Murder at the Mena House

by Erica Ruth Neubauer

Series: Jane Wunderly (1)

Members	Reviews	Popularity	Average rating	Mentions
191	23	143,236	(3.67)	31
Fiction. Mystery. Historical Fiction. 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?… (more)

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A light-ish mystery, I’ll be interested to see more of this character. A few clunky bits but overall pacing and interest were good. Interesting twist to have an abusive dead husband, lends a bit of weight/interest. (

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quirkylibrarian | Apr 17, 2024 |

2.5 I had high hopes for this new series but it didn't hold my attention. (

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mmcrawford | Dec 5, 2023 |

This historic novel was a 1920's Egyptian setting, outside of Cairo and closer to the Pyramids. Unfortunately, at least 80% of the action took place within the hotel and a very poor overview of Egypt in those days was provided. While the mystery was intriguing and the plot quite well-crafted, Neubauer wrote too much "tell" instead of descriptive "show" in her work. Her use of a 1st-person narrative is tricky and was not very engaging in this case.

Otherwise, the MC, Jane Wunderly, was well-developed and her backstory adroitly incorporated without derailing the main plot. For my tastes, I found the gallop to a dénouement left much to be desired in its abruptness. (

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SandyAMcPherson | Sep 14, 2023 |

A very impressive debut novel by Erica Ruth Neubauer! I could barely bring myself to put this down.

The plot moves swiftly along and the two main characters, Jane and "Redvers," are easy to like but with just enough mystery to leave you wanting more. There will be a lot to explore in succeeding books!

Set in the 1920's, the bulk of the action takes place within Mena House, a hotel sitting in the very shadow of the pyramids of Egypt. Jane has come on a vacation with her aunt after being widowed in the first world war. Jane's story of life with her husband comes trickling out within the novel, and though she appears confident and secure, the reader learns about her weaknesses as they pop up in context. Within the first few pages, she meets a diverse cast of characters at the hotel. Some can be trusted; others have ulterior motives. A murder discovered early one morning lands Jane squarely on the radar of local investigators, and purely in self-defense she finds herself doing a little investigating on her own...well, not entirely on her own! The banter and chemistry between her and Redvers lights up every page.

Can't wait for more!

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this advance review copy. (

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Alishadt | Feb 25, 2023 |

First book in a series of the character Jane Wunderly. I have read
Murder at Wedgefield Manor, the second book of the series, and I suggest read them in order if you do not want to know if the characters return in future books.
It is a historical fiction book with Jane and her aunt, Millie, in Egypt. The book has mystery, murder, Pyramids, Cairo Museum and romance.
I have stayed at the Mena House and so I had an interest in the book.
It did not disappoint. A page turner and an author I will read again.
So true were the roads in Cairo in 2022 with traffic of cars, camels, horses, bicycles, the odd man on foot and donkey-pulled carts laden with crops as in 1926, the year of the story. Page 190.
I really liked this book as it brought me back to Egypt. I also liked Murder at Wedgefield Manor and plan to read it again.
A 5 star rating. (

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mnleona | Feb 13, 2023 |

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▾Awards and Honors

Awards

Agatha Award (Nominee – First Novel – 2020)

Anthony Award (Nominee – First Novel – 2021)

Lefty Award (Nominee – Debut Mystery – 2021)

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Murder at the Mena House

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Jane Wunderly

Millicent (Millie) Stanley (Millie)

Redvers Dibble

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For my Dad.

I miss you every day, Chief.

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When selecting an exotic location for travel, it's advisable to choose one where the air isn't trying to kill you.

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(Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)

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▾Book descriptions

Fiction. Mystery. Historical Fiction. 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?

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