A review by joyceheinen
The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

 

I used to think I didn’t like supernatural thrillers. Until I discovered Simone St. James. “The Sun Down Motel” is the third novel that I read by this author and I’m very confident to say that she is an all-time favorite author for me now. 

 

“The Sun Down Motel” follows two timelines, set in a small town called Fall, set in the state of New York. A town where it seems time stood still. The young Carly Kirk travels to this town, trying to figure out the truth about her aunt Viv Delaney, who went missing in 1982, while working the night shift at the Sun Down Motel. When Carly manages to get that same job at the now rundown motel, she soon figures out something is not right in this place. 

 

We read two timelines. The one of Carly, in present day, digging deep to find out what happened to her aunt all those years ago. The other timeline follows her aunt Viv, as she is working at the Sun Down and following a mystery of her own. 

 

One of my favorite elements in thrillers is a the dual timeline. I just enjoy reading about a historic event, preferably a cold case, and then following a person I the present that is trying to unravel the mystery. Simone St. James sets her books up lie this and this is a format that really works for me. Her writing is beautiful and also accessible. And her book also have a supernatural element, which I didn’t know I liked until I read her books. 

 

“The Sun Down Motel” has a spooky, eerie atmosphere, you know something’s up and it’s genuinely creepy at times. Both female characters are compelling and complex women, interesting to you about. And the story is well-crafted and has some masterful plotting, even though they aren’t many shocking twist or reveals. This was a book I just couldn’t put down. And I want to read everything that Simone St. James has written.