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The Couple in Room 13
**Previously published as Cold Kiss **
The most gripping thriller you'll read this year, perfect for fans of The Hunting Party and An Unwanted Guest
Seven strangers. One body.
A decision that will change everything.
Nate and Sara are broke – and on the run from the past.
When a shady hitchhiker offers them cold hard cash for a lift, they can't afford to say no.
But when the man dies in the back seat, with more than two million dollars in his possession, Nate and Sara are forced to make a difficult decision. And, with a blizzard closing in, trapping them for who knows how long in a motel with five strangers, it’s a decision they won’t be able to run from…
Perfect for fans of Lucy Foley and Ruth Ware, The Couple in Room 13 is a tense, twisty thriller that will not leave your hands until you've finished and will force you to ask the question, 'What would I have done?'
Praise for The Couple in Room 13 : 'A well-crafted, tightly plotted thriller which steadily cranks up the sense of menace page by page. You know something bad's going to happen and just have to keep reading…' Simon Kernick, Sunday Times bestselling author of Die Alone
'Clean, lean writing. Pure story with no padding. The pace was cracking and the tension cranked up with each chapter. I inhaled it! Allie Reynolds, author of Shiver
'Portents of disaster accumulate like wind-driven snow... A sly and very accomplished first novel' Booklist 'Highly rewarding... I just couldn't stop reading... There's no better place to spend a few imaginative hours these days than Rector's snowbound motel' National Review 'Highly suspenseful, highly provocative... has elements of the teen horror film I Know What You Did Last Summer and the classic, groundbreaking Psycho ... highly recommended' Gumshoe Review 'One of the most violent, frightening and gripping books I have ever read. The phrase "I could not put it down" fits here -- and the ending stopped me COLD. An outstanding read -- don't miss this one!' Beyond her Book, Publisher's Weekly 'A novel that compels you to read on - even though there are times you are too scared to. Brilliant' Sun 'Rector is the best find I've made all year' Tony Black 'Wonderfully compelling. Could almost see the film racing across my eyes' Maxim Jakubowski 'Tense, taut, throat-grabbing. John Rector is far more accomplished than his years. Reads like a cross between No Country for Old Men and Deliverance . Terrific' Eric Van Lustbader 'One of the best debuts I've read in a very long time' Scott Phillips
The most gripping thriller you'll read this year, perfect for fans of The Hunting Party and An Unwanted Guest
Seven strangers. One body.
A decision that will change everything.
Nate and Sara are broke – and on the run from the past.
When a shady hitchhiker offers them cold hard cash for a lift, they can't afford to say no.
But when the man dies in the back seat, with more than two million dollars in his possession, Nate and Sara are forced to make a difficult decision. And, with a blizzard closing in, trapping them for who knows how long in a motel with five strangers, it’s a decision they won’t be able to run from…
Perfect for fans of Lucy Foley and Ruth Ware, The Couple in Room 13 is a tense, twisty thriller that will not leave your hands until you've finished and will force you to ask the question, 'What would I have done?'
Praise for The Couple in Room 13 : 'A well-crafted, tightly plotted thriller which steadily cranks up the sense of menace page by page. You know something bad's going to happen and just have to keep reading…' Simon Kernick, Sunday Times bestselling author of Die Alone
'Clean, lean writing. Pure story with no padding. The pace was cracking and the tension cranked up with each chapter. I inhaled it! Allie Reynolds, author of Shiver
'Portents of disaster accumulate like wind-driven snow... A sly and very accomplished first novel' Booklist 'Highly rewarding... I just couldn't stop reading... There's no better place to spend a few imaginative hours these days than Rector's snowbound motel' National Review 'Highly suspenseful, highly provocative... has elements of the teen horror film I Know What You Did Last Summer and the classic, groundbreaking Psycho ... highly recommended' Gumshoe Review 'One of the most violent, frightening and gripping books I have ever read. The phrase "I could not put it down" fits here -- and the ending stopped me COLD. An outstanding read -- don't miss this one!' Beyond her Book, Publisher's Weekly 'A novel that compels you to read on - even though there are times you are too scared to. Brilliant' Sun 'Rector is the best find I've made all year' Tony Black 'Wonderfully compelling. Could almost see the film racing across my eyes' Maxim Jakubowski 'Tense, taut, throat-grabbing. John Rector is far more accomplished than his years. Reads like a cross between No Country for Old Men and Deliverance . Terrific' Eric Van Lustbader 'One of the best debuts I've read in a very long time' Scott Phillips
- GenresThriller
322 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2010
3 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
John Rector
23 books264 followersJohn Rector is the bestselling author of the novels Broken, The Ridge, The Cold Kiss, The Grove, Already Gone, Out of the Black, and Ruthless. His short fiction has appeared in numerous magazines and has won several awards, including the International Thriller Award for his novella, Lost Things.
He lives in Omaha, Nebraska.
He lives in Omaha, Nebraska.
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
November 12, 2020
At first glance this could quite easily have been mistaken for a horror novel, where in fact it's a reissue of Rector's 2010 debut The Cold Kiss.
This fast paced psychological thriller asks the simple moral question of how far would someone go for money.
It all seems simple enough at first as Nate and Sara aim to start a new life together, especially as the couple are now expecting.
On the journey they meet a shady unwell hitchhiker who offers them $500 to ride with them, his reasoning is because of the stom that's coming and it's too good to turn down.
Things seem to get even better for them as the man dies in the backseat, with $2 million in cash in his possession.
The couple have to hold up in a motel for a few of days as the blizzard is closing in, surely they can wait it out just a couple of days and be set up for when the baby arrives.
That one decision soon spirals out of control as the pair are desperate to keep hold of their new found wealth, unfortunately for them others also want a piece of that pie.
The tension really racked up especially as the reader learns exactly why Nate and Sara are desperate to start a new life.
The author does a great job of raising the question of the money being cursed and how it's become a hindrance, things could have been so much different if they hadn't given the sick guy a lift.
Fast paced and effective, this simple thriller might just find a new audience under the new title.
This fast paced psychological thriller asks the simple moral question of how far would someone go for money.
It all seems simple enough at first as Nate and Sara aim to start a new life together, especially as the couple are now expecting.
On the journey they meet a shady unwell hitchhiker who offers them $500 to ride with them, his reasoning is because of the stom that's coming and it's too good to turn down.
Things seem to get even better for them as the man dies in the backseat, with $2 million in cash in his possession.
The couple have to hold up in a motel for a few of days as the blizzard is closing in, surely they can wait it out just a couple of days and be set up for when the baby arrives.
That one decision soon spirals out of control as the pair are desperate to keep hold of their new found wealth, unfortunately for them others also want a piece of that pie.
The tension really racked up especially as the reader learns exactly why Nate and Sara are desperate to start a new life.
The author does a great job of raising the question of the money being cursed and how it's become a hindrance, things could have been so much different if they hadn't given the sick guy a lift.
Fast paced and effective, this simple thriller might just find a new audience under the new title.
August 4, 2023
"I wasn't sure, but I thought I could see someone standing in the window. There was a shadow, but I told myself it was only a reflection of the storm in the glass. Then the shadow moved. It was gone."
This one was a really quick read that had me turning the pages so fast. The characters were pretty much all annoying and unlikeable, the plot was interesting, although I felt a little frustrated at the ending. It wasn't perfect, but it made for an enjoyable read.
This one was a really quick read that had me turning the pages so fast. The characters were pretty much all annoying and unlikeable, the plot was interesting, although I felt a little frustrated at the ending. It wasn't perfect, but it made for an enjoyable read.
June 3, 2021
Like all my favourite thrillers, snow plays a part, confining a group of strangers in a motel. What more could you want!
It’s fast paced and set over 2 or 3 days. There are no wasted words on descriptions or wondering thoughts. There’s no background storyline, or multiple points of view. It’s from Nate’s perspective.
Because of this it’s very one dimensional, but I actually really liked that. Sometimes you don’t need a million threads with extra storylines woven into it. We don’t know about the other characters pasts; but we don’t need to. It was all about Nate and Sarah wanting to start a new life, and one decision changes their course. They are then faced with even more decisions to make, and while they want to do the right thing, they also desperately want some good luck.
So, don’t expect anything mind-blowing. I don’t think you’ll be screaming with terror. But there are parts that I think you will squirm at.
It’s fast paced and set over 2 or 3 days. There are no wasted words on descriptions or wondering thoughts. There’s no background storyline, or multiple points of view. It’s from Nate’s perspective.
Because of this it’s very one dimensional, but I actually really liked that. Sometimes you don’t need a million threads with extra storylines woven into it. We don’t know about the other characters pasts; but we don’t need to. It was all about Nate and Sarah wanting to start a new life, and one decision changes their course. They are then faced with even more decisions to make, and while they want to do the right thing, they also desperately want some good luck.
So, don’t expect anything mind-blowing. I don’t think you’ll be screaming with terror. But there are parts that I think you will squirm at.
April 8, 2024
The characters are two dimensional, the plot starts out fine but then it can't decide where it wants to go. The ending is idiotic, none of the characters are likeable.
I don't know why I wasted and hour and a half to read this.
I don't know why I wasted and hour and a half to read this.
January 14, 2021
I really enjoyed it up until the last 4-5 chapters. It seemed like a rushed ending
June 21, 2024
I became aware of the name John Rector when, by chance, I came across someone on twitter calling him "a cross between Raymond Carver and Cornell Woolrich."
Naturally, that was all that was needed to put him on my radar and for me to find something of his to read.
Does this book actually fit that incredibly grand, possibly too generous comparison? Well, of course not (Carveresque is more and more becoming a short-hand descriptor for "bland, serviceable prose", I'm finding...), but even if Rector doesn't live up to that hyperbole, there's no denigrating the fact that this is just an incredibly well-done, well-constructed, well-accomplished thriller in and of itself.
While its awful, obviously publisher-mandated title and cover redesign (I'd much prefered to have read this under its much better original title, The Cold Kiss) tries to trick you into thinking it's a Ruth Ware whodunit, don't be fooled — this is firmly a noir-inspired suspense novel above all else, and the greatest joy of reading it is following the morally-flawed characters as they make terrible, desperate choices that lead to grotesque consequences in classic noir fashion.
It's tight, gripping, atmospheric, unpretentious, and while it doesn't shoot for the moon, it gets a hell of a lot done down here on the ground.
Naturally, that was all that was needed to put him on my radar and for me to find something of his to read.
Does this book actually fit that incredibly grand, possibly too generous comparison? Well, of course not (Carveresque is more and more becoming a short-hand descriptor for "bland, serviceable prose", I'm finding...), but even if Rector doesn't live up to that hyperbole, there's no denigrating the fact that this is just an incredibly well-done, well-constructed, well-accomplished thriller in and of itself.
While its awful, obviously publisher-mandated title and cover redesign (I'd much prefered to have read this under its much better original title, The Cold Kiss) tries to trick you into thinking it's a Ruth Ware whodunit, don't be fooled — this is firmly a noir-inspired suspense novel above all else, and the greatest joy of reading it is following the morally-flawed characters as they make terrible, desperate choices that lead to grotesque consequences in classic noir fashion.
It's tight, gripping, atmospheric, unpretentious, and while it doesn't shoot for the moon, it gets a hell of a lot done down here on the ground.
April 6, 2024
Really enjoyed it for what it was. It was an easy read and kept me interested enough that I managed to read it in less than a day.
Fast-paced, set over the course of a few days maximum, and there are no wasted words and unneeded descriptions, no waxing poetic inner thoughts. This is based solely on Nate's perspective. As a result, the other characters are a little more than background characters: we know little to nothing about them, and barely learn anything. The same can be said for our two main characters: they're running from the past and starting a new, forging a new life, so we learn very little about their past as they only look to the future.
This makes it very one dimensional, but I liked that, as it focused purely on what was happening, without sub-plots, and extra threads, making things more complicated than they need to be.
None of the characters were particularly like-able, and I was simultaneously happy and frustrated with the ending.
Overall, an enjoyable read, but nothing mind-blowing.
Fast-paced, set over the course of a few days maximum, and there are no wasted words and unneeded descriptions, no waxing poetic inner thoughts. This is based solely on Nate's perspective. As a result, the other characters are a little more than background characters: we know little to nothing about them, and barely learn anything. The same can be said for our two main characters: they're running from the past and starting a new, forging a new life, so we learn very little about their past as they only look to the future.
This makes it very one dimensional, but I liked that, as it focused purely on what was happening, without sub-plots, and extra threads, making things more complicated than they need to be.
None of the characters were particularly like-able, and I was simultaneously happy and frustrated with the ending.
Overall, an enjoyable read, but nothing mind-blowing.
August 2, 2022
I enjoyed this book. It was an easy read from the beginning and I zoomed through it in just a few hours.
Easy to follow and to keep track of characters as well as the plot so I didnt need to reread and pages.
Definitely could've been a book that has multiple endings wwith different scenarios.
If you're looking for a murder mystery, edge of your seat book that's also an easy read, I suggest this one.
Easy to follow and to keep track of characters as well as the plot so I didnt need to reread and pages.
Definitely could've been a book that has multiple endings wwith different scenarios.
If you're looking for a murder mystery, edge of your seat book that's also an easy read, I suggest this one.
September 1, 2023
I was kind of entertained by this book but I can’t give it more than 1 star.
1. Writting style is too basic for my liking.
2. There were no major plot twists, you can see some things coming from miles away.
3. Nothing happened until the final pages and then everyone just dies? Okay. I feel like no effort was put into this story at all.
4. Do I have to say anything about the ending? Like why is it not finished? It made me mad.
1⭐️
1. Writting style is too basic for my liking.
2. There were no major plot twists, you can see some things coming from miles away.
3. Nothing happened until the final pages and then everyone just dies? Okay. I feel like no effort was put into this story at all.
4. Do I have to say anything about the ending? Like why is it not finished? It made me mad.
1⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish. What a journey it takes you on. The author has wrote this book with so many on the edge moments and loads of moments where it keeps you on the edge of your seat. I can’t wait to read more by the author. Thoroughly enjoyed and will be recommending to friends.
January 27, 2021
This book kept me hooked from page one. I read it in two days as the paced galloped along at great speed.
A very tense read with vivid characters and description of the Motel. Big twists and turns which were a big surprise along with what I thought to be a great ending.
A very tense read with vivid characters and description of the Motel. Big twists and turns which were a big surprise along with what I thought to be a great ending.
March 26, 2021
This one isn’t for the faint hearted.... maybe it’s just my active imagination but wow! The scenes were pretty grim towards the middle and end of the book. It came out of nowhere too!! A huge cliff hanger ending too!! I suspect a second book?? Captivating in a warped kinda way! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 27, 2022
Very generic thriller with a twist that you could see a mile away. None of the chracters have much depth and the ending is as white bread as they come. Written well enough to make me turn the page but when the pages ended I was disappointed.
October 6, 2024
It's been a while since I finished a book in less than 24 hours. I started reading it about 7 pm last night and finished it today almost 3 pm. It is a short story and it's fast. The storyline is almost like some movie I’ve watched. I truly enjoy the suspense and the thrill of it.
January 12, 2021
Gripping book but the ending felt rushed. Lots of unanswered questions.
April 11, 2021
I liked this. Pretty quick read. Wasnt sure where this was gonna go but i enjoyed it and the ending definitely left me wondering what would have happened . Definitely worth a go
April 22, 2021
Was pretty good.
May 18, 2021
3.5 stars. A quick and enjoyable read.
November 16, 2021
Enjoyed this book, easy to read but it wasn’t gripping.
January 18, 2022
This book was okay for a quick read it was written well and it kept you turning the pages I quite like how it ended because you could decide yourself which way you thought it would go.
June 22, 2022
I wish I had followed my gut and not finished this book. Truely dreadful. Irritating characters, ridiculous storyline’s, stupid ending.
July 5, 2022
Great start, poor ending.
December 30, 2022
Good read! Suspect kept me wanting to read more!
November 13, 2023
Great book! Was hooked from the beginning and read it in record time.
December 29, 2023
Not recommended for reading when snowed in in a remote isolated place with strangers…
October 26, 2024
A disappointing read. Predictable and obvious.
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January 28, 2025great book first one I've read by this author really enjoyed it.
January 5, 2026
Nothing really happens, I was expecting and waiting for a twist that never came
April 25, 2023
Saw the ending coming a mile away. Thrilling at times it held onto the trope of redneck meth head and out of towers are all outsiders to be taken advantage of. And Sarah is just urgh. Hated the chatacter. Did enjoy the inception ending
August 10, 2023
Brilliant book would definitely recommend it to anyone.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews