by
An Audiobook
I enjoyed reading this fourth book in Benedict Brown‘s Marius Quin series because it is well-written, it has humor, it’s a “Cozy,” and the mystery is complicated enough that I don’t know the bad guy right off.
This series is written by the same author as the Lord Edgington Mystery series, and I mention this for two reasons. One, the narrator is the same person, and his voicing of Marius sounds very much like Lord Edgington’s grandson, Christopher. And two, for the first time, there is a “crossover” between the two series in this book. Marius telephones Lord Edgington and Christopher for help in solving the crime! I love it!
However (I admit), up until now, I “thought” the Marius mysteries were set in a much later era, making the crossover impossible. So much for my observation skills!
Anyway, Marius is highlighted in this book as the mystery writer he is. Often, only his exploits as a private detective are clear. He and Lady Bella do solve a murder, but it’s part of his being an author.
Bella helps in her usual posh-world way, where Marius stumbles. In this book, her boyfriend isn’t around to mess up Marius. (You remember that Marius is in love with the spoken-for Bella).
The wrong person is murdered while they (and Marius’ family) are staying in the Grand Hotel in Torquey. A mysterious man in black appears and disappears like a magician. Some famous celebrities do strange things in plain sight, and a few hired actors muddy the waters. Marius’ dog gets spa treatments. A copper’s name is Valentine. Bella and Marius are mistaken for newlyweds and don’t deny it. And there is lots of money involved.
Wow, no wonder Marius needs help. But! He does solve it in the end. Whew! Yay for authors!!
As in all his books, Benedict Brown writes at least a chapter’s worth of “Author Notes” after the mystery closes. They are fascinating and written in an author-to-reader personal way. Some facts are genuinely hilarious. Read them!!
Words and Reviews 