Welcome to my tour stop! Read my review and enter the giveaway below...
Murders in the Marquee
(Murder Most Fowl Mysteries #1)
By Dana Mentink
Historical Cozy Mystery
Audiobook, Paperback & eBook, 336 Pages
September 1, 2026 by Love Inspired Trade
Summary
“Mentink is at her peak.” –Korina Moss, Agatha Award-winning author of the Cheese Shop Mysteries series
In this witty historical murder mystery set in a San Francisco hotel, an unlikely trio of amateur sleuths must uncover a killer before another guest checks out for good. This first book in the Murder Most Fowl Mysteries is perfect for fans of Only Murders in the Building.
In 1905, the Grand Mallard Marquee is well known for its iconic style, as well as its daily duck parade. For Saul Niffler, a reformed jewel thief, working at the luxurious hotel offers a much-needed second chance. Staying out of trouble and in gainful employment is essential. Which makes seeing a body plummet from a penthouse window extra complicated.
Except…did he see it? There’s no body to be found, and Saul knows he should concentrate on his new duties as “Duck Commandant” rather than meddle. If only Kitty Rossi, a persistent young guest yearning to be a Pinkerton detective, would leave well enough alone. Kitty has already roped in Henry, the elevator man, to investigate suspicious goings-on around the hotel. And against his better judgment, Saul feels compelled to join them.
Between the mystery of Saul’s missing predecessor and a grisly discovery in a drain, all signs point to murder most fowl. And with a cold-blooded killer roaming the Marquee’s lavish corridors, keeping his job may be the least of Saul’s problems…
For fans of:
- Amateur Sleuths
- Historical Cozy Mystery
- Twisty-Turny Whodunits
- Turn-of-the-Century Settings
- Historical Cozy Mystery
- Twisty-Turny Whodunits
- Turn-of-the-Century Settings
Don't miss Book 2 in the Murder Most Fowl Mysteries series, Missing from Suite Five, coming Fall 2027!
MURDERS IN THE MARQUEE is set during a lavish historical period in San Francisco where a hotel's image is set above all else, even if that includes hiding some dead bodies. The author forms a motley group of characters who make a trio of sleuths which include two of the hotel workers led by one of the upper crust. What ensues is a somewhat dramatic, but sweet and cozy mystery.
I liked the characters from the start of the story. They're an interesting group. Saul is the mature member who recently was released from prison and is trying to restart his life. He's married but hasn't seen his wife in some time and doesn't know if she'll keep him. There's young Henry who runs the elevator, has dreams of being a showman, and has a crush on the Kitty. And Kitty, who is an 18-year-old affluent woman staying at the hotel with her parents who wants to be like the detectives she's so fond of in her books. The characters work well together even though they're all a bit bumbling about trying to solve the disappearance of the former “Duck Commandant.”
The plot itself meanders along. Sometimes it feels like there isn't actually a mystery to solve, but then there are some red flags that pop up and some other characters acting strangely. There definitely is a feeling that something, if not several, is off, but it's hard to know exactly what. It starts to come together towards the end, and what an end it is!
In the end, was it what I wished for? This is one of those books you can read or listen to while you relax. It is definitely a cozy mystery with emphasis on the cozy, and has some delightful characters, including some adorable ducks. Recommended if you're a fan of the genre and the historical period.
Content: Some references to murder, but not overly detailed. Clean.
Source: I received a complimentary copy through Celebrate Lit, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Dana Mentink is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller as well as a two-time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, and the recipient of a Holt Medallion for excellence in mystery/suspense. She was honored to receive the Author of the Year award from West Coast Christian Writers. A California native, she’s written over sixty titles for the general and Christian markets in the suspense, lighthearted romance, and mystery genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense and Revell.
(Affiliate links included.)
My Review
MURDERS IN THE MARQUEE is set during a lavish historical period in San Francisco where a hotel's image is set above all else, even if that includes hiding some dead bodies. The author forms a motley group of characters who make a trio of sleuths which include two of the hotel workers led by one of the upper crust. What ensues is a somewhat dramatic, but sweet and cozy mystery.
I liked the characters from the start of the story. They're an interesting group. Saul is the mature member who recently was released from prison and is trying to restart his life. He's married but hasn't seen his wife in some time and doesn't know if she'll keep him. There's young Henry who runs the elevator, has dreams of being a showman, and has a crush on the Kitty. And Kitty, who is an 18-year-old affluent woman staying at the hotel with her parents who wants to be like the detectives she's so fond of in her books. The characters work well together even though they're all a bit bumbling about trying to solve the disappearance of the former “Duck Commandant.”
The plot itself meanders along. Sometimes it feels like there isn't actually a mystery to solve, but then there are some red flags that pop up and some other characters acting strangely. There definitely is a feeling that something, if not several, is off, but it's hard to know exactly what. It starts to come together towards the end, and what an end it is!
In the end, was it what I wished for? This is one of those books you can read or listen to while you relax. It is definitely a cozy mystery with emphasis on the cozy, and has some delightful characters, including some adorable ducks. Recommended if you're a fan of the genre and the historical period.
Content: Some references to murder, but not overly detailed. Clean.
Source: I received a complimentary copy through Celebrate Lit, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Coming in the Series
(Linked to an Amazon affiliate link.)
About the Author
You can find the author HERE.
To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize of a $100 Amazon Gift Card and a signed copy of the book!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
Tour Schedule
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, September 29
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 29
Books Less Travelled , September 30
She Lives To Read, September 30
Melissa’s Bookshelf, October 1
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 1
Texas Book-aholic, October 2
Wishful Endings, October 2
For Him and My Family, October 3
Books You Can Feel Good About, October 3
Lily’s Corner, October 4
Blogging With Carol, October 4
Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 5
Leslie’s Library Escape, October 6
Life of Literature , October 6
Connie’s History Classroom, October 7
Mary Hake, October 7
Blossoms and Blessings, October 8
Holly’s Book Corner, October 9
Pause for Tales, October 9
Cover Lover Book Review, October 10
Life on Chickadee Lane, October 11
A Good Book and Cup of Tea, October 12
Lights in a Dark World, October 12
Tour-Wide Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize of a $100 Amazon Gift Card and a signed copy of the book!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
Are you a fan of cozy mysteries? Do you have a favorite series?
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