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Murder at the Hotel Orient: A Spicy Whodunnit Sunday Times Bestseller
'Sultry, sinister and smart. Sterling Lockwood is going to steal your heart - just don't trust her with it' Stuart Turton, author of The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle
In modern day Vienna, city of spies, American Sterling Lockwood is the loyal Concierge & Keeper of Secrets at the infamous Hotel Orient, a love hotel where cameras are banned, aliases are required, and every guest has a secret.
After the double murder of two guests, including a tech mogul building an Austrian surveillance state, Sterling has to turn detective. But finding the truth will require breaking the Orient's sacred code of secrecy, while keeping a few secrets of her own. The police struggle when modern investigative technology proves useless at the old-fashioned hotel. Because clients use aliases, pay cash, and stay mere hours, all suspects have vanished.
Sterling agrees to assist alongside her best friend and colleague Fernando, if only to avoid arrest and fight suspicion regarding her own movements that night. As enemies close in, she risks everything to solve a case haunted by the past in a city with a fetish for nostalgia.
In modern day Vienna, city of spies, American Sterling Lockwood is the loyal Concierge & Keeper of Secrets at the infamous Hotel Orient, a love hotel where cameras are banned, aliases are required, and every guest has a secret.
After the double murder of two guests, including a tech mogul building an Austrian surveillance state, Sterling has to turn detective. But finding the truth will require breaking the Orient's sacred code of secrecy, while keeping a few secrets of her own. The police struggle when modern investigative technology proves useless at the old-fashioned hotel. Because clients use aliases, pay cash, and stay mere hours, all suspects have vanished.
Sterling agrees to assist alongside her best friend and colleague Fernando, if only to avoid arrest and fight suspicion regarding her own movements that night. As enemies close in, she risks everything to solve a case haunted by the past in a city with a fetish for nostalgia.
379 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 30, 2026
About the author
Alessandra Ranelli
2 books106 followersCrime Writer.
Storyteller.
Woman in the Red Dress.
Alessandra Ranelli is an American author living abroad in Vienna, Austria. Her work focuses on love, lust, and loss. She’s been known to kiss and tell.
Alessandra’s crime writing is influenced by her love of old Hollywood glamour and golden age crime. Her style is a cocktail made from a generous pour of bourbon, an ounce of film noir, and a dash of bawdy humor — served in a rocks glass, with red lipstick staining the rim.
As a professional storyteller she has a reputation for making audiences laugh and cry in equal measure. Alessandra is known for her New York Times Modern Love essay "Two Kisses We Never Talked About" and her debut crime novel, "Murder at the Hotel Orient"
She can be found on Instagram @alessandra_ranelli
Storyteller.
Woman in the Red Dress.
Alessandra Ranelli is an American author living abroad in Vienna, Austria. Her work focuses on love, lust, and loss. She’s been known to kiss and tell.
Alessandra’s crime writing is influenced by her love of old Hollywood glamour and golden age crime. Her style is a cocktail made from a generous pour of bourbon, an ounce of film noir, and a dash of bawdy humor — served in a rocks glass, with red lipstick staining the rim.
As a professional storyteller she has a reputation for making audiences laugh and cry in equal measure. Alessandra is known for her New York Times Modern Love essay "Two Kisses We Never Talked About" and her debut crime novel, "Murder at the Hotel Orient"
She can be found on Instagram @alessandra_ranelli
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
May 19, 2026
I’ll start off this review by saying that I’ve been anticipating this book for over 1 1/2 years. I’ve stumbled across a TikTok Video from the author and have been thinking about the book ever since because the overall idea that’s presented really hooked and intrigued me.
That’s why I was so disappointed once I’ve finally started reading.
Some parts, if not the entirety of this book, genuinely read like Fanfiction. For example the first interaction with the detectives: Andreas kept asking “Is this a joke to you?”, which didn’t really fit to what Sterling was actually saying. It felt like the sentence said, was just to give us a feeling of what vibe Sterling gave off without actually giving us Sterling’s vibe (if that makes sense).
The characters are unbearable, the relationships between the characters feel fake and like the reader is outside of an inside joke and 90% of the book is just talk about sex, flirting or being kinky. That’s not something I particularly enjoy.
Also, the repetition of the word “Oida” genuinely made me lose my mind, if I hear or read that word one more time I’ll actually go insane.
Nevertheless, this is the author’s debut and you can feel that she put her everything into it. I like the idea of this book and the overall concept. I’m truly devastated I didn’t get to enjoy it as much as I’d hoped.
A genuine thanks to John Murray and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review!
That’s why I was so disappointed once I’ve finally started reading.
Some parts, if not the entirety of this book, genuinely read like Fanfiction. For example the first interaction with the detectives: Andreas kept asking “Is this a joke to you?”, which didn’t really fit to what Sterling was actually saying. It felt like the sentence said, was just to give us a feeling of what vibe Sterling gave off without actually giving us Sterling’s vibe (if that makes sense).
The characters are unbearable, the relationships between the characters feel fake and like the reader is outside of an inside joke and 90% of the book is just talk about sex, flirting or being kinky. That’s not something I particularly enjoy.
Also, the repetition of the word “Oida” genuinely made me lose my mind, if I hear or read that word one more time I’ll actually go insane.
Nevertheless, this is the author’s debut and you can feel that she put her everything into it. I like the idea of this book and the overall concept. I’m truly devastated I didn’t get to enjoy it as much as I’d hoped.
A genuine thanks to John Murray and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review!
May 24, 2026
3.75/5 I've read a lot of mysteries, but this has one of the most unique and memorable settings I've come across so far – a love hotel in modern-day vienna. the hotel itself almost feels like a character, full of atmosphere and secrets, and I loved all the austrian/german words and phrases woven throughout the story. I've read far too many books in english that include some painfully incorrect german phrases, so it was refreshing to read something written by someone who clearly knows austrian german and vienna quite well. the characters were a lot of fun and especially sterling as the main character was super compelling.
that said, I think this wasn't the best moment for me to be reading this book. while I usually love modern agatha christie-style mysteries, I've started to feel a little burned out on them lately and my reading mood has been leaning much more toward fantasy. because of that, the mystery itself didn't completely hook me (it actually bored me a little at times) and I was far more invested in the setting and the characters than in solving the case.
still, the book hints at future installments in this series and I'd absolutely pick up a sequel once I'm back in more of a mystery-reading mood, because I genuinely loved spending time in this world with these characters. until then: bussi, baba!
that said, I think this wasn't the best moment for me to be reading this book. while I usually love modern agatha christie-style mysteries, I've started to feel a little burned out on them lately and my reading mood has been leaning much more toward fantasy. because of that, the mystery itself didn't completely hook me (it actually bored me a little at times) and I was far more invested in the setting and the characters than in solving the case.
still, the book hints at future installments in this series and I'd absolutely pick up a sequel once I'm back in more of a mystery-reading mood, because I genuinely loved spending time in this world with these characters. until then: bussi, baba!
May 22, 2026
3.5 stars rounded up
Review to follow shortly
Review to follow shortly
October 17, 2025
The title of this book intrigued me, I thought it would be something akin to Murder on the Orient Express..
How wrong I was! This was so much better.
I was hooked from the first few chapters. Absolutely loved it, so much that I very nearly missed my train due to being so engrossed in Sterlings story!!
The intricate weaving and webs of relationships, stories and backgrounds of the characters are expertly illustrated. There are hooks in very chapter that keeps you wanting more.
Loved the relationship between Sterling and
Fernando, and the hotel itself.
Did not expect the twists at the end.
I will.be purchasing this next year.
Thank you to Netgalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
How wrong I was! This was so much better.
I was hooked from the first few chapters. Absolutely loved it, so much that I very nearly missed my train due to being so engrossed in Sterlings story!!
The intricate weaving and webs of relationships, stories and backgrounds of the characters are expertly illustrated. There are hooks in very chapter that keeps you wanting more.
Loved the relationship between Sterling and
Fernando, and the hotel itself.
Did not expect the twists at the end.
I will.be purchasing this next year.
Thank you to Netgalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 25, 2025
A gigantic thank you to John Murray Press and Alessandra Ranelli for providing me with an ARC of Murder at the Hotel Orient in return for an honest review.
Bienvenue à Vienne's most scandalous and clandestine address; the Orient Hotel, where desire collides with danger and secrets hide behind each closed door. In Murder at the Orient Hotel by Alessandra Ranelli, readers are transported into a world of velvet darkness, whispered names, and unspoken desire only to find that underlying the sensual façade is a lethal game of liars and killers.
The book is set in motion with a decadent Golden Age mystery atmosphere but laced with a sultry, modern twist. It takes place in a love hotel where cameras are forbidden and anonymity is assured which will get an instant hold of you. It's mysterious, it's glamorous, and it's perilous all at the same time. When a guest is found dead, the hotel's mysterious concierge, Sterling Lockwood, decides that she will solve the mystery herself. But with the body toll increasing, tension also increases and Sterling's wit and charm are the only things that stand between her and the killer.
The writing is crisp and cinematic by the author. The novel is as if one was sitting in a noir movie with a jazz background due to all the smoky corridors, candles that flicker, and flirtations that are perilous. Sterling is an engaging protagonist: she is smart, elegant, and refreshingly multifaceted. She’s not a traditional detective, but her sharp instincts and morally gray nature make her one of the most intriguing sleuths I’ve read in recent years. Think Phryne Fisher with a darker twist and a Viennese flair.
What really shines is the author's skill at combining Golden Age mystery conventions with a modern sensibility. The result is both nostalgic and new. There's subtle humor underlying the dialogue, erotic tension in each encounter, and an ongoing feeling that everyone including Sterling has something to conceal.
The plotting is faultless. With each chapter, another layer of the hotel's luxurious facade is stripped away, and the secrets it holds reveal themselves from illicit affairs to ancient resentments. The writer constructs her mystery like a symphony that begins slowly and beautifully and then builds to a heart-stopping climax that left me shocked and exhilarated.
And then there's Vienna. The backdrop is not just a prop; it's a participant. The author stains the city with rich, sensual description from its opulent coffee houses to its dark alleyways so that you can almost smell the espresso and touch the silk sheets with your fingertips.
If you’re a fan of Agatha Christie, Stuart Turton, or Deanna Raybourn, Murder at the Hotel Orient is going to be your next obsession. It’s a delicious cocktail of mystery, glamour, and danger which is shaken, not stirred.
By the last page, I was thoroughly enthralled by Sterling Lockwood and her addictive world. I can only hope we don't see the last of her because I'm already itching to return to the Hotel Orient for a second visit.
Murder at the Hotel Orient is clever, sexy, and highly addictive. It's a mystery that crackles with charm and menace in equal proportions.
Thanks once more to John Murray Press and Alessandra Ranelli for this great read.
Bienvenue à Vienne's most scandalous and clandestine address; the Orient Hotel, where desire collides with danger and secrets hide behind each closed door. In Murder at the Orient Hotel by Alessandra Ranelli, readers are transported into a world of velvet darkness, whispered names, and unspoken desire only to find that underlying the sensual façade is a lethal game of liars and killers.
The book is set in motion with a decadent Golden Age mystery atmosphere but laced with a sultry, modern twist. It takes place in a love hotel where cameras are forbidden and anonymity is assured which will get an instant hold of you. It's mysterious, it's glamorous, and it's perilous all at the same time. When a guest is found dead, the hotel's mysterious concierge, Sterling Lockwood, decides that she will solve the mystery herself. But with the body toll increasing, tension also increases and Sterling's wit and charm are the only things that stand between her and the killer.
The writing is crisp and cinematic by the author. The novel is as if one was sitting in a noir movie with a jazz background due to all the smoky corridors, candles that flicker, and flirtations that are perilous. Sterling is an engaging protagonist: she is smart, elegant, and refreshingly multifaceted. She’s not a traditional detective, but her sharp instincts and morally gray nature make her one of the most intriguing sleuths I’ve read in recent years. Think Phryne Fisher with a darker twist and a Viennese flair.
What really shines is the author's skill at combining Golden Age mystery conventions with a modern sensibility. The result is both nostalgic and new. There's subtle humor underlying the dialogue, erotic tension in each encounter, and an ongoing feeling that everyone including Sterling has something to conceal.
The plotting is faultless. With each chapter, another layer of the hotel's luxurious facade is stripped away, and the secrets it holds reveal themselves from illicit affairs to ancient resentments. The writer constructs her mystery like a symphony that begins slowly and beautifully and then builds to a heart-stopping climax that left me shocked and exhilarated.
And then there's Vienna. The backdrop is not just a prop; it's a participant. The author stains the city with rich, sensual description from its opulent coffee houses to its dark alleyways so that you can almost smell the espresso and touch the silk sheets with your fingertips.
If you’re a fan of Agatha Christie, Stuart Turton, or Deanna Raybourn, Murder at the Hotel Orient is going to be your next obsession. It’s a delicious cocktail of mystery, glamour, and danger which is shaken, not stirred.
By the last page, I was thoroughly enthralled by Sterling Lockwood and her addictive world. I can only hope we don't see the last of her because I'm already itching to return to the Hotel Orient for a second visit.
Murder at the Hotel Orient is clever, sexy, and highly addictive. It's a mystery that crackles with charm and menace in equal proportions.
Thanks once more to John Murray Press and Alessandra Ranelli for this great read.
May 10, 2026
Thank you @gallerypress and @simonaudio for the gifted print and audio copies!
In the heart of Vienna sits the Hotel Orient, a singular establishment catering to lovers of debauchery. No names. No credit cards. Anonymity is everything. Sterling Lockwood is the concierge and keeper of secrets, of which she has many. But when two guests turn up dead inside a locked room, Sterling and her bellhop Fernando must track their anonymous clientele across Vienna's most seductive and depraved corners - and find the truth before the police find them.
It has been a long time since I've read something this uniquely entertaining. Sterling Lockwood is now one of my all-time favorite book characters - morally flexible, relentlessly tenacious, and caustically hilarious. She is the beating heart of this story and I was absolutely obsessed with her from page one. What makes this book so special is how it manages to feel simultaneously modern and timeless - equal parts classic mystery outside of time and delightfully quirky contemporary romp. It will stay with me for a long time, and I am genuinely hoping - hoping - this isn't the last we see of Sterling Lockwood. She is too good to be a one-time character.
🎧 On audio: Lauryn Allman was FANTASTIC. From the specific Viennese dialect to the completely quirky dialogue, she nails every single element of this story. One note: the book includes detailed maps of the Hotel Orient that are genuinely helpful for following the mystery - so if you can, I'd recommend reading and listening simultaneously, or at least having a print copy nearby. (12 hrs 20 min)
Book: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🎧 Audio performance: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
In the heart of Vienna sits the Hotel Orient, a singular establishment catering to lovers of debauchery. No names. No credit cards. Anonymity is everything. Sterling Lockwood is the concierge and keeper of secrets, of which she has many. But when two guests turn up dead inside a locked room, Sterling and her bellhop Fernando must track their anonymous clientele across Vienna's most seductive and depraved corners - and find the truth before the police find them.
It has been a long time since I've read something this uniquely entertaining. Sterling Lockwood is now one of my all-time favorite book characters - morally flexible, relentlessly tenacious, and caustically hilarious. She is the beating heart of this story and I was absolutely obsessed with her from page one. What makes this book so special is how it manages to feel simultaneously modern and timeless - equal parts classic mystery outside of time and delightfully quirky contemporary romp. It will stay with me for a long time, and I am genuinely hoping - hoping - this isn't the last we see of Sterling Lockwood. She is too good to be a one-time character.
🎧 On audio: Lauryn Allman was FANTASTIC. From the specific Viennese dialect to the completely quirky dialogue, she nails every single element of this story. One note: the book includes detailed maps of the Hotel Orient that are genuinely helpful for following the mystery - so if you can, I'd recommend reading and listening simultaneously, or at least having a print copy nearby. (12 hrs 20 min)
Book: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🎧 Audio performance: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
May 3, 2026
I am obsessed with this one!!! I checked into the glamorous sophisticated Hotel Orient and found a brilliantly crafted ‘locked-room’ puzzle that was so much fun to investigate.
You can expect:
🗝️ Closed-Circle Mystery- Agatha Christie vibes
🥂 High-Society Scandal- guests at the Hotel Orient check-in with aliases and pay high prices for anonymity
🕰️ Vintage Noir Aesthetic- glitz, glam, velvet curtains, champagne, martinis, silk robes
👯♀️ A "Cast of Suspects" with hidden agendas
🏨 Grand Hotel Secrets- themed rooms, secret passageways, temperamental wiring
🔍 Fair-Play Clues
🎆Slow-burn partnership- ‘enemies to allies’ energy between hotel concierge and lead detective
Sterling Lockwood might be my absolute favorite character I’ve met in years. She serves as the Hotel Orient’s concierge, and is meticulous, observant, and full of dry, sophisticated wit. After a murder one night, she becomes the gate-keeper to the hotels secrets and access to the guests who were present that night. Sterling’s clash with the lead detective was the highlight of the read for me! He memorizes city codes and wants strict procedure while Sterling operates on vibes and gossip. But their forced partnership and tug of war clashes were so FUN as they realize each has unique skills needed to unravel this case.
Slutty yet not graphic, a lush vintage setting that feels dipped in poison, and an amateur sleuth who is a force of nature made this a five star read for me! If you enjoy mysteries with a side of five star service, check into the Hotel Orient! I can’t wait to see where this series goes next.
Thanks to Gallery/Scout press books for my gifted early book copy!
You can expect:
🗝️ Closed-Circle Mystery- Agatha Christie vibes
🥂 High-Society Scandal- guests at the Hotel Orient check-in with aliases and pay high prices for anonymity
🕰️ Vintage Noir Aesthetic- glitz, glam, velvet curtains, champagne, martinis, silk robes
👯♀️ A "Cast of Suspects" with hidden agendas
🏨 Grand Hotel Secrets- themed rooms, secret passageways, temperamental wiring
🔍 Fair-Play Clues
🎆Slow-burn partnership- ‘enemies to allies’ energy between hotel concierge and lead detective
Sterling Lockwood might be my absolute favorite character I’ve met in years. She serves as the Hotel Orient’s concierge, and is meticulous, observant, and full of dry, sophisticated wit. After a murder one night, she becomes the gate-keeper to the hotels secrets and access to the guests who were present that night. Sterling’s clash with the lead detective was the highlight of the read for me! He memorizes city codes and wants strict procedure while Sterling operates on vibes and gossip. But their forced partnership and tug of war clashes were so FUN as they realize each has unique skills needed to unravel this case.
Slutty yet not graphic, a lush vintage setting that feels dipped in poison, and an amateur sleuth who is a force of nature made this a five star read for me! If you enjoy mysteries with a side of five star service, check into the Hotel Orient! I can’t wait to see where this series goes next.
Thanks to Gallery/Scout press books for my gifted early book copy!
May 19, 2026
4.5 rounded up
I absolutely adored this book! It's a debut and I can not wait to see what the author has in store next!
Sterling Lockwood is the concierge at the Hotel Orient in Vienna. The hotel is full of secrets, and everyone checks in under an alias. No cell phones or any type of technology are allowed. You can stay all night or a few hours. Discretion is key. Everyone is hiding something, even Sterling. However, when two of the guests are discovered dead in their room, the hotel's code must be broken to find the killer and clear Sterling's name.
This book seriously had it all! It was dark, mysterious, suspenseful, AND steamy! The gothic vibe of the hotel in Vienna, Austria, was amazing! The setting was atmospheric and absolute perfection. The descriptive writing made me feel like I was actually there! There's even a mention of Maria Von Trapp that made me giggle. Sterling was such a great character; she's enigmatic, morally gray, intriguing, and definitely sultry. I loved her relationship with Fernando! All the characters were interesting, and the hotel also felt like a character. This was a gripping whodunit that captivated me from the very first chapter. I didn't want to put it down! I was completely immersed in Sterling's world and loved it! The twist at the end is totally mind-blowing!🤯 I enjoyed this book SO much and highly recommend it!🩷
I absolutely adored this book! It's a debut and I can not wait to see what the author has in store next!
Sterling Lockwood is the concierge at the Hotel Orient in Vienna. The hotel is full of secrets, and everyone checks in under an alias. No cell phones or any type of technology are allowed. You can stay all night or a few hours. Discretion is key. Everyone is hiding something, even Sterling. However, when two of the guests are discovered dead in their room, the hotel's code must be broken to find the killer and clear Sterling's name.
This book seriously had it all! It was dark, mysterious, suspenseful, AND steamy! The gothic vibe of the hotel in Vienna, Austria, was amazing! The setting was atmospheric and absolute perfection. The descriptive writing made me feel like I was actually there! There's even a mention of Maria Von Trapp that made me giggle. Sterling was such a great character; she's enigmatic, morally gray, intriguing, and definitely sultry. I loved her relationship with Fernando! All the characters were interesting, and the hotel also felt like a character. This was a gripping whodunit that captivated me from the very first chapter. I didn't want to put it down! I was completely immersed in Sterling's world and loved it! The twist at the end is totally mind-blowing!🤯 I enjoyed this book SO much and highly recommend it!🩷
May 19, 2026
3.75⭐
It took awhile for this one to get going for me, probably when I started being interested in the characters. The hotel, itself, is a major character. It's full of secrets, history, hidden rooms as well as a destination for those desiring a discreet location for not so discreet activities. The city of Vienna and Viennese characteristics play an important and interesting role. The murder is diabolical and the resolution intriguing. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
It took awhile for this one to get going for me, probably when I started being interested in the characters. The hotel, itself, is a major character. It's full of secrets, history, hidden rooms as well as a destination for those desiring a discreet location for not so discreet activities. The city of Vienna and Viennese characteristics play an important and interesting role. The murder is diabolical and the resolution intriguing. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Did Not Finish
May 10, 2026DNF at 25%
I'm really sorry when an ARC and also a debut doesn't catch my interest, but I'm not invested in the story. I couldn't connect or care about the characters, or even about who was the murderer. The author cared about the ambience and making the setting interesting, she really did her research, and I enjoyed this, but this wasn't enough for me to keep reading. The characters felt flat, and their relationships, fake. If I knew why Sterling cared about Hedi, I could be invested in their story, and in knowing who was the murder. However, the murder mystery wasn't strong enough for me to care about finishing the book.
Despise my DNF, I still recommend for people who enjoy a murder mystery to at least try this one. My reading experience is mine, others will have a different one. I will read another book by the author in the future, as she clearly cares about her craft.
I'm really sorry when an ARC and also a debut doesn't catch my interest, but I'm not invested in the story. I couldn't connect or care about the characters, or even about who was the murderer. The author cared about the ambience and making the setting interesting, she really did her research, and I enjoyed this, but this wasn't enough for me to keep reading. The characters felt flat, and their relationships, fake. If I knew why Sterling cared about Hedi, I could be invested in their story, and in knowing who was the murder. However, the murder mystery wasn't strong enough for me to care about finishing the book.
Despise my DNF, I still recommend for people who enjoy a murder mystery to at least try this one. My reading experience is mine, others will have a different one. I will read another book by the author in the future, as she clearly cares about her craft.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4.5 stars
Thanks to NetGalley and Baskerville for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I have been sooooo excited to read this. It was all over Harrogate Crime Festival last year that I couldn't wait.
It's all very glamorous and luxurious and rich in detail and character and feeling. It's got this rich (I can't think of a better word for it), Golden Age feeling about it, even though it's set in modern time. She's got such a great sense of place and space and time and you immediately lose yourself in this world she's created.
Given the hints in the synopsis I should have known, but I didn't realise how smutty it would be. That's not a bad thing, I like a bit of smut as much as the next person, and it really adds to this sumptuious-ness.
I read a lot of thrillers and a lot of whodunnits and they can get a bit samey, so it was nice to get something that gave me everything I expected but also had something a little bit different to keep it fresh.
The writing is so crisp and professional, it's hard to believe this is her debut novel. This feels like it's been crafted from years of experience.
I'm not a huge fan of big passages of dialogue, because I'm not very good at writing it. But the dialogue in this had a magical quality about it but somehow still manages to feel natural.
The hotel, the setting - they're characters themselves, they participate in the story, they're not just props. But at the same time they don't overwhelm the "real" characters.
Concierge Sterling Lockwood is a fabulous protagonist. From page one she is a mysterious, glamorous, sultry, passionate, secretive, a powerful person and I was so ready to follow her story.
There are a lot of other characters - staff, guests, police - and some are given more airtime than others, but they're all well written and well developed, letting us in their own story as well as their parts in the overall story.
I know it isn't, but it has this feel of a fantasy novel about it, like I was expecting the hotel to be magic or for witches or fantasy creatures to appear. It's magical.
What I found different with this book is that, for me anyway, it isn't really about the murders or the investigation. It's about Sterling, it's about family and friendship and community, it's about history ad secrets and fears, and it's about the human spirit far more than it is about the whodunnit.
I won't say what, just in case it doesn't make the final copy, but at about 65% through there was a nice Easter Egg referencing three of my favourite thriller writers which made me smile.
I did NOT see the ending coming!
There's a lot going on. A lot. Lots of subplots and characters, and at times I found it to be on the verge of too much, but I think she's just about scaled it back enough to be interesting rather than overwhelming.
I'm not sure what I was actually expecting but it did surprise me at times, but it was thoroughly enjoyable and naughty and engrossing. A very promising debut indeed.
Thanks to NetGalley and Baskerville for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I have been sooooo excited to read this. It was all over Harrogate Crime Festival last year that I couldn't wait.
It's all very glamorous and luxurious and rich in detail and character and feeling. It's got this rich (I can't think of a better word for it), Golden Age feeling about it, even though it's set in modern time. She's got such a great sense of place and space and time and you immediately lose yourself in this world she's created.
Given the hints in the synopsis I should have known, but I didn't realise how smutty it would be. That's not a bad thing, I like a bit of smut as much as the next person, and it really adds to this sumptuious-ness.
I read a lot of thrillers and a lot of whodunnits and they can get a bit samey, so it was nice to get something that gave me everything I expected but also had something a little bit different to keep it fresh.
The writing is so crisp and professional, it's hard to believe this is her debut novel. This feels like it's been crafted from years of experience.
I'm not a huge fan of big passages of dialogue, because I'm not very good at writing it. But the dialogue in this had a magical quality about it but somehow still manages to feel natural.
The hotel, the setting - they're characters themselves, they participate in the story, they're not just props. But at the same time they don't overwhelm the "real" characters.
Concierge Sterling Lockwood is a fabulous protagonist. From page one she is a mysterious, glamorous, sultry, passionate, secretive, a powerful person and I was so ready to follow her story.
There are a lot of other characters - staff, guests, police - and some are given more airtime than others, but they're all well written and well developed, letting us in their own story as well as their parts in the overall story.
I know it isn't, but it has this feel of a fantasy novel about it, like I was expecting the hotel to be magic or for witches or fantasy creatures to appear. It's magical.
What I found different with this book is that, for me anyway, it isn't really about the murders or the investigation. It's about Sterling, it's about family and friendship and community, it's about history ad secrets and fears, and it's about the human spirit far more than it is about the whodunnit.
I won't say what, just in case it doesn't make the final copy, but at about 65% through there was a nice Easter Egg referencing three of my favourite thriller writers which made me smile.
I did NOT see the ending coming!
There's a lot going on. A lot. Lots of subplots and characters, and at times I found it to be on the verge of too much, but I think she's just about scaled it back enough to be interesting rather than overwhelming.
I'm not sure what I was actually expecting but it did surprise me at times, but it was thoroughly enjoyable and naughty and engrossing. A very promising debut indeed.
November 11, 2025
I read a lot, and particularly a lot of crime fiction, but i have never read anything quite like this before.
I met Alessandra at a book festival before this was published, and even then her ideas to get it out to publishers was fresh and brilliant. I hoped it would work and evidentally it did.
The resulting read is gripping, beautifully written, clever, dark, moody, sexy and sultry.
It feels like a golden age mystery but with a very modern twist. It has its dark moments but nothing is particularly in your face.
Sterling is a great character, mysterious herself, clearly with a past that wasn't revealed, which hopefully means more to come.
The hotel is almost a character in itself, rooms with different themes and hidden panels, secret rooms and total anonymity for its guests. No cameras or mobile phones allowed. Id love to see this on the screen so I could see this hotel brought to life. The book is set is Austria, not somewhere I've been or know a great deal about, but really want to now. Alessendra seems to write the city like a love note to it.
There are a lot of little funny moments and light hearted interactions and this really was a brilliant read.
I know this is the authors debut, so I hope this is the first step to brilliant things.
I met Alessandra at a book festival before this was published, and even then her ideas to get it out to publishers was fresh and brilliant. I hoped it would work and evidentally it did.
The resulting read is gripping, beautifully written, clever, dark, moody, sexy and sultry.
It feels like a golden age mystery but with a very modern twist. It has its dark moments but nothing is particularly in your face.
Sterling is a great character, mysterious herself, clearly with a past that wasn't revealed, which hopefully means more to come.
The hotel is almost a character in itself, rooms with different themes and hidden panels, secret rooms and total anonymity for its guests. No cameras or mobile phones allowed. Id love to see this on the screen so I could see this hotel brought to life. The book is set is Austria, not somewhere I've been or know a great deal about, but really want to now. Alessendra seems to write the city like a love note to it.
There are a lot of little funny moments and light hearted interactions and this really was a brilliant read.
I know this is the authors debut, so I hope this is the first step to brilliant things.
January 13, 2026
As the author says in the dedication, the book is extremely "slutty", but not graphic. The novel has a slow start and a very odd sense of humour.
The Hotel Orient in Vienna is renowned for its anonymity where guests use aliases, but at the beginning of the story two guests are found murdered. Sterling, the concierge, with her warped sense of humour, is tasked to work closely with the local police inspector to uncover the mystery.
The characters are intolerable and 90% of the book is just talk about sex, flirting or being kinky. However if these aspects could be addressed it might make for an enjoyable read as the overall concept is okay. It would have helped to have the Viennese Dialect Guide at the start of the book, especially for e-book readers. Two stars for the author’s efforts.
My thanks to John Murray and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review!
The Hotel Orient in Vienna is renowned for its anonymity where guests use aliases, but at the beginning of the story two guests are found murdered. Sterling, the concierge, with her warped sense of humour, is tasked to work closely with the local police inspector to uncover the mystery.
The characters are intolerable and 90% of the book is just talk about sex, flirting or being kinky. However if these aspects could be addressed it might make for an enjoyable read as the overall concept is okay. It would have helped to have the Viennese Dialect Guide at the start of the book, especially for e-book readers. Two stars for the author’s efforts.
My thanks to John Murray and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review!
March 12, 2026
The sluttiest murder mystery I’ll read all year (complimentary).
Was close to a 4.5/5⭐️ rating but the set up for a sequel was in in equal parts exciting (yay, more Sterling Lockwood) and infuriating (let’s wrap stories up nicely as standalones plz).
Original, sexy, atmospheric & funny - big fan xoxo
Was close to a 4.5/5⭐️ rating but the set up for a sequel was in in equal parts exciting (yay, more Sterling Lockwood) and infuriating (let’s wrap stories up nicely as standalones plz).
Original, sexy, atmospheric & funny - big fan xoxo
April 23, 2026
What a treat!!
Sultry, warm, kinky and witty. All the right ingredients for the perfect read.
Thank you John Murray and Alessandra for my early copy!
My only mistake was to start reading on a late Sunday night ahead of the busiest week. Was very painful not being able to read it in a day!
Sultry, warm, kinky and witty. All the right ingredients for the perfect read.
Thank you John Murray and Alessandra for my early copy!
My only mistake was to start reading on a late Sunday night ahead of the busiest week. Was very painful not being able to read it in a day!
May 4, 2026
Whimsical. Clever. Sultry. What an absolute, refreshing delight. Murder at the Hotel Orient is the sexy, murder mystery that you need in your life.
With Vienna as our beautiful backdrop, this cozy tale follows the promiscuous and luxurious ordeals taking place at the Hotel Orient. We have our dominant, fearless concierge, Sterling, who keeps the secrets while servicing the clientele of this upscale establishment. The writing is cutting with a satirical overlay. Our feminine lead is flawlessly and unabashedly herself; I appreciate her forwardness and intention, something that other writers might shy away from in a female character. Aside from Sterling, the story is a methodical puzzle; you’ll definitely have to pay attention to keep everything straight.
I thought this was a fantastic debut by @alessandra_ranelli. I really hope I’ll get to visit the Hotel Orient again soon.. darling @sterling_lockwood_concierge. Thank you for the ARC @netgalley @gallerybooks !!!
With Vienna as our beautiful backdrop, this cozy tale follows the promiscuous and luxurious ordeals taking place at the Hotel Orient. We have our dominant, fearless concierge, Sterling, who keeps the secrets while servicing the clientele of this upscale establishment. The writing is cutting with a satirical overlay. Our feminine lead is flawlessly and unabashedly herself; I appreciate her forwardness and intention, something that other writers might shy away from in a female character. Aside from Sterling, the story is a methodical puzzle; you’ll definitely have to pay attention to keep everything straight.
I thought this was a fantastic debut by @alessandra_ranelli. I really hope I’ll get to visit the Hotel Orient again soon.. darling @sterling_lockwood_concierge. Thank you for the ARC @netgalley @gallerybooks !!!
Read
May 20, 2026Secret hide many joke
card at vience
run to ditch truth
cold past
hot room
get far hope
dark move dazy
search fee
truth parfan
card at vience
run to ditch truth
cold past
hot room
get far hope
dark move dazy
search fee
truth parfan
December 27, 2025
Murder at the Hotel Orient is an irresistibly fun mystery that pulls you straight into the shadows of modern day Vienna. Alessandra Ranelli sets the story inside the infamous Hotel Orient, a place where secrecy is the only rule and every guest arrives with something to hide. Sterling Lockwood, the hotel’s concierge and unofficial keeper of secrets, makes for a compelling lead as she’s pushed into detective work after a double murder shakes the hotel. The setting is wonderfully atmospheric, and the blend of old world charm with modern espionage gives the book a fresh, intriguing edge.
What really makes the story shine is how much it'll immerse you. Between the hidden motives, the vanished suspects, and the tension of Sterling trying to protect her own secrets, I found myself losing track of time because I was so absorbed in the unfolding mystery. The character development is excellent, especially the dynamic between Sterling and her colleague Fernando, and the plot delivers plenty of twists without ever feeling overdone. With its mix of murder, mystery, and cleverly concealed truths, this book was simply a joy to read.
What really makes the story shine is how much it'll immerse you. Between the hidden motives, the vanished suspects, and the tension of Sterling trying to protect her own secrets, I found myself losing track of time because I was so absorbed in the unfolding mystery. The character development is excellent, especially the dynamic between Sterling and her colleague Fernando, and the plot delivers plenty of twists without ever feeling overdone. With its mix of murder, mystery, and cleverly concealed truths, this book was simply a joy to read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I loved Murder at the Hotel Orient
The author's prose is precise and cinematic, evoking the atmosphere of a noir film underscored by a jazz-inflected mood. Smoke-filled corridors, flickering candlelight, and perilous flirtations create a richly immersive setting. Sterling is a great lead-smart, stylish, and nicely layered. She's not your typical detective, but her sharp instincts and morally grey edge make her genuinely interesting to follow. Think Phryne Fisher, but darker, with a distinctly Viennese twist. Highly recommended if you enjoy a twisty novel
The author's prose is precise and cinematic, evoking the atmosphere of a noir film underscored by a jazz-inflected mood. Smoke-filled corridors, flickering candlelight, and perilous flirtations create a richly immersive setting. Sterling is a great lead-smart, stylish, and nicely layered. She's not your typical detective, but her sharp instincts and morally grey edge make her genuinely interesting to follow. Think Phryne Fisher, but darker, with a distinctly Viennese twist. Highly recommended if you enjoy a twisty novel
January 29, 2026
Intricately plotted, with surprises behind every door, Murder at the Hotel Orient is as witty as it is mysterious, with the most swoon-worthy cast of characters I’ve encountered in ages. An electric debut! Not only did I devour it, I’m Sterling Lockwood’s biggest fan!
May 24, 2026
Murder mystery lovers, just when you think you've 'read it all'! Set in a modern-day Viennese 'love hotel', this is an atmospheric and oh-so-saucy murder mystery that stands out from the mystery crowd.
There were three things that grabbed my attention immediately. First, the love hotel which felt like its own character, filled with secrets, hidden rooms and a long history in Vienna. Second, the main character Sterling, a concierge who is smart, sassy and smart-assy (especially with her BFF Fernando). And third, and the thing that delighted me the most, was the humour that had me regularly giggling to myself.
I enjoyed the Vienna setting and readers who 'sprich deutsch' (speak German) will enjoy the German phrases which are liberally sprinkled in the dialogue. Personally, they went over my head but fear not, there's a German glossary at the back of the book (sadly I wasn't aware of it until I finished the book).
The story has a lot of characters for potential culprits (who had unique aliases to help me remember who was who) and the pacing was good (except for a bit of a lull in the second half). The story ramps up with a great twist that I didn't see coming and ends with a solid finish.
This is an impressive debut for mystery lovers! It's an entertaining whodunnit with a touch of slutty whimsy, great atmosphere and a cast of unusual characters. It was spicier than expected (but probably won't have the average readers clutching their proverbial pearls) and will give armchair sleuths a mystery they'll love to dig into.
I predict this isn't the last we've seen of Sterling and her crew.
Disclaimer: Sincere thanks to Gallery/Scout Press books for the complimentary digital advanced copy that was given to me in exchange for my honest review.
There were three things that grabbed my attention immediately. First, the love hotel which felt like its own character, filled with secrets, hidden rooms and a long history in Vienna. Second, the main character Sterling, a concierge who is smart, sassy and smart-assy (especially with her BFF Fernando). And third, and the thing that delighted me the most, was the humour that had me regularly giggling to myself.
I enjoyed the Vienna setting and readers who 'sprich deutsch' (speak German) will enjoy the German phrases which are liberally sprinkled in the dialogue. Personally, they went over my head but fear not, there's a German glossary at the back of the book (sadly I wasn't aware of it until I finished the book).
The story has a lot of characters for potential culprits (who had unique aliases to help me remember who was who) and the pacing was good (except for a bit of a lull in the second half). The story ramps up with a great twist that I didn't see coming and ends with a solid finish.
This is an impressive debut for mystery lovers! It's an entertaining whodunnit with a touch of slutty whimsy, great atmosphere and a cast of unusual characters. It was spicier than expected (but probably won't have the average readers clutching their proverbial pearls) and will give armchair sleuths a mystery they'll love to dig into.
I predict this isn't the last we've seen of Sterling and her crew.
Disclaimer: Sincere thanks to Gallery/Scout Press books for the complimentary digital advanced copy that was given to me in exchange for my honest review.
May 6, 2026
IMMEDIATE five star read!! Literally just finished this and had to come and dump my thoughts in a review while I was still buzzing! The scene is set so beautifully from page one, I want everything to be set in Austria from now on thank you, as if I could reach out and touch the hotel and the city. Sterling is a fantastic protagonist, especially as the reader is unravelling the plot and the characters WHILST trying to uncover her secrets too - which may have been jarring but all feels like part of the magic and mystery. She's feisty and salacious but with a huge heart and true care for her friends and loved ones, which raises the whole story out of the underground and into something much bigger and more beautiful. There's a feeling of not really ever being sure what point in time you're existing in, set in the modern day with mobile phones and the internet in the periphery but bedded down in the classic old school Hollywood noir glamour of the private, behind a curtain hotel itself.
I'm not someone who every really sees plot twists or big reveals coming which makes life that bit more exciting, but I REALLY didn't see the twists and turns that come one after another in the third act... Alessandra Ranelli has smashed it out of the park I can't wait to read more from her
(was already a 10/10 as soon as there was a passing Fräulein Maria reference)
I'm not someone who every really sees plot twists or big reveals coming which makes life that bit more exciting, but I REALLY didn't see the twists and turns that come one after another in the third act... Alessandra Ranelli has smashed it out of the park I can't wait to read more from her
(was already a 10/10 as soon as there was a passing Fräulein Maria reference)
May 18, 2026
I went into this one almost completely blind, knowing it was a sexy whodunnit. I love murder mysteries so that instantly gripped me. I didn't see the glossary in the back, but it didn't take long to start figuring out what some of the specific words meant.
I thought some of the reviews made it sound like some super sex driven book but I didnt get that at all. I felt it had such a good balance of mystery whodunnit solving and the little bits of spiciness strewn in, mostly language. There is also a ton of character development and I really loved getting to know Sterling and Andreas. I also really loved Fernando and hoped he wasn't the murderer. (I'm not telling or giving hints either way). But the ending shocked me. I never would have guessed. Loved it. I ate this up. It does take maybe a bit to get into it but I really adored the story. The overall plot was a lot of fun. For a debut especially, this was such a well done piece. I was pleasantly surprised at the well developed story and characters. I loved just about everyone and while it isn't necessarily a romance I loved the little bit of one. I fell in love with Sterling and Andreas along the way.
I thought some of the reviews made it sound like some super sex driven book but I didnt get that at all. I felt it had such a good balance of mystery whodunnit solving and the little bits of spiciness strewn in, mostly language. There is also a ton of character development and I really loved getting to know Sterling and Andreas. I also really loved Fernando and hoped he wasn't the murderer. (I'm not telling or giving hints either way). But the ending shocked me. I never would have guessed. Loved it. I ate this up. It does take maybe a bit to get into it but I really adored the story. The overall plot was a lot of fun. For a debut especially, this was such a well done piece. I was pleasantly surprised at the well developed story and characters. I loved just about everyone and while it isn't necessarily a romance I loved the little bit of one. I fell in love with Sterling and Andreas along the way.
May 22, 2026
The ARC was provided to me by the publisher, Gallery Books, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I love Alessandra's writing - the details like the chapter numbers in German with a drawing of a service bell; her descriptions are so vivid the reader can easily visualize the rooms of the hotel; every chapter ends in a cliffhanger. The beginning of the book was so amusing! Sterling kept me smirking with her cleverness!
But sadly, I was disappointed overall. I had been looking forward to the book for months - I even ordered two different versions of the hard cover for my shelves The book started very strong, but about a third of the way through, the story line slowed down, and lost me. There were so many characters, it was difficult to keep them straight. The book focused too much on Sterling's (and others') sexual antics and less on the murder. The word "Oida" is used repeatedly - 51 times to be exact! It actually got a bit annoying!
Murder at the Hotel Orient is an extremely strong debut novel and I will definitely read Alessandra's next book but this one was a miss for me.
I love Alessandra's writing - the details like the chapter numbers in German with a drawing of a service bell; her descriptions are so vivid the reader can easily visualize the rooms of the hotel; every chapter ends in a cliffhanger. The beginning of the book was so amusing! Sterling kept me smirking with her cleverness!
But sadly, I was disappointed overall. I had been looking forward to the book for months - I even ordered two different versions of the hard cover for my shelves The book started very strong, but about a third of the way through, the story line slowed down, and lost me. There were so many characters, it was difficult to keep them straight. The book focused too much on Sterling's (and others') sexual antics and less on the murder. The word "Oida" is used repeatedly - 51 times to be exact! It actually got a bit annoying!
Murder at the Hotel Orient is an extremely strong debut novel and I will definitely read Alessandra's next book but this one was a miss for me.
May 18, 2026
This was such an immersive read--the setting (a notorious love hotel in Vienna) is the perfect location for a vibey noir mystery, and Alessandra Ranelli absolutively nails it. The atmopshere is rife with intrigue and drama, like a spicy soap opera. The mystery itself was compelling and well-executed, but it was the characters (including the Hotel Orient--which felt like a quirky character!) that really sold me. The main character, Sterling, is so lively and vivid (her relationship with her coworker Fernando is just adorable)--a playful, sexy, bisexual firecracker. Such a fun amateur detective to follow as she solves a murder! I'll definitely be recommending MURDER AT THE HOTEL ORIENT to friends and I can't wait to read more by this author.
May 19, 2026
Loved it! What a unique and utterly charming and fascinating book. This book is a slutty as the author intended but also immensely endearing, which blew me away. I love love loved these characters so much. The Hotel Orient is like a vivid dream - so creative and cloaked in mystique and I loved imaging the different rooms. Sterling is one of a kind and I am obsessed with her. Even the detectives are completely quirky and liven up the story. The story twist and winds and makes such sharp turns that I couldn't put it down. I don't want to add any spoilers, but this was truly unlike anything I've ever read, in the best way. I devoured it and am SO hopefully there will be more!
Note: The audiobook is THE WAY to experience this book. Just trust me and listen because the narration is perfectly quirky for this story.. the character voices - so spot on.
Thanks to the publisher for an ARC and ALC; my thoughts and review are my own.
Note: The audiobook is THE WAY to experience this book. Just trust me and listen because the narration is perfectly quirky for this story.. the character voices - so spot on.
Thanks to the publisher for an ARC and ALC; my thoughts and review are my own.
May 20, 2026
Super loved this intriguing murder mystery set in a love hotel where all the guests use pseudonyms and pay in cash. When two guests are murdered in a locked room, concierge Sterling must assist a dashing detective in tracing the anonymous guests in the hotel for the investigation. Sterling is smart and sexy, and along with her best friend, Fernando, she assists in an investigation that becomes increasingly complex and convoluted.
This story was so fun, I was guessing the entire time. It was spicier than I anticipated, but should have expected for a story set in a love hotel. All in all this was a great time and I'm so glad I had the chance to read it! Fingers crossed there are more books set at the Hotel Orient coming our way!
Thanks so much to Net Galley and Gallery Books for the digital ARC. All opinions are my own.
This story was so fun, I was guessing the entire time. It was spicier than I anticipated, but should have expected for a story set in a love hotel. All in all this was a great time and I'm so glad I had the chance to read it! Fingers crossed there are more books set at the Hotel Orient coming our way!
Thanks so much to Net Galley and Gallery Books for the digital ARC. All opinions are my own.
March 14, 2026
A huge thank you to Alessandra Ranelli, Scout Press, and Goodreads for my free copy of this book!
I don’t know that I have the words to accurately describe this masterpiece of a book - I’m not sure I’ve ever read another book quite like it. A “whodunnit” murder mystery-type book that was funny, clever, and completely consuming. I finished this within 24 hours, but I’m sure I’ll be thinking about its’ characters for a while. I neeeeeed this to be made into a tv show or a movie! In the meantime, I’ll re-read my copy 😊
I don’t know that I have the words to accurately describe this masterpiece of a book - I’m not sure I’ve ever read another book quite like it. A “whodunnit” murder mystery-type book that was funny, clever, and completely consuming. I finished this within 24 hours, but I’m sure I’ll be thinking about its’ characters for a while. I neeeeeed this to be made into a tv show or a movie! In the meantime, I’ll re-read my copy 😊
May 21, 2026
This book was such a fun read! Any easy 5 stars from me. Sterling is an absolute dream of a main character. I LOVED that her physical figure was always described in a sexy way and never used as some sort of insult against her. I didn’t realize how rare that was until this book. The plot was so well thought out and riveting. I would recommend this to anyone. Sexy, fun and had me hooked the entire time. What a magnificent debut novel.
May 1, 2026
MURDER AT THE HOTEL ORIENT by Alessandra Ranelli
Published: May 2026 by Scout Press / Simon & Schuster
Graded: B+
A deliciously decadent noir debut mystery novel that exudes wit, charm and a touch of sauciness. The main protagonist is Sterling Lockwood, the alluring concierge of the famous Vienese love hotel, the Hotel Orient … where illicit affairs occur on a daily basis. The rules are simple. No cameras, no surveillance, pay in cash, use an alias and secrets are sacred. The dark alleys and romantic streets of Vienna provide the mysterious backdrop for the salacious entanglements that pervade the workings of the clandestine and labyrinthine corridors of this luxurious hotel. Sterling’s job is to protect the secrets of the hotel and its guests, while assuring its flawless flow of efficient management. Her status quo is abruptly brought to a halt, when two bodies are found in a locked room. One of the victims is even one of her many ex’s… that she still cherished. Trapped between her loyalty to the hotel and desire to know the truth she must become a sleuth. Eventually she even agrees to help Detectives Beate and the beguiling Andreas in their ongoing investigation. The other victim is a high tech mogul on the precise of implementing a city wide surveillance system. She aids in constructing a list of suspects by wading through facts attributed to the aliases of the guests and their possible interconnections. She proves to be a natural sleuth.
Ranelli masterfully weaves together the complexities of the subtle clues with a cinematic noir type of prose…. enhanced with wit and innuendo. This addictive mystery is not only moody and atmospheric, but adds a new dimension to the “locked-room” mystery. The hotel and city of Vienna are as much a character, as Sterling and her detective counterparts. I sincerely hope this is not the last we read of Sterling Lockwood. .. to be published at Deadly Pleasures Mystery Magazine...
Published: May 2026 by Scout Press / Simon & Schuster
Graded: B+
A deliciously decadent noir debut mystery novel that exudes wit, charm and a touch of sauciness. The main protagonist is Sterling Lockwood, the alluring concierge of the famous Vienese love hotel, the Hotel Orient … where illicit affairs occur on a daily basis. The rules are simple. No cameras, no surveillance, pay in cash, use an alias and secrets are sacred. The dark alleys and romantic streets of Vienna provide the mysterious backdrop for the salacious entanglements that pervade the workings of the clandestine and labyrinthine corridors of this luxurious hotel. Sterling’s job is to protect the secrets of the hotel and its guests, while assuring its flawless flow of efficient management. Her status quo is abruptly brought to a halt, when two bodies are found in a locked room. One of the victims is even one of her many ex’s… that she still cherished. Trapped between her loyalty to the hotel and desire to know the truth she must become a sleuth. Eventually she even agrees to help Detectives Beate and the beguiling Andreas in their ongoing investigation. The other victim is a high tech mogul on the precise of implementing a city wide surveillance system. She aids in constructing a list of suspects by wading through facts attributed to the aliases of the guests and their possible interconnections. She proves to be a natural sleuth.
Ranelli masterfully weaves together the complexities of the subtle clues with a cinematic noir type of prose…. enhanced with wit and innuendo. This addictive mystery is not only moody and atmospheric, but adds a new dimension to the “locked-room” mystery. The hotel and city of Vienna are as much a character, as Sterling and her detective counterparts. I sincerely hope this is not the last we read of Sterling Lockwood. .. to be published at Deadly Pleasures Mystery Magazine...
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