Book Review: "The Sun Down Motel" by Simone St. James
5/5 - dark, dangerous and absolutely brilliantly written...
I miss reading some dark books and the reason I'm not doing it that much is mainly because I haven't been feeling there emotionally though I still miss them. I have decided to get back into them, just not obsessively because my emotional state can't take that many punches at the moment. As you know, I've been working my way through some novels such as this one, entitled The Sun Down Motel and another called Levitation for Beginners so it's fine like this for now (I've got some more on the way soon). But for now, until I have another nonfiction binge, I think this is what we're stuck with and I am sure we are both going to enjoy it...a lot.
In 1982, Viv Delaney, a young woman seeking independence, arrives in Fell, New York, after leaving home. Strapped for cash, she accepts a job as the night clerk at the remote and run-down Sun Down Motel. Viv quickly senses something off about the motel: eerie noises, unexplained cold spots, and lights that flicker without cause. She notices the guests are either transient or odd, adding to her unease. She also hears stories about the town's violent past, particularly the unsolved murders of several women. These tales begin to consume her curiosity. This is not the beginning of the book but it is the beginning of the timeline so it's easier to start the review this way. Viv is such an intriguing character because at first, you don't really like her - but you do feel sorry for her position. The author makes a point of giving us contrasting views between what people think of Viv in 2017 and what they remember of her in 1982.
Viv obsessively researches the murders of Betty Graham, Cathy Caldwell, and Victoria Lee, all of whom were killed in Fell under eerily similar circumstances. She notices the police dismissed them as unrelated, assuming the women were transient or irresponsible. Determined to connect the dots, Viv begins tracking suspicious men who frequent the motel and the surrounding area, including a regular guest who unnerves her with his interest in young women. Alma Trent, a local police officer, catches Viv breaking into a suspect’s home but decides not to arrest her. Instead, Alma shares her doubts about the official investigation into the murders. This is where the story really starts to get underway. I love how quickly it builds and eventually, it comes to this abrupt place - though it does not stop entirely. Viv becomes this great character of tru determination and we love her for it.
Carly Kirk, Viv’s niece, comes to Fell in 2017 after her mother dies. Growing up, Carly was haunted by Viv’s disappearance and wants answers. She rents a room at the Sun Down Motel, which has barely changed since Viv worked there. Carly takes the same night clerk job and immediately experiences the same supernatural phenomena Viv described decades earlier. Carly’s suspicion grows when she finds old, unexplained photos of Viv and news clippings in the motel’s office. While working at the motel, Carly discovers a secret compartment in the office that contains Viv’s notebooks and evidence, including photos of suspects and notes on the murders. This is the other part of the timeline which leads into a whole web of things going on. Carly wants to find out who Viv knew and why - especially those who were staying in the motel whilst she worked there. Carly teams up with Heather - a true crime enthuasiast and an often fairly annoying character, to try to solve what really happened to her aunt.
All in all, I thought that this book was absolutely incredible. The timelines weave around and converge on each other. It starts with Carly wanting to talk about her aunt but knows she cannot. When her mother dies, she seems free to investigate what happened to this character in the family that nobody talks about. I love the way the author gives the women two very distinct voices so that we could know who was talking and when without really needing the subheadings. I also loved the atmosphere of the piece. A haunted motel blended with disappearances and a serial killer being suspected in the midst? It sounds brilliantly dark.
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Comments (5)
nice
I actually read this and truly enjoyed it. Nice review. 👍
nice review, thanks
The way you describe Viv and Carly’s journeys is engaging and makes me want to dive right into this dark, atmospheric tale. I appreciate how you’ve highlighted their distinct voices and eerie settings.
Congratulations on Top Story!!