The Hitchcock Hotel
By Stephanie Wrobel
In The Hitchcock Hotel (Berkley, 340 pp., $29), author Stephanie Wrobel invites readers into a chilling world that unfolds over a weekend at a peculiar New England inn, brimming with vintage movie memorabilia. This establishment is overseen by Alfred Smettle, a former college classmate of the five guests who are reuniting after 16 long years. The past, however, is not easily forgotten, particularly when it is shadowed by a horrific incident that transpired during their film studies class.
As resentment and old wounds bubble to the surface, Alfred has meticulously crafted this reunion as if he were directing a sinister film. His unsettling presence looms over the welcome dinner, where he poses a disquieting question: “If you had to commit the perfect murder, how would you do it?” The tension in the room thickens as the guests grapple with both his unsettling inquiries and their own buried secrets.
This marks Wrobel’s third novel, showcasing her impressive ability to weave time and perspective in an engaging narrative. Enthusiasts of Alfred Hitchcock will find myriad references to his iconic works artfully embedded within the story. From a hauntingly familiar servant reminiscent of Mrs. Danvers in Rebecca, to a murder of crows echoing the terror of The Birds, and a Psycho-like offstage matriarch, the homage to the master of suspense is palpable.
At first glance, the plot appears to tread the well-worn path of a bullied student seeking revenge years later. Nevertheless, Wrobel skillfully steers the narrative into unexpected, delightful twists and turns, revealing that Alfred’s sinister machinations are just one layer of a much more complex narrative. Each character harbors their own secrets, ensuring that the weekend unfolds with both suspense and intrigue.
The President’s Lawyer
By Lawrence Robbins
In The President’s Lawyer, author Lawrence Robbins introduces us to Rob Jacobson, a formidable Washington litigator whose longstanding friendship with Jack Cutler, the former president of the United States, becomes the center of a gripping courtroom drama. The narrative kicks off with Jacobson taking on a sensational case: defending Cutler against shocking allegations of murdering a young, beautiful lawyer from the White House with whom he was romantically involved, complicating matters further.
As Jacobson delves deeper into the case, he finds himself navigating a treacherous web of political intrigue, personal loyalties, and ethical dilemmas. The courtroom scenes crackle with tension as Jacobson battles not only for his friend’s freedom but also to uncover the truth hidden beneath layers of deception. The stakes escalate in a high-stakes game where every revelation could shift the balance of justice.
