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Member Reviews

This is the new twisty, dark, and unnerving new story from Jessica, and it certainly was a page turner.

Even though the story is written from multiple pov, Kimberly is who the book is really about. She is a housekeeper who loves her job and has the cutest dog. She grew up in the care system and has worked her way to where she is now, howvlever shes only just scraping by and living with people she would rather avoid.

Then comes Jennifer, who turns her world sideways, offering her a job that invites disturbing events and secrets being unravelled.

The book has many twists, and the narration style of writing makes the book quite an easy read that you can binge pretty quickly.

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This is the second time I have started to write a review for this book as I was not quite sure where to begin. I have read another book by this author so I should have realized I would be in for something different and that was absolutely the case here.

Kimberley is working for a hotel chain as head Housekeeper, she suffers from epilepsy and has an alert dog Muffin. She is great at what she does but when a new guest arrives. Jennifer Clifton with her dog Frankie in tow, her world is about to change dramatically.
Jennifer is like the guest from hell, rude, pompous and full of self-importance. She barks at the staff, and nothing is ever up to her standard. She has many of the staff completely terrified, but Kimberley takes it all in her stride even though internally she is struggling too. However, she is also intrigued by this woman and when Jennifer offers a position at her own Hotel, she decides to make a break and take the role. But will this be a decision that Kimberley regrets?

Be warned this is not an easy read at times. Very dark themes are presented to the reader and numerous times I had my heart in my mouth and at a couple of stages even wondered if I wished to continue but something about the book kept me turning the pages. Chilling, frightening, bilious and vile in parts, it is like nothing I had ever read before and you will be entering a very obscure world, and I have to say this is a book that will no doubt will stay with me, I am not even sure that this is a good thing but obviously the author has done her job in creating this reaction.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy, all opinions expressed are my own.

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This is a weird book.

I didn't hate it, but I also didn't like our characters (any of them), found much of it illogical, and just found that it got crazier and crazier (not necessarily in the best of ways).

Our MC loves being a housekeeper. I mean, she waxes poetic about the joys of housekeeping FOR AGES. All her life she wanted to be a housekeeper. Housekeepers are the only reasons we have hotels. Housekeepers are the most amazing thing since sliced bread and Jesus (okay...maybe she didn't say that one, but I do believe she would have lol).

She's also brilliant, has an amazing memory, has the cutest dog, has astounding observational skills and is...thoroughly unlikeable. And, honestly, if she were all that, she would never have taken the job nor stayed with it when she got her list of restocking blood and weapons and sex toys (oh my).

I will say that the book keeps you reading, if only because you want to know what implausible thing happens next.

A popcorn read.

* ARC via Publisher

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🏨🏨🏨

The narration started with a long circling of inner thoughts not actually relatable due to my differences with the first pow character. They supposed to be the life story, but ended up being ranting and circling. It could be interesting as an insight into a character's world, but it stretched too long without any plot movement and utterly bored me. Same happened with the second pow. And the third. Looked like we had some extra self-centered people telling us who they are. The problem wasn't in the characters or the general idea, but in the style of narration we have to face in the start.

The monologue aside, I wasn't immersed in the Kimberley's job interest. It was like she didn't just tell us about her life, she exitedly expected us to share the passion and I felt confused to why I should.

I was completely bored by 10% of the book and kept going only in hopes to finally get the anything. The plot indeed gained tension and great twists further, but I still didn't quite connect this book. It was too sick for something normal and not detailed enough to be truly twisted.

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Thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for providing me with this free eARC in exchange for my honest review!

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4.75/5 stars! Wow! This book blew me away. I don't think I've read anything else by this author, so I wasn't sure what to expect. Also, any book with a service animal makes me happy (I have one myself). The story had so many twists, I couldn't keep up. It almost had a Bride of Bluebeard energy at times. I loved it and will be actively looking to read more books by this author.

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Room 21 was not the book I was expecting. I feel I should say now, this book is dark, extremely dark, so only read this book if that is what you are looking for.

Kimberley is a housekeeper. Happy in her career, if not in her life outside of work. Her life changes when she meets Jennifer Clifton, a guest at the hotel. A woman with exacting standards, who head hunts a surprised and perplexed Kimberley, for a role at The Clifton Hotel.

The book is narrated by three women. As realisation dawned as to how they were linked, the story became more intriguing, and chilling too. I reached a point in the book where I read a line, then paused, and re-read it again. Then I stared at the wall for a while, trying to move the pieces of the story in my mind. After a minute or two, I still felt bamboozled, so I read on.

In summary, if you choose to pick up Room 21, you will find a warped and twisted tale. You should expect the unexpected, and you will still be surprised. It is dark and gritty in the extreme.

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Kimberly is offered a job at a secret invite only hotel. After singing a NDA and doing repulsive task to prove her loyalty, she is promoted to do a malicious job for a party that will be hosted in that hotel.

I had been wanting to read Jessica Huntley’s books for quite some time now. I’m so satisfied with this one and will be reading more of her books in the future.

This was a dark and morbid book that made me scared to keep reading but I was so interested that I had to keep reading. I really liked how the story is told through the POV of multiple characters. The guest and the reason for the hotel was super interesting in the story but very frightening to think of in terms of it happening in real life. Incredible twist after twist thrown in. It has revenge driven characters that carry out vengeance which was fascinating. The note that came with Kimberly’s teddy bear was so shocking!

Nothing is what it seems. I thought I knew the connection of the characters but then their true identities would be revealed. This would then make me question which characters can I truly trust.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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This book "ROOM 21" is a remarkable psychological thriller that captivates me from the very first page. This novel is a masterclass in suspense, with a plot that twists and turns in ways you could never anticipate. Huntley weaves a terrifying narrative filled with secrets that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The emotional depth of the characters adds a heartbreaking layer to the story, making it not only creepy but also profoundly impactful. Absolutely it's a thrilling read that combines psychological intrigue with heartfelt moments, I highly recommend "ROOM 21." I was hooked until the very last page! Must-read!

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Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for gifting me an early copy of Room 21.
This is the story of Kimberley who works as a housekeeper in a hotel. She works extremely well and is one day offered to work at another hotel in Scotland that no one’s heard of…
I loved this book so much. Kimberley was such a great main character. I thought it was nice to read about epilepsy as it is not a disease that is often featured in books. Her dog Muffin was also so cute.
I managed to guess some of the plot twists, but there were many that I did not see coming AT ALL, so it was nice to be surprised. It made me gasp out loud many times!
The writing was amazing, and the short chapters kept the pace going. Room 21 is a page-turner that you won’t be able to put down!
I would highly recommend it!

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Room 21 feels like if The Housemaid by Freida McFadden and Butcher and Blackbird had a baby — and honestly, that’s the best way I can describe it. It pulls together the psychological tension of The Housemaid with the darker, more graphic elements found in Butcher and Blackbird. If you loved those two books, you’ll find Room 21 right up your alley.

Going into this, I didn’t know too much since it’s a new release, but the mystery immediately intrigued me. I love a good thriller, and the more I read, the more shocked I became — this book took turns I was not expecting. It definitely leans heavier into the graphic thriller side, so I highly recommend checking the trigger warnings before diving in. There are a lot of potentially sensitive topics covered.

That being said, Room 21 is a solid thriller overall. I really enjoyed it. Some standout positives:
• The chapters are short and engaging, making it a fast-paced and bingeable read.
• The pacing was spot-on — it never dragged, but it also never felt rushed.
• The twists kept me hooked, especially around the midpoint when major reveals started coming out. I was genuinely excited to see how everything would unravel.

If I had one critique, it would be that a few of the twists could have been fleshed out a little deeper. I would have loved more background or explanation in certain areas. But even with that, it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment. If you’re looking for a thriller that keeps you on your toes, with twists that actually twist, Room 21 is definitely worth picking up. I’m excited to read more from this author in the future!

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Kimberly (that's a name you don't hear anymore) is 25 years old and on her own. She's been on her own most of her life, moving from one foster home to the next. She shares a flat with four others while working as a Senior Housekeeper at London's top hotel. She suffers from extreme epilepsy and has her medical support dog, Muffin, with her at all times.

Jennifer Clifton is a severe woman. Her hair, nails, face, and clothing are all done up to perfection. She has a list of demands for her hotel room, and Kimberly manages every single one. Jennifer offers Kimberly a new job, on the spot, at her exclusive hotel in the Scottish Highlands.

The new hotel is immaculate and free of guests. As Kimberly settles in, she learns that invited and exclusive guests only come once a year, for a massive party....with little to no more details. The ONLY rule, do not go to Room 21.
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Wow, wow, wee, wow. This book is a ride. Kimberly is an odd character, a bit naive but very likable. It's hard not to root for her throughout the book. Jennifer is demanding, but does show glimpses of a heart.

The concept of this story is brilliant. We all want a place where we can be free, but I don't think many of us would go to these extremes. There is a lot of violence and gore, so heads up.

Jessica Huntley does an excellent job of walking that fine line between suspense and horror, because there is horror in these pages. Is Room 21 an apt title? I wouldn't necessarily think so, as it's a minor part of the story, but is it a focal point of terror? Yes. 100%

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

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Utterly terrifying and totally brilliant! Kimberley, a hotel housekeeper, is headhunted for a position in an exclusive and remote hotel. Just a couple of caveats: she must never enter room 21 and she must never leave.

Kimberley is a very likeable and relatable character, but the show stealer is her gorgeous support dog, Muffin, who alerts Kimberley whenever she is about to have an epileptic seizure, which is pretty often! Most of other characters are initially all people you love to hate, with very little reason to, to be honest, but you just... know. And then, when you really do know... OMG!

With an abundance of twists and a ton of suspense, this was a book I really struggled to step away from, so be warned, once you start reading, the real world will disappear for a while, as you lose yourself in the sick minds of some of the most deranged people on the planet.

Is blood thicker than water? Does nature or nurture prevail?

5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Jessica Huntley and Joffe for an ARC in return for an honest review.

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Great book overall. Would recommend to everyone on my Facebook group and family members. Solid four stars.

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My name’s Kimberley. I’m twenty-five. I have epilepsy, a seizure alert dog named Muffin, and a job I love as a senior housekeeper in one of London’s top hotels. I’m used to being invisible. Overlooked. Safe. But that was before Jennifer Clifton checked in. She’s rich, powerful, terrifyingly calm and she asked for me by name. She gives me my dream job, working in her exclusive hotel in the Scottish Highlands. It’s more money than I ever imagined. There’s just one catch: Don’t open the door to Room 21! Wow! What a wild read! So many shocking and chilling twists! This book was definitely a bit different! A good different! It had high suspense, chilling gruesome murders, kidnapping, and so many crazy twists and turns! The story was very interesting! I highly recommend reading this book! Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!

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Oh holy cow what a creepfest!! Jessica Huntley knocks it out of the park. This was down and dirty. Super gritty and uncomfortable situations. The characters were fantastic. Very dark and creepy, loved it.
Thank you NetGalley, Jessica Huntley and Joffe Books for the opportunity to read and review this gem of a book.

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I loved this book, but I gave it a 4 star review as I was apprehensive about reading it after I read the trigger warning at the start of the book.

With that being said, this book is brilliant. Some things felt predictable but then the author immediately takes an unexpected left turn!

I would love a spin off from Bryan’s perspective; from the very beginning! Or even Damien’s?!

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Unfortunately I didn't really enjoy this book, the storyline wasn't for me, too dark and didn't like the ending.

Thank you to Netgalley and Joffe Books for this ARC I just wish I could have enjoyed it more

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Twenty-five year old Kimberley lands a housekeeping job at an exclusive hotel where guests have unusual taste in entertainment. She's told never to go in Room 21, but why?!

This was my first book by Jessica Huntley, and I am now looking forward to reading more. There are plenty of twists and turns. The short chapters keep you wanting just one more chapter before lights out.

Thank you to Joffe Books and NetGalley for the ARC.

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First, thank you Netgalley and Joffe Books for this ARC!

I admit, I've had no idea what I got myself into, oh boi! I can only say, the trigger warnings are there for a reason! And despite that, I kpet reading. I had to know what was going on, even when it would not let me sleep at night, for sure.

Four stars from me for my third Jessica Huntley book because it was pretty dark and I had to pause from reading a few times beause of that.

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This book was insanely addictive! The twists totally caught me off guard, and I honestly couldn’t stop reading. I flew through it—it’s one of those stories that just grabs you and doesn’t let go.

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