I had the opportunity to read this one from an exclusive tour with @thrillerbookloverspromotions special thanks to @graydonhousebooks and the author @seraphinanovaglass for this ARC

📖 The Vacancy in Room 10
🖊️ By Seraphina Nova Glass
📝 I added the synopsis on the graphic.

This is the book I shared I was reading a couple weeks ago! This is the book that kept me awake, and using my kindle app! Crazy I know. I hate ereaders. But this book was worth every minute of grogginess the next day!

This book kept me on the edge of my bed - literally - I usually figure things out early on and can sleep and read the next morning - well not this one. So many possibilities and unanswered questions I just had to keep going!! I hope this is an audiobook too, I’ll be listening to this one and see if I can pick up on some things I missed.

These two women are not meant to cross paths, they are so different and yet both are heartbroken, one has a secret, one wants answers. They both find something much more than they bargained for.

This motel now turned apartments introduces us to a a cast of characters, and what we find in a thriller is a lot more than I knew I wanted; found family, a lot of broken people, some heartache, people surviving, and a lot of secrets.

This book is now available!!

First of all, this author did a great job with description. The visual the reader gets of the story and the characters while reading this was really cool. I liked the characters and the girl power in this book, but at the same time, the storyline felt a little all over the place. Maybe too many storylines? This is definitely a slow burn and would have liked a little more excitement.

This is a super entertaining novel with a great group of characters. Quick-paced and very funny throughout and a must read. Hopefully this becomes a movie one day! A great read!!!!

BOOK REVIEW🛎️🛠️🎨👀🔐🚬

The Vacancy In Room 10 - Seraphina Nova Glass
Pub date: 4/9/2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️

Although this book didn’t really “do it” for me, I will say two things I liked were the setting and the characters. I really enjoyed the rundown motel-turned apartment complex. (For some reason I kept thinking about Schitt’s Creek while reading this?😆).
The tenants at this gritty Santa Fe apartment complex were all unique, broken and “rough” in their own ways. My favorite character was little Frank Sinatra🥹. (If you know, you know.)
The author did a really good job at describing the setting and I had a vivid picture in my mind of what this all what would have looked like.

That being said, this isn’t your typical crime thriller novel. It’s very unique, which isn’t a bad thing— but unfortunately just didn’t hit the mark for me. There was a lot going on and I found myself getting confused between the dual POV’s— I’d even say it was a bit “messy” at times.
Although I enjoyed the complexity of the characters and the setting, the plot was too all over the place. I didn’t get that suspenseful build-up or shock factor that I definitely need when I’m reading a thriller.

Thank you @netgalley @htpbooks @graydonhousebooks for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

#netgalleyreads #netgalleyreviewer #crimethrillerbooks #thrillerbooksaddict #thrillerbookreview #thrillerreads

Read Completed 4/11/24 | 3 stars
Well, this one didn't really do it for me. I've been a fan of Seraphina Nova Glass for a few years and I've really enjoyed some of her past reads (specifically ON A QUIET STREET and SOMEONE'S LISTENING) but this just had a totally different feel and felt really messy.

I just really never clicked with THE VACANCY IN ROOM 10 in anyway, sadly. I didn't get enough of the characters to feel for them. The pacing was a little slow and meandering. There were points where it picked up, but then the plot still felt disconnected while it was all going on. It felt like this was an outline where the author had to make it all come together and it just felt forced and like the pieces of the puzzle never really quite fit together.

I don't have a ton to say about it because I didn't really hate it or anything, but I was just pretty bored and disconnected. It wasn't a bad book but a lot of it were topics, settings, and tropes that I don't love in thrillers, so this is probably a case of this just not being a book for me. It's really hard reading thriller authors sometimes because their books can be SO different when they're connecting with different kinds of thriller audiences. I can rate the same author anywhere from 2 stars to 5 stars sometimes. This will just end up not being a favorite for me, and I can only hope I'll like the next one better!

The Vacancy in Room 10 is a captivating read that will keep you guessing until the very end. Fans of mystery and supernatural fiction will find much to love in Glass's imaginative tale. The story immerses you in a world where every corner holds a secret waiting to be uncovered. Highly recommended!

This book. I mean, this book - just wow! This one grabbed me by the collar and would not let go. It's everything that I'm looking for in a thriller, fast paced, action packed, and lots of twists and turns along the way. I don't think that I guessed a single twist in this one until right before the reveals. I loved all of the characters, and while a bit dysfunctional I want to hang out with them by the pool at the Sycamores. This cast of characters is definitely one of my all time favorites, all so different, but each adding so much to my enjoyment of this story.
This book held me hostage, I could not put it down! If you're looking for a fast paced, twisty thriller, with a great group of characters please pick this one up - it doesn't disappoint.

Thank you to @netgalley and @htpbooks for the gifted copy of this book.

This is my first book from this author and I was very entertained and on the edge of my seat for most of the story! It was fast-paced, full of tension and twists and even though I was able to figure most of them out, I still enjoyed the ride! My favorite parts were the strong and captivating female characters and the found family element.

I really enjoyed this book. Binged it in a day. The story is fast paced with good twists. This was my first book by this author but I will be reading her others.

**4.5-stars rounded up**

The Vacancy in Room 10 is the latest from Seraphina Nova Glass, a Mystery/Thriller writer who has definitely become one of my go-to authors over the past couple of years.

The first time I picked this up, it was in the morning before work. I have about 35-minutes each morning, before I start my real day, where I sit and read and drink coffee. It's my me-time, Monday through Friday. I read the first few chapters of this in one of those moments and knew it was something I would want to binge. I put it down and patiently waited for the weekend to arrive...

I picked it up again on Saturday morning and didn't stop until it was done. This was fully-immersive and engaging, the day flew by. It was seriously so fun!

In this story, we follow two MCs, Anna and Cass. Anna's husband, Henry, an artist, dies at the beginning of the story, tragically and unexpectedly. He phoned Anna just prior to his death, saying some cryptic things she didn't understand. In the wake of his death, Anna begins to dig into the parts of his life from which she was excluded, like the apartment he rented at The Sycamores, a dilapidated repurposed-motel. He claimed to be using the space as an art studio.

Cass is the property manager-handyma'am at The Sycamores. Cass is only there following a total upheaval of her regular life, where her long-time partner left her for a much younger woman. It was a very public, very messy break-up, that has severed all Cass's previous ties.
Cass is at rock bottom now, as are some of the other residents at The Sycamores. It's a colorful place. The long-time residents have formed a bit of a dysfunctional found family that was fascinating to read about.

Anna decides to move into Henry's studio to immerse herself in that side of his life. She figures she can question the people there and find out if they know anything that could help her make sense of what happened to Henry.

As the Reader, you follow along with these two women as they try to put the pieces of their shattered lives back together, find peace and maybe return to some normalcy. The alternating perspectives kept this one moving along at a nice steady clip. I found both Cass and Anna's perspectives so interesting, but I will admit to favoring Cass. I just loved her way of navigating everything she was going through. I found her dry humor relatable and endearing.

There were so many twists and turns throughout this story. SNG definitely had some tricks up her sleeve with this one. It went in directions I wasn't expecting and kept me guessing in an entertaining way. I also loved the feelings I had while reading this. I found myself really connecting with the vibe of The Sycamores and the way that many of residents interacted with one another. That found family feel was oozing off every page and it took me by surprise.

I was rooting for these characters. I wanted them to be able to move forward from the things that had happened to them and going along with them on their journeys was as captivating as the mystery elements. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a well-rounded Mystery/Thriller, with captivating characters and strong levels of suspense. This will be a memorable one for me. I'm just so pleased.

Thank you to the publisher, Graydon House, for providing me with a copy to read and review. For me, this was the best I have read from this author. She slayed it!

I LOVE Seraphina. She's a master with drawing you in. ON A QUIET STREET by her? EPIC. It felt like a movie I had to watch, and I was here for every second of it. Unfortunately, I judged this book by that standard. Without that, I'm sure it would have been a solid 5 for me, but instead (felt draggy at points), it's in the realm of 4. Am I still going to check out everything by her? Duh. This was good. Solid, but didn't hit like STREET does. Eek.

This is my first novel by this author, but I can assure you it won't be the last. I was entertained from beginning to end, and can hope that others are like this as well. I'm a sucker for a good mystery, and something about motels/hotels being involved makes them that much more fun. A great read.

AMAZING!! Definitely a MUST read!

This is the first book I've read by Seraphina Nova Glass and it definitely won't be the last. I really enjoyed the way the book was set up giving us the P.O.V. of the two main characters - Cass and Anna to see things from their perspective. Seraphina Nova Glass also did an amazing job with character development not just of the main characters but all of the other characters in the book. For example, we got to see how Callum was portrayed as someone innocent, naive, kind, grieving but it turns out it was all a LIE!!! and Rosa was a huge shocker but I was definitely rooting for her and how much of a badass she actually was!! and little Frank ugh he seems like such a cute sweetie pie who came into Cass's life at a time when she needed him and he needed her.

This book was engaging from start to finish - especially towards the middle to end there were so many gasps I couldn't put this book down I needed to know what happened next. Each time a plot twist was mentioned next thing you know there was another one which I was absolutely LOVING!

Seraphina Nova Glass's latest thriller, The Vacancy in Room 10, will keep you guessing with its dark and suspenseful atmosphere. The story follows two main characters, Anna and Cass, who inhabit a rundown apartment building called The Sycamores. Anna, a recent arrival, soon becomes engrossed in the secrets and mysteries swirling around her neighbors. Meanwhile, Cass, the superintendent, juggles financial struggles with a hidden operation that puts her in precarious situations.

Glass excels at building tension. The narrative cleverly shifts between Anna and Cass's perspectives, offering glimpses into their motivations and the unsettling events unfolding within The Sycamores' walls. The seedy underbelly of the building and its inhabitants are vividly portrayed, creating a constant sense of unease.

However, the uneven pacing holds the book back from a full five stars. The initial chapters are captivating, but the middle section drags a bit as the mystery unravels slowly. Some plot threads feel underdeveloped, leaving a few unanswered questions by the end.

Despite these shortcomings, The Vacancy in Room 10 is a satisfying read for fans of psychological thrillers. The well-developed characters and the chilling atmosphere make it hard to put down. If you're looking for a suspenseful story with a touch of darkness, this novel is definitely worth checking out.

Here's a breakdown of the 4-star rating:

Plot (3.5 stars): Intriguing premise and strong central mystery, but pacing issues and unresolved threads.
Characters (4 stars): Compelling protagonists with hidden depths, well-rounded supporting cast.
Atmosphere (4.5 stars): Tense and suspenseful, effectively captures the seediness of the setting.
Writing (4 stars): Engaging prose, keeps the reader invested in the story.
Overall, The Vacancy in Room 10 is a suspenseful and entertaining read with a few bumps along the way.

The Vacancy in Room 10 by Seraphina Nova Glass // Mystery/Thriller

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Thank you to Net Galley and Graydon House for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review!

I kept hearing about this one and I was so excited to finally have time to sit down and read it. The characters are well developed and relatable, though you can’t help but think they’re hiding something as you read along. Cass is the epitome of a bada*s woman who makes a way in any circumstance, and Anna just can’t leave things alone. Babs was one of my favorite characters, the little old lady who is rough around the edges and knows far more than she should, even if her role was small. Then there’s the grieving widower, the pool ladies, the abusive husband, and a whole lot of secrets. The story is fast paced and the writing is lovely. I’d love to say “I just knew ___ had to have done it” but in all honesty until the truth was revealed I had no idea who the killer was or why. There were just a couple of things that weren’t exactly believable (like a husband having a whole separate life) but overall this read was great. Worth the read! Check it out!

This is the first book I have read by this author. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy this book. There were dual timelines that we blah to me and the characters were blah and not interesting either. I didn't find the mystery in this book to be interesting. Unfortunately, this book was not my jam,

Cass finds herself the manager of a run-down motel turned apartments called The Sycamores when her boyfriend, who she lived with, ended their relationship and she has nowhere to live. She gets free rent in return for taking care of the place. There she interacts with the interesting bunch of renters which include those who are quirky, eccentric, and lonely. Cass is low on cash and has come up with a devious and not the safest way to make spending money on the side. 😮

Anna's husband, Henry, called her and admitted to a crime. She checks into The Sycamores to get some answers after his death. There she begins to get answers and finds that she did not know her husband as much as she thought she did.

This book is told through the POV's of Cass and Anna. I found this to be a nice touch. As Anna gets closer to the truth, things begin to get tense and it is obvious that someone will do whatever it takes to prevent her from getting to the truth!

Initially this book was slow for me, and I kept putting it down, but then it slowly crept up on me, tapped me on the shoulder and grabbed my attention. I enjoyed the mystery, the motel, the tension, the suspense, and the motel's tenants.

Despite it feeling slow in the beginning, I enjoyed the author's wonderful writing, the intricate plot, the mystery, the setting, the characters, and the mounting suspense, tension and danger.

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing | Graydon House and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

I absolutely love a psychological thriller about what may be happening behind closed doors in your neighborhood. Take that concept and push them all into a rundown, moody apartment building and you’ve got the context for Seraphina Nova Glass’s newest thriller, The Vacancy in Room 10. This book is an absolute blast to read! A gritty, unexpected, unique summer thriller to binge by the pool.

What is The Vacancy in Room 10 about?

The Sycamores is a rundown motel outside of Santa Fe that was poorly converted into apartments. Nearby neighborhood establishments include a Shell gas station with a sign missing the S, a liquor store, an Arby’s, and Teaser’s Gentleman’s Club. Inside the U-shaped complex live a group of neighbors who all provide fodder for gossip.

Cass lost everything she had when her longtime partner left her for a younger woman. Now, Cass has moved to the Sycamores where she works as the apartment manager and uses handyman skills passed down from her father to keep the dodgy structure up and running. Cass has plenty of secrets of her own—she’s resorted to some unsavory schemes to make it through paycheck to paycheck. Each time she promises herself it will be the last time, but it never sticks. And then Cass’s desperation puts her in the path of someone dangerous...

Seven months later, a woman named Anna is worried when she hasn’t heard back from her husband Henry. She is just about to head to the art studio he has in one of the rundown units at the Sycamores when her phone rings. Henry is sobbing and apologizing, and then he says something shocking, “I…killed someone.” Hours later Henry’s body is found on the shallow banks of the Rio Grande in what the police believe was a suicide.

Anna is heartbroken and determined to find out what Henry was trying to confess, so she packs up her meager belongings and moves into his art studio at the Sycamores. As Anna looks for clues about the secrets Henry was holding, she realizes Henry wasn’t the only resident of the Sycamores with secrets. She’s certain someone knows more than they’re sharing, but her prying only leads to more problems when she begins receiving threatening letters on her door. What is going on at the Sycamores?

What did I think overall?

In her fourth thriller, Seraphina Nova Glass proves once again that her writing and storytelling has a broad range. The Vacancy in Room 10 has a different vibe than her others. It’s gritty, seedy, dark, and addictive. The cover of the book is a perfect representation of what I imagined when I read about the Sycamores. This is an all-time great setting—it felt as though the people living at the Sycamores existed in a different world than the nearby city of Santa Fe. I could picture everything from the broken Shell sign blaring at them (“HELL”) and the seedy gentleman’s club across the street.

The Sycamores is not a place that people come to with levity and good fortune—this is a place of last resorts. It’s a group of people hanging on to their lives by a thread and living in relative squalor. And yet, as depressing and bleak as the setting is, there’s a sense of humor in the eclectic and delightful cast of characters residing in the rundown structure. They spend their days sitting outside their unit on lawn chairs or sitting with their feet in the old motel pool, gossiping wildly about the other residents. The Sycamores is, if nothing else, a community.

How was the pacing and structure?

Several chapters in and this is one of those books you won’t want to put down. Alternating chapters from Cass and Anna keep the pace moving quickly, and things take their first shocking turn early in the story and don’t stop from there. The reader feels transported to the gritty u-shaped complex where secrets and dead bodies could be lurking anywhere. Cass and Anna are very different characters, and initially their stories don’t have any connection outside of them both being forced into the Sycamore. Eventually, Anna’s and Cass’s stories become intertwined.

As Anna learns more about the secrets Henry was hiding in his studio at the Sycamores, she becomes suspicious of Cass. Cass is everywhere, going in and out of units repairing broken parts and generally knowing everyone’s business. Anna is certain Cass knows a lot more about Henry’s double life than she’s sharing, but what reason could Cass have for keeping it a secret? As Anna is tailing Cass, looking for her to slip up, the reader sees that Cass has much bigger problems than worrying about Anna snooping around.

What can you expect?

There were several different threads that became more tangled as the story unfolds. The first and more obvious was Anna’s search for answers about Henry’s final words to her. Relatively early in the story, the police inform her that they are investigating his dead as a homicide, which only adds to the mystery surrounding Henry. Anna discovers some shocking truths that led to more questions. Anna’s story was engaging to me, I wasn’t sure if or how it would tie to everything else, but it was clear that Henry chose this squalid complex for a reason.

Several other things are happening. Cass and Anna both witness a resident named Eddie abusing his wife Rosa. A resident named Callum is grieving the loss of his wife to terminal cancer and gets into a different altercation with Eddie. Several of the residents accompany Cass to a party where her ex, her former friends, and his new girlfriend will be for support and things go awry. Someone winds up dead and it is going to cause problems for the residents of the Sycamore. Despite the darkness in the book, the residents are a breath of fresh air (except Eddie). They offer moments of levity, and bits of gossip and information. In a place like the Sycamores, someone is always watching.

Final thoughts

This is a complex, layered, gritty story that takes twists and turns at every corner. The alternating POV kept the pace moving quickly, and there is an ominous feel as Anna and Cass’s stories begin to overlap. The twists caught me by surprise and the ending was a heart-pounding stunner. An exciting and fresh story with a cinematic quality to it, you won’t soon forget the Sycamores or it’s residents.

Thank you to Graydon House for my copy. Opinions are my own.

THE VACANCY IN ROOM 10 was a great read from Seraphina Nova Glass - Cass and Anna were distinct but equally relatable and their intervowen stories were compelling against a rotating backdrop of characters. I was immediately drawn into the plot and the many twists and turns. The ending felt a bit long and drawn out but was ultimately satisfying.

Thanks to NetGalley and Graydon Books for the opportunity to read and review THE VACANCY IN ROOM 10.

This is the story of Cass and Anna and how they ended up living in the rundown apartment complex call the Sycamore's.

They come from very different walks of life and are living through their own trauma.

The Sycamore residents are a very eclectic group of characters. There are a lot of people in this book, but unlike other books I've read, I had no trouble keeping them straight.

This is a book that I believe is best read blind so I won't reveal any more of the book.

The characters are great. Appropriately nasty, funny or mysterious.

This one kept me guessing.

Thanks to netgalley and Graydon House for the arc.