The Last Room on the Left by Leah Konen (January 14, 2025) Thank you, Putnam Books and PRH audio, for the gifted advanced listening copy of this atmospheric winter thriller!
Kerry’s life is unraveling. Her husband has left, her writer’s block is insurmountable, and her publisher is threatening to claw back her advance. Desperate for a change, she takes a month-long gig as a caretaker for an upscale, isolated motel in the Catskills that’s closed for the winter. With no Wi-Fi and minimal responsibilities—just a daily check on the rooms—Kerry hopes to finally finish her manuscript.
But from the moment she arrives, something feels off. Then she spots a hand sticking out of the snow. Her tranquil writer’s retreat morphs into a nightmare as a snowstorm traps her with no cell service, no Wi-Fi, and—most chillingly—a killer on the loose. Except nothing is as simple as it seems.
This is the perfect winter thriller, brimming with The Shining vibes and packed with unexpected twists. Leah Konen masterfully builds tension, exploring how isolation can play tricks on the mind. The story’s imaginative use of timeline and POV adds a fresh, compelling layer to the narrative. Without giving away spoilers, I’ll just say this: the surprises are worth it!
🎧 About the Audiobook 🎧 Karissa Vacker, Erin Bennett, and Julie Webster deliver stellar performances, each bringing distinct voices to their unique POVs. Vacker, who handles the bulk of the narration, is flawless as always, capturing Kerry’s growing unease with precision. At just the right length, this audiobook is a gripping listen from start to finish.
What’s your favorite season and why?
Book: 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
Audiobook: 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Book Smart Kate 