Dear Fellow Readers,

I know times are tough and I hope you are doing well.  I have a fun mystery for you.  I found out about this book from my local bookseller. (I can’t rave about Boswell Books in Milwaukee enough.)

  In a recent newsletter, the owner wrote about talking to Erica Ruth Neubauer. She has recently released her new book, Murder at the Mena House.  In the interview, she talked about how she read Murder at the Brightwell and how she liked the time period and vibe of the book.  I reviewed Murder at the Brightwell back in January (https://cecooney.com/2020/01/10/oh-those-cozies-three-cozy-mysteries/) and that caught my attention.  The other thing mentioned in the interview was that this is the first in a three-book series and that the second book has been written already.  Nice to know it is a series (which I am a sucker for) and that 2/3 of it is written already  We won’t be waiting 6 years for the next one.

Murder at the Mena House takes place in Egypt in 1926.  Jane Wunderly is traveling with Aunt Millie.  Aunt Millie feels that Jane should be using the time traveling to find a new husband.  Jane’s husband was killed in the war and she has shown no interest in getting married again. (and why is that?)

When they arrive at the Mena House, there are several interesting guests.  She first meets Colonel  Stainton and his daughter Anna. She also meets the mysterious Redvers, a handsome banker. Although she gets the feeling that he isn’t really a banker. Anna Stainton shows obvious distain for Jane and Jane’s impression is that Anna is a spoiled socialite.

Then Anna is killed.  And Jane is under suspicion for her murder by an imperious local policeman.  Jane knows she needs to clear her name but she is not sure who can be trusted.

The story has many parts to it. There is murder, there is blackmail and the secrets it was hiding and there is the question as to why Jane is not looking for a new husband. It is all finely woven and reveled during the book.

By the end, there is only one thing not clear but there are two more books…

I enjoyed Murder at the Mena House. I think the author did a good job with character development and the unraveling of the story.

If you were interested in finding out from the author about her book and about her, you can watch an interview with her https://www.jsonline.com/videos/entertainment/books/2020/04/08/erica-ruth-neubauer-talks-her-new-mystery-novel-murder-mena-house/2953245001/

Thanks for reading.