A group of friends who haven’t seen one another since university are invited to an old friend’s renovated hotel, a tiny house that looks somewhat like the Bates Motel.

In fact, the whole thing, book and hotel, is an homage to Hitchcock. There are secrets and reveals as the story plays out through its three acts. And of course, there’s going to be a body. And I’ll be honest, it wasn’t who I thought it was going to be.

In fact, the story has lots of unexpected moments as things are unearthed. Having said that, I did have the murdered figured out before the final act started. But the whole thing is wonderfully captivating and has lots of fun Hichcockian moments.

Wrobel delivers a solid story that is very much in the Hitchcock vein. It works wonderfully, playing out like a classic film as opposed to the modern take on the thriller. It’s a welcome throwback, and it’s twists and turns are crafted and detailed.

The ride was wonderful, and this is one that works as a perfect beach read, whether you’re a fan of Hitchcock or not. But, if you are, you get a lot more out of it.

There are nods, and homages, and it was a very fun book to curl up with.

I read it while I was on vacation recently, so I know of which I speak. It’s a unnerving ride, in the tradition of the classic thrillers of yesteryear. And Wrobel knows how to tell the story. It’s obvious she’s a fan of Hitch.

In fact, this is a book most Hitchcock fans should read. The fact that it feels familiar, that it feels like a throwback makes this on really special. it honors Hitchcock, while also covering some of his problematic traits, something most people are aware of nowadays.

And all of it is wrapped up in a fun little whodunnit. Everyone has a motive, and perhaps friendships can’t be trusted.

Tightly paced, well-written, and well-crafted, this one entertains, and had me guessing until the end of the second act when I had it all figured out. It was still a lot of fun watching it play out, and have the characters catch up to what I had already figured out.

Check this one out. It’s a fun romp, with all the twists and reveals you would expect from a classic film. I think I will be looking for more books by Stephanie Wrobel in the future.