A Book A Week

Some are born with the gift. Others have it thrust upon them. Olivia never expected to possess it at all. The ability to commune with the dead had always belonged to her sister, Naiche. But when Naiche died under mysterious circumstances, that gift transferred to Olivia, a final, unasked-for inheritance that changed her life forever.

Olivia has fully embraced her abilities, becoming a sought-after paranormal investigator. But the loss of Naiche still leaves an ache she can’t shake. When she’s called to investigate unsettling occurrences at the historic Brown Palace Hotel in Denver, she assumes it will be just another routine haunting. But this case is anything but ordinary. Every few years, a woman is found dead in room 904, no matter which room she initially checked into.

As Olivia delves into the chilling pattern of deaths, the past and present begin to blur. Her investigation pulls her into the orbit of a mysterious cult, a relentless journalist, betrayals from those she trusts, and shocking secrets about Naiche’s hidden life. What started as a ghost hunt quickly becomes something far more dangerous and personal.

In The Haunting of Room 904, Erika T. Wurth weaves a deeply personal tale of family, grief, and cultural identity within the framework of a gripping paranormal thriller. From the start, the eerie atmosphere sets the stage, evoking the unsettling tension of The Conjuring films. While the supernatural elements are undeniably chilling—delivering plenty of moments to send shivers down your spine—it’s the richly drawn, diverse cast that makes this novel stand out.

Wurth seamlessly integrates Indigenous history, particularly the lasting impact of the Sand Creek Massacre, alongside nuanced representations of LGBTQ+ and Jewish identities. These layers of cultural and historical depth unfold organically, adding weight and resonance beyond the scares. Through the terror, Wurth challenges readers to reflect on identity, politics, and belonging. The pacing isn’t always even, but the novel remains compelling and thought-provoking—a haunting on multiple levels.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2025, 22)