book with a differerence when you start reading you dont no what to expect read it and enjoyed it to a certain extent but dissapointed with ending but suppose ending was right for storyline

I was really intrigued until we got into Nora's family background, full of familiar abusive family tropes .. that are supposed to explain her hang ups .. I was intrigued until those elements were raised seeking to explain her eccentricities .. she is purported to be a psychoanalyst .. that wasn't credible .. but the narrative line until all that was engaging for sure ... in fact I couldn't finish but fine writing, and almost, almost there for me ..

DNF. This book simply didn't grip me the way I was hoping for. I usually love the author's style. The book wasn't for me. There were moments of intrigue here and there which fused out soon...

A strange and unusual story which was not really my cup of tea. Interesting mix of characters,set in Birmingham.

I recently had the pleasure of delving into this book, and I am beyond impressed with the mesmerizing world that the author has crafted. From start to finish, the intricate plot weaves a tapestry of suspense, emotion, and unexpected twists that kept me eagerly turning the pages.

One of the standout features of this book is undoubtedly its characters. Each one is meticulously developed, breathing life into the narrative with their unique personalities, motivations, and flaws. The protagonists are not just names on paper; they are relatable, complex individuals with whom readers can form a genuine connection. The antagonist, too, is not a mere foil but a multi-dimensional force that adds depth to the story. The author's ability to create such well-rounded characters is a testament to their storytelling prowess.

The plot unfolds seamlessly, drawing the reader into a richly layered narrative that expertly balances tension, drama, and moments of poignant reflection. The pacing is impeccable, maintaining a perfect rhythm that keeps the reader engaged without sacrificing the depth of the story. The author skillfully navigates through various plot arcs, interweaving them with finesse to create a cohesive and satisfying whole.

What sets this book apart is its ability to tackle profound themes while maintaining an accessible and engaging narrative. The book seamlessly combines suspense and emotional depth, making it a truly immersive experience. The author's prose is both elegant and evocative, painting vivid imagery that lingers in the reader's mind long after the final page is turned.

As I reached the conclusion, I found myself yearning for more from this talented author. Their ability to craft a gripping plot and bring characters to life is truly commendable. I eagerly anticipate future works and would wholeheartedly recommend this book to any reader who appreciates a masterfully told tale. If you're searching for a book that seamlessly blends captivating characters with a compelling plot, this is a shining example. I can't wait to explore more literary worlds crafted by this exceptional storyteller.

I received this book as an ARC via NetGalley.
This book didn't seem to know what it was. Horror? Fantasy? Historical fiction? Thriller? Mystery? It had elements of all, but none strong enough to be enjoyable, it was just utterly bizarre.
There is also some harmful representation of therapy & therapists, and a sapphic not-quite relationship, that was so surface level it reads like the author included it as a tokenistic gesture to include a queer theme.

I wanted to read this because I really enjoyed the psychology of time travel and I was hoping this book was going to have the same vibes!
It was definitely different to the psychology of time travel BUT I enjoyed it it equally!!
The story was really interesting, the setting was one of my favourites (a spooky, old hotel) and the characters were good. There were a few moments where I’m not going to lie, I was a bit confused but in the end everything made good sense and overall I really enjoyed this book!!

Desperate to please her ex, in the hope of rekindling their relationship, Nora trails his opera singing wife to a hotel in Birmingham. With local tales of hauntings being told, Nora is visited in the night by a monster that only she can see. Then a huge snow storm traps the guests inside the hotel, a guest disappears and other strange events occur.

Set in 1929, Hokey Pokey starts off as a creepy mystery, with Nora’s talent for mimicry being the strangest part. Her back story, especially her relationship with Leo contributes to the strangeness, but nothing prepares for the ending. I didn’t realise it was a supernatural thriller and so the whole hyring storyline was an unexpected twist which I didn’t enjoy.

Fat too gory and unbelievable for me, sorry.

"Hokey Pokey" by Kate Mascarenhas is an enthralling journey into the glamorous yet deceptive world of the Regent Hotel in Birmingham, February 1929. The novel weaves a captivating tale of murder, madness, and the intricacies of the human mind.

Mascarenhas skillfully paints the Regent Hotel as a luxurious backdrop where guests indulge in absinthe cocktails on plush banquettes, and the red-jacketed staff ensure impeccable service in its lavish corridors. The atmosphere of deception and glamour is set against the tumultuous backdrop of a snowstorm that isolates the hotel and its guests from the outside world.

The protagonist, Nora Dickinson, a psychoanalyst checking in under a pseudonym, brings a layer of mystery to the narrative. Young, diligent, and ambitious, Nora's hidden agenda adds depth to the storyline. Her pursuit of the famous opera singer, Berenice Oxbow, unfolds against the backdrop of the snowstorm, blurring the lines between nightmare and reality.

Mascarenhas's writing effortlessly transports readers to a bygone era, immersing them in the opulence of the Regent Hotel and the intrigue surrounding its guests. The novel's exploration of the darkest recesses of the mind adds a psychological dimension that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

In "Hokey Pokey," Kate Mascarenhas delivers a thrilling and glamorous ride, expertly blending elements of mystery, deception, and psychological suspense. The result is a compelling narrative that captures the imagination and leaves readers eagerly turning the pages to uncover the secrets hidden within the Regent Hotel's six-storeyed façade.

As many others have noted, this book’s cover and blurb present it as a Golden Age mystery, with Christie-esque characters gathered in an isolated hotel setting, and the opening chapters of the book seem to bear that out, but it is actually a far more surprising and unusual read than it first appears.

The reader quickly finds themselves facing legendary monsters, childhood trauma and possible mental illness, obsession and identity issues. It is a lot to process, especially through the narrative perspective of the traumatised and disturbed main character, who quickly loses herself in the darkness of her past and the claustrophobic confusion of current events.

I found the hyring mythology absolutely fascinating and utterly convincing – gory and haunting, like all of the best old-fashioned fairytales – and the book made for a good fantasy read on the strength of that world-building and Nora’s personal history with it. The mystery aspect of the plot is slightly less important and soon lost among the dark exploration of mental illness, individual identity issues and the dangers of basing how we think of ourselves on others’ perceptions.

A disturbing, enjoyable read, that took completely unexpected turns and left lingering traces in my psyche long afterwards.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me a free advanced copy of this book to read and review.

I liked the first half of Hokey Pokey where psychoanalyst Nora was stalking the opera singer Berenice in a 1920's Regent hotel. Hokey Pokey was a cocktail named after the local word for stinging nettle. The story line was coming together with a convincing and expected murder victim. Unfortunately the story went off in a different direction with hyrings and tales of the supernatural which I found to be unbelievable. This is my first read of the supernatural and perhaps my expectations were greater than I thought. I may give this book another go later. I am sure there are readers out there who will read this book with greater enthusiasm than me.

When I heard the pitch '1920s murder mystery' this book was not at all what I expected. But it ended up being an interesting experience. It's got an interesting lore, that's very different than what I've experienced before. I enjoyed the time period, although I think more could've been done to properly situate it in the 1920s. It turned out to be a compelling character study of obsession, sense of self and toxic relationships. I would recommend to the fans of These Violent Delights by Micah Nemerever.

3.5 rounded up to 4.

This was a strange little read and I am not entirely sure how I feel about it still. I loved the mystery and the fantasy vibes within the book and I thought the setting in the roaring 20s was a good choice but I also felt a little confused at times. The two time lines felt a little disjointed (almost like from two different stories) and I found it hard to like many of the characters. Great concept but would have liked it executed a little better.

Very sadly I DNF'd this book. The premise made me think this would be more of a cosy mystery, but instead found more of a horror mystery. If you like that sort of thing, this might be a great book for you.

Loved it!!!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for letting me read an advance copy of this book in exchange for my review.

A full review was published on my blog in May.

I heard so much about HOKEY POKEY and was instantly intrigued. 1920s? Birmingham? Mystery vibes? Please, I am begging anyone who has a story like this to just send it my way. I did also hear how this book was just not what folks were expecting… some were disappointed, others were excited. Now, I love a good divisive story, and I just had to read it for myself. And listen… this is such a clever book. It’s unpleasant. None of the characters are likeable (in fact, I love-hate all of them). It’s gory. It’s so so strange and I caught myself being like “… what?” and needing to re-read a few pages to make sure I had read what I read. But it’s so readable.

I fell in love with the cover of this book the moment I saw it, and was delighted that it fitted the story inside absolutely perfectly. The 1920s setting, the grand hotel with the upstairs/ downstairs feel, the supernatural element- all came together in an absolute triumph. Loved it, have been recommending it to everyone ever since.

This one starts as a slow burner and then picks up speed. Part murder mystery and part supernatural, it’s one I would definitely recommend if you want something a little unsettling.

I love books set in the 20s - and this apparently cosy setting for a murder suddenly becomes much less comfortable for the reader than books set in a similar period. The protagonist, psychoanalyst Nora Dickinson checks in to a hotel under a false name.
Like many great detective stories this offers a 'locked room' scenario. In this case a terrible snow storm isolates the hotel – and its guests – from the outside world - and that's when everything changes,

Well worth a read.