Murders in the Marquee ⭐⭐⭐💫

Murders in the Marquee by Dana Mentink


NetGalley About Summary

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.
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…

Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery & Thrillers, Christian
Goodreads added: Humor

The How/Why: NetGalley ad

⭐⭐⭐💫 

🎉🎊 Overall Storytelling? 

  • Setting the stage. Atmosphere, Vibe 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
  • Likeable Characters: Protagonist, Supporting Cast, Extras 🎉🎉🎉🎊
  • Unlikeable Antagonist 🎉🎉🎉
  • Executing the premise 🎉🎉🎉🎊
  • Lives up to the promise 🎉🎉🎉🎊

🎣🎏 Did it grab and keep my attention? 🎣🎣🎣🎏

 🗣️Would I recommend it to anyone? Maybe 🤷 If you enjoy a quirky story with a side of MŪrdɇr. 

 🕮 Would I want a sequel? No ➖ 

 📚 Would I want to read more books by this author?  Maybe 🤷 

 ⚠️💣💥 📢 Content Warnings? MŪrdɇr & DɇaṪh, Ǥriɇf & LoŞŞ 

 🌶️🫑Spice? No

 🌪 Plot Twist? Yes. If yes, Predictable? Yes

 👟 Pace? Okay

 💻 Tidbits ~ Warning – incoming puns that are just ducky… 🦆

They would label this a "Quirky Mystery" if that were an official genre.

A Duck Commandant? This is a first for me! An actual job keeping your ducks in a row... 
🦆🦆🦆🦆🦆🦆🦆🦆🦆🦆🦆🦆

Picture it: San Francisco 1905. A glorious hotel, where the guests are pampered almost as much as the ducks.
Imagine a flock of fine feathered fowl forming a conga line!

But stop the mallard march - we seem to have a mŪrdɇr on our hands. Well, just a finger for now.

Favorite Character: Kitty was the bright spot. Raised to be a high-society socialite, this bored little rich girl dreams of being a professional Pinkerton detective, much to her family’s dismay.
She’s teamed up with Saul (the reformed jewel thief Duck Commandant) and Henry (the aspiring Vaudeville juggler Elevator Operator). These three mismatched amateur sleuths just might have been the original inspiration for the Three Stooges. 🙈🙉🙊😉

It’s a cute fun book, and while the high-society waddle pageant provides an entertaining backdrop, the actual mŪrdɇr mystery was not all it was quacked up to be for me. Let’s just say it didn’t have me perched on the edge of my seat, but it was still an enjoyable listen. 

🎧 Narrator: Kimberly M. Wetherell

🎧10.23 hours 🕮 336 pages

Not yet published. Expected 9-1-2026

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for the free ALC in exchange for my honest review.

 

35 and counting

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