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Architecture Mysteries #1
Murder at the Arizona Biltmore
Inspired by a handwritten note from his idol, Frank Lloyd Wright, Merlin Richards sets off from the Welsh valleys to the Arizona desert to launch his architectural career. Nowhere in Wright's note does it say anything about murder.
Chasing his dream, Richards arrives at the building site of the Arizona Biltmore hotel, where he meets a beautiful young designer named Rosa Lustig. Like every other man in her circle, Merlin is captivated . but only several hours later, he is the prime suspect in Rosa's murder.
Jealous suitors, envious workers, and the cynical police are all convinced that Merlin is a killer. He begins to put the pieces of the puzzle together; what he builds is not the impressive edifice he came to learn about, but a defence that will imprison a murderer.
Chasing his dream, Richards arrives at the building site of the Arizona Biltmore hotel, where he meets a beautiful young designer named Rosa Lustig. Like every other man in her circle, Merlin is captivated . but only several hours later, he is the prime suspect in Rosa's murder.
Jealous suitors, envious workers, and the cynical police are all convinced that Merlin is a killer. He begins to put the pieces of the puzzle together; what he builds is not the impressive edifice he came to learn about, but a defence that will imprison a murderer.
352 pages, Paperback
Published July 20, 2023
17 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
Edward Marston
227 books467 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
A pseudonym used by Keith Miles
AKA A.E. Marston
Keith Miles (born 1940) is an English author, who writes under his own name and also historical fiction and mystery novels under the pseudonym Edward Marston. He is known for his mysteries set in the world of Elizabethan theatre. He has also written a series of novels based on events in the Domesday Book, a series of The Railway Detective and a series of The Home Front Detective.
Series contributed to:
. Malice Domestic
. Crime Through Time
. Perfectly Criminal
A pseudonym used by Keith Miles
AKA A.E. Marston
Keith Miles (born 1940) is an English author, who writes under his own name and also historical fiction and mystery novels under the pseudonym Edward Marston. He is known for his mysteries set in the world of Elizabethan theatre. He has also written a series of novels based on events in the Domesday Book, a series of The Railway Detective and a series of The Home Front Detective.
Series contributed to:
. Malice Domestic
. Crime Through Time
. Perfectly Criminal
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 19, 2023
Edward Marston's historical mystery series are always a treat as they are solid mysteries and well researched historical fictions.
This one is set very far from the usual places and it deals with architecture faturing Frank Lloyd Writght as special guest.
I thoroughly enjoyed and hope to read a new one soon.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
This one is set very far from the usual places and it deals with architecture faturing Frank Lloyd Writght as special guest.
I thoroughly enjoyed and hope to read a new one soon.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
July 16, 2024
It was an okay read, but found it a bit bland. The characters were uninteresting and the storyline uninteresting. It wasn’t bad just very average
October 26, 2024
This was a very easy read, nothing too taxing for your mind here.
Most of the characters were very one dimensional, no depth to any of them. Aside from Rosa who was the most interesting but she is murdered, so we don't see much of her after that.
Story was simple, considering the pressure the police were under to solve this crime, I didn't feel at any time they were doing much about it.
The whole motive for the killing was weak. Sometimes the way the characters talk is a bit odd, like the author has tried really hard to make it sound like everyone is from the 1920s but fallen short.
But as I said, simple mindless read and that was all I needed while I read this in the Maldives.
I do love that the this was first published under the name Keith Miles but was changed to Edward Marston, makes him sound a bit more prestigious. I googled the Arizona Biltmore and it does look like a rather nice hotel.
Most of the characters were very one dimensional, no depth to any of them. Aside from Rosa who was the most interesting but she is murdered, so we don't see much of her after that.
Story was simple, considering the pressure the police were under to solve this crime, I didn't feel at any time they were doing much about it.
The whole motive for the killing was weak. Sometimes the way the characters talk is a bit odd, like the author has tried really hard to make it sound like everyone is from the 1920s but fallen short.
But as I said, simple mindless read and that was all I needed while I read this in the Maldives.
I do love that the this was first published under the name Keith Miles but was changed to Edward Marston, makes him sound a bit more prestigious. I googled the Arizona Biltmore and it does look like a rather nice hotel.
December 17, 2023
fun little murder mystery
June 26, 2023
It's 1028. Merlin Richards, a Welch architect who worked with his father is entranced by Frank Lloyd Wright. He leaves the firm he has with his father to go to America to see Wright. He had his wallet stolen in New York when he arrived, lost his luggage from a Chicago hotel, and left his harp in a pawn shop in Wisconsin before finally going to Arizona where Frank Lloyd Wright was advising the architect of the Arizona Biltmore Hotel not far from Phoenix. He has walked almost 2 miles when he sees a car. Rosa stops her car and offers him a ride. That night Rosa offers him a spot to sleep in her tent. Rosa is a very attractive woman as well as very good at drawing, and most of the men on the site are interested in her and not too happy about Merlin sharing her tent. The next day Rosa introduces Merlin to Frank Lloyd Wright.
The next night Rosa goes out to see someone. When he wakes, she is gone, and her belongings are scattered. Merlin hunts for her, and finds her near the concrete factory with her skull smashed by a concrete block. As he looks, Pete, a security guard blames him for killing her and knocks him out. Soon, Merlin is the prime suspect, and kept in jail for a night. From the time he gets out the next morning, he begins sleuthing, and after talking to several people on the site and in Phoenix, he gradually finds out more and more about the murder and those involved and figures out the murderer.
The characters are very interesting, the plot is well executed, and the ending is great. It was fun to read what I think is Marston's first book taking place in America. I thank Allyson & Busby and Netgalley for the ARC. The ideas expressed above are my own opinions.
The next night Rosa goes out to see someone. When he wakes, she is gone, and her belongings are scattered. Merlin hunts for her, and finds her near the concrete factory with her skull smashed by a concrete block. As he looks, Pete, a security guard blames him for killing her and knocks him out. Soon, Merlin is the prime suspect, and kept in jail for a night. From the time he gets out the next morning, he begins sleuthing, and after talking to several people on the site and in Phoenix, he gradually finds out more and more about the murder and those involved and figures out the murderer.
The characters are very interesting, the plot is well executed, and the ending is great. It was fun to read what I think is Marston's first book taking place in America. I thank Allyson & Busby and Netgalley for the ARC. The ideas expressed above are my own opinions.
October 2, 2023
Chasing his dream of a glittering architectural career, Merlin Richards has left the Welsh valleys for the Arizona desert, propelled by a handwritten note from the legendary Frank Lloyd Wright. Richards arrives at the Arizona Biltmore hotel, where he meets a beautiful young designer named Rosa Lustig. Like every man in her circle, Merlin is captivated by Rosa but soon finds himself the prime suspect in her murder.
Jealous suitors, envious workers, and the cynical police are all convinced that Richards is the killer. As he begins to put the pieces of the puzzle together, what he builds is not the impressive edifice he came to learn about, but a defence that will imprison a murderer.
Jealous suitors, envious workers, and the cynical police are all convinced that Richards is the killer. As he begins to put the pieces of the puzzle together, what he builds is not the impressive edifice he came to learn about, but a defence that will imprison a murderer.
June 26, 2023
I would like to thank Netgalley and Allison & Busby for an advance copy of Murder at the Arizona Biltmore, the first novel to feature Welsh architect Merlin Richards, set in Arizona in 1928.
Fuelled by a letter from famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright Merlin Richards leaves Merthyr Tydfil for America. Arriving at the Arizona Biltmore build site he is befriended by aspiring designer Rosa Lustig, only to end up in jail as the prime suspect in her murder. On his release he starts his own investigation.
I enjoyed Murder at the Arizona Biltmore, which is a straightforward murder mystery with the odd glimpse of humour. It is told mostly from Merlin’s point of view so the reader gets close to his thoughts and actions while the author maintains the mystery around Rosa’s murder.
The plot is fairly standard for this kind of novel where the protagonist confronts various potential suspects with variable results. As an aside, it is amazing how many people a twenty four year old woman can upset. There are a lot of strong emotions and secrets to be uncovered, but the motive in the end is rather cold blooded and unusual. There is a nice sense of misdirection with the emphasis on Rosa’s relationships.
I must admit that I don’t have a great interest in architecture or the politics of building a hotel, so some of the detail was lost on me, but I think that for those who are interested the historical detail will be very satisfying as it seems well done.
This is a plot driven novel so the characterisation isn’t strong. Even Merlin is fairly flat. His lust for independence sits uncomfortably with how easily he is taken advantage of. He is the original innocent abroad.
Murder at the Arizona Biltmore is a good read that I can recommend.
Fuelled by a letter from famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright Merlin Richards leaves Merthyr Tydfil for America. Arriving at the Arizona Biltmore build site he is befriended by aspiring designer Rosa Lustig, only to end up in jail as the prime suspect in her murder. On his release he starts his own investigation.
I enjoyed Murder at the Arizona Biltmore, which is a straightforward murder mystery with the odd glimpse of humour. It is told mostly from Merlin’s point of view so the reader gets close to his thoughts and actions while the author maintains the mystery around Rosa’s murder.
The plot is fairly standard for this kind of novel where the protagonist confronts various potential suspects with variable results. As an aside, it is amazing how many people a twenty four year old woman can upset. There are a lot of strong emotions and secrets to be uncovered, but the motive in the end is rather cold blooded and unusual. There is a nice sense of misdirection with the emphasis on Rosa’s relationships.
I must admit that I don’t have a great interest in architecture or the politics of building a hotel, so some of the detail was lost on me, but I think that for those who are interested the historical detail will be very satisfying as it seems well done.
This is a plot driven novel so the characterisation isn’t strong. Even Merlin is fairly flat. His lust for independence sits uncomfortably with how easily he is taken advantage of. He is the original innocent abroad.
Murder at the Arizona Biltmore is a good read that I can recommend.
March 5, 2025
Murder at the Arizona Biltmore by Edward Marston
Chasing his dream of a glittering architectural career, Merlin Richard’s has led the Welsh Valleys for the Arizona desert, propelled by a handwritten note from the legendary Frank Lloyd Wright. Richard’s arrives at the Arizona Biltmore hotel, where he meets a beautiful young designer named Rosa Lustig. Like every man in her circle, Merlin is captivated by Rosa but soon finds himself the prime suspect in her murder.
Jealous suitors, envious workers, and the cynical police are all convinced that Richard’s is the killer. As he begins to put pieces of the puzzle together, what he builds is not the impressive edifice he came to learn about, but a defence that will imprison a murderer.
✨ My first dive into Edward Marston, and after having this book on my TBR for 2 years, I’m surprised I didn’t pick it up sooner! Such an easy read and a great crime book! Marston has over 100 other books, I think I may have to check them out! 😍
Such a good book, great settings, good characters! Great character development of Merlin, my dear man! I was pleasantly surprised and happy about the ending and I can’t wait to find Homicide in Chicago , a Merlin Richard’s book no 2! ✨
Chasing his dream of a glittering architectural career, Merlin Richard’s has led the Welsh Valleys for the Arizona desert, propelled by a handwritten note from the legendary Frank Lloyd Wright. Richard’s arrives at the Arizona Biltmore hotel, where he meets a beautiful young designer named Rosa Lustig. Like every man in her circle, Merlin is captivated by Rosa but soon finds himself the prime suspect in her murder.
Jealous suitors, envious workers, and the cynical police are all convinced that Richard’s is the killer. As he begins to put pieces of the puzzle together, what he builds is not the impressive edifice he came to learn about, but a defence that will imprison a murderer.
✨ My first dive into Edward Marston, and after having this book on my TBR for 2 years, I’m surprised I didn’t pick it up sooner! Such an easy read and a great crime book! Marston has over 100 other books, I think I may have to check them out! 😍
Such a good book, great settings, good characters! Great character development of Merlin, my dear man! I was pleasantly surprised and happy about the ending and I can’t wait to find Homicide in Chicago , a Merlin Richard’s book no 2! ✨
January 16, 2024
This is another fantastic book by Edward Marston.
Merlin Richards, a young Welsh architect, leaves his family behind in Merthyr and travels to the Arizona desert to try and meet his professional idol, Frank Lloyd Wright.
The two men meet briefly, but then trouble finds Merlin. While staying in the workers' campsite, sharing a tent with a female worker, the young woman is killed. Merlin is arrested on suspicion of murder, but the police have to let him go. Merlin returns to camp, where he sets about his own investigation. He only has two friends, one is Tom Vernon, the other is Yazzie, a Navajo Indian employed as a site labourer.
Eventually, the workers on the site begin to accept the young Welshman, and he manages to meet Frank Lloyd Wright properly.
Merlin is dogged in his investigations, and, despite attracting trouble like bees round a honeypot, he manages to help the police find who actually committed the murder of his former tent mate, Rosa Lustig.
Looking forward to reading the next one, Homicide in Chicago.
Merlin Richards, a young Welsh architect, leaves his family behind in Merthyr and travels to the Arizona desert to try and meet his professional idol, Frank Lloyd Wright.
The two men meet briefly, but then trouble finds Merlin. While staying in the workers' campsite, sharing a tent with a female worker, the young woman is killed. Merlin is arrested on suspicion of murder, but the police have to let him go. Merlin returns to camp, where he sets about his own investigation. He only has two friends, one is Tom Vernon, the other is Yazzie, a Navajo Indian employed as a site labourer.
Eventually, the workers on the site begin to accept the young Welshman, and he manages to meet Frank Lloyd Wright properly.
Merlin is dogged in his investigations, and, despite attracting trouble like bees round a honeypot, he manages to help the police find who actually committed the murder of his former tent mate, Rosa Lustig.
Looking forward to reading the next one, Homicide in Chicago.
July 26, 2025
This was a really fast-paced read, which is exactly what I needed! I was looking for something quick to get through in a couple of hours, and this book delivered on that. So, definite points for being short and engaging.
That said, while I did enjoy the story, it’s not a book that stood out to me or one that I think will stay with me long-term. It was entertaining and easy to read, and I could honestly see myself reading it again. But it didn’t have that wow factor.
At one point, I thought I had figured out who the killer was, and while it wasn’t super obvious, the plot did feel somewhat predictable as I narrowed things down.
Overall, it’s a decent whodunnit. Enjoyable? Yes. Memorable? Not quite. But still worth the read if you’re in the mood for a light mystery you can finish in a single sitting.
That said, while I did enjoy the story, it’s not a book that stood out to me or one that I think will stay with me long-term. It was entertaining and easy to read, and I could honestly see myself reading it again. But it didn’t have that wow factor.
At one point, I thought I had figured out who the killer was, and while it wasn’t super obvious, the plot did feel somewhat predictable as I narrowed things down.
Overall, it’s a decent whodunnit. Enjoyable? Yes. Memorable? Not quite. But still worth the read if you’re in the mood for a light mystery you can finish in a single sitting.
January 5, 2024
I have read a lot of Edward Marston books - all of the almost all of the railway detective series and most of the ocean liner series. This is the first of his books (writing as Keith Miles) featuring Merlin Richards. Merlin is a budding architect working alongside his father in Wales in the late 1920's, but he dreams of bigger things and wants to meet his hero Frank Lloyd Wright. So he leaves the security of his family and home and heads for America. he makes it to Arizona and the site of the building of the Biltmore a building designed by the great Frank Lloyd Wright himself. But life is not initially what he expected and he is soon embroiled in the murder of Rosa Lustig a young woman who had befriended him.
The tone and style of this book is quite different from previous Marston books - language is definitely stronger but that is in keeping with the location. A good mystery - kept me guessing.
The tone and style of this book is quite different from previous Marston books - language is definitely stronger but that is in keeping with the location. A good mystery - kept me guessing.
August 26, 2023
Taking you to the heart of Arizona in the 1930s
Welsh architect, Merlin Richards is in Arizona, chasing his architectural dream.
He arrives at the Arizona Biltmore hotel and meets a glamorous young designer, Rosa Lustig.
He is mesmerised, but is soon implicated in her murder, becoming the prime suspect.
A very well researched historical Murder mystery.
Told mostly for Merlin’s point of view, which maintains the mystery around Rosa’s murder.
Thanks @edwardmarston @allison&busby & @netgalley for the eARC
Welsh architect, Merlin Richards is in Arizona, chasing his architectural dream.
He arrives at the Arizona Biltmore hotel and meets a glamorous young designer, Rosa Lustig.
He is mesmerised, but is soon implicated in her murder, becoming the prime suspect.
A very well researched historical Murder mystery.
Told mostly for Merlin’s point of view, which maintains the mystery around Rosa’s murder.
Thanks @edwardmarston @allison&busby & @netgalley for the eARC
September 16, 2025
Not going to lie, this was one I absolutely picked up just because of the cover 😂
Merlin is an architect, like his father before him. But unlike his father - he wishes to leave Wales and visit The United States and see great architecture from the likes of Frank Lloyd Wright. Along the way he meets many characters, some unsavoury, and is implicated in a murder.
A classic 1920s whodunit. Fun, but not a fantastic read. Some characters were great while some seemed to lack any depth. Happy to have read it but not sure I’ll read book 2.
Two and a half stars
Merlin is an architect, like his father before him. But unlike his father - he wishes to leave Wales and visit The United States and see great architecture from the likes of Frank Lloyd Wright. Along the way he meets many characters, some unsavoury, and is implicated in a murder.
A classic 1920s whodunit. Fun, but not a fantastic read. Some characters were great while some seemed to lack any depth. Happy to have read it but not sure I’ll read book 2.
Two and a half stars
February 6, 2024
The first of a new series to me, Merlin Richards. It is set in the USA, so I was less able to relate to it than the series based here in the UK.
I struggled with the first half of the book for some reason, but overall I quite enjoyed it
I actually sat down and read it cover to cover in one hit!!! So it must have been quite compelling in its own way.
I already have the next book in the series lined up, so we will see how it develops.
I struggled with the first half of the book for some reason, but overall I quite enjoyed it
I actually sat down and read it cover to cover in one hit!!! So it must have been quite compelling in its own way.
I already have the next book in the series lined up, so we will see how it develops.
April 13, 2024
I loved this book so much, this is my first Edward Marston book and I enjoyed it so much. His writing style is easy to read and the historical resemblance of Arizona in the 1920's is one of the best depictions I have ever read. The plot of this book was phenomenal as well and I couldn't put this book down as I wanted to read on.
This is a very good book for people getting into the crime genre or want an easy read that's super quick!
This is a very good book for people getting into the crime genre or want an easy read that's super quick!
January 5, 2025
First published as Murder in Perspective by Keith Miles this is the first book that I have read under the Edward Marston name that I did not like. A somewhat nieve young man from South Wales who travels to the USA, then finding himself undertaking a murder investigation on a multiracial construction site was far too fanciful. The story was repetitive and unless you have a thing for Frank Lloyd Wright and concrete blocks, uninteresting.
February 22, 2025
I was slightly disappointed with this novel as I have come to really enjoy Edward Marston's books and I absolutely love the Restoration series, the Bow Street series and the Home Front series. Yet this one felt really flat and I did not take to the main character of Merlin Richards.
On the plus side, the building of the famous Arizona Biltmore Hotel was interesting and I looked up its history on the hotel's website, an absolutely stunning place in the Arizona desert.
On the plus side, the building of the famous Arizona Biltmore Hotel was interesting and I looked up its history on the hotel's website, an absolutely stunning place in the Arizona desert.
April 7, 2024
4.5 Stars. I really liked this book and the plot twist at the end of the story was really good. I wasn’t expecting that character to be the murderer. It was just a little slow to get into, but picked up speed about halfway through. Definitely going to pick up the second book!
September 24, 2024
I usually fly through books but this one took me a while. It just wasn’t particularly intriguing as murder mysteries go, quite bland and didn’t keep me on my toes. I also found the chapters to be too long and the sudden change in perspective made it confusing to read
August 28, 2023
Very good book really enjoyed it.
September 11, 2023
First time I’ve read an Edward Marston book and I really enjoyed it, especially the little twist at the end.
March 6, 2024
Great read for a new murder solving person
March 30, 2024
Reading on a beach made this even more enjoyable.
Honestly Marston is too good with building up suspense in his books. Loved it.
Honestly Marston is too good with building up suspense in his books. Loved it.
September 21, 2024
Not as good as his usual books. The description of the time was atmospheric. Great that the main character was from Merthyr Tydfil Wales but it was a bit slow otherwise.
October 1, 2024
I have read several different series from the same author, I enjoyed those very much. I did not feel same way about this one. Got bored and gave up
July 4, 2025
A great historical mystery with Frank Lloyd Wright
September 25, 2025
Enjoyable but not sparkling
January 5, 2026
i really loved the vibe to this book. felt so invested and it gave me such a good feeling through the read. i wish i could give half ratings on here because it’s not quite a 5 but defo higher than 4
August 30, 2025
Picked this to listen to due to Frank Lloyd Wright being featured in the narrative.
Don't like the narrator. Don't like the wokeness of Rosa. Stopping for now, not sure if I'll return. Going to try his Railway Detective series since that was written in an earlier part of his career.
Quotes:
"A flowing tie with ambitions of being a scarf."
Don't like the narrator. Don't like the wokeness of Rosa. Stopping for now, not sure if I'll return. Going to try his Railway Detective series since that was written in an earlier part of his career.
Quotes:
"A flowing tie with ambitions of being a scarf."
December 31, 2023
I was a little ambivalent about this one. I am a regular reader of of Edward Marston's other series' and some are very good, but others are... not. This one persistently hovered between the 'good' and the 'not' as I read and I think the scales finally tipped towards 'good', but only just. Unfortunately, this book suffered a little from a limited setting, something that one or two of Marston's other series - the Ocean Liner mysteries to name but one - are hamstringed by. The limited setting makes for a lack of depth and development in both plot and characters, and the action is therefore somewhat stilted. In the end, it was the dogged spirit of the main protagonist that won the day, and saved the book. Bit of a twist the end and the denouement was definitely a surprise to me, so it wasn't such a bad book for all that.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews