Celebrate Lit / October 5, 2026

Murders in the Marquee

About the Book Murders in the Marquee

Book: Murders in the Marquee

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Release Date: September 1, 2026

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…

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My Thoughts on Murders in the Marquee

Murders in the Marquee is a wonderful murder/suspense novel that you’re not going to want to miss out on! It’s unputdownable! I would read it again and again!

Murder Most Fowl. Oh, I loved that. What a cute play on words.

We’re in the early 1900’s. Saul made a mistake. He served prison time. And now he’s on the hunt for a job. This could be his chance. That means he needs to make sure he gets it. So it also means that when he thinks he sees a person fall off a balcony, he’s not going to rock the boat and investigate.

But then he meets an elevator man and a socialite who lives in the hotel. Kitty is a power to be reckoned with, and Henry is devoted to her. What could go wrong?

They pull Saul into their adventures and mysteries. Can they figure out the mystery, or will the rest of the staff pull the rug from under them while hiding evidence under the other one?

Also, I adore that Saul’s job is walking the ducks. It’s so fun!

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

About the Author of Murders in the Marquee

Dana Mentink is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller as well as a two-time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, and the recipient of a Holt Medallion for excellence in mystery/suspense. She was honored to receive the Author of the Year award from West Coast Christian Writers. A California native, she’s written over sixty titles for the general and Christian markets in the suspense, lighthearted romance, and mystery genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense and Revell.

More from Dana

Ice cream or pie? Cake or cookies? Beach or mountains?

The answer for me is always, “Yes!”

I’m a restless soul, I suppose, but I’ve never been able to choose one delight over the other. I’m that way with writing too. I started my career in mystery and sidestepped to suspense. It’d be so much easier to stick with one genre, but no.

Dana Mentink has to write both, it seems.

I attended a Harlequin anniversary celebration in Toronto a couple of years ago and listened to the editors discuss their future wishes. Tina James mentioned she’d like to see an “Only Murders in the Building” type book or maybe a historical mystery.

Whammo! The idea hit me like a train.

What about both? An Only Murders in the Building/Downton Abbey type mashup?

The series idea was born. Lots of twists and turns? Check. Humor? Check? An unlikely crime-solving trio?

You bet! I’m truly thrilled to have been allowed to step back into mystery land. I hope you’ll enjoy the results!