Murder at Hotel Marvelo
By Ruth Lauren
Recommended
Reviewed by Georgia Tisdall, Teacher, Ōtātara School, Southland
| Author & Illustrator: | Federica Frenna (illustrator) |
| Publisher: | Piccadilly Books |
| ISBN: | 9781835870440 |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Publication: | June 2026 |
| Ages: | 8+ years |
| Themes: | Mystery, fantasy, humour |
Recommended
Reviewed by Georgia Tisdall, Teacher, Ōtātara School, Southland
Opening sentence
Finnian Marvelo was reading a book as he crossed the marble floor of the hotel reception.
'Murder at Hotel Marvelo' by Ruth Lauren is a fantasy mystery. Set in an enchanted world, Hotel Marvelo serves as a sanctuary where magic is strictly forbidden and suppressed by ancient wards. No wands or spell books are allowed inside, making it an ideal escape for guests.
The story follows Finnian, who dreams of taking over the hotel from his parents. To prepare, he often studies magical creatures to accommodate their specific needs. However, on his very first day working the front desk, a guest is murdered. Because only his parents know how to bypass the hotel’s protective wards, the police quickly arrest them as the primary suspects. Outraged by the lazy investigation, Finnian and his two siblings take matters into their own hands. Their quest to clear their parents' names takes readers on an entertaining ride filled with humor, sudden dead ends, and exciting twists.
Ruth Lauren's blend of mystery and comedy keeps the story engaging throughout. One of the best aspects is how Finnian’s extensive creature knowledge organically introduces readers to fascinating magical beings. Overall, 'Murder at Hotel Marvelo' is a fun, clever whodunnit that will keep mystery and fantasy lovers engaged.
The story follows Finnian, who dreams of taking over the hotel from his parents. To prepare, he often studies magical creatures to accommodate their specific needs. However, on his very first day working the front desk, a guest is murdered. Because only his parents know how to bypass the hotel’s protective wards, the police quickly arrest them as the primary suspects. Outraged by the lazy investigation, Finnian and his two siblings take matters into their own hands. Their quest to clear their parents' names takes readers on an entertaining ride filled with humor, sudden dead ends, and exciting twists.
Ruth Lauren's blend of mystery and comedy keeps the story engaging throughout. One of the best aspects is how Finnian’s extensive creature knowledge organically introduces readers to fascinating magical beings. Overall, 'Murder at Hotel Marvelo' is a fun, clever whodunnit that will keep mystery and fantasy lovers engaged.
| Author & Illustrator: | Federica Frenna (illustrator) |
| Publisher: | Piccadilly Books |
| ISBN: | 9781835870440 |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Publication: | June 2026 |
| Ages: | 8+ years |
| Themes: | Mystery, fantasy, humour |