Book Review: The Hitchcock Hotel by Stephanie Wrobel

I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.

The Hitchcock Hotel by Stephanie Wrobel

Mogsy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Genre: Mystery, Suspense

Series: Stand Alone

Publisher: Berkley (September 24, 2024)

Length: 352 pages

Author Information: Website

I’m not a Hitchcock fanatic myself, but being married to one has made me quite familiar with the Master of Suspense and his films. That said, it wasn’t the movie references that attracted me to this novel. While I believe The Hitchcock Hotel would be an enjoyable read for both Hitchcock fans and newcomers alike, what really drew me in was the promise of a locked-room mystery, a reunion of old friends harboring dark secrets, and, of course, murder!

Sixteen years ago, six college students came together and formed a film club, quickly becoming close-knit and inseparable. However, following an irreparable rift that resulted in the casting out of one of their own, the group drifted apart after graduation and went their separate ways. Samira became an entrepreneur, balancing motherhood with running a successful sex toy company. Julius, the class clown and heir to his grandfather’s fashion empire, now lives the life of a carefree playboy philanthropist. Zoe worked tirelessly in college and realized her dream of becoming a top chef and running her own restaurant. TJ, once a bookish nerd, has undergone the most dramatic physical transformation, becoming a muscular gym enthusiast who works as a bodyguard. And then there’s Grace—driven and ambitious—who meticulously planned her path to becoming a wealthy corporate exec and working mom, seemingly achieving all her goals.

Now, the five of them find themselves back together on the grounds of a sprawling estate nestled at the foot of the White Mountains, just a stone’s throw from their old alma mater. They have all been summoned here by the sixth member of their group, Alfred Smettle. Named after Alfred Hitchcock, Alfred grew up idolizing the legendary filmmaker. His passion led him to create The Hitchcock Hotel, a massive Victorian converted into a themed luxury inn. Perched impressively on top of a hill and filled with relics, decorations, and memorabilia related to Hitchcock’s movies, the property even boasts an aviary complete with fifty crows in residence. And to celebrate the hotel’s first anniversary, Alfred has invited his old college buddies for an all-expenses paid reunion.

Not surprisingly, Samira, Zoe, Julia, TJ, and Grace find the invitation odd—Afred hasn’t spoken to any of them since college, not after what happened to cause their massive falling out. Could this be his way of reaching out to mend old wounds and move on? Or might Alfred have something more sinister planned for the friends he once trusted most?

Tensions flare immediately once all the characters are gathered, each one currently afflicted by personal or professional problems. Without revealing too much about the plot, these individual grievances only add fuel to the already strained relationships among the former friends, dredging up old grudges and creating even more resentment. If this was meant to be a friendly reunion to let bygones be bygones, that theory is quickly dispelled by the snide jokes and veiled insults that start flying immediately, setting everyone on edge. From the outset, it’s clear that all six characters are hiding something, and certain odd mannerisms and behaviors signal to the reader that something is off, even if the reasons for the bad vibes remain unclear. All these secrets create an undercurrent of subtle but palpable conflict.

And then there’s Alfred. While his invitation appears generous on the surface, anyone paying even the slightest attention can sense the manipulation beneath the surface. His creepy obsession with Hitchcock’s films and his fanatical recreation of their unsettling themes and atmospheres through his hotel create a looming sense of dread. Here, author Stephanie Wrobel’s deep knowledge of Hitchcock’s work is apparent; all the references and the eerie vibes she creates are spot-on. You get the sense that all these elements are converging to set the stage for something much bigger and darker, as Alfred’s true intentions gradually come to light.

The plot really explodes once the group settles into the hotel. As the elaborate threads of the story begin to unravel, the narrative shifts to a classic locked-room mystery. We end up with a dead body, and everyone is a suspect. Wrobel does an excellent job layering the mystery with unexpected twists and more than a few surprises, weaving together secrets from both the past and present to form a compelling and cohesive plot. She also manages to succeed in an area where many lock-room mysteries with large casts falter—balancing attention among all the characters, giving each one equal focus and depth while keeping them all integral to the story. While none of the characters are particularly likable (as is often the case in this genre), I nevertheless found myself thoroughly engaged with all their backstories, motives, and personal hangups, never losing track or interest in who was who or what drove them.

If you find yourself drawn to the novel’s tribute to Alfred Hitchcock films, whether iconic or lesser known, you will not be disappointed. Even if you’re not familiar with Hitchcock’s work, but enjoy suspenseful thrillers and murder fiction, The Hitchcock Hotel will still captivate you with its entertaining and richly layered mystery. I had a great time with this book, which delivered a smart, twisty, and engaging read.