Erika T. Wurth’s The Haunting in Room 904 is a chilling and atmospheric horror novel that blends supernatural suspense with deep psychological tension. As an advanced reader copy (ARC), this was one of my most anticipated horror reads, promising eerie hauntings, unsettling mysteries, and a hauntingly immersive setting. With Wurth’s sharp storytelling and compelling characters, this novel delivers plenty of eerie moments and unexpected twists. In this review, I’ll break down what worked, what didn’t, and whether The Haunting in Room 904 is a must-read for horror fans.
Title: The Haunting of Room 904
By: Erika T. Wurth
Genre: Horror
Pages: 320
Release Date: March 18th, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★
Summary from Goodreads:
From the author of White Horse (“Twisty and electric.” —The New York Times Book Review) comes a terrifying and resonant novel about a woman who uses her unique gift to learn the truth about her sister’s death.
Olivia Becente was never supposed to have the gift. The ability to commune with the dead was the specialty of her sister, Naiche. But when Naiche dies unexpectedly and under strange circumstances, somehow Olivia suddenly can’t stop seeing and hearing from spirits.
A few years later, she’s the most in-demand paranormal investigator in Denver. She’s good at her job, but the loss of Naiche haunts her. That’s when she hears from the Brown Palace, a landmark Denver hotel. The owner can’t explain it, but every few years, a girl is found dead in room 904, no matter what room she checked into the night before. As Olivia tries to understand these disturbing deaths, the past and the present collide as Olivia’s investigation forces her to confront a mysterious and possibly dangerous cult, a vindictive journalist, betrayal by her friends, and shocking revelations about her sister’s secret life.
The Haunting of Room 904 is a paranormal thriller that is as edgy as it is heartfelt and simmers with intensity and longing. Erika T. Wurth lives up to her reputation as “a gritty new punkish outsider voice in American horror.”
Review:
The Haunting of Room 904 by Erika T. Wurth is an atmospheric, spine-chilling masterpiece that seamlessly blends psychological horror with a sharp critique of academia. Wurth’s writing is immersive and haunting, pulling readers into the eerie, oppressive setting of the cursed hotel room while unraveling a deeply unsettling tale of trauma, colonialism, and ghosts—both literal and metaphorical. The slow-burn tension builds masterfully, and the protagonist’s descent into paranoia and fear is both gripping and emotionally raw. With its rich storytelling, sharp social commentary, and truly terrifying moments, this book cements Wurth as a powerhouse in modern horror.
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
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