The Motel by Nancy Savage
Published by Inkubator Books on 7 September 2025
📝 Review Note:
This review is provided as part of the Virtual Book Tour hosted by Zooloo’s Book Tours, taking place 7 September (publication day) until 13 September 2025. Follow along with the Book Tour Schedule.
Thank you to Nancy Savage, Inkubator Books and Zooloo’s Book Tours for including me on this book tour and for providing a copy of the digital edition of this gripping thriller to read and review.
As always, this review reflects my honest thoughts.
About the book
Pearl just checked in. To her own personal nightmare.
Things aren’t going well for Pearl Fuller. Reeling from a breakup and struggling to make ends meet, she’s sleeping on her ex’s couch and working nights at The Driftwood Motel.
The same motel that years ago was the scene of the legendary Berkman murder. They say that room 52 has been empty ever since that night. But if that’s true why can Pearl see someone moving around in there? And why is she the only one who can hear that eerie voice?
No one else seems concerned, but they don’t have to spend every night sitting alone at the front desk, certain that someone is hiding out there in the darkness, watching.
The only bright spot in Pearl’s life is Noah, a guy she recently met who has drawn her in with his charm and good looks. But it’s beginning to feel as though Noah isn’t who he says he is, and soon Pearl suspects he knows a lot more about room 52 than he’s letting on.
Will Pearl discover the truth before it’s too late? Or is she about to open the door to a nightmare so twisted that her worst fears will pale in comparison?
About the Author
After spending her twenties building her biggest passion project—her family—Nancy dove headfirst into her long-time dream of writing thrillers.
Her debut novel, The Couple in Cabin 14, was published by Bloodhound Books in 2024.
She lives in a bungalow overlooking rolling green hills with her partner of twenty-two years, their six kids, and two cats.
When she’s not writing dark and twisty thrillers or mass-producing peanut butter sandwiches, you’ll find her curled up watching ‘80s movies or heading off camping with her adventure-loving crew.
You can find her at nancysavagebooks.com and on Facebook
My Review
There’s just something about creepy motels that instantly sets the tone, and The Motel had me on edge from the very first chapter. Nancy Savage paints the Driftwood Motel so vividly that I could feel the unease that comes with working the night shift in such a place.
I really felt for Pearl. She’s had such a rough time, and the last thing she needs is to be spooked by an empty room. The fact that no one else believes her only made me root for her more. I loved how her personal struggles blended with the unsettling mystery of room 52, it gave the story an emotional weight as well as plenty of chills.
Noah was another highlight. I wasn’t sure whether to trust him, and that kept me second-guessing right up until the truth started to surface. It made the whole experience that much more suspenseful.
If you enjoy thrillers with a touch of the supernatural and a heroine who feels real and relatable, The Motel is definitely worth checking into. Just maybe keep the light on while you read.
#NancySavage #TheMotel #InkubatorBooks #ZooloosBookTours
#bookreview #booktour
This review may also appear on my social media and selected book platforms. All links are correct at the time of posting.
MoMoBookDiary 