The concept of this book was interesting, but the style was a bit trying for me.

I liked the protagonists, and the evil victim, but the mis-direction and red herrings did not add to my enjoyment of the book. I guess I felt it was trying too hard to be clever, and did not attain that objective for this reader.

Netgalley provided me a complimentary review copy of the book in return for a candid review.

Wow what a disappointment!
The setting was great, the detectives enjoyable in the past
But this time the mystery seemed subsidiary to the setting. Bella didn’t play a big role, the solution was perfunctory, the motivation not believable. In fact nearly all the characters strained belief.

Book Title: A Body at the Grand Hotel
Series: Marius Quin Mystery Book #4
Author: Benedict Brown
Publisher: Storm Publishing
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Pub Date: November 14, 2024
My Rating: 4. Stars
Pages: 305

I have only read one other in this series and is was a great read.

Marius Quin is a successful mystery writer as well as a private detective,
When he is get an a letter stating the Torquary Mystery and Detection Society, has chosen him to be an honorary member and will be holding on a Gala in his honor on October 12. Additionally is invited to stay at the luxurious Grand Hotel on the seafront of the English Riviera. He mentions his basset hound Percy, and told Percy is welcome as well.
s delighted to spend a weekend at the Torquay’s Grand Hotel on the English Riviera: however when Lady Bella Montague his partner in crime-solving finds out about the trip she is able to work her way into going.

The hotel is even more grand than expected. The night of the Gala has arrived and Marius was asked to say a few words. He was told the participants all had read his books and would be asking question about them. However, the questions are attacks and the comments were disapproval of his ability to write as well as his detective skills.
He announces to them that he and Lady Isabella have established a detective agency and their detective skills have been described in the newspaper as being successful.
Angelica Thistlethwaite the lady who coordinated the event seems angry. Marius is not sure if it because of the participants behavior or because of Marius verifying his detective skills.

Much to their surprise Mrs. Thistlethwaite’s body is found the next day at the hotel’s pool – was she in an accident or was she murdered?

However as outsiders they are faced with an uncooperative local police sergeant as well as others concealing the truth.
In spite of it all, our crime-solvers figure out the mystery and come up with whodunit.

Although Marius was sure his invitation was a trap that he fell for and does tell his publisher to warn other authors; he did enjoy being with Lady Bella pretending they were a couple. As you may remember she was his high school sweetheart but nothing came of it and now she is in a relationship with Gilbert Baines.
I am looking forward to more Marius and Bella sleuthing adventures, also hoping for to a romantic relationship – perhaps Book #4!


I did enjoy this story and knew author, Benedict Brown would provide a lot more information at the end of the story.

Yes he treated us once again with another ‘History Lesson’ at the end of the book. He informed us of facts and what were some liberties he took!
He tells us that he has spent three night at the Grand Hotel Torquay, In 1881 there were only twelve rooms when called the called ‘The Great Western Hotel’ Now has over a hundred rooms.
 Additionally he has a very detailed section entitled “Historical Research.
 Another fun section entitled ‘Words and Phrases’ with Brit words and or slang
 There is also a Character List with new as well as Returning Characters

Want to thank NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this enjoyable eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for November 14, 2024.

I really enjoyed this one. Mr Brown's writing style is so light and easy to read and the mystery was truly intriguing.
Marius is invited to attend the Torquay Mystery and Detection Society gala at the Grand Hotel in Torquay as an honourary guest. As it happens, Bella, Marius' mother, and his Aunt Elle and Uncle Stan all go along for a weekend holiday. The weekend doesn't go quite as planned starting with Marius' speech to the Society and culminating with Marius and Bella solving another murder mystery.
The characters are wonderful, the banter between Marius and Bella is alwas amusing and the little teaser at the end leads very nicely into the next adventure. An excellent cozy mystery!
Thanks to Netgalley, Storm Publishing and Benedict Brown for a free Arc in exchange for an honest review.

A mystery writer is invited to a Mystery and Detection Society to speak about his new book. Along with is assistant Bella Montague and his mother aunt and uncle Marius Quin are off to enjoy a weekend of fun and relaxation. Or will it be.?

As Marius and company descend on the Grand Hotel they engage with many of the people in the society. Once Marius steps up to give his speech he finds that something is not right. He was asked here under false pretenses. With the help of his long time friend and love of his life Bella Marius decides to enjoy himself. With an early morning swim to help him forget the previous night, Marius got more than he hoped for. A dead body in the pool. The body of the head of the Mystery and Detection Society. Who would want her dead?

With the backdrop of early England with some glitz and glimmer you throw in murder and you have the perfect book. I loved the characters and the setting. As I was reading I felt a little Downton Abbey vibe throw in a ball and dancing. You have a room full of potential murderers. Will Marius and Bella figure out who did it while he still pines away for the engaged Bella.i love their dynamic. My only problem was this book is that it’s number four in the series. I had a little problem with who some of the characters were. That was my only complaint. I did love the ending because I feel that a book five is on the horizon which I’d love to read.

Thank you NetGalley and Storm for the ARC. I hope to read more from Mr. Brown. 4.5 stars

Benedict Brown’s "A Body at the Grand Hotel" delivers a classic cozy mystery, set in an elegant hotel brimming with intrigue. The plot kicks off with the discovery of a body, which sends the hotel staff and guests into a tailspin, leading to a series of twists and turns.

While the premise is promising, the execution feels somewhat uneven. Brown’s writing is engaging, with vivid descriptions that capture the hotel’s ambiance, but at times the pacing drags, making it harder to stay fully invested. The characters, while likable, often fall into familiar archetypes, and some lack the depth that could have elevated the story.

The mystery itself has its moments, but it sometimes feels predictable, with clues that don’t always land as effectively as they could. There are clever elements, but they can be overshadowed by the more formulaic aspects of the plot.

Overall, "A Body at the Grand Hotel" is an enjoyable read, perfect for fans of the genre who appreciate light-hearted mysteries. It has charm and a certain appeal, but it may not leave a lasting impression. If you're looking for a cozy escape, it fits the bill, but don’t expect groundbreaking twists.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was invited by the publisher to review this book. This book is part of a series, although I found that you did not have to read the previous installments to be able to follow along. Marius is a private detective and mystery writer, who is invited to be a speaker for the Mystery and Detection Society. He takes his partner, Lady Bella, for the trip, but it becomes very apparent things are not on the up and up. A not-so-friendly local's body is discovered in the hotel's pool, and when the duo try to investigate, they are met with roadblocks from the local police, dodgy witnesses, and evidence that contradicts itself. I enjoyed the setting of the book, the chemistry of Marius and Bella, and I liked how the evidence created a web to untangle. I would be intrigued to follow up with the previous installments.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

banter, witty, amateur-sleuth, historical-novel, historical-places-events, historical-research, England, situational-humor, sly-humor, friends, friendship, verbal-humor, cozy-mystery, 1920s, writers, unpleasant-victims, local-law-enforcement, detective-duo, unputdownable, murder-investigation, Scotland Yard, unpleasant-police-officer, pet-dog, private-investigators*****

Not an unbiased review because I laughed myself silly with the other books in this series! Excellent historical cozies with a wicked sense of humor that makes them perfect for ignoring reality while reading them.
Marius and Bella, his sleuthing partner, are invited to speak at the Mystery and Detection Society in the English Riviera and have a luxurious weekend away at the Grand Hotel. The morning after the speechifying the nasty leader of the society is found drowned in the hotel pool by Marius. Then the fun really gets interesting, including the interactions between their friend from Scotland Yard and the cantankerous local cop. Don't miss the fun! The end notes and historical research are worth every fascinating word!
I requested and received a temporary e-book from Storm Publishing via NetGalley. Thank you!

This was a great book. Marius has been invited to speak at a lecture in the English riviera. He takes is best friend Bella (and his secret crush) only to land in the middle of a murder plot that needs solving.

As usual, the mystery was thrilling, dialogue on point, romance a little sad, historical setting amazing!!!

#netgalley #ABodyAtTheGrandHotel

My favorite show at 12 years old was "Murder she Wrote" so it seems totally natural that 30 years later Marius Quin is one of my favorite literary characters.
Marius is a mystery novelist AND private detective, and just like Jessica Fletcher-his private and professional life often intertwine.

Out of my normal realm of romantasy and thrillers, The Marius Quin series makes me laugh and the mysteries keep me on my toes.

In this, the fourth installment, Marius Quin is invited to speak at the Mystery and Detection Society. He jumps at the chance of a luxurious weekend away on the English Riviera. What should be a lovely little weekend away for Marius and Bella, his sleuthing partner, turns to sleuthing when a local's body is found floating in the pool.

I have read the whole series, but found this one had some of the best banter- I recommend even if you like other genres and tropes, this is an easy read that leaves you smiling.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the chance to read prior to the November 12th release. I received this free ARC in return for my honest opinion.

This was another winner in the Marius Quin Mystery series, it had that element that I enjoyed about the other three books in this series. It uses the 1920s element perfectly. I wanted to figure out what was going on and that the murder mystery element worked well in keeping me reading. Benedict Brown has a great writing style that worked well in the historical setting and glad I got to read this.