Murder at the Hotel Orient

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.

My Rating: 4 stars

Author: Allessandra Ranelli

Genre: Mystery, Spicy

Type and Source: ebook from publisher via NetGalley

Publisher: Gallery/Scout Press (S&S)

First Published: May 19, 2026

Read: May 18-23, 2026

Book Description from GoodReads: A spicy whodunnit with Golden Age style, set in a timeless location inspired by a real Viennese no-tell love hotel.

'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 Vienna, the infamous Hotel Orient glitters at the heart of the city, luring lovers inside for an evening of debauchery. Behind its velvet curtain, cameras are forbidden, aliases are required, and every guest has something to hide.

For those seeking illicit liaisons, Sterling Lockwood is the perfect concierge. Sultry and poised, she's the ultimate keeper of secrets, including her own.
But when dawn breaks and two of the anonymous guests are found dead in their suite, Sterling must break the Orient's sacred code of discretion, turning detective to find a killer and clear her own name.

Alongside Fernando, her quick-witted friend and bellhop, Sterling steps beyond the hotel's stained-glass doors, venturing from grand coffee houses where power whispers between porcelain cups, to dimly lit bars where the curious seek rapturous oblivion, and risking everything to solve an impossible case.
Check into the Hotel Orient and prepare for a thrilling case that will leave your heart pounding. Don’t be shy, darling, ring the bell . . .