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Room 21
A BRAND-NEW darkly addictive psychological thriller with the most shocking twists you’ll listen to this year, from a bestselling author.
They say blood is thicker than water. I say blood is just harder to wash off your hands.
My name’s Kimberley. I’m twenty-five. I have epilepsy, a seizure alert dog named Muffin, and a job I love as a senior housekeeper in one of London’s top hotels. I’m used to being invisible. Overlooked. Safe.
But that was before Jennifer Clifton checked in. She’s rich, powerful, terrifyingly calm — and she asks for me by name.
She offers me my dream job, working in her exclusive hotel in the Scottish Highlands. It’s more money than I ever imagined.
There’s just one Don’t open the door to Room 21.
How hard can that be?
But something is wrong in this hotel. The guests give me the creeps. The staff whisper behind closed doors. And that room — the one I promised not to enter — calls to me.
I took this job for a better life. Now I’m trapped in a nightmare.
This book contains dark and disturbing themes.
This addictive thriller packed with chilling secrets is perfect for fans of Daniel Hurst, Freida McFadden, Mark Edwards, John Marrs and Jane E. James.
They say blood is thicker than water. I say blood is just harder to wash off your hands.
My name’s Kimberley. I’m twenty-five. I have epilepsy, a seizure alert dog named Muffin, and a job I love as a senior housekeeper in one of London’s top hotels. I’m used to being invisible. Overlooked. Safe.
But that was before Jennifer Clifton checked in. She’s rich, powerful, terrifyingly calm — and she asks for me by name.
She offers me my dream job, working in her exclusive hotel in the Scottish Highlands. It’s more money than I ever imagined.
There’s just one Don’t open the door to Room 21.
How hard can that be?
But something is wrong in this hotel. The guests give me the creeps. The staff whisper behind closed doors. And that room — the one I promised not to enter — calls to me.
I took this job for a better life. Now I’m trapped in a nightmare.
This book contains dark and disturbing themes.
This addictive thriller packed with chilling secrets is perfect for fans of Daniel Hurst, Freida McFadden, Mark Edwards, John Marrs and Jane E. James.
Audible Audio
First published May 21, 2025
About the author
Jessica Huntley
27 books640 followersJessica Huntley is an award-winning and best-selling psychological thriller author. She's an ex-British soldier and Personal Trainer and has been writing almost non-stop for the past four years.
She is both self-published and traditionally published with Inkubator Books and Joffe Books.
She writes books for thriller readers who like their stories dark and twisty with complex, yet memorable characters, who often suffer from relatable mental health disorders.
When she isn't writing, Jessica is either keeping fit, walking her dog or looking after her young son.
Sign up to her email list to receive news about her upcoming book releases, get a first look at covers and some thriller recommendations. Visit her website where you'll also be able to download a short story called "You Die ... I Die".
She is both self-published and traditionally published with Inkubator Books and Joffe Books.
She writes books for thriller readers who like their stories dark and twisty with complex, yet memorable characters, who often suffer from relatable mental health disorders.
When she isn't writing, Jessica is either keeping fit, walking her dog or looking after her young son.
Sign up to her email list to receive news about her upcoming book releases, get a first look at covers and some thriller recommendations. Visit her website where you'll also be able to download a short story called "You Die ... I Die".
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April 16, 2025My 18th book! What!? Seriously though, I'm not sure what was going on while I was writing this but the twists and turns and characters had minds of their own. I swear I was just holding on for dear life while the words poured out of my brain.
I kept up as best as I could and then gave it all to my publishers to make sense of! 🤣🤣
This is one hell of a ride. Kimberley is one of my favourite characters ever. And I think Muffin will also have many loyal reader fans...
The epilepsy side of things was difficult to write about which is why I'm so grateful to a friend of mine who helped me get the details right. She has epilepsy herself too.
As for the twisted and sick story? Well...if you're a loyal reader of mine, you should be used to it by now. And if you're a new reader then ... I'm sorry .... but welcome to the mind of Jessica Huntley 🤣
Enjoy! Xx
I kept up as best as I could and then gave it all to my publishers to make sense of! 🤣🤣
This is one hell of a ride. Kimberley is one of my favourite characters ever. And I think Muffin will also have many loyal reader fans...
The epilepsy side of things was difficult to write about which is why I'm so grateful to a friend of mine who helped me get the details right. She has epilepsy herself too.
As for the twisted and sick story? Well...if you're a loyal reader of mine, you should be used to it by now. And if you're a new reader then ... I'm sorry .... but welcome to the mind of Jessica Huntley 🤣
Enjoy! Xx
August 28, 2025
Guessed the plot twist. Wasn’t anything exciting to me.
March 23, 2026
Room 21 is a mix of White Lotus and Ready or Not. It's dark, haunting, horrifying, and scandalous. The narration is masterfully executed adding intensity and suspense. I was instantly drawn into this disturbing, tragic world of unimaginable atrocities. This was a shocking, and at times terrifying ride. Thank you Booksprout for my audiobook.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 25, 2025
It's rare that I get to the end of a book and think, "I wish I hadn't bothered finishing that." These days, if a book isn't working for me, I set it aside and read something else.
So why did I finish 'Room 21'? I blame it on my curiosity and my misguided belief that it would all be worth it in the end.
I almost set the book aside at the end of the first chapter because the writing was so bland and so full of clichés. It didn't help that the book started with the kind of prologue I hate. The sort that's a preview of what will happen towards the end of the book, that's inserted as a promise to the reader that things will get exciting and bloody later on. The first chapter then gave a first-person account, introducing our heroine, Kimberly. The way she expressed herself was tediously predictable. I knew I couldn't spend the entire book inside her head, listening to her trite commentary,
Fortunately, each of the two next chapters was told from the point of view of different women: Jennifer, the rich woman with a secret agenda; and Emily, whose account is on an earlier timeline and who, it is strongly inferred, is Kimberley's mother. The puzzle and the variety they presented encouraged me to keep going
Then the plot got its hooks into me. I wanted to know what happened in Room 21 and how it linked Kimberly, Jennifer and Emily.
Yes, I noticed that the writing didn't get any better and that the three women all sounded the same but I ignored all that in order to find out what was going on.
The plot became less and less plausible with every page, but somehow that didn't reduce my curiosity about where the book was going. By the seventy per cent mark, the plot twists were coming thick and fast. Each one is less likely than the last, and yet they kept me turning the pages to find out how it would all end.
I finally tired of being dragged along by my overstimulated curiosity when I was presented with a plot twist centred around who Jennifer really was. It was too much for me to swallow. It made me feel I was being played with, or perhaps invited to play. Except the game was all about violence, rape, murder and revenge and I wasn't having fun with it.
I spent the last fifteen per cent of the book in one of those Macbeth moments,
"I am in blood
Stepp’d in so far that, should I wade no more,
Returning were as tedious as go o’er."
So I finished it.
And yes, there were plot twists all the way through to the final page.
By which time, I had long ceased caring.
So why did I finish 'Room 21'? I blame it on my curiosity and my misguided belief that it would all be worth it in the end.
I almost set the book aside at the end of the first chapter because the writing was so bland and so full of clichés. It didn't help that the book started with the kind of prologue I hate. The sort that's a preview of what will happen towards the end of the book, that's inserted as a promise to the reader that things will get exciting and bloody later on. The first chapter then gave a first-person account, introducing our heroine, Kimberly. The way she expressed herself was tediously predictable. I knew I couldn't spend the entire book inside her head, listening to her trite commentary,
Fortunately, each of the two next chapters was told from the point of view of different women: Jennifer, the rich woman with a secret agenda; and Emily, whose account is on an earlier timeline and who, it is strongly inferred, is Kimberley's mother. The puzzle and the variety they presented encouraged me to keep going
Then the plot got its hooks into me. I wanted to know what happened in Room 21 and how it linked Kimberly, Jennifer and Emily.
Yes, I noticed that the writing didn't get any better and that the three women all sounded the same but I ignored all that in order to find out what was going on.
The plot became less and less plausible with every page, but somehow that didn't reduce my curiosity about where the book was going. By the seventy per cent mark, the plot twists were coming thick and fast. Each one is less likely than the last, and yet they kept me turning the pages to find out how it would all end.
I finally tired of being dragged along by my overstimulated curiosity when I was presented with a plot twist centred around who Jennifer really was. It was too much for me to swallow. It made me feel I was being played with, or perhaps invited to play. Except the game was all about violence, rape, murder and revenge and I wasn't having fun with it.
I spent the last fifteen per cent of the book in one of those Macbeth moments,
"I am in blood
Stepp’d in so far that, should I wade no more,
Returning were as tedious as go o’er."
So I finished it.
And yes, there were plot twists all the way through to the final page.
By which time, I had long ceased caring.
July 19, 2025
I’ve started to think that maybe I’ll have to change the subject of my readings because they’re becoming so obvious, boring, and IDENTICAL. The way the stories all have a common denominator is called SOAP-OPERA-THRILLER and isn’t a delight to read. Instead, it’s a fucking waste of time, my dears.
"Room 21" by Jessica Huntley is a psychological thriller about Kimberley, a housekeeper with epilepsy who gets offered a dream job at a hotel in the Scottish Highlands, but with a catch: she must not enter Room 21. Kimberley discovers that the hotel is full of unsettling guests and staff, and that Room 21 holds a dark secret she's compelled to uncover, despite the dangers.”
The first quarter of the book kept me in a frenetic trance of reading. The pace is intense and very fast and you can’t put the book down. But when the truth begins to come out, the way it does is almost childish and without any sense of emotion. The real plot is a masterpiece of a sadistic joke: Serial killers delighted by a blood fountain and drinking from it? What the heck is that? Are you serious? This kind of stuff isn’t gory at all and you know what? It turns out to be a bad decision to have started reading it. But as I said, the speed at which the book moves allows you to at least abstract yourself from the world for a couple of hours, and that is very valuable these days
"Room 21" by Jessica Huntley is a psychological thriller about Kimberley, a housekeeper with epilepsy who gets offered a dream job at a hotel in the Scottish Highlands, but with a catch: she must not enter Room 21. Kimberley discovers that the hotel is full of unsettling guests and staff, and that Room 21 holds a dark secret she's compelled to uncover, despite the dangers.”
The first quarter of the book kept me in a frenetic trance of reading. The pace is intense and very fast and you can’t put the book down. But when the truth begins to come out, the way it does is almost childish and without any sense of emotion. The real plot is a masterpiece of a sadistic joke: Serial killers delighted by a blood fountain and drinking from it? What the heck is that? Are you serious? This kind of stuff isn’t gory at all and you know what? It turns out to be a bad decision to have started reading it. But as I said, the speed at which the book moves allows you to at least abstract yourself from the world for a couple of hours, and that is very valuable these days
May 22, 2025
Room 21 by Jessica Huntley is a psychological thriller about a maid who is offered a new job in a rather strange hotel.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Joffe Books,, and the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I must admit that I was taken aback when I realized that here is another maid with a disability. I thought, oh no, here we go again. I was so wrong. Kimberley and this book are NOT like Molly. This is a whole different genre. No cozy mystery here. This is a hotel filled with rather dark-themed rooms, and guest personalities to match.
I absolutely loved this book. Kimberley and Muffin were wonderful characters. I mean who wouldn't want a border collie as their safety dog! Kimberley has had a rough life. Between growing up in foster care, having asthma and epilepsy....she's had it rough. But she's also grown to be a strong, independent woman. There were a couple of strong women show-cased in this book.
The plot was great. It was filled with suspense, and mystery, and a little weirdness. There were a lot of twists, a couple of which blew my mind. Definitely did not see those coming.
I can't say enough about this book....and I will be watching for more from this author! This was a wild and fun ride. It's a really fast read....but that could have been cause I didn't want to put it down.
Not sure why my copy had a "Glossary of English Usage for US Readers". I'm Canadian and by now we all know the "British" words. What was more confusing was the fact that most off those words were not even contained in the actual story??? If they are just something that the publisher adds to all books....don't. It's annoying.
Anyway, until next time....
For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, my own synopsis of the book, and its author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
November 14, 2025
This book is ALL types of messed up and depraved. I feel icky that I was totally engrossed in the story the entire time. It was highly entertaining and the twists and shocks just kept coming! Absolutely insane! After just reading one of her books so far, Jessica Huntley is now in the top favorite author of mine in regards to psychological thrillers. Share the seat Freida McFadden, lol! I already started my next book by this author. DEFINITELY Recommend this book but Adhere To This WARNING ⚠️ MAJOR trigger possibilities. Proceed with great caution.
May 5, 2026
A captivating thriller that's fully engaging because of its 2 MCs, brought to life wonderfully by Anna Burnett and Charlie Albers on audio. Not that the story is in second place, by any means. Fans of white Lotus will enjoy this, altho I'd advise you go in expecting darker!
This isn't too long, but its length is a perfect fit with crisp pacing and character development. A couple of good twists, but it's the journey rather than destination that's the winner here.
Available for free on Audible +, by the way.
This isn't too long, but its length is a perfect fit with crisp pacing and character development. A couple of good twists, but it's the journey rather than destination that's the winner here.
Available for free on Audible +, by the way.
May 5, 2025
This is a weird book.
I didn't hate it, but I also didn't like our characters (any of them), found much of it illogical, and just found that it got crazier and crazier (not necessarily in the best of ways).
Our MC loves being a housekeeper. I mean, she waxes poetic about the joys of housekeeping FOR AGES. All her life she wanted to be a housekeeper. Housekeepers are the only reasons we have hotels. Housekeepers are the most amazing thing since sliced bread and Jesus (okay...maybe she didn't say that one, but I do believe she would have lol).
She's also brilliant, has an amazing memory, has the cutest dog, has astounding observational skills and is...thoroughly unlikeable. And, honestly, if she were all that, she would never have taken the job nor stayed with it when she got her list of restocking blood and weapons and sex toys (oh my).
I will say that the book keeps you reading, if only because you want to know what implausible thing happens next.
A popcorn read.
* ARC via Publisher
I didn't hate it, but I also didn't like our characters (any of them), found much of it illogical, and just found that it got crazier and crazier (not necessarily in the best of ways).
Our MC loves being a housekeeper. I mean, she waxes poetic about the joys of housekeeping FOR AGES. All her life she wanted to be a housekeeper. Housekeepers are the only reasons we have hotels. Housekeepers are the most amazing thing since sliced bread and Jesus (okay...maybe she didn't say that one, but I do believe she would have lol).
She's also brilliant, has an amazing memory, has the cutest dog, has astounding observational skills and is...thoroughly unlikeable. And, honestly, if she were all that, she would never have taken the job nor stayed with it when she got her list of restocking blood and weapons and sex toys (oh my).
I will say that the book keeps you reading, if only because you want to know what implausible thing happens next.
A popcorn read.
* ARC via Publisher
April 20, 2025
ROOM 21 BY JESSICA HUNTLEY.
Release date set for the 27th of May 2025.
5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s.
This is my second time ARC reading for Jessica and let me tell you this one is a hell of a ride.
Jaw dropping, mysterious, edge of your seat and a perfect Psychological thriller suspense.
I really liked kimberley and I just adored Muffin.
I was hoping for an early night lastnight and thought I'd read a few chapters. Nope. That didn't work out for me. I ended up reading till the early hours and then finished the book off this morning.
Brilliant book and looking forward to my next Jessica Huntley book.
Release date set for the 27th of May 2025.
5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s.
This is my second time ARC reading for Jessica and let me tell you this one is a hell of a ride.
Jaw dropping, mysterious, edge of your seat and a perfect Psychological thriller suspense.
I really liked kimberley and I just adored Muffin.
I was hoping for an early night lastnight and thought I'd read a few chapters. Nope. That didn't work out for me. I ended up reading till the early hours and then finished the book off this morning.
Brilliant book and looking forward to my next Jessica Huntley book.
April 8, 2026
I found this audiobook deeply disappointing. The storyline felt far-fetched and, at times, outright preposterous. It seemed as though the author was trying too hard to shock the listener, resulting in a narrative filled with excessive gore and a cast of bizarre, fetishised characters that added little real depth. The central premis, essentially a hotel populated by serial killers with weird sex fetishes, came across as completely implausible and difficult to take seriously. Rather than being gripping, it felt contrived and unnecessarily extreme. What further detracted from the experience was the structure. The end credits were presented as a separate chapter that arguably should have been integrated into the story itself, suggesting rather careless editing. Even more puzzling was the final chapter after the story had already concluded; it felt disjointed and oddly placed. Overall, the entire production came across as incoherent and, at times, I thought the book was written by AI. Unfortunately, this was not a satisfying listen for me, and I would not recommend it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2026
I thought this was absolutely 1,000,000% cray cray. It is dark, intense and I really don’t think any of the characters learnt anything! LOL.
I loved Kimberly, Jennifer, and Emily, these were all fantastic characters and nothing is what it seems with them AT ALL.
I love Jessica’s writing! She creates these characters, seemingly normal, and put them in situations and makes everything cray cray. The last twist floored me and the unpredictability of this book is a golden! This book is very dark and can be thought of as disturbing, but that propelled me through the book because I just couldn’t foresee what was going to happen. I haven’t read anything this mad for ages, and boy was it intense!
It’s hard to review this book without spoilers, which is why this is so short! It’s bleak and unsettling but boy does Jessica make your jaw drop with shock.
I loved Kimberly, Jennifer, and Emily, these were all fantastic characters and nothing is what it seems with them AT ALL.
I love Jessica’s writing! She creates these characters, seemingly normal, and put them in situations and makes everything cray cray. The last twist floored me and the unpredictability of this book is a golden! This book is very dark and can be thought of as disturbing, but that propelled me through the book because I just couldn’t foresee what was going to happen. I haven’t read anything this mad for ages, and boy was it intense!
It’s hard to review this book without spoilers, which is why this is so short! It’s bleak and unsettling but boy does Jessica make your jaw drop with shock.
April 13, 2026
3.75 ⭐️
This is one of those stories that slowly creeps in and then suddenly has your full attention. I’ve read a handful of Jessica Huntley’s books, and she’s become a go-to author for me. I don’t think she gets enough recognition. I feel she is a bit under the radar despite her writing is so accessible, and her premises always lean a little outside the box compared to the usual psychological thriller setup.
Room 21 is one of those stories that is eerie, a little unsettling, and constantly shifting in a way that keeps things feeling fresh. Huntley has a way of twisting the narrative just enough to keep you engaged without it feeling overdone.
I listened to the audiobook and really liked the narrators. Between Huntley’s storytelling and the way the narration was delivered, it made it very easy to get pulled in. I’d definitely recommend going the audio route for this one.
This is one of those stories that slowly creeps in and then suddenly has your full attention. I’ve read a handful of Jessica Huntley’s books, and she’s become a go-to author for me. I don’t think she gets enough recognition. I feel she is a bit under the radar despite her writing is so accessible, and her premises always lean a little outside the box compared to the usual psychological thriller setup.
Room 21 is one of those stories that is eerie, a little unsettling, and constantly shifting in a way that keeps things feeling fresh. Huntley has a way of twisting the narrative just enough to keep you engaged without it feeling overdone.
I listened to the audiobook and really liked the narrators. Between Huntley’s storytelling and the way the narration was delivered, it made it very easy to get pulled in. I’d definitely recommend going the audio route for this one.
May 16, 2025
First, I just have to say - damn!! Jessica you knocked it out of the park with this one! A few times while reading this book, I thought what the f*ck is going on?!
This book is seriously off the charts! Room 21 is a mind-bending thriller that grabs you by the throat and does not let go. From the eerie setting to the unsettling mystery of the forbidden door, Jessica crafts a very dark and twisted story that is equal parts terrifying and addictive.
Kimberley’s journey is a psychological rollercoaster, and just when you think you've cracked the mystery, Jessica throws another curveball that leaves you gasping. The tension is relentless, the stakes sky-high, and the atmosphere - absolutely chilling.
This is my new favorite of hers!! Loved everything about it - brilliant pacing, unforgettable characters, and a twist that redefines the meaning of jaw-dropping. If you want a dark, mind-twisting, unputdownable read, this is the one!!
This book is seriously off the charts! Room 21 is a mind-bending thriller that grabs you by the throat and does not let go. From the eerie setting to the unsettling mystery of the forbidden door, Jessica crafts a very dark and twisted story that is equal parts terrifying and addictive.
Kimberley’s journey is a psychological rollercoaster, and just when you think you've cracked the mystery, Jessica throws another curveball that leaves you gasping. The tension is relentless, the stakes sky-high, and the atmosphere - absolutely chilling.
This is my new favorite of hers!! Loved everything about it - brilliant pacing, unforgettable characters, and a twist that redefines the meaning of jaw-dropping. If you want a dark, mind-twisting, unputdownable read, this is the one!!
April 21, 2026
I didn’t want to finish this book. I only did because I was starting to wonder if I could finish a book with the way things were going these days. It was thoughtful of the author to start the book with possible triggers for people with trauma. The narrator was very good. She gets 4 stars. But the story was grotesque. Could have been a much more interesting story but it came off too violent and disgusting. A free book on audible. Desperate times these days.
May 3, 2025
Kimberly is offered a job at a secret invite only hotel. After singing a NDA and doing repulsive task to prove her loyalty, she is promoted to do a malicious job for a party that will be hosted in that hotel.
I had been wanting to read Jessica Huntley’s books for quite some time now. I’m so satisfied with this one and will be reading more of her books in the future.
This was a dark and morbid book that made me scared to keep reading but I was so interested that I had to keep reading. I really liked how the story is told through the POV of multiple characters. The guest and the reason for the hotel was super interesting in the story but very frightening to think of in terms of it happening in real life. Incredible twist after twist thrown in. It has revenge driven characters that carry out vengeance which was fascinating. The note that came with Kimberly’s teddy bear was so shocking!
Nothing is what it seems. I thought I knew the connection of the characters but then their true identities would be revealed. This would then make me question which characters can I truly trust.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I had been wanting to read Jessica Huntley’s books for quite some time now. I’m so satisfied with this one and will be reading more of her books in the future.
This was a dark and morbid book that made me scared to keep reading but I was so interested that I had to keep reading. I really liked how the story is told through the POV of multiple characters. The guest and the reason for the hotel was super interesting in the story but very frightening to think of in terms of it happening in real life. Incredible twist after twist thrown in. It has revenge driven characters that carry out vengeance which was fascinating. The note that came with Kimberly’s teddy bear was so shocking!
Nothing is what it seems. I thought I knew the connection of the characters but then their true identities would be revealed. This would then make me question which characters can I truly trust.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 15, 2026
The plot is extremely original, somewhat dark and not for the faint of heart. It does a magnificent job in highlighting the difficulties a person with disabilities has to face in order to function in our society.
Kimberly, a 25yo Senior Housekeeper at a luxury hotel in London suffers from epilepsy. Muffin, her seizures alert dog is always by her side. She’s been in foster care from birth to when she grew out of the system at 18yo. She doesn’t have many friends & jumps at the opportunity to work for an exclusive hotel in the Scottish Highlands that caters to a unique clientele. Jennifer Clifton runs that hotel and came to London just to recruit Kimberly. She must sign an NDA to work there and agree not to enter into Room 21.
Once Kimberly arrives at the hotel and learns of her new duties it’s when the story gets weird. As the story develops we learn more about Kimberley’s past as well as about the owners of the hotel. There are many secrets and it’s not just what happens in that place or in Room 21.
Apprehensively entertaining with more than one strong FMC and a surprising ending.
Kimberly, a 25yo Senior Housekeeper at a luxury hotel in London suffers from epilepsy. Muffin, her seizures alert dog is always by her side. She’s been in foster care from birth to when she grew out of the system at 18yo. She doesn’t have many friends & jumps at the opportunity to work for an exclusive hotel in the Scottish Highlands that caters to a unique clientele. Jennifer Clifton runs that hotel and came to London just to recruit Kimberly. She must sign an NDA to work there and agree not to enter into Room 21.
Once Kimberly arrives at the hotel and learns of her new duties it’s when the story gets weird. As the story develops we learn more about Kimberley’s past as well as about the owners of the hotel. There are many secrets and it’s not just what happens in that place or in Room 21.
Apprehensively entertaining with more than one strong FMC and a surprising ending.
April 30, 2025
Utterly terrifying and totally brilliant! Kimberley, a hotel housekeeper, is headhunted for a position in an exclusive and remote hotel. Just a couple of caveats: she must never enter room 21 and she must never leave.
Kimberley is a very likeable and relatable character, but the show stealer is her gorgeous support dog, Muffin, who alerts Kimberley whenever she is about to have an epileptic seizure, which is pretty often! Most of other characters are initially all people you love to hate, with very little reason to, to be honest, but you just... know. And then, when you really do know... OMG!
With an abundance of twists and a ton of suspense, this was a book I really struggled to step away from, so be warned, once you start reading, the real world will disappear for a while, as you lose yourself in the sick minds of some of the most deranged people on the planet.
Is blood thicker than water? Does nature or nurture prevail?
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Jessica Huntley and Joffe for an ARC in return for an honest review.
Kimberley is a very likeable and relatable character, but the show stealer is her gorgeous support dog, Muffin, who alerts Kimberley whenever she is about to have an epileptic seizure, which is pretty often! Most of other characters are initially all people you love to hate, with very little reason to, to be honest, but you just... know. And then, when you really do know... OMG!
With an abundance of twists and a ton of suspense, this was a book I really struggled to step away from, so be warned, once you start reading, the real world will disappear for a while, as you lose yourself in the sick minds of some of the most deranged people on the planet.
Is blood thicker than water? Does nature or nurture prevail?
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Jessica Huntley and Joffe for an ARC in return for an honest review.
April 29, 2025
WOW! WOW! WOW! This brilliantly dark novel grabs you from the moment Kimberley, a London hotel housekeeper reliant on her medical dog Muffin, encounters the enigmatic Jennifer, a particularly difficult guest staying in the penthouse.
The offer of a job in a secluded Scottish hotel is too good to pass up and the catalyst for a descent into unimaginable debauchery. This compellingly twisted narrative is utterly gripping, making it near impossible to put down.
My top read of the year so far! The author masterfully ties up all the unsettling threads in a perfectly executed conclusion. This book is not to be missed. There just aren't enough stars to define how brilliant it is.
My thanks to Joffe Books for the ARC.
The offer of a job in a secluded Scottish hotel is too good to pass up and the catalyst for a descent into unimaginable debauchery. This compellingly twisted narrative is utterly gripping, making it near impossible to put down.
My top read of the year so far! The author masterfully ties up all the unsettling threads in a perfectly executed conclusion. This book is not to be missed. There just aren't enough stars to define how brilliant it is.
My thanks to Joffe Books for the ARC.
May 17, 2026
4.25 ⭐️ THAT WAS FUCKED!! I picked this up as a quick and short thriller for my long journeys so I never expected any of this. It was so twisty and suspenseful and not a story I have read about before, but I was thinking it’s got the same vibe as ‘Nine Perfect Strangers’ and ‘White Lotus’ on steroids with a sprinkling of serial killers and torture. The writing was very descriptive so I could imagine the plot and scenes well in my head and where it was set in a secluded manor house/hotel in Scotland.
Please please please read the triggers for this book as there are EXTREMELY negative and intense scenes and happenings. It’s not a light read
Please please please read the triggers for this book as there are EXTREMELY negative and intense scenes and happenings. It’s not a light read
May 7, 2025
This is the new twisty, dark, and unnerving new story from Jessica, and it certainly was a page turner.
Even though the story is written from multiple pov, Kimberly is who the book is really about. She is a housekeeper who loves her job and has the cutest dog. She grew up in the care system and has worked her way to where she is now, howvlever shes only just scraping by and living with people she would rather avoid.
Then comes Jennifer, who turns her world sideways, offering her a job that invites disturbing events and secrets being unravelled.
The book has many twists, and the narration style of writing makes the book quite an easy read that you can binge pretty quickly.
I was able to read and review Room 21 thanks to netgalley
Even though the story is written from multiple pov, Kimberly is who the book is really about. She is a housekeeper who loves her job and has the cutest dog. She grew up in the care system and has worked her way to where she is now, howvlever shes only just scraping by and living with people she would rather avoid.
Then comes Jennifer, who turns her world sideways, offering her a job that invites disturbing events and secrets being unravelled.
The book has many twists, and the narration style of writing makes the book quite an easy read that you can binge pretty quickly.
I was able to read and review Room 21 thanks to netgalley
June 12, 2025
I held on for dear life with this one! 😱 WOW! So many unexpected twists and turns. Loved it!!
May 29, 2025
My Initial Thoughts
At first I was a little confused as to what was happening, but I was pulled into the storyline so quickly to the point I did not want to put the book down. There is so much intrigue placed at the beginning of the book so you want to keep reading to find out what’s happening. I really liked the added aspect that Kimberly has epilepsy and therefore needs Muffin as her alert dog. It really highlights the difficulty of the condition and how Kimberly is just trying to lead a normal life, where her disabilities do not hold her back.
Plot
This plot is so cleverly written! Its incredibly mind blowing and had my jaw on the floor on more than one occasion. The writing it addictive and it never feels like a right time to put the book down, so much so that I didn’t until I had finished and even the epilogue has another twist!
There is so much within the plot and Jessica has a very unique and powerful style of writing.
Characters
The characters are all erm, special shall we say… Lincoln gave me the creeps from the start, the hotel never feels safe and why Kimberly went ill never know. I really enjoyed the dysfunctional characters and the way everything happens. But none of them are in their right minds, except from Muffin.
Recommend
If you love twisty, disturbing, addictive story lines, pick this up!!!
Favourite Quotes
“It just begs the question… What’s stronger? Your curiosity or your desire for freedom.”
Favourite Chapter/s
My favourite chapters were 22, 24 and 41.
Summed up in one sentence
The most thriller read you never knew you needed.
Overall Wrap up
This book was in a league of its own! Jessica has a very special way of writing and she did not disappoint! The only advice I have is do not eat while reading the disturbing scenes, some turned my stomach. I enjoyed every twist and turn and the fact that even at the end there is another mind blowing impact I absolutely loved the journey to discovering the truth of the hotel and room 21!
Stars – 5 stars.
Book Information – Room 21 by Jessica Huntley.
Genre – Psychological thriller.
Pages – 282 pages.
Tropes –
Unreliable narrators.
Hidden secrets.
Trust no one.
Available on Kindle Unlimited – Room 21 is available on kindle unlimited.
Available Formats – Available on kindle and in paperback.
Publishing Information – Published on 27th May 2025 by Joffe Books.
Format in Which I Read – Kindle.
Where my copy come From – Zooloo’s Book Tours and Netgallery.
POVs – Multiple POVs – Kimberly, Jennifer and Emily.
Single/Dual/Multiple Timelines – Dual timeline – before and now.
1st or 3rd Person – Written in first person.
HEA, HFN or Cliff hanger – Room closed – kinda…
Series or Standalone – Room 21 is a standalone.
Trigger Warnings – Please check content warnings before reading if necessary and please always remember that your mental health matters.
At first I was a little confused as to what was happening, but I was pulled into the storyline so quickly to the point I did not want to put the book down. There is so much intrigue placed at the beginning of the book so you want to keep reading to find out what’s happening. I really liked the added aspect that Kimberly has epilepsy and therefore needs Muffin as her alert dog. It really highlights the difficulty of the condition and how Kimberly is just trying to lead a normal life, where her disabilities do not hold her back.
Plot
This plot is so cleverly written! Its incredibly mind blowing and had my jaw on the floor on more than one occasion. The writing it addictive and it never feels like a right time to put the book down, so much so that I didn’t until I had finished and even the epilogue has another twist!
There is so much within the plot and Jessica has a very unique and powerful style of writing.
Characters
The characters are all erm, special shall we say… Lincoln gave me the creeps from the start, the hotel never feels safe and why Kimberly went ill never know. I really enjoyed the dysfunctional characters and the way everything happens. But none of them are in their right minds, except from Muffin.
Recommend
If you love twisty, disturbing, addictive story lines, pick this up!!!
Favourite Quotes
“It just begs the question… What’s stronger? Your curiosity or your desire for freedom.”
Favourite Chapter/s
My favourite chapters were 22, 24 and 41.
Summed up in one sentence
The most thriller read you never knew you needed.
Overall Wrap up
This book was in a league of its own! Jessica has a very special way of writing and she did not disappoint! The only advice I have is do not eat while reading the disturbing scenes, some turned my stomach. I enjoyed every twist and turn and the fact that even at the end there is another mind blowing impact I absolutely loved the journey to discovering the truth of the hotel and room 21!
Stars – 5 stars.
Book Information – Room 21 by Jessica Huntley.
Genre – Psychological thriller.
Pages – 282 pages.
Tropes –
Unreliable narrators.
Hidden secrets.
Trust no one.
Available on Kindle Unlimited – Room 21 is available on kindle unlimited.
Available Formats – Available on kindle and in paperback.
Publishing Information – Published on 27th May 2025 by Joffe Books.
Format in Which I Read – Kindle.
Where my copy come From – Zooloo’s Book Tours and Netgallery.
POVs – Multiple POVs – Kimberly, Jennifer and Emily.
Single/Dual/Multiple Timelines – Dual timeline – before and now.
1st or 3rd Person – Written in first person.
HEA, HFN or Cliff hanger – Room closed – kinda…
Series or Standalone – Room 21 is a standalone.
Trigger Warnings – Please check content warnings before reading if necessary and please always remember that your mental health matters.
May 11, 2026
I really liked the plot idea, but I feel like things, especially those dealing with Room 21 and the guests should have been fleshed out more.
May 8, 2025
While no one may ever open the door to ROOM 21, DO make sure you immediately open this book!
So far this year I’ve read The Murder Maze and The Good Parents by Jessica Huntley and LOVED them both, but ROOM 21 was something that was so different and much more than I could have ever imagined.
ROOM 21 follows the story of Kimberley, a quiet, young, unassuming housekeeper whose pride is exhibited through her professional and high quality standards of work. She doesn’t have much else going on in life except for suffering daily seizures and her adorable little sidekick and best friend, Muffin– a seizure alert and emotional support dog. Kimberley lands a rare opportunity to leave her old life in London behind and start fresh after accepting a higher salary housekeeping position in a very exclusive, unknown, lavish hotel in a remote part of the Scottish Highlands. Soon after her new job begins, she’s surrounded by mysterious, manipulative, mad hatters at one very important event that will change everything Kimberley has ever known about herself and the people who stand before her.
Reading this was like having a session in mind-blowing mental acrobatics! In no way was I able to predict any of the important twists and turns nor the many moments that had me pinching my lips before I could let out another “OMG!” Albeit applicable to almost every content warning label after some dark and disturbing moments, I was absorbing Every. Addictive. Page! Perhaps ROOM 21 is not for all who are faint of heart, but it definitely is for those who are willing to suspend disbelief.
Many thanks to Jessica Huntley for allowing me to read this ARC (via Booksprout) in exchange for my honest review. Release date May 27, 2025.
So far this year I’ve read The Murder Maze and The Good Parents by Jessica Huntley and LOVED them both, but ROOM 21 was something that was so different and much more than I could have ever imagined.
ROOM 21 follows the story of Kimberley, a quiet, young, unassuming housekeeper whose pride is exhibited through her professional and high quality standards of work. She doesn’t have much else going on in life except for suffering daily seizures and her adorable little sidekick and best friend, Muffin– a seizure alert and emotional support dog. Kimberley lands a rare opportunity to leave her old life in London behind and start fresh after accepting a higher salary housekeeping position in a very exclusive, unknown, lavish hotel in a remote part of the Scottish Highlands. Soon after her new job begins, she’s surrounded by mysterious, manipulative, mad hatters at one very important event that will change everything Kimberley has ever known about herself and the people who stand before her.
Reading this was like having a session in mind-blowing mental acrobatics! In no way was I able to predict any of the important twists and turns nor the many moments that had me pinching my lips before I could let out another “OMG!” Albeit applicable to almost every content warning label after some dark and disturbing moments, I was absorbing Every. Addictive. Page! Perhaps ROOM 21 is not for all who are faint of heart, but it definitely is for those who are willing to suspend disbelief.
Many thanks to Jessica Huntley for allowing me to read this ARC (via Booksprout) in exchange for my honest review. Release date May 27, 2025.
May 30, 2025
Jessica, what have you done? This book absolutely wrecked me...in a good way!
Kimberley loves her job as a maid. She prides herself on a job well done. But she's just barely getting by, even though she shares an apartment with several other people. Not friends. Just people. So when she's made an offer she can't refuse, she hardly thinks about the consequences. Or the NDA she has to sign. Mistake. BIG mistake!!
The first thing that sweetened the pot (plot?) for me was that this is a locked room mystery. Employees come to this hotel, but they don't leave. Why...well, that's where this book goes dark. I was holding my breath waiting to see how far the author went, and let's just say...she goes there!
I love that the author includes a real-life source for her inspiration of Kimberley's epilepsy, and I think everyone who reads this will fall in love with Muffin, her seizure alert border collie.
Thank you to Joffe Books, for sending me an eArc of one of my favorite authors!
Kimberley loves her job as a maid. She prides herself on a job well done. But she's just barely getting by, even though she shares an apartment with several other people. Not friends. Just people. So when she's made an offer she can't refuse, she hardly thinks about the consequences. Or the NDA she has to sign. Mistake. BIG mistake!!
The first thing that sweetened the pot (plot?) for me was that this is a locked room mystery. Employees come to this hotel, but they don't leave. Why...well, that's where this book goes dark. I was holding my breath waiting to see how far the author went, and let's just say...she goes there!
I love that the author includes a real-life source for her inspiration of Kimberley's epilepsy, and I think everyone who reads this will fall in love with Muffin, her seizure alert border collie.
Thank you to Joffe Books, for sending me an eArc of one of my favorite authors!
May 5, 2025
This is the second time I have started to write a review for this book as I was not quite sure where to begin. I have read another book by this author so I should have realized I would be in for something different and that was absolutely the case here.
Kimberley is working for a hotel chain as head Housekeeper, she suffers from epilepsy and has an alert dog Muffin. She is great at what she does but when a new guest arrives. Jennifer Clifton with her dog Frankie in tow, her world is about to change dramatically.
Jennifer is like the guest from hell, rude, pompous and full of self-importance. She barks at the staff, and nothing is ever up to her standard. She has many of the staff completely terrified, but Kimberley takes it all in her stride even though internally she is struggling too. However, she is also intrigued by this woman and when Jennifer offers a position at her own Hotel, she decides to make a break and take the role. But will this be a decision that Kimberley regrets?
Be warned this is not an easy read at times. Very dark themes are presented to the reader and numerous times I had my heart in my mouth and at a couple of stages even wondered if I wished to continue but something about the book kept me turning the pages. Chilling, frightening, bilious and vile in parts, it is like nothing I had ever read before and you will be entering a very obscure world, and I have to say this is a book that will no doubt will stay with me, I am not even sure that this is a good thing but obviously the author has done her job in creating this reaction.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy, all opinions expressed are my own.
Kimberley is working for a hotel chain as head Housekeeper, she suffers from epilepsy and has an alert dog Muffin. She is great at what she does but when a new guest arrives. Jennifer Clifton with her dog Frankie in tow, her world is about to change dramatically.
Jennifer is like the guest from hell, rude, pompous and full of self-importance. She barks at the staff, and nothing is ever up to her standard. She has many of the staff completely terrified, but Kimberley takes it all in her stride even though internally she is struggling too. However, she is also intrigued by this woman and when Jennifer offers a position at her own Hotel, she decides to make a break and take the role. But will this be a decision that Kimberley regrets?
Be warned this is not an easy read at times. Very dark themes are presented to the reader and numerous times I had my heart in my mouth and at a couple of stages even wondered if I wished to continue but something about the book kept me turning the pages. Chilling, frightening, bilious and vile in parts, it is like nothing I had ever read before and you will be entering a very obscure world, and I have to say this is a book that will no doubt will stay with me, I am not even sure that this is a good thing but obviously the author has done her job in creating this reaction.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy, all opinions expressed are my own.
April 24, 2025
“Room 21” by Jessica Huntley is a dark, twisted psychological thriller that completely blew my mind. The author’s writing style kept me on edge the entire time—tense, sharp, and full of suspense. Just when I thought I had things figured out, another shocking twist hit. I also loved the inclusion of a service dog in the story—and was so relieved nothing bad happens to her! This one kept me hooked from start to finish.
August 27, 2025
I should have learnt after my last Jessuca Huntley book. started off great but then the wheels well and truly fell off.
loved the idea and the premise and the twist with the Doctor however a completely UNNECESSARY additional twist of her not even being the child of Emily? what was the point? it completely nullifys the prologue as she said "my whole family are killers" but she knew from the very get go that Emily wasn't her mum which makes all of that untrue. a twist for the sake of a twist is so basic and really undos all the other work.
loved the idea and the premise and the twist with the Doctor however a completely UNNECESSARY additional twist of her not even being the child of Emily? what was the point? it completely nullifys the prologue as she said "my whole family are killers" but she knew from the very get go that Emily wasn't her mum which makes all of that untrue. a twist for the sake of a twist is so basic and really undos all the other work.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2026
I could not read this one. I tried throughout Chapter 1, but I simply could not engage with the material. Firstly, I think that, although the author has clearly researched epilepsy, it was somehow really coming through that they do not suffer with this condition personally. I do not know how that was my takeaway, but it was. Secondly, the reader was not permitted to think anything at all for themselves. Everything was over-explained and then rehashed. I do not know if this improves as I did not make it past Ch1.
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