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Please Enjoy Your Stay
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50 copies available
U.S. only
After a true crime podcast reopens her cousin’s murder case, a woman must confront her past at a glamorous European castle-turned-hotel where she follows a trail of toxic family secrets and deadly lies.
When they were teenagers, Mia’s beloved cousin was murdered during their stay at an infamous castle in the Austrian Alps. As the only witness, Mia’s testimony put the killer behind bars, but it tore her life apart: the media accused her aunt, a controversial true crime author, of being involved. Now, a decade later, the murderer is appealing his conviction, and a popular true crime podcast starts covering the case, determined to exonerate him, and resurfacing lies about Mia’s family in the process.
Desperate to protect her aunt—and what she knows to be the truth—Mia returns to Austria. The castle is being revamped as a luxury hotel, and Mia gets a job as a nanny for the new owner, hiding in plain sight as she investigates, needing to set the story straight once and for all. But after someone mysteriously disappears on the property and sinister new evidence emerges regarding her cousin’s death, she realizes she might have accused the wrong man...and put her own life in danger.
When they were teenagers, Mia’s beloved cousin was murdered during their stay at an infamous castle in the Austrian Alps. As the only witness, Mia’s testimony put the killer behind bars, but it tore her life apart: the media accused her aunt, a controversial true crime author, of being involved. Now, a decade later, the murderer is appealing his conviction, and a popular true crime podcast starts covering the case, determined to exonerate him, and resurfacing lies about Mia’s family in the process.
Desperate to protect her aunt—and what she knows to be the truth—Mia returns to Austria. The castle is being revamped as a luxury hotel, and Mia gets a job as a nanny for the new owner, hiding in plain sight as she investigates, needing to set the story straight once and for all. But after someone mysteriously disappears on the property and sinister new evidence emerges regarding her cousin’s death, she realizes she might have accused the wrong man...and put her own life in danger.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 13, 2026
About the author
Tara Goedjen
5 books173 followersTara Goedjen has lived all over the world, forever in search of the perfect setting. A former academic, she holds a Master of Fine Arts and a PhD, and she also worked as an editor for a Sydney-based publishing house for several years. Tara now lives in the moody Pacific Northwest, where she can usually be found hiking through the woods while dreaming up her next novel. Please Enjoy Your Stay is her adult debut.
To find out more about Tara and her books, find her on Instagram at @taragoedjen, on Substack, or say hello at taragoedjenauthor.com.
To find out more about Tara and her books, find her on Instagram at @taragoedjen, on Substack, or say hello at taragoedjenauthor.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 381 reviews
April 12, 2026
Deliciously twisty!
April 12, 2026
When I first read the description of this book, the plot sounded intriguing.
Who wouldn’t enjoy the idea of a young woman returning to an ancient and allegedly haunted castle where her cousin had been murdered 10 years prior?
And to top it off, going in the disguise of a nanny so that she can have access to the castle and do further investigating into her cousin’s death.
Before I decided to read the book I read several reviews (as I always do) and noticed that they were very mixed for this one.
Now that completely makes sense to me.
Since my review is going to be on the lower end of the spectrum, I encourage you to also read the 4/5 star reviews and see what those individuals liked about the book.
Aside from the protagonist, the reader really doesn’t learn much about the other characters.
I understood their overall personality traits, but that was the extent of it.
They were all kind of just there, without adding anything substantial to the story.
I didn’t feel any sort of connection to anyone in this book.
The supernatural elements were also very vague.
We’re told about a woman in a black dress singing and a man in a black hoodie, but nothing really happens with them beyond that.
It would have been better to either give them more prominence, or just leave them out.
This was very much a slow burn.
In fact, there really wasn’t any suspense or excitement until the last 10% of the book (and even that was brief and fairly dull).
When the “big reveal” happened towards the end, it was kind of a letdown for me.
I enjoyed the overall story, but don’t go into this expecting an exciting thriller with lots of suspense.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Pub Date: October 13, 2026 (just in time for Spooky Season)
Who wouldn’t enjoy the idea of a young woman returning to an ancient and allegedly haunted castle where her cousin had been murdered 10 years prior?
And to top it off, going in the disguise of a nanny so that she can have access to the castle and do further investigating into her cousin’s death.
Before I decided to read the book I read several reviews (as I always do) and noticed that they were very mixed for this one.
Now that completely makes sense to me.
Since my review is going to be on the lower end of the spectrum, I encourage you to also read the 4/5 star reviews and see what those individuals liked about the book.
Aside from the protagonist, the reader really doesn’t learn much about the other characters.
I understood their overall personality traits, but that was the extent of it.
They were all kind of just there, without adding anything substantial to the story.
I didn’t feel any sort of connection to anyone in this book.
The supernatural elements were also very vague.
We’re told about a woman in a black dress singing and a man in a black hoodie, but nothing really happens with them beyond that.
It would have been better to either give them more prominence, or just leave them out.
This was very much a slow burn.
In fact, there really wasn’t any suspense or excitement until the last 10% of the book (and even that was brief and fairly dull).
When the “big reveal” happened towards the end, it was kind of a letdown for me.
I enjoyed the overall story, but don’t go into this expecting an exciting thriller with lots of suspense.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Pub Date: October 13, 2026 (just in time for Spooky Season)
Want to Read
March 28, 2026An infamous castle in the Austrian Alps harbors dark secrets and deadly lies. The castle is being revamped into a luxury hotel but a decades old murder is being reopened when the convicted is appealing the crime/conviction. When a new disappearance emerges on the property, something more sinister is going on in that hotel. Is the wrong man accused of the crime or there's more danger lurking behind the castles walls?
Many thanks to NetGalley, Atria Books and the author, Tara Goedjen for an early copy!
Publication date: October 13, 2026
Many thanks to NetGalley, Atria Books and the author, Tara Goedjen for an early copy!
Publication date: October 13, 2026
April 26, 2026
Please Enjoy Your Stay by Tara Goedjen is an engaging and atmospheric mystery that kept me hooked most of the way through. The story’s structure—shifting between past events, present-day narration, and podcast excerpts—adds an interesting layer to the storytelling and helps build tension around the central murder case.
The setting of the old castle is one of the book’s strongest elements. It creates a moody, almost eerie backdrop where multiple murders have taken place, including that of Mia’s cousin, Tristan. As Mia takes a job as a nanny for the new owners’ daughter, her personal connection to the castle raises the stakes and makes her investigation feel more urgent and emotional.
I especially enjoyed how the different timelines slowly come together, revealing pieces of the mystery bit by bit. The podcast segments were a nice touch and made the story feel more modern and immersive.
That said, the ending felt a bit predictable, and some of the twists didn’t land as strongly as they could have. Still, the journey to get there was entertaining, and the atmosphere and pacing kept me invested.
Overall, this is a solid 4-star read—perfect if you enjoy gothic settings, layered narratives, and a steady unraveling of secrets.
The setting of the old castle is one of the book’s strongest elements. It creates a moody, almost eerie backdrop where multiple murders have taken place, including that of Mia’s cousin, Tristan. As Mia takes a job as a nanny for the new owners’ daughter, her personal connection to the castle raises the stakes and makes her investigation feel more urgent and emotional.
I especially enjoyed how the different timelines slowly come together, revealing pieces of the mystery bit by bit. The podcast segments were a nice touch and made the story feel more modern and immersive.
That said, the ending felt a bit predictable, and some of the twists didn’t land as strongly as they could have. Still, the journey to get there was entertaining, and the atmosphere and pacing kept me invested.
Overall, this is a solid 4-star read—perfect if you enjoy gothic settings, layered narratives, and a steady unraveling of secrets.
Want to Read
July 12, 2026thanks to Netgalley and Atria/Emily Bestler Books for access to this title
Want to Read
March 30, 2026oooh I love True Crime Podcast stories!!
Pub date: 10/2026
can't wait!!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
Pub date: 10/2026
can't wait!!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
Want to Read
March 25, 2026People say, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.”
But I am judging.
And my judgement is: The cover stuns, and I want to read this book.
But I am judging.
And my judgement is: The cover stuns, and I want to read this book.
April 4, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of Please Enjoy Your Stay! This was a fast paced thriller with a gothic feel, set in the Austrian mountains, and includes one of my favourite thriller elements: a true crime podcast. In this one, it spurs our main character Mia to revisit the murder of her cousin 15 years ago at the very hotel she’s working at.
While I generally really enjoyed the story and looked forward to picking it up, everything just seemed too surface level for me. Mia, Iris and Tristan didn’t strike me as family that looks out for each other, the suspects at the hotel were not explored in depth and Mia’s guise for being at the hotel was just ridiculous. There were slight supernatural elements which I would have either liked to see the author commit to, or just remove them. The heiress murder subplot was also confusing and just not really compelling? Overall there were too many stories happening at the same time to get them all right, and I was left with questions at the end of the book.
While I generally really enjoyed the story and looked forward to picking it up, everything just seemed too surface level for me. Mia, Iris and Tristan didn’t strike me as family that looks out for each other, the suspects at the hotel were not explored in depth and Mia’s guise for being at the hotel was just ridiculous. There were slight supernatural elements which I would have either liked to see the author commit to, or just remove them. The heiress murder subplot was also confusing and just not really compelling? Overall there were too many stories happening at the same time to get them all right, and I was left with questions at the end of the book.
April 13, 2026
I loved this book way more then I thought I would. it is one of those twisty thrillers that pulls you in right away.The story follows Mia, who returns to a castle in the Austrian Alps where her cousin was murdered years ago. Back then, Mia was the only witness, and her testimony helped convict the killer but it also destroyed her family’s life, especially with all the media attention surrounding her aunt, a controversial true crime author. Now, ten years later, a podcast is reopening the case and trying to prove the convicted man is innocent, forcing Mia to confront everything she thought she knew.Determined to protect her family and the truth, Mia goes back to the castle now being turned into a luxury hotel and secretly takes a job as a nanny so she can investigate from the inside. But things quickly spiral when someone else disappears and new evidence starts to come to light, making Mia question whether she got it wrong the first time and whether the real killer is still out there.What I liked most was the setting. The castle turned hotel in the Alps adds such a creepy, isolated vibe that really amps up the tension. It feels glamorous on the surface, but there’s always something unsettling underneath, which fits perfectly with the story’s secrets and lies.The mystery itself kept me hooked. Just when I thought I had it figured out, something new would come up and shift everything. I also liked how it explored the impact of true crime how media and public opinion can twist a story and affect real people’s lives.Overall, this was a really gripping and suspenseful read with plenty of twists and a strong emotional core. If you like mysteries with unreliable truths, past secrets, and a dark, moody setting, this is definitely one I’d recommend.
April 8, 2026
Mia’s beloved cousin was murdered while they were staying at a famous castle when she was a teenager. Her testimony put the killer behind bars and now a true crime podcast reopens the case questioning her testimony!
This was a very plot driven story. I think a lot of people will really like it. I would have like to seen more from the “before” timeline when it all went down. A pretty quick read!
This was a very plot driven story. I think a lot of people will really like it. I would have like to seen more from the “before” timeline when it all went down. A pretty quick read!
May 29, 2026
3.5⭐️
Between the Austrian castle setting, the cold case mystery and the true crime podcast angle, Please Enjoy Your Stay felt like a book that had my name written all over it.
A woman returns to the castle where her cousin was murdered ten years earlier, determined to discover whether she helped convict the wrong man.
What kept me reading most wasn’t necessarily Tristan’s case, but the castle itself. The historical murders, Iris’s manuscript and the property’s dark history ended up being just as compelling as the present-day mystery. The multiple timelines worked well, and there was always another question waiting to be answered.
While I enjoyed the story overall, there were a few areas where I wanted more. Mia’s return to the castle required a fair amount of suspension of disbelief. The idea that ten years, a haircut, a shortened version of her name and a few physical changes would be enough for so many people connected to such a defining event not to recognise her was something I struggled with throughout.
I also felt like several storylines were building towards something bigger than they ultimately delivered. Simone’s storyline stood out most, while Reina’s storyline left me with lingering questions that never felt fully addressed. By the end, I found myself wanting a little more resolution from both.
The supernatural elements were another area where I wanted more. Between Iris’s manuscript and the strange moments that seem to suggest communication from beyond the grave, I kept expecting those threads to become more significant. They added intrigue throughout the story, but I was left wanting a little more from them by the end.
The ending itself was a mixed point for me. While the mystery is resolved, a few developments felt a little too convenient, and I would have loved more fallout and aftermath once the truth came to light.
Despite those criticisms, I was entertained throughout and genuinely enjoyed my time with this one. If Tara Goedjen ever revisits this world, I’d absolutely be back. Between the castle’s history, Simone’s storyline, Reina’s unanswered questions and the lingering mysteries surrounding Iris’s manuscript, I feel like there are still more stories left to tell.
Between the Austrian castle setting, the cold case mystery and the true crime podcast angle, Please Enjoy Your Stay felt like a book that had my name written all over it.
A woman returns to the castle where her cousin was murdered ten years earlier, determined to discover whether she helped convict the wrong man.
What kept me reading most wasn’t necessarily Tristan’s case, but the castle itself. The historical murders, Iris’s manuscript and the property’s dark history ended up being just as compelling as the present-day mystery. The multiple timelines worked well, and there was always another question waiting to be answered.
While I enjoyed the story overall, there were a few areas where I wanted more. Mia’s return to the castle required a fair amount of suspension of disbelief. The idea that ten years, a haircut, a shortened version of her name and a few physical changes would be enough for so many people connected to such a defining event not to recognise her was something I struggled with throughout.
I also felt like several storylines were building towards something bigger than they ultimately delivered. Simone’s storyline stood out most, while Reina’s storyline left me with lingering questions that never felt fully addressed. By the end, I found myself wanting a little more resolution from both.
The supernatural elements were another area where I wanted more. Between Iris’s manuscript and the strange moments that seem to suggest communication from beyond the grave, I kept expecting those threads to become more significant. They added intrigue throughout the story, but I was left wanting a little more from them by the end.
The ending itself was a mixed point for me. While the mystery is resolved, a few developments felt a little too convenient, and I would have loved more fallout and aftermath once the truth came to light.
Despite those criticisms, I was entertained throughout and genuinely enjoyed my time with this one. If Tara Goedjen ever revisits this world, I’d absolutely be back. Between the castle’s history, Simone’s storyline, Reina’s unanswered questions and the lingering mysteries surrounding Iris’s manuscript, I feel like there are still more stories left to tell.
May 8, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. To say the least I will read others by her too. The atmosphere of this book was amazing. The castle practically built itself in my head. The characters were pretty well written. I wish we got a little more information and some of them.
This book will have you yelling at it. There was so many times where I was yelling at Mia in my head. She makes lots of infuriating decisions and she is very impulsive. At first I wasn’t sure if I was going to like her but then she grew on me.
I don’t have many complaints about this book. It’s a little predictable in some aspects but then not in others. Like there’s no way I could’ve guessed that ending! Since I read it as an arc there was some formatting issues as an ebook. But overall I enjoyed this book throughly and cannot wait until its release in October!
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. To say the least I will read others by her too. The atmosphere of this book was amazing. The castle practically built itself in my head. The characters were pretty well written. I wish we got a little more information and some of them.
This book will have you yelling at it. There was so many times where I was yelling at Mia in my head. She makes lots of infuriating decisions and she is very impulsive. At first I wasn’t sure if I was going to like her but then she grew on me.
I don’t have many complaints about this book. It’s a little predictable in some aspects but then not in others. Like there’s no way I could’ve guessed that ending! Since I read it as an arc there was some formatting issues as an ebook. But overall I enjoyed this book throughly and cannot wait until its release in October!
July 5, 2026
3.8 ⭐️ Mia takes a new nannying job at the place of her cousin’s murder. Will she be able to uncover the mysteries of the past while working? I found the setting mysterious and spooky. The characters were all unique and added depth. However, the story felt a bit slow and the ending felt a little rushed. I wish there were more clues that gave me the “ah ha” moment I was searching for.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the early access copy!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the early access copy!
July 5, 2026
Book/Story: ⭐⭐
Book Cover: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trigger Warning(s): Murder, Death Of Parent (Off Page), Mental Health (PTSD), Death Of Child, Suicide Attempt (Off Page)
POV: Single, First Person/Single, Third Person
Series/Standalone/Duet: Standalone
First In Series: Yes
Cliffhanger: No
Genre: Thriller
Burn: 🔥🔥.75
Safe or Dark: Safe ️
Expected Release Date: October 13, 2026
Quick Take Review💥:
This was a pretty mediocre thriller for me. The writing felt kind of flat and boring, which made it hard to stay interested. On top of that, the characters weren’t very likable or compelling, so I never really found myself rooting for anyone. The twist was pretty predictable and didn’t add much to the story. Overall, it just didn’t do anything special or stand out.
In Depth Review 👇
Summary 📖:
A true crime podcast reopens the case of her cousin’s murder, forcing a woman to confront her past at a European castle-turned-hotel, where she uncovers a trail of family secrets, lies, and long-buried truths.
When Mia’s beloved cousin was murdered during a stay at an infamous castle in the Austrian Alps, Mia was the only witness. Her testimony helped put the killer behind bars, but it also shattered her life. The media became obsessed with the case, insisting that Mia’s aunt, a true crime author, must have been involved in the murder. A decade later, the convicted killer is appealing his sentence, and a popular true crime podcast has reopened the case in hopes of proving his innocence, dredging up damaging allegations about Mia’s family in the process.
Determined to protect her aunt and defend what she believes is the truth, Mia returns to Austria. The castle has since been transformed into a luxury hotel, and she secures a job as a nanny for the new owner, allowing her to investigate while hiding in plain sight. Her goal is simple: set the record straight once and for all.
But when someone mysteriously disappears on the property and new evidence surrounding her cousin’s death comes to light, Mia begins to question everything she thought she knew. Faced with the possibility that she helped send an innocent man to prison, Mia realizes that uncovering the truth may put her own life in danger.
Writing 📝:
Tara Goedjen’s writing isn’t the strongest, but it’s definitely not the worst either. It’s not all that engaging or exciting, but it’s still clear and easy to follow throughout. The prose is straightforward, making the story simple to understand, even if it doesn’t leave a lasting impression or offer much flair.
Thoughts 💭:
There is a lot going on in this plot. We have a podcast, a book, and even a journal within a book. It was just...well, a lot. With so many different storylines unfolding at once, things occasionally felt a bit heavy and, at times, somewhat jumbled. So, just be aware of that going in.
This book wastes no time getting to the meat of things. Just a few pages into the first chapter, we hit the ground running. We quickly learn what happened in the past, what's unfolding in the present, and the consequences of it all. It was a great way to hook readers and make them want to keep turning the pages. However, what followed felt rather slow and drawn out. The pacing starts at a breakneck speed but quickly settles into a heavy lull.
I'll be honest, for the first 60–80% of the story, not a whole lot happened, and there were times when I struggled to push through. Thankfully, things finally picked up around the 85% mark. I'm glad they did, because otherwise I probably would have thrown in the towel and closed this book for good.
Be warned: there’s almost no tension built in this painfully slow-burn plot. Not much actually happens, and what little does never really creates any sense of urgency. If you’re looking for a book that builds toward a big breaking point, this isn’t the one for you.
While things start off strong, we're introduced to several characters who ultimately go nowhere. They add nothing to the plot, and their involvement never really makes sense. They just sort of exist in the story for no apparent rhyme or reason, and that frustrated me to no end. Especially since I actually enjoyed the tiny bit I saw of one of those characters and would have loved to get to know them better.
Mia, Mia, Mia...what can I say about her? Honestly, not anything exceptional. She was awful and painfully frustrating to follow. This woman made some of the dumbest decisions when it came to her “investigation” into her cousin’s murder. As mentioned above, she was difficult to get behind, and I didn’t connect with her in any way. She was 100% unprepared for the situation she took on. The bottom line is, I didn’t care about her at all, and I wasn’t rooting for her. By the end, I’ll admit I wouldn’t have really cared if she ended up in some kind of accident at the hotel. It didn’t matter if it was past Amelia or present Mia; I just didn’t like her.
I just have one question: how in the world did Mia land a job as a nanny? You know who wouldn't hire this woman to watch my children? Me. She was absolutely horrific at her job. She put poor Evie in danger countless times and rarely seemed concerned about her well-being. I honestly don't know how she didn't get fired.
Aside from being a nanny, how in the world did Mia ever get certified as an EMT? Her skills in that department felt practically useless. I wouldn’t trust my life in Mia’s hands. If I were going into cardiac arrest, I would stop as soon as I saw it was Mia coming to my rescue and start back up again as soon as another first responder showed up.
Mia being a nanny and an EMT was crazy work.
Oh, wait; I thought of another question. Was this book supposed to be a ghost story or a thriller? Because I honestly couldn't figure any of it out. One minute it was trying to be a murder mystery, and the next it was like, "Surprise! Here's an apparition wandering around the castle. "So... which was it? Murder mystery or creepy ghost story? The world may never know.
I don’t mind a bit of romance mixed into thrillers if it’s well done and actually serves the plot. In this case, it didn’t feel like it was either. The romance storyline felt forced and unnecessary, and I honestly didn’t care about it at all. The story would’ve been just fine without it. Mia becomes involved with a man she had a crush on when she was 13 and previously lived at the hotel. I mean, being a preteen and pining after a slightly older man isn’t really the issue; we’ve all had those kinds of crushes. There was nothing wrong with that, but unfortunately the romance just felt flat and didn’t really work in this particular situation. Overall, it just felt poorly handled and didn’t add anything meaningful to the story.
I would’ve enjoyed the podcast aspect of the plot a lot more if it had been better thought out. I really like when thrillers incorporate podcasts, but only when it's done well. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case here, which was a bit disappointing.
For some reason, I just didn’t care about the passages from Iris’s journal. I’m not really sure why, but they didn’t feel like they added anything to the story. Instead of getting these little snippets of her writing, I think I would’ve much preferred a dual timeline with chapters from her point of view. That would’ve made the glimpses into the past a lot more interesting. I don’t think the journal entries were a bad touch per se; they just felt a bit unnecessary and didn’t really add anything extra.
The ending really fell flat for me, mostly because the twist was so predictable. I figured out who the killer was before I was even halfway through the book, so when the big reveal finally happened, it just wasn't satisfying. It was frustrating to sit through such a slow-burn plot only to get virtually no payoff, excitement, or surprise in the end.
There were also too many loose ends. It introduced details and plot points that seemed important, mentioned them once or twice, and then promptly tossed them into the abyss, never to be mentioned again. It was very irritating and made a lot of those details feel completely pointless.
The atmosphere was the one thing this book did really well. The Austrian castle-turned-hotel, surrounded by a creepy forest, and the shadows going bump in the dark all helped the gothic vibes really stand out. Despite the story’s other shortcomings, I have to give Goedjen props for this one.
I couldn't put this book down. Now, I wish I could say that's because it was so good that I had to know what happened next, but, sadly, that wasn't the case. I just wanted to get to the end so I could finally close the book and move on with my life. I read as much as I could whenever I had the chance just to get it over with.
I really try to be gentle when reviewing an ARC. I don’t want to be overly harsh, but at the end of the day, I have to be honest and stay true to my feelings. Which is exactly what I did here.
Final Verdict ⚖️
[ ] You NEED to read this book! DO IT!
[ ] You won’t regret picking up this book but also won’t regret it if you don’t.
[✅] Don’t make the same mistake that I did. DO NOT read this book!
Just a reminder: reading is totally subjective, and that’s what makes it so great. What speaks to one person might not to another, and that’s okay. There's never a reason to put someone down for loving a book you didn’t vibe with or vice versa. Be kind, the world is already cruel enough. 😊
I would like to thank Atria Books and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review an ARC of this book.
This is my voluntary, unbiased, and honest review.
Book Cover: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trigger Warning(s): Murder, Death Of Parent (Off Page), Mental Health (PTSD), Death Of Child, Suicide Attempt (Off Page)
POV: Single, First Person/Single, Third Person
Series/Standalone/Duet: Standalone
First In Series: Yes
Cliffhanger: No
Genre: Thriller
Burn: 🔥🔥.75
Safe or Dark: Safe ️
Expected Release Date: October 13, 2026
Quick Take Review💥:
This was a pretty mediocre thriller for me. The writing felt kind of flat and boring, which made it hard to stay interested. On top of that, the characters weren’t very likable or compelling, so I never really found myself rooting for anyone. The twist was pretty predictable and didn’t add much to the story. Overall, it just didn’t do anything special or stand out.
In Depth Review 👇
Summary 📖:
A true crime podcast reopens the case of her cousin’s murder, forcing a woman to confront her past at a European castle-turned-hotel, where she uncovers a trail of family secrets, lies, and long-buried truths.
When Mia’s beloved cousin was murdered during a stay at an infamous castle in the Austrian Alps, Mia was the only witness. Her testimony helped put the killer behind bars, but it also shattered her life. The media became obsessed with the case, insisting that Mia’s aunt, a true crime author, must have been involved in the murder. A decade later, the convicted killer is appealing his sentence, and a popular true crime podcast has reopened the case in hopes of proving his innocence, dredging up damaging allegations about Mia’s family in the process.
Determined to protect her aunt and defend what she believes is the truth, Mia returns to Austria. The castle has since been transformed into a luxury hotel, and she secures a job as a nanny for the new owner, allowing her to investigate while hiding in plain sight. Her goal is simple: set the record straight once and for all.
But when someone mysteriously disappears on the property and new evidence surrounding her cousin’s death comes to light, Mia begins to question everything she thought she knew. Faced with the possibility that she helped send an innocent man to prison, Mia realizes that uncovering the truth may put her own life in danger.
Writing 📝:
Tara Goedjen’s writing isn’t the strongest, but it’s definitely not the worst either. It’s not all that engaging or exciting, but it’s still clear and easy to follow throughout. The prose is straightforward, making the story simple to understand, even if it doesn’t leave a lasting impression or offer much flair.
Thoughts 💭:
There is a lot going on in this plot. We have a podcast, a book, and even a journal within a book. It was just...well, a lot. With so many different storylines unfolding at once, things occasionally felt a bit heavy and, at times, somewhat jumbled. So, just be aware of that going in.
This book wastes no time getting to the meat of things. Just a few pages into the first chapter, we hit the ground running. We quickly learn what happened in the past, what's unfolding in the present, and the consequences of it all. It was a great way to hook readers and make them want to keep turning the pages. However, what followed felt rather slow and drawn out. The pacing starts at a breakneck speed but quickly settles into a heavy lull.
I'll be honest, for the first 60–80% of the story, not a whole lot happened, and there were times when I struggled to push through. Thankfully, things finally picked up around the 85% mark. I'm glad they did, because otherwise I probably would have thrown in the towel and closed this book for good.
Be warned: there’s almost no tension built in this painfully slow-burn plot. Not much actually happens, and what little does never really creates any sense of urgency. If you’re looking for a book that builds toward a big breaking point, this isn’t the one for you.
While things start off strong, we're introduced to several characters who ultimately go nowhere. They add nothing to the plot, and their involvement never really makes sense. They just sort of exist in the story for no apparent rhyme or reason, and that frustrated me to no end. Especially since I actually enjoyed the tiny bit I saw of one of those characters and would have loved to get to know them better.
Mia, Mia, Mia...what can I say about her? Honestly, not anything exceptional. She was awful and painfully frustrating to follow. This woman made some of the dumbest decisions when it came to her “investigation” into her cousin’s murder. As mentioned above, she was difficult to get behind, and I didn’t connect with her in any way. She was 100% unprepared for the situation she took on. The bottom line is, I didn’t care about her at all, and I wasn’t rooting for her. By the end, I’ll admit I wouldn’t have really cared if she ended up in some kind of accident at the hotel. It didn’t matter if it was past Amelia or present Mia; I just didn’t like her.
I just have one question: how in the world did Mia land a job as a nanny? You know who wouldn't hire this woman to watch my children? Me. She was absolutely horrific at her job. She put poor Evie in danger countless times and rarely seemed concerned about her well-being. I honestly don't know how she didn't get fired.
Aside from being a nanny, how in the world did Mia ever get certified as an EMT? Her skills in that department felt practically useless. I wouldn’t trust my life in Mia’s hands. If I were going into cardiac arrest, I would stop as soon as I saw it was Mia coming to my rescue and start back up again as soon as another first responder showed up.
Mia being a nanny and an EMT was crazy work.
Oh, wait; I thought of another question. Was this book supposed to be a ghost story or a thriller? Because I honestly couldn't figure any of it out. One minute it was trying to be a murder mystery, and the next it was like, "Surprise! Here's an apparition wandering around the castle. "So... which was it? Murder mystery or creepy ghost story? The world may never know.
I don’t mind a bit of romance mixed into thrillers if it’s well done and actually serves the plot. In this case, it didn’t feel like it was either. The romance storyline felt forced and unnecessary, and I honestly didn’t care about it at all. The story would’ve been just fine without it. Mia becomes involved with a man she had a crush on when she was 13 and previously lived at the hotel. I mean, being a preteen and pining after a slightly older man isn’t really the issue; we’ve all had those kinds of crushes. There was nothing wrong with that, but unfortunately the romance just felt flat and didn’t really work in this particular situation. Overall, it just felt poorly handled and didn’t add anything meaningful to the story.
I would’ve enjoyed the podcast aspect of the plot a lot more if it had been better thought out. I really like when thrillers incorporate podcasts, but only when it's done well. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case here, which was a bit disappointing.
For some reason, I just didn’t care about the passages from Iris’s journal. I’m not really sure why, but they didn’t feel like they added anything to the story. Instead of getting these little snippets of her writing, I think I would’ve much preferred a dual timeline with chapters from her point of view. That would’ve made the glimpses into the past a lot more interesting. I don’t think the journal entries were a bad touch per se; they just felt a bit unnecessary and didn’t really add anything extra.
The ending really fell flat for me, mostly because the twist was so predictable. I figured out who the killer was before I was even halfway through the book, so when the big reveal finally happened, it just wasn't satisfying. It was frustrating to sit through such a slow-burn plot only to get virtually no payoff, excitement, or surprise in the end.
There were also too many loose ends. It introduced details and plot points that seemed important, mentioned them once or twice, and then promptly tossed them into the abyss, never to be mentioned again. It was very irritating and made a lot of those details feel completely pointless.
The atmosphere was the one thing this book did really well. The Austrian castle-turned-hotel, surrounded by a creepy forest, and the shadows going bump in the dark all helped the gothic vibes really stand out. Despite the story’s other shortcomings, I have to give Goedjen props for this one.
I couldn't put this book down. Now, I wish I could say that's because it was so good that I had to know what happened next, but, sadly, that wasn't the case. I just wanted to get to the end so I could finally close the book and move on with my life. I read as much as I could whenever I had the chance just to get it over with.
I really try to be gentle when reviewing an ARC. I don’t want to be overly harsh, but at the end of the day, I have to be honest and stay true to my feelings. Which is exactly what I did here.
Final Verdict ⚖️
[ ] You NEED to read this book! DO IT!
[ ] You won’t regret picking up this book but also won’t regret it if you don’t.
[✅] Don’t make the same mistake that I did. DO NOT read this book!
Just a reminder: reading is totally subjective, and that’s what makes it so great. What speaks to one person might not to another, and that’s okay. There's never a reason to put someone down for loving a book you didn’t vibe with or vice versa. Be kind, the world is already cruel enough. 😊
I would like to thank Atria Books and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review an ARC of this book.
This is my voluntary, unbiased, and honest review.
June 28, 2026
This book caught my attention from the beginning, but I felt it lagged a bit midway. I also figured out part of the twist pretty early on, so that may have had something to do with it.
Thank you NetGalley and Atria books for the ARC of this book.
Thank you NetGalley and Atria books for the ARC of this book.
May 3, 2026
From the moment I started this novel, I was fully invested in the plot and characters. This story is told through a combination of journal entries, flashbacks, podcast episodes, and current experiences. The pacing felt quick throughout, giving the reader the sense of time running out, while still allowing for suspense to build naturally. I had the best time putting together the puzzle pieces that Tara Goedjen left in each chapter. I felt so excited when I managed to figure out the big twist ahead of time, but still managed to be surprised by a few others.
The little details throughout made this story so immersive. The setting for this story was portrayed in a way that I could envision the hotel and the town so clearly in my mind. The food was described in an experiential manner, creating cravings to be able to taste it as well. The woods were used to show different situational tones, ominous or adventurous. The shadows that may or may not be ghosts were perfectly eerie, calling into question whether this was truly a haunted hotel.
I truly loved getting to read this book early, and devoured it in a weekend. If you love true crime, hotels with grim backstories, and protagonists who choose finding the truth over safety: you will love this book! Please Enjoy Your Stay releases on October 13, 2026. Thank you Atria/ Emily Bestler Books for gifting me with an eARC (via Netgalley widget), all thoughts expressed are my own.
The little details throughout made this story so immersive. The setting for this story was portrayed in a way that I could envision the hotel and the town so clearly in my mind. The food was described in an experiential manner, creating cravings to be able to taste it as well. The woods were used to show different situational tones, ominous or adventurous. The shadows that may or may not be ghosts were perfectly eerie, calling into question whether this was truly a haunted hotel.
I truly loved getting to read this book early, and devoured it in a weekend. If you love true crime, hotels with grim backstories, and protagonists who choose finding the truth over safety: you will love this book! Please Enjoy Your Stay releases on October 13, 2026. Thank you Atria/ Emily Bestler Books for gifting me with an eARC (via Netgalley widget), all thoughts expressed are my own.
May 8, 2026
When Mia was a teenager, her cousin was murdered during a stay at an infamous castle in the Austrian Alps, and her testimony helped put the killer behind bars. A decade later, the convicted murderer is appealing his case while a popular true crime podcast begins digging into the story, determined to prove he was wrongly accused. Hoping to protect her aunt and uncover the truth once and for all, Mia returns to the castle, now being transformed into a luxury hotel, and secretly investigates while working as a nanny on the property. But when someone disappears and disturbing new evidence comes to light, Mia starts to wonder if she accused the wrong man all those years ago.
I really enjoyed this slow burn thriller and loved how the multiple timelines slowly came together piece by piece. The castle setting in the Austrian Alps created such a moody and unsettling atmosphere that made the story even more intense. There were plenty of secrets, suspicion, and twists that kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next. I especially loved the podcast element and the way the story shifted between the past, present, and podcast excerpts. Overall, this was a really solid 4 star read for me.
Thank you to Atria books for this gifted copy! This book is out October 13, 2026.
I really enjoyed this slow burn thriller and loved how the multiple timelines slowly came together piece by piece. The castle setting in the Austrian Alps created such a moody and unsettling atmosphere that made the story even more intense. There were plenty of secrets, suspicion, and twists that kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next. I especially loved the podcast element and the way the story shifted between the past, present, and podcast excerpts. Overall, this was a really solid 4 star read for me.
Thank you to Atria books for this gifted copy! This book is out October 13, 2026.
May 21, 2026
Thank you to Tara Goedjen for the ARC!
A true crime podcast reopens the case of Mia’s cousin’s murder. So Mia returns to the a scene of the crime - a castle in the Austrian Alps. Working undercover at the castle (now luxury hotel), she investigates and dangerous family secrets come to light. As more unsettling events unfold, Mia questions what she once thought was the truth.
What a twisty and unsettling read! We at the Pulse have been loving this book. First, there was the setting - a creepy old castle that also happened to be the scene of a murder? Say less! Told in alternating timelines, the past of what happened to Mia’s cousin comes out as she is retracing her steps in the present. I also really love a good podcast storyline, so the fact that that was also used in this story was fun. The pacing was more of a slow burn but the story was so atmospheric I felt like that element worked perfectly.
“Please Enjoy Your Stay” releases October 13, 2026. This review will be shaded to my Instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle).
A true crime podcast reopens the case of Mia’s cousin’s murder. So Mia returns to the a scene of the crime - a castle in the Austrian Alps. Working undercover at the castle (now luxury hotel), she investigates and dangerous family secrets come to light. As more unsettling events unfold, Mia questions what she once thought was the truth.
What a twisty and unsettling read! We at the Pulse have been loving this book. First, there was the setting - a creepy old castle that also happened to be the scene of a murder? Say less! Told in alternating timelines, the past of what happened to Mia’s cousin comes out as she is retracing her steps in the present. I also really love a good podcast storyline, so the fact that that was also used in this story was fun. The pacing was more of a slow burn but the story was so atmospheric I felt like that element worked perfectly.
“Please Enjoy Your Stay” releases October 13, 2026. This review will be shaded to my Instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle).
April 4, 2026
A book within a book within a book about a murder - which, in turns, lead to another murder. It's up to Amelia to find out the truth, working undercover as a nanny, inside a seemingly haunted castle turned hotel. This was lots of fun! I enjoyed the eerie setting, the many twists, and also really, really appreciated the fact this was all done in a good, clean read. Bravo!!
I received an advance reading copy from Atria Books through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own as I was not required to give a positive review.
I received an advance reading copy from Atria Books through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own as I was not required to give a positive review.
May 18, 2026
Advanced readers copy from netgalley
This is the story of Mia who witnessed the death of her cousin when she was thirteen. Her witness statement helps put the murder in prison. Fast forward several years and the murder case is being revisited and appealed. This prompts MIA to get a many job at the location of the murder, which is a hotel, to see if she can find out what really happened to her cousin and who the killer is
If this synopsis sounds a b it confusing, it’s because it is. If she saw who killed her cousin why does she need to revisit the hotel to know what truly happened. In the first chapter, you realize the synopsis is a bit misleading and that she “slight spoiler” doesn’t actually see who kills her cousin. She hears voices, sees someone she knows, and then finds her cousin dead. I feel like with this setup, you know from the start that this guy didn’t do it and she missed something when she was thirteen. Obviously.
Not to mention that there are some supernatural and not supernatural things taking place? Like most of the things can be nothing at all. Could easily be explained. But then, again an another spoiler, her aunt goes into trances when she writes and writes about her son’s murder before it happens… but doesn’t know anything about it and doesn’t stop it? This is never touched or explained once it’s presented. It’s only there to try and throw people off who the real killer is. Which is kind of obvious to begin with.
There’s also a slight love story that makes no sense. Mia liked this older guy when she was younger and meets him again when older. And then they kiss and like each other but they never talk or get to know each other. It’s not a romantic relationship that I’m routing for because it comes out of nowhere. It didn’t even help with the plot. If anything he’s a red herring (done terribly).
With that being said, I did want to finish the book and I was originally really invested for the first 30% but the it loses me because it felt like the story didn’t know if it wanted to be supernatural or or have an unreliable narrator. It seemed a bit confused and all over the place.
This is the story of Mia who witnessed the death of her cousin when she was thirteen. Her witness statement helps put the murder in prison. Fast forward several years and the murder case is being revisited and appealed. This prompts MIA to get a many job at the location of the murder, which is a hotel, to see if she can find out what really happened to her cousin and who the killer is
If this synopsis sounds a b it confusing, it’s because it is. If she saw who killed her cousin why does she need to revisit the hotel to know what truly happened. In the first chapter, you realize the synopsis is a bit misleading and that she “slight spoiler” doesn’t actually see who kills her cousin. She hears voices, sees someone she knows, and then finds her cousin dead. I feel like with this setup, you know from the start that this guy didn’t do it and she missed something when she was thirteen. Obviously.
Not to mention that there are some supernatural and not supernatural things taking place? Like most of the things can be nothing at all. Could easily be explained. But then, again an another spoiler, her aunt goes into trances when she writes and writes about her son’s murder before it happens… but doesn’t know anything about it and doesn’t stop it? This is never touched or explained once it’s presented. It’s only there to try and throw people off who the real killer is. Which is kind of obvious to begin with.
There’s also a slight love story that makes no sense. Mia liked this older guy when she was younger and meets him again when older. And then they kiss and like each other but they never talk or get to know each other. It’s not a romantic relationship that I’m routing for because it comes out of nowhere. It didn’t even help with the plot. If anything he’s a red herring (done terribly).
With that being said, I did want to finish the book and I was originally really invested for the first 30% but the it loses me because it felt like the story didn’t know if it wanted to be supernatural or or have an unreliable narrator. It seemed a bit confused and all over the place.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2026
I have been on the lookout for a suspenseful, eerie read, but haven’t had much luck recently…until picking up PLEASE ENJOY YOUR STAY by Tara Goedjen. The book cover and the synopsis had me itching to get my hands on this one and it did not let me down.
Mia is the main character and the one we get to know best. She has been a bit of a wanderer, working seasonal jobs, moving from place to place, and has not let people get too close. She is afraid to let people in and doesn’t want them to know her past…the past where, at age 13, she was the only witness to her cousin’s murder. Now, the convicted killer has a chance at being set free and it shakes Mia and her aunt, Iris, are shaken to the core. The murder took place at an old Austrian castle where they were all staying while Iris, a true crime author, was researching and writing a book about an heiress who was murdered in the same castle in the 1960s. Now, Mia feels she just HAS to go back and make sure that she was correct all those years ago, so she hides her identity and becomes a nanny to gain access to the castle.
If suspense and creepy settings are your thing, you’ll enjoy this book. I know that I did. It also has the added glamour of the new, well-known, wealthy owner opening the castle as a luxury hotel to add to the appeal. The castle has been shuttered for a while, and the townspeople don’t want her there or for the castle to open. Sure, they protest, but there is much more than that, as Mia discovers. There are threatening mail deliveries, grisly finds, people who might not be who they claim to be (in addition to Mia), a child with night terrors, hidden objects found in strange places, an entire wing of the castle that no one wants to discuss, possible ghosts and of course, an extremely popular podcaster that is poking around with a secret co-host claiming to be close to the case. Mia tries to keep at her nanny duties AND revisit the details of the crime, but so many new things keep coming to light and she does not know who to trust any more.
I enjoyed the pacing and the slow to unravel mystery of this book. I think it is well written and it kept my attention. There were several times where my perspective shifted and I thought a different person was showing guilt. I am not going to lie; I got a little jumpy after putting the book down for the night and wondered about some noises I heard (or thought I heard) and that doesn’t happen often. While I did sort out the ending before I reached it, there was a small part of me that thought I was falling prey to a ploy and that maybe I hadn’t figured it out after all. I enjoyed PLEASE ENJOY YOUR STAY and I am confident that others will too.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Mia is the main character and the one we get to know best. She has been a bit of a wanderer, working seasonal jobs, moving from place to place, and has not let people get too close. She is afraid to let people in and doesn’t want them to know her past…the past where, at age 13, she was the only witness to her cousin’s murder. Now, the convicted killer has a chance at being set free and it shakes Mia and her aunt, Iris, are shaken to the core. The murder took place at an old Austrian castle where they were all staying while Iris, a true crime author, was researching and writing a book about an heiress who was murdered in the same castle in the 1960s. Now, Mia feels she just HAS to go back and make sure that she was correct all those years ago, so she hides her identity and becomes a nanny to gain access to the castle.
If suspense and creepy settings are your thing, you’ll enjoy this book. I know that I did. It also has the added glamour of the new, well-known, wealthy owner opening the castle as a luxury hotel to add to the appeal. The castle has been shuttered for a while, and the townspeople don’t want her there or for the castle to open. Sure, they protest, but there is much more than that, as Mia discovers. There are threatening mail deliveries, grisly finds, people who might not be who they claim to be (in addition to Mia), a child with night terrors, hidden objects found in strange places, an entire wing of the castle that no one wants to discuss, possible ghosts and of course, an extremely popular podcaster that is poking around with a secret co-host claiming to be close to the case. Mia tries to keep at her nanny duties AND revisit the details of the crime, but so many new things keep coming to light and she does not know who to trust any more.
I enjoyed the pacing and the slow to unravel mystery of this book. I think it is well written and it kept my attention. There were several times where my perspective shifted and I thought a different person was showing guilt. I am not going to lie; I got a little jumpy after putting the book down for the night and wondered about some noises I heard (or thought I heard) and that doesn’t happen often. While I did sort out the ending before I reached it, there was a small part of me that thought I was falling prey to a ploy and that maybe I hadn’t figured it out after all. I enjoyed PLEASE ENJOY YOUR STAY and I am confident that others will too.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
July 3, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Please Enjoy Your Stay kept me guessing from beginning to end. Every time I thought I had things figured out, another twist made me question everything all over again. It was one of those books that kept me saying, "Just one more chapter," because I had to know what was really going on.
The pacing was strong, the suspense kept building, and I genuinely couldn't figure out where the story was headed. I always appreciate a thriller that can surprise me, and this one definitely delivered on that.
The reason it's a 4-star read instead of a 5 is that there were a few moments where I wanted a little more depth and a slightly stronger payoff at the end. Even so, it was an entertaining, fast-paced read that I'd happily recommend to anyone who enjoys psychological thrillers full of twists.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Please Enjoy Your Stay kept me guessing from beginning to end. Every time I thought I had things figured out, another twist made me question everything all over again. It was one of those books that kept me saying, "Just one more chapter," because I had to know what was really going on.
The pacing was strong, the suspense kept building, and I genuinely couldn't figure out where the story was headed. I always appreciate a thriller that can surprise me, and this one definitely delivered on that.
The reason it's a 4-star read instead of a 5 is that there were a few moments where I wanted a little more depth and a slightly stronger payoff at the end. Even so, it was an entertaining, fast-paced read that I'd happily recommend to anyone who enjoys psychological thrillers full of twists.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
March 29, 2026
The premise of this book was everything I love in a thriller. Decade old case, podcast element, and an amateur sleuth. The book was enjoyable but predicable. I really wish the podcast parts were separated out instead of just a few sentences scattered throughout the chapters.
Mia’s cousin was murdered 10 years ago, Mia’s testimony is what put the killer behind bars but a podcast has come out with a mystery cohost and new evidence. Mia moves to Austria to go undercover as a nanny in the hotel where the incident occurred.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC! 3.5 stars
Mia’s cousin was murdered 10 years ago, Mia’s testimony is what put the killer behind bars but a podcast has come out with a mystery cohost and new evidence. Mia moves to Austria to go undercover as a nanny in the hotel where the incident occurred.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC! 3.5 stars
June 10, 2026
Thank you to Atria and the author for an advanced reader copy of Please Enjoy Your Stay in exchange for a review. Overall, I enjoyed my time with Please Enjoy Your Stay. It’s was an entertaining popcorn thriller and one with a twist I didn’t see coming. It did take me awhile to get through as the pacing seemed a bit off. There’s a lot of building and repetition in the first 60 percent or so that made it hard to stay fully engaged but once things started to unraveled I was able to wrap it up in a couple of days. Solid thriller. 3-3.5.
June 6, 2026
4/5⭐️
The cover caught my attention and I’m glad that it did! This was a creepy podcast thriller that was quick and easy to follow. Solid 4 stars.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
The cover caught my attention and I’m glad that it did! This was a creepy podcast thriller that was quick and easy to follow. Solid 4 stars.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
March 26, 2026
*3.5 stars ✨
June 30, 2026
Really enjoyed this one! The creepy vibes, time jumps, and writing style had me finishing it in one sitting.
I’m not a big fan of the supernatural elements, and I wish we’d gotten a little more from the other characters. The story stayed pretty surface level, but that twist at the end completely got me!
Good, quick read. Thanks to Atria Books for the ARC via NetGalley!
I’m not a big fan of the supernatural elements, and I wish we’d gotten a little more from the other characters. The story stayed pretty surface level, but that twist at the end completely got me!
Good, quick read. Thanks to Atria Books for the ARC via NetGalley!
April 20, 2026
Thank you #NetGalley, Atria books, and Tara Goedjen, for an advanced readers copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the vibe of this book and the different characters. I liked that it was set in present day but had glimpses of the past through Irises journal entries.
Overall I found it to be an okay thriller. I guessed who did it and the real identity of one of the characters fairly early on. I found some of the writing to be confusing.
I loved the vibe of this book and the different characters. I liked that it was set in present day but had glimpses of the past through Irises journal entries.
Overall I found it to be an okay thriller. I guessed who did it and the real identity of one of the characters fairly early on. I found some of the writing to be confusing.
April 6, 2026
With two different crimes to follow and two different point of views, it felt like the author couldn’t commit fully to either one. The killer was obvious from the beginning and the climax was subpar.
Thank you to net-galley for an ARC of this book.
Thank you to net-galley for an ARC of this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced review copy of Tara Goedjen’s Please Enjoy Your Stay.
If you’re a fan of true crime podcasts or enjoy reading about historical true crime then you might enjoy Please Enjoy Your Stay. This book references several true crime books I’d recommend, like Hell's Half-Acre by Nicholas Nicastro, which retells the story of the Bender family murder spree, as well as I’ll Be Gone in the Dark, the late Michelle McNamara’s book about the Golden State killer.
The overall concept of Please Enjoy Your Stay starts off strong and interesting. Mia’s aunt Iris is a famous true crime writer and they must revisit a familiar place from their past to get justice for their cousin/son, Tristan. While the story takes place at a castle turned hotel in the Austrian Alps, the title has nothing to do with the plot.
The main character, Mia, is hired as a nanny to a wealthy woman reopening the castle hotel where her life changed dramatically as a child. As I read this book, I became terribly distracted by what a horrible nanny Mia was. She constantly takes sleeping pills even after she knows her charge has night terrors? She ignores every single rule her boss gives her, often putting the child and her job at risk. She’s allegedly an EMT but never once does she use these skills to help anyone in danger/need. Her backstory is unnecessary, adds no depth to her character, and provides no insight into why she would be so very bad at taking care of a 6 year old.
Characters are introduced at the beginning of the book but also provide nothing to further the plot or show up in the epilogue-ish chapter. Her closest friend is an afterthought throughout and her long term (now ex) boyfriend is a pointless addition.
Please Enjoy Your Stay can’t seem to decide if it’s a murder mystery or a ghost story or both. Maybe the characters are getting messages from the ghost of murder victims, or maybe a member of the hotel staff is playing tricks. That’s never quite explained. Is the castle hotel haunted, or is someone trying to stop Mia from finding the truth? Again, never really explained. The author often mentions raven feathers that seemingly have significance, but that’s never explained either.
I have been lucky enough to visit the Austrian Alps and have actually stayed in a castle hotel in Switzerland, so the setting and backdrop of the story is very appealing. The clues along the way help the reader discover some of the secrets hidden by the characters, and the finale was (somewhat) unexpected. However, things escalate pretty quickly about 90% of the way through, so there is a lot of build up and, in my opinion, unnecessary scenes and situations that don’t move the story along or add to the conclusion. In fact, the details needed to complete the reveal at the end are almost too subtly mentioned throughout the story to feel important or meaningful.
Overall, Please Enjoy Your Stay is entertaining if you don’t have anything else to read. While the concept is interesting, the beginning, middle, and end of the book feel like three very different story lines. I give this book ⭐️⭐️ because while I did enjoy my stay, I don’t need to go back again and will probably forget I went in the first place. And because the longer I thought about this book and this review, the more irritated I became with the missed opportunities and unanswered questions at the end.
#NetGalley
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If you’re a fan of true crime podcasts or enjoy reading about historical true crime then you might enjoy Please Enjoy Your Stay. This book references several true crime books I’d recommend, like Hell's Half-Acre by Nicholas Nicastro, which retells the story of the Bender family murder spree, as well as I’ll Be Gone in the Dark, the late Michelle McNamara’s book about the Golden State killer.
The overall concept of Please Enjoy Your Stay starts off strong and interesting. Mia’s aunt Iris is a famous true crime writer and they must revisit a familiar place from their past to get justice for their cousin/son, Tristan. While the story takes place at a castle turned hotel in the Austrian Alps, the title has nothing to do with the plot.
The main character, Mia, is hired as a nanny to a wealthy woman reopening the castle hotel where her life changed dramatically as a child. As I read this book, I became terribly distracted by what a horrible nanny Mia was. She constantly takes sleeping pills even after she knows her charge has night terrors? She ignores every single rule her boss gives her, often putting the child and her job at risk. She’s allegedly an EMT but never once does she use these skills to help anyone in danger/need. Her backstory is unnecessary, adds no depth to her character, and provides no insight into why she would be so very bad at taking care of a 6 year old.
Characters are introduced at the beginning of the book but also provide nothing to further the plot or show up in the epilogue-ish chapter. Her closest friend is an afterthought throughout and her long term (now ex) boyfriend is a pointless addition.
Please Enjoy Your Stay can’t seem to decide if it’s a murder mystery or a ghost story or both. Maybe the characters are getting messages from the ghost of murder victims, or maybe a member of the hotel staff is playing tricks. That’s never quite explained. Is the castle hotel haunted, or is someone trying to stop Mia from finding the truth? Again, never really explained. The author often mentions raven feathers that seemingly have significance, but that’s never explained either.
I have been lucky enough to visit the Austrian Alps and have actually stayed in a castle hotel in Switzerland, so the setting and backdrop of the story is very appealing. The clues along the way help the reader discover some of the secrets hidden by the characters, and the finale was (somewhat) unexpected. However, things escalate pretty quickly about 90% of the way through, so there is a lot of build up and, in my opinion, unnecessary scenes and situations that don’t move the story along or add to the conclusion. In fact, the details needed to complete the reveal at the end are almost too subtly mentioned throughout the story to feel important or meaningful.
Overall, Please Enjoy Your Stay is entertaining if you don’t have anything else to read. While the concept is interesting, the beginning, middle, and end of the book feel like three very different story lines. I give this book ⭐️⭐️ because while I did enjoy my stay, I don’t need to go back again and will probably forget I went in the first place. And because the longer I thought about this book and this review, the more irritated I became with the missed opportunities and unanswered questions at the end.
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