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Murders in the Marquee
(2026)(The first book in the Murder Most Fowl Mysteries series)
A novel by Dana Mentink
‘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:
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!
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Praise for this book
"This fast-paced mystery will delight readers with its winsome characters, clever clues, and twisty ending." - Heather Day Gilbert
"Murders in the Marquee is a sparkling historical mystery packed full of period details and with more twists and turns than a labyrinth." - H L Marsay
"With a terrific sense of place and time, and three unique and memorable sleuths, the surprises just keep coming in this incredibly fun historical mystery. Mentink is at her peak with the superb Murders in the Marquee." - Korina Moss
"The cast shines in Dana Mentink's newest mystery, Murders in the Marquee. Saul Niffler's job as the 'Duck Commandant' (yes, it's as delightful as it sounds) is the most charmingly absurd job description I've ever read. Add to the mix Kitty Rossi, an aspiring Pinkerton detective with more determination than decorum, and Henry the elevator man, quietly competent and endearingly loyal, and you've got a trio I'd happily follow down any suspicious corridor. If you enjoy charmingly flawed heroes, plucky would-be detectives, and loyal sidekicks, in historical settings, check in to the Grand Mallard Marquee immediately. Just...maybe avoid the penthouse balcony." - Sandra Orchard
"Dana Mentink has penned a charmer of a mystery with Murders in the Marquee. An unlikely trio of sleuths fearlessly tracks down the villains in this whodunnit set among high society at the turn of the twentieth century. Engaging and fun, with a ducky supporting cast, Mentink nails the spirit of the time-period. A delightful read. I'm ready for an encore." - Tina Radcliffe
"What a dashing, delightful romp through turn-of-the-century America. I loved the unique setting of Murders in the Marquee and will never look at ducks the same way again! I definitely recommend to everyone looking for a cozy historical mystery." - AJ Skelly
"Murders in the Marquee offers readers a little bit of everything - intrigue, romance, and a rollicking good time. Dana Mentink weaves all of this together in a way that has you falling in love with the characters, laughing at the banter and hijinks, and turning the pages to find out who the mysterious murderer might be. The addition of the daily duck parade was the cherry on top. I couldn't put it down, even when it had me laughing out loud on a flight." - Liz Tolsma
"Murders in the Marquee is a sparkling historical mystery packed full of period details and with more twists and turns than a labyrinth." - H L Marsay
"With a terrific sense of place and time, and three unique and memorable sleuths, the surprises just keep coming in this incredibly fun historical mystery. Mentink is at her peak with the superb Murders in the Marquee." - Korina Moss
"The cast shines in Dana Mentink's newest mystery, Murders in the Marquee. Saul Niffler's job as the 'Duck Commandant' (yes, it's as delightful as it sounds) is the most charmingly absurd job description I've ever read. Add to the mix Kitty Rossi, an aspiring Pinkerton detective with more determination than decorum, and Henry the elevator man, quietly competent and endearingly loyal, and you've got a trio I'd happily follow down any suspicious corridor. If you enjoy charmingly flawed heroes, plucky would-be detectives, and loyal sidekicks, in historical settings, check in to the Grand Mallard Marquee immediately. Just...maybe avoid the penthouse balcony." - Sandra Orchard
"Dana Mentink has penned a charmer of a mystery with Murders in the Marquee. An unlikely trio of sleuths fearlessly tracks down the villains in this whodunnit set among high society at the turn of the twentieth century. Engaging and fun, with a ducky supporting cast, Mentink nails the spirit of the time-period. A delightful read. I'm ready for an encore." - Tina Radcliffe
"What a dashing, delightful romp through turn-of-the-century America. I loved the unique setting of Murders in the Marquee and will never look at ducks the same way again! I definitely recommend to everyone looking for a cozy historical mystery." - AJ Skelly
"Murders in the Marquee offers readers a little bit of everything - intrigue, romance, and a rollicking good time. Dana Mentink weaves all of this together in a way that has you falling in love with the characters, laughing at the banter and hijinks, and turning the pages to find out who the mysterious murderer might be. The addition of the daily duck parade was the cherry on top. I couldn't put it down, even when it had me laughing out loud on a flight." - Liz Tolsma
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