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• I wasn’t sure what to expect with this book, even after reading the reviews, but the cover hooked me in and the book did not disappoint! The heroine is strong, and even though she makes some decisions on her way to getting to the truth of the murders that I thought were rather foolish, she is still likeable. What I liked best was the ‘atmosphere’ - the author’s descriptive skill gave me an Agatha Christie-vibe which was welcome but not in any way copied from the great lady herself, and even though I had some suspicions throughout the book as to the guilty party, it held my interest and left me wanting more - which is why I ordered the next two in the series!

• I loved this book, even though I first chose it because of the illustrated cover! The author pens a totally believable and convincing story set in Egypt, just outside of Cairo near the pyramids in 1926. People from around the world have flocked here to tour pyramids and view ancient artifacts. Among those are Jane Wunderly and her Aunt Millie, the mysterious Mr. Redvers and others, most of them staying in the hotel Mena House which caters to these tourists. Because it’s a mystery it stands to reason there is a murder and that several of the well developed characters are now suspects in the crime. Author Erica Ruth Neubauer brings it all alive, the people, the settings, the food and fashion of the day. Her gift of storytelling convinces the reader they are there in the hotel, maybe behind a potted palm in the corridor or outside at the pool, seeking shade from the unrelenting heat and watching this story unfold. The story develops quickly and the plot is exciting. The author is truly gifted in developing a story and sharing some great historical fiction. I rarely write book reviews but I had to share my excitement about this book “Murder at the Mena House”. What’s even more exciting is that there are 3 more titles in this series “A Jane Wunderly Mystery”.

• Loved this book - good characters and enthralling plot and liked the historical aspect.

• Dollycas’s Thoughts Americans Jane Wunderly and her Aunt Mille arrive at The Mena House in the heart of Cairo with different agendas. Jane wants to take in the history of the place and visit the Great Pyramids. Her aunt plans to find young widow Jane a man. At least that is how the trip begins. Instead, Millie becomes close with two young women, one a dedicated tennis player, and Jane meets the mysterious Mr. Redvers. He and Jane spend quite a bit of time together as she tries to get to the heart of his true story. Both women also meet a variety of guests at The Mena House including Anna Stainton and her father. Anna clearly has a problem with Jane and every other young woman in the place. But it is Jane who finds herself in the hot seat after she finds the young socialite’s dead body. Prison was not on the itinerary for Jane’s Egyptian vacation so with a little help from her new friend Mr. Redvers she intends to find the real killer and ruin their vacation, not hers! I have wanted to read this book for quite a while and I am so glad I finally did. Egypt, 1926, a luxury hotel with a view of The Great Pyramids. Yes! Please! Ms. Neubauer takes her readers on a wonderful virtual vacation as her words bring Cairo to life. Like Jane, I would probably need time to adjust to the heat but it was fun to tag along on her adventures to the market, the museum, the camel races, and the pyramids. Either I have forgotten what I learned about the pyramids or I never knew the structure inside them. The way the author described them was so interesting and vivid. I know I will never see them with my own eyes so I really appreciated her take on the historic site. Jane lost her husband in the great war and because of the life she had with him, she is in no hurry to get entangled with another one. She enjoys her independence and is determined not to lose it to any man. I liked her from the start and as her story unfolded I liked her even more. Her Aunt Millie appreciates leaving prohibition back in the states and is rarely seen without a cocktail in her hand. She is a feisty woman, set in her ways, and sometimes hard to deal with. We learn this trip is more than what she presented to Jane. Millie has a mystery all her own. Mr. Redvers is an interesting man and clearly hiding something. So in addition to trying to find a killer, Jane tries really hard to draw him out. All these characters continue to develop over the course of this story but I truly feel we have just scratched the surface. The death of Anna Stainton was not an easy solve. There were several suspects and Jane really had her work cut out for her. Different people had different motives and she came up with several theories. She did make some risky moves. I liked how she tried to talk herself out of them but then pushed full speed ahead. I was shocked when the killer was revealed. As for Millie’s mystery, I had an inkling early as to what was happening but it turned out to be much more than I even imagined. I really enjoyed reading Murder at the Mena House. It was a great introduction for this series and Jane and Millie. I really liked Mr. Redvers and hope that he turns up in the next book Murder at Wedgefield Manor. I am looking forward to tagging along with Jane again soon.

• Pleasantly unrolling story of interesting plot that wasn’t very predictable - which fir me - is a winner in that front alone. Takes you on a nice journey of the mind in travel, culture & crime. X

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