14 by Peter Clines - Book Review

Nate’s new apartment building is full of mysteries.  Each room has a very different floor plan.  One door has no handle.  One is locked with four padlocks.  The elevator hasn’t worked in forever.  One has had multiple suicides.  Because he hates his job and is intrigued by these irregularities, Nate decides to get to the bottom of things.  With the help of his neighbors, he begins to discover things aren’t what they seem.

This is the set-up for 14 by Peter Clines, a book that has been compared to the mysteries of the tv show Lost. While I wouldn’t go that far, I will say that there was a steady build of tension throughout the novel.  Nate was a good main character, and was well written.  His neighbors were a great supporting cast, referring to themselves as characters from Scooby-Doo.  The various mysteries about the apartments and the Kavach building itself were enough of a hook to keep me interested and wanting to know what was next.  The payoff was satisfying, and I felt like the story was resolved. To say more would chance spoiling the reveals.

This is the second book by Clines that I’ve read and I really enjoy his writing style.  His chapters read rather quickly and move the plot along.  There are not many slow moments, although there are quiet moments which add to the plot.  He also writes good, believable dialogue.

I’m not sure how to classify this book.  It’s not really sci-fi, and it doesn’t really feel like horror to me, although that is probably where it fits best.  I would recommend this to fans who like their mysteries with a little creepiness, and to fans of H.P. Lovecraft.

I received a review copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.