As a new mother, Gracie Michaels is struggling. She is sleep deprived and feeling guilty that she is not enjoying this time with her baby. At the end of her tether, she books one night at the Maxwell Hotel. A night to herself to recharge. However, when she wakes up next to a man who is not her husband, an intricate web of lies and secrets begins to be woven.

Kylie Orr captures well the guilt, despair and feelings of failure of early motherhood with a baby who doesn’t sleep. As well as the underlying mystery there are also themes of family relationships and how these change after children and the guilt or self-doubt of not being a good enough mother. There are questions brought up about the legal system and how it treats victims, especially women seeking justice.

The sinister tone of the story and the pervading sense of doom made this a propulsive read. There were some parts that were challenging to read but it’s the sign of a great book when it provokes a visceral response from the reader.

The Eleventh Floor is a standout read. It’s a tense and twisty domestic suspense which cleverly covers many important issues. Packed with emotion and suspense, I finished the whole book in a day.

Reviewed by Brooke Michie