1 / 7The Last Chance Hotel: Seth Seppi Mysteries, Book 1
Book: The Last Chance Hotel by Nicki Thornton opens the Seth Seppi Mysteries with a magical locked-room murder. Seth, a kitchen boy at a remote hotel, becomes the main suspect after a guest is poisoned by his dessert, and must solve the mystery to clear his name.
At a glance
- A locked-room murder mystery with magic and a suspected poisoning at its centre.
- Seth is the young hotel kitchen boy who must find the culprit and clear his name.
- A talking cat, Nightshade, is part of the story.
- Listed for readers aged 9–12 and published as the first Seth Seppi Mysteries book.
Reference price: €8.79
Price checked: 12 Nov 2026
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Pros and cons
Pros
- Combines a whodunnit plot with a magical setting, giving young mystery readers two clear story hooks.
- The 336-page length offers a substantial standalone reading experience, while opening a named series.
Technical specifications
10 specifications| Publisher | Chicken House |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 7 June 2018 |
| Edition | 1st |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 336 pages |
| Reading age | 9 - 12 years |
| ISBN-10 | 1911077678 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1911077671 |
| Weight listed | 1.05 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 4.96 x 1.02 x 7.72 inches |
What to know before buying
- The listing describes a fictional murder investigation involving poisoning. Consider whether that mystery theme suits the intended young reader.
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers aged 9–12 who enjoy magical mysteries and guessing who did it.
- Young readers looking for a mystery with a talking cat and a locked-room setup.
- Families seeking the first book in the Seth Seppi Mysteries.
Less suited to
- Readers who prefer stories without murder or poisoning themes.
- Buyers seeking a standalone book with no series continuation.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
73% 73% - 4 stars
12% 12% - 3 stars
11% 11% - 2 stars
1% 1% - 1 star
3% 3%
Customer feedback highlights readability, the plot and suitability for ages 9–12. The reported praise for the balance of mystery and heart may appeal to young readers who want suspense without a purely dark tone. Aggregate ratings lean positive, though a smaller share is mixed or negative, so reader reactions are not uniform.
Positive themes
- Customers describe the book as highly readable.
- Customer feedback is positive about the plot and age suitability.
Frequently asked questions
What is The Last Chance Hotel about?
Seth, a kitchen boy at a remote hotel, becomes the main suspect when a guest is poisoned after eating his dessert. He tries to solve the locked-room mystery and clear his name.
What age is the book listed for?
The listing gives a reading age of 9–12 years and describes it as suitable for readers aged 9 and up.
Is this the first book in a series?
Yes. It is identified as book one of the Seth Seppi Mysteries. The listing names The Bad Luck Lighthouse and The Cut-Throat Café as later books.
How long is the book?
The listed print length is 336 pages.
