An elite protocol expert, a dead Prime Minister, and stolen gold hairpins set the scene for Washington’s deadliest gala.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — November 8, 2025 — Whodunit House, an imprint of Koenig Design, Inc., is pleased to announce the upcoming release of Beltway D.O.A., the sharp, fast-paced debut cozy mystery novel by Tina Koenig. Blending high-stakes political intrigue, high-fashion glamour, and razor-sharp wit, Beltway D.O.A. pulls back the velvet curtain on Washington, D.C.’s elite social calendar to expose the deadly underbelly of political protocol.
In Beltway D.O.A., readers meet Quinn Willoughby, an up-and-coming event planner, etiquette expert, and founder of The National School of Protocol. Fresh off a high-profile magazine feature that dubbed her “The Sexiest Protocol Expert in the United States,” Quinn is tasked with orchestrating the season’s most prestigious event: the Japanese Embassy’s annual gala at the historic Baldridge Hotel. With the President of the United States and international dignitaries in attendance, the evening promises to showcase priceless Japanese artifacts, including solid-gold, diamond-encrusted kanzashi hairpins on loan for a museum fundraiser.
However, “murder isn’t one of the 346 subjects for elegant conversation.” Before the first cocktail is poured, the gala turns into a crime scene when Japanese Prime Minister Yoshi Kamamoto is discovered dead—artfully displayed on a banquet table surrounded by intricately carved vegetable garnishes.
When one of Quinn’s priceless kanzashi hairpins is recovered from beneath the victim, the investigation takes a personal turn. The federal authorities—including the FBI, CIA, and Secret Service—descend on the hotel, quickly pointing fingers at Quinn and her fiercely loyal assistant, Paige. Paired with charming D.C. Metro Homicide Detective Nick O’Reilly, Quinn must use her deep knowledge of social decorum, eye for detail, and crisis-management skills to clear their names before a record-breaking blizzard locks down the capital.
Beltway D.O.A. is a modern, cleverly written mystery that proves high society can be a cutthroat business. Available in trade paperback and eBook formats at major retailers nationwide.
About the Author
Tina Koenig is an author and creative writer. Beltway D.O.A. is published by Whodunit House, an imprint of Koenig Design, Inc.
Book Details
- Title: Beltway D.O.A.
- Author: Tina Koenig
- Publisher: Whodunit House
- Print ISBN: 978-1-7364705-4-1
- eBook ISBN: 978-1-7364705-5-8
- Website: tinakoenig.com/whodunit-house
Where to Buy
- Paperback: Buy on Amazon Paperback
- Kindle eBook: Buy on Amazon Kindle
Media Contact
Whodunit House Press Office
Email: tina (AT) tina koenig dot com
Website: tinakoenig.com/whodunit-house