This book started off giving me “The Ruins” vibes, which I loved and then made a path all its own. The plot was pretty slow and got confusing and I found myself zoning out towards the end. The narrator did a fantastic job, though.

A chilly, creepy AF horror story involving a young pregnant mother with a toddler on the run from her abusive ex who is hiding out in a motel only to get caught up in the mysterious and deadly goings on there. This one gave me The sundown motel by Simone St. James vibes in the best ways. Nothing speeds up a mother's heart than fearing for her children and this one definitely delivered on that front. Good on audio and definitely fits the bill for readers looking for a scary read. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review.

Wasn’t a huge fan of the voice for the narration and it was slightly predictable but the suspense and fast pace kept me interested without issue. I like how on point it was with online dating and the stranger behind the keyboard. I would recommend it.

I found this audiobook to be average. It lacked substance and failed to capture my attention. I believe the concept was solid, but the pacing was subpar.

Audiobook: 3.5/5
Ebook/Overall Story: 2.5/5

I swear I’m just on a bad streak with NetGalley. This was a book I was really excited to read. I actually put off starting it because I just knew it was going to be a good time—but that just wasn’t the case.

Once again, here’s another book with a great cover, an interesting concept, and even a strong setting for the story to unfold. There was so much potential here that it’s almost painful to see how the execution didn’t meet expectations.
The story follows a young woman escaping an abusive relationship. She has a daughter she’s very close to and is currently pregnant with her second child. With no close family she can count on, she finds herself taking a job at an older hotel. But while working there, she begins to realize the hotel might not be the safe haven for her family that she hoped for.

I was really hoping to get more of a creature feature out of this book—especially since I’ve been on such a horror kick lately. I’ve been watching a lot of horror movies and had just finished rewatching Slither, so I was expecting that small-town creepy vibe to come through. While I do think the book has some solid horror elements, the pacing seriously hinders the reading experience.

I was grateful to have the audiobook for an immersive read; it definitely made it easier to finish. The narration was really good, and I think the narrator did the best they could with the material. They brought to life the innocence, naïveté, and—quite frankly—sometimes annoying energy that kids can have in moments of intense danger, while also capturing the hurt, ache, and longing the mother feels for her daughter and how far she’s willing to go to protect her children.

But I’ll be so happy to never hear the word “stinker” again.

That said, the story began to lean more toward domestic horror—honestly, in one of the most bland and boring ways. I wanted more of the creature aspect, and felt it should’ve been introduced sooner. The beginning of the story was okay and built an interesting foundation, but it was also very slow. Nothing major happens until close to the end, and by that point, I found myself questioning some of the author’s choices.

I also didn’t connect much with the mother or daughter as characters. It made me wonder if the author gave the main character a traumatic past to spark a connection with the reader. Whether that was an attempt at sympathy or clearly designating who to root for, I can’t say. Though so many of the characters weren’t fully developed leaving only their trauma to connect to. In addition, much of the dialogue was repetitive and bland, which limited the emotional engagement. Outside of the flashbacks to her previous relationship, there weren’t many moments that deepened my connection to either character.

While I understand needing a catalyst to propel our main character down her path, I think just telling readers that she was escaping abuse and highlighting how unsupportive her parents had been would’ve been enough. So when their ex pops up near the end, it feels more like a sudden attempt to inject an additional thriller element to the story, but only took me out of the read. Meanwhile, I’m sure they’ll be some readers who will appreciate that distraction from the slithering, tentacled creatures lurking around the hotel.

This story had all the potential in the world, and I can absolutely see the paths it could’ve taken. But I didn’t really enjoy the ending, and the road to get there didn’t always hold my attention. I’m incredibly grateful to have had the audiobook to enhance the experience. Without it, I likely would have struggled to finish. Some elements felt underdeveloped, and the atmosphere didn’t get played up as much as it could have.

Still, I’m thankful to Macmillan Audio, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read, listen, and review this book.

Rating: 3/5 Stars
Pub Date: 4/8
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L’Arpin Hotel wasn't the ideal place to work or even stay, but this is the place that Sadie landed on after leaving her abusive ex-husband. But on the first night, strange things happened. After running outside to help a guest and they mysteriously disappear and guests who leave without checking out, Sadie begins to feel uneasy. Refusing to be gaslit, Sadie digs deep into L'Arpin Hotel and its permanent residents.
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This book was a difficult one for me to rate, because while I liked the story, i felt that it really dragged on and i really struggled with the characters. I truly did not like the majority of the characters; especially Sadie - she seemed to make some really stupid decisions for someone who made a really amazing decision to leave an abusive relationship?? The pacing felt off to me, it felt like there was too much emphasis on the potential of what the big reveal would be that once the ending came it was anticlimactic. I did enjoy the ending and where Dotson went with this story (I always enjoy a good paranormal story), I just wish that it happened sooner, or the pacing was different.
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I listened to this via audiobook. It was easy enough to follow. Jenn Lee was a great narrator for this. Definitely worth checking out the audio if you are a horror fan!
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Overall, this just didn't hit for me the way that I expected it to. Horror fans give this one a try and see what you think! Huge thank you to C. J. Dotson, NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.

Well that was weird and odd. Single mom. Monsters or her? I’m still not sure if I liked it or not lol. I will try this author again though.

Atmospheric and creepy. I enjoyed the supernatural bent of the book along with the overall creepy horror vibe. The audio was well-narrated, clear, and nicely acted. A creepy horror novel that will also appeal to fans of traditional mysteries because of the tight plot.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (3.5 rounded up)

The Cut by C.J. Dotson delivered a unique and compelling concept that had me hooked from the start. I really enjoyed the crackling tension woven throughout the story—it kept the atmosphere taut and my nerves slightly frayed in the best way.

The most chilling parts, though, were the flashbacks to Sadie’s past. The scenes of domestic violence were genuinely heartbreaking and added a layer of emotional depth that made the stakes feel personal and raw.

That said, I do wish the mystery had been a bit more layered. The reveal came on fast and could’ve used more breadcrumb clues along the way. It was also fairly easy to guess who the suspect was early on, which took a little of the punch out of the finale.

Still, it was a fun and fast-paced read! I listened to the audiobook, which was quite well done and helped bring the tension to life in a visceral way.

I actually like this book. I saw the review ratings first but the summary had me hooked. Weird fiction is a vibe!

Received a free audio copy via NetGalley.

I was highly anticipating this book, so I was so excited when I got the opportunity to listen to it! I love that the setting takes place in a creepy hotel and the main character gets a job there. The workers are also very odd and weird stuff starts happening. This was a solid horror book and I was very satisfied with it.

This book was okay for me. I felt like it wasn’t completely flushed out and just didn’t keep my attention

TW/CW: Domestic abusive relationship, unwanted pregnancy, child abuse, language, drinking, toxic family relationships

*****SPOILERS*****
About the book:
A historic hotel long past its prime and huddled along The Cut, a questionable Lake Erie beach, isn’t Sadie Miles’ ideal place to raise a toddler while also navigating her second pregnancy. After finally fleeing her abusive ex-fiancé, though, Sadie’s new housekeeping position and free room at L’Arpin Hotel are the best she can manage.

On her first night, Sadie runs to help a guest struggling in the hotel’s pool only to find the water calm and empty when she gets there, leaving her with a lingering unease. When a guest then goes missing and her manager insists they simply left without checking out, Sadie suspects he’s covering up darker goings-on in the hotel.

After her ex, Sadie won't let anyone convince her that what she’s experiencing isn’t real again. So, she keeps digging, quickly uncovering suspicious interactions with the staff, mysteriously vanishing security cameras, more missing guests, and things that go bump in the night...and drip in the walls, slither in the tub, and squirm in the halls. Everything isn't as it seems within the dim hallways of L’Arpin. Sadie has nowhere to go and nowhere to hide; she'll need to keep her wits about her to survive and keep her toddler and unborn child safe from whatever lurks nearby.
Release Date: April 8th, 2025
Genre: Mystery
Pages: 304
Rating: ⭐

What I Liked:
1. Writing style was decent
2. Monster elements

What I Didn't Like:
1. Hated the characters
2. Ridiculous things happen that
3. Book dragged

Overall Thoughts:
{{Disclaimer: I write my review as I read}}
Yeah, leave your daughter with a complete stranger.

Sadie notices that a woman disappears from the pool and then leaves her stuff in the room and one day one of a job she needs more than anything she decides to invest what happened to her. It's so stupid. No one would care that much on

These characters are driving me insane. The way they act like they have a right to see is crazy and then the way they act like they can just dictate to what she's doing. Of course Sadie drives me insane because she knows she needs this job and she has so much already on her plate but she's more worried about solving Mysteries than working.

I'm sorry but how is the hotel manager able to pretend like Melton work there for 6 months? You're going to tell me this 19-year-old did not one time you social media to post that she was at work or what she did there? The police never pinged her phone at this location? Nothing? Like it's just ridiculous. You can't just disappear nowadays and pretend like you didn't go to a job for six mon

Omg omg she would rather risk her child and future baby living in a hotel where she sees questionable worms and disappearing people becauee a room isn't spot clean. I hate Sadie. Terrible.

I am over this child talking in this book.

Girl get the hell out the hotel and get any place to live. It can not be that bad out there when you are faced with a boss that is toxic and weird stuff happening. Plus how is she cleaning without touching the water???

I don't get how she is working 6 days a week and is the only housekeeper but is able to still have time to go for walks with her daughter and hang out during the day. It's January so it's night at like 5pm.

Sadie's constant giving into to Izzy is so annoying. I'd love to stop with the child pov now.

Final Thoughts:
Do you love books where a main character does such stupid things? How about a woman that loves to put her daughter in danger and ditches her around every corner? This is the story for you!

Sadie is the character that puts all kinds of dangers on the back burner to solve a mystery from the moment she is hired on day one. She already has her own issues to work through and is struggling to get back on her feet but she throws herself into things that don't matter. Then when she is presented with a choice to leave the environment that is again toxic to her and her child she chooses to NOT leave but instead make excuses. Yes, this whole thing could be an example of how Sadie's coping skills are not so great with dealing with her ex and the dangers she was put in, but I felt no pity for a woman that pushes her child to the side over and over to save people that treat them not so great.

I hated the pov of Izzy. It was annoying and got on my nerves the way she would whine. It made me feel like I was hanging with a friend and watching her give her child anything she wanted if she even threatened to cry. I was over it.

3.5 stars but rounded up to 4.

I received an advance audiobook copy of The Cut by C.J. Dotson from netgalley.

I enjoyed the narration of The Cut. Easy to follow.

The main character has good character development throughout the story. And enough background information that you can understand her current life.

The cover is gross, and a good representation of the creepy vibes in the story.

I wouldn't so much categorize this as horror though. Nothing really scary happens. Maybe more like a suspense.

The story goes at a slow pace, and there are a few unanswered questions, at least for me.

Overall, I still enjoyed listening to this audiobook.

Macabre and twisted, a character driven horror novel with lots of ick and tension. I really enjoyed the female MC’s growth over the course of the narrative and the great pacing even with all the inner monologue that was crucial to the story. The only downside was the slightly annoying voicing of the little girl throughout.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy. These opinions are my own.

I was intrigued by the cover and premise of this book and sadly, it failed to deliver.
I think the idea was very solid, but the pacing really suffered. Most of the plot happened within the last 20% of the book. I found that I couldn't really connect with the characters, so by the time we got to the actual plot of the book, I didn't really care what was happening. The ending felt rushed and it lacked tension. The writing was solid, so I would be willing to try this author again. The narration was also good.

For a horror novel, this was not gruesome or super scary, but it did hold my interest with the suspense and the ick factor of the weird occurrences around the L'arpin Hotel.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Oh, this was an interesting read…I enjoyed going on this creepy, weird journey with Sadie as she essentially starts a new life after escaping her abusive partner. Knowing her situation, I was hooked and curious to see how things would play out for her. As the story went on, the paranormal elements started to show up more and more, not super scary, but definitely eerie.

What I appreciated most was Sadie’s growth by the end, especially considering how horribly people had treated her throughout her life.

By the end, everything was revealed. Nothing totally mind-blowing, but still surprising enough. I think with paranormal stories, it’s harder for me to be shocked because anything can be explained away by the “it’s paranormal” card. Still, it was a fun ride!

audio-ARC from NetGalley.

This had promise, but it quickly transformed into something frustrating and lacking true character agency. While the story started off compelling, it started to drag in the middle, only picking up again at the very end.

Ultimately, it was our protagonist who kept me from truly enjoying the book. Her lack of common sense, rude behavior, and inconsistent decision-making made the book more annoying than fun at times.

**3.5-stars rounded up**

After fleeing an abusive relationship, Sadie Miles, with her toddler, Izzy, in tow, ends up at the L’Arpin Hotel, a historic property on the edge of Lake Eerie. She's not there for rest and relaxation though, she's there for a job. When she's offered a position as a housekeeper, which includes a free room at the hotel, she jumps at the offer. She's beyond desperate.

We follow Sadie as she tries to navigate her new circumstance, having to do things that make her uncomfortable, such as leaving Izzy alone with an elderly woman she just met, so that she can get her work done. It's not just those necessary actions that are making her uncomfortable though, there's a lot around the hotel that is odd; including, but not limited to, the people.

Individuals go missing, and there's definitely something in the water, or the pipes, or food. The higher-ups seem to be covering-up, but what? And what about the man from the power plant, always yelling and carrying on, like she's done something to him. What is going on here?

Sadie, like many great Horror characters before her, isn't willing to let any of this stuff go. She's determined to figure out the truth behind the hotel, even if she needs to put herself in peril in order to do so.

I had fun with this one. The Cut has a great set-up, and it did succeed at keeping me guessing and compelled to move forward with the unsettling narrative. It reminded me of one of those Creature Feature movies from the late-70s/mid-80s, that had like ants that had grown to the size of houses and ate entire towns. Were they super logical? No. Did they keep you entertained on a rainy Saturday afternoon? Absolutely. This is the vibe I got and I'm not complaining about it.

This is solid B-Horror, and don't take that as an insult, because it's not. I love B-Horror. It's pure entertainment, that doesn't take itself too seriously. It tells a story, gives you thrills, chills, and keeps you at the edge of your seat. I will say, Sadie's daughter, Izzy, drove me absolutely nuts. I would have enjoyed this even more if she hadn't been in it. I know that seems mean, but it is what it is.

Overall, though, this was a fun ride. It had some issues, but at the end of the day, I didn't really care. I actually Buddy Read this and it was a fun one to try to guess what was really happening. Which by the way, I was no where near guessing.

Thank you, St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio, for providing me with a copies to read and review. I highly recommend the audio format if you have it available to you. The narration was a great fit for the tone of the story!