Hotel Chelsea (Book 6 of World’s Scariest Places)
Hotel Chelsea
By Jeremy Bates
The Sexton’s musings (spoilers are likely):
Based on a real place that was built to bring together people from all different socioeconomic places. Connecting the rich to the destitute and all those in between. A fascinating concept, perhaps a bit idealistic and dreamy but it actually was successful for a good clip. So many celebrity names were on the leases at this place. It’s amazing. This said, the creative temperament is not all dreams and clouds. With them, there is always drama and torment thus creating the potential for tragedy. The hotel has seen its fair share of violent death, be it suicide, accident or murder. So much energy it’s no wonder there are legends about it being haunted.
This book is an interesting twist on the legend. Incorporating real figures from the celebrity world and mixing it with relatable characters who you really want to succeed. The main character, Malcom, is a writer himself. A journalist who is doing a story about the renovations occurring at the Chelsea. He’s an interesting character because he has quite a bit of baggage following him. Baggage that he’s never really unpacked. The kind that sticks with you your whole life, influencing your decisions. Sometimes for the better and sometimes not so much.
The residents of the Chelsea, being the last few tenants left holding out, are an interesting bunch. Out of all of them I would have to say Quinn and Harvey are my favorites. Both older and long-time residents with stories to tell. There’s not much that they don’t see, especially Quinn. Quinn’s apartment sounds absolutely amazing. I would live there. Not sure if the structure is part of the real place but it would be awesome if it were.
Shane the pathetic, can’t let go of my ex, chump who needs to get his head out of his ass and give up on all of his anger (I know…pot calling the kettle black) this said, his journey is an interesting one. It seems that every time you think he’s got it together he breaks down in some way again. Not a real likable bloke but in the end more neutral than you think.
I know this is gonna sound crazy but I feel like the love interest, Jolene, while fun is a more under the radar type of character. She’s just kind of unassuming. Her back story brings a little light to the party but when I think of this story the female character that I think of first is Nikki. Unfortunately it’s not for a flattering reason.
I can’t stand the bitch! She is about as obnoxious as characters get. We all know those people who don’t take no for an answer, invite themselves to everything, can’t take the hint that you don’t want them around or even like them, and can’t seem to get it through their thick skull that they need to stop. She’s that personified…to the point where the end made me happy. I considered toasting the situation, even. She has it in her head that she and Malcom have some sort of a relationship when really she’s just his “crazy” neighbor who won’t leave him alone. I mean she’s interesting but infuriatingly repugnant. I really so have to wonder what the truth of her back story is. We’ll never know.
Closing thoughts:
Out of all the characters and all of the things that occur the ending was completely and totally a surprise to me. I did not see it coming at all! I’m usually better at having some idea how things are going to end up but this was so far out of what I was thinking that I don’t want to ruin it for anyone. I’m usually not shy about sharing some spoilers but I just can’t give this one away…it’s just too crazy! It’s an extremely interesting theory and anyone who knows anything about the paranormal knows that EMF is part of the game but dude this is an “um what?” climax and then the epilogue will just blow your mind. It’s like the final nail in the coffin my little Ghoulies…mind blown. I’m just glad Bates had mercy on his readers and explained it all. Made it so much more awesome understanding it all…well sort of.
