There was nothing wrong with this book but I just don’t think it was for me. The setting in Egypt was great, I liked the characters enough, but after reading the first 20% in one sitting, I just didn’t feel compelled to pick it back up. I’d certainly pick it back up again if the mood struck and I’d certainly recommend it to people looking for a light mystery.

Murder at the Mena House is a wonderfully conceived story with all the elements that will thrill period mystery lovers - exotic setting - the fabulous and historic Mena House outside of Cairo; a young heroine who is chafing under the constraints of her life; mysterious characters convening in the hotel; and a lushly descriptive landscape - the pyramids of Egypt. Readers will look forward to more exciting adventures in this promising series.

Good mystery. Easy pace. Looks to be the start of great new cozy series.


Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me an advance copy of this book.

A young American war widow is travelling in exotic post WW1 Egypt with her deceased husband's aunt when she becomes a suspect in a bloody murder. Jane Wunderly and her aunt Millie are staying at the posh Mena House Hotel at Giza, near Cairo, next to the pyramids. Jane crosses paths with Anna Stainton, a young woman who takes an instant dislike to her. When Anna's body is found in her hotel room, the sinister Inspector Hamadi puts Jane on notice that she is a suspect. Jane is befriended by a mysterious "banker", Redvers and together they investigate Anna's murder. Along the way, they visit the pyramids and the Cairo museum and generally partake of the Egyptian local colour doing touristy things. On the dark side, Jane receives a warning: one day a live scorpion is served with her tea. Jane's claustrophobic tour of the interior of the great pyramid is realistic. A second murder occurs, one of the several suspects is found dead in the gambling rooms of the hotel. By this time in the story, plenty of bad doings have come to light: blackmail, antiquity theft, and even cheating at gambling. There's an exciting conclusion, following a chase in the native village attached to the hotel, and Anna's killer is unmasked.

There's a variety of interesting characters. Jane is a standout protagonist attracting readers' sympathy with her back story of a cruel and sadistic husband killed in the Great War. Her aunt Millie is a mystery woman with a skeleton in her closet. The remaining ensemble of supporting characters turn this into an interesting country house mystery.

It's a smooth read, well-paced with an entertaining storyline. Several red herrings and mysterious characters provide colour too. The location plays a big part in the storytelling and should appeal to the armchair traveller.

Recommended as a well-told intelligent light murder mystery. The stage is set for a sequel with the further exploits of Jane Wunderly.

I requested and received a complementary advance reading copy from the publisher, Kensington Books, via Netgalley. The comments about it are my own. I appreciate the opportunity to review the book.

I know I have read a five star book when, as I finish the last sentence, I am eager for the next book. That's how much I enjoyed Murder at the Mena House. It got my attention from the title and the setting, 1926 in Cairo, Egypt. The first page sucked me in and never let go.
Jane Wunderly is an American abroad, traveling with her Aunt Millie. While dear Aunt Millie continues her hunt for a suitable man to put another wedding band on widow Jane's ring finger, Jane is having none of it. As a young war widow (with secrets of her own about her husband) Jane just wants to enjoy the pyramids and watch camels and such. Not fend off strange men her aunt sends her way. Well, that may be Jane's intention but things don't go her way. Day one and Jane is parched and enjoying her Gin Rickey at the bar, her mind having a pleasant wander as she checks out her surroundings. Breaking into her musings is a man's voice calling her name. Oh dear, Aunt Millie has struck again and pointed her out to a man. A very handsome and mysterious man who only gives his name as Redvers, just Redvers. Jane may have sworn off men and embraced her widowhood but she might have to rethink that soon. Redvers is a knockout and he attracts the attention of another hotel guest who wants him for her own and sees Jane as her competition. She hates Jane from the get go. When a killer strikes, Jane becomes the prime suspect. She is found standing over the woman's corpse and Jane's missing scarab is found in the woman's room.
This mystery has a bit of everything I enjoy - a well crafted puzzle, an interesting and colorful cast of suspects, a strong female character, a lush foreign setting, a period setting and a touch of romance. The writing style flows smoothly and I was sorry to reach the conclusion and have to bid adieu to Jane and company until I can join her in her next mystery.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

A fun new historical mystery series set in my favorite period, the 1920s. Jane Wunderly is an intrepid heroine vacationing in Egypt with her aunt. Secrets (and bad guys) abound, and Jane's exploits reminded me of the beloved Amelia Peabody series by Barbara Peters and Indiana Jones.

Jane Wunderly accompanied her Aunt Millie to Egypt in 1926, looking forward to her holiday and seeing the pyramids as had been her dream. She was recently widowed and determined to never marry again, but Aunt Millie was equally determined to see she did. When the two women encountered Mr Redvers at Mena House, Millie was smug while Jane was wary. As the guests mingled while getting to know one another, Jane could see there were some strange and different people among the guests. The Colonel for example was a lovely man, while his daughter immediately made eyes at all the men. Jane wasn’t the only woman to feel her glare.

But when Jane found a body in one of the guest rooms, she was totally in shock. And when she was declared a suspect by the local police, Jane knew she had to find the killer to clear her name. Could she trust Mr Redvers to help? Between the staff and all the guests, there were many who would fit on Jane’s list of suspects. She needed to eliminate to find the murderer…

Murder at the Mena House is the 1st in the "A Jane Wunderly Mystery" series by Erica Ruth Neubauer and I loved it! Jane is an excellently crafted character, strong and determined and although she did some foolish things, she knew they were but did them anyway. I can’t wait for the next in the series and recommend this one highly.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for my honest review.

A good start to a new historical mystery series - I was a little unsure at the beginning, but as the book went on and I settled in, it became a very good read.

Set in Egypt, Jane and her slightly embittered, widowed, drunk of an Aunt arrive for a vacation [picked because the United States was knee-deep in Prohibition and Aunt Millie wanted a place where she could *ahem* drink freely [and drink she does]. They are barely there when a young, tarty socialite is murdered and Jane finds the body and the game is on.

Filled with a pretty good mystery [I did not know who the bad people were -there WERE so many to pick from], an excellent set of supporting characters and a really well-written male MC that wants to take care of Jane, but realizes early on how impossible that is and is willing to give her the lead [though rarely content with that and is often exasperated with her shenanigans] and doesn't push the romance button *TOO* hard, and secrets that are both sad and slightly obvious [in the case of one person, not Jane's. Hers are revealed slowly over the story and really adds to the character development]. One of my few issues with the story [and they were very few, which was totally enjoyable as well. It doesn't always happen that way] was that at one moment, Jane seems like a 40 year old "Old Maid" and then the next minute she is "giggling helplessly" and it, for a while, grated on my nerves. And then the light-bulb went off - she is a 23 year old widow who has deep secrets - of COURSE she is going to act both ways. Once I figured that out [I tend to be slow sometimes. LOL], it went much better for me and I liked Jane even more.

I really enjoyed this book and will be looking forward to the next one.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

1926 Egypt. Mrs Jane Wunderly, widow, is on holiday with her Aunt Millicent Stanley at the Mena House hotel, hoping to spend time among the pyramids. She does not count on meeting Redvers, a banker, or finding herself embroiled in a murder, especially as the prime suspect. But teaming up with Redvers they investigate. But what secrets to the hotel guests and servants hide, and can any lead to solving the murder.
An enjoyable and well-written cozy historical story. With its mixture of mystery, romance and the feel of Egypt. With its likeable two main characters it is a solid start to the series.

"Well-heeled travelers from around the world flock to the Mena House Hotel - an exotic gem in the heart of Cairo where cocktails flow, adventure dispels the aftershocks of World War I, and deadly dangers wait in the shadows...

Egypt, 1926. Fiercely independent American Jane Wunderly has made up her mind: she won’t be swept off her feet on a trip abroad. Despite her Aunt Millie’s best efforts at meddling with her love life, the young widow would rather gaze at the Great Pyramids of Giza than into the eyes of a dashing stranger. Yet Jane’s plans to remain cool and indifferent become ancient history in the company of Mr. Redvers, a roguish banker she can’t quite figure out...

While the Mena House has its share of charming guests, Anna Stainton isn’t one of them. The beautiful socialite makes it clear that she won’t share the spotlight with anyone - especially Jane. But Jane soon becomes the center of attention when she’s the one standing over her unintentional rival’s dead body.

Now, with her innocence at stake in a foreign country, Jane must determine who can be trusted, and who had motive to commit a brutal murder. Between Aunt Millie’s unusual new acquaintances, a smarmy playboy with an off-putting smile, and the enigmatic Mr. Redvers, someone has too many secrets. Can Jane excavate the horrible truth before her future falls to ruin in Cairo...and the body count rises like the desert heat?"

Egypt! Need I say more?

There is some great period detail in Murder at the Mena House that puts readers right in the middle of the action, and life without air conditioning in the desert is just one of those fascinating facts.

Jane Wunderly is a strong, interesting character with a backstory that makes it clear why she's not in the market for a husband, although I do wish she could afford to travel without the disagreeable Aunt Millie (who has her own little secrets).

How's the story? It's a good'un, with excellent misdirection and some exciting action scenes. Am I willing to take another trip with Jane? You bet! Just let me finish packing my bags.

A new historical cozy series, "A Jane Wunderly Mystery," published by Kensington Books from Erica Ruth Neubauer, Murder At The Mena House, will have readers begging for more, falling in love with traveling through the past, and Egypt.

I love Egypt and anything to do with Egypt. A historical cozy series set in this beautiful country makes me happy. Placing this mystery within view of the pyramids and visiting the Cairo museum makes this book very special. Add in wonderful storytelling and you have the makings of a hit series readers will crave for years to come.

The characters in this new historical cozy series are very memorable. Jane is someone most modern women can empathize with, while older women recognize the insecurities and cruelties from their own life or that of their mothers. This story is set in a time when women were still considered possessions when they were treated as stupid, incapable of understanding anything more than cooking, cleaning, raising children, and doing what men told them to do. I like aunt, Millie, and understand why she is always acting tough; it isn’t an act, she has to be hard on those she loves. Redvers is a character that makes the reader's heart flutter and long for the days of foreign travel and romantic adventures.

The victim(s) in Murder At The Mena House are not surprising; they may even have deserved to be murdered. A young woman who is selfish and obviously conceited may not deserve to be killed, or so you might think, but there are secrets to be revealed. Not everyone is who they seem to be, even when they are dead. When the killer is revealed, readers may be more than a bit surprised. Suspects are plentiful, the action subtle but towards the end more upfront. The description of the location, namely Mena House and the surrounding famous sites, make this historical cozy worth the read. Readers will get a real sense of being back in the '20s in Egypt.

Readers of historical cozy books will enjoy this new series, and I am thrilled to have read it and happy to recommend it to all readers. Ms. Neubauer brings the characters and the era to life. This book is an adventure into the past and a land that even today holds its mysteries close.

A typical 'cozy' murder mystery. Very Agatha Christie esque. Perfect for these 'self isolating' nights! Loved the ancient Egypt setting. Jane Wunderly just well maybe my new favourite sleuth. I don't usually prefer first person narratives but it seemed to work well for this book, although sometimes it was a bit strange e.g. descriptions of facial expressions. Overall, great read and I look forward to the next adventure.

I received a copy of this title from the publisher for an honest review. Murder at the Mena house is a delightful first entry in new series set in the 1920's featuring Mrs. Jane Wunderly set in the early 1920s. Visiting Egypt as a companion to her wealthy aunt, Jane is staying at the Mena House hotel in sight of the Great Pyramids. A luxury hotel, the Mena House guests are a fascinating mix of post-Word War I characters including a British colonel and his flapper daughter, a mysterious British banker, a young American couple on their honeymoon, and a oily playboy of dubious background. Jane is drawn to the mysterious banker, Redvers who she meets in the bar on her first night there.

The colonel's daughter is found murdered in her room before long and Jane is the prime suspect. The more she learns about the victim and the suspects the less sure she is of who she can trust. What exactly is her aunt hiding? Redvers is obviously more than a banker, but is he a murderer? The mystery aspect is quite well done with enough twists and turns to keep one guessing, but the real star of the book to my is the setting. Post World War I Egypt provides a wonderful backdrop to the mystery and the author does a great job of giving the reader insight into the era and location. The potential developing relationship between Redvers adds a nice tension to the story and there are enough glimpses into Jane's background to keep the reader wanting to find out more in future books. I am always excited to find a new historical mystery serious and will be on the lookout for the next title featuring Jane and her world.

Murder at the Mena House by Erica Ruth Neubauer is the debut of A Jane Wunderly Mystery series. This historical cozy mystery takes us back in time to 1926 (the Roaring Twenties) where prohibition is in full swing in the United States, dress lengths are shorter than ever, and women are bobbing their hair. Jane Wunderly is traveling with her Aunt Millie to Egypt where Jane cannot wait to visit the pyramids. They are staying at Mena House which has a golf course and a pool along with a variety of intriguing guests. Aunt Millie is quick to send an eligible bachelor in Jane’s direction the first evening (much to Jane’s annoyance). Jane was widowed at age twenty-two when her husband died in the Great War. She is not interested in finding a new husband after her experience with the first one. Jane must admit, though, that Mr. Redvers is enigmatic and dashing. Alcohol flows freely in Egypt much to Aunt Millie’s delight. Anna Stainton, a female guest, takes a dislike to Jane and is quick to cause discord between them. When Anna is found shot in her room, Jane becomes Inspector Hamadi’s top suspect. Jane sets out to prove her innocence and gets assistance from Redvers. There are a variety of suspects in Anna’s death. Jane follows each lead searching for the guilty party. It depends on your sleuthing level whether you find this mystery a cinch or perplexing. I liked that there was more than one mystery to solve. I was unable to get into Murder at the Mena House. I believe part of the problem was the first-person narrative. Jane’s descriptions of her facial expressions were awkward, and I was unsure why she would describe her own expressions in the first place. The author is a detail-oriented writer which does allow a reader to visualize the character and scenes, but it also slows down the pace of the story. I did enjoy the descriptions of the clothing and Egyptian sites. I thought the author captured the time period especially with the attitudes and manners (an example is “I should have had security tackle her on the way out, but it seemed improper.”) I wanted the book to have more action and a peppier pace. I did like Jane Wunderly with her natural curiosity, the mysterious Redvers and the gregarious Aunt Millie. Who knows where their adventures will take them next time! Murder at the Mena House has murder, mystery and mayhem in Egypt.

Murder at the Mena House by Erica Ruth Neubauer is the first book in Jane Wunderly mystery series.

Judging by the first book, mystery readers are in for a treat with this series.

Personally I can't wait for the second installment to see what will happen with Jane and mysterious Mr. Redvers.
This book has it all-great mystery, beautiful and exotic setting, vast group of colorful protagonists and a tiny bit of romance.
Jane Wunderly, is a widow whose aunt has treated her to a stay in a beautiful and luxurious hotel in Cairo. There they get to meet many lovely people and some less than favorable characters. When young and free spirited girl is found dead suspicion falls on Jane, not only because she is the one to find her but because Jane's brooch has been found in a dead girl's room.
Inquisitive by nature and prompted by leading inspector's dislike for her, Jane decides to look around and see if she can figure out what happened. Intriguing Mr. Redvers, who has an uncanny ability to be in the right place and at the right time, decides to help Jane along.

Fabulously absorbing and immensely engrossing with vivid characters and breathtaking description of amazing pyramids it takes us on a thrilling journey, where we will undoubtedly fall in love with the main protagonist and root for her while she not only solves the puzzle but possibly find love as well.

I was lucky enough to win a electronic ARC of MURDER AT THE MENA HOUSE through a Shelf Awareness giveaway. Thank you so much for the chance to win, and stay safe out there!

This was a really cute mystery in a unique setting. It had kind of an old-school Agatha Christie vibe to it, but with a fun, slightly off kilter narrator. I love female narrators that break the rules, and this book meets that description perfectly.

It's 1926, and Jane's still dealing with the death of her husband but she's in Cairo, which is if nothing else a new place with lots of exciting possibilities. She's tired, though, of her Aunt Millie trying to set her up with a man. Then something really exciting happens- Anna Stainton, a pretty difficult if beautiful woman, is murdered and Jane is the prime suspect! How did Anna's scarab get into Jane's room at the Mena House? Who is Mr. Redvers? That part isn't really clear at first but he certainly proves to be an able investigator. Good characters (the real story of Jane's marriage is slowly rolled out), a fun setting, and a just twisty enough mystery made this an excellent read. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Fans of the historical cozy should pick this debut.

This is a fantastic historical mystery. The characters are really well-written, and the historical setting of the novel felt very true to history. Absolutely recommend!