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
