Murder at the Mena House by Erica Ruth Neubauer is the first book in the NEW “Jane Wunderly” mystery series. Publisher: Kensington Books, coming March 31, 2020

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 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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A well-built and solid plot that contained a mystery that had me immersed in all that was happening on the page. I like how the characters were introduced with their backstory that help guide how this story was being told. With the pizzazz of their surroundings, this mystery sets the stage for a fast-paced and action-packed drama that depicts the Golden Age era with visually descriptive narrative that oozes with savoir faire and charm.

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FTC Full Disclosure – I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) from the author.