Review: Murders in the Marquee by Dana Mentink

About the Book

ISBN-139781335002730

Publisher: Harlequin

Publication Date: 09/01/2026

Pages: 336

Synopsis (from the author’s website)

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

The humorous antics in this novel by the amateur sleuths kept me reading and guessing and guessing again. The characters are quirky, lively and believable and easy to cheer for as Saul, Kitty and Henry try their best to follow the clues and find out who is responsible for the murders that must be happening in the Marquee. Of course, their quest is somewhat hampered by their inability to find a body as well as their normal duties. Saul is a bellhop when needed but his full-time job is the duck commandant for the daily duck parade. This was a hilarious and unexpected addition to the story and I especially loved Ruby and Uncle Joe, ducks who have a great deal of personality. Kitty is the daughter of an opera star whose aspiration is to be a detective, so she is delighted to find body parts and follow clues all over the hotel. Henry is a wannabe juggler whose paying job is the elevator operator. Together, these three make a formidable and unlikely cast of sleuths but they do a remarkable job of getting into and out of difficulties while also following wherever the clues lead. I enjoyed the fast pace, the entertaining and well-crafted plot and I especially enjoyed getting to know some of the most well-developed and unique characters ever created.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Dana Mentink lives in California where the weather is golden and the cheese is divine. Her family includes two daughters (affectionately nicknamed Yogi and Boo Boo.) Papa Bear is retired from the fire department and he met Dana doing a dinner theater production of The Velveteen Rabbit. Ironically, their parts were husband and wife.

Dana writes in two genres, cozy mystery and romantic suspense. She’s a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author as well as a two time ACFW Carol Award winner, and a Holt Medallion recipient. Her suspense novel, Betrayal in the Badlands, earned a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award. She is honored to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Revell, and Poisoned Pen Press. Website: Dana Mentink.com