📚 NETGALLEY ARC REVIEWS 📚

📖 TITLE: THE GIRLS ON FLOOR 13
✍🏻 AUTHOR: HELEN PHIFER
🌟 OVERALL RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📲 FORMAT: NETGALLEY ARC (E-BOOK)
📜 PAGES: 250
🌃 GENRES: THRILLER, MYSTERY, HORROR
❤️‍🔥 SPICINESS LEVEL: 𝐍𝐎 𝐒𝐏𝐈𝐂𝐄

✨𝐁𝐋𝐔𝐑𝐁:
When the bodies of these best friends are discovered in a rundown New York City hotel room, Detective Maria Miller is summoned to the scene. Supposedly miles away at a sleepover, the girls' presence in the hotel, especially on the reputedly haunted thirteenth floor, raises chilling questions. Sinister messages on their phones suggest they were lured there. Despite no DNA evidence, Maria suspects a hotel insider is the killer. As she investigates, a link emerges to a decades-old double murder. With a key suspect found dead and eerie discoveries in the room, Maria races to uncover its secrets before becoming the next victim.

✨𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐈𝐓:
Last month, I decided to take a break from reading ARCs. But as soon as the third installment of Detective Maria Miller was posted, I knew I had to sign up for it. I absolutely loved The House On West 10th Street, especially Her Lost Soul, which happens to be one of my top favorites. It’s just really, really good. I had been looking forward to this book.

✨ Anyway, The Girls On Floor 13 tells the story of multiple murders and suicides in a haunted hotel. It also features a mother who never stops waiting for her daughter to return, a friendship that's put to the test, deep grief, and a love that transcends death.

✨ It was creepy as hell. It was just terrifying; I had goosebumps all over. What drew me into Her Lost Soul was the abandoned asylum, but what scared me about The Girls On Floor 13 was the idea that the negative entity could possess and manipulate completely innocent people with no violent history. It could even invade your dreams and become your worst nightmare. The scenes weren’t as scary as I had expected, but the thought of it happening in real life totally creeped me out. As for the plot twist, I was a bit disappointed. Maybe I set my expectations too high.

✨ I also couldn't hold back the tears when one of my favorite characters died; it was just heartbreaking. Ughhh. I don’t want to spoil readers any further, but my heart aches so bad. I was also rooting for Maria and Frankie to finally get together in this series, but it seems like that ship has sailed. Harrison seems too good to be true for me, but I do think Maria deserves him since he'd been a really nice guy and genuinely cared for her. And I love that Frankie also found a new love interest. Overall, this has been an exhilarating, overwhelming, and enjoyable read for me. If you love horror, thrillers, and mysteries, you’ll surely enjoy this.

✨𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐋𝐈𝐊𝐄:
📌 TIME LOOP
📌 HAUNTED HOTEL
📌 WEALTH GAP ROMANCE
📌 CEO X DETECTIVE
📌 CRIME/MURDER
📌 SPINE-CHILLING CHAPTERS
📌 CHARACTERS WITH TRAUMATIC PASTS
📌 NO SPICE

Thank you Netgalley & Storm Publishing for an eARC ♥️♥️

In the eerie confines of the Parker Hotel, a chilling discovery is made - two girls brutally murdered on the infamous 13th floor. Detectives Maria and Frankie are summoned to the scene, thrust into a case that defies the norms of crime and investigation. As they delve deeper, they unravel a web of secrets and lies, where the living and the dead coexist in a dance of terror.

This gripping tale is a masterclass in suspense, weaving together crime, murder, drama, and the supernatural. Despite being part of a series, it stands alone with ease, leaving me eager for more. The characters are multidimensional and complex, the storyline expertly crafted to keep you on the edge of your seat. The writing is impeccable, painting a vivid picture of a world where the unknown lurks around every corner.

I devoured this book in one sitting, unable to resist the allure of its dark and twisted world. If you're a fan of crime fiction with a paranormal twist, this is a must-read. But be warned - once you enter the world of the Parker Hotel, there's no turning back. The ghosts of the 13th floor will haunt you long after the final page is turned.

Thank you Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book. These opinion are completely my own.

I have not read the prior books in the series yet, but I will. I love a thriller and this is my first supernatural mystery I believe, but it won't be my last. Great book that is sustable for YA who like a little spooky with their mysteries.

BOOK: THE GIRLS ON THE FLOOR 13
AUTHOR: HELEN PHIFER
PUB DATE: MAY 2024
👮🏼‍♀️👻👮🏼‍♂️
REVIEW
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
👮🏼‍♂️👻👮🏼‍♀️
I read the first book in this series and I loved it! So I quickly requested this book and I liked it. I didn't even know it was the third in the series. I missed the request for the second book.
👮🏼‍♀️👻👮🏼‍♂️
In this book, Maria and Frankie are already getting burnt out because of the supernatural stress. They are even talking about quitting, but I hope not. They still have more crimes to solve!
👮🏼‍♂️👻👮🏼‍♀️
This book gripped me from beginning to the end. I liked how Maria turned all stones in searching for the culprit and the hotel's history. I liked, but I was not satisfied with the ending. I wanted to know what the Dark entity was obsessed with foot and homework it came to be associated with the hospital. The culprit was caught and I didn't feel any closure. That's the only thing I would have added. The history of the ghost. I liked the blue lady ghost too. Her character was explained in the ending.
👮🏼‍♀️👻👮🏼‍♂️
This author made like this genre, something I thought would never happen. I definitely recommend her
👮🏼‍♂️👻👮🏼‍♀️

A creepy, haunted hotel called the Parker is a place full of death. Maria and Frankie take a case in which two young girls are muttered and feet cut off in room 1303. As they investigate the case, chilling events happen. Definitely a great book and my first by this author. I will be reading more.

The Girls on Floor 13
An utterly addictive crime thriller with a shocking twist (Detective Maria Miller)
by Helen Phifer
Pub DateMay 30 2024
Storm Publishing
General Fiction \(Adult\)| Mystery & Thrillers| True Crime

Storm Publishing and Netgalley provided me with a copy of The Girls on Floor 13 for review:

The girls seem to be sleep side by side in twin beds, except that their pale skin is ice cold, and their closed eyes will never open again...



Detective Maria Miller is called to the crime scene when two teenage girls' bodies are discovered in a rundown New York City hotel room. The best friends were supposed to be at a sleepover miles away in the suburbs. What were the girls doing on the thirteenth floor without a check-in record and with the room closed off to guests?



A sinister message on their phones suggests the girls were lured to the hotel based on the hotel's reputation for hauntings. Since the killer left no DNA behind, Maria is unable to trace their identity. However, Maria believes the murderer works at the hotel. What other way could they have accessed the room and known it was empty?


Maria races to interview staff before another body turns up when the hotel manager shares an old newspaper article about an identical double murder decades ago. Is there a connection between the two cases? The discovery in the hotel room of a key suspect after he was found dead in his home sends shivers down Maria's spine. Will she be able to uncover the secrets of the room on the thirteenth floor before she becomes its next victim?


I give The Girls on Floor 13 five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

I enjoyed the book for the most part! I was unaware that it was the third book in a series, but I thought that it read perfectly fine as a standalone. There was enough context for previous events that everything made sense to me as I read it. I thought that the mystery was set up pretty well, and I was curious about what was going to happen. I was not a fan of the POVs not being labelled, as it would sometimes take me a while to understand who was speaking in each chapter. I also thought that the ending was very rushed. When I got to the part of the book where it started wrapping up, I definitely thought that there was going to be another 75 pages or so more than there was. But overall, it was a nice, easy to read paranormal mystery/thriller that I enjoyed my time with.

Thank you to Storm Publishing, NetGalley, and Helen Phifer for a copy of the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

"The Girls on Floor 13" by Helen Phifer is a chilling and captivating thriller that keeps readers engrossed from beginning to end. Phifer's ability to create an eerie atmosphere and build suspense is masterful, making this book a standout in the genre. The story follows a gripping plot with well-crafted twists and turns that keep readers guessing. The setting, a seemingly ordinary building with a dark secret, adds an extra layer of tension and intrigue. Phifer does an excellent job of slowly unraveling the mystery, ensuring that the suspense remains high throughout the novel. The characters are well-developed, particularly the protagonist, who is both relatable and complex. Her journey through the maze of secrets and danger on Floor 13 is compelling, and readers will find themselves rooting for her at every turn. The supporting characters add depth to the story, each bringing their own unique contributions to the unfolding drama. Phifer's writing style is engaging and descriptive, allowing readers to visualize the scenes vividly and feel the underlying tension. While the pacing is generally well-balanced, there are moments where the story could benefit from a faster tempo to heighten the sense of urgency. One of the strengths of the book is its ability to blend elements of psychological thriller and horror, creating a unique reading experience that keeps the adrenaline pumping. However, some readers might find certain plot points a bit predictable, though this does not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the story. In summary, "The Girls on Floor 13" is a thrilling and atmospheric read that showcases Helen Phifer's talent for crafting suspenseful and eerie narratives. With its well-drawn characters, engaging plot, and chilling setting, it is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and horror. Despite a few minor drawbacks, it delivers a satisfying and gripping experience that will leave readers eager for more.

"The Girls on Floor 13" by Helen Phifer is a gripping and atmospheric thriller that keeps readers engaged with its dark and suspenseful narrative. While the book has many strengths, there are also a few elements that prevent it from reaching its full potential, resulting in a solid 4-star rating.

One of the standout features of this novel is Phifer's ability to create an eerie and unsettling atmosphere. From the very first page, the setting of the old, dilapidated hotel where Floor 13 is located is vividly described, drawing readers into a world filled with mystery and dread. Phifer excels at building tension and maintaining a sense of foreboding throughout the story.

The protagonist, Detective Maria Miller, is a well-developed character with a strong presence. Her determination and resourcefulness make her a compelling lead, and her personal struggles add depth to her character. Phifer does a commendable job of balancing Maria's professional challenges with her personal life, making her relatable and human.

The plot of "The Girls on Floor 13" is intriguing and full of twists. The mystery surrounding the disappearances of several girls is skillfully unraveled, keeping readers guessing until the end. Phifer's pacing is generally good, with enough action and suspense to maintain interest. However, there are moments where the story feels a bit slow, and some scenes could have been tightened to improve the overall flow.

One area where the book falls short is in the development of secondary characters. While Maria is well fleshed out, other characters, including some of the victims, feel somewhat one-dimensional. This lack of depth makes it harder to connect with them and lessens the emotional impact of their stories.

Additionally, the resolution of the mystery, while satisfying in some respects, feels a bit rushed. The final revelations come quickly, and certain plot points could have been explored more thoroughly to provide a more comprehensive conclusion. Despite these issues, the ending does tie up the main storyline and leaves room for future installments in the series.

Phifer's writing style is engaging and descriptive, making it easy to visualize the scenes and characters. Her attention to detail in the setting and atmosphere adds to the overall immersive experience. The dialogue is generally well-written, though there are instances where it feels a bit forced or unnatural.

In conclusion, "The Girls on Floor 13" is a compelling thriller with a strong lead character and an atmospheric setting. Helen Phifer's talent for creating suspense and tension is evident throughout the book. While there are areas that could be improved, such as the development of secondary characters and pacing, the novel remains an enjoyable and gripping read. Fans of dark, suspenseful mysteries will find much to appreciate in "The Girls on Floor 13." My thoughts are mine and mine alone. *Sidenote: This was read out of order, and reading the first two of the series could change my review rating; I will go back and read Detective Maria Miller #1 and Detective Maria Miller #2.

Thank you NetGalley and Helen Phifer for the ARC read.

4.5 stars

The Girls on Floor 13 by Helen Phifer is the third in the Maria Miller paranormal detective series.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Storm Publishing  and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.


Series Background: (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books)
Detective Maria Miller lives in Greenwich Village, in an old apartment building.  She occasionally dates super-rich Harrison Williams, who wants more out of the relationship than does Maria.  Her police partner and best-friend is Frankie Conroy, and he too would like to further their relationship.  Due to a case they solved which involved the supernatural, Frankie and Maria now head a new department looking into unusual and strange crimes.  Her elderly neighbours Missy & Emilia have become friends, and are quite keen on the supernatural aspects of Maria's cases.


My Synopsis:    (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions):
Teenager Dory Painter is hooked on ghosts, and convinces her best friend Michelle Carter to skip school and take the train to New York.  She found someone who will let them into the 13th floor of the Parker Hotel, which is supposed to be one of the most haunted hotels in New York.

But their trip is short-lived.  Both are killed and laid out on the beds in Room 1303.  They are not the first to have died in that room.

Maria and Frankie are sure the girls were lured there, and it had to be someone in the hotel.  Rickie, the hotel manager, shows them an old newspaper article about an identical double murder from 40 years before.  Do they have a copycat?  Or is there more to this hotel than can be explained?


My Opinions:
I couldn't wait to start the third book in this series.  I absolutely love Maria, and Frankie is a hoot.  These characters are wonderful, and the side characters are just as interesting (Missy & Emilia in particular).

As always, this book was full of horror and humour...which is a strange combination which works well.

These are just really fun supernatural books to read, and I fear this run may be coming to an end, but I sincerely hope not.

would like to thank netgalley and the publishers for letting me read this awesome book

oh man this was scary.... going into hotels is never going to be the same again.....

when two teenage girls are found murdered with their feet missing it became a case for maria and her partner who were affectionally known as mulder and scully for all the strange cases they were on

and this one was a doozy

with reports of anyone seeing the woman in blue and then them turning up dead didnt bode well for maria as she saw her and the next thing she knew she had the worst nightmare in her life and was then stabbed....

oh my word this book just dont read it at night before bed because you wont sleep after reading the ghostly goings on but it was also sad at the end to make me cry at one of the outcomes...

but hopefully there will be another book in this brilliant series

This was an amazing journey. A spooky but heart-warming journey with enough twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat. Who doesnt love a spooky hotel story? Amazing!

Let me start off by saying that I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It started off at a good pace, but it started to slow down throughout the middle. I had a hard time wanting to keep reading. I’m glad I did though because I was not expecting the ending of the book.

The Girls on Floor 13
by Helen Phifer
Pub Date: May 30 2024

The story starts out with two friends, Michelle & Dory skipping school to take a bus trip to NY traveling to The Parker Hotel, a supposedly haunted hotel looking for ghosts in room #1303 on the 13th floor to film where 2 woman were murdered. One of the woman in question that was murdered has been reliving the same day over and over in a loop every day since 1945 with the same ending each time. Was she stuck for the rest of eternity? When the bodies of the two teenage girls are discovered in the New York City hotel room, Detective Maria Miller is called to the case. What or who is responsible for the deaths of the two teenage girls and why?

I absolutely loved this book! I didn't realize when I started the book it is the 3rd book in a series so I definitely will be reading the other 2 books immediately. This book was definitely good as a standalone. I enjoyed the mystery, the ghost story was actually very scary, parts were a little too gruesome for me but I got past that part! I also enjoyed learning about Detective Maria Miller's private life and her partner Frankie I found very likable. I highly recommend this book be put on your TBR list immediately!

Many thanks to #TheGirlsonFloor13 #NetGalley #StormPublishing and #HelenPhifer for the opportunity to read this E-ARC.

Publication date 5/30/2024

If you loved The Exorcist and enjoy the paranormal then this is a book for you. My jury is out about those topics but I really liked this book, probably because the main characters were flawed and therefore human. The story unfolds with sections about what occurred years before in the hotel, and especially on the 13th floor in room 1303 but also prior to that what happened to the mysterious woman in blue on the 10th floor. Now in modern time two girls have been found murdered in the unused room 1303. The police procedural part of the book was interesting but the compelling reason I liked this book was the relationships within the story. If you’re at all cynical, don’t read this book but if you can suspend your prejudices for a moment, then I think you’ll enjoy the ride.

Two teenaged girls, Dory Painter and Michelle Carter, are found dead in a haunted room on floor 13 of an old rundown hotel in New York City. Detective Maria Miller and her partner Frankie are on the case. Since the girls are found missing their feet, Maria doesn't think this has anything do to with ghosts. But who would kill two teenagers? And why has floor 13 seen more murders?
I enjoy the mild paranormal aspect of this book. It kept my interest and was an interesting read. This is the first book I've read in the series and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I will go back and read the other books but I don't feel I have to to understand this story completely. I'd like more backstory on the main characters though.

An excellent murder mystery, ghost story. Great characters with plenty of action and humour throughout, a must read, highly recommended. I received an ARC copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The Girls on Floor 13 is book 3 in the Detective Maria Miller series by Helen Phifer.
I’m a big fan of this author’s writing. So when I seen a new title in her series I had to start it!
The Girls on Floor 13 is nail-biting and suspenseful.
I was totally absorbed in the story from the first page. It is a fascinating and fast-paced book.
I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys intriguing crime thrillers.
The characters are relatable and soon feel like family. As a huge fan of Helen Phifer's writing, I read every book she writes. She always delivers a delicious high-octane story.

Thank You NetGalley and Publisher for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

Holy Cow this book just had me wanting to know and was definitely hard to put down.

It gave all kinds of things... spooky, creepy and just very well written.

I will recommend this to everyone and just cannot believe what i just read. This book will stay with me and want to read more by this author.

Great writing, great plot and character build.

Thanks NetGalley for letting me read and review.

This was one of those books that I seriously couldn't put down! At one point one of my dogs barked and I actually jumped thinking someone was in my house! Thriller does not give this enough of a synopses! Helen Phifer you are an amazing artist of story telling!
Maria Miller and her partner Frankie Conroy are homicide detectives in the Strange Case Review Team. They, as you might guess, get the highly unusual cases. This one is no exception.
Dory Painter and Michelle Carter are best friends from Boston. One day Dory has an idea for the both of them to take the bus from Boston to New York to visit the Parker Hotel. It is the most haunted Hotel in America and Dory has been there before but she really wants to go again so they can experience it again to see if there really are ghosts or not!
Unfortunately for the girls it is the end of the line. Mina a regular from the Hotel smells smoke and calls 911. When the emergency trucks get there they discover the girls..
There is mystery with a lady in the blue dress that is said if you see her something bad will happen to you or someone you love.
There is even more mystery and scary stuff with wall walkers and things that hurt you in your dreams. There may or may not be more than one killer.
This book has been written in a way that seems to make me feel like the Parker Hotel really exists and is steeped with such great history that I want to research it. That is how well written this book!
Highly recommend this book!