Locked in a Stranger's Room

by Spencer Guerrero

As I wake up on the cold, hard floor—I have no recollection of where I am and why. I have no idea why I’m locked in a stranger’s room. Until a mysterious man announces his arrival, and stays silent on why he abducted me.

All I know is that I need to escape—now.

I don’t know what his sick games are, but I am convinced he plans to kill me.

As I learn more about the sadistic monster who imprisoned me—I realize that there might be another kidnapped woman in the house. She might be alive…or dead.

I can’t die yet. I have a whole life left to live. I must survive…no matter the cost.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Horror

285 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 27, 2025

About the author

https://www.instagram.com/spencergaut...

https://www.facebook.com/spencer.guer...

https://www.amazon.com/author/spencer...

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a full spoiler version of this review, please check out my blog, spoiledbooks.blogspot.com

4 ⭐

I finally gave in to the hype around Locked in a Stranger’s Room by Spencer Guerrero—and I’m glad I did. The premise is simple but effective: a teenage girl is abducted after trying to help a stranger and wakes up chained in a room, forced to follow her captor’s disturbing “rules.”

I went in with low expectations (indie author bias, I admit it), and while the writing can feel a bit rough—some repetition, a few errors—the story itself is wild. The tension builds quickly, and the twists genuinely caught me off guard.

It’s dark, unsettling, and definitely not for everyone—but if you like your thrillers intense and unpredictable, this one delivers.

[Amy K · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is just not good. The writing is juvenile and repetitive. The dialogue and narration that is supposed to be from women is completely unbelievable as such. I don't understand the 5 star ratings at all. They cannot possibly be honest reviews.

One of the main characters goes through the book breaking and entering and contaminating crime scenes with no repercussions. Not to mention basically acting as a consultant and informant for the detective.

I'm as clueless about what "the cycle" is after reading the entire book as I was at the beginning. I've also never read a book where the epilogue recounts conversations and plot occurring years before the story begins. Huh?

[BrownBookNerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all of Spencer’s books and this one is my favorite. Had me up till 1am finishing it. The twist literally came out of nowhere. Wow. I don’t want to spoil it but I just can’t believe what I just read! 🤯 10/10 Highly recommend!!

Thank you to the author for the advanced copy! 🤎

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know sometimes stories grip us from the first chapter, but this one gripped me from the first sentence! This emotionally charged read shows a young kidnapped woman’s desperate fight for survival.

Annabelle waking up in an unfamiliar space was just the beginning. The emotional and psychological trauma she endured was not for the weak! Of course we fall in love with Annabelle and root for her the entire time. Meanwhile, her parents are desperately searching for her as well. I love the dual perspectives that alternate between Annabelle and her mom Helena. We got to see both sides of a missing person’s investigation. Helena and Pedro‘s resilience to find their child, in addition to Annabelle’s determination to survive was heart wrenching.

Bedlam was absolutely evil! The vile and disturbing things that he does to his victims will make you cringe. Yet I could not stop reading.

Overall, I absolutely loved Spencer’s writing style and will be reading more of his catalog. Although a great read year round, this one’s absolutely perfect for this spooky season. It definitely gave the thrills & chills.. And the twist? My goodness!

[Meagan✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read a few books by Spencer Guerrero, and this one is definitely his best so far. The dual POV added such a sharp edge to the tension- watching both sides of the story unfold had me completely hooked.

The suspense had me flipping through pages like my life depended on it. Every chapter seemed to end with just enough mystery to keep me saying “okay, one more page” (and we all know how that goes 😅).

If you’re into fast-paced thrillers with that claustrophobic, nerve-tight energy and perfectly balanced emotional beats- this one’s worth picking up. 👏

[Jean · Rating 1 out of 5]

Did we read the same book?? It comes with 5 star rating! I seem to be the outlier here because this book had me questioning the entire time as to why? Why was everything happening? It was difficult to identify or connect to the reasoning even with the much promised twist. There are grammar issues and spacing. This book should have been a DNF but I rallied along for the twist that was hyped and it was just an ok one. More like a horror movie in a mental asylum trope made into a thriller. Neither here neither there. Sorry this book definitely wasn't for me.

[Kaelyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted so much to like this. It felt so juvenile. The main character rambled so much I stayed frustrated. It started weird, the timeline was weird and made no sense most of the time.

[The_5ft_reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

New to me author but will definitely be back to his work, this book didn't just wait till the end for the twists there's many wtf moments, really gripping till the end!

[Chlo (Taylor's Version) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you, next

[Laura Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOCKED IN A STRANGER'S ROOM BY SPENCER GUERRERO.
5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s.
Oh boy oh boy did this get my heart rate up.
This is a dark and twisted psychological thriller and I was here for it.
Such a page turner that kept me up during the night flicking them pages.
THEM TWISTS 🤯 was like a RKO out of nowhere.
Outstanding writing and outstanding storyline/plot.
Just bloody brilliant.
So excited to pick up another Spencer Guerrero book.

[Candina · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the storyline is engaging and twisted, this novel lacks polish that I know the author is capable of producing. There are spelling and grammatical errors throughout that make it feel like the author is writing more for quantity than quality. There is also so much repetition in the story - it could have probably been at least 20 pages (or more) shorter.

[Lena · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was interesting enough to finish but the writing was kind of chaotic and the timeline a bit confusing, leaving a few plot holes and unanswered questions.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 🌟 Review. Locked In A Strangers Room.

This is my 8th book of Spencer Guerrero's and, in my opinion, his best work!!! I was grateful to receive an ARC for this - probably because he got sick of me hounding him about hurrying up with it!

Anabelle wakes up disoriented and finds she's chained up in filthy surroundings. She has vague memories of being captured by a man - one she was trying to help. This sick sadist is Bedlam. He's a very cruel and angry man, and Anabelle has no idea what it has to do with her. She is sure she can hear screams from another room - a woman? Just who is this sicko holding them prisoner??? She truly thinks, as time goes by, that she is going to die in this hell hole.

Her parent's are beside themselves with worry and take it upon themselves to do their own investigations. No one is prepared for where these lead. No one.

Bedlam needed to continue and complete the "cycle". What cycle you might ask? I'm not telling, pre-order this book NOW and read it in October, you won't regret it! While you're waiting, read his other 'family' thrillers which are twisted and fast-paced. I dare you to guess the endings 😜.

Let me tell you this, this story is a complete roller-coaster of suSPENCE and twists. Spencer's writing is deep and descriptive which enabled me to FEEL the surroundings and SMELL the stench... I literally wrinkled my nose several times, imagining how bad it was. My jaw was on the frigging FLOOR, let me tell you!!!!

Thanks Spencer for another wild ride of twists and turns of doom, you've absolutely nailed this thriller!!!!

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Locked in a strangers room is my first and wont be my last read from Spencer
I have been eyeing this Author for a while now and i was happy to receive an ARC copy :)


This was such a great Thriller !
We follow along Annabelles story trying to figure out why she has been abducted
this story really went into detail you can feel as if you are
in the story all the torture she was going through.
It was nice to also see the perspective from the parents as they search for her.

Discovering there was another kidnapped person locked in the basement makes the story extra thrilling i was on edge as they try to plan an escape.

the twists will have you shocked! i was feeling all different emotions for the characters.
the ending was amazing !


Cant wait to read more of your books
Releasing tomorrow its a must add to your TBR list !

[Karen Traversy · Rating 5 out of 5]

NO SPOILERS
Locked in A Stranger’s Room
By Spencer Guerrero
Pub October 2025
5 ⭐️

Spencer being Spencer — but even better! This book truly has it all: thrilling, eerie, dark, and intricately detailed, with twists that all come together perfectly by the end.

There was one moment when I was sure I had something figured out… only to find out I was completely wrong, and I loved every second of it.

Your writing is incredible and kept me saying, just one more page — again and again.

I think this might be my favorite of all your books I’ve read so far. Thank you so much for including me on your ARC team — I can’t wait to see what you come up with next!

Book overview
As I wake up on the cold, hard floor—I have no recollection of where I am and why. I have no idea why I’m locked in a stranger’s room. Until a mysterious man announces his arrival, and stays silent on why he abducted me.

All I know is that I need to escape—now.

I don’t know what his sick games are, but I am convinced he plans to kill me.

As I learn more about the sadistic monster who imprisoned me—I realize that there might be another kidnapped woman in the house. She might be alive…or dead.

I can’t die yet. I have a whole life left to live. I must survive…no matter the cost.

[Alyssa Mullins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spencer Guerrero proves once again why he is my favorite psychological thriller author.

Locked in a Stranger’s Room is eerie, skin-crawling and completely addictive. Is that what you are looking for? LMAO

His writing is and always has been so creepy it makes my skin crawl, but I can’t look away. This isn’t the sort of book you can just walk away from midway.

Spencer has a way of making you guess wtf is actually going on in every book, but this one had a little more edge to it. This indie author has a gift for creating scenarios that feel so close to reality it’s unnerving, pulling you into the fear and paranoia right alongside the characters. With each chapter, the sense of dread builds until you want to claw your own eyes out. Absolutely masterful.

I’ve officially found a new favorite among his standalones. Locked in a Stranger’s Room is a masterclass in the psychological thriller category, and a perfect example of why Guerrero continues to raise the bar for the genre.

Special thanks to the author for allowing me to get in on his ARC team this round. Super stoked and thankful as I was already a fan of his work.

[Jami Briggs-Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like the movie Saw you’ll love this book. It’s as creepy and messed up as the movie. A young girl named Annabelle finds herself in a dark room. Chained up and nowhere to escape. She has to find a way to survive or die.

With some twists and turns along the way you may not want to read this in the dark. You may find yourself submerged in the dark place of hell with Annabell.

Pick up the book today and find out who lives and who dies in this newest release by Spencer Guerrero.

[D.M. Kilgore · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book as I truly enjoy the engagement and witty banter of the author in various reader's groups. Unfortunately, it fell flat for me early on. I considered DNF at the halfway point, but pushed ahead in hopes of a twisty surprise at the end. No such luck. The story never captured me the way I hoped. I didn't connect with the characters and felt there wasn't a lot of development there. I struggled through the repetitive explanations that felt more tell than show. I skipped over a lot of the "telling" and rushed through the awkward dialogue—just wanting to hurry up and finish. The story played out as I expected and for me the "twist" was quite predictable. The author has a lot of other books and a devoted audience that loves his work. I just wasn't the right reader for this particular story. Perhaps, I'll try another one in the future. I truly appreciated the fact that there was no animal cruelty, and there weren't a lot of typos. He always interacts with his readers in a fun way, and I really wish I had enjoyed this book more.

[Leanne Moore · Rating 1 out of 5]

Don’t read this book. I only finished it because it was a group read with friends but it was bad. The writing was bad, the plot was bad the whole book was bad.

[Shannon McGlone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wait what did I just read?!?! Spencer did what Spencer does! He kept those twists when not only did I least expect them to happen when they did. BUT the actual twists…..wow!!! Not sure how he does it but he definitely does know how to keep his audience engaged and wanting more! I feel like I missed the twist early on but it wasn’t there. No sign of it coming either. Thank you Spencer for this Arc because WOW. Just WOW

[Carol Nauss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished an ARC of this book and wow! I have enjoyed every book by Spencer Guerrero and this book is another winner. It's an edge of your seat thriller with twists and turns which were so unexpected that I found myself saying, what did I just read?
But don't take my word for it. Read it yourself and find out how good this book is.

[Elaine Rainbolt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. This was a little bit different from the usual Spencer books but this was a great story. This follows the story of Annabelle after she goes missing while on a jog. While her parents are searching for her they come across different clues.

[Jaime Tragesser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy smokes! This was a rollercoaster ride of twists and turns that I NEVER saw coming.

This book has all the best (worst?) aspects of a great thriller. I was up late reading trying to finish this because I was so hooked.

[Vonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay! I read a ton of dark and twisted books, and this one was insane! It’s a total page-turner. I promise you will not see that plot twist coming. I loved this one! It could easily pass as a psychological horror thriller. Make sure to check your trigger warnings because this one gets gory!

[Britney Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this after seeing a lot about the author but I just did not love this one. It didn’t pull me in to where I wanted to grab my kindle and read it. I will definitely check out his other books though as I’m interested in his new Christmas advent book!

[Erica Mena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thankful to be an ARC reader once again! Wow did not see so many of the twists coming! Such a quick and fun read. Finished in 2 days!!

[Kurryreads (Kerry) · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.75 stars

[Cecily - MillennialBookGal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can tell that Spencer Guerrero's writing is improving as he releases more novels. I enjoyed the premise and the neat little bow ending but the author still needs to work on the vernacular and attitudes of his female characters. There are times it feels very obvious it was written by a man. In my opinions the stories would be more impactful of some details were more drawn out as the ending feels a little rushed but I wanted more middle. I'm actually pleasently surprised that it wasn't all sexual assault, but the author did a great job of coming up with an alternate situation to explain the antagonists motives.
Good read.

[Hannah Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

1.) a little repetitive
2.) the detective SUCKS
3.) the last few pages were a little unnecessary 😭

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️. This book did not disappointment! The suspense throughout the book kept me on the edge of my seat! I enjoyed how each scenario escalated, and the twists and turns were of good shock factor. My mouth dropped at a certain point or two. Annabelle is such a strong FMC who endures mental and physical pain throughout her kidnapping that almost seems unimaginable. I loved reading the story of her Mom and Dad’s emotional rollercoaster of trying to find their daughter throughout the book. The backstory as to why “the cycle” is happening was very fascinating.

My favorite quote: “You never know when it’ll all be gone, they say. Truer words have not been spoken.”