Dana Mentink: Murders in the Marquee

 By Kelly Bridgewater

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…

My Thoughts:

Murders in the Marquee by Dana Mentink has a beautiful cover. This is what drew me into read the cozy mystery. However, the mystery was very lackluster, and I couldn't wait to finish the story. The characters were pretty flat with barely any personality. Yes, they wanted to focus on the mystery, but at times, they follow the clues, and only focused on that clue until they solved what it has to do with the mystery, then they moved onto trying to find another clue. The setting was nice. I have heard about the Duck Parade at the Marquee, so it was nice to see an inside look to the workings of a hotel with high-end clients. Overall, Murders in the Marquee did not live up to my feelings of what a murder mystery should be. I needed more action and solving of the mystery. 

I received a complimentary copy of Murders in the Marquee by Dana Mentink from Love Inspired Trade, but the opinions stated are all my own. 

My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Renee Ryan: The Paris Housekeeper

 By Kelly Bridgewater

Paris, 1940

German tanks rumble through the streets of Paris, forcing frightened citizens to flee. But not everyone has the luxury to leave. Camille Lacroix, a chambermaid at the world-famous Hôtel Ritz, must stay to support her family back home in Brittany. Desperate to earn money, Camille also acts as a lady’s maid for longtime guest Vivian Miller, a glamorous American widow—and a Nazi sympathizer.

Despite her distrust of the woman, Camille turns to Vivian when her friend and fellow hotel maid Rachel Berman needs help getting out of Paris. It’s then that Camille discovers that Vivian is not what she seems… The American has been using her wealth and connections to secretly obtain travel papers for Jewish refugees.

While hiding Rachel in an underground bunker under a Nazi’s nose, a daring escape plan is hatched. But as the net grows tighter, and the Germans more ruthless, Camille’s courage will be tested to the extreme…

 

My Thoughts:

The Paris Housekeeper by Renee Ryan is a dark look into the world of the Nazi's and their control over everyone during World War II. The story is told from three point of views. A Jewish girl, a French girl, and a wealthy American. The story starts in the Ritz Hotel in Paris, France. Ryan did not shy away from the abuse and horror that was given and taken by the American. The plot is disturbing, horrific, yet informative of the realities of World War II. Definitely a plot that captured my attention and did not let go. It was different and unique from all the World War II stories that I have read. Each of the heroines were brave and fought against the injustice done to them. Each of them put their own comfort on the lines to save someone else. A concept that is rarely heard of anymore. Everytime I read stories that show the horror that people did to others during this time period, it always makes me cringe and wonder what I would do. With the way that the American economy is going, I might find out sooner than later. Sadly to admit. Overall, The Paris Housekeeper by Renee Ryan is an informative tale of horror and bravery during World War II Paris, France. I really enjoyed this novel.

I received a complimentary copy of The Paris Housekeeper by Renee Ryan from Love Inspired Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

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