Book Review: The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James
From the moment I stumbled upon The Sun Down Motel, I felt a magnetic pull to its eerie allure. Simone St. James, known for her adept weaving of suspense and the supernatural, invites readers into a story that feels both thrilling and intimate. With its strong female leads and a captivating dual timeline, this novel is a refreshing blend of mystery and ghostly charm, reminiscent of late-night campfire stories that creep under your skin.
Set against the backdrop of the Sun Down Motel in Fell, New York, the story oscillates between 1982 and 2017, following two women—Vivian Delaney and her niece, Carly Kirk. Viv, ambitious and restless, takes a night job at the motel to fund her dreams of moving to NYC. Unbeknownst to her, her time there is cut short when she mysteriously disappears. Fast forward to 2017, and Carly, haunted by the stories of her aunt’s disappearance, returns to the very motel that holds the key to their intertwined fates.
What struck me most was the author’s ability to create an atmospheric setting that feels almost like a character itself. The Sun Down Motel is steeped in secrets, where shadows whisper past tales of lost souls. St. James captures the essence of small-town life in Fell, where the mundanity of daily existence collides with the supernatural. Her prose is rich yet accessible, making it easy to sink into the narrative. I found myself engrossed, turning pages late into the night, the motel’s ghostly presence lingering in my thoughts.
Carly and Viv are beautifully fleshed out characters whose parallel journeys create a poignant reflection on family, loss, and the quest for truths buried under layers of time. The tension between the two timelines is expertly crafted, with St. James dropping breadcrumbs that lead us, often unexpectedly, to a chilling and fulfilling conclusion. One quote that lingered with me was, “Ghosts are the past trying to speak,” a reminder of how unresolved histories can shape our present.
However, I did find moments where the pacing lagged a little, particularly in the earlier chapters. While building atmosphere is essential for this genre, some readers (myself included) may crave a tad more urgency. Still, the intricate plot twists and a sprinkling of well-placed chills made up for any slow moments. The different perspectives—Carly’s investigative drive and Viv’s haunting unraveling—kept me eager to uncover the next revelation.
For those who love a well-spun tale filled with mystery and spectral intrigue, The Sun Down Motel is a must-read. It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys a mix of supernatural elements with a compelling murder mystery. Whether you’re a casual reader or a seasoned mystery enthusiast, this novel offers a reading experience that is both enjoyable and thoughtful—one that lingers long after the last page is turned.
In conclusion, The Sun Down Motel rekindled my appreciation for the thrill found in ghost stories, reminding me of the power these tales have to connect us across generations. So, if you’re looking to lose yourself in a gripping narrative filled with rich characters and a haunting atmosphere, I wholeheartedly recommend giving this book a spot on your shelf. You just might find yourself drawn to the Sun Down Motel, willing to explore the mysteries it holds.