Easy to consume, quick read. A murder mystery as evidenced by the title, set in the early 1900s. The plot and characters are enviable enough, and I love that it had a glossary of the period’s terminology (though with context, you wouldn’t need it). This seems like a YA novel as there was nothing graphic (the murder was a drowning and zero “intimacy” scenes). A little cheeky humor but overall a straight forward, fast paced murder mystery in which an unpopular hotel worker if offed, and the list of suspects is plenty! I think the author could’ve skipped over some of the London backstory at the beginning - perhaps that was exposition more for the other books in the series? - as it didn’t add to this novel.

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I thank NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an advance reader copy of “A Body at the Grand Hotel.” All opinions and comments are my own.

Invited to a meeting of the Torquay Mystery and Detection Society, Marius Quinn, mystery writer, thinks it’s a great chance to talk about himself and his books. Not only that, it’s an all-expenses paid opportunity to take his friends (well, best friend Lady Isabella Montague) and family (mother, Uncle Stan, and Auntie Elle) and enjoy a little vacation at the luxurious Grand Hotel. Instead, he finds himself and his work for all intents and purposes attacked, by the event’s attendees. So much for a swell weekend. So, when the conference organizer, a Mrs. Angelica Thistlethwaite, ends up dead in the hotel’s pool, Marius isn’t overly upset. Come to find out she’s the one responsible for the “roasting.” And what about the man in black that ran off – and who’s been hovering around? Is he our murderer? Or is it someone who had it in for Mrs. Thistlethwaite, who, as Marius discovers, is not the guiding light of Torquay she purported to be. Well, mystery writers love a mystery, and Marius has a dozy on his hands here. With Lady Isabella -- Bella -- to help, and even though his heart is breaking, for Bella has announced that she is now affianced to Gabriel, he begins an investigation that will uncover an age-old motive for murder.

A lot of crazy things go on in “A Body at the Grand Hotel” (I think author Benedict Brown would agree --- read the Author’s Historical Research notes at the end). It all comes together under the author’s deft handling of characters, scene-setting, and plot twists. And speaking of plot twists -- that ending! Oh, dear. What a set-up for the next book.

With surprises that keep you guessing to the final pages, “A Body at the Grand Hotel” fits the bill for those who enjoy mystery tales with a solid story, plenty of suspects and two main characters that complement each other very well. And there’s plenty in store for Marius and Bella.

It’s that time again as we get to enjoy another Marius Quinn mystery in A Body at the Grand Hotel by Benedict Brown. Once more the dead bodies just seem to follow Marius as he’s invited to the Grand Hotel as a speaker at an award for his writing. When the host of this ceremony winds up dead we are brought right back into another fun mystery along with the fantastic character of Lady Isabella. As always with Benedict Brown’s writing I was deeply invested and needed to find out what happened next as soon as possible. At this point I think all I have to say is if you’ve liked his other books or if you’ve never picked one up and enjoy a good cozy mystery novel, A Body at the Grand Hotel is for you. I’ve always enjoyed the Marius Quinn series and that’s yet to change and as always I’m already wanting the next one.

This is the fourth book in the Marius Quin Mystery series and the first I have read. In fact I see this author has written heaps of books including two other long series. I feel I have been missing out!

Marius is an author by profession as well as a private detective. When he is invited to give a talk on books at a luxury hotel he does not expect that it will be the detective role that he ends up playing the most.

My first attraction to A Body at the Grand Hotel was the setting in Torquay in England. I know it well having spent many summer holidays there in the past. Then I found I liked the character of Marius Quin very much as well as his friend and fellow sleuth, Lady Bella Montague. They work well together. A well written historical cosy mystery and I will look out for more of his books.

This cozy mystery is set in the late 1920s in the coastal holiday town of Torquay. The main character, mystery author, Marius Quin, is invited to the Grand Hotel to have an event held in his honor by the Torquay Mystery and Detection Society. In his excitement over the event, he invites his mother, aunt, uncle, and best friend and fellow detective, Bella, to join him. Once the event begins, he realizes that things are not exactly what he had anticipated and he is soon ruffled by the overbearing and rude head of the society and several society members. He soon gets his bearings and gives his hecklers a bit more than they anticipated. Little does he realize that the event itself is only the beginning of the unpleasantness that the weekend holds. Before too long, a dead body is found and it is up to Quin, Bella, and Inspector Lovebrook to find the killer. This story is wonderfully written with very interesting characters, red herrings, subplots, intrigue, and a healthy dose of humor. A truly wonderful cozy mystery! I have not read the others in this series, but will be remedying that now that I have enjoyed this book so much! I especially enjoyed the "Words and Phrases" section filled with definitions of words from the time and the "Historical Research" section that delved into all the author's detective work into the time period and more (from phones, to scones, to storks, and more!) that went into the book. Fascinating stuff! I appreciated the Character List as well. Just a delightful read from start to finish!
* I received an arc digital book from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

In A Body at the Grand Hotel, the fourth entry in Benedict Brown’s captivating Marius Quin series, mystery novelist and amateur detective Marius Quin finds himself swept into another intriguing whodunit. Invited to speak at the Torquay Mystery and Detection Society, Marius expects a relaxing weekend on the English Riviera with his crime-solving partner, Lady Bella Montague, and his beloved basset hound, Percy. But things quickly take a darker turn when the body of a contentious local woman is discovered floating in the hotel pool. What follows is a delightful unraveling of secrets, half-truths, and red herrings as Marius and Bella attempt to navigate uncooperative witnesses, skeptical police, and the hotel’s opulent yet unsettling atmosphere.

Brown continues to shine with his mix of humor, charm, and engaging puzzles, providing readers with a cozy mystery that feels fresh while honoring the classic genre. Marius, with his newfound confidence and sharpened detective skills, teams up with the ever-sharp Bella, creating a partnership that’s both dynamic and heartfelt. The elegance of the Grand Hotel and the scenic coastal setting add a perfect touch of escapism, immersing readers in the charm and suspense of the English seaside.

As always, Brown’s cast of quirky, endearing characters steal the show, from Marius's family members to Percy, who revels in the hotel’s pet-friendly amenities. Brown's ability to balance mystery with character-driven moments brings warmth to the story, even as the tension builds. Fans of cozy mysteries and character-rich storytelling will find A Body at the Grand Hotel a wonderfully satisfying addition to the series.

Thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and Benedict Brown for this ARC! A Body at the Grand Hotel is out November 14, 2024. Cozy mystery lovers, you won’t want to miss this seaside escape with Marius and Bella!

In A Body at the Grand Hotel, Benedict Brown whisks readers to the charming English coast, where mystery novelist-turned-amateur detective Marius Quin finds himself unexpectedly entangled in yet another puzzling case. Invited to speak at the prestigious Mystery and Detection Society, Marius relishes the thought of a relaxing, glamorous weekend with his fearless partner, Lady Bella Montague. However, their getaway at Torquay’s Grand Hotel takes a sharp turn when they wake to a disturbing discovery: the body of a notoriously unpleasant local resident floating lifelessly in the hotel pool. What begins as an intriguing incident quickly unravels into a web of clues and conflicting testimonies that leave Marius and Bella—and readers—guessing at every turn.

As Marius and Bella dig into the mystery, they face obstacles at every corner: a resistant local police sergeant, witnesses who refuse to share the whole truth, and a series of baffling clues that seem to contradict one another. Brown’s portrayal of Marius is rich with wit and determination, showing a character who may still be new to sleuthing but is anything but timid. Bella’s sharp insights and strong-willed nature make her an indispensable ally, and their partnership brings a delightful balance of humor and tension to the story.

This fourth book in the Marius Quin Mystery Series is a classic whodunit, with all the right twists and red herrings to keep fans of mystery thoroughly engaged. Readers will appreciate the atmospheric setting, clever plotting, and the challenge of piecing together clues alongside the detectives. A Body at the Grand Hotel is a satisfying blend of suspense and character-driven storytelling that captures the best of classic mystery fiction with a fresh, modern touch.

This series is wonderful and I loved this book. As always, there is a murder and things are certainly not as they seem. The writing is witty and fun. It ended upon a significant cliffhanger. Looking forward to the next. I was blessed with a free ARC, and I’m voluntarily leaving my review.

A fun cozy mystery with twists and turns.
This is book four in a series, but my first read from Benedict Brown. Nor necessary to have read previous books to understand story, but would probably help to establish the main characters, Marius and Isabella.
Medium paced, well written, bits of early 1900’s humor. The author adds some fun historical facts if you enjoy historical fiction.
Thanks to Net Galley and author for the opportunity to read and review

Thank you, NetGalley, for the opportunity to read this ARC! This is another great cozy mystery in the series, immersing readers in the world of author and amateur detective Marius Quin. The author adds just the right amount of tongue-in-cheek humor to keep readers hooked.

In this installment, Quin is invited to speak to a group of mystery enthusiasts at the Grand Hotel. But when the group's founder is found dead in the pool, it’s up to Marius and Lady Bella to uncover the murderer. Readers follow Marius as he navigates clues, personalities, and more to identify the guilty party.

The setting adds a rich backdrop to the story, and while the ending is tragic, it still leaves hope for the future of Marius and Bella.

Marius and Bella return to their sleuthing in Torquay. Redolent with the vibes of a luxury hotel in the 1920's, they have to solve the murder of a very unpleasant woman. A clever plot and some old fashioned investigation lead to a good outcome. Percy had a smaller role this time, but the genial tone was maintained. This one ended with a bombshell on the very last page, needless to say, there will be interest in the next instalment. Although this is part of a series, it still read fine as a standalone book. I have found with this author, the authors notes are well worth reading. Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for a copy to read and review.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of Benedict Brown's 'A Body at the Grand Hotel" in exchange for my review.

Book 4 in the Marius Quin was everything I expected and more. Out of the blue mystery novelist Marius receives an invitation to attend a gala in his honour at a hotel in Torquay and give a talk about his detective novels to the local Mystery and Detection society. With his family, dog, and crime fighting companion Lady Isabella in tow Marius arrives at the Grand Hotel only to find the event has sinister undertones. When he discovers a body in the hotel's swimming pool, Marius and Isabella are determined to unravel the mystery and unmask the killer. Full of fun red herrings, historically accurate quips, and big reveals this book is a delightfully entertaining read.

I haven’t read any of the previous books in this series.
I don’t really know if I would have enjoyed this book more if I had or not. I can’t say it was my favorite mystery and perhaps that’s to the author’s writing style. It was just an ok mystery

3.25 rounded down for goodreads and netgalley.
I really enjoyed this book. It is the 4th book in the series and they’re all good. I did like the setting and the mystery was easy to follow. The cast of characters is still as pleasant as it was in the previous books. But this one is my favorite for its ending, that I did not see coming and that definitely makes me want to read the next book. I highly recommend this cosy mystery series.

Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for a honest review.

The review of this book is my honest opinion. This was my first Marius Quin book. At times I seem to be drawn to English books with all the glamour the elite of that time provides and this book fit that theme perfectly. Marius a wannabe author and detective receives an invitation to discuss his writing with a famous group of readers. The invitation includes a weekend at the elegant Grand Hotel. What ensues is not what Marius is expecting and his discovery of a body sorely disrupts all thoughts of a wonderful weekend. The wonderful characters and the final reveal were all fun and satisfying. Thank you Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the early copy and I look forward to the next in this engaging series.

Thank you to Net Galley and Storm Publishing for the chance to read and review this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
This is the fourth installment in the Marius Quinn Mystery series by Benedict Brown. I enjoyed it-lots of quirky characters and an unexpected villain. I want to read more in this series. I highly recommend to all historical mystery lovers. This book will grab you and keep your attention.

Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for this ARC. Really good series, great plots, witty characters and it will keep you guessing to the end.

A great cozy in this series that takes the reader into the mind and life of author/amateur detective Marius Quin. The author adds just enough tongue in cheek humor to addict the reader. Quin is asked to speak to a group of mystery aficionados at the Grand Hotel. When the founder of the group is found floating in the pool, it is up to Marius and Lady Bella to find the murderer. The reader follows Marius as he works through clues, personalities, and more to reveal the guilty party. The setting adds a great deal to the story and the ending though tragic gives hope for the fate of Marius and Bella. Thanks to NetGalley for the arc.

A proper murder mystery complete with pork pie hats, long train journeys and telephone exchanges. The book is slow in a delightful way, the characters reveal themselves as Marius talks to people and wanders around the hotel listening and putting things together. The murder victim is detested by all and this gives a raft of potential murderers to consider and to explore. A gentle, blood free 1920s joy.