Helpful Score: 4
Book Description
The latest novel from New York Times best-selling author Jennifer McMahon is an atmospheric, gripping, and suspenseful tale that probes the bond between sisters and the peril of keeping secrets.
Once the thriving attraction of rural Vermont, the Tower Motel now stands in disrepair, alive only in the memories of Amy, Piper, and Piper's kid sister, Margot. The three played there as girls until the day that their games uncovered something dark and twisted in the motel's past, something that ruined their friendship forever.
Now adult, Piper and Margot have tried to forget what they found that fateful summer, but their lives are upended when Piper receives a panicked midnight call from Margot, with news of a horrific crime for which Amy stands accused. Suddenly, Margot and Piper are forced to relive the time that they found the suitcase that once belonged to Silvie Slater, the aunt that Amy claimed had run away to Hollywood to live out her dream of becoming Hitchcock's next blonde bombshell leading lady. As Margot and Piper investigate, a cleverly woven plot unfolds--revealing the story of Sylvie and Rose, two other sisters who lived at the motel during its 1950s heyday. Each believed the other to be something truly monstrous, but only one carries the secret that would haunt the generations to come.
My Review
This was another excellent read from Jennifer McMahon. I have read all her books but I must say that this one is my favorite. I wouldn't say that it was too scary but it was very creepy. It is about family secrets with a paranormal twist. Her writing has a sinister feeling and she knows how to rev up the tension. I loved how she tied the story in with Alfred Hitchcock's movies and his visit to Vermont long ago. I am definitely looking forward to her next book and if you haven't read her books, you should put them on your list. You won't be disappointed.
The latest novel from New York Times best-selling author Jennifer McMahon is an atmospheric, gripping, and suspenseful tale that probes the bond between sisters and the peril of keeping secrets.
Once the thriving attraction of rural Vermont, the Tower Motel now stands in disrepair, alive only in the memories of Amy, Piper, and Piper's kid sister, Margot. The three played there as girls until the day that their games uncovered something dark and twisted in the motel's past, something that ruined their friendship forever.
Now adult, Piper and Margot have tried to forget what they found that fateful summer, but their lives are upended when Piper receives a panicked midnight call from Margot, with news of a horrific crime for which Amy stands accused. Suddenly, Margot and Piper are forced to relive the time that they found the suitcase that once belonged to Silvie Slater, the aunt that Amy claimed had run away to Hollywood to live out her dream of becoming Hitchcock's next blonde bombshell leading lady. As Margot and Piper investigate, a cleverly woven plot unfolds--revealing the story of Sylvie and Rose, two other sisters who lived at the motel during its 1950s heyday. Each believed the other to be something truly monstrous, but only one carries the secret that would haunt the generations to come.
My Review
This was another excellent read from Jennifer McMahon. I have read all her books but I must say that this one is my favorite. I wouldn't say that it was too scary but it was very creepy. It is about family secrets with a paranormal twist. Her writing has a sinister feeling and she knows how to rev up the tension. I loved how she tied the story in with Alfred Hitchcock's movies and his visit to Vermont long ago. I am definitely looking forward to her next book and if you haven't read her books, you should put them on your list. You won't be disappointed.
Helpful Score: 3
The first thing that you should know about this book is that it is not just a mystery, but it contains supernatural elements. I didn't really realize that going in, so it kind of threw me for a loop towards the end.
Aside from that unexpected revelation, this is an excellent book. There are three points of time that the book switches between (the 50's/60's, 80's, and present day) and there are several different character POVs, which is a format that I love. The writing style is fabulous, and the characters are quite complex. I flew through this book, unable to put it down because it was so gripping.
I would have given it 5 stars if not for the unusual ending, which may extremely appealing to some. Strange ending or not though, it was a great read.
Aside from that unexpected revelation, this is an excellent book. There are three points of time that the book switches between (the 50's/60's, 80's, and present day) and there are several different character POVs, which is a format that I love. The writing style is fabulous, and the characters are quite complex. I flew through this book, unable to put it down because it was so gripping.
I would have given it 5 stars if not for the unusual ending, which may extremely appealing to some. Strange ending or not though, it was a great read.
