From the florid descriptions of the hotel and its guests by the narrator, to her spiraling conflict with Otto, the author's use of language and voice really brings the scenes and characters of the Royal Karnak hotel to life. With a setting superbly matching the events, the woven tale is difficult to put down, but also made me hesitant to pick back up as the characters' actions become more extreme and violent. A faantastic summer read, but also really great for a chilly autumn day when you want both thrilling suspense but also dream of warmer months.

My only complaint was that the novel seemed to plateau for a bit in the middle then really kicked into high gear, racing toward the finish. I'd have liked a more steady build, but the overall length is just about right, and the story arc is thrilling.

I'm on the fence between 4 and 5 stars, and am rounding up because I've continued to think about the book since finishing it and even expect that were I to re-read it, I would discover additional clues and pick up on things I didn't on the first go-through; the mark of a great psychological horror novel.