Review of The Mystery of The Hillside Motel

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Annelore Trujillo
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Review of The Mystery of The Hillside Motel

Post by Annelore Trujillo »

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Mystery of The Hillside Motel" by David Murray Anderson.]
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4 out of 5 stars
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The Mystery of the Hillside Motel by David Murray is a young adult novel about eight-year-old David and his adventure while his family stays at the Hillside Motel. He meets a girl there named Teri, and he is immediately smitten. He is too young to know what love is, but he knows that somehow this girl must stay in his life forever. Teri is very adventurous and believes there are secrets to be discovered about the motel and the surrounding area, and she pulls David into her adventures. What things do they find out? What happens to their relationship, especially once David’s visit ends? You’ll have to read this book to get the answers to those questions.

This is a light, fun book. David tells this story as the narrator, which adds an element of insight into his emotions and thoughts. This perspective is executed very well. It is easy to read and has a simple plot that is easy to follow. It is short and can be finished quickly. One unique aspect of the book is that there are several genres mixed into one book. There is a bit of romance, some adventure, and a hint of paranormal happenings. Even though this is marketed as a young adult book, it is written in a way that can be enjoyed by many ages, including adults. The content is appropriate for preteens and older. There is no sexual content, and there are only two instances of borderline profanity.

The book does seem to be professionally edited. There are a few minor errors; none of these distract from the book itself. Another round of editing never hurts, but the errors don't detract from the story. It is also a well-written book with good flow, sentence structure, and vocabulary. All of this contributes to the ease of reading the book.

Unfortunately, there are a few issues with the book. The first is that the story seems off for kids who are eight years old. The way the kids talk, the things they think about, and the relationship between David and Teri match kids that are eleven or twelve or even older. It doesn’t fit kids that are only eight. Another downfall is that there are a few inconsistencies. There are times when something is said at the beginning of the book, but then a contradictory statement is said later on. For example, when they get to the motel, it seems like they are still far from their grandparents’ house, but then David tells Teri that their grandparents live in the area.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. It is a good book that is easy to read. It has a lot to offer for people with different interests. The issues I mentioned above were on my mind throughout the entire book, which is why I took a star off. However, the book is still enjoyable, so I didn’t think it was fair to take off more than a single star. Readers who enjoy a story about friendship and adventure would enjoy this book.

******
The Mystery of The Hillside Motel
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Post by Idris Alooma »

This review of "The Mystery of the Hillside Motel" by David Murray provides helpful insights into the book. The reviewer found it to be a light and fun read that can be enjoyed by various age groups. They appreciated the mix of genres and the well-executed perspective of the young protagonist. The book is described as easy to read, well-written, and professionally edited. However, the reviewer mentions a few inconsistencies and finds the characterization of the eight-year-old protagonist unrealistic. Despite these flaws, they give the book a rating of 4 out of 5 stars, indicating it is a good read. Dynamic relationships, felt nuanced and realistic.
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Ali Aftab 3
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Post by Ali Aftab 3 »

David Murray Anderson’s *The Mystery of The Hillside Motel* immerses readers in a riveting story of suspense and intrigue set in a apparently everyday small town. The novel follows a set of people whose lives intersect at the enigmatic Hillside Motel, wherein darkish secrets and mysterious events unfold.
Pros:

1. **Intriguing Plot:** Anderson masterfully weaves a complex narrative that maintains readers guessing. The unfolding mystery of the hotel and its eerie environment creates a compelling environment that drives the tale ahead.

2. **Character Development:** The novel shines in its portrayal of characters. Each individual is crafted with intensity and nuance, contributing to a richer narrative. The protagonist, particularly, is properly-advanced, making their adventure and demanding situations relatable and engaging.

Three. **Atmospheric Setting:** Anderson’s shiny descriptions of the Hillside Motel and its locale create a palpable sense of region. The putting itself becomes a person in the story, adding to the overall suspense and mystery.

Four. **Pacing and Suspense:** The pacing is well-achieved, with the anxiety constructing step by step at some point of the e book. The creator effectively employs cliffhangers and plot twists, ensuring readers remain hooked till the very quit.

**Cons:**

1. **Predictability:** Despite its engaging plot, a few readers can also find sure elements of the mystery predictable. Familiar tropes in the style from time to time detract from the overall originality of the tale.

2. **Character Overload:** At instances, the huge cast of characters may be overwhelming. The sheer range of individuals can also result in confusion, making it tough to maintain song in their motivations and relationships.

3. **Pacing Issues in Midsection:** While the start and climax are gripping, the middle segment of the e book tends to pull. This slower tempo might detract from the general momentum of the story.

Overall, *The Mystery of The Hillside Motel* is a nicely-crafted mystery novel with robust individual development and a fascinating placing. Although it has its flaws, particularly in predictability and pacing, it remains an fun examine for fans of the genre.
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Olalekan Rahmon
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Post by Olalekan Rahmon »

Y'all, after reading this review of "The Mystery of the Hillside Motel" by David Murray, it seems like a pretty good read! With a mix of genres like romance, adventure, and a hint of paranormal happenings, it sounds like an exciting book suitable for different ages. The writing style is easy to follow, making it a quick read. However, there are a few inconsistencies and the story seems more suited for older kids than eight-year-olds. Taking all that into account, I'd give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars. Y'all should definitely check it out! Captivating twists, kept me guessing until the end.
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Post by Thomas D Flowers »

"The Mystery of the Hillside Motel" by David Murray sounds like a delightful and intriguing read, especially for those who enjoy a mix of adventure, romance, and a touch of the paranormal. The premise of young David's adventures with Teri at the motel is appealing, and the narrative perspective adds a personal touch to the story. The combination of different genres within a young adult novel is intriguing and suggests a well-rounded and engaging plot.
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Olalekan Rahmon
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Post by Olalekan Rahmon »

This review provides an insightful overview of "The Mystery of the Hillside Motel" by David Murray, a young adult novel filled with adventure, romance, and a touch of mystery. The book is described as an enjoyable and easy read, suitable for preteens and older readers. The reviewer appreciates the well-executed narration style, though notes some discrepancies in the age appropriateness of the characters. The book receives a 4 out of 5-star rating based on its engaging storyline and diverse genres. Riveting narrative, held my attention completely.
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Post by Boring Pigeon »

After reading this review, I found "The Mystery of the Hillside Motel" by David Murray to be an enjoyable and easy read. The mixed genres and well-executed first-person narration add depth to the story. However, the age appropriateness of the characters' behavior and occasional inconsistencies were noticeable drawbacks. Overall, I would rate this book a solid 4 out of 5 stars. Compelling pacing, kept the story moving briskly.
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Post by Sadaf Zehra 2 »

David Murray's The Mystery of the Hillside Motel is a delightful blend of genres that caters to a wide audience. It is exactly the story I want.The story unfolds with a breezy pace, keeping readers engaged from start to finish. Murray skillfully captures the perspective of a young protagonist, offering a fresh and authentic voice. The book's well-crafted plot and dynamic characters create a compelling narrative. While the characterization of the eight-year-old could be more nuanced, the overall story is engaging and enjoyable.
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Post by Nuella Joseph »

*The Mystery of the Hillside Motel* offers a charming blend of romance, adventure, and a hint of the paranormal through the eyes of a young narrator. While the story's tone and character ages may seem inconsistent, it’s a light, engaging read suitable for a broad audience.
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Post by Mercy Ndungu 9 »

Thankyou for the great review. I am really intrested in joining David and his friend in the adventures
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Rebecca De Figueiredo
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Post by Rebecca De Figueiredo »

I appreciated the reviewers good summary. A good plot with an old fashioned sense of adventure, with things cropping up unexpectedly on a trip with his parents. I’m sure new readers will find the short paragraphs and chatty style simple to get through.
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Post by Jaya Selvi »

I appreciate the reviewer's thoughts on the book. It's like a short brief of the content of the book. Adventurous as well as mysterious. It's not my type of book but I'll put to my list to read.
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Post by Leen282 »

I like the genre young adult, but in my mind it is usually about teenagers. 8 year olds give a different perspective, and I can imagine it is hard to keep the story in the mindset of 8 year olds, and it is easy to go to a way of speaking and acting that feels more like slightly older kids. I wonder what secrets David and Teri discover around the motel.
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Post by Bertha Jackson »

The reviewer describes this book's content as "romance, some adventure, and a hint of paranormal happenings, which makes it sound intriguing. After reading the sample, I find it more so. Thank you for your informative review.
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Nazma P
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Post by Nazma P »

This sounds like totally my kind of read. A compact narrative with mystery, romance and a hint of paranormal blended together. I'm curious to read about what Teri and David will discover about the motel. I would love to check out the book.
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