Murder at the Hotel

I’ll admit, I went into *Murder at the Hotel* expecting something fluffier—maybe a few teacups and a knitting circle. Instead, Comley serves up a mystery that’s cozy in tone but surprisingly sharp in execution. The victim isn’t some faceless stranger; it’s a celebrity whose presence has the whole town acting *off*, and the whodunit unfolds with a satisfying mix of red herrings and genuine surprises. The hotel setting is used brilliantly, with its labyrinthine hallways and staff dramas adding texture to the investigation. That said, the romantic subplot feels tacked on, like Comley wasn’t sure whether to commit to full cozy or lean into the thriller elements. Sarah L. Colton’s narration is a masterclass in tonal balance. She nails the dry humor of the protagonist (a detective who’s equal parts exasperated and clever) and gives each suspect a distinct voice without veering into caricature. My only gripe? The production has a few odd pauses—nothing deal-breaking, but noticeable in quieter scenes. At under six hours, this is a perfect weekend listen: engaging enough to binge, but not so dense you’ll need a flowchart to track the clues. If you like your mysteries with a side of small-town snark and a narrator who sounds like she’s *enjoying* the chaos, this one’s a winner.