Alessandra Ranelli is a queer American writer living in Vienna, Austria. Murder at the Orient Hotel is her first crime novel. She has the full support of the real Hotel Orient, and has been allowed access to all its rooms, even the secret ones. As part of her extensive book research, she left her career as a pastry chef and became a hotel receptionist. She is currently writing her second novel. Alessandra is known for her New York Times Modern Love essay "Two Kisses We Never Talked About."

"Murder at the Hotel Orient is a heady cocktail of a book - sexy, intriguing and laugh-out-loud funny - like a naughtier version of the film Clue. This mystery is full of satisfying twists and turns, the setting is evocative and vividly realised, and in Sterling Lockwood, it features probably one of the most fabulous protagonists ever to sashay across the pages of a novel. A supremely entertaining piece of escapism!" --Gareth Brown, Internationally Bestselling Author of The Book of Doors

"A delightful treat of a novel, imaginative, classy, and utterly seductive. Concierge Sterling Lockwood is a total heartbreaker, and the timeless Vienna she inhabits is a masterclass in noir that Ranelli teases to life with consummate style and humour. A stunning and highly original debut from a talented author to watch." --Gilly Macmillan, New York Times and Sunday Times bestselling author of The Burning Library

"Murder At The Hotel Orient is a sassy, sexy celebration of old school mysteries with a brash, unapologetic sensual twist. I loved it!" --S.A. Cosby, New York Times bestselling author of King of Ashes

"The most fun reading experience I've had in ages. Transportive, clever and gloriously slutty. The perfect tonic for troubled times." --Holly Seddon, internationally bestselling author of Try Not to Breathe and 59 Minutes

"Transports the reader to a time and place with details so vividly portrayed that you can taste them." --Christopher Moore, New York Times bestselling author of The Serpent of Venice and Fool

"Murder at the Hotel Orient is a sharply plotted nod to the Golden Age classics but with a fresh, modern edge. Our protagonist Sterling crackles with intelligence, wit and untamed sexuality as she races to clear her name whilst unravelling the mystery of the elegant, menacing hotel itself. Smart, suspenseful and a little bit naughty, Alessandra Ranelli is an author to watch. Highly recommended." --M.W. Craven, bestselling author of The Final Vow

"A clever and satisfying thriller in a wonderfully decadent setting. Sterling Lockwood is an unforgettable heroine." --Elly Griffiths, bestselling author of The Frozen People

"Murder at the Hotel Orient is both cozy and hot! This spicy who-dunnit is filled with lovable characters, witty dialogue, and clever twists. It's a joy to read." --Natalie Marlow, author of Needless Alley

"The most fun you can have with your clothes on! A truly original and winning debut. I'm already itching to return to the Hotel for the next instalment." --Bonnie Burke-Patel, author of I Died at Fallow Hall and Dead as Gold

"Sultry, sinister and smart. Sterling Lockwood is going to steal your heart - just don't trust her with it." --Stuart Turton, internationally bestselling author of The Last Murder at the End of the World

"Murder at the Hotel Orient is one of the most assured and original debuts I've read in some time. If Natasha Lyonne did Only Murders in the Building it might look something like this. Sterling Lockwood is a wonderfully refreshing investigator, and I look forward to seeing where her next case takes her." --Tariq Ashkanani, author of The Midnight King

"Murder at the Hotel Orient is a scintillating and sexy murder mystery set in a real life Viennese love hotel, with a fantastic protagonist in the unstoppable Sterling Lockwood. Twisting and turning through velvet-curtained rooms, dark streets and the grandeur of Austria's capital, this novel made me laugh and gasp in equal measure. So check in and meet the Concierge - you won't regret it, as long as you can stay alive." --David Goodman, author of A Reluctant Spy

"Murder at the Hotel Orient is a scintillating and sexy murder mystery set in a real life Viennese love hotel, with a fantastic protagonist in the unstoppable Sterling Lockwood. Twisting and turning through velvet-curtained rooms, dark streets and the grandeur of Austria's capital, this novel made me laugh and gasp in equal measure. So check in and meet the Concierge - you won't regret it, as long as you can stay alive." --David Goodman, author of A Reluctant Spy

Publisher: Gallery/Scout Press

Pub date: 2026-05-19

Length: 416 pages