A good plot idea, but I didn't really connect with the characters and found aspects a bit too extreme. It was worth a read, but I think parts could have been better.

Kimberly is in a rut. She's living in a horrid flatshare barley making ends meet. She has no family, no real friends. The only positives: her service dog Muffin and she loves her job as senior housekeeper in a top hotel in London. That is until a mysterious guest comes to stay and has a proposition for Kimberly; to come and work in her hotel for more money that she could dream of. Could this job be exactly the outcome Kimberly's been looking for or is it all too good to be true?

Well this was quite the little cracker! It's my first time reading one of Jessica's books and I'm delighted to say I really enjoyed Room 21. It was dark, mysterious and left me wanting to read on and on! As someone who enjoys the more sinister side of literature, reading this was a lot of fun! I loved the multiple POVs, dual timelines and how everything came together. The final chapters were executed so well! I can't wait to read more of Jessica's work!

Thank you to NetGalley, Joffe Books and Jessica for this advanced copy and opportunity to read and review!

This was a dark and twisted psychological thriller that delves into just how evil and psychopathic some people can be, and to what lengths those people will go to just to satisfy their evil desires. This story was most definitely unnerving and difficult to read at times, but it was also addictive and hard to put down right from the first page. It was complex and definitely not what I was expecting when I read the premise!

The plot of this book is like nothing I’ve ever read before, and it’s definitely unique, but it’s also very hard for me to try and summarise it! I won’t say too much so I don’t spoil it, but this was a fast read for me and very hard to put down. The twists just kept coming, and I loved the characters too! I would definitely recommend this to thriller readers, but just a warning that it’s pretty dark and graphic at times.

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #JoffeBooks for the book #Room21 by #JessicaHuntley. This book was so good with all the manipulation, revenge and murder that I could read it again. Kimberly has epilepsy, along with her seizure dog Muffin, and lives a seemingly happy life as a senior house keeper at a hotel. This is all she has ever wanted to be. That is until Jennifer Clifton walks into her hotel and offers her a grand life at her hotel being a housekeeper. Kimberly takes the job but soon regrets her choice once she starts work. She is warned away from Room 21, but can she do it?

Kimberley is a 25 year old housekeeper, who in her new job at another hotel is told to NEVER go into Room 21. We all grew up with the advice of “curiosity killed the cat” - will Kimberley keep out of danger?

WOW! This is a very dark, yet thrilling psychological thriller. This story really plays on your mind and when I finished reading, my head was buzzing. There is plenty to ponder and think about as the story unfolds. The plot is brilliant and is very involved. The bulk of this novel is from Kimberley’s point of view but you also get supporting views from Emily and Jennifer which gives you the full picture. Although you are getting 3 points of view, they do not shield you from the many, many shocks that pop up along the way. You think you have a true understanding of what is going on at this hotel but time and time again there is another shock to deal with. These shocks continue all the way to the very end, making my dog walk seem as though I am waking up from a nightmare. Now that I have recovered from the shocks contained within this story, I can post a review.

I found Room 21 to be an OUTSTANDING 5 star read. It is a complex tale that constantly throws up warning flags to the reader. Kimberely stumbles along accepting whatever is thrown into her path doing her new job. She accepts a very restrictive Non Disclosure Agreement, a remote location, a live-in position and unable to leave the hotel without prior permission plus very hi-tech security systems.

Jessica starts her novel with a warning to her readers…

Please note that this book contains in-depth detail regarding epilepsy and epileptic seizures, incest (inferred) and child abduction, which may be triggering to some readers.

…So, take that onboard. I found the inclusion of Kimberley’s medical condition of epilepsy very interesting and gave this book much added value. Kimberley has a seizure alert dog called Muffin, a black-and-white border collie. Jennifer has a dog called Frankie, a Pomeranian - neither dog was harmed or mistreated in this story. The guests that this hotel attracts are a challenge to the staff and have some very dark interests. Room 21 is a thrilling ride and would make an excellent television drama, clearly after the 21:00 watershed.

Wow... Just WOW...

While I can often predict the plot of a book like this, this was not the case at all here! This book has proved me wrong, and I love it!

The story follows a variety of characters (which I'm going to gloss over in case I ruin anything), however, one of the main characters is Kimberley

A housekeeper... no family... put into care as a baby... and also has a plethora of quite nasty medical issues.

She is offered a job at a creepy hotel in the middle of nowhere, where discretion is paramount... she accepts and thus begins the dark and twisty side of this book.

From the moment Kimberley arrives at the new hotel, you end up on a rollercoaster ride with you mind and emotions tossing you left and right... there are parts where Jessica builds you up and let's you see what's coming.

Mostly, there's parts that will absolutely floor you!

The story is brilliant and keeps you on your toes, Kimberley and the other POV characters allow you as the reader to see the nastier sides of the story before the finale!

If you love psychological thrillers, read it. Just thrillers? Read it. Crime? Read it... just read it!

Jessica is fast becoming an auto read for me as it takes a special writer to keep me on my toes where thrillers are concerned, and Jessica does just that!

Absolutely bonkers but nonetheless a captivating read!

I was looking for a good book, so was browsing the ‘reader recommended’ on NetGalley and this popped up. I was really intrigued by the synopsis but totally sold with the 30+ five star average ratings. It was due to be published the following day so I was already behind schedule in terms of reading and reviewing this book. But I have to say upon picking it up and starting I was absolutely hooked the delivery of the storyline and the introduction of the characters and the development throughout the book was brilliantly written and thoroughly engaging And I found it quite a pasty novel certainly very twisty.

The storyline itself was delivered slowly over each chapter which I think to be fair given I’ve now read the whole book was the best way to deliver it because if I was to sit down and explain to you what actually happened you think I’ve lost my mind and this was the most bonkers outback book that I’ve ever read !

But I think it was the writing start that allowed the story to be as crazy as it was. It was so eloquent and so captivating that I couldn’t help but being drawn in and needing to read just one more chapter. All in all I devoured this book in less than three days, which is no small feet when you’ve got a child and a full-time job!

I’ve never read by the author before but I would definitely pick up another of hers based on comments from other reviewers. It would appear this is her more outlandish storylines but I definitely think her style of writing is brilliant.

Thanks to NetGalley for my advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

Jaw dropped! Kimberley is invited to work at a fancy hotel, with amazing pay and free room and board. There’s one main rule. Don’t ever go into room 21 or ask what’s in there. Sounds simple right? This was an intense thriller and when I tell you there were some twists!!! I was shocked.

📱E-Book Review📱

Room 21
Jessica Huntley

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

This is my fifth read by this author and I just think that they get better and better each read!
This front cover image really draws you in, even without knowing anything about the book - would you head through that open door to see what lies beyond??

This is everything a classic thriller should be and it really sets the atmosphere straight away. I think it's because I now know this author's style, but I was edge from the second I opened the book!

I loved the setting of the seemingly grand hotel with it's grand guests, but that underlying creepiness had me dying to know what was going on and how things would play out.

Kimberley was such a great main character. Someone who normally just blends into the background, she felt so relatable and believable.
I wanted to get to know her and was interested in how she managed her life with the condition that was always present.

As ever, this was fast paced and twisty and really kept me guessing to the end.
I raced through the pages and as I find with all of this author's books, I just couldn't put it down!

Another brilliant read to add to my growing collection!
I can't wait to add more!!

My Initial Thoughts

At first I was a little confused as to what was happening, but I was pulled into the storyline so quickly to the point I did not want to put the book down. There is so much intrigue placed at the beginning of the book so you want to keep reading to find out what’s happening. I really liked the added aspect that Kimberly has epilepsy and therefore needs Muffin as her alert dog. It really highlights the difficulty of the condition and how Kimberly is just trying to lead a normal life, where her disabilities do not hold her back.

Plot

This plot is so cleverly written! Its incredibly mind blowing and had my jaw on the floor on more than one occasion. The writing it addictive and it never feels like a right time to put the book down, so much so that I didn’t until I had finished and even the epilogue has another twist!
There is so much within the plot and Jessica has a very unique and powerful style of writing.

Characters

The characters are all erm, special shall we say… Lincoln gave me the creeps from the start, the hotel never feels safe and why Kimberly went ill never know. I really enjoyed the dysfunctional characters and the way everything happens. But none of them are in their right minds, except from Muffin.

Recommend

If you love twisty, disturbing, addictive story lines, pick this up!!!

Favourite Quotes

“It just begs the question… What’s stronger? Your curiosity or your desire for freedom.”

Favourite Chapter/s

My favourite chapters were 22, 24 and 41.

Summed up in one sentence

The most thriller read you never knew you needed.

Overall Wrap up

This book was in a league of its own! Jessica has a very special way of writing and she did not disappoint! The only advice I have is do not eat while reading the disturbing scenes, some turned my stomach. I enjoyed every twist and turn and the fact that even at the end there is another mind blowing impact I absolutely loved the journey to discovering the truth of the hotel and room 21!

Stars – 5 stars.
Book Information – Room 21 by Jessica Huntley.

Genre – Psychological thriller.

Pages – 282 pages.

Tropes –
Unreliable narrators.
Hidden secrets.
Trust no one.

Available on Kindle Unlimited – Room 21 is available on kindle unlimited.

Available Formats – Available on kindle and in paperback.

Publishing Information – Published on 27th May 2025 by Joffe Books.

Format in Which I Read – Kindle.

Where my copy come From – Zooloo’s Book Tours and Netgallery.

POVs – Multiple POVs – Kimberly, Jennifer and Emily.

Single/Dual/Multiple Timelines – Dual timeline – before and now.

1st or 3rd Person – Written in first person.

HEA, HFN or Cliff hanger – Room closed – kinda…

Series or Standalone – Room 21 is a standalone.

Trigger Warnings – Please check content warnings before reading if necessary and please always remember that your mental health matters.

ROOM 21 by Jessica Huntley was an excellent psychological thriller with a jaw dropping ending! This book was so good I ended up sitting in the garden in the shade and read it till I had finished! So glad I had my own maid to make me coffee's whilst I read Room 21!

Kimberley is the main character and she is twenty-five. and is epileptic, she has one main and good four legged friend called Muffin who is a seizure alert dog - I just loved this character. Kimberley has a great job which she loves as a senior housekeeper in one of London’s top hotels. Sadly she feels invisible and so Overlooked, especially for everything she does, but at least this job is Safe. Well, it is at the moment.

Until Jennifer Clifton checked in. She’s rich, very powerful, and terrifyingly calm! But, she asked Kimberley by her name.

How does she know Kimberley?

She gives Kimberley her dream job, and it is working in her exclusive hotel in the Scottish Highlands. WoW, It’s more money than she could ever imagined. But Why? What's the catch?

Yes, There’s just one . . . . . . . . . Don’t open the door to Room 21.

But Why?

How hard can that be?

Everytime Kimberley walks past Room 21 she wonders why she can not open this door and go inside. But this room is calling her!!

But something is wrong in this hotel. The guests are so unsettling. All ahe staff whisper behind closed doors.

Kimberley took this job was for a better life. Now she is trapped in a nightmare and can not see anyway to get out of it!!!

WoW. . . . . I loved this book and it was So hard to put it down. Superb great read I highly recommend it.

"They say blood is thicker than water. I say blood is just harder to wash off your hands."

Room 21 by Jessica Huntley is a fast paced, dark psychological thriller full of secrets and twists that will have you staying up way too late to read one more chapter!!

Kimberley is the senior housekeeper of one of London's most well known hotels. While Kimberley has epilepsy, she doesn't let it slow her down, and with her loyal pup Muffin by her side she is hardworking and determined. When a wealthy guest named Jennifer checks into the penthouse, Kimberley stumbles upon a once in a lifetime opportunity. Jennifer owns her own hotel in the Scottish Highlands and wants Kimberley to go to work for her. The job entails housekeeping but also special tasks that require Kimberley to sign an NDA. The most important rule of her new job... NEVER open the door to Room 21!

Once again Jessica has written a book that I absolutely loved and couldn't put down! The plot was full of suspense and unease and I really loved the way the characters were fully developed. Kimberley as our MC is great! With Kimberly's diagnosis of epilepsy, I felt that it added an extra layer to her character and made her vulnerable and very relatable. The twists came way out of left field and I loved putting the pieces of the whole puzzle together! Overall I highly recommend Room 21 to lovers of dark and chilling thrillers and for fans of Valerie Keough, John Marrs and Sue Watson!!

Thank you to NetGalley, Jessica Huntley, and Joffe Books for this ARC!! Publication date is May 27th 2025

If you like creepy, weird and at times a little bit disgusting things in a novel you will love this book.

While I wasn’t sure about another hotel maid, I fell in love with her support dog.

My Issues with this book lay with so much implausibility. Had this been slightly more believable it would have been 5 stars.

OK, so what's the main thing thrillers promise?.. Twists!! What do they usually deliver? Maybe 1 twist or possibly an extremely obvious twist. Well, if twists are what you want, you must read #Room21.
So fast paced and exciting, yet disturbing at times.
I really loved our MC who had a vulnerable quality yet by the end, wow. What a change (even though slightly unrealistic)
A big big factor for me in books is with animals, as soon as a pet is introduced I am worried about continuing as I refuse to read animal abuse. I am so pleased to announce that no animals were harmed in this book, I really wish trigger warnings were listed at the beginning of every book.
Overall such a fantastic, twisted, dark thriller. Yes it's rather ott but I loved it!!
I give this 4.5 stars merely down to 1 characters life story was never revealed, I would've loved to have known how their life had turned out, especially with that DNA. Rounded up to 5 stars.
I will most certainly be looking in #JessicaHuntley in future.
Thank you #NetGalley for the arc

🩸📖BOOK REVIEW 5 STARS📖🩸
🔑 What happens in Room 21… definitely doesn’t stay there. 😱

Jessica Huntley’s "ROOM 21" has a pace that rivals a caffeinated squirrel,🐿️ and the stunning cover dares you to take a peek inside, like a mysterious stranger beckoning you down a dark alley. 🫣

In the glamorous yet shadowy world of high-end hotels, Kimberly shines as a dedicated housekeeper, juggling her responsibilities alongside her epilepsy. With her loyal sidekick, Muffin, 🐶 by her side—a seizure-alert dog with a personality as vibrant as her squishy little face. Kimberly finds herself at a crossroads when an intriguing opportunity arises.

A mysterious hotel client dangles a life-altering job wrapped in secrecy, complete with an NDA that raises more questions than answers.

As she dives deeper into this shadowy world, the secrets she uncovers will chill you to the bone. 🦴 Prepare for a rollercoaster ride filled with unexpected twists that hit like a punch to the gut! This dark psychological thriller is not just a story—it's an experience that will knock your socks off!🧦💥

If you haven't read this author yet, do yourself a favor and try one of her books!

Thanks to Jessica Huntley and Joffee Books for providing this ARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

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The book is very suspenseful, it's full of surprises, and keeps you guessing until the end. If you like eerie mysteries and psychological twists, then this one delivers for sure!

I absolutely loved this book! It had me gasping at every turn. I will say, I did pick up that Kimberly was Emily’s daughter pretty early on…but the other twists?? Did not see them coming! Loved this and will read more from this author.

What a book! This was my first book by this author and definitely won't be the last. Absolutely loved the story. Didnt see the twists coming at all.
Highly recommend to any thriller lovers. Check the trigger warnings before reading.
Thanks Netgalley for letting me read this book for an honest review.

Definitely a page turner. It's a 'one more chapter book", you just sit there and you turn the page just to see what's happening. i don't want to give a lot away, but all I can say is recommend.

Kimberley a maid in a high class hotel is offer a job by a hotel guest. She accepts and moves to Scotland, what ever she does don't enter room 21. A twisty plot that will hook you in. If your faint hearted you might want to miss this, but it is an excellent book and I would highly recommend reading it. Thanks to Joffe books and Netgalley for this review ARC.