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juliereadzintherockies 's review for:
The Hitchcock Hotel
by Stephanie Wrobel
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
After being utterly captivated by her debut novel, I couldn't wait to dive into this intriguing novel featuring "The Hitchcock Hotel."
Picture this: "The Hitchcock Hotel," a twisted haven born from the mind of Alfred Smettle, an enigmatic character as unsettling as the legendary director himself. The hotel is a tribute to the Master of Suspense.
When five old college friends receive a surprise invitation from the reclusive sixth member of their group, Alfred Smettle, they reluctantly accept. Smettle vanished from their lives following an embarrassing incident that led to his expulsion just before graduation.
The narrative shifts between past and present, allowing characters to leap off the page with their unique voice. While I'm not a die-hard Hitchcock fan, I found the references and the hotel's eerie atmosphere incredibly engaging. Smettle, much like the other characters, isn't particularly likable—especially as their dark histories unfold. His seemingly generous invitation carries a manipulative edge, amplified by his unsettling obsession with Hitchcock's films. The way he echoes the director's chilling themes throughout the hotel creates an atmosphere of tension. Things really take a turn halfway through, transforming into a classic whodunit, complete with a dead body that turns everyone into a suspect.
Wrobel has a remarkable ability to create a chilling atmosphere. She masterfully crafts a sense of unease through the setting, the quirky behavior of the characters, and that ever-present tension. An isolated hotel steeped in shady history, packed with individuals harboring dark secrets? Talk about an irresistible setup! The suspense is meticulously built through elements like ominous quotes in Hitchcock's style, the story's timing on Friday, October 13th, actual props from Hitchcock films, an aviary full of crows, and themed experiences that evoke memorable movie moments. I only recall seeing one Hitchcock film, The Birds, and it terrified me as a child — just as the thought of crows lurking within the hotel does now!
Smettle's character adds another layer of intrigue. His troubled past emerges, transforming him from merely creepy to genuinely sinister. Other characters can't help but feel the chill when he's around. And we can't forget the secrets he's hiding in the attic!
Listening to the audiobook was the perfect way to experience this book! The story is an exciting adventure featuring clever references to Hitchcock's work and the eerie concept of the hotel. There's something about a locked-room mystery that keeps my heart racing, and this one was a thrilling puzzle to solve!
Picture this: "The Hitchcock Hotel," a twisted haven born from the mind of Alfred Smettle, an enigmatic character as unsettling as the legendary director himself. The hotel is a tribute to the Master of Suspense.
When five old college friends receive a surprise invitation from the reclusive sixth member of their group, Alfred Smettle, they reluctantly accept. Smettle vanished from their lives following an embarrassing incident that led to his expulsion just before graduation.
The narrative shifts between past and present, allowing characters to leap off the page with their unique voice. While I'm not a die-hard Hitchcock fan, I found the references and the hotel's eerie atmosphere incredibly engaging. Smettle, much like the other characters, isn't particularly likable—especially as their dark histories unfold. His seemingly generous invitation carries a manipulative edge, amplified by his unsettling obsession with Hitchcock's films. The way he echoes the director's chilling themes throughout the hotel creates an atmosphere of tension. Things really take a turn halfway through, transforming into a classic whodunit, complete with a dead body that turns everyone into a suspect.
Wrobel has a remarkable ability to create a chilling atmosphere. She masterfully crafts a sense of unease through the setting, the quirky behavior of the characters, and that ever-present tension. An isolated hotel steeped in shady history, packed with individuals harboring dark secrets? Talk about an irresistible setup! The suspense is meticulously built through elements like ominous quotes in Hitchcock's style, the story's timing on Friday, October 13th, actual props from Hitchcock films, an aviary full of crows, and themed experiences that evoke memorable movie moments. I only recall seeing one Hitchcock film, The Birds, and it terrified me as a child — just as the thought of crows lurking within the hotel does now!
Smettle's character adds another layer of intrigue. His troubled past emerges, transforming him from merely creepy to genuinely sinister. Other characters can't help but feel the chill when he's around. And we can't forget the secrets he's hiding in the attic!
Listening to the audiobook was the perfect way to experience this book! The story is an exciting adventure featuring clever references to Hitchcock's work and the eerie concept of the hotel. There's something about a locked-room mystery that keeps my heart racing, and this one was a thrilling puzzle to solve!