The Motel by Nancy Savage
Release: September 7, 2025
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Inkubator Books
Source: Amazon
Find it at: Amazon , GoodReads
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 .He 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:
Nancy Savage is the author of chilling psychological thrillers The Couple in Cabin 14 (2024) and The Motel (2025). She lives in a house overlooking the hills. She has her long-time partner, their six kids, and two cats.
The Motel Review:
The Motel by Nancy Savage was a fun and surprisingly engaging read that blended drama, romance, and suspense in an entertaining way. One of the main aspects I liked was following Pearl as she searches for love while caught between two men, Noah and Peter. Though I personally felt both were wrong for her, it was interesting to watch her navigate her emotions and see who she would ultimately choose.
Another big highlight for me was Lucas. It’s rare to find a character who starts off as sleazy and ends up being genuinely lovable, but Lucas completely won me over as the story progressed. I really appreciated how the author gave his character growth and maturity. Similarly, Heather turned out to be another unexpected favorite. While she is mean most of the time, she’s dramatic and over the top at times in an entertaining way that she often lightened the mood.
The ending was another strong point, packed with twists I didn’t see coming, especially the reveal about the watcher. There are multiple surprises in those final chapters, and they tied the story together in a satisfying way.
If I had one critique, it would be that the book leaned a bit more into drama than suspense. While the drama kept things lively, I sometimes wished for more tension and mystery. Some of the suspense scenes also felt repetitive, like the repeated instances of Pearl checking on the Branson house and finding another animal missing. Moreover, though I liked Edsel as a character, his role didn’t feel entirely necessary to the plot.
Still, The Motel delivers a solid slow-burn thriller that truly picks up in the second half. With its engaging characters and twisty finale, it’s an enjoyable read that keeps you guessing right up to the end.
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