Tuesday, September 22, 2026

MURDERS IN THE MARQUEE by Dana Mentink, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise

(Murder Most Fowl Mysteries Book 1)

PAULA'S REVIEW:
A historical mystery set in the Marquee in San Francisco although patterned after the Peabody Hotel with its Duck Brigade. 

A few light moments in spite of the dead bodies are in store for Kitty, daughter of a famous opera star, Henry an elevator man and Saul fresh out of jail and tasked with overseeing a dozen mallards. 

Saul is sure he saw something drop from a balcony but the trio cannot find a body. They find lots of other puzzling happenings and fishy acting people. 

Ms. Mentink sends us on a merry chase with lots of suppositions by Kitty who wants to become a Pinkerton, new Christian Saul who strives not to be just another ex-con and Henry who wants to break into Vaudeville as a juggler. The author kept me guessing right up to the end. 

I wonder what these stealthy sleuths will get into next. There is a teaser that another case is in the works for Kitty, Henry and Saul.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Love Inspired through NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a solid faith thread

BackCover Blurb:
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!

Love Inspired, September, 2026
Available in digital ebook, paperback, and audiobook:
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