A Disappearance at the Bonne Nuit Hotel

The Deadly Exclusives Trilogy #1

by Dominique Daoust

Secret sources have a whole new meaning.

Newbie reporter Rita Larose is tired of getting assigned boring stories at one of Montreal's most popular newspapers. It's 1930 after all, women don't need to only write about household chores anymore! But when a high hat socialite gossips about the New Year's Eve party at the Bonne Nuit Hotel, a riveting mystery falls right into Rita's lap. This is her chance to prove to herself and her underestimating colleagues that she has what it takes to write the hard-hitting articles.

While going undercover as a maid to get the scoop, Rita will soon discover unexpected friendships and an unusual gift of her own to contend with. Will she be able to juggle this newfound ability while not blowing her cover and jeopardizing her career-making article?

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Ebooks, Cozy Mystery

214 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 29, 2022

About the author

Dominique Daoust is the author of The Deadly Exclusives Trilogy and the Silver Screen Coven series. She is a journalism graduate from Concordia University in Montreal, Canada. When not reading or writing, she likes to do yoga, drink margaritas, incessantly quote Friends and listen to rap while doing mundane household chores.

You can follow her on Facebook (@DominiqueDaoustAuthor) and Instagram (@dominique.daoust) for updates!

Reviews

[Heena Rathore Rathore-Pardeshi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Disappearance At The Bonne Nuit Hotel by Domonique Daoust is a cleverly plotted and well-executed cosy mystery laced with historical elements and twists. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book right from the first page to the very last one and the ending, surprisingly, turned out to be satisfying. I am now looking forward to reading the next book in this trilogy as there are some answers that I still seek from the sequel (which I am sure will be answered in the next part or maybe the one after that, but I am patient.)

The characterisation was really well-developed and the writing felt very smooth, which was surprising as this is the author’s debut novel. I was impressed by the number of details and their impact on the overall plot. I would highly recommend this book to cosy mystery fans and to readers of light historical fiction brimming with light suspense.

________________________________

You can also read this review on my book blog, The Reading Bud: www.thereadingbud.com

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rita is everything a flapper should be. Independent, feisty and determined to make it in the world unknow to females before. Going undercover as a maid in a ritzy hotel for the story that will jumpstart her career, Rita may be in over her head. With humor and not a little sass Rita conquers 1930's Montreal. Ms. Daoust's descriptions of a by gone era bring it to life. I am eagerly awaiting Rita's next adventure. And the set up for the next story is masterfully done, leaving readers wanting to instantly read the next book!

[Joelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this light read! An interesting mystery featuring retro humour. I loved how detailed the story was and the protagonist’s inner dialogue. Can’t wait to read the two other novels from the trilogy!

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first in a trilogy from a new author and as such a valiant effort in creating a satisfying murder mystery. The first chapter does a good job at setting the stage for the story: Montreal, New Year's Eve, 12/31/1929, The Bonne Nuit Hotel. Beatriz, a maid at the hotel, is going about her shift duties, readying the beds for the guests, when she is grabbed from behind and everything goes black. The story then picks up a few weeks later, with the main character, Rita Larose, growing tired of her "staff writer" position and looking for a new angle for the newspaper. She hears about the disappearance of the maid, and after consulting with her boss, goes undercover at the hotel as a maid, to see if she can learn what happened. Her investigation brings her new friends and enemies, actually putting her own life in danger before she can finally solve the mystery. Two things about this story that I found unbelievable: first, a paranormal event occurs and Rita barely blinks an eye, taking it all in stride as if this were an everyday occurrence; second, the author frequently injects 1920's slang into the story, as if trying to remind the reader that it is set in the past...most of the time, I actually had to look up the reference, and it wasn't really necessary in the context of the story. I think the characters need a little more development, although I did enjoy the new found relationship between Rita and Elsie. The ending provides a teaser for the events of the next story in the trilogy. Overall, an interesting concept for a starter novel. Disclosure: I am voluntarily reviewing this book and all opinions are strictly my own.

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Disappearance at the Bonne Nuit Hotel by Dominique Daoust features 22-year-old Rita Larose, recently hired as a staff reporter for the Montreal Daily Reporter. While on an assignment, Rita stumbles upon a mystery that involves the Montreal-based Bonne Nuit Hotel. On New Year’s Eve in 1929, a maid employed at the hotel vanishes without a trace during her shift. Rita convinces the newspaper’s editor-in-chief to let her conduct an undercover investigation. She gets hired as a maid, and this is the beginning of an adventure that centers around a baffling puzzle. Complications during the inquiry arise when a second maid disappears, and the head chef is poisoned. Is Rita putting herself in danger? Will Rita figure out who is responsible for these frightful incidents before more people become victims?

A Disappearance at the Bonne Nuit Hotel is the first book in The Deadly Exclusives Trilogy. It is an excellent beginning to a new series with a relatable main character who finds herself gaining a sense of meaning in her life. Rita is drawn to the Bonne Nuit Hotel and hidden secrets from the present and the past that she wants to unravel. Daoust has created a believable collection of characters who wonderfully complement the central figure in the story and keep the plot events moving forward at a steady pace.

This engaging mystery includes paranormal activities, psychic experiences, challenging work environments, newly formed friendships, and resiliency when life gets hard. The slang used in the story fits the time frame to a tee. The author ratchets up the stakes with more disturbing incidents and a time constraint on the undercover job. The suspense steadily builds until it reaches an exciting climax. Clues and red herrings throughout the mystery keep readers guessing as to the identity of the guilty party until the final reveal. Anyone who enjoyed A Disappearance at the Bonne Nuit Hotel and wants to follow more of Rita’s adventures can do so. Lights Out Revenge is the second book, and Revelations at the Midnight Circus is the third one. Both are available for reading.

[Gayle B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good historical cozy. Rita is reminiscent of Torchy Blane, woman reporter in movies in the 1930's. Lots of spunk, moxie, and stubbornness. In this first book, Rita is determined to become a newspaper reporter. Going against her father's wishes in 1930, when most young women didn't go against family let alone work, Rita moves to the big city and elbows her way into a newspaper office. She is given a chance to prove herself, by going under cover and investigating the disappearance of Beatriz at the Bonne Nuit Hotel, but she only has a couple of days. Rita gets more than she bargains for; an appearance of Beatriz who is no longer amongst the living, another disappearance of another maid and the chef literally dropping dead in front of her. While Rita investigates the trouble at the hotel, she is also secretly investigating her mother's murder of many years ago, now that she has access to files. Good story as Rita works to prove herself, and solve the disappearances and murder. She herself gets into a situation.
Good cliff hanger that will make you want to move on to book two!
I received a free copy and voluntarily provided this review.

[Nellie Steele · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s 1930 and Rita Larose is working as an unseasoned reporter in Montreal. Most of her assignments have been nothing to write home about. She’s hoping for a more interesting story and she stumbles upon it when a socialite lets it slip that a maid went missing at the Bonne Nuit Hotel’s New Year’s Eve party. With the mystery falling right in her lap, Rita is eager to prove herself with a real story.

She goes undercover as a maid at the hotel to investigate. What she’ll discover may surprise her! And not just the scoop on the missing maid, but she’ll encounter other things as she investigates that take her by surprise.

A Disappearance at the Bonne Nuit Hotel is a fun and enjoyable read! This cozy mystery hits all the marks for a light, entertaining mystery. Using the undercover reporter to facilitate the story has a fantastic “Nellie Bly” feel to it, which made it really interesting. The setting and era are unique, hitting both historical readers and cozy mystery lovers.

Rita is a great character to follow. She is very likeable and easy to want to follow her through her journey. The investigating she does is believable and keeps you turning the pages.

This is a great mystery and a unique new entry in the cozy mystery genre. I would recommend it to historical or cozy mystery readers looking for a fun new mystery.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not the most well versed in the mystery genre, I’ve only just started to read them this year. And I’ve never read any cozy mysteries. But this book came to my attention recently and I thought this would be a good place to start. I was definitely right. This read was so much fun! The mystery was intriguing, the characters were great and the setting was nice to see, it’s not something I’ve come across often, both being set in Montreal, Quebec and being set in the 1930s. I quite enjoyed all the 1930s era sayings that the author sprinkled throughout the story, they just a lot of fun! All in all I think for a debut book this is amazing.
If you are a fan of the 1930s era or of cozy mysteries I think you should really enjoy this book. I can’t wait to read the next books in this series!

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Disappearance at the Bonne Nuit Hotel is the first book in the The Deadly Exclusives Trilogy by Dominique Daoust.

Rita Larose I a new reporter in 1930. She doesn’t get the most exciting stories, but then she happens upon a potential mystery. She goes undercover and finds herself in some interesting situations.

This was an enjoyable story. Rita’s challenge as being a woman who is focusing on her career rather than chasing a husband in 1930 was interesting. The mystery was intriguing and I was surprised who the guilty party was. I look forward to see what Rita’s next big story is.

I received a gift copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Brian Mallory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pos-i-tutely a fun read. Old school mystery, with multiple twists, that I didn't expect. A writing style you do not see nowadays, brings back memories. Rita's character, came to life, with that sassy attitude, and old time sayings was the bee's knees. I chuckled so much throughout the story, thank you.

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book just okay. It wasn’t horrible, just not a story to grab you. And it was annoying that it ended on a cliffhanger. Not that it left you hanging on your seat. Not sure I will read future books in this series.

[Photojaq · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fast paced, twisty mystery with a surprise ending

I loved how the story began, briefly set up the scene, and then took off running. Rita Larose is tired of covering women's stories for the local Montreal newspaper she works for. She wants something meaty, but in the 1930s women don't get those stories. But that's just what she does get by her wits and persistence. Her boss allows her to go undercover as a maid at the posh Bonne Nuit Hotel to see if she can find a missing maid, and worse, a murderer.
What she discovers first as she learns the ropes of cleaning rooms to meet the impossible hotel standard, blows her mind, and nearly her cover.
Determined and with a bit of help from her unnamed source, Rita gets the story of a lifetime! And now until the next great story she begins to work on the unsolved case of her mother's murder. At the closing scene of the book, she discovers a Hugh clue!
Since this is a 3-book series, her quest must continue into the next one, perhaps while covering an even greater headline.

[Meesh · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an interesting and intriguing story. It is presented like I was listening to an 'old time radio' show. The quips and sayings from the time of the story were a great addition. Rita Larose is trying to move past the 'women aren't writers' protocols that her fellow male newspaper employees seem to push on the daily. During an interview with a well-known socialite she found out about the disappearance of a maid at the Bonne Nuit Hotel so she decided to go undercover and try to solve the mystery as well as create an intriguing article to show she's equal to or even better than the male reporters.
The characters and the storyline were very enjoyable and it was hard to determine who the culprit really was! And when you do find out you'll be very surprised! This was an enjoyable story and I definitely recommend it especially for those who love 'old time radio' stories!

[Mrs LIR Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked the descriptions of a 1930 Montreal. The main character is a young privileged lady called Rita who has been brought up by her doting father as her mother was murdered many years ago. Rita's dad has got her a position as a writer for a local newspaper. She writes general articles and dreams about being an investigative reporter with her own byline. By chance she hears about the disappearance of a maid at the Bonne Nuit Hotel. She decides to investigate and report - this is the story of her investigation and how she solves this mystery.
This book reads well as a standalone but the recurring theme of Rita's mother's murder is lurking and I look forward to reading the next books to find out more about Canada in the 1930s and Rita's life.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[FeedMyReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rita Larose maybe a reporter but she has the most boring assignments and her name is not even put against the articles, all of that is about to change as she finds out about a missing maid at the Bonne Nuit Hotel and decides to go undercover to discover the truth about the disappearance and why it is being hushed up. Can Rita get that exclusive story which will change everything for her?

This is a well written and enjoyable read from Dominique Daoust but with a couple of markdowns for me, first was a few editing issues which I think always need to be acknowledged but for me the bigger thing was the amount of phrases Rita seems to have and how annoying these become. I do appreciate this is set back in 1930 and so the phrases would be a bit different from those we hear today but the amount of them seems excessive.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. First, it's an excellent mystery. There are tons of clues that Rita follows, and the mystery plot is very intricate. I was surprised by the ending, which is always a good thing for me. All the clues tied together in the end in a way that was satisfying.

I also enjoyed the characters, especially Rita herself. She is a reporter, which is unusual for the 1930s time period. I thought her character was very well-developed and three-dimensional. I also liked that I learned a lot about the 1930s through the descriptions and events sprinkled throughout the story.

The author has done a great job with bringing the 1930s to life in a fun and exciting way. I look forward to more of Rita's adventures!

[Kara Marks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m thrilled to have discovered this new historical cozy mystery series! I was able to get really absorbed into this mystery and found it a lot of fun. The main mystery itself was very intriguing and I enjoyed trying to figure out the culprit before the reveal. The main character is very likable and smart and I’m very interested in seeing what she does in the next book, since she’s set up to try to solve the cold case of her mother’s murder and some other cases that might be related. I can definitely recommend this book; I was provided a copy of this book, but these opinions are my own.

[Celest · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Very Entertaining Mystery

I've been reading a lot of new authors for me lately and finding some great mysteries. Dominique Daoust is no exception, she's a very entertaining storyteller. In this story, Rita is a young journalist trying to make her way in a mans world. There are some great characters and a couple of not so great characters that makes the story more entertaining. A disappearance at a high end hotel has Rita wanting to investigate and that is where the fun starts. Great adventure, can't wait for the next book in this series. Loved this one.

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was looking for an atmospheric cozy mystery with a touch of noir & A Disappearance at the Bonne Nuit Hotel did not disappoint. The hotel setting and 1930s vibe really pulled me in. The language felt true to the era, which added charm, though at times it felt a bit overdone. Still, the mystery kept me engaged, and I enjoyed it overall.

[Blakely Hilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!! Rita is fantastic and I honestly want to be best friends with her! Love all the twists and turns in the story! I found myself just as consumed with “who dunnit” as Rita was! Now to read the next two!

[Larry]

This story was quite interesting, but you can tell it's the author's first. It's needs cleaning up. The plot is easily followed and the main character is quite interesting. The supporting characters are also fun and interesting. I recommend this book and hope the subsequent ones are written better.

[Cassie Jolliff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was very well paced and enjoyable. It felt as if I had traveled back in time as the dialog was perfect and witty. I enjoyed the characters and the flow of the story. I'll be reading more from this author in the future.

[Bethan · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75*
This book was okay. I struggled at times because it seemed a little rushed and I found the main character a tad annoying but overall was a nice book to read and you wanted to know where it went next.

[Cassandra Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical novel with a ghostly twist

I enjoyed reading this story immensely. The author is very descriptive when setting up the scenes. She has a young protagonist to continue writing stories about and kept me guessing about the villain.

[Virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't Turndown This One

Set in Montreal on the cusp of 1930, journalist Rita Larose goes undercover as a hotel maid to try to solve a maid's disappearance and uncovers more than she bargained for in this entertaining and well plotted series beginner by Dominique Daoust.

[ReadwithEmm · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great mystery/suspense read! Will have you guessing right until the end! Plot twists, love triangles and crime! What more do you want!

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good mystery. Enjoyed the book. Good characters. I was not familiar with quite a bit of the slang. Looking forward to finding out more about the long term mystery.

[Carol Filipow Pigg · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy read. Look forward to her next book

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who killed Beatriz and George and why??? jealousy??? Rita will figure things out - if she survives that is!!! I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.

[Randee · Rating 3 out of 5]

little confusing but I think it might be worth reading the next book