Mystery at Monrovia Castle

The Rebecca Orange Castle Cozy Mysteries #1

by Valerie Brandy

Escape to Monrovia, where the lavender lattes are blooming, the Duke might just steal your heart—and murder lurks behind every turret! A #1 Amazon Bestseller in Animal Cozy Mystery, Culinary Cozy Mystery, and Cozy Books, Bookstores, & Libraries Mysteries!!!

When Rebecca Orange is dumped by her boyfriend and fired from her job in the same breath, she thinks she’s hit rock bottom. But fate has other plans. A surprise job offer whisks Rebecca-- and her Tibetan Mastiff dog, Joe-- to the storybook country of Monrovia.

There, in a centuries-old castle straight out of a dream, she’s tasked with caring for the royal menagerie. The locals are eccentric, the flower shop smells like heaven, and the castle's broodingly handsome Duke might just be harboring a crush… or a secret.

Life in Monrovia is nearly perfect—until the castle’s head architect turns up dead. Worse, Rebecca’s closest new friend is the prime suspect.

Now, between sipping tea in sun-drenched courtyards and dodging over-curious nobility, Rebecca must unravel a tangled mystery that threatens to bring everything crashing down. But she’s not about to let this fairy tale end in tragedy.

Filled with humor, heart, and a dash of romance, Mystery at Monrovia Castle is the perfect blend of cozy charm and edge-of-your-seat intrigue!

"Such a cute book! I couldn't put it down so I read it all in just one night! I loved the relationship between the main character and her dog! I CANNOT wait to read the next book." -- Amazon Reader

Genres: Mystery, Amazon, Animals, Cozy Mystery

198 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 16, 2025

About the author

"... the key word when describing Brandy is 'unflinching'." -- the Huffington Post

Valerie Brandy is a screenwriter, director, and actress based in Los Angeles. She began her writing career by selling a screenplay at 20 years old, becoming one of the youngest members of the WGA west at the time. She’s since worked for numerous film studios and television networks, most recently serving as a full time staff writer at Walt Disney Studios live action feature department, where she continues to develop new projects under a first look deal.

Her directorial feature film debut, Lola’s Last Letter— which she also wrote and starred in— was released in 2016 by Random Media and Sony’s “The Orchard” after a successful festival run, premiering at the historic Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. The film received a five- star review from the Examiner, a special feature in Huffington Post, and a Best Principal Actress nomination from Los Angeles Film Review.

As an actress, Valerie recurred on FX’s Emmy- winning show “Justified” as the manipulative Trixie. She received her B.A. from UCLA in three years, graduating as a prestigious Alumni Scholarship Recipient.

Brandy lives in the greater Los Angeles area with her smush-faced dog and snow-white cat.

Reviews

[Liralen · Rating 2 out of 5]

An animal trainer, a foreign castle, and a murder. What can go wrong?

I've been on the hunt for a cozy mystery series set in a castle or mansion or similar for some time now—none of this "I inherited a quaint little cottage without running water, how sweet!" business; I want "I inherited a rambling old manor with so many rooms that I will still be finding new ones in the eleventh book!" So here we are.

In Mystery at Monrovia Castle, Rebecca is finding her feet again after simultaneously losing her job and her long-term relationship. A job in a fictional European country seems just the ticket—especially when she sees the compensation package. And for my castle-y purposes, this worked reasonably well: Big chunks of the book are wish fulfillment for Rebecca, who is given first-class tickets (or rather: first-class plus) and a fancy suite and luxurious chef-provided meals.

As a mystery series it's not really for me. I figured out the whodunnit a little more than halfway through (when someone doesn't like dogs in this sort of book, they're always the bad guy), and Rebecca's sleuthing—not to mention the various tricks she teaches various animals—stretched my limited ability to suspend disbelief. (Also...the occasional French sprinkled throughout the book is truly atrocious. I'm reminded of What Happens in Berlin, in which the German "yes" is misspelled. And here the French "yes" is misspelled! Along with about half the other French words in the book. Now I just need a book where the Spanish "yes" is misspelled, and I'll have a trifecta...)

It's still fun, and a very fast read—I wasn't really the audience for it and probably won't come back to the rest of the series, but it's not a bad one for those looking for a quick cozy series that isn't too deep and lets the reader pretend they're swanning around in a castle with a duke-ish romance on the horizon.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a nice little mystery! I loved how integrated Joe was into this story. Joe and his little quirks were The mystery had me reeled into this story!

The cover is amazing and I love that we get to see what Joe looks like without having to put the book down and search it on our own!

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mystery at Monrovia Castle is Book 1 in The Rebecca Orange Castle Cozy Mystery Series by Valerie Brandy. I thought that the author wrote an enjoyable first book laying a solid foundation for the series. Rebecca got dumped and fired by her boss. But, she landed on her feet getting a job in a castle. I love animals in books and Rebecca get to care for the royal animals… what a great job except for the dead architect. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Jenny Norton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Rebecca Orange and her dog, Joe, are off on an adventure after a twenty year relationship ends. Rebecca (and Joe) begin working for royalty at Monrovia Castle in Atwood. The castle has animals, such as a giraffe named "Alfredo", which are rescues and Rebecca is the animal trainer/behavioralist. While she's meeting everyone and getting to know the job, a mystery unfolds. A murder!

This book was funny and so enjoyable to read. I connected with Rebecca and her friend, Maggie, and of course, Joe. Once I started reading, I didn't want to stop. I can imagine what the buildings and town look like and wish I could visit. I look forward to future adventures with Rebecca and Joe!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Caroline | dogtailsandcrimetales · Rating 4 out of 5]

★★★★.5

A great cozy read for animal lovers and fans of amateur sleuths!

Rebecca Orange’s life changes abruptly when her long-term boyfriend breaks up with her on the same day she is fired from her job. The only constant in her life: Joe, her loyal 250-pound Tibetan Mastiff. Together, they decide to embark on a new adventure in the tiny country of Monrovia, where Rebecca takes a job as an animal trainer for the Royal Family.

The monarchy is undergoing significant changes, and it does not take long for the beautiful setting to turn somewhat sinister. Someone is determined to keep things the way they were—and desperate enough to kill to make that happen. Caught up in the investigation, Rebecca is determined to find the murderer and help secure the future of Monrovia Castle.

“I've graduated from single, unemployed midlifer to murder suspect in a foreign country. Things are really looking up.”

This was quite different from the Predator and Pray series that introduced me to Valerie Brandy, but it was so enjoyable in its own way!

Valerie Brandy’s descriptive writing transported me right into Monrovia, exploring the beautiful village of Atwood with all its charming shops and delicious eateries. I could have read for hours longer—it was such a sweet, joyful read.

As a fellow dog mom, I adored the relationship between Rebecca and Joe (something that felt very familiar), as well as the thoughtful research into animal training and conservation efforts.

I recommend this to anyone looking for a heartwarming read, and I am super excited to continue the series—especially now that it looks like Rebecca and Maggie can’t seem to escape trouble…

Thank you BookSirens and Valerie Brandy for a copy. All opinions are my own.

[Darla Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebecca Orange's life has truly fallen apart. Her boyfriend of many years has broken up with her and she lost her job on the same day. She believes she's hut rock bottom but is already preparing to start over. She receives an amazing job offer at a castle in the small village of Atwood in an equally small European country. Monrovia is a beautiful country with a centuries old castle where Rebecca will be working with a menagerie of animals including a hawk who's on the moody side and a giraffe who has earned the name Alfredo. Rebecca also has her giant dog, a Tibetan Mastiff named Joe. When the castle's architect is murdered and Rebecca's new friend becomes the prime suspect, they both set out to investigate and find a killer.

This is the first book in a new series and it was an excellent read. This is also the first book I've read by Valerie Brandy and I really enjoyed it. I did receive a copy of the book from BookSirens and this is my honest, unbiased review. I was drawn into this captivating story and kept hooked from start to finish. The mystery was intriguing with plenty of twists and turns. The characters were well-developed and fun to get to know. I fell in love with Joe, the giant, lovebug of a dog. The premise of the book was well-written and allows you to escape to another country for a while. I loved this book and am looking forward to the next one. I highly recommend this exceptional read.

[S Huizenga · Rating 4 out of 5]

You had me at crime solving dog! This is not your usual Valerie Brandy thriller but it is a very fun ride with great characters.

I love that Rebecca is a more mature woman who is closer to my age than the normal leading ladies of the books that I read. When faced with a horrible day where she loses both her job at an animal safari rescue and her boyfriend, she has the courage to move across the world to live in a castle and start over with her giant, lovable dog.

Rebecca immediately befriends the team working at the castle where she has been hired to take care of the animals and ensure they are well cared for. Maggie, the head of household assistant, becomes an instant friend and when a murder on the grounds happens, Rebecca and Maggie team up to solve the mystery.

Of course there is a Duke who lives in the castle and there may be a few sparks starting to fly...

Normally I like my mysteries to have a little more thriller to them but this was like a warm blanket of enjoyment. I loved the characters at the castle and in the village. Since the premise is that Rebecca moves to the castle to take care of the animals, the animals themselves become characters to fall in love with. A giraffe who eats pasta?!?

I really liked this and I'm so looking forward to the next book. I received this book for free and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Sam Rodino · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for a cozy mystery to read with a relatable female protagonist and lovable animals, this is the book for you!

The story itself is fun. Everyone is a suspect, and honestly I had no clue who the murderer was until the very end of the book! The fictional country of Monrovia is also painted beautifully in the book through Valerie Brandy's descriptions. From cute coffee shops in the Village of Atwood to the mouth-watering food made by the castle's chef, I wish I could visit Monrovia myself!

But what stood out to me the most were the characters in the book. Rebecca Orange, is a strong female protagonist who knows her worth. While trying to solve the mystery at Castle Atwood, she always stands her ground, even when dealing with her ex-boyfriend, Travis. "Mystery at Monrovia Castle" is not only a fun cozy mystery book. It is also a story of growth and self-discovery as we follow Rebecca and her dog Joe as they start this new chapter in their lives.

On that note, Joe is by far the best character in the book! He's an adorable 250-pound Tibetan Mastiff with so much love to share with the castle staff. Brandy does an incredible job of making Joe more than a pet in the book. He really is an important part of the story and solving the case! Joe and Rebecca's bond will remind dog-owners reading the book of their own adorable companion.

[Pam]

note.

Amazon synopsis:
When Rebecca Orange is dumped by her boyfriend and fired from her job in the same breath, she thinks she’s hit rock bottom. But fate has other plans. A surprise job offer whisks Rebecca-- and her Tibetan Mastiff dog, Joe-- to the storybook country of Monrovia.

There, in a centuries-old castle straight out of a dream, she’s tasked with caring for the royal menagerie. The locals are eccentric, the flower shop smells like heaven, and the castle's broodingly handsome Duke might just be harboring a crush… or a secret.

Life in Monrovia is nearly perfect—until the castle’s head architect turns up dead. Worse, Rebecca’s closest new friend is the prime suspect.

Now, between sipping tea in sun-drenched courtyards and dodging over-curious nobility, Rebecca must unravel a tangled mystery that threatens to bring everything crashing down. But she’s not about to let this fairy tale end in tragedy.

[Linda J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 STARS - ROUNDED UP

Sweet and clean story with a whodunit that you may figure out quickly. You will have to suspend belief on many things, so if you want true to life scenario this isn't it.

The dog Joe was cute and some of the characters needed more depth. But it's a simple storyline that will pass the time. I doubt if I will read more of the series unless free.

Cheating off page by a secondary character, no cliffhanger, murder solved, some editing issues but you could still figure it out, and clean. I can't improve on the blurb, just giving you extra tidbits to decide whether to purchase. (ljb)

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great opportunity comes after a horrible surprise that means big changes in Rebecca Orange's life. However, it turns out that the opportunity might not be as perfect as it seems.

What a great start to a new series. The castle setting is bordering magical, the characters diverse and interesting and the mystery intriguing. I am looking forward to book 2 in The Rebecca Orange Castle Cozy Mystery Series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Teresa Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mystery at Monrovia Castle is a delightful, engaging cozy mystery that includes dogs, a giraffe, a hawk, sheep, and other animals. And being a true animal lover, it is right up my alley. The characters are relatable and realistic, but if I'm honest, I think Joe, the Tibetan Mastiff, is my favorite. I also see a hint of romance on the horizon and look forward to watching it develop. I can't wait to see what new adventures Ms. Brandy creates for Rebecca and her new friends. I received a review copy from the author via BoosSirens, and this review reflects my honest and voluntary opinion.

[Larry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now this is a fun story, despite the murder. We have a huge Tibetan Mastiff who does his own thing, rather than being a guard dog, we have a 50 something animal specialist who is starting over, basically from scratch, we have Monrovian castle managed by the nephew of the King and Queen of Monrovia, a murder of their architect, and a murderer among the castle crew. Finally we have an inept chief of security determined to implicate the wrong person. I highly recommend this book and I know you will love reading the story.

[Charlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ready for the Hallmark mystery channel.

Rebecca Orange has left America after a break-up that included both a man and a job. A specialist in animals and their behavior, she has taken a job to oversee the animals at a castle in Monrovia taken in by a handsome young duke. When a murder on the grounds causes the investigation to focus on her new besty, Rebecca begins to investigate. Nothing too complicated here, mystery and possible romance primarily, accompanied by some info on animal training—all happening in a quaint small country.

[Jean Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in a series and an enjoyable read. Rebecca was dumped and fired by her boss, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise when she found a much better job working with animals at a castle. Everything is going quite well until the architect who has been doing renovations for the Duke is found dead. The castle is home to many rescue animals including a giraffe named Alfredo who loves pasta. Many humorous parts throughout the story. I loved reading this story and look forward to the next in the series. I received an ARC copy of the book and this is my honest review.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so far off base with my first guess at whodunit. When they started putting it together, I still had it wrong. Who had the most to gain? I enjoyed watching Joe and Rebecca sleuthing. I was utterly impressed with Joe's intelligence. It baffled me why so many people fought changes the Duke wanted to institute. So many funny situations, but Travis was the biggest joke of all. Dense much??? Is it possible there's an attraction between Jack and Rebecca??? This was a fun, suspenseful, inspirational whodunit. The take down was epic. A great read I recommend.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the descriptions of the country, village, castle, animals, pretty much anything the author wrote about, she did an excellent job of making me feel like I was right there. The story was well written with a mystery that was not easy to figure out. I thought I knew who the killer was at several points but ended up being wrong. I excited to see where this series goes.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Shelda Sparks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved this story. I love Joe the most wonderful furry companion a person could have and I loved Rebecca Orange. They wrote a wonderful heartrending story with mystery love caring all kinds of good things without foul language. This book was a pleasure to read. I recommend anybody read it and you will laugh out loud. And you will want to read more of them thank you to the author who wrote these wonderful stories.

[James Stalnaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mystery at Monrovia Castle

Valerie Brandy’s book, Mystery at Monrovia Castle was a fun book to read. There was enough intrigue to keep me interested and I loved the dog. The characters were likable, even the “villain”. A cozy mystery is just what I enjoy! I look forward to the next book.

[Lee Brothers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was just so good. A very unusual plot and backstory. What a wonderful place to find yourself at almost too good to be true. Once you realize who the murderer is you think that was obvious the whole time. I like this so much I'm going looking for more of this author's books.

[Cheryl A. Flagg · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story is too cutesy. A big problem is a good proofreader is needed to address the capitalization errors. So many words are capitalized which shouldn't be. It is police not Police. It is castle not Castle, except Castle Monrovia. Not the Duke unless using the full title. I gave up.

[Kate Wells · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sounds like a lovely place and I enjoyed visiting it in my imagination. The story was readable but kinda average for me. Still it's a pleasant way to pass a winter afternoon. Joe is the star. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Pam Bales · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice little story leaving one ready for more.
Good setting, great characters, nice twisty cozy plot combine for a nice jaunt into the world of Rebecca Orange and Joe, her Tibetan mastiff.
Enjoyed it and ready for the next.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read and I really like the characters. I did figure out who the killer was way before Rebecca did though. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.

[One Sentence Audio Critic · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful, fun, cozy mystery with a 50 year old, second chance seeking, animal loving amateur slueth.

[aem · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining