I don't even know where to begin. Suffice to say this book is dark, funny, touchingly sad, and horrific all at the same time, and it's compulsive reading.

I didn't really 'get' The Beresford when I read it last year, but I'm really glad I read it first. Even though this is a prequel, reading TB first meant I mentally knew what to expect and was prepped for just how dark this could, and did, get. I'll definitely re-read TB now, and I think my review will probably be a little different compared to the first go round.

I felt a lot more connected to the characters this time round, especially little Odie with his books. There are grotesque characters, and then there are just the humans trying to do their best, but it makes for a wonderful variety of perspectives and storylines all woven seamlessly together. There are CWs for domestic violence in the Diana/Odie story, and I did find that one difficult to read at times. What helps though is that the chapters are all short so you jump between characters and areas of the building which means it moves at breakneck speed but also then gives you breathing room with the more difficult elements.

Hotel Beresford is a place that could be anywhere (and reminds me of Hotel Cecil in LA) and is as much a character as the people inhabiting it. Will Carver has done a wonderful job creating a chilling atmosphere with a place that is rich and vividly captured on the page and which is further enhanced by the characters and storylines.

I'm looking forward to my re-read of The Beresford and can't wait to see how this dark little trilogy ultimately plays out with book 3.