Review of 'The Hobart Hotel' by Mary-Lou Stephens
Release date: March 31st, 2026
Publisher: HQ Fiction
REVIEW
Mary-Lou Stephens has a real gift for digging out historical nuggets from her origin state and this time she has written about Tasmania’s (and Australia’s) first legal casino which opened in 1973. I always learn so much reading her books and this one was just as fascinating as her previous but it displays even more intrigue, mystery and mayhem. There is always an added layer of maturity in her writing and this one just ramped up to another level in style, expertise and passion. It possibly helps that she has personal connections to the topics covered. This takes story telling up a notch above just ‘imagined’ fiction with its large serve of authenticity. Her wonder, excitement and keen interest shines in the fruit of her research, too.
The Hobart Hotel is written in two timelines but they intersect at the end bringing the two eras cleverly together. The story opens in 1939 with a memorable descriptive scene. We can see, smell and feel all that Sabine experiences as she walks off the gangplank at the Hobart Waterfront. She wants to make an impressive entrance, ‘as if descending a grand staircase in Monte Carlo’ but her high heels set her off balance. We get a pretty good idea of this lady’s personality from reading the first couple of paragraphs. She has a certain air about her that exudes importance – a woman who wants to be ‘beloved, envied, imitated’. She has been living away in Europe but her arrival back to her roots stirs up memories of her childhood in Tasmania. What has brought her here? Why, of course, something high-profile and important! The grand opening of ‘Australia’s most glamorous and sophisticated hotel’ – the Wrest Point Riviera Hotel. Putting Riviera and Tasmania in the same sentence is not something you would normally do because that word (although meaning ‘coastline’) often is associated with luxury, glamour, a lifestyle that attracts the elite. As the author explains, the Tasmania she grew up in is very different from the one now. Back then it was considered ‘boring and daggy, fifty years behind the mainland.’ Its’ bad economy, decreasing population, sparse work opportunities and having one of the most polluted rivers in the world (Derwent), did not make it very attractive in the past. But a lot has changed over the years.
The casino offered a chance to move up in the world and boosted tourism and the economy. But as the story reveals in the 1970s timeline through various characters, many were against its presence. The author tells us in her notes that the debate and controversy was seen in her own family. Her father was part of the state legal team who ‘oversaw the legalities of the enterprise’. Her mother was against it for spiritual reasons and her sister became a Ladybird at the casino after it opened. Mary Lou watched her practicing with cards and dummy chips.
There is lots of fascinating history and personal inspiration behind this novel. And after reading the introductory passage I was hooked. My curiosity had me googling the Hotel/Casino’s name for more information. I could see why it inspired Mary-Lou Stephens to write a story about it. But there is more to this plot than meets the eye. The past timeline year of 1939 gives it away. The author’s visit in Uruguay delivered valuable information she drew upon. The first battle of World War II – the Battle of the River Plate, was fought off the coast of where she was staying. People she met and academic papers she located provided valuable insight into Uruguay’s connections with the US before WWII. Being on location also meant she could trace Sabine’s steps. Again adding authenticity.
Back in Tasmania, we get a great opportunity to explore Wrest Point Riviera and Wrest Point Hotel Casino. These were meticulously researched and transported to the realistic images and culture presented in the story. I truly felt transported to each location, fully and seamlessly. Sabine is a fascinating thief turned war spy character that was a blast to follow. I won’t tell her story (you need to read it!) but her speech, presence and tact were epic. The men in her life could barely keep up to her.
In the second timeline, I also enjoyed following Sabine’s great niece, Jenny Davies. We are moved forward to February 1973 and the grand opening of the glitzy and controversial Wrest Point Hotel Casino. Jenny is invited to become a croupier – Ladybird in the casino. But this new venue has been declared by some to become the downfall of Hobart – drugs, crime and prostitution. Her mother has been repeating this message for years since the casino has been proposed. But Jenny attends the opening with her friend Mandy who says, ‘It’s the only exciting thing to ever happen in boring old Hobart.’ Hmm…familiar words. Plus the stores conveyed ‘they were fifty years behind the times.’ We know this tale is going to head into some intriguing directions when Jenny takes on a job that could change her life and relationships dramatically. And when she finds a letter and key that has been left to her by a relative she never knew of, well that opens up another delicious mystery we can follow while she tries to uncover all the clues. How will the two timelines come together? And how will the revelations affect her life? Well, it’s an exciting journey with plenty of adventures, twists and mayhem along the way, with an epic ending.
One trademark of Mary Lou’s is reminding us of her earlier books in her current novel. The Jam Maker is hinted upon in the first page at the mention of the ‘stench of fuel and fish’ mixed with the sugary scent of IXL jam making. These little mentions add a nice touch and provide continuity. It is like an ongoing thread that ties all her historical fiction novels together. Clever!
Well, I shan’t say more, as everyone needs to get on board of this historical fiction train and take a journey back in time with Sabine and Jenny. It is fascinating, fun, informative and inspiring. Another top notch HF novel from the beloved Tasmanian born wordsmith, Mary-Lou Stephens. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to HQ Fiction and Netgalley for the review copy.
