Yeah, no this one was ridiculous, and it was just not believable at all. It just did not work for me at all. I couldn't truly get into it and it was a little boring for me. I just had to DNF it.

This is a hard one to review without spoilers. It was just an okay read for me. I had a lot of it figured out very early on, so that may be part of the reason it didn't wow me. There are also some very disturbing parts. Kind of gave me [book:Sharp Objects|18045891] type vibes in terms of some of the characters and their behaviors.

I enjoyed the narration by Jacqueline Milne very much.

I received an advance audio copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Hotel Maid - Audio ARC provided by Net Galley for review, all opinions are my own.

It took me a really long time to get into this story, and I do wish that I had reviewed content warnings before diving in, so if you are sensitive to self harm, suicide or child abuse, please be aware going in.
The story consists of multiple POVs which did get a bit confusing to start with but once I worked out what was going on it was much better.
The entire story built to the twist and it was very well delivered, it did leave me guessing as to what the big twist would be which is always enjoyable.

Having listened to the audio version, I will say the narrator was excellent and really brought the story to life.

Overall. 3.5 stars, I definitely enjoyed this!

The level of ridiculousness in this book........... far too much.

Almost every single part of this book had me rolling my eyes and thinking 'that would NEVER happen'. It felt like it was just over the top moments held together by a plot twist that I saw coming from the beginning.

I enjoyed this audiobook. It started great. It is a slow-burn but I didn't mind. When I got to the ending I was definitely surprised. Overall, entertaining and engaging.

June Calloway has been cleaning rooms at the Cedarwood Manor for 6 years. As a maid, she’s practically invisible to the guests and other staff there. A bit of an odd duck, she says little but notices everything. She’s good at her job and enjoys it well enough, but her life outside of the luxurious hotel is quiet and lonely. Although she has a roommmate, she has little money and few possessions. She also has a tendency to self-harm. But June has big plans and even bigger secrets.

A bit of a slow burn, nothing really started happening until after the half-way mark and I was getting bored. The story’s main character, June, seemed a bit too much like another in a series I’ve also read. Also, the narrative flips back and forth in point of view and time jumps that made the flow uneven. I didn’t really enjoy the parts that featured Mia. The lies of Tess and the convoluted identity and names got muddled as well. From then, it became entirely forseeable . I didn’t care for June and how she handled her issues and past. Although I might initially have felt for her in the situations she found herself in, I soon believed that she was wrong in how things were handled. It was way too complicated for a plot that was so predictable in the end. Enough said.

I listened to the audiobook while following along in the e-book as both were provided as ARCs by the publisher. I enjoyed the narrator of the audiobook who did an excellent job of voicing the characters and I loved her accent. That definitely enhanced my enjoyment of the book.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC in audiobook format.

“The Hotel Maid” by Michelle Dunn is a gripping psychological thriller that takes listeners on a suspenseful journey through the opulent yet secretive corridors of Cedarwood Manor. This audiobook, narrated with impeccable precision, brings to life the chilling tale of June Calloway, a maid whose routine life is upended by a series of shocking events.

June Calloway, a maid at the luxurious Cedarwood Manor, prides herself on her anonymity and the meticulous care she takes in her work. However, her world is turned upside down when she discovers the body of a woman in one of the hotel rooms and learns that a ten-year-old girl has gone missing. As the investigation unfolds, June finds herself entangled in a web of secrets and lies, with a mysterious note suggesting someone knows more about her than she is willing to reveal.

The audiobook’s narration is a standout feature. The narrator’s ability to convey the tension and emotion of the story adds an extra layer of depth to the listening experience. Each character is given a distinct voice, making it easy to follow the complex web of interactions.

Note: Trigger warning for on-going, deeply disturbing child abuse (mental).

Dunn masterfully creates an atmosphere of suspense and intrigue. Cedarwood Manor, with its luxurious facade and hidden secrets, serves as the perfect backdrop for this psychological thriller. The detailed descriptions and ambient sounds enhance the immersive experience.

June Calloway is a compelling protagonist. Her journey from a seemingly invisible maid to a key player in a murder investigation is both believable and engaging. The supporting characters, each with their own secrets and motives, add richness to the narrative.

The plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns that keep listeners on the edge of their seats. Dunn skillfully weaves a tale of deception and suspense, ensuring that the mystery remains unpredictable until the very end.

Dunn’s writing is crisp and evocative, perfectly suited for the audiobook format. Her ability to build tension and develop characters through dialogue and inner monologues is particularly effective. The pacing is well-balanced, maintaining a steady flow of suspense throughout the story.

 “The Hotel Maid” is a captivating audiobook that combines a well-crafted mystery with rich character development and an atmospheric setting. Michelle Dunn has created a story that is both thrilling and emotionally resonant, making it a must-listen for fans of psychological thrillers. The audiobook format enhances the experience, bringing the story to life in a way that is engaging and immersive.

Different forms of storytelling have used the theme of how a person working as a maid is in a strong position to observe, listen, and use the knowledge gained to their own advantage. It’s all possible because the people whose messes they clean up choose to ignore them or mistreat them. This has appeared in other thriller/suspense fiction and even the Moms Mabley film, AMAZING GRACE. Author Dunne provides a sometimes intense depiction of this mistreatment in the early part of the book. June has held the same nearly thankless hotel maid job for six years, working in a rural historic building that serves as a getaway for some of Ireland’s richer and ruder set. The audiobook narrator gives a vividly realistic reading of scenes where regular guest Erica berates not only the hard-working, always polite June, but other members of hotel staff. If you’ve ever had to work a job with cruel people who think that money gives them a free pass to shout at people, it may feel a bit close to home. June is hiding many things -- she gets paid in cash off the books, lives with a strange roommate in a dank apartment owned by a creepy, abusive member of the family that owns the hotel, and she hides her cash under a floorboard. Patient as a saint, June speaks to coworkers just enough to be civil but there’s so much odd behavior that you just know something disturbing lies ahead.

Dunne weaves together flashbacks, dual storylines, and multiple characters to to reveal past cruelties and betrayals that have shaped June’s personality and desire for revenge against more than one person (spoiler: her plotting and planning doesn’t involve punishment for someone that physically assaults her after she verbally defends herself, and this was a disappointment that didn’t seem to fit with the vengeful aspects of her personality). Some readers (myself included) may by upset by the child abuse depicted in the first half and middle of the book. The story has a fast pace, and there are shifting timelines and multiple characters to keep readers engaged. Sometimes there are loose story threads, and some of the motives and behavior, as explained through character dialogue, didn’t feel realistic or well explained. This was particularly troublesome when characters that previously behaved like determined, self-interested survivors behaved quite differently in the last third of the book. Suspense readers expect twists and alarming behavior, but these have to fit with the internal logic of the overall book.

Dunne’s got great style and can pull readers into an environment that seems relatable; for example, the camaraderie and sardonic conversations between the other hotel maids and staff. However, the grimness of the novel is almost unrelieved, and the aforementioned issues of structure and lack of a sense of redemption made this a less than satisfying read. I would advise readers to tread carefully or avoid the novel if they have experience with suicide. It's too bad, because the premise and the more naturalistic character interactions are engaging! Based on the author’s style, I want to try her other work.

Hmmmm. Not so sure what to think of this one. It was a bit confusing. I didn’t like most of the characters. The plot twists were pretty crazy though. The ending was definitely a surprise. It was hard to kind of put it all together as to who kind of went with who. A few too many different characters for me.
Narration was ok but the book itself was complicated.

Thank you to Michelle Dunne, Dreamscape Select, and NetGalley for allowing me to listen to a free eaudio ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book is disturbing. Trigger warning for self harm and suicide, among other darknesses.

I don't entirely understand the story.

I don't think I want to.

No one in this book was likeable, but I'm pretty sure that was intentional.

It didn't really have a plot.....it's kind of all just setup for a twist.

Not my cuppa.

♡ THIS BOOK WAS A LOT OF MOVING PARTS ♡

✩°｡⋆ 78th Review of 2024 and thank you to Storm Publishing and Dreamscape Select for providing the advanced listening copy for an honest review via NetGalley! ⋆｡°✩

♡ MY REVIEW:

The positives:
The first interaction between Tess and June made me more interested and invested in June’s backstory.
Reading about Mia's past made the narrative much more painful, particularly when it discussed the uncomfortable talks she had as a child with her parents. Although both June's and Mia's stories were equally upsetting, I empathized more with Mia's.
Due to the great writing, the author made this story very unnerving, providing a sense of discomfort when you read. This story is dark and unforgiving. TW: Childhood mental abuse, suicidal ideations, self harm, grooming, childhood trauma.
The ending was conniving and I loved it!

The negatives:
Before we had reached chapter three, a number of characters were introduced all at once. In order for me to keep up with everyone, I wish the reader's introduction to the characters came at a more manageable pace. For that reason, the rating reflects that sentiment.


☆ Overall, I'd give this book a 3/5! ☆

"Nobody in this bloody story is who they say they are."

3⭐

All I can say is- thank God for lengthy "villain" monologues where a character rambles about their plans and what brought them to their actions. Without everything being tied together with a bow at the end, I would have remained lost.

I listened to this on audiobook, and while the narrator did a fantastic job and has a great voice and cadence- this may have been easier/more enjoyable to read. That would have given me the ability to easily flip back when I got a little lost between POV changes.

The timelines feel muddy at times and there are some scenes that feel unnecessary. There were times I felt lost in the characters and had to stop for a second to remember who's who.

There also some very heavy topics that are worth giving readers a heads-up about. While I don't have any trigger warnings that bother me, readers may want to avoid if they are sensitive to material containing -

🔪 Self Harm
🔪 Child Abuse
🔪 Suicide attempts
🔪 Grooming
🔪 Maternal death during childbirth
(And potentially more, but these are the ones that caught my attention as things that may bother some readers.)

I went in really thinking this one would tick all my boxes for a 5⭐ read, but I really struggled through it. I wasn't in the edge of my seat, desperate to know what happens next, I just felt really bad for the FMC and her experiences throughout the story. And again, I really appreciate the neat round up of facts at the end, because some parts didn't hold my attention at all and I don't know that I would have put the pieces together myself.

Thank you, NetGalley for the audiobook to listen to and review.

I thought this would be the perfect book to read while staying at a hotel on vacation and I did in fact read it while on vacation but for me this one missed the mark a bit. While the story was entertaining, I did find it a bit dull in parts and it jumped around a bit too much for me. There are some definite triggers throughout this book so be mindful to check trigger warnings before reading.

This book did remind me a bit of "The Maid" by Nita Prose as well as "The Housemaid" by Freida McFadden so if you like these books you will also likely enjoy The Hotel Maid.

I do think the audiobook was narrated wonderfully by Jacqueline Milne so kudos to her!

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Select | Storm Publishing for access to the ALC in exchange for an honest review.

I loved The Good Girl by this author, so was excited to get this book. Although it was an easy, bingeable read, I struggled to connect with the characters, who felt mostly two dimensional. There were coincidences, self harm, suicide, murder, grooming, child neglect and abuse… lots to unpack

June is a hotel maid that likes to keep her head down and work hard. She has very little money and lives in a shitty apartment with Tessa, an 80 y/o woman

At first, June reminded me of Molly from Nina Prose’s The Maid… lots of similarities until there weren’t… there seemed to be a disconnect with her personality and I couldn’t work her out

Then there’s 10 y/o Mia who lives as a servant to her adopted family - I’m not certain we ever found out why or what that weird/abusive family dynamic was all about - or why mammy Erica frequented the hotel quite so much…

The plot requires the reader to suspend their belief to a degree - timeline, character personalities, backstories etc

Everything eventually comes together and is explained, but the repetition of names got me spinning. It’s not that there were too many characters, rather names and timelines blurred…. Flashbacks might have helped - not just with the confusion, but connecting to characters and their motivations…

The audiobook was a great listen - the Irish accents lovely, I might recommend the book though and have a highlighter ready

Thanks to Netgalley and Dreamscape Select for access to this audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest review

While full of twists and turns and moving parts, this book gives me vibes of The Maid by Nita Prose. It’s ok. I feel like I am being rather generous with a 3 star rating.

“The hotel maid” starts off very much giving “The Maid” vibes - a seasoned hotel maid who flies under the radar and leans towards being on the spectrum, rude and quirky guests and a suspicious dead body.

After the opening chapters the book diverts into much darker territories. We have different timelines and POV and a lot of trigger worthy material (child neglect, child abuse, child bullying, self harm, SA, peadophilia etc).

Because of the subject matter i struggled to connect with the characters and found myself just feeling bad for the FMC. I was hoping for a fun murder mystery and found myself just feeling uncomfortable.

Unfortunately this one just didn’t vibe for me. I will say that the audiobook narrator did a great job on her part, everything was clear and concise and it was easy to differentiate between characters.

Thank you to Michelle Dunne, Dreamscape select and storm publishing for the ALC.

Publish date: August 23rd

Fantastic! I love an "invisible hotel maid" trope and this one delivered the free miniature toiletries in spades!

June diligently carries out her role, remaining invisible for the most part, but always available whenever anyone, guest, staff,or her flatmate, need a confidant.

i loved June's determination and resilience, as we wait to find out what she is inevitably keeping secret, for herself and those around her. I found the amount of characters a bit tricky to keep up with and remember who was who, but at the end, everything came together brilliantly and took my breathe away! The ending is beautifully set up for a sequel and I hope we don't have to wait too long!

I listened to the audiobook and loved Jacqueline Milne's portrayal of the main characters - she brought them to life so effectively.

4.5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Michelle Dunne and Dreamscape for an ARC in return for an honest review.

This is a good of murders, mystery, secrets, and June finding herself.

It is fast paced. With constant twists and turns. Definitely picks up as the book goes along. Lots of moving parts whose storylines were difficult to keep track of at points.

Thank you to author, publisher, NetGalley for advanced audio copy. This is an honest voluntary review.

When I see a psychological thriller on audiobook written by an Irish author and performed by an Irish narrator, I’m all in. I love great Irish authors like Catherine Ryan Howard and Liz Nugent. I also enjoy great Irish narrators like Alana Kerr Collins. Now I have a new author and narrator to add to those lists! And of course no one can resist talking about the Irish without claiming to be Irish. My mother’s maiden name was McFarland, so there you go. I didn’t want to disappoint.

The story is well plotted with excellent character development and I enjoyed the multiple points of view and the author’s sarcastic humor. This is a dark tale with self harm and abuse triggers you will want to know about if you have sensitivities. I loved the twists and turn the story took and I also loved how the different points of view came together so brilliantly. And that ending…! The performance on the audiobook is outstanding.

The hotel maid

June is a maid that comes in, does her job, and falls into the shadows. This is why she is requested as the only maid to serve Ms Kelly, a famous actress and elite guest. Her daughter, Mia, is also a frequent guest.

When June finds Ms Kelly dead and Mia goes missing, a mystery unfolds as June shares her past and present.

The book has multiple POVs and plenty of twists and turns. I did both ebook and audio for this. Both were fast paced, the audiobook narrator was expressive and did great. Mia’s perspective from my favorite and I enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would !

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Release date August 23.