Hobart Hotel: The new must-read 2026 Tasmanian historical novel about a jewel-thief-turned-spy. by Mary-Lou Stephens

Glamour, intrigue and two women who will gamble their lives to survive ... the compelling new Tasmanian historical fiction from a bestselling Australian author.

December 1939: The grand opening of Australia's most glamorous and talked about hotel, the Wrest Point Riviera.

The equally glamorous Sabine Winters, recently arrived in Hobart from the Continent, anticipates a safe port from the storm that rages in Europe along with a few select items of jewellery to add to her (stolen) collection. What she doesn't expect is to be blackmailed into becoming a spy, torn from the safety of Tasmania and taken to the viper's nest of intrigue and plots that is South America during the rise of Nazi power. Her instincts and charms will only get her so far ...

February 1973: The grand opening of Australia's most glamorous, talked about and controversial hotel, the Wrest Point Hotel Casino.

Jenny Davies anticipates a night surrounded by dizzying decor and thrilling action. What she doesn't expect is an invitation to become a Ladybird, one of the casino's croupiers. But Jenny's choice to pursue this exclusive career creates a devastating chain of events that could destroy her life as she knows it. Can a mysterious letter and the gift of a key from a relative Jenny has never heard of somehow be the answer to all of her problems?

Praise for The Hobart Hotel

'This dual-time, glamorous story of intrigue, spies, trust, deceit, friendship, daring and luck - and so much more - will absolutely sweep you off your feet.' KAREN BROOKS, bestselling Australian author