The setting is The Sycamores in New Mexico - a seedy motel converted into an apartment complex. Cassidy "Cass" Abbott is the manager/fix-it person "handyma’am" who lives rent free repairing air conditioners, toilets and anything else the residents need. Cass was forced to abandon her upscale life when her live-in realtor boyfriend found a new, younger girlfriend and kicked her out of their home, which was in his name only. Cass is in need of money and has done some things she is not proud of. Anna Hartley also has new troubles. Struggling as a newspaper writer, she receives a desperate call from her husband Henry, who tells Anna he's ruined everything and admits to killing someone. Afterwards, his body is found, and his death is ruled a suicide. Anna moves into his apartment at The Sycamores, which he'd converted into an art studio, as she's hoping to learn more about Henry's death. As she starts putting things together, Anna receives threats to stop her investigation. The secrets Anna uncovers make her wonder if she ever truly knew her husband. And it becomes clear that the other residents are also hiding things. Could one of them be a murderer?
Author Seraphina Nova Glass has created a truly entertaining book in The Vacancy in Room 10. There's a lot going on here with the two main characters and the "over the top" residents of The Sycamores who add drama and humor. It's a fast-paced story that I didn't want to put down. The setting was so well done as was the cast of heavily flawed characters. Check out this satisfying read.
Rated 4.25 out of 5 stars.
Mystery Thriller.
Publication Date: April 9, 2024.
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