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Please Enjoy Your Stay
Not yet published
Expected 13 Oct 26After 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, Hardcover
Expected publication October 13, 2026
About the author
Tara Goedjen
5 books209 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 674 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
🏰🍷─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───🍷🏰
Firstly, a new to me author—yayyyy!
The cover immediately caught my eye while I was scrolling and the blurb sounded right up my alley, so of course I had to give it a shot.
The prologue started things off in such an intriguing way and I genuinely really enjoyed the writing. There was this wonderfully moody, atmospheric quality throughout the book that I absolutely loved and honestly, those were two of the biggest reasons I kept wanting to read more. Even when I had to put it down to go do something else, I found myself wanting to get back to it which to me is always a pretty good sign that I’m enjoying a book in one way or another!
It was definitely more of a slow burn in some ways and not a ton happened for a good portion of the story, at least not until closer to the end BUT somehow it was still highly addictive and ended up feeling like a pretty quick read. I listened to this one on audio too, so maybe that added to my enjoyment but either way ...I was having a good time.
I really loved the chapters sprinkled throughout the book that were taken directly from Iris’s notebooks. Those little pieces added such an interesting layer to the story and I also really enjoyed the true crime podcast aspect. Maybe it’s just my love for anything involving true crime podcasts in books but give me that kind of element and I’m immediately interested..😭
As for the characters, I honestly liked that they all brought something to the story, whether good or bad. I enjoyed reading about all of them but I definitely would’ve loved to dive deeper into their individual backgrounds. It felt like we got their personalities and certain traits but I kept wanting more ...more history, more context, more of what made them who they were. They were interesting characters but I wanted a little more to really sink my teeth into.
And then there were the supernatural elements...
The little teases and hints throughout the story were fun and the eerie atmosphere surrounding them was SO good. But honestly? I wanted the author to lean into that way more. The setup had so much potential for genuinely creepy, unsettling ghostly elements and I would've loved for those to play a much bigger role in the overall story. There were moments where I was like ...okayyy, we're going THERE ...only to wish it had gone even further. 👀
There were also quite a few things that felt like they were glossed over. Things would be introduced or explored for a chapter or two and then suddenly... nothing. Never mentioned again. And without getting into spoilers, I really think some of those threads could've been expanded on because they had the potential to make me like this book even more.
And okayyy, there is also a slight romance plot ..if you can even really call it that. Honestly, I didn't mind it at all and considering who it involved... I actually would've been totally okay with having more of it.🫢
Now, the last few chapters, the final 10ish percent and the reveal of who the killer really was ... were probably where I was the most 👀. The killer reveal was kind of 50/50 for me. It was decent but I had pretty much guessed who it was around halfway through the book, even with the red herrings being thrown at me left and right.😭 So while the reveal itself wasn't bad, it didn't quite have the shock factor I was hoping for.
I also wouldn't have minded this being a little longer. GIRLLLL ...especially toward the end everything wrapped up SO quickly, and I would've happily taken a few more chapters to really flesh things out and let everything breathe.
And maybe this is just me being nosy, but I would've LOVED a chapter from Tristan's pov—especially the night of his murder or even just something from his perspective in general. 👀 And a killer pov?! 🫣👀 Imagine throwing that in after the final chapter as a little extra... I would've eaten that UP.
Overall, though I had a good time with this one! It wasn't perfect for me and there were definitely things I wanted more of but I genuinely enjoyed the atmosphere, the writing, the notebook entries, the true crime podcast elements and the overall mystery. It kept me wanting to come back to it, which says a lot in itself.
I’d definitely recommend going into this one as blind as possible rather than reading too much into the synopsis beforehand, especially since some of it can feel a little confusing going in.
•.¸♡🍓💌 ...𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒌 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒐 𝑵𝒆𝒕𝑮𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆-𝒂𝒓𝒄! 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒐𝒘𝒏.💐.♡¸.•
Firstly, a new to me author—yayyyy!
The cover immediately caught my eye while I was scrolling and the blurb sounded right up my alley, so of course I had to give it a shot.
The prologue started things off in such an intriguing way and I genuinely really enjoyed the writing. There was this wonderfully moody, atmospheric quality throughout the book that I absolutely loved and honestly, those were two of the biggest reasons I kept wanting to read more. Even when I had to put it down to go do something else, I found myself wanting to get back to it which to me is always a pretty good sign that I’m enjoying a book in one way or another!
It was definitely more of a slow burn in some ways and not a ton happened for a good portion of the story, at least not until closer to the end BUT somehow it was still highly addictive and ended up feeling like a pretty quick read. I listened to this one on audio too, so maybe that added to my enjoyment but either way ...I was having a good time.
I really loved the chapters sprinkled throughout the book that were taken directly from Iris’s notebooks. Those little pieces added such an interesting layer to the story and I also really enjoyed the true crime podcast aspect. Maybe it’s just my love for anything involving true crime podcasts in books but give me that kind of element and I’m immediately interested..😭
As for the characters, I honestly liked that they all brought something to the story, whether good or bad. I enjoyed reading about all of them but I definitely would’ve loved to dive deeper into their individual backgrounds. It felt like we got their personalities and certain traits but I kept wanting more ...more history, more context, more of what made them who they were. They were interesting characters but I wanted a little more to really sink my teeth into.
And then there were the supernatural elements...
The little teases and hints throughout the story were fun and the eerie atmosphere surrounding them was SO good. But honestly? I wanted the author to lean into that way more. The setup had so much potential for genuinely creepy, unsettling ghostly elements and I would've loved for those to play a much bigger role in the overall story. There were moments where I was like ...okayyy, we're going THERE ...only to wish it had gone even further. 👀
There were also quite a few things that felt like they were glossed over. Things would be introduced or explored for a chapter or two and then suddenly... nothing. Never mentioned again. And without getting into spoilers, I really think some of those threads could've been expanded on because they had the potential to make me like this book even more.
And okayyy, there is also a slight romance plot ..if you can even really call it that. Honestly, I didn't mind it at all and considering who it involved... I actually would've been totally okay with having more of it.🫢
Now, the last few chapters, the final 10ish percent and the reveal of who the killer really was ... were probably where I was the most 👀. The killer reveal was kind of 50/50 for me. It was decent but I had pretty much guessed who it was around halfway through the book, even with the red herrings being thrown at me left and right.😭 So while the reveal itself wasn't bad, it didn't quite have the shock factor I was hoping for.
I also wouldn't have minded this being a little longer. GIRLLLL ...especially toward the end everything wrapped up SO quickly, and I would've happily taken a few more chapters to really flesh things out and let everything breathe.
And maybe this is just me being nosy, but I would've LOVED a chapter from Tristan's pov—especially the night of his murder or even just something from his perspective in general. 👀 And a killer pov?! 🫣👀 Imagine throwing that in after the final chapter as a little extra... I would've eaten that UP.
Overall, though I had a good time with this one! It wasn't perfect for me and there were definitely things I wanted more of but I genuinely enjoyed the atmosphere, the writing, the notebook entries, the true crime podcast elements and the overall mystery. It kept me wanting to come back to it, which says a lot in itself.
I’d definitely recommend going into this one as blind as possible rather than reading too much into the synopsis beforehand, especially since some of it can feel a little confusing going in.
•.¸♡🍓💌 ...𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒌 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒐 𝑵𝒆𝒕𝑮𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆-𝒂𝒓𝒄! 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒐𝒘𝒏.💐.♡¸.•
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Well I did enjoy this book! This book had great mystery and suspense, and the short chapters kept me turning the pages faster than normal!
In this story, Augustin Aiglar, is in prison accused of killing Tristan DeLaney, a decade prior. Tristan was the son of famous true-crime author, Iris Delaney. The murder happened while Iris was staying at Augustin Aiglar’s castle in Austria to write a novel about the murders of Augustin’s mother and stepfather many years ago, when Augustin was only five years old.
Augustin now wants a retrial, for the crime he claims he did not commit. At the time of Tristan Delaney’s murder, there was only one eyewitness, and that was his cousin, Mia Delaney. Mia was only thirteen years old at the time, but she knows what she saw, and she refuses to let the man who killed her cousin go free.
As a true crime podcast has brought even more attention to Augustin Aiglar and Tristan DeLaney’s case, Mia takes it upon herself to bring justice to her deceased cousin, and to also help her aunt start writing again. She goes back to the castle in Austria which is now being renovated to a luxury hotel. Mia gets a job as a nanny, and begins her own detective work throughout the hotel/castle, and with the regulars in town.
Throughout this time that Mia is at the hotel we get flashbacks from the Notebooks of Iris DeLaney in 2015.
This book kept me on my toes as everyone that Mia encountered in Austria was a suspect in the death of her cousin, Tristan. There were also some paranormal aspects that I really enjoyed.
While I do feel like there were some gaps in the story, I still enjoyed it, and it is one that I would recommend- especially for the spooky season!
Many thanks to NetGalley, Atria Books, and the author for a DRC, in which I had the pleasure of reading for an honest opinion.
Publication date: October 13, 2026
Genre~ Mystery & Thrillers, General Fiction (adult).
In this story, Augustin Aiglar, is in prison accused of killing Tristan DeLaney, a decade prior. Tristan was the son of famous true-crime author, Iris Delaney. The murder happened while Iris was staying at Augustin Aiglar’s castle in Austria to write a novel about the murders of Augustin’s mother and stepfather many years ago, when Augustin was only five years old.
Augustin now wants a retrial, for the crime he claims he did not commit. At the time of Tristan Delaney’s murder, there was only one eyewitness, and that was his cousin, Mia Delaney. Mia was only thirteen years old at the time, but she knows what she saw, and she refuses to let the man who killed her cousin go free.
As a true crime podcast has brought even more attention to Augustin Aiglar and Tristan DeLaney’s case, Mia takes it upon herself to bring justice to her deceased cousin, and to also help her aunt start writing again. She goes back to the castle in Austria which is now being renovated to a luxury hotel. Mia gets a job as a nanny, and begins her own detective work throughout the hotel/castle, and with the regulars in town.
Throughout this time that Mia is at the hotel we get flashbacks from the Notebooks of Iris DeLaney in 2015.
This book kept me on my toes as everyone that Mia encountered in Austria was a suspect in the death of her cousin, Tristan. There were also some paranormal aspects that I really enjoyed.
While I do feel like there were some gaps in the story, I still enjoyed it, and it is one that I would recommend- especially for the spooky season!
Many thanks to NetGalley, Atria Books, and the author for a DRC, in which I had the pleasure of reading for an honest opinion.
Publication date: October 13, 2026
Genre~ Mystery & Thrillers, General Fiction (adult).
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)
April 12, 2026
Deliciously twisty!
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
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3 stars - Review to come. 🫶
September 27, 2026
I really enjoyed this book! The plot was enjoyable, albeit there were a few minor holes, but nothing that detracted too far from the intrigue of the story. It’s a solid debut, and I am already looking forward to this author’s next book. The writing was great, the chapters short, and the pages kept turning.
The character of Mia was great. She is someone you can root for even when she makes questionable decisions. I think the supporting characters were written well. There was a large cast, but I was able to keep track of them all. Some could have had more depth written into them, but not too much, as that probably would have bogged things down.
I was pleasantly surprised how the author made your mind feel constantly anxious that something bad was going to happen any moment. I mostly felt anxious like I was having to watch a needy energetic child while having little time and attention span to do so. By the end of the story, I actually felt tired like I had been babysitting. Mia had so much mental processing to do at all times.
The atmosphere was fantastic. Everything felt like there was a damp fog with dark moving shadows surrounding you. The paranormal aspects were light for those who don’t like their horror to be nightmarish. I don’t think there was a solid explanation for the paranormal activity, rather it was more like a creepy subplot. Overall, it’s a great mystery/thriller with a banger of a twist!
Thanks to Tara Goedjen, NetGalley, and Atria Books | Atria/Emily Bestler Books for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own.
The character of Mia was great. She is someone you can root for even when she makes questionable decisions. I think the supporting characters were written well. There was a large cast, but I was able to keep track of them all. Some could have had more depth written into them, but not too much, as that probably would have bogged things down.
I was pleasantly surprised how the author made your mind feel constantly anxious that something bad was going to happen any moment. I mostly felt anxious like I was having to watch a needy energetic child while having little time and attention span to do so. By the end of the story, I actually felt tired like I had been babysitting. Mia had so much mental processing to do at all times.
The atmosphere was fantastic. Everything felt like there was a damp fog with dark moving shadows surrounding you. The paranormal aspects were light for those who don’t like their horror to be nightmarish. I don’t think there was a solid explanation for the paranormal activity, rather it was more like a creepy subplot. Overall, it’s a great mystery/thriller with a banger of a twist!
Thanks to Tara Goedjen, NetGalley, and Atria Books | Atria/Emily Bestler Books for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really liked the premise of this book. A decades long mystery at an Austrian gothic castle!! But unfortunately I started the book confused, and then kind of felt that way throughout the entire rest of the story.
There was A LOT going on, with multiple side characters that I didn't really feel any connection to and wish we would have gotten to know better. I also felt there were a lot of unnecessary red herrings that added intrigue, but then were never flushed out or explained further....like ghosts in the castle and lone hikers disappearing...
It was a dark and atmospheric creepy vibe story FOR SURE, but with a "multiple books within a book" vibe that really just lost me along the way. Finally, I thought the ending reveal came out of left field and didn't jibe with the rest of the story.
This would be a good read for those who love a locked room mystery type story with a very slow burn!
There was A LOT going on, with multiple side characters that I didn't really feel any connection to and wish we would have gotten to know better. I also felt there were a lot of unnecessary red herrings that added intrigue, but then were never flushed out or explained further....like ghosts in the castle and lone hikers disappearing...
It was a dark and atmospheric creepy vibe story FOR SURE, but with a "multiple books within a book" vibe that really just lost me along the way. Finally, I thought the ending reveal came out of left field and didn't jibe with the rest of the story.
This would be a good read for those who love a locked room mystery type story with a very slow burn!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Perfect for Halloween! I absolutely loved this creepy, compelling story about a true crime podcast that reopens a murder from a woman’s childhood. The murderer is now appealing his conviction, and to stop him getting out of prison, Mia must go back to the scene of the crime and prove him guilty once and for all.
I loved the bits of horror/ghostly elements mixed in with the thriller. The atmosphere is seductive and sinister, the castle Mia goes to is practically a character itself, and that juxtaposition of glamour and dread is absolutely brilliant. I also loved the pressure the true crime podcast element adds to the story, raising questions about who gets to tell a story, and at what cost.
Please Enjoy Your Stay is a masterclass in suspense storytelling: gripping, immersive, and impossible to predict. Perfect for fans of horror-tinged psychological thrillers that dig into family secrets, unreliable memory, and the darker side of storytelling itself.
A slick, addictive thriller that grips you from the first page, I highly recommend.
I loved the bits of horror/ghostly elements mixed in with the thriller. The atmosphere is seductive and sinister, the castle Mia goes to is practically a character itself, and that juxtaposition of glamour and dread is absolutely brilliant. I also loved the pressure the true crime podcast element adds to the story, raising questions about who gets to tell a story, and at what cost.
Please Enjoy Your Stay is a masterclass in suspense storytelling: gripping, immersive, and impossible to predict. Perfect for fans of horror-tinged psychological thrillers that dig into family secrets, unreliable memory, and the darker side of storytelling itself.
A slick, addictive thriller that grips you from the first page, I highly recommend.
October 7, 2026
I received this book as a ARC from NetGalley. Thank you to all involved.
I rated this book 2.5 stars
Things I liked about this book:
👻 The setting of the hotel
👻The premise
This book fell flat for me. Mia as a character was kind of just …dumb. Every choice she made had me so irritated. “Oh I really can’t afford to loose this nanny job! Instead of waiting till the kid is in bed asleep to go search for clues, let’s take the small child in the mold infested wing of the hotel I’ve explicitly been told to not take her into during the middle of the day!” Repeat that like 5 times. Besides that just nothing happened so it was hard to care about what was going to happen and the characters I never felt like we learned anything but extremely basic information about. I thought there would be more” haunting “ too and there was like a whisper of a ghost in the story that you’re never 100% sure about. I didn’t need the romance sub plot. Also when Tristan kept calling Mia “Little Bear” it annoyed me to no end- why would you nickname a 14 year old little bear? If this book seems interesting for you I’d say despite my rating to go for it because I’m in the minority.
I rated this book 2.5 stars
Things I liked about this book:
👻 The setting of the hotel
👻The premise
This book fell flat for me. Mia as a character was kind of just …dumb. Every choice she made had me so irritated. “Oh I really can’t afford to loose this nanny job! Instead of waiting till the kid is in bed asleep to go search for clues, let’s take the small child in the mold infested wing of the hotel I’ve explicitly been told to not take her into during the middle of the day!” Repeat that like 5 times. Besides that just nothing happened so it was hard to care about what was going to happen and the characters I never felt like we learned anything but extremely basic information about. I thought there would be more” haunting “ too and there was like a whisper of a ghost in the story that you’re never 100% sure about. I didn’t need the romance sub plot. Also when Tristan kept calling Mia “Little Bear” it annoyed me to no end- why would you nickname a 14 year old little bear? If this book seems interesting for you I’d say despite my rating to go for it because I’m in the minority.
October 4, 2026
Haunted castle-turned-hotel in castle featuring a murder podcast and author? Yes, yes, and yes! Having been to Austria only a couple years ago, I was delighted to visualize the setting in Please Enjoy Your Stay. (Although my visit was not as spooky 🤣).
Whilst I did guess the perpetrator pretty early, I still absolutely loved the reveal and all the creepiness of the story. Perfect for the start of October! A definite must read for any thriller lover who likes a bit of spookiness! A big thanks to Tara Goedjen, Atria Books and NetGalley for the ARC!
Whilst I did guess the perpetrator pretty early, I still absolutely loved the reveal and all the creepiness of the story. Perfect for the start of October! A definite must read for any thriller lover who likes a bit of spookiness! A big thanks to Tara Goedjen, Atria Books and NetGalley for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I mean, it's fine. Whatever.
There's a beginning, middle and end. It's a serviceable mystery and the setting is interesting.
But it just reads sooo flat, every plot point void of urgency and tangible emotion. The writing is mid, lacking a unique voice except for the FMC, who was annoying as hell. I was kind of hoping she'd fall off a cliff so I could be spared from her constant, "Tristan? Tristan? Tristan?"
Like, girl, he's dead and this is not a ghost story, apparently.
At a certain point, I was just reading it to finish it, not because I was really enjoying it, and when it was over I was like...
Doubt I'll remember this one by the end of the year.
⭐⭐½
Let's Be Bookstagram Friends!
There's a beginning, middle and end. It's a serviceable mystery and the setting is interesting.
But it just reads sooo flat, every plot point void of urgency and tangible emotion. The writing is mid, lacking a unique voice except for the FMC, who was annoying as hell. I was kind of hoping she'd fall off a cliff so I could be spared from her constant, "Tristan? Tristan? Tristan?"
Like, girl, he's dead and this is not a ghost story, apparently.
At a certain point, I was just reading it to finish it, not because I was really enjoying it, and when it was over I was like...
Doubt I'll remember this one by the end of the year.
⭐⭐½
Let's Be Bookstagram Friends!
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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
First off, can we just take a minute to admire this beautiful cover? It is so creepy and atmospheric that it made me want to read it as soon as I saw it! So, let’s talk about the atmosphere inside this book. Dark, eerie, creepy, and claustrophobic are some words that come to mind when I think about describing it. The setting itself is so strong that it actually becomes one of the characters. As far as the human characters go, I didn’t particularly love any of them, and I think the author meant it to be that way. But, I absolutely did love the precocious little six-year-old Evie. At times, she stole the show for me!
The build up is a slow burn and quite frankly, I didn’t mind that at all. I enjoyed getting all the little bread crumbs that were sprinkled along the winding path to the reveal. I really loved the alternating chapters from Iris‘s past to Mia’s present. I also enjoyed the podcast chapters with the “X” character being kept secret. One thing I would’ve loved to have had in the story is Tristan’s point of view. For me, it would’ve added even more intrigue.
I did guess one of the twists, but frankly it didn’t take away anything from the big reveal for me. There were just a couple things that I feel could’ve been wrapped up a bit tighter in the end. At about 75% in, it was a race to the finish. There was no way I could stop turning the pages until I reached the last page! My mind was blown at some of the twists the ending revealed🤯
If you enjoy a suspenseful mystery with family secrets, unreliable memories and mind-blowing twists you should definitely add Please Enjoy Your Stay to the top of your TBR!
✨Many thanks to Tara Goedjen and Atria Books via NetGalley for the advance copy.
The build up is a slow burn and quite frankly, I didn’t mind that at all. I enjoyed getting all the little bread crumbs that were sprinkled along the winding path to the reveal. I really loved the alternating chapters from Iris‘s past to Mia’s present. I also enjoyed the podcast chapters with the “X” character being kept secret. One thing I would’ve loved to have had in the story is Tristan’s point of view. For me, it would’ve added even more intrigue.
I did guess one of the twists, but frankly it didn’t take away anything from the big reveal for me. There were just a couple things that I feel could’ve been wrapped up a bit tighter in the end. At about 75% in, it was a race to the finish. There was no way I could stop turning the pages until I reached the last page! My mind was blown at some of the twists the ending revealed🤯
If you enjoy a suspenseful mystery with family secrets, unreliable memories and mind-blowing twists you should definitely add Please Enjoy Your Stay to the top of your TBR!
✨Many thanks to Tara Goedjen and Atria Books via NetGalley for the advance 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 her 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 her 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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Please Enjoy Your Stay had me hooked from the beginning! The dark gothic vibes and the remote mountain village blended together so well. I enjoyed how the history of the hotel brought a supernatural component to the plot. It had me invested and questioning everything.
I don't typically have strong feelings one way or the other about incorporating podcasts into thrillers. This book used this element quite well. It worked both for plot development and as motivation for Mia's decisions. And speaking of Mia! She is obviously distracted by hunting for clues about her cousin's death. Investigating while also being in charge of a child (who has nightmares and might see ghosts?) makes for some interesting times. I loved watching her be a nanny (not a very good one) while slowly devolving mentally. Mia actually feels true to the morally gray archetype!
This book won't answer every detail it gives you, but that wasn't a problem for me as it seems to be for others. This is a slow burn mystery thriller, yet I hard time putting it down! A huge thanks to the author and publisher an early reader's copy. Though this book was gifted my review is entirely my own.
I don't typically have strong feelings one way or the other about incorporating podcasts into thrillers. This book used this element quite well. It worked both for plot development and as motivation for Mia's decisions. And speaking of Mia! She is obviously distracted by hunting for clues about her cousin's death. Investigating while also being in charge of a child (who has nightmares and might see ghosts?) makes for some interesting times. I loved watching her be a nanny (not a very good one) while slowly devolving mentally. Mia actually feels true to the morally gray archetype!
This book won't answer every detail it gives you, but that wasn't a problem for me as it seems to be for others. This is a slow burn mystery thriller, yet I hard time putting it down! A huge thanks to the author and publisher an early reader's copy. Though this book was gifted my review is entirely my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A violent murder from the past, a writer losing her edge after the loss of her own son to violence, a true crime podcast bringing both cases back to the spotlight, and a woman haunted by both cases (and possibly by the hotel where the murders occurred) set on uncovering the truth at last. Twisty with a little spookiness, this book kept me guessing and turning the pages!
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Want to Read
July 12, 2026thanks to Netgalley and Atria/Emily Bestler Books for access to this title
August 16, 2026
Thank you netgalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
The synopsis of this book makes you think you are going to get creepy vibes. It was ok the pacing is very slow to the point i just wanted to know who did it. Also iris' journal entries didn't seem necessary in my opinion they didn't give much value to the book. Overall it was an ok book but not as suspenseful as it portrays
The synopsis of this book makes you think you are going to get creepy vibes. It was ok the pacing is very slow to the point i just wanted to know who did it. Also iris' journal entries didn't seem necessary in my opinion they didn't give much value to the book. Overall it was an ok book but not as suspenseful as it portrays
Want to Read
March 12, 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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
2.5 stars rounded down
I've been on a bit of a mystery/thriller kick lately and honestly, I fear this book is my sign to stop. The premise sounded super good! It had all the hallmarks of something I thought I would like: a spooky castle that's been turned into a spooky hotel, a true crime podcast (with hopefully commentary on profiting off the victims of such crimes), and a mystery involving muuuuurrrrdeeerrrr.
I mean, this book did contain those things (minus the true crime podcast commentary, that was just wishful thinking on my end) so I think I can say the premise was as promised. As with most books I've been reading these days, I just struggled with the characters.
My two biggest ops in this book were the main character, Mia, and her auntie, Iris. The nicest thing I can say about them is you can actually tell they're from the same family because they definitely act related. I didn't care for how either acted for various reasons. Iris tended to act erratic and said things that didn't make sense. I wish I could tell you the thing I had the biggest issue with but it's kind of a spoiler and also it's never really explained in a way that made sense to me but it was truly bizarre. Mia acted similarly, but worse because she was putting the child she was supposed to be looking after (oh yeah, she got a nanny job so she could go back to the hotel & investigate her cousin's death) in danger to try to get answers about her cousin's murder. Also, sorry, this is stupid but at one point the true crime podcast calls her eyewitness testimony into question because Mia was 13 at the time of her cousin's murder, basically saying how can the testimony of a child be trusted. And Mia goes "I wasn't a child, I was 13!!" Girl, don't do that, don't say stuff like that. First, because it makes you look and sound stupid. Second, because no matter how unintentionally, I feel like it perpetuates harmful language we're seeing right now about children being called "young women" to excuse the things that happen to them. Like, Mia, you were a child, it's okay to say that? Stop being weird?
And, of course, there's a weird romance B plot jammed into the story, for some reason. Normally, it's not even something I would mention, if you follow me you know I'm not a romance person. And I acknowledge most thrillers/mysteries tend to try to add on a romantic element. It's not for me but it's for some people to I try not to comment unless I see something truly weird and y'all, this was weird. So Mia, her aunt, and her cousin were at the castle/hotel her cousin died at while Mia's aunt wrote her latest book and young Mia had a crush on the groundskeeper Matteo. Fine, okay, I'm sure we've all had random, weird crushes as children. It's not clear to me what their age difference was but anyways Mia comes back to the hotel castle, Matteo still works there and apparently somewhere between having three conversations with each other, Mia putting a six year old's life in danger, AND investigating her cousin's murder, they fall in love? Idk, beats me, but live your truth Mia, I guess.
It wasn't for me, but in reading the reviews my rating is in the minority so if you think this book sounds good and that you might love it, I encourage you to read it!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance DRC and submit a review, all opinions are my own.
I've been on a bit of a mystery/thriller kick lately and honestly, I fear this book is my sign to stop. The premise sounded super good! It had all the hallmarks of something I thought I would like: a spooky castle that's been turned into a spooky hotel, a true crime podcast (with hopefully commentary on profiting off the victims of such crimes), and a mystery involving muuuuurrrrdeeerrrr.
I mean, this book did contain those things (minus the true crime podcast commentary, that was just wishful thinking on my end) so I think I can say the premise was as promised. As with most books I've been reading these days, I just struggled with the characters.
My two biggest ops in this book were the main character, Mia, and her auntie, Iris. The nicest thing I can say about them is you can actually tell they're from the same family because they definitely act related. I didn't care for how either acted for various reasons. Iris tended to act erratic and said things that didn't make sense. I wish I could tell you the thing I had the biggest issue with but it's kind of a spoiler and also it's never really explained in a way that made sense to me but it was truly bizarre. Mia acted similarly, but worse because she was putting the child she was supposed to be looking after (oh yeah, she got a nanny job so she could go back to the hotel & investigate her cousin's death) in danger to try to get answers about her cousin's murder. Also, sorry, this is stupid but at one point the true crime podcast calls her eyewitness testimony into question because Mia was 13 at the time of her cousin's murder, basically saying how can the testimony of a child be trusted. And Mia goes "I wasn't a child, I was 13!!" Girl, don't do that, don't say stuff like that. First, because it makes you look and sound stupid. Second, because no matter how unintentionally, I feel like it perpetuates harmful language we're seeing right now about children being called "young women" to excuse the things that happen to them. Like, Mia, you were a child, it's okay to say that? Stop being weird?
And, of course, there's a weird romance B plot jammed into the story, for some reason. Normally, it's not even something I would mention, if you follow me you know I'm not a romance person. And I acknowledge most thrillers/mysteries tend to try to add on a romantic element. It's not for me but it's for some people to I try not to comment unless I see something truly weird and y'all, this was weird. So Mia, her aunt, and her cousin were at the castle/hotel her cousin died at while Mia's aunt wrote her latest book and young Mia had a crush on the groundskeeper Matteo. Fine, okay, I'm sure we've all had random, weird crushes as children. It's not clear to me what their age difference was but anyways Mia comes back to the hotel castle, Matteo still works there and apparently somewhere between having three conversations with each other, Mia putting a six year old's life in danger, AND investigating her cousin's murder, they fall in love? Idk, beats me, but live your truth Mia, I guess.
It wasn't for me, but in reading the reviews my rating is in the minority so if you think this book sounds good and that you might love it, I encourage you to read it!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance DRC and submit a review, all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
* thanks to Atria/Emily Bestler Books for the NetGalley review copy (pub date: October 13, 2026)
Mia's beloved cousin was murdered while they were staying at a remote castle with her aunt (the cousin's mom), a famous true-crime writer researching an old murder. Years later, a podcast starts investigating the story, forcing Mia to return to the castle (now a soon-to-open wellness retreat) to learn the truth about what happened to her cousin.
Loved the setting and premise, but the pace was glacial, and the MC was not my favorite. She was seriously the worst nanny ever and was an epic ditherer.
"Don't go in there."
"We immediately went in there, and the kid got scared."
"Don't do it again."
"OMG I'm so sorry! We won't do it again."
Fast-forward five minutes and repeat. And repeat. And repeat.
I gave up around 60% and skipped to the end to find out what happened, which felt like the right choice time-wise because I'd had enough. This had some vibes similar to The Sanatorium (Pearse), so fans of that would likely enjoy this as well.
Mia's beloved cousin was murdered while they were staying at a remote castle with her aunt (the cousin's mom), a famous true-crime writer researching an old murder. Years later, a podcast starts investigating the story, forcing Mia to return to the castle (now a soon-to-open wellness retreat) to learn the truth about what happened to her cousin.
Loved the setting and premise, but the pace was glacial, and the MC was not my favorite. She was seriously the worst nanny ever and was an epic ditherer.
"Don't go in there."
"We immediately went in there, and the kid got scared."
"Don't do it again."
"OMG I'm so sorry! We won't do it again."
Fast-forward five minutes and repeat. And repeat. And repeat.
I gave up around 60% and skipped to the end to find out what happened, which felt like the right choice time-wise because I'd had enough. This had some vibes similar to The Sanatorium (Pearse), so fans of that would likely enjoy this as well.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This wickedly addictive page-turner is drenched in gothic gloom and dark, delicious dread, akin to binge-watching true crime at 2 AM, then needing to sleep with the lights on.
We are introduced to Mia, her aunt Iris, and her cousin Tristan, shaped by the events surrounding her cousin’s tragic death. As the only witness to the murder, Mia testifies against the killer, ensuring his conviction but simultaneously straining family dynamics, especially her aunt's reputation as a controversial true crime novelist. A decade later, when the murderer files an appeal, a podcast begins to unravel hidden family secrets. To protect her aunt and seek the truth, Mia takes a nanny position for Evie at a castle hotel in Austria. However, when mysterious disappearances occur and fresh evidence surfaces, Mia starts questioning whether she condemned the wrong man, putting her own life at risk.
This slow-burn mystery introduces a cast of characters, some endearing, others deeply unsettling, each playing a vital role in weaving the story's eerie atmosphere. Mia’s childhood was marred by loss, not only of her mother but also of her cousin Tristan, which dramatically altered her relationship with her aunt. As the narrative unfolds, we delve into Mia's troubled past, only to find that her mind is clouded with distractions, putting her nanny job in jeopardy. Upon arriving at the castle, bizarre happenings ensue, ramping up the suspense, especially as little Evie claims to see people only she can perceive! It’s spine-tingling!
The author masterfully transports us into this atmospheric, secluded realm in Austria, rich with ghostly vibes and a haunting past. You can almost feel the shadows concealing deep, dark secrets. I’ll admit that upon starting, I jotted down my character sketches and had a gut feeling about the perpetrator. I guessed right! It was thrilling; you can't help but love the challenge of guessing whodunit!
Filled with sinister characters, eerie settings, haunted castles, and mysteries older than your grandmother's grudges, this bone-chilling read is custom-made for those who believe cozy mysteries are for the faint-hearted. Fair warning: grab this during the spooky season before it disappears faster than your composure in a haunted house. Maybe consider investing in a nightlight or two, because this greed-fueled thriller will have you sleeping like a paranoid squirrel. Your sanity just called; it’s taking a vacation! Ha!
Thank you, Atria and NetGalley, for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
We are introduced to Mia, her aunt Iris, and her cousin Tristan, shaped by the events surrounding her cousin’s tragic death. As the only witness to the murder, Mia testifies against the killer, ensuring his conviction but simultaneously straining family dynamics, especially her aunt's reputation as a controversial true crime novelist. A decade later, when the murderer files an appeal, a podcast begins to unravel hidden family secrets. To protect her aunt and seek the truth, Mia takes a nanny position for Evie at a castle hotel in Austria. However, when mysterious disappearances occur and fresh evidence surfaces, Mia starts questioning whether she condemned the wrong man, putting her own life at risk.
This slow-burn mystery introduces a cast of characters, some endearing, others deeply unsettling, each playing a vital role in weaving the story's eerie atmosphere. Mia’s childhood was marred by loss, not only of her mother but also of her cousin Tristan, which dramatically altered her relationship with her aunt. As the narrative unfolds, we delve into Mia's troubled past, only to find that her mind is clouded with distractions, putting her nanny job in jeopardy. Upon arriving at the castle, bizarre happenings ensue, ramping up the suspense, especially as little Evie claims to see people only she can perceive! It’s spine-tingling!
The author masterfully transports us into this atmospheric, secluded realm in Austria, rich with ghostly vibes and a haunting past. You can almost feel the shadows concealing deep, dark secrets. I’ll admit that upon starting, I jotted down my character sketches and had a gut feeling about the perpetrator. I guessed right! It was thrilling; you can't help but love the challenge of guessing whodunit!
Filled with sinister characters, eerie settings, haunted castles, and mysteries older than your grandmother's grudges, this bone-chilling read is custom-made for those who believe cozy mysteries are for the faint-hearted. Fair warning: grab this during the spooky season before it disappears faster than your composure in a haunted house. Maybe consider investing in a nightlight or two, because this greed-fueled thriller will have you sleeping like a paranoid squirrel. Your sanity just called; it’s taking a vacation! Ha!
Thank you, Atria and NetGalley, for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 9, 2026
🏰 W I C K E D W E D N E S D A Y review 🏰 featuring “Please Enjoy Your Stay” by Tara Goedjen!
Back in 1969, philanthropist Gitta Aiglar and her husband were found murdered in her family’s estate in Austria. Her five year old son Augustin had stayed hidden from the killer and survived the brutal attack. The case was never solved, the killer was never found and the castle became known to be forever haunted.
In 2015, the castle was converted into an alpine hotel and a famous true crime writer named Iris Delaney checked in with a mission to write about the unsolved murder. She brought along her teenaged son Tristan and niece Mia, not knowing that this trip to Austria would destroy their lives forever. Tristan was found dead on the hotel grounds and Mia witnessed the altercation between Tristan and the hotel owner Augustin Aiglar. As the only eye witness, Mia’s testimony sent Augustin to prison …
Now the killer is appealing their conviction after 10 years and a popular true crime podcast is reinvestigating the case. Back then Mia was pegged as a controversial eyewitness and many people thought the trial was skewed due to Iris’ celebrity status and that Augustin was wrongfully incarcerated.
In order to protect her Aunt and clear up the truth once and for all, Mia takes on a job as a nanny at the castle. She plans on investigating and figuring out whether the wrong man was convicted! Did she get it wrong? Or is the real killer still out there?
💭 My Oh My, this book took me by surprise in the best way! The locked room haunted castle, profound sense of dread and dark gothic vibes really added to the overall creepiness. Mia returns to the scene of the crime that destroyed her life and has haunted her for over a decade. She is desperate to find out the truth without the influence of grief, guilt, obsession or a push from the true crime podcaster.
Thank you kindly to @taragoedjen @atriabooks @simonschusterca @netgalley for my advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review. This book releases on October 13, 2026!
Back in 1969, philanthropist Gitta Aiglar and her husband were found murdered in her family’s estate in Austria. Her five year old son Augustin had stayed hidden from the killer and survived the brutal attack. The case was never solved, the killer was never found and the castle became known to be forever haunted.
In 2015, the castle was converted into an alpine hotel and a famous true crime writer named Iris Delaney checked in with a mission to write about the unsolved murder. She brought along her teenaged son Tristan and niece Mia, not knowing that this trip to Austria would destroy their lives forever. Tristan was found dead on the hotel grounds and Mia witnessed the altercation between Tristan and the hotel owner Augustin Aiglar. As the only eye witness, Mia’s testimony sent Augustin to prison …
Now the killer is appealing their conviction after 10 years and a popular true crime podcast is reinvestigating the case. Back then Mia was pegged as a controversial eyewitness and many people thought the trial was skewed due to Iris’ celebrity status and that Augustin was wrongfully incarcerated.
In order to protect her Aunt and clear up the truth once and for all, Mia takes on a job as a nanny at the castle. She plans on investigating and figuring out whether the wrong man was convicted! Did she get it wrong? Or is the real killer still out there?
💭 My Oh My, this book took me by surprise in the best way! The locked room haunted castle, profound sense of dread and dark gothic vibes really added to the overall creepiness. Mia returns to the scene of the crime that destroyed her life and has haunted her for over a decade. She is desperate to find out the truth without the influence of grief, guilt, obsession or a push from the true crime podcaster.
Thank you kindly to @taragoedjen @atriabooks @simonschusterca @netgalley for my advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review. This book releases on October 13, 2026!
October 3, 2026
When Mia’s mom dies in 2010, she is sent to live with her aunt Iris, a famous author who writes true crime books. Barely having time to process her loss and new reality, Mia’s aunt whisks her off to a castle in Austria, the setting of her next project. While researching the double murder that occurred there during the 1960s, history seems to repeat itself when Iris’ teen son, Tristan, is murdered, and Mia is the only witness. Her testimony sends a man to jail who is related to the people she is researching. The tragedy tears them apart which leaves Mia forever burdened with the deaths of her mom and cousin, and the knowledge she doesn’t quite remember what happened that night. It is now fifteen years later, and the incarcerated man is claiming he is innocent. Aunt Iris convinces Mia to join her in Austria so they can work together to find more evidence to keep him in jail. Fortuitously, Mia gets a job as a nanny for the woman who is renovating the castle into a luxury hotel. Now Mia can search for clues that might prove that the right person was incarcerated. Will our Mia be safe? Can she trust anyone? And which attractive guy should she canoodle with?
I liked the premise of an isolated location with a mysterious and deadly history. What I didn’t like was the use of coincidences and overuse of the Gothic tropes. The writing seemed to be aimed for a younger audience which is fine if I was reading young adult fiction. I see many people have rated this book much higher than I have, so it might be worth reading what they saw in the book that I didn’t.
I would like to thank Atria/Emily Bessler Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
I liked the premise of an isolated location with a mysterious and deadly history. What I didn’t like was the use of coincidences and overuse of the Gothic tropes. The writing seemed to be aimed for a younger audience which is fine if I was reading young adult fiction. I see many people have rated this book much higher than I have, so it might be worth reading what they saw in the book that I didn’t.
I would like to thank Atria/Emily Bessler Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was solid, but I wish there had been a little more depth. The atmosphere, the multiple layered mystery, and the pacing all kept me really engaged in the book. I did predict the twist pretty early on, but I was still into the story. I enjoyed the diary inserts as well. I wanted a little more involvement from the other characters, and maybe more build up as a few things fell into place a little too quickly. I felt this was lacking a bit more depth and suspense that would have helped the book go from being good to great, but overall this is a solid mystery.
Thank you to Atria and NetGalley for the ARC.
Thank you to Atria and NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Mia's cousin was murdered during their stay at an infamous castle turned glamorous hotel. Mia was the only witness and helped put the killer behind bars. A decade later the murder is appealing his conviction. Old rumors about her aunt and the reliability of Mia's testimony have resurfaced. A popular true crime podcast is covering the case. To protect her aunt and make it clear what happened once and for all Mia takes a job as a nanny at the same castle that is now being renovated by the new owner. She hopes to find clear and conclusive evidence. But it's clear something is going on when a local man disappears and Mia can't be sure of anything.
I enjoyed this book a lot. The hotel feels creepy and you can feel the ruin and decay of the old, decrepit parts that have yet to be renovated. That part alone is terrifying. Add in shadows moving in the dark and the reader can't be sure if anything lurks there. There is an old cold case Mia's aunt had been writing about ten years ago that adds to the eeriness and mystery.
Then there is the suspense and tension that comes with Mia investigating. As she wanders around I kept worrying, along with Mia, that she would be caught. She is a terrible nanny too. The child's mother has clear rules that Mia is constantly in danger of breaking which also ends up putting the child in danger. This might not be believable to some readers but I enjoyed these parts because they truly added to the tension. Plus she isn't qualified as a nanny and how careless/desperate she was is not unrealistic to me. Mia's desperation for answers and love for her cousin is clear. The grief she and her aunt both feel is palpable and is what drives the story.
Secrets are revealed and the ending is satisfying. There are some loose ends and a couple questions left unanswered. I really enjoyed the story though so it didn't bother me too much.
Thank you to Atria books for the eARC! All opinions are my own.
I enjoyed this book a lot. The hotel feels creepy and you can feel the ruin and decay of the old, decrepit parts that have yet to be renovated. That part alone is terrifying. Add in shadows moving in the dark and the reader can't be sure if anything lurks there. There is an old cold case Mia's aunt had been writing about ten years ago that adds to the eeriness and mystery.
Then there is the suspense and tension that comes with Mia investigating. As she wanders around I kept worrying, along with Mia, that she would be caught. She is a terrible nanny too. The child's mother has clear rules that Mia is constantly in danger of breaking which also ends up putting the child in danger. This might not be believable to some readers but I enjoyed these parts because they truly added to the tension. Plus she isn't qualified as a nanny and how careless/desperate she was is not unrealistic to me. Mia's desperation for answers and love for her cousin is clear. The grief she and her aunt both feel is palpable and is what drives the story.
Secrets are revealed and the ending is satisfying. There are some loose ends and a couple questions left unanswered. I really enjoyed the story though so it didn't bother me too much.
Thank you to Atria books for the eARC! All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGally and Atria/Emily Bestler Books for the advance copy of this title.
I really wasn’t sure what I was getting into when I started Please Enjoy Your Stay. The last mystery ARC I read didn’t quite work for me, and honestly, it’s been a while since I’ve read a mystery that kept the excitement going from beginning to end. Thankfully, this one delivered.
Instead of opening with the crime and then simply backtracking, the story introduces the characters as adults while gradually moving through the past and revealing what happened. I really enjoyed the way the story ebbed and flowed between timelines because it allowed the tension to build naturally while giving you just enough information to think, Okay, I’ve figured this out—only to realize you probably haven’t.
Mia is an endearing character despite being a little rough around the edges, which makes complete sense considering everything she’s been through. After being placed with her aunt and cousin, she finally becomes part of a family. So when her cousin dies, and Mia witnesses what happened (or thinks she does), her testimony helps send a man to prison. Years later, when a true-crime podcast begins digging deeper into the case, Mia is already one step ahead, taking a job as a nanny abroad so she can return to the place where her cousin spent his final days and uncover some answers of her own.
The setting, atmosphere, characters, and steadily building tension all worked really well for me. Please Enjoy Your Stay kept me engaged and guessing, with enough twists and surprises to make this a highly rated read. If you’re looking for something for fall or Halloween that feels slightly paranormal-esque without being particularly bloody or gory, this is a good old-fashioned mystery with plenty of thrills along the way.
Great story. I’m giving it 4.7 ✨✨✨✨ stars.
I really wasn’t sure what I was getting into when I started Please Enjoy Your Stay. The last mystery ARC I read didn’t quite work for me, and honestly, it’s been a while since I’ve read a mystery that kept the excitement going from beginning to end. Thankfully, this one delivered.
Instead of opening with the crime and then simply backtracking, the story introduces the characters as adults while gradually moving through the past and revealing what happened. I really enjoyed the way the story ebbed and flowed between timelines because it allowed the tension to build naturally while giving you just enough information to think, Okay, I’ve figured this out—only to realize you probably haven’t.
Mia is an endearing character despite being a little rough around the edges, which makes complete sense considering everything she’s been through. After being placed with her aunt and cousin, she finally becomes part of a family. So when her cousin dies, and Mia witnesses what happened (or thinks she does), her testimony helps send a man to prison. Years later, when a true-crime podcast begins digging deeper into the case, Mia is already one step ahead, taking a job as a nanny abroad so she can return to the place where her cousin spent his final days and uncover some answers of her own.
The setting, atmosphere, characters, and steadily building tension all worked really well for me. Please Enjoy Your Stay kept me engaged and guessing, with enough twists and surprises to make this a highly rated read. If you’re looking for something for fall or Halloween that feels slightly paranormal-esque without being particularly bloody or gory, this is a good old-fashioned mystery with plenty of thrills along the way.
Great story. I’m giving it 4.7 ✨✨✨✨ stars.
August 30, 2026
i definitely did like the plot of this book!! i liked all of the history that was tied into it, and certain parts definitely had me on the edge of my seat!
with that being said it felt like pieces came together a little too easily sometimes, and there were certain things i did guess. the main character also bothered me at times but oh whale. i also wish we could’ve gotten a bit more into all of the side characters, it kinda felt like we were just told who they were, not shown, and certain things definitely felt unfinished by the end of the book. the ending was alright but not as thrilling as i expected, and the supernatural parts of the book just seemed vert halfway done and never ended up connecting back to the story.
that being said i did like the story itself, and it was a solid thriller!
thank you to netgalley and atria for the arc!!
with that being said it felt like pieces came together a little too easily sometimes, and there were certain things i did guess. the main character also bothered me at times but oh whale. i also wish we could’ve gotten a bit more into all of the side characters, it kinda felt like we were just told who they were, not shown, and certain things definitely felt unfinished by the end of the book. the ending was alright but not as thrilling as i expected, and the supernatural parts of the book just seemed vert halfway done and never ended up connecting back to the story.
that being said i did like the story itself, and it was a solid thriller!
thank you to netgalley and atria for the arc!!
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