When author Simone St. James has their name on a book, we tend to pay attention and that was no different with The Sun Down Motel. This New York Times bestseller tells the story of Carly Kirk, who moves to Fell to investigate the mysterious disappearance of her aunt Viv from the Sun Down Motel in 1982.
One of the things that sets The Sun Down Motel apart from other thrillers is its unique structure. The book alternates between two timelines – 1982, when Viv went missing, and 2017, when Carly visits the motel to try and uncover what happened. This back-and-forth keeps the reader engaged and invested in both stories.
Simone St. James has a way of writing that is easy to read but still manages to be engaging and atmospheric. She paints a vivid picture of the creepy motel and its surroundings, making us feel like we’re right there with Carly as she investigates.
However, some readers may find that the book drags on for too long in the middle. While it’s important for building suspense and setting up plot twists later on, it can feel like a slog at times. Additionally, some readers may be disappointed with how certain plot points are resolved towards the end.
Despite these minor flaws, The Sun Down Motel is worth reading for anyone who enjoys mysteries or thrillers. It’s an engrossing page-turner that will keep you guessing until the very end.
The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James is a compelling mystery. While it may drag in parts and have an unsatisfying ending for some, the book’s unique structure, atmospheric writing, and strong female characters make it a must-read for fans of the genre.
The Sun Down Motel is available at bookstores everywhere. Also, check out the Libro.fm audiobook narrated by Brittany Pressley and Kirsten Potter.
