romance, definitely add this to your TBR!
Sara Ackerman wrote a historical fiction with an eerie mystery vibe and I am so here for it!! I have loved every book I’ve read of hers and this was no different. Inspired by the mysterious death of Jane Stanford, this follows a dual timeline between 1905 and 2005. We get flashbacks to Jane’s story, journal entries from Ili, a hotel employee during the time of Jane’s story, and then the more current timeline following Zoe who’s an author attending a writers conference in Hawaii 100 years later. It ends up that Zoe stays in the room in which Jane Stanford died, and she starts experiencing strange dreams regarding this past, so there’s a touch of a paranormal aspect to this which was so fun. I love anything paranormal so it made me love the book even more. Zoe then decides to explore Jane Stanford’s unsolved death with the help of the journal entries, and it inspires her next novel.
This book came together so well for me. While the first 30% or so was a little slower start and lots of back and forth between timelines without much connecting right away, I knew eventually the connections would be made and when they were I was hooked! I loved how much depth there was to the characters, particularly how Ili and her journals played a role. Every character seemed to have their own troubles and afflictions they were dealing with in their lives and it was easy to connect with them emotionally.
One of my favorite things about Sara’s books are how they transport you to the setting. I always feel like I’m there in Hawaii when reading them. Not to mention for historical fiction novels, these are more like “feel-good” stories. When I want a story that will make me feel warm inside but I’m craving some history, Sara Ackerman books are a go-to!
If you want a mix of unique historical fiction, with a hint of mystery and a touch of romance, definitely add this to your TBR!
September 25, 2025
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
So happy to have discovered this author!
An exceptional dual-timeline narrative that weaves fiction and non-fiction effortlessly. Based on the real life death of Stanford University founder, Jane Stanford, Ackerman seamlessly transported me to 1905 Hawaii, while keeping me rooted to today, via Zoe.
Just enough fact and fiction to keep me totally engrossed and loving the characters both real and imagined. The three female protagonists are strong, intelligent women and I was transported through their eyes to experience their stories.
Timeline plots can be cumbersome to read, but in this case the author nails the transitions. Half a star off for wanting to know more about the David and Thelma.
This novel was a very happy discovery!
So happy to have discovered this author!
An exceptional dual-timeline narrative that weaves fiction and non-fiction effortlessly. Based on the real life death of Stanford University founder, Jane Stanford, Ackerman seamlessly transported me to 1905 Hawaii, while keeping me rooted to today, via Zoe.
Just enough fact and fiction to keep me totally engrossed and loving the characters both real and imagined. The three female protagonists are strong, intelligent women and I was transported through their eyes to experience their stories.
Timeline plots can be cumbersome to read, but in this case the author nails the transitions. Half a star off for wanting to know more about the David and Thelma.
This novel was a very happy discovery!
September 25, 2025
Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy
TITLE: The Guest in Room 120
AUTHOR: Sara Ackerman
PUB DATE: 09.23.2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Some books feel like they’re made to sweep you away, and The Guest in Room 120 by Sara Ackerman did exactly that.
I was instantly transported to the grand Moana Hotel in Honolulu, where the past and present collide in the most haunting way. The dual timelines - Jane Stanford’s shocking final days in 1905, Zoe Finch’s stormy search for truth in 2005, and the heartbreaking yet courageous story of ‘Iliahi Baldwin, that kept me glued to the pages.
What struck me most was how real it all felt. Ackerman blends history and fiction so seamlessly that I caught myself holding my breath, waiting for answers, aching for the characters, and feeling the echoes of betrayal and courage across a century. This isn’t just a historical mystery - it’s a story of resilience, secrets, and the power of uncovering truth, no matter the cost.
This book reminded me exactly why I adore historical fiction: the atmosphere, the emotional pull, and the thrill of history brought to life. It’s definitely one I’ll be recommending over and over.
❓ Question of the Day: Do you enjoy dual-timeline novels? Any reccs?
#suzyapprovedbooktours
#TheGuestInRoom120 #SaraAckerman #HistoricalFiction #BookReview #Bookstagram #MysteryAndThriller #FiveStarRead #MoanaHotel #DualTimeline #ReadersOfInstagram #HistoricalMystery
TITLE: The Guest in Room 120
AUTHOR: Sara Ackerman
PUB DATE: 09.23.2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Some books feel like they’re made to sweep you away, and The Guest in Room 120 by Sara Ackerman did exactly that.
I was instantly transported to the grand Moana Hotel in Honolulu, where the past and present collide in the most haunting way. The dual timelines - Jane Stanford’s shocking final days in 1905, Zoe Finch’s stormy search for truth in 2005, and the heartbreaking yet courageous story of ‘Iliahi Baldwin, that kept me glued to the pages.
What struck me most was how real it all felt. Ackerman blends history and fiction so seamlessly that I caught myself holding my breath, waiting for answers, aching for the characters, and feeling the echoes of betrayal and courage across a century. This isn’t just a historical mystery - it’s a story of resilience, secrets, and the power of uncovering truth, no matter the cost.
This book reminded me exactly why I adore historical fiction: the atmosphere, the emotional pull, and the thrill of history brought to life. It’s definitely one I’ll be recommending over and over.
❓ Question of the Day: Do you enjoy dual-timeline novels? Any reccs?
#suzyapprovedbooktours
#TheGuestInRoom120 #SaraAckerman #HistoricalFiction #BookReview #Bookstagram #MysteryAndThriller #FiveStarRead #MoanaHotel #DualTimeline #ReadersOfInstagram #HistoricalMystery
September 23, 2025
The Guest in Room 120 is an intriguing historical fiction story that explores the mysterious death of Stanford University co-founder, Jane Stanford.
Jane Stanford, co-founder of Stanford University, is a formidable woman who has made some enemies. In 1905, she feels threatened and, out of concern for her safety, she decides to flee from her mansion in San Francisco to a luxury hotel in Hawaii. She stays in Room 120.
In 2005, Zoe Finch registers for a writing conference at the same hotel and unwittingly stays in Room 120. As a storm rages offshore, she experiences nightmares that seem terrifyingly real. She enlists the help of Dylan, a mystery writer at the conference, and they discover what happened in that same room one hundred years earlier and persuade officials to reopen an investigation.
I didn’t attend Stanford, but I do live on the West Coast. Until I read The Guest in Room 120, I had no awareness of the mysterious death of Jane Stanford. In this respect, it is an interesting historical mystery for me.
Sara Ackerman cleverly weaves together the 1905 and 2005 timelines, building tension and suspense. Often, I prefer the historical timeline, but here the contemporary timeline is relevant and compelling. The 1905 timeline sets up the mysterious death (is it murder?), and the 2005 timeline actively reopens the investigation. Both plots were page-turning, and I cared about characters from each timeline.
Part historical, part thriller, and part paranormal, with gentle sides of romance and the writing life. It’s fun (and Meta) that the two main characters in the modern timeline are writers at a writing conference.
I discovered Sara Ackerman when she was a historical fiction author, writing stories set in Hawaii involving Pearl Harbor during WWII. My favorite of her early work is Radar Girls. Currently, she writes stories with modern timelines (sometimes dual). However, she is definitely moving away from WWII histfic. My favorite of her newer work with a dual timeline is The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West.
Fans of historical mystery with elements of suspense, thriller, paranormal, and romance will enjoy The Guest in Room 120. This one might be an enticing addition to your fall TBR.
Thanks #NetGalley @HarperCollins @HTP_Books | MIRA for a complimentary eARC of #TheGuestInRoom120 upon my request. All opinions are my own.
For more reviews visit my blog www.readingladies.com where this review was first published.
Jane Stanford, co-founder of Stanford University, is a formidable woman who has made some enemies. In 1905, she feels threatened and, out of concern for her safety, she decides to flee from her mansion in San Francisco to a luxury hotel in Hawaii. She stays in Room 120.
In 2005, Zoe Finch registers for a writing conference at the same hotel and unwittingly stays in Room 120. As a storm rages offshore, she experiences nightmares that seem terrifyingly real. She enlists the help of Dylan, a mystery writer at the conference, and they discover what happened in that same room one hundred years earlier and persuade officials to reopen an investigation.
I didn’t attend Stanford, but I do live on the West Coast. Until I read The Guest in Room 120, I had no awareness of the mysterious death of Jane Stanford. In this respect, it is an interesting historical mystery for me.
Sara Ackerman cleverly weaves together the 1905 and 2005 timelines, building tension and suspense. Often, I prefer the historical timeline, but here the contemporary timeline is relevant and compelling. The 1905 timeline sets up the mysterious death (is it murder?), and the 2005 timeline actively reopens the investigation. Both plots were page-turning, and I cared about characters from each timeline.
Part historical, part thriller, and part paranormal, with gentle sides of romance and the writing life. It’s fun (and Meta) that the two main characters in the modern timeline are writers at a writing conference.
I discovered Sara Ackerman when she was a historical fiction author, writing stories set in Hawaii involving Pearl Harbor during WWII. My favorite of her early work is Radar Girls. Currently, she writes stories with modern timelines (sometimes dual). However, she is definitely moving away from WWII histfic. My favorite of her newer work with a dual timeline is The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West.
Fans of historical mystery with elements of suspense, thriller, paranormal, and romance will enjoy The Guest in Room 120. This one might be an enticing addition to your fall TBR.
Thanks #NetGalley @HarperCollins @HTP_Books | MIRA for a complimentary eARC of #TheGuestInRoom120 upon my request. All opinions are my own.
For more reviews visit my blog www.readingladies.com where this review was first published.
August 31, 2025
Book Report: The Guest in Room 120
At First Glance: I think this cover is BEYOND stunning 🤩
The Gist: Set at Honolulu’s iconic Moana Hotel, where a real-life mysterious death in 1905 collides with a writer’s search for the truth one hundred years later.
My Thoughts: I just finished The Guest in Room 120 by Sara Ackerman and I LOVED every second of it! 😍 From the very first page it hooked me with its eerie mysterious vibe 🔍🌫️ Set in a historic Hawaiian hotel in the 1905 and the 2005 the dual timelines were so immersive and atmospheric 🌺🏨I could practically feel the ocean breeze and smell the plumeria. The story unfolds through shifting points of view and journal entries and I was so impressed with how seamlessly everything flowed 📖✨The mix of historical fiction…suspense and a subtle touch of the paranormal gave it such a unique twist 👻💫
The characters felt real…the stakes were high…and I loved piecing together the mystery. I also found myself unexpectedly fascinated by Jane Stanford. Her role in shaping Stanford University is impressive enough…but what truly grabbed me was the mysterious and dramatic nature of her death. This is my first book by Sara Ackerman…and I’m honestly so excited to explore more of her books📚💖If you love atmospheric mysteries with rich settings…compelling characters…and a twist of the supernatural this one’s for you!
My Question for Sara: If you could time travel back to 1905 Honolulu like in the novel, what’s the first thing you’d want to see or do?
Thank you MIRA for the gifted e-arc!
Releases 9/23
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lyon.brit.A...
At First Glance: I think this cover is BEYOND stunning 🤩
The Gist: Set at Honolulu’s iconic Moana Hotel, where a real-life mysterious death in 1905 collides with a writer’s search for the truth one hundred years later.
My Thoughts: I just finished The Guest in Room 120 by Sara Ackerman and I LOVED every second of it! 😍 From the very first page it hooked me with its eerie mysterious vibe 🔍🌫️ Set in a historic Hawaiian hotel in the 1905 and the 2005 the dual timelines were so immersive and atmospheric 🌺🏨I could practically feel the ocean breeze and smell the plumeria. The story unfolds through shifting points of view and journal entries and I was so impressed with how seamlessly everything flowed 📖✨The mix of historical fiction…suspense and a subtle touch of the paranormal gave it such a unique twist 👻💫
The characters felt real…the stakes were high…and I loved piecing together the mystery. I also found myself unexpectedly fascinated by Jane Stanford. Her role in shaping Stanford University is impressive enough…but what truly grabbed me was the mysterious and dramatic nature of her death. This is my first book by Sara Ackerman…and I’m honestly so excited to explore more of her books📚💖If you love atmospheric mysteries with rich settings…compelling characters…and a twist of the supernatural this one’s for you!
My Question for Sara: If you could time travel back to 1905 Honolulu like in the novel, what’s the first thing you’d want to see or do?
Thank you MIRA for the gifted e-arc!
Releases 9/23
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lyon.brit.A...
October 5, 2025
The Guest in Room 120
By: Sara Ackerman
A dual timeline set in 1905 and 2005.
This novel is inspired by death of Stanford University’s founder Jane Stanford.
1905-Jane Stanford is one that does not cater to those around her and is a no-nonsense kind of person. She has made enemies and after an episode at her mansion, she sets out for Honolulu at Moana a new hotel.
Jane meets IIiahi Baldwin who works at the hotel. She and Jane strike up a friendship. Their lives crossing changes both of them.
2005-In Moana, Zoe Finch attends a writers’ conference under an assumed name. She is hoping that her notoriety won’t be an issue, but that remains to be seen. She enlists the help of a fellow mystery writer when she something happens.
A haunting and intriguing novel, one not to be missed.
By: Sara Ackerman
A dual timeline set in 1905 and 2005.
This novel is inspired by death of Stanford University’s founder Jane Stanford.
1905-Jane Stanford is one that does not cater to those around her and is a no-nonsense kind of person. She has made enemies and after an episode at her mansion, she sets out for Honolulu at Moana a new hotel.
Jane meets IIiahi Baldwin who works at the hotel. She and Jane strike up a friendship. Their lives crossing changes both of them.
2005-In Moana, Zoe Finch attends a writers’ conference under an assumed name. She is hoping that her notoriety won’t be an issue, but that remains to be seen. She enlists the help of a fellow mystery writer when she something happens.
A haunting and intriguing novel, one not to be missed.
September 23, 2025
Take note, book friends! I have the perfect book recommendation for the fall season—THE GUEST IN ROOM 120 by Sara Ackerman. It’s inspired by the death of Stanford University’s founder, Jane Stanford in 1905. This storyline sucked me in immediately! If you’re looking for an intriguing historical fiction novel full of mystery, a hint of romance, and a touch of spookiness, then this is definitely it. The dual timeline flips from 1905 to 2005, which shares details about Jane’s mysterious death, and a writer’s quest to piece the puzzle together and reveal what really happened in room 120 all those years ago.
QUICK SYNOPSIS:
“𝘍𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘜𝘚𝘈 𝘛𝘰𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳 𝘚𝘢𝘳𝘢 𝘈𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘢 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘣𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘥𝘶𝘢𝘭-𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭 𝘴𝘦𝘵 𝘢𝘵 𝘏𝘰𝘯𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘭𝘶’𝘴 𝘪𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘤 𝘔𝘰𝘢𝘯𝘢 𝘏𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘭, 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭-𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩 𝘪𝘯 1905 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢 𝘸𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘳’𝘴 𝘴𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘩 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘵𝘩 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘩𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳. 𝘍𝘰𝘳 𝘧𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘈𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘭 𝘓𝘢𝘸𝘩𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘍𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢 𝘋𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘴.”
READ THIS IF YOU ENJOY:
- Hawaiian setting
- Old historic hotels
- Paranormal vibes
- Writer lifestyle
- Dual timelines and POVs
- Murder mysteries
- Historical fiction
I’ve been a fan of Ackerman’s work for years now, and her talent never ceases to amaze me. The blending of genres in her latest—mystery, historical fiction, romance—is so well done and makes for an extremely well-rounded novel. I will forever be a fan!
4/5 solid stars for THE GUEST IN ROOM 120! It’s out NOW!
QUICK SYNOPSIS:
“𝘍𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘜𝘚𝘈 𝘛𝘰𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳 𝘚𝘢𝘳𝘢 𝘈𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘢 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘣𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘥𝘶𝘢𝘭-𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭 𝘴𝘦𝘵 𝘢𝘵 𝘏𝘰𝘯𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘭𝘶’𝘴 𝘪𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘤 𝘔𝘰𝘢𝘯𝘢 𝘏𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘭, 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭-𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩 𝘪𝘯 1905 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢 𝘸𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘳’𝘴 𝘴𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘩 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘵𝘩 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘩𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳. 𝘍𝘰𝘳 𝘧𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘈𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘭 𝘓𝘢𝘸𝘩𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘍𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢 𝘋𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘴.”
READ THIS IF YOU ENJOY:
- Hawaiian setting
- Old historic hotels
- Paranormal vibes
- Writer lifestyle
- Dual timelines and POVs
- Murder mysteries
- Historical fiction
I’ve been a fan of Ackerman’s work for years now, and her talent never ceases to amaze me. The blending of genres in her latest—mystery, historical fiction, romance—is so well done and makes for an extremely well-rounded novel. I will forever be a fan!
4/5 solid stars for THE GUEST IN ROOM 120! It’s out NOW!
October 27, 2025
This book was a slow reveal to me and it took me some time to connect the two timelines and see how they would work together. I had also never heard of the mystery surrounding Jane Stanford, so that was new and interesting to me. What a truly awful way to die; not just physically, but knowing emotionally that someone you trusted was not who they seemed.
the story was a bit fantastical since it is historical fiction and the murder has never technically been solved, but I was fascinated to see what would happen.
thank you to NetGalley, the author Sara Ackerman, and Harlequin audio for my ARC of this audiobook.
the story was a bit fantastical since it is historical fiction and the murder has never technically been solved, but I was fascinated to see what would happen.
thank you to NetGalley, the author Sara Ackerman, and Harlequin audio for my ARC of this audiobook.
June 12, 2025
Sara Ackerman’s The Guest in Room 120 is a duel timeline historical fiction novel, that is based on the suspicious death of a real person. It has three narrators, two in the early timeline, Ili’ahi Baldwin and Jane Stanford, and Zoe Finch in the more current timeline. To me, Ili’ahi is the most interesting and likable character, so it’s a little bit disappointing that her part of the story is told purely through journal entries. It takes a while into the book for the connections to click into place. Ili’ahi lives in Hawaii, and takes a job at a new hotel called Moana, which is where Jane ends up after it’s confirmed that she was poisoned back in the Bay Area.
Years later, Zoe ends up in the same hotel room that Jane stayed in when she comes to Hawaii for a writer’s conference to try and cure her writer’s block and in memory of the trip she never made with her friend Ginger, who she suspects was murdered.
In some regards I like Jane, because she feels like things are happening at Stanford that are in direct contradiction to the intent she and her husband founded it for, and she continues to fight for what she believes in against a group of men in 1905, after her husband’s death. But she’s also an entitled and demanding rich person who cares little for the wants and needs of most people around her.
Zoe I don’t dislike, but there’s nothing about her that connected with me on a deep level. She’s attending the conference under a pseudonym, and crosses paths with an author whose first book she wrote a critical review of. She doesn’t get around to telling him this, while they fall for each other, which is likely to blow up in her face. Until later in the book a lot of this timeline is just her and Dylan circling each other and Zoe participating in the conference. When spooky things start happening in her hotel room and she begins investigating it is when this storyline finally feels like it has some meat to it.
I also felt like this storyline left the reader hanging, because it starts with Zoe being motivated to go to Hawaii because of Ginger’s suspicious death, and yet something Ginger gives to Zoe that connects to the past storyline and if her death really was murder seem to fade into the background. I kept waiting for a clever hook that tied the item and the two deaths together and it doesn’t happen.
The murderer in the early time period was obvious to me from the very beginning, it was more a matter of if anyone in the story actually figured it out and justice was served that was the question. That felt kind of underwhelming to me, but I won’t give it away.
I really loved the setting of Hawaii, the incorporation of a native Hawaiian into the story and the discrimination they were likely to face as their islands were overrun by white people, and the unique historical events that Ackerman made the focal point of the story. It was good, but I felt like it had the potential to be even better than it was. A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Years later, Zoe ends up in the same hotel room that Jane stayed in when she comes to Hawaii for a writer’s conference to try and cure her writer’s block and in memory of the trip she never made with her friend Ginger, who she suspects was murdered.
In some regards I like Jane, because she feels like things are happening at Stanford that are in direct contradiction to the intent she and her husband founded it for, and she continues to fight for what she believes in against a group of men in 1905, after her husband’s death. But she’s also an entitled and demanding rich person who cares little for the wants and needs of most people around her.
Zoe I don’t dislike, but there’s nothing about her that connected with me on a deep level. She’s attending the conference under a pseudonym, and crosses paths with an author whose first book she wrote a critical review of. She doesn’t get around to telling him this, while they fall for each other, which is likely to blow up in her face. Until later in the book a lot of this timeline is just her and Dylan circling each other and Zoe participating in the conference. When spooky things start happening in her hotel room and she begins investigating it is when this storyline finally feels like it has some meat to it.
I also felt like this storyline left the reader hanging, because it starts with Zoe being motivated to go to Hawaii because of Ginger’s suspicious death, and yet something Ginger gives to Zoe that connects to the past storyline and if her death really was murder seem to fade into the background. I kept waiting for a clever hook that tied the item and the two deaths together and it doesn’t happen.
The murderer in the early time period was obvious to me from the very beginning, it was more a matter of if anyone in the story actually figured it out and justice was served that was the question. That felt kind of underwhelming to me, but I won’t give it away.
I really loved the setting of Hawaii, the incorporation of a native Hawaiian into the story and the discrimination they were likely to face as their islands were overrun by white people, and the unique historical events that Ackerman made the focal point of the story. It was good, but I felt like it had the potential to be even better than it was. A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 13, 2025
Blending a fascinating real-life historical mystery with a modern-day ghost story, The Guest in Room 120 is a unique romantic thriller.
Guest follows the stories of three women: Jane Stanford, one of the wealthy founders of Stanford University who's fleeing to Hawaii for her health and to escape an attempted poisoning; 'Iliahi Baldwin, a young Hawaiian girl who works at the glamorous Moana hotel and who encounters and befriends Jane on her visit, and Zoe Finch, a modern-day author who visits the Moana for a writer's conference but who winds up haunted by a murder mystery. Each of these storylines has their own strong points, but I found myself connecting most with 'Iliahi. 'Ili had a strong voice and a distinct personality, and although I didn't understand all the Hawaiian phrases, their inclusion made the journal entries feel authentic. Jane is, not unexpectedly due to her social status and age, prim and proper and a bit strict, but her story is (largely) true and utterly fascinating. Her mysterious poisoning in her California home followed by her murder by poison in Hawaii is a morbidly curious story, and one I've never heard of. Ackerman does a wonderful job of giving life to Jane before her death and presenting a straight-laced but compassionate benefactress who was horrifically murdered. Finally, Zoe is the character meant to bring closure to the story, but it took a while for her to get involved in the mystery; I would've liked her to learn about Jane's death sooner into the story so she and a certain cowboy/detective/crime writer could've worked on the case together for a bit longer. Nonetheless, Zoe is a bright and determined character, and I enjoyed following her through her writing struggles and her decision to chase down Jane's story.
Pacing is fine, and the descriptive writing shines. The vivid imagery of the Moana and Hawaii is beautiful, and having 'Ili provide a native Hawaiian viewpoint further immersed me into the setting. There's a bit of a bait and switch with Zoe's initial story of her friend Ginger's alleged murder, which is discussed but never really explored, but it's a nice parallel for Jane's unsolved murder.
The Guest in Room 120 is a layered historical mystery that has plenty of fun moments but really shines for its spookiness and the sharing of a long-lost real-life murder. Definitely a fun read for the upcoming Halloween season!
Guest follows the stories of three women: Jane Stanford, one of the wealthy founders of Stanford University who's fleeing to Hawaii for her health and to escape an attempted poisoning; 'Iliahi Baldwin, a young Hawaiian girl who works at the glamorous Moana hotel and who encounters and befriends Jane on her visit, and Zoe Finch, a modern-day author who visits the Moana for a writer's conference but who winds up haunted by a murder mystery. Each of these storylines has their own strong points, but I found myself connecting most with 'Iliahi. 'Ili had a strong voice and a distinct personality, and although I didn't understand all the Hawaiian phrases, their inclusion made the journal entries feel authentic. Jane is, not unexpectedly due to her social status and age, prim and proper and a bit strict, but her story is (largely) true and utterly fascinating. Her mysterious poisoning in her California home followed by her murder by poison in Hawaii is a morbidly curious story, and one I've never heard of. Ackerman does a wonderful job of giving life to Jane before her death and presenting a straight-laced but compassionate benefactress who was horrifically murdered. Finally, Zoe is the character meant to bring closure to the story, but it took a while for her to get involved in the mystery; I would've liked her to learn about Jane's death sooner into the story so she and a certain cowboy/detective/crime writer could've worked on the case together for a bit longer. Nonetheless, Zoe is a bright and determined character, and I enjoyed following her through her writing struggles and her decision to chase down Jane's story.
Pacing is fine, and the descriptive writing shines. The vivid imagery of the Moana and Hawaii is beautiful, and having 'Ili provide a native Hawaiian viewpoint further immersed me into the setting. There's a bit of a bait and switch with Zoe's initial story of her friend Ginger's alleged murder, which is discussed but never really explored, but it's a nice parallel for Jane's unsolved murder.
The Guest in Room 120 is a layered historical mystery that has plenty of fun moments but really shines for its spookiness and the sharing of a long-lost real-life murder. Definitely a fun read for the upcoming Halloween season!
September 20, 2025
Native Hawaiian historical fiction author Sara Ackerman delivers yet again another fascinating story that shows her love for Hawaii but also in the case of The Guest in Room 120, continues to show her ability to uncover little known pieces of history.
In her latest novel, she uses the very interesting historical information surrounding the infamous Jane Stanford and her mysterious death incorporating a fictional character who in the same time period writes a journal about her friendship and experiences at the iconic Moana Hotel and her relationship with the historical figure. At the same time, there's a contemporary timeline (2005) that masterfully ties all together.
Readers won't be able to stop reading The Guest in Room 120 once started!!!
Thank you to author Sara Ackerman, publisher MIRA BOOKS via NetGalley for the advanced ebook copy. Expected release date is September 23, 2025. All opinions are my own.
In her latest novel, she uses the very interesting historical information surrounding the infamous Jane Stanford and her mysterious death incorporating a fictional character who in the same time period writes a journal about her friendship and experiences at the iconic Moana Hotel and her relationship with the historical figure. At the same time, there's a contemporary timeline (2005) that masterfully ties all together.
Readers won't be able to stop reading The Guest in Room 120 once started!!!
Thank you to author Sara Ackerman, publisher MIRA BOOKS via NetGalley for the advanced ebook copy. Expected release date is September 23, 2025. All opinions are my own.
September 14, 2025
The dual timeline / time travel feel was very cool given the murder mystery plot in this book. I loved this story because of the paranormal ghostlike experiences the main character, Zoe begins to have while staying at the Moana. I was not surprised that Sara included the Hawaiian aspect in the storytelling especially given her last book was set in Maui. It overall was a beautiful blend of culture, history, and a bit of thrill.
October 9, 2025
*3.5 stars ✨
October 27, 2025
4.5 stars. 🎧
November 29, 2025
Excellent and entertaining dual timeline story centered around a very true crime.
The author gives us a lovely look at Waikiki (and Oahu) in 1905, featuring the newly opened Moana Hotel, site of the crime.
The author weaves a plausible solution for the death of Jane Stanford (yes, the co-founder of Stanford University) with a modern story involving a haunted hotel room and the young woman staying there.
Note: I first learned of this bit of Hawaiian history many, many years ago. So when my favorite author of stories set in Hawaii decided to tackle this mystery, I was all in. I think the author handled the historical bits quite well, while adding a nice modern romance as a bonus. Ackerman is one of my few auto-buy authors. Let's face it, her books are cheaper than airfare for those times when I get homesick for Hawaii.
The author gives us a lovely look at Waikiki (and Oahu) in 1905, featuring the newly opened Moana Hotel, site of the crime.
The author weaves a plausible solution for the death of Jane Stanford (yes, the co-founder of Stanford University) with a modern story involving a haunted hotel room and the young woman staying there.
Note: I first learned of this bit of Hawaiian history many, many years ago. So when my favorite author of stories set in Hawaii decided to tackle this mystery, I was all in. I think the author handled the historical bits quite well, while adding a nice modern romance as a bonus. Ackerman is one of my few auto-buy authors. Let's face it, her books are cheaper than airfare for those times when I get homesick for Hawaii.
September 25, 2025
A dual timeline historical fiction surrounding a real-life mystery- and a pinch of the paranormal made Sara Ackerman’s latest tale set in the lush, vibrant Hawaiian Islands a sparkling gem.
In 1905, Jane Stanford- widow to former California Governor, railroad owner, and co-founder with her husband of Stanford University- is a progressive woman who wants all peoples to have the opportunity to come to the university for an education regardless of their gender, race or background, but that is far too progressive for her all white-male board. In the midst of her efforts, someone’s tried to kill her so off she goes to stay at Honolulu’s new Moana Hotel far from the incident. But, did her exit bring the murderer to the tropical paradise, too?
A Hawaiian local girl, Iliahi, who got a job at the hotel to help support her family’s needs is befriended by Jane and journals her experience. The maids see and hear a great deal. Ili’s journal may be the only source of knowledge for what really happened in the days leading up to and after Jane Stanford’s death and she kept it to herself all this time.
In 2005, a writer with a recalcitrant muse and distracted after the death of her friend takes the plunge and signs up for a writer’s conference held at the Moana. Zoe is given Jane Stanford’s old room and something unsettling remains behind to raise the hairs on the back of Zoe’s neck. Zoe is driven to investigate and bring to light Jane’s story in a book about the mystery after all this time. She’s aided by an author she once left a critical review for- yikes- and she’s hiding behind a fake name at the conference so Dylan is in the dark about this. Discovery of Iliahi’s journals were what brings her along to discover what really happened in the past.
The Guest in Room 120 is part murder mystery- part women’s fiction- and a wonderfully developed setting of time and place of Hawaii of the early years of the 20th century. I really appreciated how each woman contributed a different angle to the story. I admit that with her Hawaiian heritage and what she knew, I was most into Ili’s story above all.
The Guest in Room 120 started slow as it introduced the situation for all three women and painted the backdrop- gorgeous Hawaii, of course. The historical aspects were fascinating since it was the tropics, but also a hint of the Progressive Era in the States when tycoons and big industry were going on. After the long set up- and yes, it was necessary so be patient- the pace kicked up on the plot and I was sucked in and couldn’t set it down until the end. Oh yes, I was well aware of who did the murder- thought that was pretty obvious, but that was not the only mysterious aspect of the story.
Another supremely satisfying Sara Ackerman read. She brings out the most interesting bits and pieces of Hawaiian history and leaves me with a fascinating human-interest story and a broader understanding of her home state. Definitely recommend to the historical fiction lovers who want to focus on women’s history in a tropical setting.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Caffeinated Reviewer 9.17.25.
In 1905, Jane Stanford- widow to former California Governor, railroad owner, and co-founder with her husband of Stanford University- is a progressive woman who wants all peoples to have the opportunity to come to the university for an education regardless of their gender, race or background, but that is far too progressive for her all white-male board. In the midst of her efforts, someone’s tried to kill her so off she goes to stay at Honolulu’s new Moana Hotel far from the incident. But, did her exit bring the murderer to the tropical paradise, too?
A Hawaiian local girl, Iliahi, who got a job at the hotel to help support her family’s needs is befriended by Jane and journals her experience. The maids see and hear a great deal. Ili’s journal may be the only source of knowledge for what really happened in the days leading up to and after Jane Stanford’s death and she kept it to herself all this time.
In 2005, a writer with a recalcitrant muse and distracted after the death of her friend takes the plunge and signs up for a writer’s conference held at the Moana. Zoe is given Jane Stanford’s old room and something unsettling remains behind to raise the hairs on the back of Zoe’s neck. Zoe is driven to investigate and bring to light Jane’s story in a book about the mystery after all this time. She’s aided by an author she once left a critical review for- yikes- and she’s hiding behind a fake name at the conference so Dylan is in the dark about this. Discovery of Iliahi’s journals were what brings her along to discover what really happened in the past.
The Guest in Room 120 is part murder mystery- part women’s fiction- and a wonderfully developed setting of time and place of Hawaii of the early years of the 20th century. I really appreciated how each woman contributed a different angle to the story. I admit that with her Hawaiian heritage and what she knew, I was most into Ili’s story above all.
The Guest in Room 120 started slow as it introduced the situation for all three women and painted the backdrop- gorgeous Hawaii, of course. The historical aspects were fascinating since it was the tropics, but also a hint of the Progressive Era in the States when tycoons and big industry were going on. After the long set up- and yes, it was necessary so be patient- the pace kicked up on the plot and I was sucked in and couldn’t set it down until the end. Oh yes, I was well aware of who did the murder- thought that was pretty obvious, but that was not the only mysterious aspect of the story.
Another supremely satisfying Sara Ackerman read. She brings out the most interesting bits and pieces of Hawaiian history and leaves me with a fascinating human-interest story and a broader understanding of her home state. Definitely recommend to the historical fiction lovers who want to focus on women’s history in a tropical setting.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Caffeinated Reviewer 9.17.25.
October 27, 2025
*3.5 stars
This was... fine, I guess. I didn't actively dislike it, but I probably won't remember anything about it in a year or so lol. I like a split timeline story, though I preferred the modern storyline, I think. but fictionally visiting Hawaii at the turn of the century was fascinating! I don't regret having read it, and it probably won't be my last from Ackerman.
** content warnings for profanity (including some f-bombs), a steamy kiss
This was... fine, I guess. I didn't actively dislike it, but I probably won't remember anything about it in a year or so lol. I like a split timeline story, though I preferred the modern storyline, I think. but fictionally visiting Hawaii at the turn of the century was fascinating! I don't regret having read it, and it probably won't be my last from Ackerman.
** content warnings for profanity (including some f-bombs), a steamy kiss
September 17, 2025
Historical Fiction.... ✔️
Dual Timelines..... ✔️
A bit of otherworldly (Ouija board-like, etc...) ✔️
And yes, I am a fan of all three!! So again, this was a no-brainer for me!! 👍🏼
And, although I have most definitely heard of Stanford University, I did not know of the murder of Mrs. Stanford, until I read this book!!
We begin in 1905, where Jane Stanford is travelling with her house staff to Hawaii. She is the co-founder of Stanford University (with her late husband), so she is a bit entitled and uber wealthy... and getting older... and needs help.
She has her tried and true staff with her for the trip, although some of them would rather be just about anywhere else...
Funny thing is... someone tried to poison her at home recently! But, she tasted that there was something 'off' about the water, and so, she saved her own life...
They are staying the the exclusive Moana Hotel in Hawaii, and the staff are all pleased that she has chosen to stay with them!!!
We follow her through her journey there, with her staff, as well as meeting multiple staff members of the hotel, who also play a part in her journey.
Fast forward a hundred years and we have Zoe, a writer, who has escaped to Hawaii to try to get in some writing during a writer's workshop. However, the first person she sees is the one who she ripped apart with her first assignment of RATING new authors... Luckily, she has uses a pseudonym... and she's hoping he doesn't recognize her...
We follow along with her journey as well, which includes staying at the Moana Hotel, in the exact same room as Mrs. Stanford!
And, she starts experiencing some STRANGE THINGS while she is there!! 😮😮
I will say that it started out a bit slow, and I needed a while to establish who was who and what their part was in this... But once I did, there was no putting it down!
And, the end?? Perfection!!! Brought a tear to my eyes!!! 🥹
#TheGuestInRoom120 by @SaraAckerman and narrated beautifully by @JenniferRobideau.
4 big, bright, beautiful 🌟🌟🌟🌟 for me!!
*** This one has NOT BEEN RELEASED YET!! Please, look 👀 for it next week on 9/23/25! ***
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #HarlequinAudio for an ARC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Insta @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
Dual Timelines..... ✔️
A bit of otherworldly (Ouija board-like, etc...) ✔️
And yes, I am a fan of all three!! So again, this was a no-brainer for me!! 👍🏼
And, although I have most definitely heard of Stanford University, I did not know of the murder of Mrs. Stanford, until I read this book!!
We begin in 1905, where Jane Stanford is travelling with her house staff to Hawaii. She is the co-founder of Stanford University (with her late husband), so she is a bit entitled and uber wealthy... and getting older... and needs help.
She has her tried and true staff with her for the trip, although some of them would rather be just about anywhere else...
Funny thing is... someone tried to poison her at home recently! But, she tasted that there was something 'off' about the water, and so, she saved her own life...
They are staying the the exclusive Moana Hotel in Hawaii, and the staff are all pleased that she has chosen to stay with them!!!
We follow her through her journey there, with her staff, as well as meeting multiple staff members of the hotel, who also play a part in her journey.
Fast forward a hundred years and we have Zoe, a writer, who has escaped to Hawaii to try to get in some writing during a writer's workshop. However, the first person she sees is the one who she ripped apart with her first assignment of RATING new authors... Luckily, she has uses a pseudonym... and she's hoping he doesn't recognize her...
We follow along with her journey as well, which includes staying at the Moana Hotel, in the exact same room as Mrs. Stanford!
And, she starts experiencing some STRANGE THINGS while she is there!! 😮😮
I will say that it started out a bit slow, and I needed a while to establish who was who and what their part was in this... But once I did, there was no putting it down!
And, the end?? Perfection!!! Brought a tear to my eyes!!! 🥹
#TheGuestInRoom120 by @SaraAckerman and narrated beautifully by @JenniferRobideau.
4 big, bright, beautiful 🌟🌟🌟🌟 for me!!
*** This one has NOT BEEN RELEASED YET!! Please, look 👀 for it next week on 9/23/25! ***
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #HarlequinAudio for an ARC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Insta @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
September 26, 2025
A captivating dual timeline novel set at Honolulu's iconic Moana Hotel inspired by the real-life unsolved murder of a prominent American philanthropist.
1905 - Jane Stanford, co-founder of Stanford University, fearing for her life after an attempted poisoning in San Francisco, travels to Honolulu with two staff members to stay at the Moana Hotel in Room 120 but, as fate would have it, the island is not as safe as it seems.
1905 - Iliahi Baldwin, a young Hawaiian woman who has recently started working at the Moana strikes up an unlikely friendship with Mrs. Stanford leaving her devastated when the unthinkable happens.
2005 - 100 years later almost to the day, bestselling author, Zoe Finch, is under pressure from her publisher to hand in her next novel and is desperately in need of inspiration. She makes a last-minute decision to travel to Honolulu for a writer's conference at the Moana Hotel, registers under an assumed name and checks in to Room 120. As a powerful storm slams the island, Zoe starts having terrifying nightmares that seem strangely real and enlists the help of mystery writer Dylan Winters to help figure out what happened in her room in 1905.
This historical fiction novel based on the story of Jane Stanford's mysterious death had me hooked from the get-go and kept my attention throughout as I raced through to the finish. Told from three points-of-view, Jane's, Zoe's and Iliahi's journal entries, it's a mystery with some supernatural elements and a bit of a romance storyline as well. Another enjoyable novel with a beautiful Hawaiian setting from Sara Ackerman!
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for providing a digital ARC of this book for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
1905 - Jane Stanford, co-founder of Stanford University, fearing for her life after an attempted poisoning in San Francisco, travels to Honolulu with two staff members to stay at the Moana Hotel in Room 120 but, as fate would have it, the island is not as safe as it seems.
1905 - Iliahi Baldwin, a young Hawaiian woman who has recently started working at the Moana strikes up an unlikely friendship with Mrs. Stanford leaving her devastated when the unthinkable happens.
2005 - 100 years later almost to the day, bestselling author, Zoe Finch, is under pressure from her publisher to hand in her next novel and is desperately in need of inspiration. She makes a last-minute decision to travel to Honolulu for a writer's conference at the Moana Hotel, registers under an assumed name and checks in to Room 120. As a powerful storm slams the island, Zoe starts having terrifying nightmares that seem strangely real and enlists the help of mystery writer Dylan Winters to help figure out what happened in her room in 1905.
This historical fiction novel based on the story of Jane Stanford's mysterious death had me hooked from the get-go and kept my attention throughout as I raced through to the finish. Told from three points-of-view, Jane's, Zoe's and Iliahi's journal entries, it's a mystery with some supernatural elements and a bit of a romance storyline as well. Another enjoyable novel with a beautiful Hawaiian setting from Sara Ackerman!
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for providing a digital ARC of this book for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
September 19, 2025
One of my favorite authors has created another must read!! Set in a dual timeline between 1905 and 2025! Told in flashbacks we meet Jane Stanford one of the founders of the Stanford University who in 1905 is almost murdered in a poisoning at her home. She escapes to Hawaii and stays at the Moana hotel with her housemaid , this is where she Jane meets IIiahi Baldwin a Hawaiian who works at the Moana hotel. She and Jane strike up a friendship.
In 2025 Zoe Finch attends a writers’ conference under an assumed name, she’s suffering from writers block since the death of her best friend. She’s hoping the island will bring her some peace and a new book. Jane is staying in the same hotel room that Jane stayed in When she suddenly begins have ghostly encounters. Is it Jane seeking help from the grave? Terrified, Zoe enlists the help of mystery writer Dylan Winters, and over the course of the week, races to uncover the shocking truth of what happened in the hotel one hundred years ago almost to the day. This is a must read!!
In 2025 Zoe Finch attends a writers’ conference under an assumed name, she’s suffering from writers block since the death of her best friend. She’s hoping the island will bring her some peace and a new book. Jane is staying in the same hotel room that Jane stayed in When she suddenly begins have ghostly encounters. Is it Jane seeking help from the grave? Terrified, Zoe enlists the help of mystery writer Dylan Winters, and over the course of the week, races to uncover the shocking truth of what happened in the hotel one hundred years ago almost to the day. This is a must read!!
September 20, 2025
The history of Jane Stanford’s murder was interesting and made for a good mystery thread but I had a hard time staying interested and invested in the book.
It’s told in a triple perspective, dual timeline, 1905 or shortly leading up to it, and 2005. I think part of my issue is that the chapters were all so short that I didn’t have time to really get invested before halting and switching gears to another perspective. The other is I struggled with the 2005 timeline with Zoe. I just didn’t care for her character, and got annoyed with her.
I did love the setting of Hawaii and some of the culture there. It was beautiful and described well, and made for a great backdrop.
Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are mine.
It’s told in a triple perspective, dual timeline, 1905 or shortly leading up to it, and 2005. I think part of my issue is that the chapters were all so short that I didn’t have time to really get invested before halting and switching gears to another perspective. The other is I struggled with the 2005 timeline with Zoe. I just didn’t care for her character, and got annoyed with her.
I did love the setting of Hawaii and some of the culture there. It was beautiful and described well, and made for a great backdrop.
Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are mine.
December 2, 2025
3.5 ⭐ rounded down
I enjoyed that this was a book that covered things not seen in a ton of historical fiction books! I don't see many based in Hawaii and if they are, they're probably tied to Pearl Harbor, and this book wasn't. This book's primary focus was on Jane Stanford, co-founder of Stanford University, and Zoe Finch, an author who finds herself tied up in a search for the truth of Jane Sanford's mysterious death while at a writing retreat in Hawaii.
Until I picked up this book, I never would have known anything about Jane Sanford, but that's something I really just love about historical fiction: it opens fiction readers up to the world around them in a way other genres sometimes can't do! I appreciated learning more about her life and legacy and I'm curious if Sara Ackerman found the same evidence that Zoe did and maybe this book was essentially the book Zoe meant to write? 😊 I liked this book and will def be keeping an eye out for more from this author in the future!
I enjoyed that this was a book that covered things not seen in a ton of historical fiction books! I don't see many based in Hawaii and if they are, they're probably tied to Pearl Harbor, and this book wasn't. This book's primary focus was on Jane Stanford, co-founder of Stanford University, and Zoe Finch, an author who finds herself tied up in a search for the truth of Jane Sanford's mysterious death while at a writing retreat in Hawaii.
Until I picked up this book, I never would have known anything about Jane Sanford, but that's something I really just love about historical fiction: it opens fiction readers up to the world around them in a way other genres sometimes can't do! I appreciated learning more about her life and legacy and I'm curious if Sara Ackerman found the same evidence that Zoe did and maybe this book was essentially the book Zoe meant to write? 😊 I liked this book and will def be keeping an eye out for more from this author in the future!
Read
January 5, 2026DNF- too much ghost and supernatural elements
September 27, 2025
3.75.
Looking for a historical mystery as we enter into fall? This may just be the book for you!
I have now read 3 Sara Ackerman books and this one was definitely quite different from the other 2 that I have read! I always look forward to the Hawaiian setting in Ackerman’s books and this one had that, but also so much more!
The book is based around the real life mysterious death of Jane Stanford (yes, THAT Stanford). While I loved the mystery and historical aspects of the book, the added paranormal elements were a little too much for me. Jane herself was interested in “spiritualism”, so in that regard the paranormal elements fit with the story.
This wasn’t my personal favourite Sara Ackerman book, but I did still enjoy it and look forward to reading more of her work!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC of this book.
Looking for a historical mystery as we enter into fall? This may just be the book for you!
I have now read 3 Sara Ackerman books and this one was definitely quite different from the other 2 that I have read! I always look forward to the Hawaiian setting in Ackerman’s books and this one had that, but also so much more!
The book is based around the real life mysterious death of Jane Stanford (yes, THAT Stanford). While I loved the mystery and historical aspects of the book, the added paranormal elements were a little too much for me. Jane herself was interested in “spiritualism”, so in that regard the paranormal elements fit with the story.
This wasn’t my personal favourite Sara Ackerman book, but I did still enjoy it and look forward to reading more of her work!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC of this book.
September 14, 2025
I enjoyed this dual timeline novel, surprisingly liking both the timelines equally as I usually like the earlier timeline better. It was great for book lovers with insight into the book world and also a great historical fiction read.
September 24, 2025
4.5/ 5 stars!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
I’ve been reading this author since The Lieutenant’s Nurse, and The Maui Effect made me a lifelong fan. What keeps me coming back is how the author writes characters and brings Hawaii into every story. It’s never just backdrop-it shapes everything.
This new book unfolds in a dual timeline and has all the things I love…history, mystery, and that thread of the unexpected. The Moana Hotel, in both 1905 and 2005, sets the stage with this stormy, cinematic type energy that seeps into the characters and the story itself .
The opening is a little slower, but don’t let that fool you-there’s so much history, emotion, and depth waiting once it takes hold. Hang on!
I’ve read plenty of golden age stories, but never through Hawaii’s perspective, and it completely shifted the way the time period felt to me. Parts of it even read like a Dateline episode folded into historical fiction…fact and atmosphere, but with heart.
Ackerman is one of those authors you sink into-you start reading and suddenly hours are gone. That’s why she’s at the top of my historical fiction list, every single time.
If you’re in the mood for a story that mixes a century old mystery with the atmosphere of Hawaii’s most famous hotel, part history & part true-crime drama, The Guest in Room 120 is the perfect pick. Inspired by the real life unsolved death of Jane Stanford, this would make an incredible book club pick!
I’ve been reading this author since The Lieutenant’s Nurse, and The Maui Effect made me a lifelong fan. What keeps me coming back is how the author writes characters and brings Hawaii into every story. It’s never just backdrop-it shapes everything.
This new book unfolds in a dual timeline and has all the things I love…history, mystery, and that thread of the unexpected. The Moana Hotel, in both 1905 and 2005, sets the stage with this stormy, cinematic type energy that seeps into the characters and the story itself .
The opening is a little slower, but don’t let that fool you-there’s so much history, emotion, and depth waiting once it takes hold. Hang on!
I’ve read plenty of golden age stories, but never through Hawaii’s perspective, and it completely shifted the way the time period felt to me. Parts of it even read like a Dateline episode folded into historical fiction…fact and atmosphere, but with heart.
Ackerman is one of those authors you sink into-you start reading and suddenly hours are gone. That’s why she’s at the top of my historical fiction list, every single time.
If you’re in the mood for a story that mixes a century old mystery with the atmosphere of Hawaii’s most famous hotel, part history & part true-crime drama, The Guest in Room 120 is the perfect pick. Inspired by the real life unsolved death of Jane Stanford, this would make an incredible book club pick!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 239 reviews