pwelch96 's review for:

The Listeners by Maggie Stiefvater

3.5

dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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This was a very entertaining read. I found the build up of the plot to be a bit slow, but the interesting setting and premise kept me reading. I wish that the author has expanded more on the concept of "the water" that supposedly actually runs the hotel. The purpose of keeping it mysterious did contribute to the plot, but I found that to be one of the most interesting aspects of the novel, and I found myself wanting to know it better as a character. There was mention of its significance related to Appalachian culture, but I wanted to know more. Perhaps this impulse is connected to the fact that I read a lot of horror, and want a more concrete representation of the darkness. A great read for fans of historical fiction and dark mysteries. It was very well researched and led me down a rabbit hole of researching other formerly luxurious hotels that have played an important role in history, and are now abandoned.