👻 Ghost Stories

Extended Stay

✍️ Tricia Arnold
Reader Score
4.5
(1 review)
$9.99
In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days
📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A stranded man encounters a mysterious woman in a haunted roadside hotel.

The narrative follows Eric Van Duesen during a forced stop at a dilapidated hotel. He meets a woman in Room 7 who claims to be Cora Merlot, an actress from the silent film era. Her presence blurs the line between historical memory and supernatural occurrence. The plot focuses on his growing obsession with her identity and the dark secrets she reveals during late-night conversations. Arnold uses the isolated setting to build tension around the question of her true nature. The story does not resolve quickly, allowing the atmosphere to develop through Eric's perspective.

Key Themes
haunted hotel silent film star midnight confessions
Literary Context

The work engages with the legacy of silent cinema and the trope of vanished Hollywood glamour. It situates itself within the tradition of haunted location stories, specifically focusing on a crumbling roadside hotel that serves as a trap for the aimless protagonist.

Difficulty
●● Medium
Recommended For Fans Of
Shirley Jackson · Daphne du Maurier · Stephen King
👻
Ghost Stories
🏛 Independently Published 📅 2024 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9798322445081

📝 Description: Extended Stay

Eric Van Duesen finds himself stranded outside a decaying roadside hotel after his parents' car breaks down. With college plans abandoned and his future uncertain, he spends his time wandering the faded halls of this forgotten establishment. His aimless drift leads him to Room 7, where he encounters a mesmerizing woman who feels strangely familiar. Whispers among the staff suggest she is Cora Merlot, a silent film star who vanished decades ago without a trace. As Eric draws closer to her shadowed world, he listens to her midnight confessions that challenge his understanding of reality. The narrative weaves together elements of paranormal romance and mystery, exploring themes of eerie love stories and secrets that refuse to remain buried. Arnold constructs a tale centered on forgotten Hollywood glamour and the lingering presence of the past. The story examines whether the woman is a lost legend, a clever liar, or something far more terrifying. This novel suits readers who enjoy supernatural fiction with romantic undertones and those interested in the history of silent cinema. Fans of gothic atmospheres and mysterious disappearances will find the setting compelling. However, readers seeking fast-paced action or contemporary realistic drama may find the slow-burn mystery less engaging. The book offers a specific look at a crumbling hotel and its haunting inhabitants.

💎 Our verdict on Extended Stay

“
🩸
Horror Reads editorial team
Horror desk
Arnold constructs a tale centered on forgotten Hollywood glamour and the lingering presence of the past. By using an isolated setting, she builds tension around the question of Cora Merlot’s true nature. The narrative weaves together paranormal romance and mystery, exploring themes of eerie love stories. Eric’s growing obsession drives the plot, allowing the atmosphere to develop through his perspective. The story does not resolve quickly, which suits readers who enjoy atmospheric horror. However, those seeking fast-paced action may find the slow-burn mystery less engaging. It examines whether the woman is a lost legend or something terrifying. This novel offers a specific look at a decaying roadside hotel and its haunting inhabitants for gothic fans.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers who appreciate atmospheric, slow-burn mysteries will find this book rewarding. It offers a compelling exploration of obsession and the blurring lines between reality and supernatural phenomena. Fans of gothic tales set in isolated locations will enjoy the tension built through Eric’s perspective. Those interested in the history of silent film and Hollywood glamour will appreciate the thematic depth. The story provides a unique look at a crumbling hotel, making it ideal for those who prefer mood over plot. It is perfect for readers seeking supernatural fiction with romantic undertones rather than fast-paced action. The focus on eerie love stories and buried secrets creates a lingering sense of unease that appeals to gothic enthusiasts.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.5
Based on 1 reviews
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Horror Reads editorial team

Arnold constructs a tale centered on forgotten Hollywood glamour and the lingering presence of the past. By using an isolated setting, she builds tension around the question of Cora Merlot’s true nature. The narrative weaves together paranormal romance and mystery, exploring themes of eerie love stories. Eric’s growing obsession drives the plot, allowing the atmosphere to develop through his perspective. The story does not resolve quickly, which suits readers who enjoy atmospheric horror. However, those seeking fast-paced action may find the slow-burn mystery less engaging. It examines whether the woman is a lost legend or something terrifying. This novel offers a specific look at a decaying roadside hotel and its haunting inhabitants for gothic fans.

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