In the 1950s, the Tower Motel—and its namesake Tower—were the shining attraction of tiny London, Vermont. Now it stands in disrepair, alive only in the memories of three women—Amy Slater, Piper, and Piper’s sister, Margot. They played there as girls until the day that their games uncovered something dark and sinister in the Slater family’s past, something that ruined their friendship with Amy forever.
As adults, Piper and Margot have done everything they can to move on; Piper lives in California, while Margot has devoted herself to studying local history and starting a family. Until, one day, Piper receives a panicked call from Margot: Amy and her family are dead, supposedly killed by Amy’s own hand. And before she died, Amy scrawled a message that the two sisters know was meant for them: “29 Rooms.”
Suddenly, Margot and Piper are forced to revisit that fateful summer, when they found a packed suitcase and haunting letters that once belonged to Sylvie Slater. Amy always claimed that her aunt had run away to Hollywood to live out her dream of becoming Hitchcock’s next blonde bombshell of a leading lady, but the truth is much more complicated. As they investigate, a new story unfolds, one of Sylvie and Rose, two sisters who lived at the motel during its heyday … and one who carries a secret that will haunt the generations to come.
This was my fourth Jennifer McMahon book. I can honestly say I have loved all four. They keep you engaged and keep you turning those pages. The only aspect I couldn’t quite grasp (and came close to choosing this book for book club just to see other’s perspectives) was the ending. I am not sure if it “fit” what I was expecting or wanting. It just seemed a little rushed, maybe? Saying that, it isn’t enough to discourage you from reading this book. If you like thrillers and mysteries with a creepy, “gothic” style home/tower, then this book is for you.
Now…if you do read this book, I found a reading guide on her website. I would not click on the link until after you read the book. Without telling too much (to not spoil the book), the etymology of the word NIGHTMARE has me like “whoa”!!!! Not once did that cross my mind while reading the book. Reading these questions makes me now wish I chose this book for book club. LOL
So… pick up this book and start reading. You will enjoy the thrill. Happy Reading!
Jennifer McMahon’s link to this book
