The Inn Between

by Marina Cohen

Eleven-year-old Quinn has had some bad experiences lately. She was caught cheating in school, and then one day, her little sister Emma disappeared while walking home from school. She never returned.

When Quinn's best friend Kara has to move away, she goes on one last trip with Kara and her family. They stop over at the first hotel they see, a Victorian inn that instantly gives Quinn the creeps, and she begins to notice strange things happening around them. When Kara's parents and then brother disappear without a trace, the girls are stranded in a hotel full of strange guests, hallways that twist back in on themselves, and a particularly nasty surprise lurking beneath the floorboards. Will the girls be able to solve the mystery of what happened to Kara's family before it's too late?

Genres: Middle Grade, Horror, Mystery, Fantasy, Childrens, Paranormal, Fiction

208 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 22, 2016

About the author

Marina Cohen is the author of several horror and fantasy books for children and young teens. Her novels THE INN BETWEEN, THE DOLL'S EYE, A BOX OF BONES and SHADOW GRAVE have been nominated for various awards in Canada and the United States including, The Sunburst Award, The Ontario Library Association's Red Maple and Silver Birch Awards, The Dorothy Canfield Fisher Award, The Rocky Mountain Book Award, The Manitoba Young Reacher's Choice Award, and The Pacific Northwest Library Association Children's Choice Award. THE INN BETWEEN and A BOX OF BONES and SHADOW GRAVE are also Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selections.

Marina loves old castles, hot cocoa, mysterious doors of all shapes and sizes, gingerbread and all things dark and creepy. She spends far too much time asking herself "What if?"

Reviews

[✦BookishlyRichie✦ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one! it was like The Suite Life of Zack and Cody meets The Shining.

I think that's a better way to put it. It says it's a horror novel but I feel like it was more spooky than downright scary. There was a lot of mystery happening and I liked that a lot. I have to point out that there was a story line that I've personally never seen done in Middle Grade with missing children and child abduction and it added an extra layer of darkness to this that I thought was executed really well. It seems like I'm reading books that I unknowingly have some type of connection with and this is another one. Back to the book, I'd say to give it a go if you've been wanting to read it, it's quick and worth the read.

- Richard

[Aditi · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The world is full of obvious things which nobody by any chance ever observes.”

----Arthur Conan Doyle


Marina Cohen, a Canadian author, pens an intriguing middle-grade part horror-cum-part-mystery story in her new book, The Inn Between that revolves around two pre-teen girls who take a trip with one of the girl's family and on their way, they all spend the night at a mysterious and a creepy-looking Victorian Inn, which turns out to be quite peculiar as on the very same night the girl's family goes missing. Will the two girls be able to find the parents and the brother who disappeared in the inn without a trace?


Synopsis:

The Shining meets "Hotel California" in this supremely creepy middle grade novel about the bizarre things that happen to two girls stranded at a desert inn.

Eleven-year-old Quinn has had some bad experiences lately. She was caught cheating in school, and then one day, her little sister Emma disappeared while walking home from school. She never returned

When Quinn's best friend Kara has to move away, she goes on one last trip with Kara and her family. They stop over at the first hotel they see, a Victorian inn that instantly gives Quinn the creeps, and she begins to notice strange things happening around them. When Kara's parents and then brother disappear without a trace, the girls are stranded in a hotel full of strange guests, hallways that twist back in on themselves, and a particularly nasty surprise lurking beneath the floorboards. Will the girls be able to solve the mystery of what happened to Kara's family before it's too late?


Quinn Martin and Kara Cawston take one last trip together, as the Cawstons are moving from Denver to Santa Monica. And also it will be good for Quinn to get away from the sad memories of her missing little sister, Emma and her parents. On their way to California, the group decides to take a night halt at a Victorian-looking inn in the middle of the desert. When Quinn and Kara wakes up the next morning, they find out that their family is missing along with Kara's brother, and now they need to find out what happened to the family and where they are before it is too late, but can they?

Well, to be honest, the book gave me a myriad of emotions ranging from fear to creepiness to shocking to holding my breath to at times funny to puzzling to sad. Yet the story is so much more than just distinct emotions, it is mind-blowing, frightening and at times entertaining to read about the adventure of two girls unraveling the mysteries lay hidden and wrapped under layers of wood and wallpaper in this hotel.

The author's writing style is excellent and something easy to comprehend with. The narrative is engaging and articulate and will keep the readers intrigued till the very end. The story is riveting from the very first page itself and as it unfolds the author introduces lots of twists and turns that will puzzle the readers more. The pacing is really fast as the two girls try to find out about the hotel and its mysteries.

The mystery that is laced with horror will not only challenge the readers and make the readers anticipate the climax till the very end, but will also frighten them and at times the readers are bound to feel like getting goosebumps all over their body. The author has strikingly portrayed the inn with its creepy interior and vivid details that will make the readers feel like visualizing the author's imaginative inn right before their eyes.

The illustrations are laid out like magic that will immediately arrest the readers minds into the story which are done by an award-winning illustrationist, Sarah Watts. The illustrations are not only magical but are very eye-catchy and attractive and plays in sync with the story line and will definitely help the readers to get a clear picture of the inn, the girls and the nightmarish feel.

The characters are very, very well-developed and are inspired from reality, as the author captures the voice of a 11-year old female primary character vividly by channeling her fears, her emotions and her sadness and her past memories through the story, thereby making sure that the readers can easily connect with Quinn and her issues and her sharp mind. Even Kara is an interesting and brave 11-year old girl who will keep the readers on their edges till the very last page. The supporting characters are well-drawn into the story and will leave a lasting impression on the minds of the readers.

Overall, this fast paced page-turning story is a must read if you enjoy reading captivating middle-grade fiction.

Verdict: A spine-chilling and an appealing middle-grade thriller.

Courtesy: Thanks to the author, Marina Cohen, for providing me with a copy of her book, as well as a beautiful friendship band, in return for an honest review.

[Jyanx · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC though NetGalley in exchanger for an honest review.

I requested this book thinking that this was just the kind of book I would have loved to have read when I was younger. The mystery appealed to me, and I started reading it as soon as I was able to. I actually got to spend a beautiful November lunch reading this at a picnic table outside my local library reading this book. It was perfect, but I digress.

I really liked this book. Even though I was able, as an adult, to figure out where things were going pretty quickly I found that I didn't really care. I was able to let go, and enjoy the ride. The mysterious inn, the varied cast of characters, and I really enjoyed Quinn and Kara's friendship. The story did a good job raising larger issues of guilt, fear, family, and responsibility without feeling like a morality tale or an afterschool special. The plot was fast paced, and the writing style descriptive an engaging. Once I picked it up I had a hard time putting it down. The ending was well done, and I appreciated the touch of ambiguity. Nothing too open ended, but enough that I was still wondering a bit. A truly memorable, and atmospheric tale. One that I think will work for older readers as well as younger ones.

[Zyra · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Melanie (TBR and Beyond) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've decided that I don't think I can write a full review on this book until I have read it a second time. I basically inhaled this book in one sitting. I was so curious to see what was going to happen with these characters and the strange place they were in, that I feel like I didn't take in a lot of the background stuff. I have a feeling that now I know the mystery, if I read it again, it will be a completely different and interesting experience. I'm not sure when I'll get a chance to read it again but I most certainly will.

I will say that this is a really good book and I got it for only a few dollars on Bookoutlet - so it's worth picking up. I didn't find this book in the least bit scary but there was a sense of eerie present the entire time. It's more a paranormal/mystery book than a straight up horror book. I think younger children could read this but they might need some help with some of the themes that are presented and what was really going on. Particularly towards the end. Either way, check it out.

[Ivonne Rovira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marina Cohen’s The Inn Between is best approached cold. Really, the description on the book jacket actually reveals too much information.

Here’s what I can tell you: Quinn Martin and Kara Cawston, both 11 and best friends since kindergarten, are making one last trip together. The Cawstons are relocating from Denver to Santa Monica, and they’re taking Quinn with them so the girls can spend a little more time together before Quinn has to return to her life in Denver.

The Cawstons pull over at a Victorian mansion of a hotel called the Inn Between, and check in. But soon Quinn realizes that the Inn Between isn’t what it seems. And soon Quinn is discovering things about the hotel — and herself — that will surprise the reader. The ending took me completely by surprise.

The book’s beginning was a bit clunky, but Cohen more than made up for it with her imaginative treatment of — well, that would be telling, wouldn’t it? Recommended not just for its middle-grade target audience, but for anyone who would enjoy a unique yarn imaginatively crafted.

In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, and Roaring Brook Press, in exchange for an honest review.

[Sarah Shoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm shocked by how much this book frightened me. I don't tend to expect such fear in middle grade books. I'm not sure I can articulate exactly what scared me so much, but I had chills for a good third of the book.
That being said, I thought this was such a well-considered and well-written story. The allusions and the depiction of this stopover hotel did make me smile in appreciation.

I realize this review is vague, but I think going into this novel with as little information as possible makes it that much more interesting.

[Eliza · Rating 4 out of 5]

fun read for halloween. Also it has ✨big plot twist✨ so that's a plus


Conclusion: I liked it, it't not the most amazing writing in the world, but it gets the job done if you want something spooky and mind bending

And if anyone is confused about the ending, here's a quick explanation:
The Inn Between is where people go while they are on the brink of death, but not quite dead. When they go up the elevator, they die and go to 'a better place' (or heaven or whatever you believe) and I'm pretty sure if you go down the elevator that's essentially hades (but im not totally sure). The parents disappear because they are now living, and not on the brink of death. This is the same with Josh. Kara's bruises slowly get more and more visible and sore because she is slowly getting revived. A really interesting detail is that Emma is in the Inn Between, which means she is not quite dead (and my brain really wants to hope that there is still a chance for her to be saved). And for those who are wondering, I don't think Quinn is going to die. Sure, she walks into the Inn Between with Emma, but the book said that her grip was getting weaker and the line on her wrist from the bracelet was getting redder. Im pretty sure this indicates that she's getting revived.

[BookishStitcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book does not shy away from the creepy factor, which I love. I have a lot of middle school students who love reading creepy things and this I would recommend to them. I'm trying to build of a list of scar/creepy books for middle schoolers so they have some stuff for their age instead of jumping straight into Stephen King.

[Katie Lawrence · Rating 2 out of 5]

Warning, major spoilers ahead! This was a really odd book for me... On the one hand, Cohen has achieved a great level of creepiness. Quinn is on a road trip with her friend Kara and her family, suddenly they end up in a strange hotel full of weirdly happy staff members, endlessly deep pools and people who disappear. Very, very creepy. I kept reading, even though I'm a wimp, because I needed to know what was going on. Quinn is suffering deeply after her sister has been lost (died? kidnapped? you never really find out) and she is dealing with those emotions, as well as fear of losing her friend Kara who is moving away, throughout the story. I did not predict the ending in any way, which was really interesting. This book is extremely dark, at a level that bothered me even as an adult. There are weighty questions here about guilt, hell, purgatory, heaven, letting go etc. in a book supposedly for middle grade readers. Whatever happened to Quinn's sister was very bad and several of the scenes after her disappearance reminded me too strongly of Lovely Bones. I really loved the concept here and the creepiness level was spot on (except for when they went to hell briefly, that was extremely disturbing). I think ultimately I wasn't expecting a religious tone and so much sadness at the end. I thought maybe the Inn Between was a place for anyone waiting for something or trying to extend time... the older man was waiting to die, the rock singer was waiting to sober up, the young couple wanted their honeymoon to last longer, Quinn wanted the car trip to last as long as possible so she didn't have to say goodbye to Kara... In some ways I might have been happier with the book if it had been that, I'd have felt like their was more hope ultimately. It could have been about Quinn letting go of Emma and also realizing that she will survive saying goodbye to Kara, she'd come out a stronger person. I'm mostly really bummed out because I hoped to book talk this with 5th graders next week and was so excited to have a creepy mystery in the mix... I think this is a bit too heavy to recommend though, it would disturb many 5th grade readers in my opinion. I'd probably recommend this for 7th-9th graders.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, this book was seriously creepy! I read this with some of the students in my after-school book club and we loved it! The story had a mysterious and unsettling vibe throughout, and the ending was heart-breaking but satisfying. I'm looking forward to reading more books by this author.

[Veronica Steiger-Gaboury · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was not what I expected. When I read the inside jacket, I thought it wasn't my type of book (it's a mystery), but I know and appreciate the author so I wanted to give it a read.

Once I started to read it, though, I was drawn in with the characters, I liked the main characters, they were authentic in their dialogue and actions. I tried to predict where the story was going, where Ms Cohen was leading me, but I was wrong, each time. Instead of this being frustrating or feeling like some kind of trickery on the author's part, I felt pulled in. As I neared the end of the book, as I began to understand what was going on, as I began to really be able to pull together all of the clues, I was surprised. I was surprised that Ms Cohen slipped this story through and past me, pulling me in deeper as we went along together.

I won't tell you more, because it will ruin it if I do. But this young adult story is written in way that will make you consider forgiveness, both being the one to forgive and being the one to forgive, in a different way. It will also make you reconsider the importance of moments in time that we can never pull back, actions that impact others.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE INN BETWEEN by Marina Cohen is a spooky middle school mystery set in an eerie Victorian hotel in the Nevada desert.

When Quinn and her best friend’s family stop for the night at a creepy hotel, strange things begin to happen. An unpredictable elevator, mysterious hotel guests, and disappearances are just the beginning. When Quinn and her best friend try to escape from the hotel, they realize that the hotel is much more than just an overnight destination.

Librarians will find the book popular among middle grade students who enjoy mysteries filled with twists and turns. Although scary enough to keep readers on the edge of their seats, the plot uses suspense rather than horror to keep the adventure interesting.

To learn more about the author, go to http://marinacohen.com/.

Published Roaring Brook Press, an imprint of Macmillan on March 22, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

[Elwyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking for a quick, creepy read? Want something reminiscent of Hotel California, Beetlejuice, and Stranger Things? Hoping it's juuuust tame enough to share with your favorite 10(and up) year olds?

Look no further! The Inn Between was an amazing, breezy, hair raising, and emotional tale. It called to me as I walked by it at the library, and I had to return after my shift was over so I could check it out. I read it in just a few hours, and loved every minute of it. It wasn't as terrifying as other novels I've read for young readers (like Wait Till Helen Comes), but it was exciting and full of tension and suspense! There are thrills, action, and heart waiting for you in The Inn Between.

[Stefan Bachmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aw. This was great. And sad. Middle grade horror + a bit of fun wish-fulfillment adventure stemming from a hotel that seems to be perfect but is decidedly not + a really, really sad ending. I think the ending could be read in different ways by different readers, but to me it seemed super tragic. Don't let anyone spoil it for you and also don't expect a cute, glow-y story from the cover, because this is darrrrrk, and somehow simultaneously fun and original? There you go.

[Gillie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really excited for this book, and I really liked it until the ending bit. I inhaled all of it in one sitting (in front of a roaring fire, it was very nice actually), and I enjoyed the spooky bits. I thought they were scary enough to be enjoyable, but not really horror novel material. I was disappointed in the ending, I thought it was too vague and it left me wondering and worrying too much for a novel that is not in a series.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Upgrading my rating because my students enjoy this book so much!

[Deanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an odd story.

[Rachel Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

My kids and I are having our very own book club this summer and this was the first book we read. My daughter is 10 and my son is 8 and between the 3 of us there were some mixed emotions. While I agree with the suggested age of readability, the content is actually a little older. For me, the mystery was great. Although, I guessed what was happening really early on. I didn't spoil it for the kids as I wanted them to experience figuring out the mystery themselves. The struggle was, they both had a hard time with the subject matter so I actually had to explain some of what was going on to them, which in turn kind of spoiled the mystery. My daughter gave this is 4, my son gave it a 3 and I myself gave it a 4. Good read, maybe just for a little bit older age range.

[Wendi Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best friends Quinn and Kara are traveling with Kara's family. It's a last bash of sorts - they're going to Kara's new home in California, and after a few weeks, Quinn is headed back home alone.

After a weird encounter at a diner, they arrive at a strange hotel. At first it's amazing - lots of amenities, great food, and a pool. But Kara's family members start disappearing, and the girls realize this isn't a normal kind of hotel.

This was less a scary read than heartbreaking and emotional. The vignettes about Quinn's family are especially poignant as the girls discover clues about what's really happening.

Love, love, love this book!

[Belles Middle Grade Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read A Box of Bones a couple of years ago, loved it, & then went & bought more books by Marina Cohen. This was just as incredible, if not more. I’d say this upper MG, with its darker areas, including a child abduction(it’s not on paper, it happened before the events of the book)which I don’t think I’ve ever seen in a MG before.. & I don’t want to say I enjoyed that(I’m not evil), but I enjoyed how different & refreshing this was in all the ways that made it different. Quinn herself is as haunted as this hotel, by the decision she made in the past, in which she lost her sister. Some chapters are showing the past events that led up to her sisters disappearance, so you feel connected more to those feelings/experience Quinn has, as well as the story as a whole. Now she’s losing her best friend who’s moving, & they go on this last trip together to see where they’re moving. They have to stop 1st though. At this very creepy diner, & then at this extremely creepy “The Shining” type vibes hotel. All the people who work there with their eerily creepy & similar smiles, the uniquely different & strange acting other guests, all the rooms, the halls that seem to move/change, the elevator, no technology or phones, etc-so spooky! Then Quinn’s best friend Kara’s parents, & then little brother disappear. That along with the events at the pool, who Quinn thinks she sees, the noises, what she sees on the tv, the creepy man chasing them, & everything else make for a thrilling time. There are parts that are scarier than others, & this hotel is terrifying. Nothing is as it seems.. when the elevator goes down instead up for once & what we see?? I WAS SO CREEPED OUT, & a little bit scared-not ashamed to say lol Wowza. Then when we find out what is going on towards the end-mind BLOWN. I actually never saw that coming. What everything means is just..goosebumps. Who shows up at the end gave me chills. A part with Quinn was left somewhat unanswered, but not really-because when she notices “the bracelet” & the “sounds”, & how she rushes what she’s doing-it’s clear she knows, & I knew too what was about to happen. One thing that was unanswered is what actually happened to the person who shows up at the end. That didn’t bother me though. This is MG, & the details of that I don’t think could have been ever put in a way that was acceptable or ok in anyway for a MG book. So I respected, & was satisfied with the answers we did get there. This was such a vividly atmospheric story, that is spooky & just hauntingly beautiful in a way. I finished this at the beginning of the month, & I find myself still thinking about this. Highly recommend. Beautiful cover, & STUNNING inside illustrations sprinkled throughout by Sarah Watts as well.💜

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun, but dark middle grade. I loved the play on words and names with clear mythological inspiration. I was able to tell what was happening and predicted the ending, but this was meant for a younger audience and I believe the twists and turns would be creepy and perfect for the age group. The few illustrations scattered throughout the book were nice additions, I would have loved more.

[Julz Laskazeski · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasnt prepared for the last 50 pages at all. I did enjoy this book it was a good mystery. Love quinn and kara as besties and their friendship bracelets remind me of when i was that age with my bestie. I was really annoyed with quinns parents and the way they treated her. I must say i wanna visit the victorian hotel it sounded amazing.

[Craig Ranallo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun, creepy little gem that I read as an ode to The Shining for middle-grade readers. There's some decent depth to the characters for such a short novel, and after knowing what was really happening at the Inn, I think re-reading it would reveal a lot of subtle, effective clues. Props also for tackling some dark subject matter, including child abduction, which I can't recall being an element included in any other middle-grade novel that I've read.

[Kiki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not one to usually read children's books, but this one has been piquing my curiosity since we got it in three years ago. And I am certainly glad I did. The Inn Between wouldn't be for every child and the themes it deals with are incredibly mature for a children's book such as death, loss, and guilt. With that being said, I loved it. Truthfully, if the characters weren't kids themselves, it could easily be YA or even adult fiction. Cohen is a wonderful writer and I'm not ashamed to admit that I was both glued to the pages and emotionally moved by the ending (yes, there were tears).

[EV Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great mystery for middle-graders. Spooky but not overly scary and lots of clues to think about.

[SydneyK · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good but had a complicated ending. I would recommended this book for ages 10-14. 😀

[Andrea Trenary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed it. Though the ending made me sad.

[Pixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am usually on the slow side of reading but it felt like I read this book in one day. every page had an unexpected twist hiding around the corner. this book definitely deserves a sequel.

[Suzanne Dix · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a creepy and ultimately sad story. Not sure who I would recommend this one to...

Grades 4 and up.