The Boutique Hotel
by Melissa D MacKinnon
You must sign in to see if this title is available for request. Sign In or Register Now
Send NetGalley books directly to your Kindle or Kindle app
1
To read on a Kindle or Kindle app, please add kindle@netgalley.com as an approved email address to receive files in your Amazon account. Click here for step-by-step instructions.
2
Also find your Kindle email address within your Amazon account, and enter it here.
Pub Date Aug 01 2025 | Archive Date Nov 15 2025
Description
What happened in the days leading to murder at a glamourous destination wedding?
The story is set against the sophisticated backdrop of Nice, France. Evie Hansen, a travel agent determined to prove her worth, attends a destination wedding at the luxurious Negresco Hotel while staying at The Boutique Hotel au Coeur de Nice. She has sworn off dating, having suddenly been dropped by her boyfriend. Enter lawyer Jacob Liszt who is recovering from a stormy relationship and reluctant to start a new one.
Evie’s professional goals are upended by her discovery of a body on the hotel's terrace. The search for answers leads her to partner with Jacob. Their investigation into the murder reveals disturbing truths about The Boutique Hotel, drawing them into a dangerous web of secrets and lies. They dig deeper, facing mounting peril, while navigating their growing feelings for each other.
Evie is forced to confront not only the dark realities of the case but her own life choices and aspirations.
The book delivers a series of fast-paced twists, culminating in a dramatic resolution.
With its vivid setting, complex characters, and timely themes, the book offers a compelling exploration of justice, self-discovery, and the pursuit of truth in the face of adversity.
A captivating story that will keep readers engaged to the end.
Available Editions
EDITION | Paperback |
ISBN | 9781038339065 |
PRICE | $18.00 (USD) |
PAGES | 240 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews

I absolutely adored this book. It’s a delicious blend of mystery, romance, and self-discovery wrapped in the glamorous, sun-soaked charm of Nice, France. Evie’s journey felt so relatable, trying to prove herself in her career while navigating heartbreak and unexpected danger. The way her relationship with Jacob unfolds is slow-burning and real, full of those awkward, tentative moments that make romance feel genuine and heartfelt. The themes of justice and personal growth resonated deeply with me. The twists kept me guessing and glued to the pages, but it was the emotional depth; the vulnerabilities and connections that truly made this story shine. I loved how the romance wasn’t rushed or forced; it grew naturally amidst the suspense, making the story feel balanced and real. This book reminded me that sometimes the greatest discoveries happen when we face the unexpected, and I couldn’t get enough.

I just finished a great book. The Boutique Hotel by Melissa D Mackinnon is out this summer. Pick it up!

This was a fun way to kick off a warm sunny weekend. A destination wedding in Nice, France brings together a mixed group of lawyers trying to get prenups squared away, a travel agent trying to mix business with pleasure and old college friends of the groom's brother. What starts off as a fun getaway at the newly renovated, budget priced Boutique Hotel of Nice, turns darker when children keep turning up, without seeming to belong to any guests, and then travel agent Evie finds a body in the bushes by the pool.
Two mysteries, a fancy wedding, hookups and love connections, annoying bosses, and the beautiful sun drenched south of France make this a good, quick read.
My only complaint, was that the "watermarks" on the free readers copy that I got, were very, VERY intrusive - often appearing in the middle of a sentence. And the first page was so messed up that I'm not entirely sure, exactly how the book actually begins. The transitions from character view points were also jarring and I imagine that's largely because of the odd page breaks, and watermarks due to the reader copy version.

Evie is a travel agent, who attends a destination wedding in Nice, France, but when a dead body turns up she helps search for the killer.

Thank you this was a very fun easy read I stayed up all night reading till the very last day I’m over joyed with this story I live the setting beautiful wedding the destination was great yesssss

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this book!
A solid murder mystery with slight romance in the gorgeous and picturesque setting of a wedding in Nice, France.

This book was the opposite of what I expected.
Did I like it and would I recommend it? Yes.
It's a murder mystery....wrapped in a romance... and served with a side of bubbles, all set at a chic retreat in the South of France.....
...but this book also delves deep into the complex and uncomfortable landscape of child labor laws and how they are viewed and interpreted through different cultural lenses.
A thought provoking read and a great discussion contender for bookclubs.

The Boutique Hotel is a murder mystery with a delightful bit of romance. It’s a fun, quick read. I appreciated Evie’s struggles to gain footing as a travel agent while navigating questionable dealings at the hotel. As well, the descriptions made me feel immersed in the setting. The book was highly relatable and one I would recommend.
Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read.

The Boutique Hotel is an overall enjoyable read that transports readers to the picturesque coasts of Nice, France. The vivid descriptions of the setting truly stood out—I felt like I was right there alongside Evie and Jacob, soaking in the ambiance. The plot was engaging, seamlessly weaving together elements of mystery and romance as Evie and Jacob join forces to investigate a murder.
However, I found the pacing a bit uneven at times; certain sections felt rushed with too many developments happening all at once. Additionally, I would have appreciated more background on Evie and Jacob’s past relationships earlier in the story. While it’s mentioned that both are coming out of previous relationships, more context up front would have deepened my investment in their budding romance.
Despite these minor critiques, The Boutique Hotel is a fun and quick read—perfect for the summertime!

Interesting characters and several twists along the way. A very good read
Thank you to Melissa D MacKinnon, NetGalley and the publisher for the arc of this book

The Boutique Hotel was overall an enjoyable book, transporting the readers to the coasts of Nice, France. I really enjoyed how descriptive the setting was, it really felt like I was there with Evie and Jacob. The plot was fun as well and it was great to have both mystery and romance tied into it as Evie and Jacob work together to investigate the murder. I do think that the pacing could have been a bit more consistent, sometimes it felt like too many things were happening at once. It also would've been nice to have more insight into Evie and Jacob's previous relationships right at the beginning of the book. It was just mentioned that they came out of relationships but having more context would've had me more invested in their love story from the get go. Regardless, this book is fun short read and is a perfect read for the summer time!

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to receive this book for an honest review.
Evie is a travel agent, who attends a destination wedding in Nice, France,
A dead body turns up and she helps search for the killer. this was such a good read and I love reading about France. Made me feel like I was on vacation.