A review by alookinsideri
A Body at the Grand Hotel by Benedict Brown, Benedict Brown

5.0

In A Body at the Grand Hotel, Benedict Brown whisks readers to the charming English coast, where mystery novelist-turned-amateur detective Marius Quin finds himself unexpectedly entangled in yet another puzzling case. Invited to speak at the prestigious Mystery and Detection Society, Marius relishes the thought of a relaxing, glamorous weekend with his fearless partner, Lady Bella Montague. However, their getaway at Torquay’s Grand Hotel takes a sharp turn when they wake to a disturbing discovery: the body of a notoriously unpleasant local resident floating lifelessly in the hotel pool. What begins as an intriguing incident quickly unravels into a web of clues and conflicting testimonies that leave Marius and Bella—and readers—guessing at every turn.

As Marius and Bella dig into the mystery, they face obstacles at every corner: a resistant local police sergeant, witnesses who refuse to share the whole truth, and a series of baffling clues that seem to contradict one another. Brown’s portrayal of Marius is rich with wit and determination, showing a character who may still be new to sleuthing but is anything but timid. Bella’s sharp insights and strong-willed nature make her an indispensable ally, and their partnership brings a delightful balance of humor and tension to the story.

This fourth book in the Marius Quin Mystery Series is a classic whodunit, with all the right twists and red herrings to keep fans of mystery thoroughly engaged. Readers will appreciate the atmospheric setting, clever plotting, and the challenge of piecing together clues alongside the detectives. A Body at the Grand Hotel is a satisfying blend of suspense and character-driven storytelling that captures the best of classic mystery fiction with a fresh, modern touch.