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The Evergreen Motel #1
Sleepless
Aly is pursued by her violent ex-boyfriend Kyle who will stop at nothing to find her and end her life. The Evergreen Motel seems like a concealed and safe place for Aly to hide, but is her ex the only one seeking her death?
On the brink of exhaustion, Aly finds shelter and security at The Evergreen Motel for the night. Assured by the friendly manager to be the only guest checked in for the night, Aly begins to experience the most terrifying night of her life. Deafening screams, whispered voices, padded footsteps next door, is Aly dreaming? Could it be Kyle, intent on terrifying her until the very end? Or is she not the only guest sleepless in the motel tonight?
Follow bestselling author, Marc Layton, into this thrilling short story and experience for yourself the eerie incidents taking place in the Evergreen Motel. Grab your copy now for spine-chilling, non-stop suspense.
On the brink of exhaustion, Aly finds shelter and security at The Evergreen Motel for the night. Assured by the friendly manager to be the only guest checked in for the night, Aly begins to experience the most terrifying night of her life. Deafening screams, whispered voices, padded footsteps next door, is Aly dreaming? Could it be Kyle, intent on terrifying her until the very end? Or is she not the only guest sleepless in the motel tonight?
Follow bestselling author, Marc Layton, into this thrilling short story and experience for yourself the eerie incidents taking place in the Evergreen Motel. Grab your copy now for spine-chilling, non-stop suspense.
- GenresHorror
37 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 5, 2019
87 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
About the author
Marc Layton
35 books143 followersMarc Layton is the internationally bestselling horror author of The Haunting Of Bridge Manor, The Evergreen Motel and The Evil Inside. The only child of American expats, he grew up on a farm in northern Germany, went to boarding school in a remote part of Scandinavia and then returned to his familial roots for University in New Hampshire where he then settled. As an avid traveler, a voracious reader and a professional antiques dealer, Layton is never at a loss for inspiration and ever since he can remember he’s been consumed by the things that go bump in the night. Layton lives and works out of a cottage near the water in Portsmouth, NH and spends his free time hiking with his wife and trusty Australian Shepard Lily.
Visit https://linktr.ee/MarcLayton to learn more or find Marc Layton on social @authormarclayton
Visit https://linktr.ee/MarcLayton to learn more or find Marc Layton on social @authormarclayton
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
October 24, 2021
Frightening!
After putting up with her boyfriend’s abuse for fifteen years (yes, that’s right, fifteen years! Go figure), Aly decides she’s had enough, so one day she decides to leave him.
While making a run for it, with practically just the clothes on her back, she is being pursued by Kyle, her boyfriend, who repeatedly sends her threatening texts.
Desperate for rest, Aly pulls off the road at an abandoned motel, where the manager cheerfully tells her she is the only guest.
But is she? While Aly isn’t sure, she suspects not.
After putting up with her boyfriend’s abuse for fifteen years (yes, that’s right, fifteen years! Go figure), Aly decides she’s had enough, so one day she decides to leave him.
While making a run for it, with practically just the clothes on her back, she is being pursued by Kyle, her boyfriend, who repeatedly sends her threatening texts.
Desperate for rest, Aly pulls off the road at an abandoned motel, where the manager cheerfully tells her she is the only guest.
But is she? While Aly isn’t sure, she suspects not.
February 29, 2020
I had such high hopes for this book and my expectations were most definitely fulfilled. We follow our character, Aly, who is the on run from her deranged, ex-boyfriend Kyle. Being on the run has taken a toll on her and due to complete exhaustion she decides to stay in a motel just for a night.
The Evergreen Motel resided in a secluded spot where she could at least rest her eyes for while. The manager seem nice and Aly was more than glad to accommodate in this strangely vague motel. But as the night rolled in, strange events starts to happens. Guttural screams, unexpected creepy situations and the feeling of being watched slowly but surely crept in and it turns out the danger never stranded much that far from Aly.
Can she out run the perils that follows her? And what about Kyle? Has he found a new way of tormenting her with threats that seemed unexplainable?
I was impressed with the writing style. The beginning of the book didn't hold much interest but when Aly reaches to the motel that when all the excitement commence. Before you ask me if this ends on a cliffhanger or not, the answer is yes, infact it ends on major cliffhanger! I'm glad that the second book is already out and I don't have wait to know what happens next.
The Evergreen Motel resided in a secluded spot where she could at least rest her eyes for while. The manager seem nice and Aly was more than glad to accommodate in this strangely vague motel. But as the night rolled in, strange events starts to happens. Guttural screams, unexpected creepy situations and the feeling of being watched slowly but surely crept in and it turns out the danger never stranded much that far from Aly.
Can she out run the perils that follows her? And what about Kyle? Has he found a new way of tormenting her with threats that seemed unexplainable?
I was impressed with the writing style. The beginning of the book didn't hold much interest but when Aly reaches to the motel that when all the excitement commence. Before you ask me if this ends on a cliffhanger or not, the answer is yes, infact it ends on major cliffhanger! I'm glad that the second book is already out and I don't have wait to know what happens next.
February 21, 2020
Chilling! Exciting! Addictive! Thrilling! Suspenseful! Everything you could want in a horror thriller and then some! I'm now a confirmed fan!
August 11, 2022
Good story
For a short story it packed a lot of action and suspense. Well written and a good storyline. Now I have to wonder what happened to Aly. I recommend reading.
For a short story it packed a lot of action and suspense. Well written and a good storyline. Now I have to wonder what happened to Aly. I recommend reading.
January 19, 2022
After 15 abusive years with her boyfriend Kyle, Aly finally decided to put an end to this relationship forever and ever. She leaves the house at once with nothing but just some clothes in her bagpack receiving repeated threatening texts from her boyfriend at the same time. Being completely exhausted by the run and constant fear driving her insane every passing minute she decides to take a stop at the Evergreen Motel revised in a scheduled spot where she could stay, atleast for the night. Though the hotel looked a bit murky, she decides to stay as she was glad finding a place for the night.
It was all perfect but not for long. As the night grew dark and intense, it got accompanied by several omnious events with a scary feeling of being watched all the time. She finds herself stuck between the feeling of whether it was happening for real or she was just hallucinating.
But is she really hallucinating or there were more secrets to unfold ? Was she really the only guest staying at the Evergreen Motel ?
It was all perfect but not for long. As the night grew dark and intense, it got accompanied by several omnious events with a scary feeling of being watched all the time. She finds herself stuck between the feeling of whether it was happening for real or she was just hallucinating.
But is she really hallucinating or there were more secrets to unfold ? Was she really the only guest staying at the Evergreen Motel ?
February 20, 2020
Aly is driving on the run from her ex-boyfriend who is abusive. He has been texting her off and on all day. She is getting to tired to drive and spots an almost out of sight motel. When she goes to check in the owner April is the only one there and he sleeps on a cot in his office. Every little sound she heard makes Alynjump. Then she thinks dhe sees a hjodt, but I think she figures the ghost can’t hurt hurt her as bad as the ex.. you have to read this story and now I am going to start on the next one. Great job Marc. I have seen a ghost a couple of times at my non-deceased parents house. I described her to them and they said she lived next door when the older lady owner their house before she died. Then the lady that became the ghost died but they tore her house down, so I guess she just hung out at my parents. Was never scary.
April 28, 2020
Sleepless is short on pages but long on feeling Aly’s fear as it builds to all consuming by author, Marc Layton’s expressive writing. Afraid of a drunken, abusive boyfriend, Aly’s escape keeps pages turning, then flying with her overwhelming fear. Is it hallucinations or real?
What was real... to be continued.
No way to stop the fear building in me except book 2.
Read Sleepless, you will see what I mean about the fear.
What was real... to be continued.
No way to stop the fear building in me except book 2.
Read Sleepless, you will see what I mean about the fear.
December 6, 2019
A good, and I mean good, psychological thriller is hard to come by. This is one such story. While on the run from a deranged boyfriend, "Rebecca" (Aly) finds herself at the Evergreen Motel. Things just get weird from there. I would have given this 5 stars, but the story ends, without ending which always annoys me.
May 19, 2020
The Evergreen Motel: Sleepless is part one of a short story. An intense read, you definitely feel Aly’s fear as she is hunted by her violent ex-boyfriend. Her stop at the motel is out of necessity when exhaustion sets in. Unfortunately for her, the motel is haunted. A good tale which ends in a cliffhanger. I received a copy of this book for an honest review.
May 30, 2020
Staying at the Evergreen Motel, Aly was leaving her boyfriend Kyle, but was having trouble getting to sleep and staying asleep. There was a ghost in her bathroom, and when she talked to the motel owner about it, he identified it as his dead wife. However, that was not the only ghost bothering her sleep that night.
June 7, 2020
Creepy Motel
I chose this rateing as I was very impressed by what i was reading & thought to myself that this is a very good start to a captivating book i like reading books like this as it keeps you turning the pages & doesn't seem to let up or slow down. If you have a chance of reading this please read it' you will not be disappointed. I'm off to read part 2.
I chose this rateing as I was very impressed by what i was reading & thought to myself that this is a very good start to a captivating book i like reading books like this as it keeps you turning the pages & doesn't seem to let up or slow down. If you have a chance of reading this please read it' you will not be disappointed. I'm off to read part 2.
July 18, 2020
AN AWESOME READ!!
Better keep the lights on, when reading this book!
A woman escaping an abusive man, driving aimlessly happens upon a strange motel. Seemly no one else is staying there, at that time. Getting a room, she encounters strange happenings. She flees, not knowing where to run to!
Better keep the lights on, when reading this book!
A woman escaping an abusive man, driving aimlessly happens upon a strange motel. Seemly no one else is staying there, at that time. Getting a room, she encounters strange happenings. She flees, not knowing where to run to!
June 3, 2022
When I started reading Marc Layton's Sleepless. I thought I was going to be reading an all nighters.
I was surprised that it ended so quickly. I do love cliffhangers excpecially when they are not expected.
Great read, looking forward th reading more of this heart pounding story.
Keep up the good work and thanks for giving me the chance to read it.
Cheers
Lynn🇨🇦
I was surprised that it ended so quickly. I do love cliffhangers excpecially when they are not expected.
Great read, looking forward th reading more of this heart pounding story.
Keep up the good work and thanks for giving me the chance to read it.
Cheers
Lynn🇨🇦
December 18, 2019
Too Short
3*
In fairness this was a single chapter in what would work better as a traditional book. I enjoyed the psychological aspect of the book, the fact that it's one-sided did help.
I would consider reading further books but not as a must-read.
3*
In fairness this was a single chapter in what would work better as a traditional book. I enjoyed the psychological aspect of the book, the fact that it's one-sided did help.
I would consider reading further books but not as a must-read.
January 12, 2020
Intense, claustrophobic
The above tells almost all. I don’t like to be led astray. Intense story...continued! A “short story” should be complete. If not, that should be stated before you begin reading.
The above tells almost all. I don’t like to be led astray. Intense story...continued! A “short story” should be complete. If not, that should be stated before you begin reading.
February 8, 2020
I love psychological thrillers.. and this was quite good. It read so fast, I wish it was longer. You could feel the tension and anxiety as you’re reading this. I can’t wait to read part 2, and find out what happens. I really enjoyed this book, and recommend it.
April 29, 2020
Great story any wait for part two!
From someone who has been in a similar situation I wasn't sure I would enjoy this book but it grabbed me and I could not put it down till it was finished!
From someone who has been in a similar situation I wasn't sure I would enjoy this book but it grabbed me and I could not put it down till it was finished!
May 7, 2020
I enjoyed reading the first part of the series. A young woman escaping from an abusive spouse and finding a motel? It seems to be a restful haven. But, is it really? Plagued by terrifying nightmares she is sleepless.
May 8, 2020
3.5 Stars
The story line was good, the character work is great, and the book has a smooth flow to it. I was hooked from beginning to end. I'm ready for the next one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line was good, the character work is great, and the book has a smooth flow to it. I was hooked from beginning to end. I'm ready for the next one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 12, 2020
Absolutely loved this book. The main character was entirely believable as a domestic abuse survivor. The fear generated by her boyfriend was real and terrifying. The scary motel just adds another layer to her fear. Give this series of books a go, you won't regret it. Excellent writing.
May 18, 2020
" Sleepless",by Marc Layton is a new author to me! This is a strange book meaning it only has part of the story in only like what 40 pages and then you go to book 2, this is a series of 3. I'm off to book 2, but this story starts you off on running from her boyfriend,nightmares,seeing dead people and a strange man in the office of the motel. Got your interest yet? Well,I should and you just need to read what I'm talking about! Of all of the story it's very descriptive and scary! The author did a very good job of that,I read at night and scared myself! The characters that you are introduced to have some crazy and kooky ways! Read,you will see what I'm talking about!! Leave the light on when you read!
May 29, 2020
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
June 25, 2020
Tingling
As I read this first installment,I was captivated by the horror and mystery of what is going on at this little motel, hidden along the road. If you want a good ghost story this sets up to be a perfect match.
As I read this first installment,I was captivated by the horror and mystery of what is going on at this little motel, hidden along the road. If you want a good ghost story this sets up to be a perfect match.
Read
August 17, 2020This story is so real frightening intense kept me turning the pages almost afraid to see what was happening next!
Chilling and gripping !
A great ntroduction will defineately read the rest of the story.
Chilling and gripping !
A great ntroduction will defineately read the rest of the story.
February 28, 2021
What a great beginning to the series. It grabbed me from the very beginning and left me hurrying to get to the next book in the series. This was a short story that continues in the next book. Cannot wait for the next book.
July 23, 2021
Couldn't put it down
Can't wait to read the rest and find out what happens to Rebecca.
Story drew me in, a little bit of a twist thrown in there to keep one interested. Can really picture this creepy hotel. Great read so far.
Can't wait to read the rest and find out what happens to Rebecca.
Story drew me in, a little bit of a twist thrown in there to keep one interested. Can really picture this creepy hotel. Great read so far.
September 9, 2021
I loved this book. It's well written and expresses the story very well. Last night I started on my Marc Layton marathon. I have all his books and will read nothing but his books until I've finished all of them. Something to really look forward to.
February 12, 2020
I Do not care about books 📚that have 👎 NO !ENDING !😶
I do not recommend buying this book and any other story, without it having an ending! Do not buy this book!
I do not recommend buying this book and any other story, without it having an ending! Do not buy this book!
February 23, 2020
This is a good short scary story! Well written & exciting! I will look for more by this writer!
April 11, 2020
Interesting start. Will read the rest of the story before I can write a definitive review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews