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The Message on the 13th Floor
Meghan hates the small town she was born and raised in and she can’t wait until she leaves for the Air Force after graduation. Her only concern is leaving behind her irresponsible mother and her two little sisters, whom Meghan has practically raised. So, when her mother goes missing one night, Meghan not only has to take care of everything on the home front, but it also becomes her job to find her mother, because she has a bad habit of disappearing, and so no one else is looking.
That is until Meghan begins to receive mysterious messages, almost as if someone or something is guiding her to a haunted hotel in Manhattan, where people say an elevator game will take riders to the mysterious 13th floor. Some say it’s an entrance to hell, others a portal to another dimension. Either way, Meghan must brave the game in hopes of discovering the truth behind her mother’s disappearance.
That is until Meghan begins to receive mysterious messages, almost as if someone or something is guiding her to a haunted hotel in Manhattan, where people say an elevator game will take riders to the mysterious 13th floor. Some say it’s an entrance to hell, others a portal to another dimension. Either way, Meghan must brave the game in hopes of discovering the truth behind her mother’s disappearance.
- GenresYoung Adult
247 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 25, 2021
1 person is currently reading
10 people want to read
About the author
Winter Lawrence
10 books40 followersWinter lives in the moment and loves nothing more than being surrounded by her family, her fur-babies, and a ton of great reads! When she doesn't have her nose stuck in a book, she's usually thinking up far away, fantastical worlds or she's cooking up a storm in the kitchen!
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 5, 2022
This is my third Winter Lawrence book. I read her Gamer series and loved her writing style. So of course I HAD to read this one!
The Message on the 13th Floor starts off reading like a contemporary mystery as Megan tries to discover what has happened to her missing mother, Maggie May. But when messages, seemingly from beyond begin to appear, for Megan’s eyes only, things start to get weird.
I have to admit I started to get a little bored with the “contemporary mystery” portion of the book. There weren’t enough clues to hold my interest and drive the story forward. BUT when the paranormal came to light, I was HOOKED! And even as I was slightly bored with that middle portion, the writing was still great! I just wasn’t digging that part of the story.
The ending was perfect though. I’m not sure it could’ve ended any other way. Props to Winter for creating another wonderful, character driven story.
* Note: I do work for the publisher and designed the cover.
The Message on the 13th Floor starts off reading like a contemporary mystery as Megan tries to discover what has happened to her missing mother, Maggie May. But when messages, seemingly from beyond begin to appear, for Megan’s eyes only, things start to get weird.
I have to admit I started to get a little bored with the “contemporary mystery” portion of the book. There weren’t enough clues to hold my interest and drive the story forward. BUT when the paranormal came to light, I was HOOKED! And even as I was slightly bored with that middle portion, the writing was still great! I just wasn’t digging that part of the story.
The ending was perfect though. I’m not sure it could’ve ended any other way. Props to Winter for creating another wonderful, character driven story.
* Note: I do work for the publisher and designed the cover.
August 29, 2021
This is a well written mystery suspense read with Meghan searching for her mother who has disappeared again. The author adds in the paranormal with twists,turns and a big surprise. I was glued to the pages from start to finish reading this book. Loved it! Highly recommend !
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
August 13, 2021
5/5⭐️ and 1/5⭐️
Yes, it’s as confusing as it sounds.
This book is about an almost-18 year old girl named Meghan. Her mother is a bit of a… mess. With her fair shares of mental illnesses and substance(s) abuse. All the pressure of being a mother is being put on Meghan. But when her mother disappears, her troubles only worsen.
(Honestly the best way to understand is to look at my reading activity. Be prepared though, it was one hell of a rant—not like this review isn’t. I get very upset when a book i love (in the beginning) spirals down into… this)
So simply put, i loved, loved, loooved the first 40% where nothing paranormal happens. Just a girl taking care of her family and looking after clues to find her mother. God, this was fun to read! 5/5⭐️ no doubt.
But then the paranormal stuff happens.
I’ve seen it before. A really good build-up, and then it all kinda crumbles down. Surprisingly so, that didn’t happen. The first paranormal thing that happened was actually wonderfully written and so much fun to read.
But then around 50% of the book (at chapter 13 to be exact), it all did crumble down.
We’re introduced to some random man. A man which i thought would be some kind of ghost, or creep. But it ended up being a man cheating on his wife with Meghan’s mother. He had no character whatsoever and the only thing he was good for was fixing her money problem. He just gave her a shitload of money and that’s it. Great.
There also was a problem about one of her half sisters’ father returning and taking the girls away. This was made into a whole thing, but then ended up being basically nothing. Great!
Eventually they went to some random hotel that was “haunted”. This was the point where the book really lost me.
The freaking love interest.
He was described as a basic white boy who is “six feet tall, slim but muscular.” Wow, that has never been done before! Good job!
Yeah, anyways, i really didn’t like him. Mainly because introducing him—a boy with zero personality—made Meghans personality crumble too. It was so not her to fall head over heels for a guy she just met with HER MOTHER MISSING.
To be honest, i didn’t really pay attention after that. It was boring, i was sad and disappointed… and honestly just skipped chapters upon chapters to go back to the search on Meg’s mother.
Which finally happened, by the way. But in a way i’m not even sure I read right. Okay, i’m going to try and put this as nice as possible.
***spoiler alert***
The love interest (didn’t remember his name) introduces Meghan to some girl (who is made clear to be gay. Because no, we can’t have the love interest be friends with a girl and them just being platonic). A girl who apparently knows what happened to her mother. It was something along the lines of “a random girl once jumped off the roof of this hotel. She made a deal with the devil. That’s why there is a portal to hell on the 13th floor of this hotel.”
Yup, makes total sense. Thanks.
sigh
So eventually Meg finds her mother and the whole reason this is happening is because she hit her head and died! THAT’S IT.
***spoilers done***
I’m gonna give it 3 stars just for the beginning and because i think others could like it—since i’ve seen other reviews, and they really like it. I would definitely recommend to read those and just keep this in mind. Don’t let it ruin the book for you.
Pfff, anyways.
I need a break from this one…
(thanks, NetGalley)
Yes, it’s as confusing as it sounds.
This book is about an almost-18 year old girl named Meghan. Her mother is a bit of a… mess. With her fair shares of mental illnesses and substance(s) abuse. All the pressure of being a mother is being put on Meghan. But when her mother disappears, her troubles only worsen.
(Honestly the best way to understand is to look at my reading activity. Be prepared though, it was one hell of a rant—not like this review isn’t. I get very upset when a book i love (in the beginning) spirals down into… this)
So simply put, i loved, loved, loooved the first 40% where nothing paranormal happens. Just a girl taking care of her family and looking after clues to find her mother. God, this was fun to read! 5/5⭐️ no doubt.
But then the paranormal stuff happens.
I’ve seen it before. A really good build-up, and then it all kinda crumbles down. Surprisingly so, that didn’t happen. The first paranormal thing that happened was actually wonderfully written and so much fun to read.
But then around 50% of the book (at chapter 13 to be exact), it all did crumble down.
We’re introduced to some random man. A man which i thought would be some kind of ghost, or creep. But it ended up being a man cheating on his wife with Meghan’s mother. He had no character whatsoever and the only thing he was good for was fixing her money problem. He just gave her a shitload of money and that’s it. Great.
There also was a problem about one of her half sisters’ father returning and taking the girls away. This was made into a whole thing, but then ended up being basically nothing. Great!
Eventually they went to some random hotel that was “haunted”. This was the point where the book really lost me.
The freaking love interest.
He was described as a basic white boy who is “six feet tall, slim but muscular.” Wow, that has never been done before! Good job!
Yeah, anyways, i really didn’t like him. Mainly because introducing him—a boy with zero personality—made Meghans personality crumble too. It was so not her to fall head over heels for a guy she just met with HER MOTHER MISSING.
To be honest, i didn’t really pay attention after that. It was boring, i was sad and disappointed… and honestly just skipped chapters upon chapters to go back to the search on Meg’s mother.
Which finally happened, by the way. But in a way i’m not even sure I read right. Okay, i’m going to try and put this as nice as possible.
***spoiler alert***
The love interest (didn’t remember his name) introduces Meghan to some girl (who is made clear to be gay. Because no, we can’t have the love interest be friends with a girl and them just being platonic). A girl who apparently knows what happened to her mother. It was something along the lines of “a random girl once jumped off the roof of this hotel. She made a deal with the devil. That’s why there is a portal to hell on the 13th floor of this hotel.”
Yup, makes total sense. Thanks.
sigh
So eventually Meg finds her mother and the whole reason this is happening is because she hit her head and died! THAT’S IT.
***spoilers done***
I’m gonna give it 3 stars just for the beginning and because i think others could like it—since i’ve seen other reviews, and they really like it. I would definitely recommend to read those and just keep this in mind. Don’t let it ruin the book for you.
Pfff, anyways.
I need a break from this one…
(thanks, NetGalley)
August 10, 2021
“I love you M &M.”
I wanted to read this book since I read the title and see the cover. The synopsis of this book seemed quite interesting to me: an irresponsible and disappearing mother, suddenly disappears for real and her daughter decides to look for her after receiving mysterious messages about where she possibly is.
The first part of the book had a good pace. I liked the way they showed the dynamics of the home and the reality of what it affects to be the daughters of an irresponsible mother. The first mystery messages seemed interesting to me and I was pleased to see how despite coming from an unstable home, the Meghan was able to succeed.
I think the problem was that they kept the same pace from start to finish. I would have liked to see more messages, not only in quantity but in variety. The elements of the elevator and the story behind it seemed somewhat convenient and bizarre. what was the possibility that everything will happen with the ex-girlfriend of the hotel worker? I got a little confused in that part
I would have liked to see a little more depth in the characters. Meghan's love interest was very empty in terms of personality: we did not know much about his relationships with others, hobbies, his activities outside the hotel, etc. I know that he tells Meghan and that she knows but unfortunately we are not Meghan and we do not get to know him as she did.
The last moment between the mother and Meghan seemed emotional to me although I could never fully understand how it ended in that situation. Also, I didn't like the final plotwist very much, I never imagined that that would happen and i know that's a plotwist but i was a bit surprised. I would have liked the culprit to pay for the crime but unfortunately we do not see it happen, so it was a bittersweet ending for me.
I thank NetGalley for this book and giving me the opportunity to read it. My final rate: 3.75/5
I wanted to read this book since I read the title and see the cover. The synopsis of this book seemed quite interesting to me: an irresponsible and disappearing mother, suddenly disappears for real and her daughter decides to look for her after receiving mysterious messages about where she possibly is.
The first part of the book had a good pace. I liked the way they showed the dynamics of the home and the reality of what it affects to be the daughters of an irresponsible mother. The first mystery messages seemed interesting to me and I was pleased to see how despite coming from an unstable home, the Meghan was able to succeed.
I think the problem was that they kept the same pace from start to finish. I would have liked to see more messages, not only in quantity but in variety. The elements of the elevator and the story behind it seemed somewhat convenient and bizarre. what was the possibility that everything will happen with the ex-girlfriend of the hotel worker? I got a little confused in that part
I would have liked to see a little more depth in the characters. Meghan's love interest was very empty in terms of personality: we did not know much about his relationships with others, hobbies, his activities outside the hotel, etc. I know that he tells Meghan and that she knows but unfortunately we are not Meghan and we do not get to know him as she did.
The last moment between the mother and Meghan seemed emotional to me although I could never fully understand how it ended in that situation. Also, I didn't like the final plotwist very much, I never imagined that that would happen and i know that's a plotwist but i was a bit surprised. I would have liked the culprit to pay for the crime but unfortunately we do not see it happen, so it was a bittersweet ending for me.
I thank NetGalley for this book and giving me the opportunity to read it. My final rate: 3.75/5
August 4, 2021
Meghan Martin has just sworn into the Air Force. She has found her way out of her little town. But she is worried for her two younger sisters. Meghan’s mother has some issues and the main one is wasting money, addiction, and guys. This has led to Meghan stepping up and taking care of her sisters and running the house.
This also means that only Meghan will go looking for her. What she finds is the Bowery Hotel and a secret elevator game that will take you to the 13th floor. But the 13th floor is not what she expected, and she may not be able to save her mom this time.
I liked this story. There were a couple times the pace slowed and I found myself wandering. But I like the mystery and the ending was a good twist. I felt for Meghan and how she was wanting to escape her current life. Although tough, the path to find her mother was one heck of a ride.
I think that anyone that likes mysteries with a paranormal twist will like this book. It is the first book I have read by Winter Lawrence but it will definitely not be my last.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
This also means that only Meghan will go looking for her. What she finds is the Bowery Hotel and a secret elevator game that will take you to the 13th floor. But the 13th floor is not what she expected, and she may not be able to save her mom this time.
I liked this story. There were a couple times the pace slowed and I found myself wandering. But I like the mystery and the ending was a good twist. I felt for Meghan and how she was wanting to escape her current life. Although tough, the path to find her mother was one heck of a ride.
I think that anyone that likes mysteries with a paranormal twist will like this book. It is the first book I have read by Winter Lawrence but it will definitely not be my last.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
August 9, 2021
Seventeen-year-old Megan will become an airman after graduation when she turns eighteen. Megan works a part time job and helps take care of her two little sisters. Megan’s mom is an alcoholic and disappears on occasion for a few days at a time.
So when her mother fails to pick up her sisters after school one day no one thinks much about it as this is something that happens quite often. Megan is worried about her little sister and what is going to happen to them when she leaves for the Air Force.
She is already worried that the wrong people will find out about her mother’s disappearances. She is afraid that if the wrong people find out then they will take her sisters away.
After a couple of days without any sign of her mother Megan starts to get suspicious about her disappearing this time. Her gut is telling her that something is not quite right that maybe she didn’t just disappear this time that maybe she is lying in a ditch somewhere.
Megan goes to the police to try and get them to search for her mother but with her mother’s reputation she doesn’t get very far. It is left up to Megan herself to look for her mother.
The Message on the 13th Floor is very intriguing and spellbinding. It grabbed my attention from the first page with all its mystery and suspense. Oh, and then there are the twists, twists that filled me with astonishment. That one big twist after all of its secrets were revealed was shockingly surprising. I definitely did not see that one coming for sure.
I really and truly loved all the characters in The Message on the 13th Floor. I loved the person Megan was and how she tried to take care of her mother and her little sisters. I loved how she always put her sister before herself. I also enjoyed the paranormal aspects of the story. What an amazing story.
I would recommend The Message on the 13th Floor to anyone who likes a good mystery combined with paranormal elements. One-click your copy of The Message on the 13th Floor today!
So when her mother fails to pick up her sisters after school one day no one thinks much about it as this is something that happens quite often. Megan is worried about her little sister and what is going to happen to them when she leaves for the Air Force.
She is already worried that the wrong people will find out about her mother’s disappearances. She is afraid that if the wrong people find out then they will take her sisters away.
After a couple of days without any sign of her mother Megan starts to get suspicious about her disappearing this time. Her gut is telling her that something is not quite right that maybe she didn’t just disappear this time that maybe she is lying in a ditch somewhere.
Megan goes to the police to try and get them to search for her mother but with her mother’s reputation she doesn’t get very far. It is left up to Megan herself to look for her mother.
The Message on the 13th Floor is very intriguing and spellbinding. It grabbed my attention from the first page with all its mystery and suspense. Oh, and then there are the twists, twists that filled me with astonishment. That one big twist after all of its secrets were revealed was shockingly surprising. I definitely did not see that one coming for sure.
I really and truly loved all the characters in The Message on the 13th Floor. I loved the person Megan was and how she tried to take care of her mother and her little sisters. I loved how she always put her sister before herself. I also enjoyed the paranormal aspects of the story. What an amazing story.
I would recommend The Message on the 13th Floor to anyone who likes a good mystery combined with paranormal elements. One-click your copy of The Message on the 13th Floor today!
August 1, 2021
Meghan was a young recruit that took on the role of “adult” for her sisters as their mom fell deeper into depression and absence.
Once again, her mother has disappeared. Only this time, Meghan can’t help but feel that her mom was in trouble. She soon starts to investigate, backtracking to her mother’s latest whereabouts, which was often summarized in lengthy monologue.
Story has an easy narrative that captures and holds the reader for the most part. Soon, the plot settles on a slow and even pace, chronicling mostly Meghan’s school life and comprehensive search for her mother. The trail eventually leads to a supernatural mystery, which was fairly interesting, however, it takes a while to get to this point.
Overall, a decent mystery and a nice read.
Once again, her mother has disappeared. Only this time, Meghan can’t help but feel that her mom was in trouble. She soon starts to investigate, backtracking to her mother’s latest whereabouts, which was often summarized in lengthy monologue.
Story has an easy narrative that captures and holds the reader for the most part. Soon, the plot settles on a slow and even pace, chronicling mostly Meghan’s school life and comprehensive search for her mother. The trail eventually leads to a supernatural mystery, which was fairly interesting, however, it takes a while to get to this point.
Overall, a decent mystery and a nice read.
September 30, 2021
From the beginning to the very end I was constantly gripped by the endless twists and turns that would make my jaw drop.
Some authors that try to shock their audience too much, end up having a book that makes little sense and you feel that it was just a failed attempt to keep the reader interested, when really there is no real relevance or it has little to do with the progression of the story line. This really is far from that!
It is clear that the plot has been cleverly thought through and is taking the audience through the same level of surprise as some of the characters (which is high).
It really is so nice to read something that you can’t predict the ending before it has even begun!
Some authors that try to shock their audience too much, end up having a book that makes little sense and you feel that it was just a failed attempt to keep the reader interested, when really there is no real relevance or it has little to do with the progression of the story line. This really is far from that!
It is clear that the plot has been cleverly thought through and is taking the audience through the same level of surprise as some of the characters (which is high).
It really is so nice to read something that you can’t predict the ending before it has even begun!
September 6, 2021
Although I am not a very big fan of paranormal stuff, I have to say I really enjoyed this book for a change.
Winter has managed to capture the mystery, suspense, thrill, anticipation and tension that came with different situations, it felt so real.
Mental illness and substance abuse combined will definitely affect anyone, especially a mother. Also, the journey of meghan searching for her mother who has disappeared again is quite interesting and emotional.
It was a good read, I highly recommend to anyone who likes paranormals and suspense.
Winter has managed to capture the mystery, suspense, thrill, anticipation and tension that came with different situations, it felt so real.
Mental illness and substance abuse combined will definitely affect anyone, especially a mother. Also, the journey of meghan searching for her mother who has disappeared again is quite interesting and emotional.
It was a good read, I highly recommend to anyone who likes paranormals and suspense.
October 14, 2021
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I was intrigued by the cover and descriptions and felt like it would be a great read. As the story progressed, the plot started to feel like it was lacking. The paranormal parts just weren't as interesting enough for me as I thought it would be. I wish that there were more paranormal aspects. I am glad that the main character found answers to what happened with her mom.
I was intrigued by the cover and descriptions and felt like it would be a great read. As the story progressed, the plot started to feel like it was lacking. The paranormal parts just weren't as interesting enough for me as I thought it would be. I wish that there were more paranormal aspects. I am glad that the main character found answers to what happened with her mom.
July 2, 2021
Megan's life has been far from easy. A addict mom and two little sisters, she sees very little hope of life changing until one night her mother doesnt come home.
Megan knows something isnt right and starts seeing messages that can only be from her mom. A thriller and paranormal journey to the 13th floor of the famous Bowery Hotel..
Great story if you want just a bit of scary in your reading. Love the ending.
Megan knows something isnt right and starts seeing messages that can only be from her mom. A thriller and paranormal journey to the 13th floor of the famous Bowery Hotel..
Great story if you want just a bit of scary in your reading. Love the ending.
July 29, 2021
I was drawn to this book by the title and the cover. After reading The Message on the 13th floor I can say I was hooked! Meg is the only one at first who is concerned when her mother goes missing. For everyone else, it is just another one of her mothers disappearing for a few days bit. Her investigation leads Meg to the Bowery hotel where she finally gets answers about what happened to her mother. This was well written and I highly recommend this novel. I have nothing negative to say.
August 25, 2021
Such a great YA thriller! I've already got a copy on order for my 7th grade classroom, as I know my horror-obsessed middle schoolers will LOVE this one! I thought I had it all figured out, but was pleasantly surprised to find out I had no idea what was actually happening! I loved the supernatural vibes, and can't wait to hand this off to some spooky-loving readers!
Read
November 5, 2021Woww
Woow
I love it
Mystery
Mystic
Would recommend for everyone
'The Message on the 13th Floor' is an OK book in my opinion. I enjoyed reading it, the pace was average , and the characters were quite good.
From the start to the end I was constantly on edge by the endless drama.
Loved it
Teens can read this
Very Fascinating
Woow
I love it
Mystery
Mystic
Would recommend for everyone
'The Message on the 13th Floor' is an OK book in my opinion. I enjoyed reading it, the pace was average , and the characters were quite good.
From the start to the end I was constantly on edge by the endless drama.
Loved it
Teens can read this
Very Fascinating
October 4, 2021
This was a great read from this author
.
Mystery and suspense that will keep you gripped to the edge of your seat. In a setting that will captivate you.
Twist and turns throughout the story and plot line.
Wonderful well written characters.
Really enjoyable read. It kept me reading....
.
Mystery and suspense that will keep you gripped to the edge of your seat. In a setting that will captivate you.
Twist and turns throughout the story and plot line.
Wonderful well written characters.
Really enjoyable read. It kept me reading....
Read
June 3, 2022An intriguing page turner. It's got great suspense, that keeps you glued. A little fast paced but the plot is an enthralling one. Kudos to the writer on the creative depth that went into this book. I rate a 7/10
April 14, 2022
I was not expected how this novel turned out to be, and I was really touched by this novel. The novel starts in Middletown with Megan and her Mom having time together discussing Megan’s plan after high school. Then Megan’s Mom went missing leaving her with her two little sisters all alone.
Her Mom was known in the past to go off grid, but Megan felt something bad happened.
She tries following all leads to find her Mother, but the search lead her to nothing but to learn more about her mother secret life. As the days pass, she was getting weird messages from what she later discovered was her mother’s Ghost. A message to go to find her in in 13’the floor of the "Bowery Hotel" in Manhattan, and Megan needs help on how to get there.
The author took us on a journey how someone feels after a loved one goes missing, the hope, the grieving and finally finding peace and the moving on. Also how at the darkest hours you learn more about yourself, people around you and to always hold on to your family and friends.
The novel had all sort of emotions, despair, lose, grief and first love, and I think the author delivered all that in such a beautiful way.
Her Mom was known in the past to go off grid, but Megan felt something bad happened.
She tries following all leads to find her Mother, but the search lead her to nothing but to learn more about her mother secret life. As the days pass, she was getting weird messages from what she later discovered was her mother’s Ghost. A message to go to find her in in 13’the floor of the "Bowery Hotel" in Manhattan, and Megan needs help on how to get there.
The author took us on a journey how someone feels after a loved one goes missing, the hope, the grieving and finally finding peace and the moving on. Also how at the darkest hours you learn more about yourself, people around you and to always hold on to your family and friends.
The novel had all sort of emotions, despair, lose, grief and first love, and I think the author delivered all that in such a beautiful way.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews