Murder Most Fowl Mysteries #1

Published September 1, 2026 by Love Inspired Trade (Harlequin – Romance)

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:

This story is set in San Francisco during the early twentieth century at the lavish Grand Mallard Marquee’ Hotel. An unlikely trio Kitty, Saul and Henry become amateur detectives to solve a murder, and they must work fast to uncover what happened before their own lives are forever changed in more ways than one.

Kitty, Saul and Henry became fast friends, and their friendship, protectiveness and thoughtfulness towards each other made an impression on me.

While I enjoyed the story as a whole and was fully engaged with the quirky characters and their adventures, I felt the mystery itself could have been better developed. That said, I will be on the lookout for more of their stories and can’t wait to see what the author does with this new series.

An atmospheric and beautifully woven story with elements of faith, forgiveness, redemption and friendship.

Stephanie

I rated this book three stars.

I obtained a review copy from the publishers through NetGalley for an honest review.