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

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

This book wasn't what I wanted it to be, but I can't really blame the book, because I assumed from the title that it was going to be about sundown towns- places (typically) in the US south that were/are unsafe for black people. The book isn't about that, but that's on me. What the book is about is interesting enough. I liked the connected narrations, though by the end I really only felt compelled by Viv's story. 

The book is dedicated to murderinos, and it makes good on that promise. I've dabbled in the true crime world, but it's never really gripped me. The Sun Down Motel is both a love letter to true crime enthusiasts- they get to solve murders, feel a sense of vindication for being continually overlooked, etc. I'm glad there was a supernatural element to keep myself going.

I did not like the shoe-horned romance of the oh so hot and caring Nick, and I very much thought that the climax of Carly's storyline was way too over dramatic.

Collum just gives her a big push and runs away?? What was even the point of the twist and the attack, especially in light of the themes of the book and established level of violence? And don't think I didn't catch the unfortunate hand wave to BPD. He was just a rich hot guy in the library, and now he's a manic grandson of a serial killer trying to get revenge by pushing a girl into an empty pool?? So stupid.

Overall, compelling enough to get through, but I doubt I'll remember it for long.