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The Old Castle Chronicles
Hotel Miramar: An Old Castle Novel
Welcome to Hotel Miramar, where the guests aren't guests.
Journalist Dan Armstrong works for a struggling local newspaper. To save the tabloid from closure, Dan carries out one last assignment - the mysterious evacuation of the islanders from Crab Island, now an off-limits nature reserve.
But Dan and his family soon learn the impromptu evacuation of Crab Island isn’t the only mystery on the island. A living, breathing terror lurks on the desolate isle. The Armstrongs don't find a nature reserve, but a freak-of-nature reserve.
Dan's story for the local newspaper goes 'viral' for all the wrong reasons.
We hope you'll enjoy your stay at Hotel Miramar, a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Journalist Dan Armstrong works for a struggling local newspaper. To save the tabloid from closure, Dan carries out one last assignment - the mysterious evacuation of the islanders from Crab Island, now an off-limits nature reserve.
But Dan and his family soon learn the impromptu evacuation of Crab Island isn’t the only mystery on the island. A living, breathing terror lurks on the desolate isle. The Armstrongs don't find a nature reserve, but a freak-of-nature reserve.
Dan's story for the local newspaper goes 'viral' for all the wrong reasons.
We hope you'll enjoy your stay at Hotel Miramar, a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
413 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 12, 2023
148 people are currently reading
1997 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Dunne
25 books1,302 followers
Jonathan's next novel will be psychological/supernatural horror Mummy: An Old Castle Novel coming 2026!
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Jonathan's supernatural horror The Reek: An Old Castle Novel is slated for release late 2026!
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Supernatural horror Halfway House: An Old Castle Novel coming early 2027!
https://tinyurl.com/338zumv8
OUT NOW! Dead Air Vol 2 of The Dead Series in Kindle, paperback, and hardback! Audiobook read by the author.
https://a.co/d/76KU54N
OUT NOW! The Boneyard: Short Fictions of the Morbid and Macabre Vol 2 of short horror collection The Boneyard Series.
https://a.co/d/gnGHpMP
OUT NOW! The Boneyard: Short Fictions of the Morbid and Macabre Vol 1 of short horror collection The Boneyard Series. Keep an eye out for Vol 2 in the coming weeks!
https://a.co/d/2i8iwB9
OUT NOW! Fireman in Kindle, paperback, and hardback! Audiobook read by the author.
https://a.co/d/9PJLr30
Jonathan has an exciting lineup of new horror titles in progress. To stay updated on his latest horror offerings, be sure to follow him on his Amazon author page and Goodreads. Jonathan writes dark fiction and hangs around the local cemetery more often than is healthy, whether in his homeland of Limerick, Ireland or his second home in Toledo, Spain. He will be in the mountains if he isn't at the cemetery. Jonathan holds a BA in Literature.
Jonathan's audiobooks YouTube page (work in progress):
https://www.youtube.com/@JonathanDunn...
Jonathan's Amazon Page:
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jonatha...
Jonathan's Bookbub Page:
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
August 23, 2023
I stumbled upon this book, read the summary, and thought— well this sounds fun! The reviews said a variety of things like spooky and even funny. To top it off there was an island— a forbidden one— and odd circumstances. Yes! So; I begin to read and I felt like I was watching an episode of The Twilight Zone where no one gives you a head’s up first or Regular Show; which is anything but regular.
I got to 50% in the first reading and I was laughing out loud and I kept accidentally flipping the kindle pages. Sometimes I surprise myself with what makes me laugh these days, but I could not stop laughing. The satire… the writing.., yet the very serious situation and associations with Lovecraft. There were tender moments, horror, hilarity, and frustration I felt toward and for the characters, but I’m so glad I read it. I’m definitely gonna try another. Bravo! It was so weird but it had a strange kind of wabisabi.
“ Once a crab, always a crab…”
I got to 50% in the first reading and I was laughing out loud and I kept accidentally flipping the kindle pages. Sometimes I surprise myself with what makes me laugh these days, but I could not stop laughing. The satire… the writing.., yet the very serious situation and associations with Lovecraft. There were tender moments, horror, hilarity, and frustration I felt toward and for the characters, but I’m so glad I read it. I’m definitely gonna try another. Bravo! It was so weird but it had a strange kind of wabisabi.
“ Once a crab, always a crab…”
September 9, 2023
Creepy with an "EWWW" factor that is off the charts! I listened to the audio book which was read by the author. Can't wait to read more by him!
November 1, 2023
True Horror!!!
Its not often you find a horror story that is truly twisted and horrible but this is it. The writing is superb as is the story. This tale will definitely linger for a long time!
Plus the tale was quite unique in my opinion. Its not one of those dime a dozen about some crazy murderer running about a deserted Island. In fact Crab Island, which is supposed to be empty isn't empty at all. And once you go there there is no way back to the mainland. Unfortunately for 14 year old Peter and his parents (who go there to write a newspaper story about the dark secrets of Crab Island) when they find out it's way too late.
Lots of this story is very surreal. Its like being stuck in a nightmare. While reading I found myself asking questions like "how is that even possible?" and I am sure the Armstrong family was asking the same thing! And the Hotel Miramar makes the one from other horror movies look like a kiddy playground...
This is definitely a creature story.
I had to admit I had absolutely no idea how this would end. And the tale is very very dark.
This is true horror and it will linger. I bet I will be thinking about this one for awhile.
Oh the story includes coordinates at the beginning. I looked them up... Its apparently off the coast of Ireland?? I guess that is where Crab Island is..
Read this and you'll never look at a crab the same way again. And no, its NOT about man eating crabs! The story is way more twisted than such a simple idea. And its well thought out too...
Its not often you find a horror story that is truly twisted and horrible but this is it. The writing is superb as is the story. This tale will definitely linger for a long time!
Plus the tale was quite unique in my opinion. Its not one of those dime a dozen about some crazy murderer running about a deserted Island. In fact Crab Island, which is supposed to be empty isn't empty at all. And once you go there there is no way back to the mainland. Unfortunately for 14 year old Peter and his parents (who go there to write a newspaper story about the dark secrets of Crab Island) when they find out it's way too late.
Lots of this story is very surreal. Its like being stuck in a nightmare. While reading I found myself asking questions like "how is that even possible?" and I am sure the Armstrong family was asking the same thing! And the Hotel Miramar makes the one from other horror movies look like a kiddy playground...
This is definitely a creature story.
I had to admit I had absolutely no idea how this would end. And the tale is very very dark.
This is true horror and it will linger. I bet I will be thinking about this one for awhile.
Oh the story includes coordinates at the beginning. I looked them up... Its apparently off the coast of Ireland?? I guess that is where Crab Island is..
Read this and you'll never look at a crab the same way again. And no, its NOT about man eating crabs! The story is way more twisted than such a simple idea. And its well thought out too...
June 25, 2023
This Was Creepy!!
Crab Island has always been a place of mystery to the residents that lived on the mainland. Dan, who is a journalist for a small newspaper, is no exception. Gail, his editor, knows that their paper needs a big story or else they will go bankrupt. Since Dan is the papers' best journalist, he should be the one to crack the Crab Island mystery wide open.
But there are just a few tidbits that are standing in his way:
The government uses the Coast Guard to patrol the sea between the Island and the Mainland and will use force to make sure no one gets to the island.
Since a massive evacuation in the 70's, no one has ever been to the island, hence the crazy rumors about it.
Will Dan get the scoop of his life or will that scoop cost him everything?
This was disturbingly creepy. No spoilers here but when I read this just the mental pictures of what I was reading were very unnerving. Great read with a definite creepy atmosphere throughout.
Enjoyed tremendously!!
Crab Island has always been a place of mystery to the residents that lived on the mainland. Dan, who is a journalist for a small newspaper, is no exception. Gail, his editor, knows that their paper needs a big story or else they will go bankrupt. Since Dan is the papers' best journalist, he should be the one to crack the Crab Island mystery wide open.
But there are just a few tidbits that are standing in his way:
The government uses the Coast Guard to patrol the sea between the Island and the Mainland and will use force to make sure no one gets to the island.
Since a massive evacuation in the 70's, no one has ever been to the island, hence the crazy rumors about it.
Will Dan get the scoop of his life or will that scoop cost him everything?
This was disturbingly creepy. No spoilers here but when I read this just the mental pictures of what I was reading were very unnerving. Great read with a definite creepy atmosphere throughout.
Enjoyed tremendously!!
Read
July 21, 2023This book is unlike anything I have ever read before, but I can't rate it because I couldn't finish it. The hotel management was a little too well-described for my sensitive stomach. LOL! I just couldn't, but for those who enjoy horror with a side of gore, I would recommend it. Dunne does a great job weaving humor into this horror novel and crafting believable, likable characters!
September 9, 2023
Where to start. Amazing story and such loveable characters, I actually shed a tear at one point. The Shining meets World War Z. Brilliant.
July 23, 2024
Very original, and absolutely dreadful. Not for readers with a weak stomach. Jonathan Dunne knows how to write horror.
May 10, 2023
Original horror. This one will stay with me. A page-turner for sure.
January 15, 2024
Jonathan Dunne's book, "Hotel Miramar," is the third book of Dunne's that I have read. I have a few of his books that I wanted to read and started reading a chapter or two of each to see which one I wanted to read first. "Hotel Miramar" won my little contest. Dunne is quickly becoming a favorite horror author of mine.
I always loved crab legs, but I will never look at a crab the same again. I caught a spider crab once. I put it back into the ocean. Crab Island is a terrifying fictional island. It is hard to tell you about the story without ruining it. Part of the allure of this novel is the intrigue associated with it, the mystery that unravels through Dunne's creative yarn he's spun. As with his other books, I do see a heavy Lovecraftian influence. It is no surprise when I say Lovecraft and Poe are my two favorite authors of all time.
This trepidatiously dark and aqueous novel is imaginative and remarkable. It was hard to put down. I got annoyed at interruptions from other people. I highly recommend reading this book for anyone who loves tales of the deep, marine horror, Lovecraft, science fiction, and just good old-fashioned horror novels.
I always loved crab legs, but I will never look at a crab the same again. I caught a spider crab once. I put it back into the ocean. Crab Island is a terrifying fictional island. It is hard to tell you about the story without ruining it. Part of the allure of this novel is the intrigue associated with it, the mystery that unravels through Dunne's creative yarn he's spun. As with his other books, I do see a heavy Lovecraftian influence. It is no surprise when I say Lovecraft and Poe are my two favorite authors of all time.
This trepidatiously dark and aqueous novel is imaginative and remarkable. It was hard to put down. I got annoyed at interruptions from other people. I highly recommend reading this book for anyone who loves tales of the deep, marine horror, Lovecraft, science fiction, and just good old-fashioned horror novels.
May 5, 2024
Well now, that was unique!
I see this as fine addition to my horror research. I like to immerse myself in strange horror stories in an effort to be prepared for the coming zombies. No one wants to be fodder for the rotten hordes. This book hits home, seeing as the Government likes to deny culpability till the issues die or are eclipsed by the new scandal. With a fresh take on "Don't go there" stories, believe me when I say, don't go to Crab Island!
I see this as fine addition to my horror research. I like to immerse myself in strange horror stories in an effort to be prepared for the coming zombies. No one wants to be fodder for the rotten hordes. This book hits home, seeing as the Government likes to deny culpability till the issues die or are eclipsed by the new scandal. With a fresh take on "Don't go there" stories, believe me when I say, don't go to Crab Island!
June 20, 2024
Another fun horror story from Jonathan Dunne. I highly recommend listening to this as an audiobook. The author has a great storytelling voice. After the first 4 books in this series, I am beginning to wonder about Mr. Dunne's mind, but I am really enjoying the stories ge writes. With only one book left in this series, I have already started looking for which of his collection I should begin after I finish the last one.
November 14, 2023
This book was really good. Felt like an old timey creature feature. I am looking forward to reading more of his books. The descriptions of the story brought it to life I could picture it clearly in my head. Very spooky and suprising,
May 19, 2024
This read is a gross fantastic rollercoaster. My husband must have asked me 20 times “why does your face look like that?” My reply “I never want to French kiss you again” Note to self : Never get in a row boat with strangers. Got it.
December 17, 2024
Quite creepy and scary great setting of the island and the whole background story. I swear some parts made me cringed but it will tell you why they do it. Well describe of what happened. Quite enjoyed
September 15, 2024
Creepy - a great read.
November 10, 2024
I have no idea what I just read, but I couldn't stop.
December 7, 2024
Must read
Story was original and just the right amount of creepy,characters were engaging even ending was good although I wish there was more of course
Story was original and just the right amount of creepy,characters were engaging even ending was good although I wish there was more of course
September 28, 2024
This was really good. Decidedly creepy.
December 12, 2024
Do not eat while reading this book! Another quick, highly enjoyable read. Hotel Miramar will stay with me for a minute!
May 17, 2023
Another amazing story by Jonathan Dunne
This was another real creepy story. Even though there are no pictures to look at, Jonathan's descriptions will allow you to see clearly the "freaks" of Crab Island. The story is exciting, scary, funny at times and even sad. The last chapter is so exciting, I can't give anything away but go Crutch go.
This was another real creepy story. Even though there are no pictures to look at, Jonathan's descriptions will allow you to see clearly the "freaks" of Crab Island. The story is exciting, scary, funny at times and even sad. The last chapter is so exciting, I can't give anything away but go Crutch go.
May 19, 2023
Mr and Mrs Halifax are etched into my mind forever! ;) Not goosebumps scary like The Squatter but horror of the maritime zombie kind. Well written book.
May 27, 2023
As a long time fan of horror, it was exciting to read something completely off-the-wall and fresh. I feel like I knew where it was going and at the same time had NO idea how it was going to get there. I look forward to reading more from Dunne.
April 8, 2025
One of the funnier horror stories, with gore so gross it's hilarious. Rather than monsters, though they are monstrous, it's science horror, and I almost tagged with speculative fiction but would rather not what-if this story and just let it be horror.
August 29, 2023
WTF did I just read? It was bizarre but definitely held my interest.
June 4, 2024
Holy smokes what a book
Good writing,awesome characters,first book in years I absolutely HAD to finish immediately. I definitely will reccommend this book to EVERYONE.
Good writing,awesome characters,first book in years I absolutely HAD to finish immediately. I definitely will reccommend this book to EVERYONE.
December 8, 2023
After recently finding this author and loving his 'The Squatter' and 'Billys Experiment' I was not impressed with this one. Damn.
This was like watching a Saturday morning Sci Fi movie when I was a kid....it was very strange and weird. NOT a horror novel but there was a gross old couple, the Hallifaxes in it that were kinda disgusting. Sorry, but read his other two. They are way better than this was. Can't recommend this one from Dunne.
Because of what I was expecting and for the 'creatures'.......eh.
2 stars
This was like watching a Saturday morning Sci Fi movie when I was a kid....it was very strange and weird. NOT a horror novel but there was a gross old couple, the Hallifaxes in it that were kinda disgusting. Sorry, but read his other two. They are way better than this was. Can't recommend this one from Dunne.
Because of what I was expecting and for the 'creatures'.......eh.
2 stars
April 29, 2024
This book is disturbing in the way Texas Chainsaw Massacre is disturbing.
Very engaging writing. Unusual story. Bleak.
Very engaging writing. Unusual story. Bleak.
August 19, 2023
It could have been 4 or even 5 stars if it was just written better. Another draft or two, workshop it with another writer, be a little more disciplined with the silly language the narrative voice uses. I love the Island and the hotel. There are some continuity issues and things that don't make sense that needed to be ironed out. It really has potential.
September 24, 2023
This was the first book written by Jonathan Dunne which I had read , I found an excellent story that flowed along without getting side tracked when I think of Hotel Miramar my thoughts go to that classic by the Eagles Hotel California and a particular line " You can check in but never leave ". I shall be looking for more by this talented author and congratulations to the publisher who took a chance on this new author . If you enjoy a good creepy plot well written with characters you can picture then this is for you .
June 3, 2023
Atmospheric and haunting. I'll be looking out for more JD books :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews