Author Thomas Kingsley Troupe brings readers a fictionalized story based on a very real hotel in Estes Park, CO that has a long history of hauntings of various types. In Troupe’s tale, siblings Jayla and Dion must accompany their father to the hotel as he does repair work on snow ravaged trails. While there, both Jayla and Dion see the ghost of a young maid from the turn of the century and set out to discover why Elizabeth is haunting only room 217 and what they can do to free her from her century of roaming Hotel Stanley. Readers in grades 3-6 who want to read ghost themed books but really don’t want to be terrified will find that this fits the bill nicely. With its realitively short page count and quick pace, even the more reluctant reader will likely finish this one and may ask for others in Troupe’s Haunted States of America series.

This is a Haunted States of America book. A young adult story of siblings Jayla and Dion. Their father has a job for a week in Colorado and he checks the family in The Stanley Hotel not knowing it is haunted. Jayla and Dion soon find out outherwise.
If your young reader likes ghost stories then they will enjoy this story. It is not overly scary but just enough for them to be intrigued.

Trapped In Room 217 is a really good ghost story that is perfectly fit for kids ages 8 through 12. It is even a great read for young adults and older adults like myself! (I definitely plan on checking out the Haunted States of America series.)

Trapped in Room 217 is about a twelve-year-old girl named Jayla Walters who has to stay in the famous Stanley Hotel with her father and brother Dion. Jayla has a paranormal encounter and begins to learn more about the ghostly maid and the history of The Stanley Hotel.

I read this book in two days. It was really fun and kept me wanting to know more. I would have liked it much more if the story was more thrilling and scary, but hey, it's a kids book.

I recommend this book! It is perfect for Halloween.

This book is for a younger reader. Admittedly I was expecting a spookier story, but this lovely short story would have been something I read as a little girl.

Not super scary as such, but enjoyed this quick little read.

The Stanley Hotel is a real place and the author wrote this book out of their own experience. Which I loved more!

I did enjoy this short story and would read more, it was nice to read a little book and take a break from adult fiction for a day.

Thank you Netgalley for giving me an ARC in exchange for a review.

Trapped in Room 217 was a great, quick read. I love ghost stories and The Stanley Hotel has always fascinated me. It's not really scary, but there are parts of the story that might be a little creepy for some kids. I will be buying this series of books for my stepdaughter, as she likes to read books about ghosts. It'll be interesting to sit with her and show her the real stories behind each of the locations in the different books.

Note: I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of this book in exchange for my fair and honest review.

This felt very Goosebumpsesque to me, but lacking what those books had that pulled myself and many others in. It was an interesting premise, especially given the fact that many of us have read The Shining and know about the Stanley Hotel from King's fictional Overlook. This one follows two children and their father who moves into the hotel while the father is there for work. They quickly find out that the hotel is indeed haunted and try to find out more about the mysterious spirit of a maid that visits their room... Room 217. I personally wouldn't read this one again, but would absolutely recommend to kids who enjoy the horror genre but aren't yet old enough to read adult books yet. It was a fun and short read but just wasn't for me.

First let me say thank you so so much to Netgalley and the author/publisher for giving me the access to read this novel so that I could give an honest review!

I do not normally read novels that are in the YA genre however, this one appealed to me because I love true ghost stories. I also have 2 nieces who love to read and this book would be one they would really enjoy.

This book is about 2 siblings who are told after a late night telephone call, that they will be going on a trip with their father for his job. Once they arrive at the hotel and are settled in, Jayla, starts seeing a ghostly figure of a woman coming close to her bed at night. The writer does a great job at captivating the reader and keeping their attention throughout the story. There are situations between the siblings that could not be more real and before I knew it, I was remembering how it was with my sister growing up. The fact that this is based on a true story with fictional characters made me really want to read this. I feel that this book would definitely be appropriate for the age group that it is intended for as well as older readers as well. I would love for Thomas Troupe to write novels such as this that are geared more for adults. Overall, I would give this book a 4,5 out of 5 but certainly wanted to round up for the writer.

Trapped In Room 217 by Thomas Kingsley Troupe is a middle grade book that resides in the Haunted States of America series. It takes place at The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado (which is the main reason I was drawn to checking it out in the first place). We have two kids who are staying here indefinitely with their father while he is in the area on a work assignment. They start experiencing strange things, seeing ghosts, etc and they are determined to resolve whatever issue is happening.

Troupe does a good job at keeping the reader entertained while also throwing in some local legend/folklore. I stayed at The Stanley for my honeymoon last year and I heard of the woman that is the focus of this book when I was on my haunted tour! For those who do not know, this is the hotel that King stayed at that inspired him to write The Shining and it is also the same hotel where the TV miniseries (the non-Kubrick adaptation) was actually filmed. In the book, THE room of focus is Room 217 (as opposed to Room 237 in the film adaptation). So having all this connection and fascination to the premise of the story also helped keep me engaged as well.

I fed off the dynamics between the two siblings in this book. It totally threw me back to my youth and to the days that my older brother and I would get ourselves in situations like this from time to time. It was a nice view of the give-and-take relationship between siblings and made me smile with all kinds of nostalgia vibes.

I highly recommend this book to young readers or parents/teachers who are excited to get their kids or students into reading. I, for one, will be super excited if my kids are interested in reading horror like I am, and this is a great book for them without being overly scary, profane, etc. 4 out of 5 stars for me and I am already trying to get my hands on a couple more books in Troupe’s Haunted States of America series! Thank you to NetGalley and Jolly Fish Press for this advanced copy! The book releases 9/1/18!

Although this ARC is lacking the illustrations, the story was fairly solid. I'll definitely pick up another copy in September to re-read with the artwork. Overall, 3 Stars (so far).

This is a quick, easy, very well written ghost story geared for the younger set. I am not sure how I happened to request this book to read and review, but I read it and I did enjoy it. It is an excellent book for the middle school and/or junior high age group. This book is part of the Haunted States of America series.

I would like to thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for my advanced copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

I had to just review this book - horror for middle-grade. Um, yes, please! I love how this series is based on real-life places and events. This was a fun read and I think it's perfect for that age group. I do wish the story would've been longer because I enjoyed it so much. Of course, it could've been scarier, too, but I realize that might not be appropriate for middle-grade. So, what I am trying to ask is, Thomas Kingsley Troupe, could you please write some adult horror? Wouldn't the Haunted States Series be perfect for that? You could have the middle-grade version and the adult version! I'd read both.

But back to this book. The Walters family temporarily moves in The Stanley Hotel and of course, get assigned room 217 - unbeknownst to them one of the most haunted rooms in America. Soon, Jayla and Dion noticed odd ongoings and start to explore the hotel. Both kids especially get attached to the female ghost appearing every night in their room. Why is she there? What does she want from them? With those questions in mind, the adventure begins and we learn the woman's story throughout the book. It's spooky and would be a perfect Halloween read - I am even thinking it would be great for reading it aloud during family time.

Trapped in Room 217 has me intrigued to check out the rest of the series and I hope you do, too.

Kayla and Dion are going to Estes Park. They will be staying at the Stanley Hotel, while their father is working. They are intrigued with the richness and historical feel of the hotel. Little do they know that this THE Stanley Hotel, one of the most haunted places. Even less so they know that the room they are staying in, number 217, an extremely haunted room. Tonight they will meet Elizabeth Wilson, a maid that worked in the Stanley Hotel, many, many years ago!
This is a fun story that tells a little of the history of the Stanley Hotel, and the haunting adventures two siblings have.

Das Stanley Hotel gilt vermutlich offiziell als eines der meistheimgesuchten Hotels der Welt; dass es Stephen King als Inspiration für das Overlook Hotel, den Schauplatz in seinem Roman „Shining“, angibt, hat den Bekanntheitsgrad wahrscheinlich noch um ein Vielfaches erhöht: Auch der englischsprachige Kinder-/Jugendroman „Trapped in Room 217“ spielt nun also in jenem realen Hotel und erzählt von zwei Geschwistern, die ihren alleinerziehenden Vater zu einem kurzfristigen Arbeitsauftrag nach Colorado begleiten, wo jener die Familie ausgerechnet im berüchtigten Zimmer 217 eingemietet hat. Jenes Zimmer gilt tatsächlich als „das“ Geisterzimmer des Hotels, da hier weilende Gäste schon sehr häufig den Geist eines früheren Zimmermädchens gesehen zu haben behaupteten.
Damit ist „Trapped in Room 217“, sofern das auf Wiedergaben von paranormalen Erlebnissen zutreffen kann, also auf einer realen Basis fußend: Natürlich sehen die Kinder hier nachts auch den Geist des Zimmermädchens und schwanken zwischen Schock und Neugier; vor Allem die Abenteuerlust der großen Schwester ist geweckt, die nun unbedingt mit ihrem Bruder herausfinden will, was der Geist eigentlich will, was der da ständig sucht, und die dem Geist ggf. auch gerne helfen würde, es zu finden.

Der kleine Dion ist erst 7 Jahre alt, die große Schwester nur ein paar wenige Jahre älter; das Buch wird von 8-12 empfohlen, womit die Altersspanne der Zielgruppe im selben Rahmen wie die der beiden kindlichen Hauptfiguren ist. Das Englisch ist auch entsprechend einfach gehalten; ich denke, Fremdsprachler werden ab dem dritten Jahr regulären Englischunterrichts absolut ohne Probleme mit der Geschichte klarkommen.
Ansonsten halte ich persönlich 10 Jahre für das ideale Alter für dieses Buch; ich weiß nicht, ob ich die Geschichte einem 8Jährigen bereits in die Hand drücken würde (wenn dann vermutlich nur zum gemeinsamen Lesen): Das ist halt eine Gruselgeschichte und die Gruselelemente sind hier sehr intensiv dargestellt; es ist eine sehr atmosphärische Erzählung, die, wie ich finde, als Sage auch Erwachsene noch ansprechen kann; das Stanley Hotel mit seinen Geistergeschichten ist hier sehr realitätsgetreu abgebildet und ich denke einfach, einige der Schilderungen könnten jüngere Kinder doch noch komplett verängstigen. Ich hatte da auch so meine Momente, wo ich mir automatisch wieder ins Gedächtnis rief, dass dies ein Buch für Kinder ist und dass diese oder jene Szene darum garantiert nicht zu fürchterlich ausgehen würde; da gab es halt doch gewisse Gänsehaut-Gefühle.

Mit 136 Seiten ist das Buch auch nicht zu lang; ich denke, damit kommen Kinder in jedem Fall sehr gut klar und die Kürze finde ich hier zudem insofern gut als dass dies klar ein Roman ist, der dazu einlädt, ihn nicht aus den Fingern legen zu wollen und über den sich Kinder nicht über zwei Wochen hinweg ängstigen müssen; das Ende ist auch schlüssig und so hinzunehmen. Mit meinen Erwachsenenaugen betrachtet fand ich das Geheimnis hinter der Geistersuche ein bisschen fragwürdig; ich würde ja davon ausgehen, dass in den letzten Jahrzehnten dort doch auch mal renoviert wurde, aber dieses Thema des suchenden Geists wurde für Kinder definitiv voll verständlich erklärt.
Letztlich passiert auch nichts Böses; das ist absolut nicht wie in den „Erwachsenengruselbüchern“, wo letztlich kaum wer (wenn überhaupt) überlebt; aber diese ja völlig unbekannten, fremden Geschehnisse sind doch, grad für Kinder, wohl auch etwas furchteinflößend. Toll ist aber: Regelmäßig ist das Buch von sehr schön gemachten Illustrationen unterbrochen; das Cover ist da exemplarisch; die jeweils auch etwas Beruhigendes ausstrahlen. Da liest man eben grade einen besonders gruselig klingenden Teil der Geschichte, malt ihn sich selbst in seiner Fantasie überaus schrecklich aus, und da kommt da eine Illustration jener Szene, auf der die gar nicht so böse wirkt. Das ist einfach sehr schön gestaltet.

Für mich ist das einfach ein klasse Schauerroman für Kinder, welcher denen durchaus das Gefühl geben kann, jetzt schon „Grusel für Große“ lesen zu können bzw. zu dürfen; besonders passend auch zur Zeit um Halloween. Aber wie gesagt: ein besonders ängstliches Kind würde ich überhaupt nicht mit diesem Buch konfrontieren und mit einem minderängstlichen Kind würde ich das Buch noch zusammen lesen. Aber sobald ein Kind in dem Alter, und Zustand, angekommen ist, in dem es sich für Geistergeschichten vollauf begeistern kann und sich mit Freunden flüsternd abstruse Spukgeschichten zuraunt: Dann ist die Geschichte von „Trapped in Room 217“ definitiv perfekt!

Spring break is cut short when Jayla’s dad moves her and her brother (Dion) to Colorado for work reasons. Unawares to them, they check into the most haunted room in The Stanley Hotel, 217. Sure enough, they start to experience the hauntings first hand when they catch the ghost of an old maid tidying their room in the middle of the night.

Jayla and Dion are left alone in the hotel all day while their father is at work. It’s up to them to find out more about this ghostly visitor, is she dangerous? Is she trapped?
REVIEW

Trapped in Room 217 by by Thomas Kingley Troupe

First of all, this is a ghost story for children, with illustrations.

The illustrations weren’t on my review copy, but if they’re anything like the front cover then it’ll be a massive boost to the book.

So why did this appealed to me?

A. I loved ghost stories when I was a kid. So I feel like I was the right person to review this book as an adult.

B. The Stanley Hotel. Have you not seen the Ghost Hunters episode where they hear those voices in the tunnel? Still gives me the creeps thinking about it. Put it into youtube now.

So what do I have to say about this book? It’s a short book at 136 pages. The story moves along quite fast. It has all the charm of a haunted house novel. I think kids will really enjoy this one when it comes out in September.

Does it have it’s hang ups? Yeah, a couple. I think the father of the kids is a little irresponsible to leave them alone all day in a strange hotel where any dangers could happen. At one point, the kids go into the tunnels by themselves and get lost. It’s bad parenting, but if he was a good dad there wouldn’t be much of a story.

I thought it was cool that we have a book about a real ghost. I’m not confirming that the ghost is real, but the legend of the spirits that haunt that hotel are present in this book. It’s good to creep children out by telling them “this is based on a real haunting”.
BOOKS BY THE FIRE SCORE – 5/10

The ending was interesting, but left a few more questions. I guess where the story was written about a real ghost the author couldn’t go into too much detail. No one knows why spirits exist, or if they even do, and certainly not how to get rid of them if they did.

The main characters seem likeable, but no one really develops their character as the story unfolds. The paranormal activity drives the plot. The characters just follow it along.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this so early.

You can order it on Amazon, It’s due for release on 01/09/18.

Trapped in Room 217 was a short, fun ghost story. A family that doesn't believe in ghost stay in what turns out to a very haunted hotel. They quickly change their minds about the paranormal. The writing was great and straight to the point. I loved how quickly it moved along. My copy didn't have the art work but I imagine the artwork will enhance this story greatly.

What a great book for kids !! It was well written, spooky but not too spooky! I read it in one sitting and I really enjoyed it. Loved the brother and sister relationship. I highly recommend this book to everyone! I can't wait to buy it so I can see the illustrations!

Jayla and Dion go to Colorado with their father who is working a job in the area. They stay at the Stanley hotel. Their room hass a ghost. Room 217 had the ghost of Elizabeth. She was a maid who is trapped in their room. Jayla located a locket in the room and thinks this will help Elizabeth cross over, but it just upsets her. She destroys their room until Jayla returns the locket to its proper place. This was a interesting story dealing with the supernatural. I believe my students would really enjoy it. It makes you think about the existence of the supernatural.

After reading the author's notes at the end, I was interested to find that the Stanley hotel is a real place and it is really haunted. Now it is on my to be visited list! I recommend this book to all students who enjoy reading about the existence of ghosts!

I didn't realise this was for younger readers when I selected it, but it wasn't a bad read. I like how it's based on a true haunting. It's a quick read, and not scary enough to freak out younger readers. It's certainly not dark enough to be classed as horror for YA or adult readers.
I would have liked a more solid explanation as to why the ghost is still there.

Interest Level: 3-6

Have you ever stayed in a haunted hotel? Would you? When Jayla and her younger brother Dion have to go with their father to Estes Park, Colorado for a week, they have no idea that they will be staying in one of the most haunted hotels in America. This is a last minute trip for their dad's work so they can't be picky about which hotel room they get. Room 217 is the only available room. They don't know what they are getting into but heads do turn in the lobby when it is announced what room they will stay in. On their first night in room 217, Jayla and Dion see the apparition of a full-sized female ghost come into their room. She walks over to the wall to do something, she bends over to pick something up, she picks up and folds their dirty towels, and she leaves. Jayla and Dion are completely freaked out until they learn the history of this lady, Elizabeth. Jayla is determined that Elizabeth is stuck here and she wants to try to set her free. She comes up with a plan, but little does she know that her plan will upset Elizabeth and things begin to go all wrong. Can Jayla set things right or will she have a very angry ghost to deal with? Read this exciting and a slightly scary book to find out what happens!

I love scary ghost stories and this one does not disappoint. The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado is a real haunted hotel and room 217 is a real haunted room, among many other rooms in which you can book a room. This book is the first in a series called Haunted States of America. I cannot wait for more! This book is a short read and great for the reluctant readers who want to be a little scared, but not too much. I now have a new addition to my bucket list! Don't miss this one!

When I requested this book I did not realize it was aimed at the middle grade market, so was slightly disappointed when I started reading as it soon became apparent. My bad! The book is quite short but was an ok read and I am sure kids would enjoy it and find it scary enough without entering the realms of Stephen King! Scary easy read suitable for kids aged 10+