Murders in the Marquee: A Historical Cozy Mystery with a Trio of Amateur Sleuths

By: Mentink, Dana

"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
Don't miss Book 2 in the Murder Most Fowl Mysteries series, Missing from Suite Five, coming Fall 2027

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1335002731
• ISBN13: 9781335002730
• Release Date: September 2026
• Publisher: Love Inspired Trade
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.3" x 7.9"

Customer Reviews

Fun & Quirky Characters

This was not what I expected but loved its quirky characters, mallard ducks, and sleuthing to discover why are people disappearing from the famous Grand Mallard Marquee.I found this to be a fun read surrounded by mystery and mayhem. Saul was a character I felt empathy for as he tries to put his life back together and tries to avoid troubling circumstances but his new found friends pull him into the middle of their crime solving duo. The humor is refreshing and I love a well written cozy mystery. The Faith theme is interwoven into the story I appreciated that Saul shows growth as the story precedes. I am excited that there will be a sequel as I did not want to let go of the characters yet. I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit/author. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

Suspenseful

Murders in the Marquee by Dana Mentink is the first book in her Murder Most Fowl series. Set in 1905’s San Francisco Grand Mallard Marquee Hotel, three amateur detectives must find a killer before he strikes again. Saul joins Kitty and Henry in trying to unravel all of the mysterious happenings in the hotel. The problem is – someone wants to stay hidden! What a great story from the first page to the last. The twists and turns will keep you guessing until the very end. I received this book from Celebrate-Lit for my honest review.

Murders and ducks!

This story was an interesting combination of suspense and mystery. Although I do not often read historical fiction or mysteries, I found myself staying up to find out what would happen next. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am anticipating the next one. The unique friendship between the main characters was refreshing and engaging. Many times I felt as though I was there in the midst of the intrigue which is not unusual for books by this author. Dana Mentink has a way of immersing you in the story. I can wholeheartedly recommend Murders in the Marquee for a fascinating read. I received an advance digital copy through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are mine and only mine.