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The Other Hotel #1
The Other Hotel
A night to remember in a place to forget. True* tales from Melbourne’s fifth-worst hotel. (*Well, true-ish. True tales from a post-truth world)It should have been simple. Go in and steal the cash. But no job is simple when the two guys named Lenny and their buddy Hot Sauce are involved. Sprinkle in a backpacker who is not what she seems, some cashed-up tourists who don’t speak English, a couple enduring the night from hell, not to mention the mysterious Jack the problem solver and you have a night full of sex, drugs and misadventure.If you love hilarious stories that will keep you laughing and guessing all the way to the end, you’ll love Jack Stroke’s The Other Hotel. Get it now.
- GenresFiction
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 4, 2020
395 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
Jack Stroke
19 books19 followersYou're a smart person. Do you really want to read the same thing again and again and again? A copy of a copy of a copy?
Looking for something fresh and original and extremely funny instead? Try one of my books.
Looking for something fresh and original and extremely funny instead? Try one of my books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
November 9, 2021
So what started out as a bit of convoluted explanation of why The Other Hotel is called The Other Hotel, developed into a highly entertaining spin of interwoven stories that kept me reading non-stop.
This was my first Jack Stroke book and I loved the way his characters are developed with real-life flaws unlike some other novels of the same genre. Even more pleasing was the very real absolute cock-up of errors that can easily occur, especially with people who have a limited intellect that his criminal characters very openly display.
This is a must read if you love chuckling aloud at the unfolding of a plot that has a bunch of idiots driving it but at the same time, makes you really root for these Darwin Award nominees!
This was my first Jack Stroke book and I loved the way his characters are developed with real-life flaws unlike some other novels of the same genre. Even more pleasing was the very real absolute cock-up of errors that can easily occur, especially with people who have a limited intellect that his criminal characters very openly display.
This is a must read if you love chuckling aloud at the unfolding of a plot that has a bunch of idiots driving it but at the same time, makes you really root for these Darwin Award nominees!
May 1, 2020
I received an ARC from this author, and this is both a voluntary and honest review.
One again, we're in the lower class area of Melbourne, Australia. This book centres around a hotel/motel that every town in the world has i.e. run-down, short stay/night rental rooms, with a 'You mind your own business and I'll mind mine' clientele. With the exception of one tourist couple who landed there accidently and a chap calling himself Jack the Problem Solver, all the others are up to some sort of nefarious business or another - and they're not very good in performing it. Sit yourself down for rollicking fun ride, that covers only one night at the Other Hotel.
NB. This book does indicate that there is an awful lot of chapters in telling the story. I suspected that this was due to the story zigzagging from one person or room to another. It doesn't. The story is put together in a steady manner, and the chapter breaks are purely a breathing time space for the reader.
I'd recommend this book, plus other books by this author. He's a good story-teller.
One again, we're in the lower class area of Melbourne, Australia. This book centres around a hotel/motel that every town in the world has i.e. run-down, short stay/night rental rooms, with a 'You mind your own business and I'll mind mine' clientele. With the exception of one tourist couple who landed there accidently and a chap calling himself Jack the Problem Solver, all the others are up to some sort of nefarious business or another - and they're not very good in performing it. Sit yourself down for rollicking fun ride, that covers only one night at the Other Hotel.
NB. This book does indicate that there is an awful lot of chapters in telling the story. I suspected that this was due to the story zigzagging from one person or room to another. It doesn't. The story is put together in a steady manner, and the chapter breaks are purely a breathing time space for the reader.
I'd recommend this book, plus other books by this author. He's a good story-teller.
May 29, 2020
I received a copy of this book from Hidden Gems. I found it to be hilarious and very entertaining. The other hotel is in Melbourne, Australia, bvut the style of writing and idiom fit right into my American mind. There are many stories in the other hotel, and this book provides a number of them. They involve strange characters, oddball activity, and so many twists and turns you remain flabbergasted. Jack Stroke has an off-beat sense of humor and a gift for story-telling. After finishing this book, I immediately went on line and got two more. The concoction of strange people, weird activities and a sleazy hotel is entertaining and amusing.
November 10, 2021
there is a nice hotel in town, this book is about the other hotel, and the goings on.
May 28, 2020
I was given this book from Hidden Gems to read and review. It is a real hidden gem. I loved this book!! It was easy to read and so funny. I loved the easy style of writing.
I liked the fact that it felt like several short stories but everything circled back around. The characters were so great!! Crossword, Jack the Problem Solver and The Chen’s were just a few of an eclectic group that are at The Other Hotel for the night. You will howl when you find out why it is named The Other Hotel. Read this book! Read this author. This is my first book by him but I will be reading more!!!
I liked the fact that it felt like several short stories but everything circled back around. The characters were so great!! Crossword, Jack the Problem Solver and The Chen’s were just a few of an eclectic group that are at The Other Hotel for the night. You will howl when you find out why it is named The Other Hotel. Read this book! Read this author. This is my first book by him but I will be reading more!!!
May 17, 2021
You’re time would be better spent elsewhere
Told in a third person omniscient voice with Australian slang. Just not my cup of tea. Limited action. Not a lot of effort on scene settings. Some key characters were well defined. The rest were left to flounder. The story was disjointed and incomplete; but the author is willing to sell you, the rest of the story.
Told in a third person omniscient voice with Australian slang. Just not my cup of tea. Limited action. Not a lot of effort on scene settings. Some key characters were well defined. The rest were left to flounder. The story was disjointed and incomplete; but the author is willing to sell you, the rest of the story.
May 29, 2020
While this book did have some humorous moments, it wasn’t quiet the quirky over the top read I was expecting.
Puzzler did add to the eccentric charm of the Other Hotel, with his dry wit and belabored attitude.
The Chen’s themselves were a couple that understood how to live life to it’s fullest and to go after what you want. The age disparity seemed to actually work in their favor and give them what the other was seeking.
Lund and his drug dealing cohorts, Hot Sauce and the two Lenny’s in many ways reminded me of the Three Stooges or Daryl and my other brother Daryl from the Bob Newhart Show. Like Lund commented the constant use of the B word that sounds like itch got a bit old from Hot Sauce after a while.
So while it is called the Other Hotel the story revolves around the Chen’s and the bad guys. There were comedic moments and some touching moments by the Chen’s it did seem to drag on after a bit. It’s one of those stories that you can skip a few pages and not really miss much.
I received an advanced reader copy and I am leaving a voluntary review.
Puzzler did add to the eccentric charm of the Other Hotel, with his dry wit and belabored attitude.
The Chen’s themselves were a couple that understood how to live life to it’s fullest and to go after what you want. The age disparity seemed to actually work in their favor and give them what the other was seeking.
Lund and his drug dealing cohorts, Hot Sauce and the two Lenny’s in many ways reminded me of the Three Stooges or Daryl and my other brother Daryl from the Bob Newhart Show. Like Lund commented the constant use of the B word that sounds like itch got a bit old from Hot Sauce after a while.
So while it is called the Other Hotel the story revolves around the Chen’s and the bad guys. There were comedic moments and some touching moments by the Chen’s it did seem to drag on after a bit. It’s one of those stories that you can skip a few pages and not really miss much.
I received an advanced reader copy and I am leaving a voluntary review.
January 19, 2022
Not mystery or thriller, at least I had a clue of what I was getting into. This is a packed night of activities in a seedy hotel. The pieces were interesting and flowed pretty well. I felt the activities 2/3 of the way through which were outside of the hotel detracted and felt like they were there to lengthen the book and keep the reader from getting on with a main story. Except that midway portion which seemed to drag, the book kept my interest.
Most characters had facets to ponder as stories unfolded. A nice read.
Most characters had facets to ponder as stories unfolded. A nice read.
October 4, 2021
A hidden gem
I chose this rating because, although It admittedly took a while for me to " get in to", this novel ,once I had settled down I was facinated at the complexity of the characters. Not to mention the spiderweb of their Indivdual stories, once you have looked quite closely.. But once you step back from it to see the entire tapestry as a whole, blend to create a wonderful, naughty delight. A must read for them who like their stories just a little on the trashy side.
I chose this rating because, although It admittedly took a while for me to " get in to", this novel ,once I had settled down I was facinated at the complexity of the characters. Not to mention the spiderweb of their Indivdual stories, once you have looked quite closely.. But once you step back from it to see the entire tapestry as a whole, blend to create a wonderful, naughty delight. A must read for them who like their stories just a little on the trashy side.
October 2, 2024
This is a pretty good book. There are many different characters as the author tells the stories of all the characters and how they interact with others. The Other Hotel is a hotel in a run-down area of the city. There are drug dealers, people that "cheat" on their spouses, and others that make reservations thinking they are registering at another Continental Hotel in the city. Quite a few "characters".
September 18, 2020
The funniest crime fiction since vintage Leonard
In the late 1980’s into the 1990’s, the release of a new Elmore Leonard book was a cause for celebration. After reading The Other Hotel I have hopes that future books from Jack Stroke will be a new run of incredibly fun reads. Try this one and I’ll bet you’ll agree that this guy is the real thing!
In the late 1980’s into the 1990’s, the release of a new Elmore Leonard book was a cause for celebration. After reading The Other Hotel I have hopes that future books from Jack Stroke will be a new run of incredibly fun reads. Try this one and I’ll bet you’ll agree that this guy is the real thing!
March 8, 2021
Loved it
I Really enjoyed this book. It was a little different from what I usually read. The characters were interesting and each of their stories were entangled with each other in a cool way at The Other Hotel. I enjoyed the twists and the ending left me wanting more of this author.
I Really enjoyed this book. It was a little different from what I usually read. The characters were interesting and each of their stories were entangled with each other in a cool way at The Other Hotel. I enjoyed the twists and the ending left me wanting more of this author.
May 14, 2021
Love the Writing Style
The author writes in an easy to follow style. The book was quite entertaining but there were about 3 chapters about 2/3s of the way through that I skipped as the story became jumbled and confusing. I was able to pick up after them and complete the book without issue.
The author writes in an easy to follow style. The book was quite entertaining but there were about 3 chapters about 2/3s of the way through that I skipped as the story became jumbled and confusing. I was able to pick up after them and complete the book without issue.
June 4, 2021
Good book
The Other Hotel was quite entertaining. An odd assortment of characters are checked in , in a single night. Each has a backstory, at the hilarious. This book started off a little slow, but hit it's rhythm quickly. The characters quirky, and their situations over the top.
The Other Hotel was quite entertaining. An odd assortment of characters are checked in , in a single night. Each has a backstory, at the hilarious. This book started off a little slow, but hit it's rhythm quickly. The characters quirky, and their situations over the top.
May 28, 2020
This book is a bit of a rough and tumble riot. Nothing goes according to plan. Nobody is who they say they are. Kobe Bryant is a ghost and nobody gets any sleep. It was crazy! I loved it.
I received a free copy from Hidden Gems Books in return for an honest review.
I received a free copy from Hidden Gems Books in return for an honest review.
May 5, 2021
This book was wonderful. I have now bought several others by this author, and expect to enjoy them as much as I did this one. Although set in Australia, the humor reminded me of that of a favorite author, the Irish Caimh McDonnell.
May 7, 2021
If you like Tim Dorcey, you will like this.
A run down hotel, where weird characters abound. There is the clerk, who only checks in people. The drug dealers, the Oriental couple, a singer being stalked. Very good read.
A run down hotel, where weird characters abound. There is the clerk, who only checks in people. The drug dealers, the Oriental couple, a singer being stalked. Very good read.
May 8, 2021
Like a breath of fresh air. No, more like a blast of refreshing air after a lockdown inspired binge of the usual best selling crime and thriller novels. Quirky and entertaining tales of some of Melbourne's less illustrious inhabitants . All taking place one night in the Other Hotel.
May 14, 2021
Mayhem in Melbourne
Jack Stroke's, The Other Hotel, is a madcap collection of misadventures that all take place in a seedy hotel in Melbourne, Australia. Reminiscent of Tim Dorsey's Serge Storms series, but on steroids. It's one hilarious caper after another.
Jack Stroke's, The Other Hotel, is a madcap collection of misadventures that all take place in a seedy hotel in Melbourne, Australia. Reminiscent of Tim Dorsey's Serge Storms series, but on steroids. It's one hilarious caper after another.
May 20, 2021
This book could really do with some editing...words are missing and very weird sentence formulations. Hmm all in all, the book was interesting. I found the ending haphazardly written though. I have mixed feelings about this one.
May 26, 2021
I've stayed in places like that
Very enjoyable. The Lenny cousins continues can't wait to read it. If you read this I think you will like the book especially if you've stayed in motels before
Very enjoyable. The Lenny cousins continues can't wait to read it. If you read this I think you will like the book especially if you've stayed in motels before
May 31, 2021
Hilarious
Loved this fun novel. The matter-of-fact sense of humor the author has in telling the story makes it that much more enjoyable. Face-palming foolish moves kept the story going!!
Loved this fun novel. The matter-of-fact sense of humor the author has in telling the story makes it that much more enjoyable. Face-palming foolish moves kept the story going!!
July 12, 2021
Enjoyed the bizarre characters quite a bit. Would have given it 5 stars but it left no answers at the end of the book. In fact, it really didn't have an ending. I'm assuming the next book will pick up where this one left off.
August 20, 2021
Fun read
I don't normally write reviews but thought this one deserved it, this was a quick fun read. Much like several short stories entwined with a fun bunch of characters, made me giggle several times. Worth the read
I don't normally write reviews but thought this one deserved it, this was a quick fun read. Much like several short stories entwined with a fun bunch of characters, made me giggle several times. Worth the read
October 21, 2021
Funny man
I enjoyed this book and read it quickly. It was fun and full of quirky characters. I will continue on with this author.
P.S. I love Australia because of its beautiful land and people!
I enjoyed this book and read it quickly. It was fun and full of quirky characters. I will continue on with this author.
P.S. I love Australia because of its beautiful land and people!
March 4, 2022
Funny, fast paced
Readng this made me want to move to
Australia to work at The Other Hotel. I loved seeing the characters' backstories and I couldn't wait to see what happened next. Definitely reading more by this author!
Readng this made me want to move to
Australia to work at The Other Hotel. I loved seeing the characters' backstories and I couldn't wait to see what happened next. Definitely reading more by this author!
March 13, 2022
Dark and entertaining
It was different and I had a hard time keeping up with all the characters but it all comes together in the end. Its comical and and fast moving and quite a delight to read. Getting the next one now.
It was different and I had a hard time keeping up with all the characters but it all comes together in the end. Its comical and and fast moving and quite a delight to read. Getting the next one now.
September 13, 2022
A fun read
I really enjoyed this book and have already ordered the 2nd in the series. The story is full of strange characters yet they are characters you have come across in life. Twists and turns aplenty. Can't wait to see what happens next!
I really enjoyed this book and have already ordered the 2nd in the series. The story is full of strange characters yet they are characters you have come across in life. Twists and turns aplenty. Can't wait to see what happens next!
November 25, 2022
Funny and Twisty!
This was Snort Out Loud good, I loved it! The characters were vibrant and the anecdotes added to the story as a whole. It surprised me several times (twisty!) and my only complaint is that it was too short. Sigh.
This was Snort Out Loud good, I loved it! The characters were vibrant and the anecdotes added to the story as a whole. It surprised me several times (twisty!) and my only complaint is that it was too short. Sigh.
January 17, 2025
With a "Pulp Fiction" narrative vibe that trades humour for Pulp's tension, The Other Hotel turns short chapters of vignettes into a fun, fast ride. Bonus: there's a choose your own adventure book about this hotel and we get a sneak peek at the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews