The Hitchcock Hotel and The President’s Lawyer: A Tale of Tension and Intrigue

The Hitchcock Hotel

By Stephanie Wrobel

There’s an air of tension and unspoken rivalry when five former college classmates converge for a weekend at The Hitchcock Hotel (Berkley, 340 pp., $29), a quaint yet eerie inn nestled in New England, brimming with cinematic memorabilia. The hotel is run by Alfred Smettle, a once-close friend who has now become an enigmatic host. Their paths have diverged significantly since graduation 16 years ago, marred by a tragic incident linked to their film studies class that has left scars on their friendships.

With a simmering undercurrent of unresolved grievances, Alfred has meticulously planned this gathering, treating it as if he is directing a twisted cinematic masterpiece. “Only the best for my former best friends,” he muses darkly as he crafts the atmosphere. During a chilling welcome dinner, he unnerves the group with a provocative question: “If you had to commit the perfect murder, how would you do it?”

This marks the third offering from the gifted Stephanie Wrobel, who artfully weaves a narrative that shifts between different times and perspectives. Enthusiasts of Hitchcock’s films will delight in the multitude of references scattered throughout: a chilling housekeeper reminiscent of Mrs. Danvers from “Rebecca,” a sinister flock of crows echoing “The Birds,” and a “Psycho”-like maternal figure lurking offstage.

At first glance, the plot appears to tread the well-worn path of the bullied student seeking revenge years later. However, it soon veers into unexpected, delightfully eccentric territories. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes evident that Alfred, despite his scheming nature, is not the sole character harboring dark secrets and hidden motives.

The President’s Lawyer

The President’s Lawyer

By Lawrence Robbins

Rob Jacobson, a formidable litigator with deep roots in Washington, D.C., has maintained a longstanding friendship with Jack Cutler, who was recently the president of the United States. As the gripping courtroom drama penned by Lawrence Robbins unfolds, Jacobson finds himself at the center of a sensational case: defending Cutler against shocking allegations of murdering a young and vibrant lawyer who had worked closely with him in the White House, and with whom he had an illicit affair.

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