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Six Rooms
Welcome, all, to the Sunshire Chateau: Lestershire’s premier tourist attraction. It sits high on a hill overlooking town, shrouded by tall trees and rumors of murder, scandal and intrigue. Tickets are hard to come by, so hold yours close, else the Tour Guide may not let you in. And that would be a pity, for there are so many things to see within these walls–history, glamor, and riches beyond your wildest imagination. Just remember the following rules: don’t wander off alone, don’t be rude to the Guide, and don’t, whatever you do, touch the valuables.
Because the ghosts don’t like it when you touch their things.
Bram Stoker Award nominated author Gemma Amor brings you her newest tale of secrets, lies, love, betrayal, greed, family ties, and a house that has seen a great many sights, over the years.
Praise for Six Rooms
“Six Rooms starts as an almost whimsical ghost story but devolves inexorably into a series of genuinely dreadful horrors. This descent into violence and greed and regret will leave you thoroughly unsettled.”
–Alan Baxter , author of THE GULP & THE ALEX CAINE SERIES
“Gemma Amor turns her keen eye for character and atmosphere to the nightmare land of ghosts—a gorgeous blend of historical horror and hauntings done right, Six Rooms is at turns chilling and heartbreaking, with enough scares to make sure you leave the lights on. A delight.”
–Laurel Hightower , author of CROSSROADS & WHISPERS IN THE DARK
“Gemma Amor’s Six Rooms is a chilling ghost story that is full of her usual prose magic and haunting imagery. This deftly crafted paranormal yarn will chill the very marrow of your bones, whilst the frenetic pace and readability of Amor’s words will get your heart rate pumping until you turn that final page and can once more breathe easily. This is more than just a ghost story; this is a story about belonging, a story of finding one’s place in the world, but above all else it is a unique and masterful book that takes the paranormal trope and crafts something truly magical… Six Rooms will leave its mark long after reading, mark my words.”
–Ross Jeffery , Bram Stoker Nominated author of TOME, JUNIPER & ONLY THE STAINS REMAIN
Because the ghosts don’t like it when you touch their things.
Bram Stoker Award nominated author Gemma Amor brings you her newest tale of secrets, lies, love, betrayal, greed, family ties, and a house that has seen a great many sights, over the years.
Praise for Six Rooms
“Six Rooms starts as an almost whimsical ghost story but devolves inexorably into a series of genuinely dreadful horrors. This descent into violence and greed and regret will leave you thoroughly unsettled.”
–Alan Baxter , author of THE GULP & THE ALEX CAINE SERIES
“Gemma Amor turns her keen eye for character and atmosphere to the nightmare land of ghosts—a gorgeous blend of historical horror and hauntings done right, Six Rooms is at turns chilling and heartbreaking, with enough scares to make sure you leave the lights on. A delight.”
–Laurel Hightower , author of CROSSROADS & WHISPERS IN THE DARK
“Gemma Amor’s Six Rooms is a chilling ghost story that is full of her usual prose magic and haunting imagery. This deftly crafted paranormal yarn will chill the very marrow of your bones, whilst the frenetic pace and readability of Amor’s words will get your heart rate pumping until you turn that final page and can once more breathe easily. This is more than just a ghost story; this is a story about belonging, a story of finding one’s place in the world, but above all else it is a unique and masterful book that takes the paranormal trope and crafts something truly magical… Six Rooms will leave its mark long after reading, mark my words.”
–Ross Jeffery , Bram Stoker Nominated author of TOME, JUNIPER & ONLY THE STAINS REMAIN
201 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 7, 2021
400 people are currently reading
3250 people want to read
About the author
Gemma Amor
42 books765 followersI'm a horror fiction author, podcaster, artist and voice actor from Bristol, in the U.K.
I write for the wildly popular NoSleep Podcast and various other horror fiction audio dramas. My traditionally published debut FULL IMMERSION is out from Angry Robot in September 2022.
Find me at @manylittlewords on Twitter and Insta.
Repped by Mark Falkin at Falkin Literary.
I write for the wildly popular NoSleep Podcast and various other horror fiction audio dramas. My traditionally published debut FULL IMMERSION is out from Angry Robot in September 2022.
Find me at @manylittlewords on Twitter and Insta.
Repped by Mark Falkin at Falkin Literary.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 234 reviews
January 25, 2023
An absolute highlight of the new year! Sunshire Chateau was the home of an eccentric wealthy man named Charles Lester III. What happened in that house. Are rumours true about murder, madness and violence? A group of eight tourists tour the house. The tour guide (we'll never hear his name) is a very strange and sinister character (he somehow reminded me on Gaunt in Stephen King's Needful Things). Where does he lead the small group into and what will their experiences be? What is the secret behind this eerie house? We get one of the eeriest haunted house stories I came across for a very long time. Gothic elements mixed with true horror, greed, violence, revenge, excellent characters and psychological experiences (e.g. Ned, the "bookie" and Alice the housekeeper) you seldom find in such an elaborate manner in a novel. This was nail biting from start to finish. Superb story full of ghosts, horror, haunting elements and a house only few people can ever leave... Highly recommended, an excellent modern horror novel!
February 4, 2024
Check out my Interview with Gemma Amor at Grimdark Magazine.
My complete review is published at Grimdark Magazine.
Gemma Amor puts a new spin on the familiar haunted house trope with Six Rooms. The novel takes place at Sunshire Chateau, an enormous, labyrinthine mansion sitting atop a hill in New York state, replete with secret passages and a mysterious past. Rumored to be haunted, the estate offers the occasional tour to brave (or perhaps foolish) groups of visitors.
Six Rooms opens with one such tour, featuring a hodgepodge of nosy neighbors and unsuspecting tourists. Sunshire Chateau’s unnamed tour guide is imposing and mercurial, displaying abrupt flashes of anger that show no mercy toward uncompliant guests. The tour guide keeps everyone on their toes, although not necessarily on their best behavior, with his sudden alternations between scripted history and vulgar outbursts.
The Sunshire Chateau also employs a book antiquarian devoted to the meticulous study and preservation of thousands of historic and one-of-a-kind volumes contained in the sprawling mansion. Although he would rather focus on his work, the so-called “bookie” experiences much more than he bargained for in accepting this position at the Sunshire.
As implied by its title, Six Rooms is structured around the exploration of six rooms inside the Sunshire Chateau. Each room leads to a ghostly encounter facilitated through a household object that contains some form of supernatural energy. Each of these encounters involves a corresponding flashback sequence featuring the Sunshire Chateau’s late owner, Charles Lester III, revealing more details of his checkered past.
The plot descends further into darkness as we explore the six rooms. This progression feels akin to visiting each successive Circle of Hell in Dante Alighieri’s Inferno. Greater wickedness is revealed at every level, and by the end Charles Lester III seems well versed in each of the deadly sins enumerated by Dante.
Beyond Dante, there is also a clear influence from Edgar Allan Poe which only grows over the course of the book. Gemma Amor explores Poe’s themes of shame, loneliness, and death but with an unexpected and delightfully satisfying feminist twist.
I also enjoyed how Gemma Amor ties the supernatural elements of Six Rooms back to the first law of thermodynamics, i.e., the conversation of energy. Although energy can be neither created nor destroyed, it can be converted among many forms. In Six Rooms, Amor extends this principle to the supernatural, and it works to great effect.
Gemma Amor’s writing is crisp, vibrant, and polished. Amor always has a way of pulling me immediately into a story and keeping me glued to the pages till the very end, and Six Rooms is no exception.
Gemma Amor never disappoints; I am delighted to recommend Six Rooms as one of my favorite haunted house horrors.
My complete review is published at Grimdark Magazine.
Gemma Amor puts a new spin on the familiar haunted house trope with Six Rooms. The novel takes place at Sunshire Chateau, an enormous, labyrinthine mansion sitting atop a hill in New York state, replete with secret passages and a mysterious past. Rumored to be haunted, the estate offers the occasional tour to brave (or perhaps foolish) groups of visitors.
Six Rooms opens with one such tour, featuring a hodgepodge of nosy neighbors and unsuspecting tourists. Sunshire Chateau’s unnamed tour guide is imposing and mercurial, displaying abrupt flashes of anger that show no mercy toward uncompliant guests. The tour guide keeps everyone on their toes, although not necessarily on their best behavior, with his sudden alternations between scripted history and vulgar outbursts.
The Sunshire Chateau also employs a book antiquarian devoted to the meticulous study and preservation of thousands of historic and one-of-a-kind volumes contained in the sprawling mansion. Although he would rather focus on his work, the so-called “bookie” experiences much more than he bargained for in accepting this position at the Sunshire.
As implied by its title, Six Rooms is structured around the exploration of six rooms inside the Sunshire Chateau. Each room leads to a ghostly encounter facilitated through a household object that contains some form of supernatural energy. Each of these encounters involves a corresponding flashback sequence featuring the Sunshire Chateau’s late owner, Charles Lester III, revealing more details of his checkered past.
The plot descends further into darkness as we explore the six rooms. This progression feels akin to visiting each successive Circle of Hell in Dante Alighieri’s Inferno. Greater wickedness is revealed at every level, and by the end Charles Lester III seems well versed in each of the deadly sins enumerated by Dante.
Beyond Dante, there is also a clear influence from Edgar Allan Poe which only grows over the course of the book. Gemma Amor explores Poe’s themes of shame, loneliness, and death but with an unexpected and delightfully satisfying feminist twist.
I also enjoyed how Gemma Amor ties the supernatural elements of Six Rooms back to the first law of thermodynamics, i.e., the conversation of energy. Although energy can be neither created nor destroyed, it can be converted among many forms. In Six Rooms, Amor extends this principle to the supernatural, and it works to great effect.
Gemma Amor’s writing is crisp, vibrant, and polished. Amor always has a way of pulling me immediately into a story and keeping me glued to the pages till the very end, and Six Rooms is no exception.
Gemma Amor never disappoints; I am delighted to recommend Six Rooms as one of my favorite haunted house horrors.
January 31, 2024
What a fun and creepy ghost story! 4.5/5 stars
I had a blast with this creative concept of a supernatural tale by Gemma Amor.
When Six Rooms starts, the reader is first introduced to a unfriendly Tour Guide and a mansion full of history that involves riches, opulence, and scandal.
The past owner of the house Charles Lester III was a wealthy and eccentric businessman, along with rumors of being a terrible person to his wife and servants.
As the group of tourists start on the tour, events in the house slowly go from informative and amazement to confusion and horror.
While on the tour, the reader is slowly introduced to the Sunshire Chateau and the horrifying events that happened in the past. Each room in the house has a tragic story attached to it and as the book moves along, we get a piece of the puzzle on why Sunshire Chateau is haunted and how the past owner was a tyrant.
Six Rooms has a fantastic blend of horror, tension and gothic elements coming nicely together to make a super entertaining book to read.
I’m excited to read more books by Amor due to great pacing, excellent atmosphere, and her unique plot ideas!
If you enjoy the gothic and supernatural plots, don't sleep on this one.
I had a blast with this creative concept of a supernatural tale by Gemma Amor.
When Six Rooms starts, the reader is first introduced to a unfriendly Tour Guide and a mansion full of history that involves riches, opulence, and scandal.
The past owner of the house Charles Lester III was a wealthy and eccentric businessman, along with rumors of being a terrible person to his wife and servants.
As the group of tourists start on the tour, events in the house slowly go from informative and amazement to confusion and horror.
While on the tour, the reader is slowly introduced to the Sunshire Chateau and the horrifying events that happened in the past. Each room in the house has a tragic story attached to it and as the book moves along, we get a piece of the puzzle on why Sunshire Chateau is haunted and how the past owner was a tyrant.
Six Rooms has a fantastic blend of horror, tension and gothic elements coming nicely together to make a super entertaining book to read.
I’m excited to read more books by Amor due to great pacing, excellent atmosphere, and her unique plot ideas!
If you enjoy the gothic and supernatural plots, don't sleep on this one.
January 18, 2022
What begins as a Wonka-esque tour, quickly devolves into something far more haunting, far more tragic than anything Dahl ever put to paper. I'd meant to go to bed early last night, but I simply couldn't close this book. I needed to know what terrors were buried within the walls of Sunshire Chateau and found myself reading way past my bedtime. Gemma Amor is quickly becoming a household name in the horror-verse and if you haven't noticed that, well—you clearly aren't paying attention.
September 11, 2021
One of the things I love about Gemma Amor’s books is you never know quite what to expect from one to the next. We’ve had gritty serial killers (Dear Laura), Cosmic Horror Cults (White Pines) and Superheroes (Girl on Fire). With ‘Six Rooms’ we get a Haunted House tale that may well be her best work to date.
The Sunshire Chateau, now a tourist attraction open to the general public, was once the sprawling and decadent home of Charles Lester and his wife Rose. Charles was a wealthy businessman and entrepreneur, whose high standing and immense riches were reflected in his grandiose home.
Behind closed doors, Charles Lester was also a tyrant. Between the four walls of Sunshire he committed terrible acts which went undiscovered during his lifetime. When the latest tour group arrives to get a rare glimpse inside the Chateau, there will be more than dusty heirlooms waiting for them. While no living man bore witness to Charles Lester’s depravities, the dead don’t forget so easily.
The way the novel is structured is unlike any book I have ever read before. As the group tour the house, each room has a portion of the book dedicated to it, in which one of the characters gets their spotlight, and a further piece of the puzzle is revealed. The premise itself is more than enough to keep you engaged, and there is a general feeling of unease from the moment the present-day cast of characters arrive at Sunshire. Little by little, small details are dropped in, hinting at the bigger picture and the pacing is note-perfect, always giving just enough so that you can’t stop reading, but never too much to spoil what’s to come.
Mixed into the story of the ill-fated tourists we also meet the former owners of the house in the form of flashbacks. The way these flashbacks slot into the wider narrative was ingenious and they never feel jarring or drag down the pacing. Every flashback provides a little more context for the strange goings-on the modern-day characters are experiencing, as well as providing an engrossing tale in their own right. The introduction of Charles Lester in particular really makes the story a memorable one, as he is just the kind of character who you love to hate and he’s an absolute scene-stealer whenever he makes an appearance.
For all the characters in the book, both those we meet in flashback and the modern-day visitors, it’s the house itself that will leave the biggest impact. Amor’s loving descriptions paint a vivid picture of a most unusual house that is packed full of character. Readers will find themselves switching between wishing it were a real place they could visit, and being damn glad it’s not.
Switching deftly between creepy, tense and heart-breaking and mixing classic ghost story tropes with an engaging murder mystery, ‘Six Rooms’ is unlike any other haunted house novel you’ve ever read. Gemma Amor has quickly become one of my favourite horror writers working today, and Six Rooms will no doubt bring a lot more readers round to the same conclusion.
The Sunshire Chateau, now a tourist attraction open to the general public, was once the sprawling and decadent home of Charles Lester and his wife Rose. Charles was a wealthy businessman and entrepreneur, whose high standing and immense riches were reflected in his grandiose home.
Behind closed doors, Charles Lester was also a tyrant. Between the four walls of Sunshire he committed terrible acts which went undiscovered during his lifetime. When the latest tour group arrives to get a rare glimpse inside the Chateau, there will be more than dusty heirlooms waiting for them. While no living man bore witness to Charles Lester’s depravities, the dead don’t forget so easily.
The way the novel is structured is unlike any book I have ever read before. As the group tour the house, each room has a portion of the book dedicated to it, in which one of the characters gets their spotlight, and a further piece of the puzzle is revealed. The premise itself is more than enough to keep you engaged, and there is a general feeling of unease from the moment the present-day cast of characters arrive at Sunshire. Little by little, small details are dropped in, hinting at the bigger picture and the pacing is note-perfect, always giving just enough so that you can’t stop reading, but never too much to spoil what’s to come.
Mixed into the story of the ill-fated tourists we also meet the former owners of the house in the form of flashbacks. The way these flashbacks slot into the wider narrative was ingenious and they never feel jarring or drag down the pacing. Every flashback provides a little more context for the strange goings-on the modern-day characters are experiencing, as well as providing an engrossing tale in their own right. The introduction of Charles Lester in particular really makes the story a memorable one, as he is just the kind of character who you love to hate and he’s an absolute scene-stealer whenever he makes an appearance.
For all the characters in the book, both those we meet in flashback and the modern-day visitors, it’s the house itself that will leave the biggest impact. Amor’s loving descriptions paint a vivid picture of a most unusual house that is packed full of character. Readers will find themselves switching between wishing it were a real place they could visit, and being damn glad it’s not.
Switching deftly between creepy, tense and heart-breaking and mixing classic ghost story tropes with an engaging murder mystery, ‘Six Rooms’ is unlike any other haunted house novel you’ve ever read. Gemma Amor has quickly become one of my favourite horror writers working today, and Six Rooms will no doubt bring a lot more readers round to the same conclusion.
September 29, 2021
This was a fun ghost story, perfect for kicking off the upcoming Halloween season. I enjoyed how the history of the Sunshire Chateau was revealed, and what it all ended up meaning. I was in the mood for this kind of story, and glad I gave it a shot. The writing was very good, and easy to lose yourself within. I'm looking forward to reading more of this author's books, for sure. I'm going with 4.5/5.0 stars that I rounded up.
January 28, 2024
Another good one by Amor! Basically a haunted ghost story within the House of Leaves. At least it felt that way to me. For some reason, though, this story lacked an editor. Very odd as Amor's other books I've read so far were fine as grammar/content goes. Several mistakes, and the most glaring being when Baltimore and Barbara are in the map room. Baltimore is supposed to be talking, but it states "Ned said." Yikes... anywho, some great characters in this one. My favorite being Rose. Even though we don't get to know much about her, we get enough, and it's quite satisfying. You go Rose!!
January 12, 2023
3.5 stars
Loved the vision, wished it was more narratively engaging, Six Rooms has a very simple premise: a group of visitors was granted a tour to an old, ornate manor, but the innocent field trip turned sinister as its malevolent past started entangling itself with the new arrivals. Gemma Amor's writing is imaginative and atmospheric, perfectly captures the architectural absurdity of this giant booby trap. It is also not stingy on the gory kill details—overall the story has a potent theme park haunted house vibe.
Unfortunately the plot of Six Rooms falls into a predictable pattern pretty quickly: entering a new room → banters among the cast → flashbacks to the past → a supernatural event → (rinse and repeat 6 times). Even though the writing and scenario itself are consistently vivid, the stereotypical characters and absence of tension does tarnish the overall experience slightly. Still, this is a strong one to consider if you are seeking a good ol' haunted house story, just keep in mind it's more rich on imagery rather than plot.
Loved the vision, wished it was more narratively engaging, Six Rooms has a very simple premise: a group of visitors was granted a tour to an old, ornate manor, but the innocent field trip turned sinister as its malevolent past started entangling itself with the new arrivals. Gemma Amor's writing is imaginative and atmospheric, perfectly captures the architectural absurdity of this giant booby trap. It is also not stingy on the gory kill details—overall the story has a potent theme park haunted house vibe.
Unfortunately the plot of Six Rooms falls into a predictable pattern pretty quickly: entering a new room → banters among the cast → flashbacks to the past → a supernatural event → (rinse and repeat 6 times). Even though the writing and scenario itself are consistently vivid, the stereotypical characters and absence of tension does tarnish the overall experience slightly. Still, this is a strong one to consider if you are seeking a good ol' haunted house story, just keep in mind it's more rich on imagery rather than plot.
December 29, 2021
4.5 stars
This is exactly how I like ghost stories to unfold; the story follows a tour of a huge and imposing haunted house. Each room gives a little more info, as does each character as they move through the tour.
Not everything is as it seems and the paranormal elements are excellent alongside the overall mystery.
This is exactly how I like ghost stories to unfold; the story follows a tour of a huge and imposing haunted house. Each room gives a little more info, as does each character as they move through the tour.
Not everything is as it seems and the paranormal elements are excellent alongside the overall mystery.
October 20, 2021
Changing from a four star to a five star rating since I'm still thinking about it and it's still creeping me out. Not very many books can do that for that long with me. Dear Laura had the same effect. If you need creeps, Gemma Amor is the one for you.
September 18, 2021
After a rather touching Foreword, I was really hoping I would enjoy this book. After all, I love "spooky house horror" and a tour is the perfect way to introduce various characters to said spooky house!
The formula itself works, but the plot surrounding it was less convincing for me and I frequently found myself being pulled out of the immersion by having to reread passages, so I could clarify everyone's actions. For example, at one point near the end, it is stated that Don wandered off, but in the next paragraph, he is with the group?
I also found myself not really caring about any of the characters (except Terry and Barbara to a degree) so I was waiting for them to be picked off. Yet at the end, certain characters don't receive a definitive fate- their fates are implied, but as a whole the book just sort of...ends.
Nothing is resolved and the cycle will apparently continue, though I have no idea how these tours are operating, since the escapees don't seem likely to leave any glowing reviews on TripAdvisor. Overall, the bones of the story are here, but the plot and actual horror were lacking for me.
The formula itself works, but the plot surrounding it was less convincing for me and I frequently found myself being pulled out of the immersion by having to reread passages, so I could clarify everyone's actions. For example, at one point near the end, it is stated that Don wandered off, but in the next paragraph, he is with the group?
I also found myself not really caring about any of the characters (except Terry and Barbara to a degree) so I was waiting for them to be picked off. Yet at the end, certain characters don't receive a definitive fate- their fates are implied, but as a whole the book just sort of...ends.
Nothing is resolved and the cycle will apparently continue, though I have no idea how these tours are operating, since the escapees don't seem likely to leave any glowing reviews on TripAdvisor. Overall, the bones of the story are here, but the plot and actual horror were lacking for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2023
Well, was the guide on one side or the other or did he flip flop? You would think he’d be on the side of those on tour but perhaps his watch changed that. That will seem cryptic to those that haven’t read it.
My favorite part was the different rooms being described, especially the atrium. This last summer, D and I had watched an awesome series called The Green Planet and one of the strange plants featured was in this book; the Corpse Flower. I will watch anything Sir Attenborough narrates. I adore him. Anyway, being able to conjure up a strange plant in my imagination in detail was amazing. The map room also sounded gorgeous.
I would have loved to have read more about the house and I felt like this left a few holes open at the end. Things just weren’t resolved for me, but it was a good book and kept me interested. Good premise and could have been sooo much more. It could be a series I think.
My favorite part was the different rooms being described, especially the atrium. This last summer, D and I had watched an awesome series called The Green Planet and one of the strange plants featured was in this book; the Corpse Flower. I will watch anything Sir Attenborough narrates. I adore him. Anyway, being able to conjure up a strange plant in my imagination in detail was amazing. The map room also sounded gorgeous.
I would have loved to have read more about the house and I felt like this left a few holes open at the end. Things just weren’t resolved for me, but it was a good book and kept me interested. Good premise and could have been sooo much more. It could be a series I think.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2022
this short little haunted house story does a beautiful job with one of my favorite ghost story things: the idea that ghosts are not purely scary creatures, but they are sad, lonely spirits coping with great loss. i love the dark melancholy of this story.
we jump back and forth between a current-day tour of a historical mansion, and flashes of the gruesome things that occurred there one night long ago. as the members of the small tour group become increasingly disoriented, we slowly unravel the mysteries of how the mansion's ghosts came to be trapped within its walls.
the pacing is on the slow side, but the writing is lyrical and tinged with melancholy. the characters are less fleshed-out than i would like, but for such a short story, it fits. i like how the structure allows each character their chance to reveal a bit of backstory. but the main character here is the house itself: opulent, imposing, and thirsty for blood.
we jump back and forth between a current-day tour of a historical mansion, and flashes of the gruesome things that occurred there one night long ago. as the members of the small tour group become increasingly disoriented, we slowly unravel the mysteries of how the mansion's ghosts came to be trapped within its walls.
the pacing is on the slow side, but the writing is lyrical and tinged with melancholy. the characters are less fleshed-out than i would like, but for such a short story, it fits. i like how the structure allows each character their chance to reveal a bit of backstory. but the main character here is the house itself: opulent, imposing, and thirsty for blood.
...and he felt his heart crack apart, as if he were a geode, unremarkable on the outside, yet full of dazzling crystals within, only those crystals were his feelings, feelings that he was terrified of, feelings that he'd hidden for a long, long time behind a granite layer of agreeable, good-natured cheer, and he found that inside of himself, those feelings were still violently sparkling, and that somehow, despite everything, after all this time, love had found a chance to creep back in, now that he was dead.
October 2, 2021
I'm a massive fan of Amor but this one was a rare misfire for me.
As usual her prose is gorgeous and this is arguably her most well written book yet. There are numerous quotable passages, and many of the characters backstories within are hauntingly beautiful.
The book sticks to a formula that works marginally well.
A group of people are invited to a tour inside the mysterious sunshire chateau. As they are led by the mysterious tour guide, each member finds themselves attracted by an artifact placed around the rooms, which, once touched, provides glimpses of the chateaus past and the gruesome killing spree of Charles Lester. These scenes are brutal and the best part of the novel as the mystery deepens and the killings escalate.
Once the guests have touched these artifacts the house has a hold on them and begins to take them for itself.
It kind of reminded me of a modern day Charlie and the chocolate factory, the tour guide being wonka and the guests succumbing to things they shouldn't be messing with.
That being said I found myself a little lost within the walls of the chateau myself. Firstly, for a haunted house novel, the book lacked any kind of scares. As said, it was gruesome in places, but I wanted more of the ghosts and their intentions. There are a couple of standout moments, one that takes place on the roof, and a jump scare that features a mirror, but overall they're pretty non existent.
I also didnt understand the tour guides motives by the end once I discovered exactly who he was. Why he would have helped the chateau claim more victims was lost on me. Maybe that's just me though.
Approach the book as a horror novel like I did and you'll be disappointed. If you want a decent character study, and a rich story, then take a chance visiting the chateau. You may find yourself not wanting to leave.
As usual her prose is gorgeous and this is arguably her most well written book yet. There are numerous quotable passages, and many of the characters backstories within are hauntingly beautiful.
The book sticks to a formula that works marginally well.
A group of people are invited to a tour inside the mysterious sunshire chateau. As they are led by the mysterious tour guide, each member finds themselves attracted by an artifact placed around the rooms, which, once touched, provides glimpses of the chateaus past and the gruesome killing spree of Charles Lester. These scenes are brutal and the best part of the novel as the mystery deepens and the killings escalate.
Once the guests have touched these artifacts the house has a hold on them and begins to take them for itself.
It kind of reminded me of a modern day Charlie and the chocolate factory, the tour guide being wonka and the guests succumbing to things they shouldn't be messing with.
That being said I found myself a little lost within the walls of the chateau myself. Firstly, for a haunted house novel, the book lacked any kind of scares. As said, it was gruesome in places, but I wanted more of the ghosts and their intentions. There are a couple of standout moments, one that takes place on the roof, and a jump scare that features a mirror, but overall they're pretty non existent.
I also didnt understand the tour guides motives by the end once I discovered exactly who he was. Why he would have helped the chateau claim more victims was lost on me. Maybe that's just me though.
Approach the book as a horror novel like I did and you'll be disappointed. If you want a decent character study, and a rich story, then take a chance visiting the chateau. You may find yourself not wanting to leave.
April 28, 2022
I really wanted to like this! I read it for my book club group read in April and was SO looking forward to it, the synopsis sounds amazing and the cover is 🤩. Unfortunately this just didn’t work for me. I didn’t like the way this was written and I thought too much was left unexplained. Nothing made sense to me. The characters came off very over the top and comical to me, which really threw me off as well because I was not expecting this book to be funny. All the blurbs had made this story sound like it was going to be super spooky and unsettling read but I didn’t get that AT ALL. I thought it was silly. I did enjoy a couple of the characters and I liked the setup of the house but that was about it.
To watch my book club live discussion go here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1msd7...
2⭐️ // cawpile 3.71
To watch my book club live discussion go here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1msd7...
2⭐️ // cawpile 3.71
November 4, 2021
Review to come.
August 28, 2021
I got an advanced copy to read and review - here’s what I thought about the next banger from Amor!
'Gemma Amor's 'Six Rooms' is a chilling ghost story that is full of her usual prose magic and haunting imagery. This deftly crafted paranormal yarn will chill the very marrow of your bones, whilst the frenetic pace and readability of Amor's words will get your heart-rate pumping until you turn that final page and can once more breathe easily. This is more than just a ghost story; this is a story about belonging, a story of finding one's place in the world, but above all else it is a unique and masterful book that takes the paranormal trope and crafts something truly magical... 'Six Rooms' will leave its mark long after reading, mark my words.'
'Gemma Amor's 'Six Rooms' is a chilling ghost story that is full of her usual prose magic and haunting imagery. This deftly crafted paranormal yarn will chill the very marrow of your bones, whilst the frenetic pace and readability of Amor's words will get your heart-rate pumping until you turn that final page and can once more breathe easily. This is more than just a ghost story; this is a story about belonging, a story of finding one's place in the world, but above all else it is a unique and masterful book that takes the paranormal trope and crafts something truly magical... 'Six Rooms' will leave its mark long after reading, mark my words.'
January 25, 2022
3.5 Stars
I didn't hate this book, but I also just constantly found myself wanting more from it. It was an easy and fairy quick read though. I don't regret reading it, but as I said, I just kept waiting for something else to happen. What that something else is, I couldn't tell you. I just felt as though something was missing. I would still recommend reading this if it seems of interest to you!
I didn't hate this book, but I also just constantly found myself wanting more from it. It was an easy and fairy quick read though. I don't regret reading it, but as I said, I just kept waiting for something else to happen. What that something else is, I couldn't tell you. I just felt as though something was missing. I would still recommend reading this if it seems of interest to you!
July 29, 2022
2,5*
After really loving Dear Laura I decided to read more by the author. Even though this one was not for me, I can see why many people might love and enjoy this story.
We meet a group of strangers that are about to go to a guided tour through a castle and they are all excited tourists...for now
When they get to the castle the weird tour guide greets them and gives them a set of instructions. As they go through the rooms in the castle we start to learn about the story of the place,the people that lived there and what happened to them.
Even though I really enjoyed the beginning of the book and the concept of the characters exploring it room by room through a guided tour, it was a bit too slow paced for me and not so many things really happened throughout the book so I was not as engaged as I hoped to be.
However I will still read more by the author since I like her stories and imagination. Just this one was not for me.
Perfect for: People interested in a slow burn story about a castle and the horrible secrets that hide between its walls. More of a low key haunting story than a fast paced action packed book.
After really loving Dear Laura I decided to read more by the author. Even though this one was not for me, I can see why many people might love and enjoy this story.
We meet a group of strangers that are about to go to a guided tour through a castle and they are all excited tourists...for now
When they get to the castle the weird tour guide greets them and gives them a set of instructions. As they go through the rooms in the castle we start to learn about the story of the place,the people that lived there and what happened to them.
Even though I really enjoyed the beginning of the book and the concept of the characters exploring it room by room through a guided tour, it was a bit too slow paced for me and not so many things really happened throughout the book so I was not as engaged as I hoped to be.
However I will still read more by the author since I like her stories and imagination. Just this one was not for me.
Perfect for: People interested in a slow burn story about a castle and the horrible secrets that hide between its walls. More of a low key haunting story than a fast paced action packed book.
January 13, 2022
My first and probably last Gemma Amor novel. I love a good haunted house story, or even a mediocre haunted house story, but I had a lot of time getting past the writing as well as the author's attempts to describe the house itself. Her attempts at architectural specificity mostly just left me confused as to what was even going on or where anyone was at any given time. This combined with the ill defined and unlikeable characters left me wondering why I was wasting my time.
January 7, 2023
Six Rooms by Gemma Amor is a dark and mysterious gothic horror tale about a house with horrific secrets and an appetite that needs to be fueled.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Gemma Amor is one of my all time favorite authors, and this book is one that will chill you to the bone! Go pick up your copy today!
This is a dark mystery that makes you ask, if the walls of any home could speak, what would they say? But more importantly, if the walls could speak, would you even want to hear what they have to say?
Check out my full review here:
https://www.ericarobynreads.com/six-r...
I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Gemma Amor is one of my all time favorite authors, and this book is one that will chill you to the bone! Go pick up your copy today!
This is a dark mystery that makes you ask, if the walls of any home could speak, what would they say? But more importantly, if the walls could speak, would you even want to hear what they have to say?
Check out my full review here:
https://www.ericarobynreads.com/six-r...
July 20, 2024
A hauntingly beautiful ghost story with a few shocks dotted through-out. I really don't know why it took me so long to read this stunning story.
April 22, 2022
I don't have much to say... It was the writing style that got me. Just can't do it. I won't be reading more by this author.
Was an interesting story itself, however. Go Rose!
Was an interesting story itself, however. Go Rose!
March 12, 2022
Oh, dear Lord. I hated this book and couldn't finish it quickly enough. SO boring. Very little happens, couldn't connect to the characters, and not scary at all. I'm shocked by all the 5-star reviews.
December 26, 2022
Book 7 / 30 days challenge
Is more of a 3.5 book.
I felt like it did a lot of hand holding explaining that something was wrong instead of just letting you be unsettled on your own. Also some scenes weren't as powerful since you already KNEW what happened (because there was a scene before explaining it) so all intrigue was lost?. On more than one occasion I thought 'Oh we should have learned this BEFORE this other scene'.
The writing was nice tho, easy read even tho it was full of description I thought they made sense to be there, and they never really dragged.
Is more of a 3.5 book.
I felt like it did a lot of hand holding explaining that something was wrong instead of just letting you be unsettled on your own. Also some scenes weren't as powerful since you already KNEW what happened (because there was a scene before explaining it) so all intrigue was lost?. On more than one occasion I thought 'Oh we should have learned this BEFORE this other scene'.
The writing was nice tho, easy read even tho it was full of description I thought they made sense to be there, and they never really dragged.
December 20, 2024
This was such a fun read! It’s a bit of a retelling of The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson—but with its own twist. The story feels reminiscent of Stephen King’s Rose Red TV adaptation, which I absolutely adore, so it hit all the right nostalgic notes for me.
Six Rooms is a haunted house horror novel where a group of tourists explores Sunshire Chateau, an eerie and peculiar old house, with their guide.
Having loved Rose Red as a kid, I enjoyed this a lot. However, I wish the horror had kicked in earlier (it doesn’t really start until about the 70% mark). Up until then, the story is ominous and unsettling, with a clear paranormal vibe, but it takes a while to get 'there'. In contrast, Rose Red brought the terror from the very beginning, with deaths and scary shit almost immediately.
The house itself is also very different. In Rose Red, the house constantly grows and changes, with endless hallways and shifting rooms. In Six Rooms, the concept is entirely different: "There is an inside house, and an outside house. A house within a house, if you like." I thought this was fun.
The characters were entertaining and distinct, which I appreciated, though none stood out as particularly memorable or emotionally engaging. They felt a bit shallow so I didn't have a favorite to root for (maybe Baltimore? idk). The ending also felt a little blah because of it. I think that's why I wouldn't have given this five stars even if the scary stuff had been present from the beginning.
I’ll definitely read more by Gemma Amor!
Six Rooms is a haunted house horror novel where a group of tourists explores Sunshire Chateau, an eerie and peculiar old house, with their guide.
Having loved Rose Red as a kid, I enjoyed this a lot. However, I wish the horror had kicked in earlier (it doesn’t really start until about the 70% mark). Up until then, the story is ominous and unsettling, with a clear paranormal vibe, but it takes a while to get 'there'. In contrast, Rose Red brought the terror from the very beginning, with deaths and scary shit almost immediately.
The house itself is also very different. In Rose Red, the house constantly grows and changes, with endless hallways and shifting rooms. In Six Rooms, the concept is entirely different: "There is an inside house, and an outside house. A house within a house, if you like." I thought this was fun.
The characters were entertaining and distinct, which I appreciated, though none stood out as particularly memorable or emotionally engaging. They felt a bit shallow so I didn't have a favorite to root for (maybe Baltimore? idk). The ending also felt a little blah because of it. I think that's why I wouldn't have given this five stars even if the scary stuff had been present from the beginning.
I’ll definitely read more by Gemma Amor!
August 25, 2021
I got to read this early and loved it. One to watch out for.
April 29, 2023
I was in the mood for some horror and haunted house story, so I picked up this book. The cover looks great and spooky and I hoped to get this vibe from the book.
Sadly it didn’t do it for me at all. The ghostly encounters, if you want to call it that, weren’t spooky but rather boring. I wasn’t hooked and interested in the story or the characters most of the time.
The writing seemed a little off to me. I think the author wanted to have a timeless setting, but I was only confused by it. Sometimes the characters talked and acted as if it was set in modern times, at other times, I thought that the setting had to be around 1950, based on how the characters acted and talked (and I don’t mean the flashbacks, which were obviously long past).
It wasn’t a good fit for me, but it also wasn’t the worst book I read this year. It’s not even the worst book I read this month, so if you’re interested in haunted houses, maybe this book is more for you.
Sadly it didn’t do it for me at all. The ghostly encounters, if you want to call it that, weren’t spooky but rather boring. I wasn’t hooked and interested in the story or the characters most of the time.
The writing seemed a little off to me. I think the author wanted to have a timeless setting, but I was only confused by it. Sometimes the characters talked and acted as if it was set in modern times, at other times, I thought that the setting had to be around 1950, based on how the characters acted and talked (and I don’t mean the flashbacks, which were obviously long past).
It wasn’t a good fit for me, but it also wasn’t the worst book I read this year. It’s not even the worst book I read this month, so if you’re interested in haunted houses, maybe this book is more for you.
January 17, 2022
Rating - 4.5 rounded up
I really enjoyed this. Loved the back and forth between timelines and how the past story was revealed to us and wove it's way through our group of characters.
Will definitely be looking to get my hands on more of Gemma Amor's work.
I really enjoyed this. Loved the back and forth between timelines and how the past story was revealed to us and wove it's way through our group of characters.
Will definitely be looking to get my hands on more of Gemma Amor's work.
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