The Haunting of Room 904

Wurth (White Horse) disappoints in this underdeveloped paranormal horror novel. Indigenous paranormal investigator Olivia Becente bounces from case to case while reeling from her sister Naiche’s suicide. Then a mysterious organization of socialites who call themselves the Sacred 36 asks her to investigate room 904 of Denver’s storied Brown Palace hotel, the site of Naiche’s death. Olivia learns that her sister’s soul is trapped there by an ancient curse—and after her mother checks into the hotel, she may be the curse’s next victim. Wurth puts a refreshing twist on standard paranormal investigation procedurals by incorporating Indigenous faith traditions and real historical elements, like the Sand Creek Massacre, but the herky-jerky plot lacks focus, careening between digressions and miring itself in a series of interpersonal dramas and romantic misadventures among a thinly drawn supporting cast. Meanwhile, attempts to cut the scares with humor lend the prose a flippant, and occasionally juvenile, feel. Wurth’s diehard fans will enjoy the tough as nails narrator, but those seeking narrative cohesion will struggle with this. Agent: Rebecca Friedman, Rebecca Friedman Literary. (Mar.)