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, the … Aunt Millie’s best efforts, 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 excavate an elusive killer before her future falls to ruin in Cairo, and the body count rises like the desert heat . . .
“Stunning revelations, romance, adventure, and intrigue abound in this multilayered, delightfully entertaining whodunit. Neubauer’s debut dazzles, with a smart plot, remarkable scenery, and skilled execution.”
—Library Journal (Starred Review)
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I enjoyed reading this historical cozy. Jane and her Aunt Millie are visiting Egypt and staying at the Mena House. When one of the guests is found dead and the local police suspect Jane she sets out to clear her name and solve the murder. I enjoyed the setting and the characters. The mystery was good with some twists and turns and the solution made sense. I look for word to seeing where Jane travels next. Enjoy
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.
This excellent debut novel is set in 1920s Egypt. Fans of Elizabeth Peters’ Amelia Peabody Emerson series ought to find this clever Golden Age-style whodunit worth their time. I can’t wait for the next in the series.
It’s no small feat to bring 1920s colonial Egypt to life, but Murder at the Mena House does far more than that. It’s an elegant mystery — written with wit, style, and heart — and Jane Wunderly is an unforgettable sleuth. Erica Neubauer’s debut is an absolute delight.
A delightful who done it but a little hackneyed.
Interesting murder mystery. I was completely surprised to discover the murderer.
WONDERFUL MYSTERY AFTER AGATHA CHRISTIE KEEPS YOU GUESSING
Fun murder mystery, especially if you are into Egypt in the pyramid discovery times.
Loved the setting in Egypt, the heroine, the romantic lead, and the whodunit. Can’t wait for the next one.
Entertaining
Great start to a new historical series. Jane and her Aunt Millie are visiting the pyramids in Egypt and staying at the Mena House, a luxury hotel near the pyramids. The characters in the story are interesting, especially Redvers. I loved the setting and the time period in the book and couldn’t put this book down. The mystery was intriguing and the suspects were many. I can’t wait to get to know Jane Wunderly better.
No surprises among the somewhat black-and-white characterizations.
It’s an alright mystery. But I quite enjoyed the characters and the place quite a lot. Sped right through it.
I’m a devoted Elizabeth Peters reader, so I was sure I would be disappointed in this book. However, I was pleasantly surprised. Good plot, interesting characters, and same wonderful setting in Egypt. The heroine has a strong foundation through backstory and relationships, and should develop nicely in coming books. I hope to see more of her humorous wit.
Written for teenagers.
This character is NOTHING like Amelia Peabody Emerson. They are both set in Egypt but there the resemblance ends. Not as witty, not as funny, and no resemblance in personality. between the two women. It’s not a bad book. Moderately amusing, with a twist ending that you don’t see coming, but there’s no resemblance at all to Amelia.
I read this book in one sitting. Story was compelling. A page turner.
Nicely done. Kept me entertained.
Liked the heroine.
This just hums with the best parts of mysteries from that Golden Age–there is even a retired Colonel, complete with pith helmet and cane. Jane Wunderly has a rough background. Widowed during WWI, she is thrilled to travel to Egypt with her former husband’s Aunt Millie to see the Pyramids and everything else there is to offer. Jane is smart and a pleasure to read about. There is a taut mystery within the Mena House, a bit about Egyptian antiquities and family secrets. An all around good read!