Extended Stay

Juan Martinez’s Extended Stay follows an undocumented brother and sister who flee Colombia after their parents are killed. They arrive in Las Vegas and find work at the Alicia hotel, a rundown establishment that targets vulnerable people. Alvaro earns a promotion to management and accepts a rent-free stay for himself and his sister, Carmen. This arrangement initially seems like a chance to build a new life in the desert. The promise of safety quickly dissolves into nightmare as the hotel reveals its true nature. It is an appendage of a massive creature that feeds on guests and their secrets. Alvaro confronts grotesque strangers wandering the corridors while cockroaches seep from the walls and beloved photographs vanish. The narrative uses body horror and gothic traditions to examine the Latinx undocumented experience and the erasure of those living on the margins. The story critiques capitalism and the heavy toll of memory. Alvaro, Carmen, and their friends choose to cooperate with the creature rather than fight it. They attempt to appease it, raising questions about how much of themselves they must sacrifice. Martinez qualifies as a writer who blends supernatural fiction with social commentary. This book suits readers interested in gothic horror that addresses complex social issues. It may not appeal to those seeking traditional slashers or fast-paced action without thematic depth.