The Hotel

by Kit Duffield

It’s the perfect getaway. Will they make it out alive?

Something magical is just what I’ve been looking for. I’ve never felt good enough amongst my husband’s richer friends, but a Valentine’s weekend in a stunning new hotel in Finnish Lapland is our chance to shine. The staff promise perfection by recreating our fondest memories—the happiest moments of our lives.

When we arrive, they play our favourite songs while we sip the champagne from our wedding night.

That evening, we share the dinner from our first date, under a starry sky.

The morning after, I wake alone and find my husband in the swimming pool with another woman.

There are certain memories I would rather forget, but they seem to be coming back to haunt us. My husband promised he would change, but can I trust the man I married?

When a huge storm arrives, I’m trapped. It’s just me, my husband…and our secrets. The power goes down and paradise becomes a nightmare—can we make it out alive? Or will this holiday destroy us both?

An utterly addictive and twisted thriller that will have you hooked from the start and won’t let you go until the very final page. Fans of The Hunting Party, One of the Girls and The Sanatorium will be totally gripped!

Genres: Thriller, Audiobook, Fiction, Mystery Thriller

347 pages, Paperback

Published August 15, 2025

About the author

For as long as I can remember, I've been fascinated by the things that frighten us.​
​
As a writer, I channel that fascination into chilling psychological thrillers with gripping plots and killer twists. Sitting somewhere between Gillian Flynn and Shirley Jackson, my stories are inspired by our fears, obsessions and the things we see in the dark.
​
Kit Duffield is not my real name.

Reviews

[Tonya · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Hotel has a White Lotus vibe with a dash of horror. The audiobook was skillfully performed by a cast of narrators who brought the characters to life while adding tension and suspense. The story started strong as the characters were introduced and secrets were gradually revealed. The conclusion however was a bit underwhelming. Overall it was entertaining and held my interest. I would recommend the audiobook because of the masterful narration. Thank you, NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for my audiobook.

[Heathers_readss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the authors debut novel “pretty little thing” last year with its moody atmosphere and popcorn like thriller components, so I could not wait for the authors next release! And yay im so glad I got a copy on netgalley 🙏🏻🙏🏻

“The hotel” features a “perfect” romantic getaway at a scenic picturesque Finnish hotel for one married couple, except a storms brewing and when it hits trapping the guests on the remote island, secrets start to spill and situations take a turn for the worst (and more dangerous).

Give me a locked room / trapped on an island due to extreme weather conditions thriller any. Day. Of. The. Week! This is what I live for 😂😂😂😂😂

I love the authors ability to make fictional situations so uncomfortable for the characters and reader alike. Youll find yourself sitting with tension and feeling it build to a boiling point where things have no choice but to blow over 😆. You may find some under notes or humour trapped below all the creeping tension if you pick up on the authors quick wit,

Kit duffield is definitely becoming one of my favourite go to authors, his books do not disappoint!

Thank you to Amazon Publishing and Kit Duffield for the gifted copy!

Publishes : August 15th

[Erica★ · Rating 3 out of 5]

“The Hotel” is about a hotel that is specially catered to each of its guest as they fill out a questionnaire before arriving to give each of them an individual experience. Secrets and betrayal of the guests start to emerge with folklore tales and creepy creatures that haunt the lands of where the hotel is built on then chaos breaks out.

This book is told from different POVs Beth ,Fletcher and Jordy that kept me entertained from beginning to end. Setting takes place is at the state of the art hotel called Kuvastatin located in the isolation of Finland in the snowy tundra. The story was easy to read and builds an eerie and suspenseful atmosphere that kept me on edge from the beginning. I did find some parts of the book repetitive and I wanted more from the folk tales and the creepy creatures but over all it was a good read.

Thank you NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the ARC in exchange for my honest review
Publication date: August 15, 2025

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Manipulation, cheating, hidden agendas, ego, secrets and lies, this book has it all, the whole nine yards. Each character brought with them secrets and gradually it got all unravelled.

Although the premise sounded good I was surprised by the sheer engaging and fast-paced plot. The characters were chosen just for the cause. The fact that each one of them had something that they didn't want the world to know definitely though that this vacay will be a respite but it it took a complete u-turn. Their carefully boxed up lies and tied together faux world came crashing down the moment their fears emerged in reality.

[Barbara Marenick · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
The Hotel - Kit Duffield
Hotel Kuvastin looks like something out of a fairytale but it has dark secrets inside.
Beth is looking to jumpstart her marriage to her new husband James, she books a Valentine’s Day getaway in a luxurious new hotel.
Fletcher is psychologist and CEO in Silicon Valley. Jordy is an influencer looking to up her content for her followers. She brings along her roommates and friends Matteo and Rosa for a weekend at Hotel Kuvastin.
Before checking in the guests are asked to fill out a series of questions to help the hotel staff create unique and personalized experiences. However these experiences soon turn from nostalgic to sinister with private information being leaked. Just when the drama is coming to a head the raging storm outside causes the power to go out and the guests have to fight for survival.

This book felt like White Lotus meets The Menu. The story is told through 3 alternating POVs of the main characters, each with their own unique storyline. I throughly enjoyed the first half of this book reading it mostly in one sitting, however the second half I started to lose interest. I loved the dynamic between Beth, James and Jordy but I felt that the Fletcher and Johanna storylines seemed disconnected like 2 separate books and the ending was underwhelming.

If you love locked room mysteries, multiple POVs and a secluded hotel setting this one is for you! Thank you to NetGalley for this digital ARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Caitlin Bunting · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky to get this early from NetGalley. I have had this one on my TBR for a while now and was so excited to be able to read this one. This was something different from my usual thrillers and I bloody loved it. Deffo worth the read when this one comes out.

[Monika Armet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welcome to the Kuvastin Hotel in the Finnish Lapland. When you’re booking your room, you are sent a questionnaire asking about your personal preferences, such as favourite songs, smells, and memories.

In Kuvastin (which in Finnish means “a mirror” or “a looking glass”), the scents, the sights, and the sounds are a reflection of each guest, built in their image. You can’t get more bespoke than that!

Henrik Hylander owns the hotel, and runs it with his family: wife, Jóhanná, and daughter, Inka.

In the period around the Valentine’s Day, a plethora of guests arrive: Beth and James, a young married couple from London; Fletcher, a rich bachelor from the Silicon Valley; Jordy, a stunning influencer from Rio who brings her assistants/ best friends, Rosa and Matteo.

Beth is truly hoping for a fresh start with her husband. He’s had a wandering eye even before they got married, and she hoped that it would change after their marriage (it didn’t). The couple are struggling financially, and Beth had to max her credit cards in order to get there. However, she’s telling herself it will all be worth it, as it’s the couple’s honeymoon and she’s doing it for the greater good.

However, James’s wandering eye is getting worse when he spots Jordy – his favourite influencer, someone he follows on Instagram.

It’s fair to say that things aren’t what they seem at the Kuvastin. Strange things are happening to all of the guests, where their darkest secrets are exposed. Who is behind it all?

I really enjoyed this tense, psychological thriller.

I loved the secluded location of the Finnish Lapland and the dark atmosphere surrounding its guests.

My favourite part was the references to the Finnish folklore – I love learning new things.

The plot itself was twisty and pacy. It’s my first book by this author, but it won’t be my last.

[Ashleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fans of Lucy Foley will enjoy this multi POV thriller!
A weekend get away at a new swanky hotel turns into a nightmare after secrets are leaked that affect all the guests. Throw in a creepy monster lurking in the woods, and you’re set for an edge of your seat story that you’ll blow through!

I really enjoyed this one, and it took some turns I didn’t expect!

Thank you to Netgalley for this advanced audio copy in exchange for an honest review

[andshe.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hotel Kuvastin makes the perfect getaway as the staff promises to recreate your most fondest memories. However, as the storm drifts in, what should be paradise soon turns into a living nightmare for the guests this Valentines.

The story is told from 3 alternating POV'S, Beth, Fletcher, and Jordy. Each character is very different and has different lifestyles. Their individual storylines are unique to them, and I especially liked how we read the good, the bad, and the ugly of each one.

Location was everything in this story. The hotel, secluded in the depths of Lapland, gave off a dark and sinister atmosphere, making this book even more thrilling. Also, aided by the references to the Finnish folklore, there was definitely the air of mystery.

In my opinion, this is a superb, fast-paced, and twisty thriller that gave me the chills.

Thank you to Tandem Collective for having me on the readalong. Also, thank you to Thomas and Mercer & Kit Duffield for a copy of the book.

All opinions are my own.

[Lee-Ann27.reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for providing with with an ARC in exchange for my honest review. In all honesty, I was not a huge fan of this book. It started off capturing my attention as it follows several couples who have booked a Valentines weekend at an exclusive brand new hotel in Finland. Even though the hotel is quite expensive, the hotel caters to every couple personally right down to playing the exact song that the couple first danced to at their wedding and other memories that are captured specifically from a pre-booking questionnaire filled out. Of course I had to take a chance and see what the outcome would be. Unfortunately, it was a little uninteresting for me and as I listened to the audiobook, I found my thoughts drifting off and then could not figure out what was really going on....this one is just a 2 star for me.....Enjoy!!!

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon publishingUk for a copy of this one. The story started off strong following different perspectives of 3 different characters who travel to Lapland for a hotel of a lifetime, that caters to each of its guests to their individual memories and tastes. All guests have a secret which the hotel unearths and turns into the trip of nightmares. The writing was nicely done and easy to follow going between different POVs. Unfortunately, I feel the ending was a little underwhelming for me after the massive buildup which is why Iv given 3 ⭐️

[Terri Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Social media, strange things, karma

This was a decent read! I knew something was off about that hotel-also an eye opener about social media, people’s obsession, and reality. Henrik was a bad man. The characters were interesting and they all had issues. Didn’t see the plot twist but also expected the ending.

[Leanne J · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️

It was an enjoyable and easy to read thriller with an amazing premise, that I read in a couple sittings. I also used the audio from KU so listen in the car!

I loved having the different narrators so we got to learn how the hotel was for different guests and the experiences they were having.

It also highlights how easily people hand over such personal information without thinking of consequences (and how much a little digging can find!).

The Finnish setting was great and I liked the twists and that we got the conclusions for the guests at the end.

Thank you to the @kitduffield and @tandemcollectiveuk for the gifted review copy. Definitely one I’d recommend to thriller lovers.

[Monique Barbour · Rating 2 out of 5]

forced myself to finish this

[Leahanne Armstrong · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had so much potential.

[Emma · Rating 1 out of 5]

This one was so bad that it took me a good 24 hours to consider reading again. I was questioning all my life choices that brought me to the point where I ended up reading this.

All of the characters are stereotypes: the jealous wife, the self-absorbed influencer. It's a great exercise in why men should not write women.

Too many stupid twists and a completely bizarre ending.

[Kylie · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️⭐️
nothing really happens while so much is happening

[Janine Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book had 3 main characters and the author made you believe in them just about. Although a little far fetched at times, this was still a gripping read and I became hooked on the outlandish plotlines and wanted to know what was going to happen next. Easy quick read.

[Jennifer Sundberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 out of 5 stars for me

“These days you just need a bit of news and the right contacts and you can find out anything you want about a person. Half of it they published themselves, on bloody Instagram,” quote from a character. So true!

80% of the story had a great premise. A secluded, exclusive, Finnish, gourmet hotel which pampers each guest with unique experiences tailored to their memories and distinct preferences and information they fill out before arriving, all at a hefty price. We are given the privilege of the experiences of 3 MC’s in first person POV. There is a lot of mystery around the hotelier and his past and who he is and was. There is folklore about “demon elk” in the area & sightings from guests. There are secrets our MC’s do not want revealed or want to know, are laid bare. Trapped inside by a horrific blizzard, which shuts out the world, the guests inside panic, the lights go out …..who will make check out and who will have to face their demons?

But then, the remaining 20% gets very convoluted and takes turns which seem so far fetched and almost unbelievable. I have so many questions still, and even after several epilogues from each of the main characters and the hotelier.
***************************************************

So here are my spoilers - so stop reading if you don’t want to know:
1. Inka - hotelier’s daughter, who works for her father, does all this to save her mother from her abusive, controlling, wicked father who is horrible to his wife for 40 years. Why did she not just take her mother away from here? Why let him abuse her mother more and more for years- just stand by doing nothing?
2. Johanna - the mother and wife, goes around at night in the woods and snow dressed as the demon elk - does NO ONE in the hotel realize this? Wouldn’t her controlling husband know where she is of every minute? Wouldn’t her daughter know? Or do they know and not care a fragile, aging weak woman is out there? And how could she wear very heavy deer/elk pelts, long walking sticks, covered in leaves, sticks, dirt, etc and a heavy deer skull wrapped around her head!?!? That all would weigh, what … 100 plus pounds? No way.
3. A horrific blizzard comes along and takes out the power, slamming hard into the building, crazy winds and white out conditions. One character goes running off into woods, bleeding, no coat— ends up being found in the pitch black by someone - then others join… how are they all seeing each other? Inside the hotel everyone was using their cell phone flashlights to see. But then suddenly outside in the dark, no one uses their cell phone in the snowstorm to find a missing character? Seeing trail of blood, how? Who here has been out in a blizzard/bad storm? How long would you last in a t-shirt? Come on. Has the author ever been out in snow? I’m guessing the scene takes at least an hour - character would be toast.

Just lots of details like this I would have hoped an editor or someone who has ever been in the woods or the pitch dark would realize this climax of a scene makes little sense. So the ending feels rushed and could have been so much better, in my humble opinion.

Thank you NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer and author for ARC

[Gali · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Hotel" by Kit Duffield is an engaging psychological thriller about three guests spending Valentine’s weekend at a lavish new hotel in Finnish Lapland. The story alternates between their POVs.

Beth and James are a newly married English couple honeymooning at the hotel, even though they can’t afford it. Beth mainly chose it to impress James’s snobby circle of friends—people she doesn’t even like. Fletcher is an American psychologist and CEO of Small Talk (an online therapy platform) in Silicon Valley, and he has plenty of issues of his own (psychologist—heal yourself!). Jordy is a provocative Brazilian influencer invited along with her best friends, Matteo and Rosa.

Kuvastin isn’t your typical five-star hotel. Everything—from food and music to scents—is personalized using your social media and submitted data to recreate your happiest memories. In theory, it sounds perfect.

Alas, some memories are better left alone. Strange occurrences begin right after the arrival of the guests, dredging up old traumas. Each guest has secrets, and a data breach exposes things they'd rather keep hidden. The plot thickens when a snowstorm traps them in the hotel, and the power goes out. As secrets unravel, the perfect getaway becomes a nightmare.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. It wasn’t quite the locked-room mystery I’d expected, but it was still captivating. The writing is taut and smooth, with a steadily building atmosphere of dread. Each character is distinct and well-drawn.

I liked the emotional dynamics and the interactions between the characters. Fletcher was my favorite, even though he seemed a bit aloof at first. I had mixed feelings about Beth—I didn’t like her obsession with impressing others and posting the perfect Instagram shot. Her husband I downright disliked. I also didn’t care for Jordy and her constant self-justifications.

The book explores abuse, manipulation, infidelity, secrets, social media, and the craving for external approval. The ending gave satisfying closure, but its tone felt a little off compared to the rest of the story—less sharp, more subdued.

This isn’t a hotel I’d want to visit. I don’t post much online, but the sheer amount of personal data out there gives one pause. As one character comes to realize, it’s better to make memories the old-fashioned way—by living them, not by recording every moment.

To sum, I found the book a good read and recommend it to fans of a fast-paced plot, eerie settings, unexpected twists, and "trapped-in-a-snowstorm” trope.

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.
* Review in my blog: https://galibookish.blogspot.com/2025...

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

4-

CW: animal abuse (referred to but not explicit), sexual assault (also mostly just referred to)

So I devoured this one reading about 70% of it in one day.

We follow three sets of guests as they make their way to an exclusive hotel experience in a remote region of Finland. The hotel's hook is that they recreate your favourite memories through sensory details like scents, music and food - the founder of the hotel is a former perfumer. I loved this idea and thought it was a great hook.

Shortly after our guests arrive at Kuvastin (meaning mirror, or to reflect - nice touch), however, they realise not all is well. The mirror image starts to twist into something grotesque, and as tensions rise and guests want to leave, they get trapped in a blizzard. Trapped with themselves, each other, and memories they would rather forget.

The atmosphere in this one was fantastic - top notch creepy vibes, and it felt like the hotel and the nature surrounding them were characters in the story too. Weirdly it kind of made me miss northern winters (I lived 10 years in the North of Norway), even though I hated them at the time. It was taught and tense and difficult to put down. The tension and the fast-paced story did come a little at the expense of character development though, which I think is difficult to avoid in a story like this. The characters were a little clichéd, but still interesting enough to get a little invested.

Maybe partly because of this, the ending wasn't quite as good as it could have been. It was solid and believable, but there were no twists or shocking revelations or connections or devastating realisations.

Also, I admit I was waiting for it all to come together somehow, that there was some kind of connection between all our guests and whomever was torturing them, like they had somehow wronged them in some way, but that wasn't the case, they were mostly random unsuspecting victims, which made it lose a little bit of punch.

Still recommended for an entertaining, immersive read, and definitely a good slump buster. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC!

[Kristy aka Brooksie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Hotel by Kit Duffield (narration by Ella Lynch, Anthony Cloyd, Nadia Verde, Darren Eliker and Tessa Auberjonois)
337 pages, Kindle Edition / Audiobook 9hrs 9min
Publication August 15, 2025

Welcome to beautiful Finnish Lapland where you will be surrounded by magical winter landscapes, and the best views of natures majestic Northern Lights. This winter wonderland at the lavish exclusive hotel offers a stay that will cater to all your wants and needs specialized specifically to the guest for the most perfect and unforgettable Valentine's Day getaway. 

The guest list:

A multimillionaire psychiatrist - In the closet, estranged from his parents, and is investigating the owner of this infamous high end hotel.

An online sex worker influencer and her two influencer best friends- She has millions of followers online and this trip was just part of her persona. Her friends have a large following as well, but only a fraction of their friend. They came from the same area and grew up poor with a tragic past. This holiday was free in exchange for good exposure to the hotel documenting her 5 star experience.

A couple on their honeymoon - A financial struggling couple spent more than they could afford on this trip, but it was their honeymoon and the price for the stay was heavily discounted. The perfect memorable stay in a luxury hotel that they normally could never afford. 

This getaway wasn't exaggerating when they stated it would make each guest an unforgettable experience. Not long into their stay, each person is faced with their troubled past and present transgressions that are their worst personal nightmare. It seems like their lives are being torn apart and each one are desperate to get answers and for it to stop. 

This was an interesting concept that ties in struggles with the consequences of social media, and when the characters lives slowly crumble due to information that was held in secret against the people closest to them is exposed. This audiobook features multiple POV and duel narration 

Thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio for an Advanced Audiobook (ALC) in exchange for an honest review.

[Kendra Chura · Rating 2 out of 5]

Where to start with this one…

This is kind of your typical “trapped in a snowstorm” cliché, but it’s actually not a whodunit. Thankfully.

I really liked the idea of this. Someone behind the scenes at this luxury hotel in Finland seems to know way more about its guests than they should. Think serious privacy violation, definitely would-not-be-legal type of thing.

The whole point of this place is that they basically cyberstalk you and create your entire experience around your best memories. Or… what’s supposed to be your best ones.

I listened to the audiobook, and the narrators were all fine when speaking as their own characters. But with so many different accents in this book, I’m sure it was a challenge. Sadly, it also made it kind of a challenge to listen to, at least for me. I actually don’t even know one of the character’s names because two of the three narrators say “Georgie,” and the other says “Jordy.”

I think this story had potential with the whole “this place knows too much” vibe, but then it started to get a little weird. At one point I thought, if this turns paranormal, I’m going to be annoyed — but not to worry, because that subplot gets explained away at the end… with my least favorite book trope ever.

I could keep going on about how there’s truly not a single likable character in this book or how I just don’t see the appeal of a luxury hotel in the dead of winter, but I’ll save it. There are also what felt like small plot holes at the end, or maybe just things that didn’t make sense based on what I knew about these characters, but I don’t want to spoil anything.

Overall, this kept my attention, but I definitely caught myself rolling my eyes a few times. If you can get past some of the absurdity, I think you’ll enjoy it. I’ve probably just read one too many of these “locked in” thrillers at this point.

Thank you to NetGalley, Brilliance Publishing, and Brilliance Audio for the early listen.

[B. Evans · Rating 2 out of 5]

ACL from NetGalley.

This review will be a bit scattered. I took a lot of ranty notes but cut it down quite a bit.

1.5 stars rounded up to 2.

First, I really enjoyed the narrators.

I couldn’t wait to start this one. It sounded so good, but it disappointed hard, so my rating might be a bit harsh.

This had a lot of promise, and initially I found it riveting. But by the end, it felt unfulfilling and I was left a bit baffled.

Based on the setup with all the story lines, I feel like it should have been longer. Or some of the stories lines should have been excluded (like maybe focus on 2 people only??). It had a lot going on for it to be the length it was.

I hated most of the characters, but not in a necessarily bad way. Some were redeemed who I felt didn’t deserve it. (I.e. Georgie’s redemption arc was weird. I wish she didn’t get one. I was enjoying hating her.)

The twist with the therapist, Fletcher, seemed too far fetched, although it explained why he was there. Perhaps I was let down because I thought he was there for other purposes (some hints came across as too mysterious for why he was really at the hotel).

The ending…I don’t even know what to say. It went splat (best way I can describe it). Probably the most bizarre ending I have ever read. Just when you thought everything was wrapped up nicely, some parts felt open ended. Was the point to hint at a sequel? (If so, I’ll have to pass.)
We go from happy (or at least positive) endings (wrapped in a bow, which was weird considering the rest of the story) to another time jump to misery. Like what?
Why did I say a “splat” ending? It felt very check box off-ish. And the wrap up was way too quick for all the build up during the first 1/2-2/3 of the novel. Did the author plan a much longer, more twisted & complicated book initially but changed their mind (or got sick of it) without adapting the first half of the book?
It didn’t match the rest of the book.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine a luxury smart-hotel in snowy Lapland where every happy memory is recreated—then everything goes wrong. The Hotel by Kit Duffield grabs you from page one and doesn’t let go. A dreamy escape quickly turns tense and locked-in, full of secrets, lies, and people who are not what they seem. Creepy, atmospheric, and impossible to put down.

Plot Outline

A couple checks into a high-tech hotel in snowy Lapland, but when a storm traps everyone inside, the smart tech glitches, secrets spill out, and their dream getaway turns deadly.

My Thoughts

I loved this setup—modern, creepy, and completely gripping. The smart-hotel, meant to create your happiest moments, turns unsettling when it backfires. Snowed-in and cut off, the tension is constant, and the Finnish folklore adds a haunting layer that makes the story feel richer. Multiple POVs and cliffhanger chapters keep you turning pages, and the ending ties everything together in a satisfying but uneasy way.

Read This If You Like
• Locked-room thrillers where no one can leave
• Remote, snowbound settings that feel as dangerous as the people inside
• Luxe hotels with something sinister lurking beneath the surface
• Smart-tech that promises happiness but knows a little too much about you—and when that backfires
• Stories with touches of folklore or local legend that add depth and atmosphere
• Multiple POVs that keep the story layered and engaging
• Chapters that end on cliffhangers and make it impossible to put the book down
• Secrets, lies, and messy relationship drama
• Stories that dig into the darker side of influencers and how much we share online
• Fans of Lucy Foley (The Hunting Party, The Guest List), Sarah Pearse (The Sanatorium), Megan Goldin, or Shari Lapena

My rating 4.75 out of 5

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer (Amazon Publishing UK) for this eARC which will be released August 15 2025.

[Raven Lonick · Rating 3 out of 5]

WHOA…there’s a lot to unpack with this one.

First-this is told from multiple POVs. Each chapter is a character telling their POV. The chapters are clearly labeled and it very easy to follow along.

The way this is written, you are hooked from the very first chapter. This is some of the most eclectic casting I’ve seen which made it very entertaining.

Beth & her husband James have been married a year & it’s not the happily ever after she had always dreamed of. (For the record, I hated James. I rooted for Beth the whole time I read this. The way he called her Nibs gave me the ick from the very beginning.)

Jordy is the popular influencer. She’s beautiful with the perfect body & from what the internet sees-she has the perfect life. But when Jordy arrives at the hotel…we begin to see the cracks & her perfect exterior begins to dissipate.

Fletcher always wondered what happened to his birth parents & where exactly he came from. He’s trying to find himself in more ways than one.

Every person at this hotel had secrets they’d do anything to keep hidden. How far will they go to keep them buried?

I thought this was a fast paced thriller with some aspects that actually terrified me. The descriptions of the forest and the sightings actually made the hair on my arms stand up. A really creepy vibe. I found myself wanting to know where the author was going with the storyline & what bizarre situations were going to unfold next.

Definitely recommend if you like edge of your seat thrillers with a touch of horror, short chapters, multiple POVs, & locked room mysteries.

Thank you to NetGalley & Amazon publishing for sending me a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Elena Zinonos · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Hotel by Kit Duffield is an atmospheric and gripping thriller set in a high-tech, luxury hotel tucked away in snowy Finnish Lapland. The story follows several guests who arrive, each with their own secrets and troubles, looking forward to a magical Valentine's weekend. The hotel promises to recreate each person’s happiest memories, but things quickly take a dark turn. As a violent blizzard hits and the power goes out, everyone finds themselves trapped inside. The hotel’s smart technology begins acting up, and unsettling secrets from each guest’s past start to surface.

The book is told from multiple points of view, which makes it lively and gives each character their own voice and backstory. Among the guests are a young married couple hoping to fix their relationship, an influencer with her friends, and a wealthy bachelor, all drawn together by the hotel’s strange allure. The sense of being trapped grows as the storm worsens, and the atmosphere turns tense and claustrophobic.

What makes the story special is its combination of luxury and danger, with the beautiful hotel setting hiding real menace. The story moves at a good pace, with twists and turns that keep things exciting right up to the end. The mix of personal drama, mysterious events, and even a bit of local folklore creates lots of tension and makes the book very hard to put down.

The Hotel is perfect for anyone who enjoys a tense, twisty thriller with a unique setting and interesting characters. It offers a simple but engaging read, full of suspense and excitement that will stay with you after you finish.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Note: I received an advanced copy of this book from Amazon Publishing UK | Thomas & Mercer via NetGalley.

In this icy psychological thriller, a luxury hotel in Finnish Lapland promises guests something “magical”: a curated weekend of their happiest memories, recreated in meticulous detail. For Beth, who’s never quite measured up to her husband’s wealthier friends, it’s the perfect Valentine’s escape—a chance to reinvent their marriage and themselves. But when champagne toasts and starlit dinners give way to betrayal in the hotel’s glittering pool, Beth realizes some memories are better left buried.

The setting is its own character—secluded, eerie, and dripping with Finnish folklore. The hotel’s uncanny ability to mine guests’ deepest memories creates an undercurrent of dread, and the shifting narrators allow us to see how different guests react to having their private pasts turned into public spectacle.

The plot moves at a brisk, twisty pace, with enough turns to keep readers guessing who’s manipulating whom. Fletcher emerges as the standout character—aloof but layered—while Beth’s fixation on Instagram perfection makes her both relatable and frustrating. Her husband is thoroughly unlikeable, and Jordy’s self-justifications wear thin, but the emotional dynamics between the cast keep the pages turning.

This is a story about more than just infidelity and secrets; it’s about manipulation, obsession, and the danger of outsourcing our lives to algorithms, memories, and curated experiences.

[Lizz · Rating 3 out of 5]

✨Audiobook Review✨
📖 The Hotel
✍️ Kit Duffield
📅 Publication: August 15, 2025
🎤 lla Lynch; Anthony Cloyd; Nadia Verde; Darren Eliker; Tessa Auberjonois

𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬
A romantic escape. A luxury hotel. A perfect weekend until it isn’t.
She never felt good enough around her husband’s wealthy friends, but a Valentine’s getaway in Finnish Lapland is their chance to shine. The staff recreate their most cherished memories, wedding night champagne, favorite songs, and a candlelit dinner under the stars.
But the next morning, she wakes alone… and finds him with another woman.
Then a storm hits, trapping them inside as power fails and buried secrets rise to the surface. Trust shatters. The past won’t stay hidden. And paradise is turning into something far more dangerous.
Will they make it out alive, or will the truth tear them apart for good?
𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬
The audiobook was well-narrated by a talented cast who did a great job building suspense and bringing the characters to life. The story started off strong, with intriguing character introductions and slowly unfolding secrets. What stood out were the distinct and engaging character arcs, which kept me interested throughout. Unfortunately, the ending didn’t quite deliver; it felt a bit disconnected and lacked the impact I was hoping for. Overall, it was an okay listen: entertaining in parts but not entirely satisfying as a whole.
Thank you @Netgalley and @brillianceaudio, for allowing me to review this ALC.

[Roz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in the beautiful woodland setting of Kuvastatin in Finland is a hotel that provides 5⭐️ personalised stays, made to measure according to a journal completed by each person prior to arrival. Told by three of the guests who are staying for Valentine weekend, we meet Fletcher, Jordy and Beth who are from very different backgrounds.

As a successful businessman Fletcher has experienced many fine hotels, but marvels still at this one. Influencer Jordy puts her life online and looks like she will do almost anything for likes and follows. Unassuming teacher Beth has borrowed to take her new husband on honeymoon, but feels unworthy in the company of the other guests.

Dark events begin to emerge, a strange creature in the dark forest is seen and secrets begin to emerge about the guests that they didn’t want others to know.

This is a great locked room thriller as essentially the guests are trapped at the hotel in the freezing cold when a fire breaks out. I wasn’t sure where the plot was going but it soon ramps up and takes you on a wild journey with the stories of all 3 protagonists and the associated characters at the hotel. Well written, very dark and so atmospheric. The descriptions of the strange beast seen, the Finnish landscape and the heritage of the land were superb.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.