Trapped in Room 217
Page 8
As the most haunted room in the hotel, there have been different reports about what Elizabeth’s ghost might do during a stay. Guests have reported that she folds their clothes and tidies up the room. I liked the idea that she would light the gas lamp when the lights were out, so I added that bit of information to give Jayla a mystery to solve. I also added the hidden locket as a physical object and the real reason Elizabeth continued to do her job . . . even in the afterlife.
Some of the other creepy things that happened to the Walters kids in the book are based on experiences I had when there. I did go into the tunnels beneath the hotel, but I didn’t hear any eerie voices. I also got to hear Lucy’s story, and the door to the room slammed shut while I was sitting there! Was it Lucy? I guess we’ll never know for sure.
Like Jayla does, you can research to learn more about the history of The Stanley Hotel. If you get a chance, stay at The Stanley some night. But whatever you do, leave the locket alone!
About the Author
Thomas Kingsley Troupe has been making up stories ever since he was in short pants. As an “adult,” he’s the author of a whole lot of books for kids. When he’s not writing, he enjoys movies, biking, taking naps, and investigating ghosts as a member of the Twin Cities Paranormal Society. Raised in “Nordeast” Minneapolis, he now lives in Woodbury, Minnesota, with his awe-inspiring family.
About the Illustrator
Maggie Ivy is a freelance illustrator and artist who lives and works in the Ozark area in Arkansas. She found her love for art at an early age and pursued it with passion. She graduated from The Florence Academy of Art in 2010. She loves narrative elements and story-building moments, and seeks to implement them in her own work.