What do you think?
Rate this book
Room 21
They say blood is thicker than water. I say blood is just harder to wash off your hands.
My name’s Kimberley. I’m twenty-five. I have epilepsy, a seizure alert dog named Muffin, and a job I love as a senior housekeeper in one of London’s top hotels. I’m used to being invisible. Overlooked. Safe.
But that was before Jennifer Clifton checked in. She’s rich, powerful, terrifyingly calm — and she asked for me by name.
She gives me my dream job, working in her exclusive hotel in the Scottish Highlands. It’s more money than I ever imagined.
There’s just one Don’t open the door to Room 21.
How hard can that be?
But something is wrong in this hotel. The guests are unsettling. The staff whisper behind closed doors. And that room — the one I promised not to enter — calls to me.
I took the job for a better life. Now I’m trapped in a nightmare.
My name’s Kimberley. I’m twenty-five. I have epilepsy, a seizure alert dog named Muffin, and a job I love as a senior housekeeper in one of London’s top hotels. I’m used to being invisible. Overlooked. Safe.
But that was before Jennifer Clifton checked in. She’s rich, powerful, terrifyingly calm — and she asked for me by name.
She gives me my dream job, working in her exclusive hotel in the Scottish Highlands. It’s more money than I ever imagined.
There’s just one Don’t open the door to Room 21.
How hard can that be?
But something is wrong in this hotel. The guests are unsettling. The staff whisper behind closed doors. And that room — the one I promised not to enter — calls to me.
I took the job for a better life. Now I’m trapped in a nightmare.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 21, 2025
1439 people are currently reading
1296 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Huntley
22 books459 followersJessica Huntley is an award-winning and best-selling psychological thriller author. She's an ex-British soldier and Personal Trainer and has been writing almost non-stop for the past four years.
She is now the author of sixteen books, including two trilogies, six standalone thrillers, two anthologies, a co-written horror project and a novella. She is both self-published and traditionally published with Inkubator Books and Joffe Books.
She writes books for thriller readers who like their stories dark and twisty with complex, yet memorable characters, who often suffer from relatable mental health disorders.
When she isn't writing, Jessica is either keeping fit, walking her dog or looking after her young son.
Sign up to her email list to receive news about her upcoming book releases, get a first look at covers and some thriller recommendations. Visit her website where you'll also be able to download a short story called "You Die ... I Die".
She is now the author of sixteen books, including two trilogies, six standalone thrillers, two anthologies, a co-written horror project and a novella. She is both self-published and traditionally published with Inkubator Books and Joffe Books.
She writes books for thriller readers who like their stories dark and twisty with complex, yet memorable characters, who often suffer from relatable mental health disorders.
When she isn't writing, Jessica is either keeping fit, walking her dog or looking after her young son.
Sign up to her email list to receive news about her upcoming book releases, get a first look at covers and some thriller recommendations. Visit her website where you'll also be able to download a short story called "You Die ... I Die".
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 243 reviews
Read
April 16, 2025My 18th book! What!? Seriously though, I'm not sure what was going on while I was writing this but the twists and turns and characters had minds of their own. I swear I was just holding on for dear life while the words poured out of my brain.
I kept up as best as I could and then gave it all to my publishers to make sense of! 🤣🤣
This is one hell of a ride. Kimberley is one of my favourite characters ever. And I think Muffin will also have many loyal reader fans...
The epilepsy side of things was difficult to write about which is why I'm so grateful to a friend of mine who helped me get the details right. She has epilepsy herself too.
As for the twisted and sick story? Well...if you're a loyal reader of mine, you should be used to it by now. And if you're a new reader then ... I'm sorry .... but welcome to the mind of Jessica Huntley 🤣
Enjoy! Xx
I kept up as best as I could and then gave it all to my publishers to make sense of! 🤣🤣
This is one hell of a ride. Kimberley is one of my favourite characters ever. And I think Muffin will also have many loyal reader fans...
The epilepsy side of things was difficult to write about which is why I'm so grateful to a friend of mine who helped me get the details right. She has epilepsy herself too.
As for the twisted and sick story? Well...if you're a loyal reader of mine, you should be used to it by now. And if you're a new reader then ... I'm sorry .... but welcome to the mind of Jessica Huntley 🤣
Enjoy! Xx
August 28, 2025
Guessed the plot twist. Wasn’t anything exciting to me.
May 22, 2025
Room 21 by Jessica Huntley is a psychological thriller about a maid who is offered a new job in a rather strange hotel.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Joffe Books,, and the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I must admit that I was taken aback when I realized that here is another maid with a disability. I thought, oh no, here we go again. I was so wrong. Kimberley and this book are NOT like Molly. This is a whole different genre. No cozy mystery here. This is a hotel filled with rather dark-themed rooms, and guest personalities to match.
I absolutely loved this book. Kimberley and Muffin were wonderful characters. I mean who wouldn't want a border collie as their safety dog! Kimberley has had a rough life. Between growing up in foster care, having asthma and epilepsy....she's had it rough. But she's also grown to be a strong, independent woman. There were a couple of strong women show-cased in this book.
The plot was great. It was filled with suspense, and mystery, and a little weirdness. There were a lot of twists, a couple of which blew my mind. Definitely did not see those coming.
I can't say enough about this book....and I will be watching for more from this author! This was a wild and fun ride. It's a really fast read....but that could have been cause I didn't want to put it down.
Not sure why my copy had a "Glossary of English Usage for US Readers". I'm Canadian and by now we all know the "British" words. What was more confusing was the fact that most off those words were not even contained in the actual story??? If they are just something that the publisher adds to all books....don't. It's annoying.
Anyway, until next time....
For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, my own synopsis of the book, and its author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
November 14, 2025
This book is ALL types of messed up and depraved. I feel icky that I was totally engrossed in the story the entire time. It was highly entertaining and the twists and shocks just kept coming! Absolutely insane! After just reading one of her books so far, Jessica Huntley is now in the top favorite author of mine in regards to psychological thrillers. Share the seat Freida McFadden, lol! I already started my next book by this author. DEFINITELY Recommend this book but Adhere To This WARNING ⚠️ MAJOR trigger possibilities. Proceed with great caution.
September 11, 2025
I’ve started to think that maybe I’ll have to change the subject of my readings because they’re becoming so obvious, boring, and IDENTICAL. The way the stories all have a common denominator is called SOAP-OPERA-THRILLER and isn’t a delight to read. Instead, it’s a fucking waste of time, my dears.
"Room 21" by Jessica Huntley is a psychological thriller about Kimberley, a housekeeper with epilepsy who gets offered a dream job at a hotel in the Scottish Highlands, but with a catch: she must not enter Room 21. Kimberley discovers that the hotel is full of unsettling guests and staff, and that Room 21 holds a dark secret she's compelled to uncover, despite the dangers.”
The first quarter of the book kept me in a frenetic trance of reading. The pace is intense and very fast and you can’t put the book down. But when the truth begins to come out, the way it does is almost childish and without any sense of emotion. The real plot is a masterpiece of a sadistic joke: Serial killers delighted by a blood fountain and drinking from it? What the heck is that? Are you serious? This kind of stuff isn’t gory at all and you know what? It turns out to be a bad decision to have started reading it. But as I said, the speed at which the book moves allows you to at least abstract yourself from the world for a couple of hours, and that is very valuable these days
"Room 21" by Jessica Huntley is a psychological thriller about Kimberley, a housekeeper with epilepsy who gets offered a dream job at a hotel in the Scottish Highlands, but with a catch: she must not enter Room 21. Kimberley discovers that the hotel is full of unsettling guests and staff, and that Room 21 holds a dark secret she's compelled to uncover, despite the dangers.”
The first quarter of the book kept me in a frenetic trance of reading. The pace is intense and very fast and you can’t put the book down. But when the truth begins to come out, the way it does is almost childish and without any sense of emotion. The real plot is a masterpiece of a sadistic joke: Serial killers delighted by a blood fountain and drinking from it? What the heck is that? Are you serious? This kind of stuff isn’t gory at all and you know what? It turns out to be a bad decision to have started reading it. But as I said, the speed at which the book moves allows you to at least abstract yourself from the world for a couple of hours, and that is very valuable these days
April 20, 2025
ROOM 21 BY JESSICA HUNTLEY.
Release date set for the 27th of May 2025.
5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s.
This is my second time ARC reading for Jessica and let me tell you this one is a hell of a ride.
Jaw dropping, mysterious, edge of your seat and a perfect Psychological thriller suspense.
I really liked kimberley and I just adored Muffin.
I was hoping for an early night lastnight and thought I'd read a few chapters. Nope. That didn't work out for me. I ended up reading till the early hours and then finished the book off this morning.
Brilliant book and looking forward to my next Jessica Huntley book.
Release date set for the 27th of May 2025.
5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s.
This is my second time ARC reading for Jessica and let me tell you this one is a hell of a ride.
Jaw dropping, mysterious, edge of your seat and a perfect Psychological thriller suspense.
I really liked kimberley and I just adored Muffin.
I was hoping for an early night lastnight and thought I'd read a few chapters. Nope. That didn't work out for me. I ended up reading till the early hours and then finished the book off this morning.
Brilliant book and looking forward to my next Jessica Huntley book.
September 25, 2025
It's rare that I get to the end of a book and think, "I wish I hadn't bothered finishing that." These days, if a book isn't working for me, I set it aside and read something else.
So why did I finish 'Room 21'? I blame it on my curiosity and my misguided belief that it would all be worth it in the end.
I almost set the book aside at the end of the first chapter because the writing was so bland and so full of clichés. It didn't help that the book started with the kind of prologue I hate. The sort that's a preview of what will happen towards the end of the book, that's inserted as a promise to the reader that things will get exciting and bloody later on. The first chapter then gave a first-person account, introducing our heroine, Kimberly. The way she expressed herself was tediously predictable. I knew I couldn't spend the entire book inside her head, listening to her trite commentary,
Fortunately, each of the two next chapters was told from the point of view of different women: Jennifer, the rich woman with a secret agenda; and Emily, whose account is on an earlier timeline and who, it is strongly inferred, is Kimberley's mother. The puzzle and the variety they presented encouraged me to keep going
Then the plot got its hooks into me. I wanted to know what happened in Room 21 and how it linked Kimberly, Jennifer and Emily.
Yes, I noticed that the writing didn't get any better and that the three women all sounded the same but I ignored all that in order to find out what was going on.
The plot became less and less plausible with every page, but somehow that didn't reduce my curiosity about where the book was going. By the seventy per cent mark, the plot twists were coming thick and fast. Each one is less likely than the last, and yet they kept me turning the pages to find out how it would all end.
I finally tired of being dragged along by my overstimulated curiosity when I was presented with a plot twist centred around who Jennifer really was. It was too much for me to swallow. It made me feel I was being played with, or perhaps invited to play. Except the game was all about violence, rape, murder and revenge and I wasn't having fun with it.
I spent the last fifteen per cent of the book in one of those Macbeth moments,
"I am in blood
Stepp’d in so far that, should I wade no more,
Returning were as tedious as go o’er."
So I finished it.
And yes, there were plot twists all the way through to the final page.
By which time, I had long ceased caring.
So why did I finish 'Room 21'? I blame it on my curiosity and my misguided belief that it would all be worth it in the end.
I almost set the book aside at the end of the first chapter because the writing was so bland and so full of clichés. It didn't help that the book started with the kind of prologue I hate. The sort that's a preview of what will happen towards the end of the book, that's inserted as a promise to the reader that things will get exciting and bloody later on. The first chapter then gave a first-person account, introducing our heroine, Kimberly. The way she expressed herself was tediously predictable. I knew I couldn't spend the entire book inside her head, listening to her trite commentary,
Fortunately, each of the two next chapters was told from the point of view of different women: Jennifer, the rich woman with a secret agenda; and Emily, whose account is on an earlier timeline and who, it is strongly inferred, is Kimberley's mother. The puzzle and the variety they presented encouraged me to keep going
Then the plot got its hooks into me. I wanted to know what happened in Room 21 and how it linked Kimberly, Jennifer and Emily.
Yes, I noticed that the writing didn't get any better and that the three women all sounded the same but I ignored all that in order to find out what was going on.
The plot became less and less plausible with every page, but somehow that didn't reduce my curiosity about where the book was going. By the seventy per cent mark, the plot twists were coming thick and fast. Each one is less likely than the last, and yet they kept me turning the pages to find out how it would all end.
I finally tired of being dragged along by my overstimulated curiosity when I was presented with a plot twist centred around who Jennifer really was. It was too much for me to swallow. It made me feel I was being played with, or perhaps invited to play. Except the game was all about violence, rape, murder and revenge and I wasn't having fun with it.
I spent the last fifteen per cent of the book in one of those Macbeth moments,
"I am in blood
Stepp’d in so far that, should I wade no more,
Returning were as tedious as go o’er."
So I finished it.
And yes, there were plot twists all the way through to the final page.
By which time, I had long ceased caring.
May 5, 2025
This is a weird book.
I didn't hate it, but I also didn't like our characters (any of them), found much of it illogical, and just found that it got crazier and crazier (not necessarily in the best of ways).
Our MC loves being a housekeeper. I mean, she waxes poetic about the joys of housekeeping FOR AGES. All her life she wanted to be a housekeeper. Housekeepers are the only reasons we have hotels. Housekeepers are the most amazing thing since sliced bread and Jesus (okay...maybe she didn't say that one, but I do believe she would have lol).
She's also brilliant, has an amazing memory, has the cutest dog, has astounding observational skills and is...thoroughly unlikeable. And, honestly, if she were all that, she would never have taken the job nor stayed with it when she got her list of restocking blood and weapons and sex toys (oh my).
I will say that the book keeps you reading, if only because you want to know what implausible thing happens next.
A popcorn read.
* ARC via Publisher
I didn't hate it, but I also didn't like our characters (any of them), found much of it illogical, and just found that it got crazier and crazier (not necessarily in the best of ways).
Our MC loves being a housekeeper. I mean, she waxes poetic about the joys of housekeeping FOR AGES. All her life she wanted to be a housekeeper. Housekeepers are the only reasons we have hotels. Housekeepers are the most amazing thing since sliced bread and Jesus (okay...maybe she didn't say that one, but I do believe she would have lol).
She's also brilliant, has an amazing memory, has the cutest dog, has astounding observational skills and is...thoroughly unlikeable. And, honestly, if she were all that, she would never have taken the job nor stayed with it when she got her list of restocking blood and weapons and sex toys (oh my).
I will say that the book keeps you reading, if only because you want to know what implausible thing happens next.
A popcorn read.
* ARC via Publisher
May 23, 2025
First, I just have to say - damn!! Jessica you knocked it out of the park with this one! A few times while reading this book, I thought what the f*ck is going on?!
This book is seriously off the charts! Room 21 is a mind-bending thriller that grabs you by the throat and does not let go. From the eerie setting to the unsettling mystery of the forbidden door, Jessica crafts a very dark and twisted story that is equal parts terrifying and addictive.
Kimberley’s journey is a psychological rollercoaster, and just when you think you've cracked the mystery, Jessica throws another curveball that leaves you gasping. The tension is relentless, the stakes sky-high, and the atmosphere - absolutely chilling.
This is my new favorite of hers!! Loved everything about it - brilliant pacing, unforgettable characters, and a twist that redefines the meaning of jaw-dropping. If you want a dark, mind-twisting, unputdownable read, this is the one!!
This book is seriously off the charts! Room 21 is a mind-bending thriller that grabs you by the throat and does not let go. From the eerie setting to the unsettling mystery of the forbidden door, Jessica crafts a very dark and twisted story that is equal parts terrifying and addictive.
Kimberley’s journey is a psychological rollercoaster, and just when you think you've cracked the mystery, Jessica throws another curveball that leaves you gasping. The tension is relentless, the stakes sky-high, and the atmosphere - absolutely chilling.
This is my new favorite of hers!! Loved everything about it - brilliant pacing, unforgettable characters, and a twist that redefines the meaning of jaw-dropping. If you want a dark, mind-twisting, unputdownable read, this is the one!!
May 3, 2025
Kimberly is offered a job at a secret invite only hotel. After singing a NDA and doing repulsive task to prove her loyalty, she is promoted to do a malicious job for a party that will be hosted in that hotel.
I had been wanting to read Jessica Huntley’s books for quite some time now. I’m so satisfied with this one and will be reading more of her books in the future.
This was a dark and morbid book that made me scared to keep reading but I was so interested that I had to keep reading. I really liked how the story is told through the POV of multiple characters. The guest and the reason for the hotel was super interesting in the story but very frightening to think of in terms of it happening in real life. Incredible twist after twist thrown in. It has revenge driven characters that carry out vengeance which was fascinating. The note that came with Kimberly’s teddy bear was so shocking!
Nothing is what it seems. I thought I knew the connection of the characters but then their true identities would be revealed. This would then make me question which characters can I truly trust.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I had been wanting to read Jessica Huntley’s books for quite some time now. I’m so satisfied with this one and will be reading more of her books in the future.
This was a dark and morbid book that made me scared to keep reading but I was so interested that I had to keep reading. I really liked how the story is told through the POV of multiple characters. The guest and the reason for the hotel was super interesting in the story but very frightening to think of in terms of it happening in real life. Incredible twist after twist thrown in. It has revenge driven characters that carry out vengeance which was fascinating. The note that came with Kimberly’s teddy bear was so shocking!
Nothing is what it seems. I thought I knew the connection of the characters but then their true identities would be revealed. This would then make me question which characters can I truly trust.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 30, 2025
Utterly terrifying and totally brilliant! Kimberley, a hotel housekeeper, is headhunted for a position in an exclusive and remote hotel. Just a couple of caveats: she must never enter room 21 and she must never leave.
Kimberley is a very likeable and relatable character, but the show stealer is her gorgeous support dog, Muffin, who alerts Kimberley whenever she is about to have an epileptic seizure, which is pretty often! Most of other characters are initially all people you love to hate, with very little reason to, to be honest, but you just... know. And then, when you really do know... OMG!
With an abundance of twists and a ton of suspense, this was a book I really struggled to step away from, so be warned, once you start reading, the real world will disappear for a while, as you lose yourself in the sick minds of some of the most deranged people on the planet.
Is blood thicker than water? Does nature or nurture prevail?
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Jessica Huntley and Joffe for an ARC in return for an honest review.
Kimberley is a very likeable and relatable character, but the show stealer is her gorgeous support dog, Muffin, who alerts Kimberley whenever she is about to have an epileptic seizure, which is pretty often! Most of other characters are initially all people you love to hate, with very little reason to, to be honest, but you just... know. And then, when you really do know... OMG!
With an abundance of twists and a ton of suspense, this was a book I really struggled to step away from, so be warned, once you start reading, the real world will disappear for a while, as you lose yourself in the sick minds of some of the most deranged people on the planet.
Is blood thicker than water? Does nature or nurture prevail?
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Jessica Huntley and Joffe for an ARC in return for an honest review.
April 29, 2025
WOW! WOW! WOW! This brilliantly dark novel grabs you from the moment Kimberley, a London hotel housekeeper reliant on her medical dog Muffin, encounters the enigmatic Jennifer, a particularly difficult guest staying in the penthouse.
The offer of a job in a secluded Scottish hotel is too good to pass up and the catalyst for a descent into unimaginable debauchery. This compellingly twisted narrative is utterly gripping, making it near impossible to put down.
My top read of the year so far! The author masterfully ties up all the unsettling threads in a perfectly executed conclusion. This book is not to be missed. There just aren't enough stars to define how brilliant it is.
My thanks to Joffe Books for the ARC.
The offer of a job in a secluded Scottish hotel is too good to pass up and the catalyst for a descent into unimaginable debauchery. This compellingly twisted narrative is utterly gripping, making it near impossible to put down.
My top read of the year so far! The author masterfully ties up all the unsettling threads in a perfectly executed conclusion. This book is not to be missed. There just aren't enough stars to define how brilliant it is.
My thanks to Joffe Books for the ARC.
May 7, 2025
This is the new twisty, dark, and unnerving new story from Jessica, and it certainly was a page turner.
Even though the story is written from multiple pov, Kimberly is who the book is really about. She is a housekeeper who loves her job and has the cutest dog. She grew up in the care system and has worked her way to where she is now, howvlever shes only just scraping by and living with people she would rather avoid.
Then comes Jennifer, who turns her world sideways, offering her a job that invites disturbing events and secrets being unravelled.
The book has many twists, and the narration style of writing makes the book quite an easy read that you can binge pretty quickly.
I was able to read and review Room 21 thanks to netgalley
Even though the story is written from multiple pov, Kimberly is who the book is really about. She is a housekeeper who loves her job and has the cutest dog. She grew up in the care system and has worked her way to where she is now, howvlever shes only just scraping by and living with people she would rather avoid.
Then comes Jennifer, who turns her world sideways, offering her a job that invites disturbing events and secrets being unravelled.
The book has many twists, and the narration style of writing makes the book quite an easy read that you can binge pretty quickly.
I was able to read and review Room 21 thanks to netgalley
June 12, 2025
I held on for dear life with this one! 😱 WOW! So many unexpected twists and turns. Loved it!!
May 29, 2025
My Initial Thoughts
At first I was a little confused as to what was happening, but I was pulled into the storyline so quickly to the point I did not want to put the book down. There is so much intrigue placed at the beginning of the book so you want to keep reading to find out what’s happening. I really liked the added aspect that Kimberly has epilepsy and therefore needs Muffin as her alert dog. It really highlights the difficulty of the condition and how Kimberly is just trying to lead a normal life, where her disabilities do not hold her back.
Plot
This plot is so cleverly written! Its incredibly mind blowing and had my jaw on the floor on more than one occasion. The writing it addictive and it never feels like a right time to put the book down, so much so that I didn’t until I had finished and even the epilogue has another twist!
There is so much within the plot and Jessica has a very unique and powerful style of writing.
Characters
The characters are all erm, special shall we say… Lincoln gave me the creeps from the start, the hotel never feels safe and why Kimberly went ill never know. I really enjoyed the dysfunctional characters and the way everything happens. But none of them are in their right minds, except from Muffin.
Recommend
If you love twisty, disturbing, addictive story lines, pick this up!!!
Favourite Quotes
“It just begs the question… What’s stronger? Your curiosity or your desire for freedom.”
Favourite Chapter/s
My favourite chapters were 22, 24 and 41.
Summed up in one sentence
The most thriller read you never knew you needed.
Overall Wrap up
This book was in a league of its own! Jessica has a very special way of writing and she did not disappoint! The only advice I have is do not eat while reading the disturbing scenes, some turned my stomach. I enjoyed every twist and turn and the fact that even at the end there is another mind blowing impact I absolutely loved the journey to discovering the truth of the hotel and room 21!
Stars – 5 stars.
Book Information – Room 21 by Jessica Huntley.
Genre – Psychological thriller.
Pages – 282 pages.
Tropes –
Unreliable narrators.
Hidden secrets.
Trust no one.
Available on Kindle Unlimited – Room 21 is available on kindle unlimited.
Available Formats – Available on kindle and in paperback.
Publishing Information – Published on 27th May 2025 by Joffe Books.
Format in Which I Read – Kindle.
Where my copy come From – Zooloo’s Book Tours and Netgallery.
POVs – Multiple POVs – Kimberly, Jennifer and Emily.
Single/Dual/Multiple Timelines – Dual timeline – before and now.
1st or 3rd Person – Written in first person.
HEA, HFN or Cliff hanger – Room closed – kinda…
Series or Standalone – Room 21 is a standalone.
Trigger Warnings – Please check content warnings before reading if necessary and please always remember that your mental health matters.
At first I was a little confused as to what was happening, but I was pulled into the storyline so quickly to the point I did not want to put the book down. There is so much intrigue placed at the beginning of the book so you want to keep reading to find out what’s happening. I really liked the added aspect that Kimberly has epilepsy and therefore needs Muffin as her alert dog. It really highlights the difficulty of the condition and how Kimberly is just trying to lead a normal life, where her disabilities do not hold her back.
Plot
This plot is so cleverly written! Its incredibly mind blowing and had my jaw on the floor on more than one occasion. The writing it addictive and it never feels like a right time to put the book down, so much so that I didn’t until I had finished and even the epilogue has another twist!
There is so much within the plot and Jessica has a very unique and powerful style of writing.
Characters
The characters are all erm, special shall we say… Lincoln gave me the creeps from the start, the hotel never feels safe and why Kimberly went ill never know. I really enjoyed the dysfunctional characters and the way everything happens. But none of them are in their right minds, except from Muffin.
Recommend
If you love twisty, disturbing, addictive story lines, pick this up!!!
Favourite Quotes
“It just begs the question… What’s stronger? Your curiosity or your desire for freedom.”
Favourite Chapter/s
My favourite chapters were 22, 24 and 41.
Summed up in one sentence
The most thriller read you never knew you needed.
Overall Wrap up
This book was in a league of its own! Jessica has a very special way of writing and she did not disappoint! The only advice I have is do not eat while reading the disturbing scenes, some turned my stomach. I enjoyed every twist and turn and the fact that even at the end there is another mind blowing impact I absolutely loved the journey to discovering the truth of the hotel and room 21!
Stars – 5 stars.
Book Information – Room 21 by Jessica Huntley.
Genre – Psychological thriller.
Pages – 282 pages.
Tropes –
Unreliable narrators.
Hidden secrets.
Trust no one.
Available on Kindle Unlimited – Room 21 is available on kindle unlimited.
Available Formats – Available on kindle and in paperback.
Publishing Information – Published on 27th May 2025 by Joffe Books.
Format in Which I Read – Kindle.
Where my copy come From – Zooloo’s Book Tours and Netgallery.
POVs – Multiple POVs – Kimberly, Jennifer and Emily.
Single/Dual/Multiple Timelines – Dual timeline – before and now.
1st or 3rd Person – Written in first person.
HEA, HFN or Cliff hanger – Room closed – kinda…
Series or Standalone – Room 21 is a standalone.
Trigger Warnings – Please check content warnings before reading if necessary and please always remember that your mental health matters.
May 27, 2025
While no one may ever open the door to ROOM 21, DO make sure you immediately open this book!
So far this year I’ve read The Murder Maze and The Good Parents by Jessica Huntley and LOVED them both, but ROOM 21 was something that was so different and much more than I could have ever imagined.
ROOM 21 follows the story of Kimberley, a quiet, young, unassuming housekeeper whose pride is exhibited through her professional and high quality standards of work. She doesn’t have much else going on in life except for suffering daily seizures and her adorable little sidekick and best friend, Muffin– a seizure alert and emotional support dog. Kimberley lands a rare opportunity to leave her old life in London behind and start fresh after accepting a higher salary housekeeping position in a very exclusive, unknown, lavish hotel in a remote part of the Scottish Highlands. Soon after her new job begins, she’s surrounded by mysterious, manipulative, mad hatters at one very important event that will change everything Kimberley has ever known about herself and the people who stand before her.
Reading this was like having a session in mind-blowing mental acrobatics! In no way was I able to predict any of the important twists and turns nor the many moments that had me pinching my lips before I could let out another “OMG!” Albeit applicable to almost every content warning label after some dark and disturbing moments, I was absorbing Every. Addictive. Page! Perhaps ROOM 21 is not for all who are faint of heart, but it definitely is for those who are willing to suspend disbelief.
Many thanks to Jessica Huntley for allowing me to read this ARC (via Booksprout) in exchange for my honest review. Release date May 27, 2025.
So far this year I’ve read The Murder Maze and The Good Parents by Jessica Huntley and LOVED them both, but ROOM 21 was something that was so different and much more than I could have ever imagined.
ROOM 21 follows the story of Kimberley, a quiet, young, unassuming housekeeper whose pride is exhibited through her professional and high quality standards of work. She doesn’t have much else going on in life except for suffering daily seizures and her adorable little sidekick and best friend, Muffin– a seizure alert and emotional support dog. Kimberley lands a rare opportunity to leave her old life in London behind and start fresh after accepting a higher salary housekeeping position in a very exclusive, unknown, lavish hotel in a remote part of the Scottish Highlands. Soon after her new job begins, she’s surrounded by mysterious, manipulative, mad hatters at one very important event that will change everything Kimberley has ever known about herself and the people who stand before her.
Reading this was like having a session in mind-blowing mental acrobatics! In no way was I able to predict any of the important twists and turns nor the many moments that had me pinching my lips before I could let out another “OMG!” Albeit applicable to almost every content warning label after some dark and disturbing moments, I was absorbing Every. Addictive. Page! Perhaps ROOM 21 is not for all who are faint of heart, but it definitely is for those who are willing to suspend disbelief.
Many thanks to Jessica Huntley for allowing me to read this ARC (via Booksprout) in exchange for my honest review. Release date May 27, 2025.
June 16, 2025
Jessica, what have you done? This book absolutely wrecked me...in a good way!
Kimberley loves her job as a maid. She prides herself on a job well done. But she's just barely getting by, even though she shares an apartment with several other people. Not friends. Just people. So when she's made an offer she can't refuse, she hardly thinks about the consequences. Or the NDA she has to sign. Mistake. BIG mistake!!
The first thing that sweetened the pot (plot?) for me was that this is a locked room mystery. Employees come to this hotel, but they don't leave. Why...well, that's where this book goes dark. I was holding my breath waiting to see how far the author went, and let's just say...she goes there!
I love that the author includes a real-life source for her inspiration of Kimberley's epilepsy, and I think everyone who reads this will fall in love with Muffin, her seizure alert border collie.
Thank you to Joffe Books, for sending me an eArc of one of my favorite authors!
Kimberley loves her job as a maid. She prides herself on a job well done. But she's just barely getting by, even though she shares an apartment with several other people. Not friends. Just people. So when she's made an offer she can't refuse, she hardly thinks about the consequences. Or the NDA she has to sign. Mistake. BIG mistake!!
The first thing that sweetened the pot (plot?) for me was that this is a locked room mystery. Employees come to this hotel, but they don't leave. Why...well, that's where this book goes dark. I was holding my breath waiting to see how far the author went, and let's just say...she goes there!
I love that the author includes a real-life source for her inspiration of Kimberley's epilepsy, and I think everyone who reads this will fall in love with Muffin, her seizure alert border collie.
Thank you to Joffe Books, for sending me an eArc of one of my favorite authors!
May 5, 2025
This is the second time I have started to write a review for this book as I was not quite sure where to begin. I have read another book by this author so I should have realized I would be in for something different and that was absolutely the case here.
Kimberley is working for a hotel chain as head Housekeeper, she suffers from epilepsy and has an alert dog Muffin. She is great at what she does but when a new guest arrives. Jennifer Clifton with her dog Frankie in tow, her world is about to change dramatically.
Jennifer is like the guest from hell, rude, pompous and full of self-importance. She barks at the staff, and nothing is ever up to her standard. She has many of the staff completely terrified, but Kimberley takes it all in her stride even though internally she is struggling too. However, she is also intrigued by this woman and when Jennifer offers a position at her own Hotel, she decides to make a break and take the role. But will this be a decision that Kimberley regrets?
Be warned this is not an easy read at times. Very dark themes are presented to the reader and numerous times I had my heart in my mouth and at a couple of stages even wondered if I wished to continue but something about the book kept me turning the pages. Chilling, frightening, bilious and vile in parts, it is like nothing I had ever read before and you will be entering a very obscure world, and I have to say this is a book that will no doubt will stay with me, I am not even sure that this is a good thing but obviously the author has done her job in creating this reaction.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy, all opinions expressed are my own.
Kimberley is working for a hotel chain as head Housekeeper, she suffers from epilepsy and has an alert dog Muffin. She is great at what she does but when a new guest arrives. Jennifer Clifton with her dog Frankie in tow, her world is about to change dramatically.
Jennifer is like the guest from hell, rude, pompous and full of self-importance. She barks at the staff, and nothing is ever up to her standard. She has many of the staff completely terrified, but Kimberley takes it all in her stride even though internally she is struggling too. However, she is also intrigued by this woman and when Jennifer offers a position at her own Hotel, she decides to make a break and take the role. But will this be a decision that Kimberley regrets?
Be warned this is not an easy read at times. Very dark themes are presented to the reader and numerous times I had my heart in my mouth and at a couple of stages even wondered if I wished to continue but something about the book kept me turning the pages. Chilling, frightening, bilious and vile in parts, it is like nothing I had ever read before and you will be entering a very obscure world, and I have to say this is a book that will no doubt will stay with me, I am not even sure that this is a good thing but obviously the author has done her job in creating this reaction.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy, all opinions expressed are my own.
May 27, 2025
“Room 21” by Jessica Huntley is a dark, twisted psychological thriller that completely blew my mind. The author’s writing style kept me on edge the entire time—tense, sharp, and full of suspense. Just when I thought I had things figured out, another shocking twist hit. I also loved the inclusion of a service dog in the story—and was so relieved nothing bad happens to her! This one kept me hooked from start to finish.
April 17, 2025
Kimberley, a twenty-five-year-old with epilepsy and a seizure alert dog, gets a dream job as a senior housekeeper in a top hotel in the Scottish Highlands. However, she is given a warning not to open the door to Room 21. Despite her curiosity, she tries to abide by the rule. But as she navigates the unsettling guests and mysterious staff, she finds herself drawn to the forbidden room. What she discovers inside leads her into a nightmare she never could have imagined.
As soon as I laid eyes on Jessica's book, I knew I had to get my hands on it. Sure, I have a stack of ARCs waiting for me, but when your favorite author drops a new release, you know you're in for a wild ride!
The protagonist, Kimberley, is a laid-back and lovable character with a difficult past. I mean, come on, she even has a border collie named Muffin - my favorite breed! Kimberley's character development is slow and steady, with some potential triggers along the way, so proceed with caution.
The story unfolds through two timelines, one following Emily and the other following Kimberley. At first, you'll be scratching your head wondering why, but trust me, it all comes together beautifully. The setting is claustrophobic, isolated, and downright chilling. It adds an extra layer of suspense to the already gripping storyline, sending shivers down your spine.
With twists and turns galore, this book kept me on the edge of my seat. And let me tell you, the main twist? I never saw it coming, even if I tried. This read was so engrossing, I couldn't bear to put it down. And don't even get me started on that jaw-dropping ending!
If you're into unraveling family secrets, navigating a room full of killers in a secluded environment, and trying to guess the outcome, this book is must-read. This book is rich, clever, and extremely twisted! I can't wait for everyone to dive in and chat about how mind-blowingly good it is. Trust me, you're in for a treat! Enjoy!
Thank you, Joffe Books, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
As soon as I laid eyes on Jessica's book, I knew I had to get my hands on it. Sure, I have a stack of ARCs waiting for me, but when your favorite author drops a new release, you know you're in for a wild ride!
The protagonist, Kimberley, is a laid-back and lovable character with a difficult past. I mean, come on, she even has a border collie named Muffin - my favorite breed! Kimberley's character development is slow and steady, with some potential triggers along the way, so proceed with caution.
The story unfolds through two timelines, one following Emily and the other following Kimberley. At first, you'll be scratching your head wondering why, but trust me, it all comes together beautifully. The setting is claustrophobic, isolated, and downright chilling. It adds an extra layer of suspense to the already gripping storyline, sending shivers down your spine.
With twists and turns galore, this book kept me on the edge of my seat. And let me tell you, the main twist? I never saw it coming, even if I tried. This read was so engrossing, I couldn't bear to put it down. And don't even get me started on that jaw-dropping ending!
If you're into unraveling family secrets, navigating a room full of killers in a secluded environment, and trying to guess the outcome, this book is must-read. This book is rich, clever, and extremely twisted! I can't wait for everyone to dive in and chat about how mind-blowingly good it is. Trust me, you're in for a treat! Enjoy!
Thank you, Joffe Books, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 30, 2025
Kimberly (that's a name you don't hear anymore) is 25 years old and on her own. She's been on her own most of her life, moving from one foster home to the next. She shares a flat with four others while working as a Senior Housekeeper at London's top hotel. She suffers from extreme epilepsy and has her medical support dog, Muffin, with her at all times.
Jennifer Clifton is a severe woman. Her hair, nails, face, and clothing are all done up to perfection. She has a list of demands for her hotel room, and Kimberly manages every single one. Jennifer offers Kimberly a new job, on the spot, at her exclusive hotel in the Scottish Highlands.
The new hotel is immaculate and free of guests. As Kimberly settles in, she learns that invited and exclusive guests only come once a year, for a massive party....with little to no more details. The ONLY rule, do not go to Room 21.
---
Wow, wow, wee, wow. This book is a ride. Kimberly is an odd character, a bit naive but very likable. It's hard not to root for her throughout the book. Jennifer is demanding, but does show glimpses of a heart.
The concept of this story is brilliant. We all want a place where we can be free, but I don't think many of us would go to these extremes. There is a lot of violence and gore, so heads up.
Jessica Huntley does an excellent job of walking that fine line between suspense and horror, because there is horror in these pages. Is Room 21 an apt title? I wouldn't necessarily think so, as it's a minor part of the story, but is it a focal point of terror? Yes. 100%
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Jennifer Clifton is a severe woman. Her hair, nails, face, and clothing are all done up to perfection. She has a list of demands for her hotel room, and Kimberly manages every single one. Jennifer offers Kimberly a new job, on the spot, at her exclusive hotel in the Scottish Highlands.
The new hotel is immaculate and free of guests. As Kimberly settles in, she learns that invited and exclusive guests only come once a year, for a massive party....with little to no more details. The ONLY rule, do not go to Room 21.
---
Wow, wow, wee, wow. This book is a ride. Kimberly is an odd character, a bit naive but very likable. It's hard not to root for her throughout the book. Jennifer is demanding, but does show glimpses of a heart.
The concept of this story is brilliant. We all want a place where we can be free, but I don't think many of us would go to these extremes. There is a lot of violence and gore, so heads up.
Jessica Huntley does an excellent job of walking that fine line between suspense and horror, because there is horror in these pages. Is Room 21 an apt title? I wouldn't necessarily think so, as it's a minor part of the story, but is it a focal point of terror? Yes. 100%
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.
May 22, 2025
Sweet bejesus, what have I just read?!!
This is the story of a young woman who works as a housekeeper in a luxury hotel in London. She has epilepsy and takes medication for it, she also has a support dog called Muffin.
She is a competent employee, but she feels that she is not yet fully in control of her life. She rents a flat in an area of London that is not so posh, which she has to share with housemates.
When Jennifer Clifton, an affluent and successful businesswoman, drops by to offer her a job as a housekeeper in a reclusive hotel in the Scottish Highlands, she does not hesitate for a moment and accepts. This is her story.
I certainly did not foresee any of the twists in this story, and I found myself chuckling after closing the book. (Yes, I'm utterly wicked!!) What a super original story!
I won't reveal too much, as I don't want to spoil the emotional rollercoaster for other readers. The start is a bit meh but I”d urge readers not to give up, because here the devil is in the details 😊
I will certainly be more careful in future when booking a hotel in beautiful Scotland! You never really know what goes bump in the night or what the staff might have in store for you.
I initially assumed 'eyes-wide-shut' parties were taking place, but my goodness, with a family like this, who needs enemies, lol!
I loved, loved it, - there are some aspects in the story that didn’t add up for me and in my opinion were a bit far-fetched but that didn't spoil the fun. A gruesome, twisting tale, one that was right up my alley!. Out of all the members of this exclusive group, I merely gained a soft spot for Muffin.
This was a new writer for me, and I would like to add: ‘please can we have some more?!’
6 gruesome stars!
This is the story of a young woman who works as a housekeeper in a luxury hotel in London. She has epilepsy and takes medication for it, she also has a support dog called Muffin.
She is a competent employee, but she feels that she is not yet fully in control of her life. She rents a flat in an area of London that is not so posh, which she has to share with housemates.
When Jennifer Clifton, an affluent and successful businesswoman, drops by to offer her a job as a housekeeper in a reclusive hotel in the Scottish Highlands, she does not hesitate for a moment and accepts. This is her story.
I certainly did not foresee any of the twists in this story, and I found myself chuckling after closing the book. (Yes, I'm utterly wicked!!) What a super original story!
I won't reveal too much, as I don't want to spoil the emotional rollercoaster for other readers. The start is a bit meh but I”d urge readers not to give up, because here the devil is in the details 😊
I will certainly be more careful in future when booking a hotel in beautiful Scotland! You never really know what goes bump in the night or what the staff might have in store for you.
I initially assumed 'eyes-wide-shut' parties were taking place, but my goodness, with a family like this, who needs enemies, lol!
I loved, loved it, - there are some aspects in the story that didn’t add up for me and in my opinion were a bit far-fetched but that didn't spoil the fun. A gruesome, twisting tale, one that was right up my alley!. Out of all the members of this exclusive group, I merely gained a soft spot for Muffin.
This was a new writer for me, and I would like to add: ‘please can we have some more?!’
6 gruesome stars!
May 27, 2025
Y’all… this book right here? Gave me chills like a cold front rolling through a screened-in porch.
Kimberley’s just trying to live her quiet little life—25, epileptic, got her sweet seizure alert dog Muffin by her side, and workin’ hard as a senior housekeeper in a fancy London hotel. Then in walks Jennifer Clifton, all money, mystery, and menace, offering Kimberley a dream job up in the misty Scottish Highlands. Sounds perfect, right? There’s just one tiny catch: don’t open the door to Room 21. (Bless her heart, she tries.)
Let me tell you—this book is creepy in all the best ways. Jessica Huntley writes like she’s painting with shadows and secrets. You can feel the chill of those stone walls, smell the polish on the grand staircases, and hear the whispers you’re not supposed to hear.
Kimberley’s voice is honest, sarcastic, and real as sweet tea in July. She’s the kind of heroine you can’t help but root for—even when she’s making decisions that make you want to yell, “Baby, no!” And Muffin? Deserves her own book deal.
The pacing’s quick but not rushed—more like a slow boil that turns into a full-on house fire. By the time the truth starts creeping outta the cracks, it’s too late to put the book down.
Final thoughts: Room 21 is Southern gothic meets Highland horror with a smart, gritty twist. It’ll haunt your thoughts and have you side-eyein’ every closed door in your house.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Check in for the paycheck. Stay because you’re too scared to leave.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Kimberley’s just trying to live her quiet little life—25, epileptic, got her sweet seizure alert dog Muffin by her side, and workin’ hard as a senior housekeeper in a fancy London hotel. Then in walks Jennifer Clifton, all money, mystery, and menace, offering Kimberley a dream job up in the misty Scottish Highlands. Sounds perfect, right? There’s just one tiny catch: don’t open the door to Room 21. (Bless her heart, she tries.)
Let me tell you—this book is creepy in all the best ways. Jessica Huntley writes like she’s painting with shadows and secrets. You can feel the chill of those stone walls, smell the polish on the grand staircases, and hear the whispers you’re not supposed to hear.
Kimberley’s voice is honest, sarcastic, and real as sweet tea in July. She’s the kind of heroine you can’t help but root for—even when she’s making decisions that make you want to yell, “Baby, no!” And Muffin? Deserves her own book deal.
The pacing’s quick but not rushed—more like a slow boil that turns into a full-on house fire. By the time the truth starts creeping outta the cracks, it’s too late to put the book down.
Final thoughts: Room 21 is Southern gothic meets Highland horror with a smart, gritty twist. It’ll haunt your thoughts and have you side-eyein’ every closed door in your house.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Check in for the paycheck. Stay because you’re too scared to leave.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 3, 2025
"They want me to choose.
Tick tock, Kimberley.
Tick tock.
Choose now.
And...go..."
I was intrigued by the blurb for this book so I thought I'd give this a go - also, I hadn't read a novel set in a hotel for over a decade, so this was very refreshing. Kimberley is a senior housekeeper at the Harris Hotel in London. She likes her life, it's simple and straightforward, but she has to counter it with epileptic fits that happen everyday. Accompanying her is her cute seizure dog, Muffin. During her shift, she meets a woman called Jennifer who offers her a job working for another hotel in the Scottish Highlands. It's better money and she can take Muffin with her. The catch is... when she gets there, the guests are unnerving, and she can't go in to Room 21. Why?
This was an exciting thriller. I loved the representation of someone living with chronic illness. I really liked Kimberley's character, and of course, Muffin too. Don't worry nothing happens to the fluffy friend.
Room 21 is fast pacing, the writing style isn't overly complicated to understand and is told from multi first-person narratives. I did get an EYES WIDE SHUT vibe especially when Kimberley goes to the new hotel - creepy guests etc. There are big revelations in this story which leads me to go to the downsides of the story. Due to the writing being told in multiple narratives, it cushioned the impact for when the secrets were revealed and I was already starting to guess what was happening early on. If the first half had been told maybe just one character, then the twists and turns would have had a bigger bang, especially in a mysterious, isolated setting.
Overall, Room 21 was a great psychological thriller and I will be checking out more of Jessica's work.
Tick tock, Kimberley.
Tick tock.
Choose now.
And...go..."
I was intrigued by the blurb for this book so I thought I'd give this a go - also, I hadn't read a novel set in a hotel for over a decade, so this was very refreshing. Kimberley is a senior housekeeper at the Harris Hotel in London. She likes her life, it's simple and straightforward, but she has to counter it with epileptic fits that happen everyday. Accompanying her is her cute seizure dog, Muffin. During her shift, she meets a woman called Jennifer who offers her a job working for another hotel in the Scottish Highlands. It's better money and she can take Muffin with her. The catch is... when she gets there, the guests are unnerving, and she can't go in to Room 21. Why?
This was an exciting thriller. I loved the representation of someone living with chronic illness. I really liked Kimberley's character, and of course, Muffin too. Don't worry nothing happens to the fluffy friend.
Room 21 is fast pacing, the writing style isn't overly complicated to understand and is told from multi first-person narratives. I did get an EYES WIDE SHUT vibe especially when Kimberley goes to the new hotel - creepy guests etc. There are big revelations in this story which leads me to go to the downsides of the story. Due to the writing being told in multiple narratives, it cushioned the impact for when the secrets were revealed and I was already starting to guess what was happening early on. If the first half had been told maybe just one character, then the twists and turns would have had a bigger bang, especially in a mysterious, isolated setting.
Overall, Room 21 was a great psychological thriller and I will be checking out more of Jessica's work.
August 13, 2025
Kimberley gets a job offer she simply cannot refuse whilst working as head housekeeper in a prestigious and swanky 5 star hotel in London. A guest offers her the chance of a lifetime. Come to work in her hotel with all the benefits the only catch is she must sign an NDA before starting.. and the details of her position aren’t discussed until she’s signed that piece of paper… what on earth is she getting herself into?!
Jess… you’re sick! And I love you for it! Please be aware this one is very heavy on the bloodshed, violence and hints at extreme sexual acts.. with bodily fluids.. DEFINITELY not for the faint hearted. As you can imagine I loved it. Once I’d got through the first 20% and got to the hotel of horrors I could not put it down!
The end of chapter cliff hangers and soap opera level reveals had me RIPPING through the pages I couldn’t get enough! duh duh duuuhhhhh.
Whilst the details of the horrors that go on in these rooms are left somewhat to the readers imagination.. the hints alone are enough to make your skin crawl.
The end lost me a little.. one too many revelations and felt like a real stretch even for this kind of popcorn thriller. But I loved the drama the bloodshed and violence that came with it.
Thank you so much Jess and Joffe books for letting me have an early copy.
Jess… you’re sick! And I love you for it! Please be aware this one is very heavy on the bloodshed, violence and hints at extreme sexual acts.. with bodily fluids.. DEFINITELY not for the faint hearted. As you can imagine I loved it. Once I’d got through the first 20% and got to the hotel of horrors I could not put it down!
The end of chapter cliff hangers and soap opera level reveals had me RIPPING through the pages I couldn’t get enough! duh duh duuuhhhhh.
Whilst the details of the horrors that go on in these rooms are left somewhat to the readers imagination.. the hints alone are enough to make your skin crawl.
The end lost me a little.. one too many revelations and felt like a real stretch even for this kind of popcorn thriller. But I loved the drama the bloodshed and violence that came with it.
Thank you so much Jess and Joffe books for letting me have an early copy.
May 20, 2025
Jessica Huntley excelled herself with this dystopian tale of horror and suspense.
At just 25 years old, Kimberley is at the top of her profession as the senior housekeeper with a 5 star London hotel. Fighting debilitating bouts of epilepsy, with a lot of help from her assistance dog, she is rightly proud of her achievement but realises she can go no further in her career. That is until she is asked for by name by a super rich hotel guest. Jennifer Clifton is smart, terrifyingly standoffish, and unapproachable, but she wants Jessica to work for her in her exclusive hotel. The hotel is so exclusive that no one, not even Mr Google, has heard of it. The job offer is impossible to refuse, especially as it is live in and therefore without the crippling London rent. However, every silver lining has a cloud, and this one is no different. After signing a multi-paged non-disclosure contract , Kimberley is taken to the wildest part of the Scottish Highlands and shown around the fabulous hotel. She is warned that on no account must she venture into the special corridor, let alone the room it contains. Room 21 is strictly off limits. Kimberly realises that this is no ordinary hotel when on her first day she is given a list of duties which incĺudes restocking the rooms with bags of blood, sex aids and weapons. By this time, it's too late to back out, and she finds herself a prisoner in a rapidly changing house of horror. This is a real page turner but not for the faint-hearted.
At just 25 years old, Kimberley is at the top of her profession as the senior housekeeper with a 5 star London hotel. Fighting debilitating bouts of epilepsy, with a lot of help from her assistance dog, she is rightly proud of her achievement but realises she can go no further in her career. That is until she is asked for by name by a super rich hotel guest. Jennifer Clifton is smart, terrifyingly standoffish, and unapproachable, but she wants Jessica to work for her in her exclusive hotel. The hotel is so exclusive that no one, not even Mr Google, has heard of it. The job offer is impossible to refuse, especially as it is live in and therefore without the crippling London rent. However, every silver lining has a cloud, and this one is no different. After signing a multi-paged non-disclosure contract , Kimberley is taken to the wildest part of the Scottish Highlands and shown around the fabulous hotel. She is warned that on no account must she venture into the special corridor, let alone the room it contains. Room 21 is strictly off limits. Kimberly realises that this is no ordinary hotel when on her first day she is given a list of duties which incĺudes restocking the rooms with bags of blood, sex aids and weapons. By this time, it's too late to back out, and she finds herself a prisoner in a rapidly changing house of horror. This is a real page turner but not for the faint-hearted.
April 28, 2025
My name’s Kimberley. I’m twenty-five. I have epilepsy, a seizure alert dog named Muffin, and a job I love as a senior housekeeper in one of London’s top hotels. I’m used to being invisible. Overlooked. Safe.
But that was before Jennifer Clifton checked in. She’s rich, powerful, terrifyingly calm — and she asked for me by name.
She gives me my dream job, working in her exclusive hotel in the Scottish Highlands. It’s more money than I ever imagined.
There’s just one catch: Don’t open the door to Room 21.
How hard can that be?
But something is wrong in this hotel. The guests are unsettling. The staff whisper behind closed doors. And that room — the one I promised not to enter — calls to me.
WOW!!! Jessica has excelled herself again. This gruesome, twisty, psychological thriller and so many twists and secrets that help on giving right up to the last page!! This was so twisted and sick I LOVED it!!! Every time I thought I had it figured in three another spanner to the works. Jessica really knows how to keep you gripped and entertains you like you’re there in the moment. This one was just fantastically put together and is currently my second favourite 🖤
But that was before Jennifer Clifton checked in. She’s rich, powerful, terrifyingly calm — and she asked for me by name.
She gives me my dream job, working in her exclusive hotel in the Scottish Highlands. It’s more money than I ever imagined.
There’s just one catch: Don’t open the door to Room 21.
How hard can that be?
But something is wrong in this hotel. The guests are unsettling. The staff whisper behind closed doors. And that room — the one I promised not to enter — calls to me.
WOW!!! Jessica has excelled herself again. This gruesome, twisty, psychological thriller and so many twists and secrets that help on giving right up to the last page!! This was so twisted and sick I LOVED it!!! Every time I thought I had it figured in three another spanner to the works. Jessica really knows how to keep you gripped and entertains you like you’re there in the moment. This one was just fantastically put together and is currently my second favourite 🖤
May 3, 2025
Room 21 was not the book I was expecting. I feel I should say now, this book is dark, extremely dark, so only read this book if that is what you are looking for.
Kimberley is a housekeeper. Happy in her career, if not in her life outside of work. Her life changes when she meets Jennifer Clifton, a guest at the hotel. A woman with exacting standards, who head hunts a surprised and perplexed Kimberley, for a role at The Clifton Hotel.
The book is narrated by three women. As realisation dawned as to how they were linked, the story became more intriguing, and chilling too. I reached a point in the book where I read a line, then paused, and re-read it again. Then I stared at the wall for a while, trying to move the pieces of the story in my mind. After a minute or two, I still felt bamboozled, so I read on.
In summary, if you choose to pick up Room 21, you will find a warped and twisted tale. You should expect the unexpected, and you will still be surprised. It is dark and gritty in the extreme.
Kimberley is a housekeeper. Happy in her career, if not in her life outside of work. Her life changes when she meets Jennifer Clifton, a guest at the hotel. A woman with exacting standards, who head hunts a surprised and perplexed Kimberley, for a role at The Clifton Hotel.
The book is narrated by three women. As realisation dawned as to how they were linked, the story became more intriguing, and chilling too. I reached a point in the book where I read a line, then paused, and re-read it again. Then I stared at the wall for a while, trying to move the pieces of the story in my mind. After a minute or two, I still felt bamboozled, so I read on.
In summary, if you choose to pick up Room 21, you will find a warped and twisted tale. You should expect the unexpected, and you will still be surprised. It is dark and gritty in the extreme.
May 26, 2025
OK, so what's the main thing thrillers promise?.. Twists!! What do they usually deliver? Maybe 1 twist or possibly an extremely obvious twist. Well, if twists are what you want, you must read #Room21.
So fast paced and exciting, yet disturbing at times.
I really loved our MC who had a vulnerable quality yet by the end, wow. What a change (even though slightly unrealistic)
A big big factor for me in books is with animals, as soon as a pet is introduced I am worried about continuing as I refuse to read animal abuse. I am so pleased to announce that no animals were harmed in this book, I really wish trigger warnings were listed at the beginning of every book.
Overall such a fantastic, twisted, dark thriller. Yes it's rather ott but I loved it!!
I give this 4.5 stars merely down to 1 characters life story was never revealed, I would've loved to have known how their life had turned out, especially with that DNA. Rounded up to 5 stars.
I will most certainly be looking in #JessicaHuntley in future.
Thank you #NetGalley for the arc
So fast paced and exciting, yet disturbing at times.
I really loved our MC who had a vulnerable quality yet by the end, wow. What a change (even though slightly unrealistic)
A big big factor for me in books is with animals, as soon as a pet is introduced I am worried about continuing as I refuse to read animal abuse. I am so pleased to announce that no animals were harmed in this book, I really wish trigger warnings were listed at the beginning of every book.
Overall such a fantastic, twisted, dark thriller. Yes it's rather ott but I loved it!!
I give this 4.5 stars merely down to 1 characters life story was never revealed, I would've loved to have known how their life had turned out, especially with that DNA. Rounded up to 5 stars.
I will most certainly be looking in #JessicaHuntley in future.
Thank you #NetGalley for the arc
April 25, 2025
First of all, thank you Jessica for the ARC! This twisty thriller is out on May 27th!
I've been reading Jessica's books for the last few years and let me tell you, even when you think you've got the plot twist, you haven't got the plot twist. I deffo picked up on the direction this one was going but I didn't expect the extra twists, nor did I expect the blood splatter. Jessica's most brutal book? Yea I'd say so!
I really liked the change in point of views, the beginning of the book when it's the day to day life of the hotel work and so on, the eerie vibe of Room 21 and of course all the untrustworthy characters. Then the utter mayhem! So much mayhem! So much chaos! But none of it felt over done or rushed, it flowed as well as the blood that leaked at least once from all the characters! Poor folks... or do they have our sympathy? Who knows. Only you will know when you invite yourself into the hotel and into Room 21!
Thriller lover? I highly recommend!
I've been reading Jessica's books for the last few years and let me tell you, even when you think you've got the plot twist, you haven't got the plot twist. I deffo picked up on the direction this one was going but I didn't expect the extra twists, nor did I expect the blood splatter. Jessica's most brutal book? Yea I'd say so!
I really liked the change in point of views, the beginning of the book when it's the day to day life of the hotel work and so on, the eerie vibe of Room 21 and of course all the untrustworthy characters. Then the utter mayhem! So much mayhem! So much chaos! But none of it felt over done or rushed, it flowed as well as the blood that leaked at least once from all the characters! Poor folks... or do they have our sympathy? Who knows. Only you will know when you invite yourself into the hotel and into Room 21!
Thriller lover? I highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 243 reviews