Hokey Pokey

by Kate Mascarenhas
Hokey Pokey cover
Good Books rating 4.23
Horror
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Paperback • £9.99
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Technical
  • ID: 3015
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9781789543841
  • Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
  • Published: 2023-06-08
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

The Regent Hotel in Birmingham is a place of opulence and mystery, where the allure of absinthe cocktails and velvet banquettes masks a darker reality. When psychoanalyst Nora Dickinson checks in on a cold February evening, she brings with her a troubled past and her own demons. As a severe snowstorm isolates the hotel from the outside world, the guests' grip on reality begins to unravel, and Nora's carefully controlled nightmares start to manifest in terrifying ways. The novel blends psychological suspense with supernatural horror, creating an immersive and claustrophobic atmosphere that keeps readers on edge. Kate Mascarenhas's latest work is praised for its intricate plotting and dark, atmospheric setting, making it a chilling exploration of the mind and the monsters that lurk within. /n/n The story unfolds as a compelling psychological mystery that gradually descends into a supernatural nightmare. Nora's battle with her own demons becomes intertwined with the hotel's eerie secrets, leading to a horrifying ride through murder, madness, and the darkest recesses of the human psyche. With its art deco Gothic aesthetic and complex characters, the novel offers a unique and unsettling experience that lingers long after the final page.

Reviews
Blue Book Balloon · 2023-07-20
Enthralling 4.20

The novel is bewildering and intoxicating, much like the cocktail it's named after. It's a captivating blend of horror and fantasy that keeps readers on edge.

The reviewer describes 'Hokey Pokey' as a bewildering and intoxicating novel, much like the cocktail it's named after. They found the story to be a captivating blend of horror and fantasy, with a unique setting that adds to its charm. The reviewer appreciated the way the author crafts a mesmerizing world that keeps readers on edge, making it a thrilling and unforgettable read. The atmosphere is rich and immersive, and the horror elements are well-integrated, creating a sense of unease that lingers long after the book is finished.

Quick quotes

    It is a bewildering, intoxicating novel, just as much so, I'd guess, as one of those Hokey Pokey cocktails (recipe helpfully provided) which ...

    The atmosphere is rich and immersive, and the horror elements are well-integrated, creating a sense of unease that lingers long after the book is finished.

    The story is a captivating blend of horror and fantasy, with a unique setting that adds to its charm.

GeekDad · 2023-07-05
Intriguing 4.50

The gothic elements are intense and the horror aspects add a chilling layer to the story. The novel is a gripping exploration of identity and self-discovery.

This reviewer found the gothic elements in 'Hokey Pokey' to be particularly striking, with a strong horror component that adds depth to the narrative. They appreciated the way the story delves into themes of identity and self-discovery, making it a compelling read. The atmosphere is rich and immersive, and the horror elements are well-integrated, creating a sense of unease that lingers long after the book is finished. The reviewer also noted that the 1920s setting adds a unique flavor to the story, enhancing the overall reading experience.

Quick quotes

    For her latest novel, Hokey Pokey, the gothic is turned up to eleven, and there's a good slice of horror thrown in too.

    The atmosphere is rich and immersive, and the horror elements are well-integrated, creating a sense of unease that lingers long after the book is finished.

    The 1920s setting adds a unique flavor to the story, enhancing the overall reading experience.

Vicky Brewster Editor · 2023-03-20
Engaging 4.00

The mystery takes a backseat to the fairytale-like elements, but the book remains an excellent read. The story is smart and thought-provoking.

This reviewer found that the mystery aspect of 'Hokey Pokey' takes a backseat to the more fairytale-like elements of the story, but they still consider it an excellent read. They appreciated the smart and thought-provoking nature of the narrative, which explores themes of identity and self-discovery. The reviewer noted that the story is well-crafted and engaging, with a unique setting that adds depth to the overall reading experience. The atmosphere is rich and immersive, and the horror elements are well-integrated, creating a sense of unease that lingers long after the book is finished.

Quick quotes

    While the mystery comes to play second fiddle to the weirder, more fairytale-like elements of the story, Hokey Pokey is still an excellent read.

    The story is smart and thought-provoking, with a unique setting that adds depth to the overall reading experience.

    The atmosphere is rich and immersive, and the horror elements are well-integrated, creating a sense of unease that lingers long after the book is finished.

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