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The Night That Was Deleted
She vanishes from a room he guarded all night. The hotel claims she never checked in.
Ernie James is unemployed at twenty-nine, living in his parent's Brooklyn basement. So when his cousin lands him a gig with Amson Guards protecting a high-end escort named Rochelle Parker, he takes it without a second thought. Easy money. Drive her to the hotel. Ensure nobody disturbs her. Drive her back home safely.
It goes well for two weeks, until the night Rochelle doesn't come out of the room.
The room is empty, and the bed is untouched. When Ernie starts asking questions, the hotel staff look at him like he's lost his mind. Because according to their records, Rochelle Parker was never there at all.
Something is wrong. Deeply, fundamentally wrong. But as Ernie stands in the lobby, he has to wonder: is something sinister going on here? Or is he losing the only thing he has to his name; his mind?
Ernie James is unemployed at twenty-nine, living in his parent's Brooklyn basement. So when his cousin lands him a gig with Amson Guards protecting a high-end escort named Rochelle Parker, he takes it without a second thought. Easy money. Drive her to the hotel. Ensure nobody disturbs her. Drive her back home safely.
It goes well for two weeks, until the night Rochelle doesn't come out of the room.
The room is empty, and the bed is untouched. When Ernie starts asking questions, the hotel staff look at him like he's lost his mind. Because according to their records, Rochelle Parker was never there at all.
Something is wrong. Deeply, fundamentally wrong. But as Ernie stands in the lobby, he has to wonder: is something sinister going on here? Or is he losing the only thing he has to his name; his mind?
78 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 13, 2026
About the author
Elainie La Force
6 books19 followersElainie La Force is a St. Lucian author. She writes dark, twisted thrillers that are sometimes flavoured with horror elements. Her work explores themes of betrayal, secret identities, and the hidden systems lurking within ordinary life.
La Force began to write stories at six years old. After a pivot to songwriting and poetry, she returned to prose in 2026. Her debut novella, No Passengers, hit the Amazon Best Sellers chart in several categories, reaching the top ten in three countries.
She is currently finishing a series of long-held stories and intends to publish over fifty books, novellas and novels alike. When not writing, she enjoys a good horror movie or a thought-provoking book.
La Force began to write stories at six years old. After a pivot to songwriting and poetry, she returned to prose in 2026. Her debut novella, No Passengers, hit the Amazon Best Sellers chart in several categories, reaching the top ten in three countries.
She is currently finishing a series of long-held stories and intends to publish over fifty books, novellas and novels alike. When not writing, she enjoys a good horror movie or a thought-provoking book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
June 4, 2026
ARC REVIEW
Did that just happen, or is Ernie crazy?
This is a short book, definitely fast-paced, but it leaves you with many questions! When Ernie is hired to protect a young woman, it seems easy enough until , poof she is gone without a trace. Did she really disappear, or is Ernie losing his mind?
Poor Ernie. I feel like what happens to him keeps happening to him, and the people involved are all evil.
Thanks to Book Sirens for sending me an advanced copy to read and review.
Did that just happen, or is Ernie crazy?
This is a short book, definitely fast-paced, but it leaves you with many questions! When Ernie is hired to protect a young woman, it seems easy enough until , poof she is gone without a trace. Did she really disappear, or is Ernie losing his mind?
Poor Ernie. I feel like what happens to him keeps happening to him, and the people involved are all evil.
Thanks to Book Sirens for sending me an advanced copy to read and review.
April 30, 2026
3.5⭐️
The Night That Was Deleted has an intriguing premise and is a quick, engaging read that you can easily finish in one sitting.
At just 72 pages, it packs in a tense psychological thriller with an eerie, atmospheric hotel setting that amplifies the unease. The pacing is sharp, with short chapters, well-placed cliffhangers, red herrings, and a growing sense of urgency as everything unravels.
Ernie is an interesting character to follow. I was constantly questioning whether something sinister was happening or if he was simply losing his grip, and that uncertainty worked well to heighten the tension. Some twists were predictable, while others genuinely caught me off guard, with a couple of “wait, what!?” moments.
My main issue was the writing, which felt a bit repetitive at times. I understand it comes with the inner monologue style, but it did start to feel a little echoey.
If you’re after a short, sharp, twisty psychological thriller you can knock out in one sitting, this is worth checking out.
I received a free copy via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The Night That Was Deleted has an intriguing premise and is a quick, engaging read that you can easily finish in one sitting.
At just 72 pages, it packs in a tense psychological thriller with an eerie, atmospheric hotel setting that amplifies the unease. The pacing is sharp, with short chapters, well-placed cliffhangers, red herrings, and a growing sense of urgency as everything unravels.
Ernie is an interesting character to follow. I was constantly questioning whether something sinister was happening or if he was simply losing his grip, and that uncertainty worked well to heighten the tension. Some twists were predictable, while others genuinely caught me off guard, with a couple of “wait, what!?” moments.
My main issue was the writing, which felt a bit repetitive at times. I understand it comes with the inner monologue style, but it did start to feel a little echoey.
If you’re after a short, sharp, twisty psychological thriller you can knock out in one sitting, this is worth checking out.
I received a free copy via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
April 22, 2026
Fast-paced, quick, and to the point! This story gripped me from start to finish. I was captivated as the twists kept happening one after another. The plot is clever, original, and will definitely keep you guessing. There were times I thought I knew where the story was going, but I was completely shocked as things started to unravel. This is the first work of this author I have read, but it certainly will not be the last. Thank you BookSirens and Rockhouse Press for my copy.
April 18, 2026
quick read
This was a well done thriller short story. This is the second book I’ve read by this author and she has a knack for telling a good story in only a few words. This one kept my interest the whole time and I was definitely surprised by the twists.
This was a well done thriller short story. This is the second book I’ve read by this author and she has a knack for telling a good story in only a few words. This one kept my interest the whole time and I was definitely surprised by the twists.
May 1, 2026
Poor Ernie, a 29 year old man still living in his parents' basement in Brooklyn, lands a job as a high profiled security guard for a “lady of the night” or so he thinks. His job is simple, pick her up in her bentley in the wee hours of the night, drop her off at a hotel, guard her while she’s there, and get her back home safely.
To Ernie, this is good money more than he’s used to and he happily does this job for 8+ hours a night. An easy, quick way to make money with a beautiful woman. All is well until one night his client disappears into thin air and no one seems to know what or who Ernie is talking about. Leaving him to take matters into his own hands. Poor Ernie. He was just trying to do his job. So many twists in this novella. Would love to read more from the author.
To Ernie, this is good money more than he’s used to and he happily does this job for 8+ hours a night. An easy, quick way to make money with a beautiful woman. All is well until one night his client disappears into thin air and no one seems to know what or who Ernie is talking about. Leaving him to take matters into his own hands. Poor Ernie. He was just trying to do his job. So many twists in this novella. Would love to read more from the author.
July 14, 2026
A quick easy to read short book that's full of tension throughout, each chapter leaves you wanting more. Has some great twists in it. I genuinely felt tense as each chapter went by, wondering what the heck was going on. I recommend this if you want a quick psychological eerie read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 11, 2026
A Quick, Eery Suspense Read!
I picked up The Night That Was Deleted, by Elainie La Force, because I thought the synopsis was intriguing. Ernie thought his new high-paying bodyguard gig was going to be simple; it couldn't be any worse than being 29 and still living at home with his parents.
And it surely was an easy assignment for about two weeks, until the night he was gatekeeping the door for a VIP escort named Rochelle. His responsibility was to ensure his client reached her hotel room safely and was transported back home without anyone disturbing her. But while on watch, he begins to realize she isn't coming out.
Afterwards, it's like a hyper-focused puzzle where I was questioning reality alongside the protagonist, giving the story some eerie horror vibes. How could Rochelle have escaped a confined space when he was posted outside the entire time? Why would hotel staff deny that she checked in? With everyone being so convincing, Ernie questions his own sanity while set on unlocking this mystery.
In just under 80 pages, The Night That Was Deleted is fast-moving suspense that's highly satisfying and did not fall short for me in the end!
*I received an Advance Reader Copy via Booksprout. The opinions expressed are my own*
I picked up The Night That Was Deleted, by Elainie La Force, because I thought the synopsis was intriguing. Ernie thought his new high-paying bodyguard gig was going to be simple; it couldn't be any worse than being 29 and still living at home with his parents.
And it surely was an easy assignment for about two weeks, until the night he was gatekeeping the door for a VIP escort named Rochelle. His responsibility was to ensure his client reached her hotel room safely and was transported back home without anyone disturbing her. But while on watch, he begins to realize she isn't coming out.
Afterwards, it's like a hyper-focused puzzle where I was questioning reality alongside the protagonist, giving the story some eerie horror vibes. How could Rochelle have escaped a confined space when he was posted outside the entire time? Why would hotel staff deny that she checked in? With everyone being so convincing, Ernie questions his own sanity while set on unlocking this mystery.
In just under 80 pages, The Night That Was Deleted is fast-moving suspense that's highly satisfying and did not fall short for me in the end!
*I received an Advance Reader Copy via Booksprout. The opinions expressed are my own*
April 17, 2026
This is a quick read that keeps you captivated. The twists in this book I never saw coming. I don’t want to give anything away so all I’ll say is…. READ IT! You won’t be disappointed.
May 29, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This one grabs hold fast with a setup that is hard to ignore. A man takes what should be a simple security job, then one night the woman he is guarding vanishes from a room he watched all night long. That alone is enough to hook you, but when the hotel acts like she was never there to begin with, the story shifts into something even stranger.
Ernie works well as the lead because he feels like an everyday man thrown into something way over his head. He is not larger than life, he's just trying to make ends meet and figure out what in the world is happening around him. That makes it easy to ride along with him as confusion turns into fear.
The strongest part here is the atmosphere. There is a steady sense that reality itself might be slipping, and it keeps you questioning whether there is a deeper scheme at work or if Ernie is unraveling right in front of you. That kind of uncertainty gives the story real bite.
It does have a few moments where it could have pushed even harder or dug deeper, but overall it keeps the tension strong and the pages turning. It is the kind of mystery that keeps whispering in your ear long after you put it down.
I give it a 4 outta 5 catfish!
This one grabs hold fast with a setup that is hard to ignore. A man takes what should be a simple security job, then one night the woman he is guarding vanishes from a room he watched all night long. That alone is enough to hook you, but when the hotel acts like she was never there to begin with, the story shifts into something even stranger.
Ernie works well as the lead because he feels like an everyday man thrown into something way over his head. He is not larger than life, he's just trying to make ends meet and figure out what in the world is happening around him. That makes it easy to ride along with him as confusion turns into fear.
The strongest part here is the atmosphere. There is a steady sense that reality itself might be slipping, and it keeps you questioning whether there is a deeper scheme at work or if Ernie is unraveling right in front of you. That kind of uncertainty gives the story real bite.
It does have a few moments where it could have pushed even harder or dug deeper, but overall it keeps the tension strong and the pages turning. It is the kind of mystery that keeps whispering in your ear long after you put it down.
I give it a 4 outta 5 catfish!
May 12, 2026
Thank you to Elainie La Force for this free advanced copy via booksirens. I am leaving this review voluntatily and all opinions are my own.
Short stories can definitely be hit and miss but I honestly believe if you can write a good engaging story within a restricted number of pages then you are masterful.
With this in mind I went into this one skeptical and with temperred expectations, but I needn't have worried. Elainie La Force said hold my drink and absolutely delivered on her promise.
We are immediatly dropped into the action. Ernie is a security detail for a high-end Escort named Rochelle. He accompanies her to and from hotel rooms and is paid to stay outside the room all night. Cushy job...until it isn't.
After an uneventful night shift Rochelle does not reemerge, the room is empty and the hotel has no booking under her name. At this point I was just as confused as Ernie, if not more so, because where did she go and how?
I absolutely tore through this book like my life depended on it and the ending left me shooketh. I really enjoyed this book and it was such a great intro to this author. I will be back for more soon!
Short stories can definitely be hit and miss but I honestly believe if you can write a good engaging story within a restricted number of pages then you are masterful.
With this in mind I went into this one skeptical and with temperred expectations, but I needn't have worried. Elainie La Force said hold my drink and absolutely delivered on her promise.
We are immediatly dropped into the action. Ernie is a security detail for a high-end Escort named Rochelle. He accompanies her to and from hotel rooms and is paid to stay outside the room all night. Cushy job...until it isn't.
After an uneventful night shift Rochelle does not reemerge, the room is empty and the hotel has no booking under her name. At this point I was just as confused as Ernie, if not more so, because where did she go and how?
I absolutely tore through this book like my life depended on it and the ending left me shooketh. I really enjoyed this book and it was such a great intro to this author. I will be back for more soon!
June 12, 2026
The Night That Was Deleted is a fast, pulpy paranoid thriller with a strong hook and a final twist that lands better than many of the book’s middle sections.
The setup is immediately effective. Ernie James, a security guard with more failures than prospects, spends the night outside a hotel room while his client, Rochelle Parker, is inside. When the man she met leaves and Rochelle does not, Ernie opens the door and finds the room empty. The hotel claims she was never there. The reservation does not exist. Her car is gone. Then other details begin to shift, vanish, or reappear in ways that make Ernie question whether he is being framed, manipulated, or losing his mind.
That opening stretch is the book at its strongest. The EdgeView Hotel works as a polished, expensive space built for erasure: clean rooms, polite staff, hidden systems, and a sense that money can make people disappear without leaving fingerprints. The early chapters have a simple but effective tension: Ernie knows what he saw, but every official structure around him tells him it did not happen.
Ernie is also a better protagonist than he first appears to be. He is not a slick thriller hero. He is insecure, broke, jealous, lonely, and painfully aware of his own stalled life. His fascination with Rochelle is not pure love or heroism; it is mixed with fantasy, resentment, attraction, and the desperate need to matter to someone. That makes him feel more human than a more polished protagonist would have been.
Rochelle is intriguing, too, especially in the small details. Her clinical comments about anatomy and death give her an unsettling edge long before the book reveals what is really going on. She feels like someone carrying a much darker life beneath a controlled surface, and I wish the novella had spent more time developing her beyond the mystery she represents.
Where the book worked less well for me was in the middle. The hotel infiltration, hidden chute, underground room, keycards, and physical confrontations all have good thriller ingredients, but the action is often more kinetic than tense. There is plenty of movement, pursuit, pain, and impact, but not always enough emotional pressure underneath it. The story keeps moving, but the suspense does not always deepen.
I also felt some of the major revelations arrived too quickly. The book begins as a psychological mystery built on uncertainty: did the night happen, was Ernie manipulated, or is something breaking inside his mind? But once the larger conspiracy starts to explain itself, the story becomes less psychologically unstable and more like a dark action-thriller ride. That is not a bad direction, but it is a less interesting one than the opening promises.
The final twist is one of the better parts of the novella. Without giving too much away, it recontextualizes Ernie’s situation in a way that fits the title and gives the story a sharp closing sting. I just wish the ending had more room to breathe. The idea is strong, but the execution is so quick that it feels more like a punchline than a full emotional or psychological payoff.
Still, The Night That Was Deleted works as a one-sitting thriller. It has a gripping premise, a messy but sympathetic protagonist, a good sense of escalation, and a final turn that gives the title real meaning.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The setup is immediately effective. Ernie James, a security guard with more failures than prospects, spends the night outside a hotel room while his client, Rochelle Parker, is inside. When the man she met leaves and Rochelle does not, Ernie opens the door and finds the room empty. The hotel claims she was never there. The reservation does not exist. Her car is gone. Then other details begin to shift, vanish, or reappear in ways that make Ernie question whether he is being framed, manipulated, or losing his mind.
That opening stretch is the book at its strongest. The EdgeView Hotel works as a polished, expensive space built for erasure: clean rooms, polite staff, hidden systems, and a sense that money can make people disappear without leaving fingerprints. The early chapters have a simple but effective tension: Ernie knows what he saw, but every official structure around him tells him it did not happen.
Ernie is also a better protagonist than he first appears to be. He is not a slick thriller hero. He is insecure, broke, jealous, lonely, and painfully aware of his own stalled life. His fascination with Rochelle is not pure love or heroism; it is mixed with fantasy, resentment, attraction, and the desperate need to matter to someone. That makes him feel more human than a more polished protagonist would have been.
Rochelle is intriguing, too, especially in the small details. Her clinical comments about anatomy and death give her an unsettling edge long before the book reveals what is really going on. She feels like someone carrying a much darker life beneath a controlled surface, and I wish the novella had spent more time developing her beyond the mystery she represents.
Where the book worked less well for me was in the middle. The hotel infiltration, hidden chute, underground room, keycards, and physical confrontations all have good thriller ingredients, but the action is often more kinetic than tense. There is plenty of movement, pursuit, pain, and impact, but not always enough emotional pressure underneath it. The story keeps moving, but the suspense does not always deepen.
I also felt some of the major revelations arrived too quickly. The book begins as a psychological mystery built on uncertainty: did the night happen, was Ernie manipulated, or is something breaking inside his mind? But once the larger conspiracy starts to explain itself, the story becomes less psychologically unstable and more like a dark action-thriller ride. That is not a bad direction, but it is a less interesting one than the opening promises.
The final twist is one of the better parts of the novella. Without giving too much away, it recontextualizes Ernie’s situation in a way that fits the title and gives the story a sharp closing sting. I just wish the ending had more room to breathe. The idea is strong, but the execution is so quick that it feels more like a punchline than a full emotional or psychological payoff.
Still, The Night That Was Deleted works as a one-sitting thriller. It has a gripping premise, a messy but sympathetic protagonist, a good sense of escalation, and a final turn that gives the title real meaning.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 27, 2026
I’d give The Night That Was Deleted by Elainie La Force 4 stars. It was a novel that I couldn’t stop reading even when it made me question everything.
The idea alone draws you in: Bernie James, 29, unemployed and living in his parents’ basement, takes on the easy job—guarding a high-end escort Rochelle Parker, staying overnight at a hotel. Simple. Stay outside, make sure no one disturbs her, drive her home. It all goes well until the night she doesn’t show up.
What follows is where the story really grips you. The room is empty. The bed untouched. And when Bernie starts asking questions, the hotel staff look at him like he’s unraveling—because according to them, Rochelle Parker was never checked in at all.
That underlying question—is something deeply wrong here, or is Bernie losing his grip on reality?—drives the entire book. It creates a perpetual sense of unease that keeps you turning pages.
The story is interesting and really a thought-provoking one. There is a bit of this lingering disorientation all throughout and that’s nice with the psychological tension. But occasionally the story is too opaque and could have been more clear and grounding. At times there is some confusion in the mix to add to the atmosphere—but it feels pretty underdeveloped at times, and I was left with more questions than answers at the end. For some readers that ambiguity will be a strength, for others it may seem unsatisfying.
But it is a thought-provoking read and if you like psychological suspense with a surreal edge and don’t mind a little ambiguity, this is something you must read.
The idea alone draws you in: Bernie James, 29, unemployed and living in his parents’ basement, takes on the easy job—guarding a high-end escort Rochelle Parker, staying overnight at a hotel. Simple. Stay outside, make sure no one disturbs her, drive her home. It all goes well until the night she doesn’t show up.
What follows is where the story really grips you. The room is empty. The bed untouched. And when Bernie starts asking questions, the hotel staff look at him like he’s unraveling—because according to them, Rochelle Parker was never checked in at all.
That underlying question—is something deeply wrong here, or is Bernie losing his grip on reality?—drives the entire book. It creates a perpetual sense of unease that keeps you turning pages.
The story is interesting and really a thought-provoking one. There is a bit of this lingering disorientation all throughout and that’s nice with the psychological tension. But occasionally the story is too opaque and could have been more clear and grounding. At times there is some confusion in the mix to add to the atmosphere—but it feels pretty underdeveloped at times, and I was left with more questions than answers at the end. For some readers that ambiguity will be a strength, for others it may seem unsatisfying.
But it is a thought-provoking read and if you like psychological suspense with a surreal edge and don’t mind a little ambiguity, this is something you must read.
May 9, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Wow, this was short and to the point all while keeping me guessing!
Ernie James finds himself confused and panicking after losing his charge, Rochelle. An escort he has guarded in the past, he is faced with an empty room and so many questions. Unable to let it go when he's told by everyone around him that she was never there, he finds himself down a crazy rabbit hole that only leaves him with more questions.
Ernie is such a great character to see from the eyes of, and I could feel his frustration and inability to let this go throughout. I found myself really feeling for him, as he could have easily just turned a blind eye to everything, but his morals wouldn't allow it.
The storyline is soooo good, and I absolutely love the ending, WOW! WOW.
I also truly adore how Elaine La Force came up with this, such a fun tidbit to read after. It made me smile.
Truly outstanding how this builds so much tension, and packs such a punch in so few pages. Brilliant writing and I will be following to read more of her works!
Wow, this was short and to the point all while keeping me guessing!
Ernie James finds himself confused and panicking after losing his charge, Rochelle. An escort he has guarded in the past, he is faced with an empty room and so many questions. Unable to let it go when he's told by everyone around him that she was never there, he finds himself down a crazy rabbit hole that only leaves him with more questions.
Ernie is such a great character to see from the eyes of, and I could feel his frustration and inability to let this go throughout. I found myself really feeling for him, as he could have easily just turned a blind eye to everything, but his morals wouldn't allow it.
The storyline is soooo good, and I absolutely love the ending, WOW! WOW.
I also truly adore how Elaine La Force came up with this, such a fun tidbit to read after. It made me smile.
Truly outstanding how this builds so much tension, and packs such a punch in so few pages. Brilliant writing and I will be following to read more of her works!
June 22, 2026
Thank you to BookSirens and the publisher for providing a review copy. All opinions are my own.
What did I just read? I have so many questions!
Ernie works security, 29 years old and living out of his Mother's basement - he fears the constant judgment of others, especially from his own Father. He guards a high-profile client, stands outside her hotel room for up to eight hours whenever he's called. What is she doing within the room? He never asks. But one night when she fails to leave the room, it sets him upon a path of wondering who she is, what he's guarding and is she still alive?
For a short, 78 page story, I was gripped. From the opening sentence, I could not take my eyes off of this book. Its now 330am - which hopefully shows how gripped I was! The story moved at such a fast pace, with such suspense, I could not stop reading.
My reasoning behind the 4* is the ending. It was abrupt. I'm not sure I fully understand it, it needed further explanation. All we get is a few sentences, then it ends.
This story could have been 5* plus, add in another 100 pages. Develop the story further. I need more than where it was left!
What did I just read? I have so many questions!
Ernie works security, 29 years old and living out of his Mother's basement - he fears the constant judgment of others, especially from his own Father. He guards a high-profile client, stands outside her hotel room for up to eight hours whenever he's called. What is she doing within the room? He never asks. But one night when she fails to leave the room, it sets him upon a path of wondering who she is, what he's guarding and is she still alive?
For a short, 78 page story, I was gripped. From the opening sentence, I could not take my eyes off of this book. Its now 330am - which hopefully shows how gripped I was! The story moved at such a fast pace, with such suspense, I could not stop reading.
My reasoning behind the 4* is the ending. It was abrupt. I'm not sure I fully understand it, it needed further explanation. All we get is a few sentences, then it ends.
This story could have been 5* plus, add in another 100 pages. Develop the story further. I need more than where it was left!
May 26, 2026
Do you like Thrillers that are short, punchy & thought provoking? If yes, then check this novella out.
You follow a chauffeur / security guard as he starts a new job escorting a sex worker around various hotels with high-end clients. Until this one night she so doesn't come out of the room, he hasn't seen her leave & things just aren't adding up.
It's very thought provoking as it questions what is truth & what isn't. The tension building is a delicious slow-burn up until the last page. I enjoyed the descriptive narrative, as it just added depth to the storyline at one point it gave me chilling vibes as it reminded me of Auschwitz with all the personal belongings stacked up.
Overall, a great suspenseful read would be great for those wanting to try this genre out or use it like myself as a pallet cleanser in-between heavier novels & this one definitely 'hit the spot' not only for the mind acrobatics but for it's size, as you can whizz through it within a couple of hours.
** Thank you to Booksirens for this free e-copy, I leave this review voluntarily **
You follow a chauffeur / security guard as he starts a new job escorting a sex worker around various hotels with high-end clients. Until this one night she so doesn't come out of the room, he hasn't seen her leave & things just aren't adding up.
It's very thought provoking as it questions what is truth & what isn't. The tension building is a delicious slow-burn up until the last page. I enjoyed the descriptive narrative, as it just added depth to the storyline at one point it gave me chilling vibes as it reminded me of Auschwitz with all the personal belongings stacked up.
Overall, a great suspenseful read would be great for those wanting to try this genre out or use it like myself as a pallet cleanser in-between heavier novels & this one definitely 'hit the spot' not only for the mind acrobatics but for it's size, as you can whizz through it within a couple of hours.
** Thank you to Booksirens for this free e-copy, I leave this review voluntarily **
April 19, 2026
Ernie, a 29 year old man still living in his parents' basement in Brooklyn, lands a job as security for an important client. His job is simple—pick her up in her silver bentley, drop her off at the said location, guard her, and get her back home safely. Easy, right? That's what Ernie thought, until one night his client disappears—and everyone claims she was never there in the first place.
What an absolute ride this book was. I began reading it before bed, thinking I'll just read a bit and go to sleep, but it had me hooked from the first line and I completed it in one sitting! It kept me on the edge the entire time, and even though it only has 70 pages, I had multiple theories as to what the ending would be like. I loved the writing, I feel like if I were in Ernie's I would be speaking exactly like that (with his "what the hell??" Every paragraph—I get you Ernie).
If you're "a quick thriller before bed" kinda girl like me, I 100% recommend this book!
What an absolute ride this book was. I began reading it before bed, thinking I'll just read a bit and go to sleep, but it had me hooked from the first line and I completed it in one sitting! It kept me on the edge the entire time, and even though it only has 70 pages, I had multiple theories as to what the ending would be like. I loved the writing, I feel like if I were in Ernie's I would be speaking exactly like that (with his "what the hell??" Every paragraph—I get you Ernie).
If you're "a quick thriller before bed" kinda girl like me, I 100% recommend this book!
May 1, 2026
The Night That Was Deleted is a fun, fast paced thriller that is a very quick read.
Ernie lands himself a job as a guard to a high end escort. All he has to do is driver her to the hotel, wait for her to finish with her client, and then driver her back home. Easy enough. Until one night, Rochelle doesn't come out of her room. The room is empty and clean as if no one was ever there and as he begins to speak to hotel staff, he finds something strange that sends him into a panic. They have no record of her ever being there. As Ernie digs deeper to find out what is going in, he begins to wonder if he is losing his mind.
The story is twisty and keeps you hooked to the plot. I did find some parts of the story to be a bit repetitive at times, but the twists kept me hooked. I enjoyd the tension the story holds and Ernie's character begins to unravel. Definitely a fun read for sure.
Ernie lands himself a job as a guard to a high end escort. All he has to do is driver her to the hotel, wait for her to finish with her client, and then driver her back home. Easy enough. Until one night, Rochelle doesn't come out of her room. The room is empty and clean as if no one was ever there and as he begins to speak to hotel staff, he finds something strange that sends him into a panic. They have no record of her ever being there. As Ernie digs deeper to find out what is going in, he begins to wonder if he is losing his mind.
The story is twisty and keeps you hooked to the plot. I did find some parts of the story to be a bit repetitive at times, but the twists kept me hooked. I enjoyd the tension the story holds and Ernie's character begins to unravel. Definitely a fun read for sure.
May 17, 2026
The Night That Was Deleted by Elainie La Force ended up being the perfect palate cleanser read for me. Short, engaging, and easy to fly through, it immediately hooked me with its original premise and kept me turning the pages to see how everything would come together in the end.
What I appreciated most was how quickly the story pulled me in. Even in novella form, it maintained enough tension and intrigue to keep me invested without feeling overly drawn out. Sometimes shorter stories can feel underdeveloped, but this one managed to stay entertaining while still delivering a complete reading experience.
I’m giving it 3.5 stars because while it didn’t completely blow me away, it absolutely succeeded at what I needed it to do: break up heavier reads and keep me entertained. Overall, it was a fun, fast-paced read with a unique concept that made it worth the ride.
What I appreciated most was how quickly the story pulled me in. Even in novella form, it maintained enough tension and intrigue to keep me invested without feeling overly drawn out. Sometimes shorter stories can feel underdeveloped, but this one managed to stay entertaining while still delivering a complete reading experience.
I’m giving it 3.5 stars because while it didn’t completely blow me away, it absolutely succeeded at what I needed it to do: break up heavier reads and keep me entertained. Overall, it was a fun, fast-paced read with a unique concept that made it worth the ride.
June 15, 2026
Finished this book in one day and was on the edge of my seat the entire time!
This was a shorter book and a very quick read. I though it was very well written- lots of details but still a quick-paced story that was enticing from the very start. I was just as confused as Ernie as he navigates through his night and trying to figure out the real story. While I did figure out the first plot twist regarding Rochelle, the ending twist was a complete surprise! I wish the author would have given a little more information about the final twist, but it was enough information to get the point across and "solve the mystery" for readers. Overall, I really enjoyed the book! I would definitely recommend The Night that was Deleted, especially if you are in a reading rut.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was a shorter book and a very quick read. I though it was very well written- lots of details but still a quick-paced story that was enticing from the very start. I was just as confused as Ernie as he navigates through his night and trying to figure out the real story. While I did figure out the first plot twist regarding Rochelle, the ending twist was a complete surprise! I wish the author would have given a little more information about the final twist, but it was enough information to get the point across and "solve the mystery" for readers. Overall, I really enjoyed the book! I would definitely recommend The Night that was Deleted, especially if you are in a reading rut.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 19, 2026
Wow. For a short story, this had me completely hooked. I genuinely couldn't put it down.
Where was Rochelle? Was the night even real? Is Ernie the hero or the villain? Has he uncovered something he shouldn't have? Is he now at risk? I barely had time to process one twist before another one hit.
This book had me saying "what the f**k?" in the best possible way. The surprises just kept coming, and Elaine La Force does such an incredible job of making you feel just as blindsided and confused as poor Ernie. I never felt like I was ahead of the story—it stayed one step ahead of me the entire time, and I absolutely loved that.
If you're looking for a fast-paced, twist-filled rollercoaster of a read that keeps you guessing from beginning to end, then this is definitely a book you need to pick up.
Where was Rochelle? Was the night even real? Is Ernie the hero or the villain? Has he uncovered something he shouldn't have? Is he now at risk? I barely had time to process one twist before another one hit.
This book had me saying "what the f**k?" in the best possible way. The surprises just kept coming, and Elaine La Force does such an incredible job of making you feel just as blindsided and confused as poor Ernie. I never felt like I was ahead of the story—it stayed one step ahead of me the entire time, and I absolutely loved that.
If you're looking for a fast-paced, twist-filled rollercoaster of a read that keeps you guessing from beginning to end, then this is definitely a book you need to pick up.
April 29, 2026
This was such a quick, eerie read that completely pulled me in. The premise alone hooked me: a simple overnight security job turns into something much stranger when the woman Bernie is supposed to be guarding vanishes—and no one believes she was ever there.
The story moves fast and keeps you guessing the entire time. I loved the constant sense of unease and the central question of whether something truly sinister is happening or if Bernie is losing his grip on reality. It definitely has that disorienting, psychological edge that makes you want to keep turning pages.
Overall, this is a gripping, thought-provoking novella that’s perfect if you enjoy psychological thrillers with a surreal, slightly unsettling vibe—and don’t mind a little mystery lingering after you finish
The story moves fast and keeps you guessing the entire time. I loved the constant sense of unease and the central question of whether something truly sinister is happening or if Bernie is losing his grip on reality. It definitely has that disorienting, psychological edge that makes you want to keep turning pages.
Overall, this is a gripping, thought-provoking novella that’s perfect if you enjoy psychological thrillers with a surreal, slightly unsettling vibe—and don’t mind a little mystery lingering after you finish
May 16, 2026
May Read: The Night That Was Deleted by Elainie La Force ⭐️⭐️⭐️. This was a popcorn thriller that moved fast, stayed entertaining, and kept me questioning what was real right alongside Ernie. The short length worked in its favor because the story never dragged and the mystery kept unfolding at a steady pace.
Ernie waking up to Rochelle seemingly vanishing into thin air instantly pulled me in. Watching him spiral while everyone around him insisted she never existed created that paranoid atmosphere that makes thrillers fun. The deeper he dug, the stranger things became, and even when I thought I had an idea of what was happening, the story kept throwing in more questions. A quick, bingeable read for anyone wanting something twisty without a huge time commitment.
Ernie waking up to Rochelle seemingly vanishing into thin air instantly pulled me in. Watching him spiral while everyone around him insisted she never existed created that paranoid atmosphere that makes thrillers fun. The deeper he dug, the stranger things became, and even when I thought I had an idea of what was happening, the story kept throwing in more questions. A quick, bingeable read for anyone wanting something twisty without a huge time commitment.
April 30, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really enjoyed this story. It’s a quick read, but it pulls you in right away with this eerie idea of a night that just doesn’t exist anymore. The way the story slowly reveals little details and builds that uneasy feeling kept me hooked the whole time. It’s not overly scary, but it definitely messes with your head in the best way.
I liked how it makes you question what really happened without giving everything away. Stories like that always stick with me longer. Overall, it was a fun, creepy read, and I’m definitely looking forward to reading more of her work.
I really enjoyed this story. It’s a quick read, but it pulls you in right away with this eerie idea of a night that just doesn’t exist anymore. The way the story slowly reveals little details and builds that uneasy feeling kept me hooked the whole time. It’s not overly scary, but it definitely messes with your head in the best way.
I liked how it makes you question what really happened without giving everything away. Stories like that always stick with me longer. Overall, it was a fun, creepy read, and I’m definitely looking forward to reading more of her work.
May 6, 2026
Elainie La Force's short story, The Night That Was Deleted, is an entertaining and fast-paced read that delivers on its high-tension premise. The character development was good for a short story.
While the ride is thrilling, the execution does leave a few lingering questions by the final page. The narrative can feel slightly murky in places, making it tough to tell if certain details were just easy to miss in the rush or if the plot points simply weren't entirely clear. The very end twist, however, makes sure you leave feeling more shocked than mystified.
Want to see spoilers or trigger warnings? Check out: https://www.spoiltheplot.com/books/th...
While the ride is thrilling, the execution does leave a few lingering questions by the final page. The narrative can feel slightly murky in places, making it tough to tell if certain details were just easy to miss in the rush or if the plot points simply weren't entirely clear. The very end twist, however, makes sure you leave feeling more shocked than mystified.
Want to see spoilers or trigger warnings? Check out: https://www.spoiltheplot.com/books/th...
April 23, 2026
Not once did I know where the book was going. While reading, I made up so many scenarios in my mind trying to solve what was happening, not one was correct. The book itself was captivating, but I feel like I have so many unanswered questions, the biggest one being “what’s up with the bleach?”. Great short read, but I feel like I need more!
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.
April 23, 2026
This was a super short story in which a man is a security guard for an escort and she disappears. He investigates and no one believes him, but a lot of people warn him away from his line of thinking. At one point he is chased and I will have to stop there to avoid giving away spoilers. While reading this book, I really didn't know what was going on, but I was not disappointed.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 28, 2026
Riveting.
Fast-paced and fast at getting your attention. It was quite a twisty story that keeps you guessing. I did not know where it was going at any point. The writing does such a good job keeping you in suspense. You can feel Ernie’s hesitations and doubts. It was more of an open-ended type of thing where it keeps you guessing, and that’s not something I prefer. Probably would have had a five-star otherwise.
Come read with me @booksy.tx.ana
Fast-paced and fast at getting your attention. It was quite a twisty story that keeps you guessing. I did not know where it was going at any point. The writing does such a good job keeping you in suspense. You can feel Ernie’s hesitations and doubts. It was more of an open-ended type of thing where it keeps you guessing, and that’s not something I prefer. Probably would have had a five-star otherwise.
Come read with me @booksy.tx.ana
May 5, 2026
The Night That Was Deleted was a really good read.
It pulled me in pretty quickly, and I liked how the story kept me guessing. The suspense and twists had me wanting to keep turning the pages to see what was really going on.
I also liked how everything came together, it wasn’t predictable, which made it even better.
Overall, I really enjoyed it and would definitely recommend if you like a good mystery/thrill
It pulled me in pretty quickly, and I liked how the story kept me guessing. The suspense and twists had me wanting to keep turning the pages to see what was really going on.
I also liked how everything came together, it wasn’t predictable, which made it even better.
Overall, I really enjoyed it and would definitely recommend if you like a good mystery/thrill
April 17, 2026
It's quick. It's too the point. You don't get much time in a 72 page novella to dive deep into your settings and your characters but the author gives us all the info we need so efficiently and it makes sense! It is fast paced but doesn't feel rushed. It's a head scratcher for sure.
Full review on my website on my website on 4.21.26.
www.mommodeloading.com
Full review on my website on my website on 4.21.26.
www.mommodeloading.com
April 19, 2026
this book was really cool!
the plot was enticing and I was interested to know where it went next. the twists and turns were thrilling and the ending was amazing!!
whilst it was short, I don't think it really mattered because it was just as good as it needed to be!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
the plot was enticing and I was interested to know where it went next. the twists and turns were thrilling and the ending was amazing!!
whilst it was short, I don't think it really mattered because it was just as good as it needed to be!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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