Clara McKennaBesprekingen

Wasted potential. Premise interesting, room for character growth but it’s all spoiled by dreadful writing and a lack of the most basic editing.

It’s Stella and Lyndy’s first Christmas and she wants to incorporate some of her Kentucky roots into the celebration but she’s meeting some resistance for her mother-in-law and cook who have the menu planned. There’s a case of food poisoning and the housekeeper is killed in car accident and some of the guests suffer food poisoning. Stella has a stalker, the cook goes missing and police inspector asks for their help.½

Murder On Mistletoe Lane is the fifth book in the A Stella and Lyndy Mystery series by Clara McKenna.

Christmas is nearing, and Stella is looking forward to bringing some of her childhood memories of Christmas in Kentucky to the present home at Morrington Hall. But her mother-in-law, Lady Atherly, is not receptive to many of Stella’s ideas. Lady Atherly feels this is how we have done it in the past, and there’s no reason to change now, telling her not to corrupt the staff with her unconventional “American ways.” Stella meets with Mrs. Cole, Morrington’s cook, to request a couple of her favorite Christmas dishes. Mrs. Cole informs Stella that the Christmas meal is well underway; besides, she doesn’t have recipes for the dishes Stella has requested.

She is also concerned that there may be a thief or stalker at Morrington, as she has found personal items missing from her bedroom, and notes of a romantic nature have been left in her room.

Concern is high for the housekeeper when she becomes seriously ill and is confined to her bed. When a maid checks on the housekeeper, she’s nowhere to be found. It is soon learned that her body has been found on Mistletoe Road, possibly dying from exposure. Then, a second suspicious death occurs during a Boxer Day point-to-point race. A retired army man who has spent his whole life riding horses has his mount go down, throwing the man to the ground.
With the family home directly involved in one of the murders, Stella and Lyndy will begin their own investigation. Inspector Brown readily accepts Stella and Lyndy’s help. They have worked together, and Inspector Brown has found them to share their findings with him rather than working against him. Their investigation will provide several suspects, some involving guests staying at Morrington Hall.

The story is well-written, plotted, and historically accurate. The characters are well-developed, engaging, and believable. There were many twists and turns and red herrings that I kept guessing until the end, when the killer's identity was revealed.

I am anxiously awaiting the next book in this wonderful series.

Another exceptional Stella and Lyndy mystery! This series is quickly becoming a favorite. It reminds me a lot of Agatha Christie or Carola Dunn mysteries with intricate plots, a touch of humor, and romance. I loved the Edwardian Christmas setting and all the fun traditions along with the whodunnit mystery that was so well done & kept me guessing.

Stella is anticipating her first English Christmas as a married woman. Adjusting to her new role as Lady Lyndhurst isn’t easy though with a frosty, overbearing mother-in-law, a cook who isn’t accommodating to her American Christmas traditions, and unexpected houseguests. But, Stella takes it all in stride with her usual cheerfulness and aplomb. While she’s been preoccupied with her new horse farm charity, she’s been receiving mysterious notes from a secret admirer and some of her personal effects have gone missing. Is there a thief in the house or is someone stalking her? When two suspicious deaths occur including their housekeeper who falls ill and winds up murdered on Mistletoe Lane, Stella, Lyndy, and Inspector Brown must work together to solve the murders and hopefully save their Christmas holiday.

I loved this historical mystery! The Christmas setting was so fun and I loved the inclusion of the various traditions. Stella and Lyndy are such an enjoyable couple. Lyndy appreciates Stella’s intelligence and lets her pursue her investigations all while being the protective, besotted husband. There’s teasing banter, a little mild innuendo, humor, and swoony romance that makes this closed door cozy mystery even more fun.

The mystery definitely kept me on my toes. Red herrings abound in this one and it’s hard to pinpoint who the murderer is. I enjoyed Inspector Brown and the way he treats Stella. He takes her insights and observations seriously, which is nice for a change. There were several interesting motives and moving parts which all tied together nicely in the end. Throughout the story we learn more about Stella’s mother-in-law’s past and why she is the way she is. I loved how she warmed more towards Stella as the story continued. Along with the murders, are the mysterious notes and stolen items. Are these related to the murders?

All in all, a fantastic new mystery! Highly recommend to historical cozy mystery fans! Though it’s the fifth book in the series it could be read as a standalone, but is more enjoyable if you’ve read the previous books. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.

CW: mild innuendo, mild violence, a few instances of taking the Lord’s name in vain.

I always get so excited when it is time for a new Stella and Lyndy Mystery to be released. This time they are celebrating their first Christmas together at Morrington Hall and Stella wants so very much to share some of her family’s Christmas traditions with Lyndy and his family. Just two or three small things – a couple of dishes to be served and popcorn stringing. However, Stella’s mother-in-law denies her even that small pleasure, and the cook is the same. Lyndy has had thoughts of him and Stella moving into Pilley Manor where Stella lived prior to their marriage – and I surely hope they do that because I do not like that wretch of a mother-in-law she’s saddled with.

They have guests coming for Christmas, Sir Edwin Kentfield, his wife Lady Isabella, and their son Freddy. Stella senses some undercurrents about the arrival of the guests, but she doesn’t know them or their history with Lyndy’s family. Then again, Lyndy doesn’t have a clue either as he’s never met them. Why were virtual strangers invited to spend Christmas?

Soon, strange things are happening – things are disappearing from Stella’s room. Small things, but one of them is very meaningful to her. With strange interactions between Lady Atherly and the housekeeper who soon turns up dead, and not long after, another seemingly unrelated death occurs, Christmas is turning out to be strange indeed. How will Stella and Lyndy manage to help Inspector Brown solve the murders, the thefts, the missing person, and the letch who has his eye on Stella? The layers are many, the clues few, the suspects varied, and the identity surprising.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and, of course, I loved Stella and Lyndy. Sadly, I think they were the only ones in the book I really liked this time. Morrington Hall is not my favorite setting for the books as I much prefer it when they are traveling or are somehow away from Morrington to solve mysteries. That is for purely selfish reasons as I don’t like Lyndy’s family and if Lyndy and Stella are away, I don’t have to deal with my dislike while reading the story.

I sincerely hope you will give this book and this series a try and that you will love it as much as I did. HAPPY READING!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Stella, Lady Lyndhurst, is celebrating her first British Christmas as a married woman, she came to England from her home of Kentucky in America, and fortunately fell in love with the man she was slated to marry by her father. She's still finding her way around new customs, and her new mother-in-law is decidedly frosty in her presence, and it's not because of the weather.

It doesn't help that there are visitors arriving -- Sir Edwin, his wife Lady Isabella, and their son Frederick -- and Lyndy is curious because they've not been there in many years, at least since before he was born.

One night she is awakened by a maid because the housekeeper, Mrs. Nelson has taken ill and she doesn't know what to do. Stella has her call the doctor, and once he informs her it's a case of food poisoning, Stella leaves her in the maid's care. But the next day Mrs. Nelson is nowhere to be found. Both Lyndy and Stella are stunned when they discover that she's been killed on Mistletoe Lane, and Stella wonders why she was out in the night at all, being so ill.

Now Stella has a murder to solve, and she wants it done before Christmas, so as not to spoil the holiday. But there are other things afoot as well -- personal items from her room have been stolen, strange notes appear, Sir Edwin seems to be flirting with her (making her uncomfortable) and of all things, Lyndy's mother comes to her with a strange confession and asking for her help! Will wonders never cease?

When there's another 'accident' which is deemed to be a murder occurs, it only strengthens Stella's intent to solve both. Is she putting herself in danger? Or will there be Christmas miracles after all?

I have to admit first that I rarely read historical novels. Upon occasion, I will read something along the lines of Rebecca and other classics, but this is the one of the first historical cozies that I've ventured into. And what a surprise I received. The writing is excellent as well as the plot, and the characters are compelling (even those I didn't care for). Everything is written with precision and in such a way to draw you into the story nearly from the beginning.

It was a delight to read, and now I find that I must go back and begin with the first one (this being the fifth story!) and introduce myself to all the characters from their onset. I am actually looking forward to doing so.

Stella is an intriguing character; she's from America and grew up as an only child on a large horse farm, she's developed her strong social and moral tendencies, with her kindness and forgiveness part of her being. She's not a pushover, and is quite intelligent. Her husband Lyndy is a perfect fit, allowing Stella her way while still taking on the role of protector, as was the wont then (and should still be).

Throughout the story we are given many suspects and questionable behavior, all leading us to wonder who the murderer is. When Stella has her 'aha' moment, we are not privy to the answer immediately. We must watch as she confronts the killer along with her husband -- but she is not out of danger yet.

In the end, will Stella have her perfect English Christmas? One must wait and see, but I can tell you that I highly recommend this book.

I was given an advance copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.

The Stella and Lyndy series is quickly becoming one of my favorites and this fifth book in the series, a Christmas mystery, is probably the best book in the series so far. I absolutely loved it.

Stella (Lady Lyndhurst) is celebrating her first Christmas in England and, after a member of the staff is found dead, as is her usual, Stella, along with her husband Lyndy, get involved in trying to solve the case.

It's an engaging mystery with a great portrayal of an English Christmas in the early 20th century.

Highly recommended for fans of historical mysteries or for those who love Christmas mysteries.

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via Net Galley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.)½

1905, amateur-sleuth, class-consciousness, country-house, cozy-mystery, ex-pat, family-drama, family-dynamics, family-history, local-law-enforcement, married-sleuths, murder, murder-investigation, read, relationships, relatives, series, theft, England*****

Stella is from Kentucky and Lyndy is British aristocracy, but their arranged marriage (she has the money) turns out to be a love match anyway. He is learning to be nicer to others and not as hung up on status. BUT. They are stuck at his parents country home for Christmas and the guests are stuffy aristos. Awful enough until the housekeeper becomes ill and then her body is found outside in the lane, and then the cook goes missing! But the newlyweds are (to their own dismay) experienced sleuths and get into the fray. A growing list of suspects, a few amazing twists and alarming red herrings make this an enjoyable cozy. Loved it!
I requested and received an EARC from Kensington Books via NetGalley.

Stella and Lynd are married and on their honeymoon in York but when they arrived at their hotel, they discovered the honeymoon suite that Lyndy had booked had been given to a wealthy candy company owner by the smarmy hotel clerk for a tip. Our couple was given the Royal suite across the hall and when the maid goes to the honeymoon suite she starts screaming and we learn that the man has been murdered. Stella immediately starts investigating and finds some curious things in the room. Lyndy is worried that maybe they were the target. There's a visit to York by the two princess' and an attack by anarchists along with the business intrigue before Stella figures out what is going on while an adoring Lynley proudly lets her do her thing.

I love mysteries and am always thrilled when I discover a new mystery author. This is the first mystery I’ve read by Clara McKenna and it certainly won’t be the last! Set in the Edwardian era in York, this whodunit kept me guessing and turning the pages. There’s romance, plenty of suspects, and delicious chocolate involved! I also enjoyed the historical details. There are three previous books in this series, but I felt like the author did a great job making this a standalone read while including helpful information from previous books. I’m excited to go back and read the other books in the series!

Viscount & Lady Lyndhurst are on their honeymoon hoping for a relaxing time in York, and no dead bodies. When they arrive at the Majestic Hotel, they’re dismayed to find their honeymoon suite has been booked that night by Horace Wingrove, England’s most famous chocolate confectioner. When the elderly gentleman winds up dead, at first it’s deemed an unfortunate accident. When the formula for his famous chocolates goes missing and other strange clues are discovered, Stella and Lyndy find themselves once again in the middle of a mystery.

Besides the murder, the police are stretched thin preparing for the unveiling of a statue of Queen Victoria who recently passed away. Anarchists continue to threaten the monarchy and the last thing they want to worry about is another murder. There’s also Wingrove’s suspicious interest in visiting York.

I really enjoyed Stella & Lyndy! Stella is the wealthy daughter of an American now married to the Viscount. She’s spunky, forthright, and not afraid to ask questions or search for clues. Lyndy is British aristocracy through and through clearly in love with his new wife. He adores Stella and she helps him overcome his natural reserve. I can’t wait to read the previous books to find out how their relationship developed. There’s plenty of romance since they are on their honeymoon, and while there’s some innuendo, the author keeps things firmly closed door. They work well together with Lyndy fully supporting his wife’s investigations.

The mystery is clever with multiple parts. There’re a slew of suspects: the nephew who stands to inherit the company, the controlling secretary, other chocolate competitors, shifty hotel staff, and hotel guests with various motivations. I also liked the other mystery involving Queen Victoria’s statue. While I had my suspicions, I wasn’t sure of who did what until the very end.

With plenty of action, suspects, twists and turns, beautiful descriptions of Yorkshire, and romance, this historical cozy mystery is a must read. I look forward to reading more from this author. There is some very mild infrequent swearing, and a mention of suicide for those sensitive to these issues. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.

Murder At The Majestic Hotel is the fourth book in the Stella and Lyndy Mystery series by Clara McKenna.

Stella and Lyndy(Lady and Lord Lyndhurst) are heading to York for their honeymoon, where Lyndy has reserved the Honeymoon Suite. Lyndy approaches the manager's desk and soon learns their suite has been given to someone else somehow. They are told they may have the honeymoon suite the next day and are given the Royal Suite for the night. After settling into their suite, Lyndy approaches the man, Horace Wingrove, to discuss changing suites, but to no avail. During the night, they hear a disturbance coming from the hall, but by the time Lyndy gets presentable, no one is in the hallway. The next morning they are awakened by screaming. They find a chambermaid screaming for help. The maid asks for Stella and Lyndy to check the bedroom, and they see the dead body of Wingrove. Dr. Bell, also staying at The Majestic, says the cause of death is suffocation due to carbon monoxide poisoning. When the hotel manager hears this, he insists that the police be called to avoid bad publicity. Detective Sergeant Glenshaw arrives to investigate and is quick to say that his report will show that the death was caused by carbon monoxide poisoning, even though Stella has her doubts and points out things that need to be considered. In the back of Glenshaw’s mind is that he should be Guidhall getting ready for the Royal Highnesses' visit the next day.

Stella, seeing that Glenshaw isn’t taking her suggestions seriously, will start her own investigation. Stella learns that Wingrove’s heir to his chocolate empire, Morgan Amesbury-Jones, is staying in the hotel as is Wingrove’s secretary, Miss Evan. She will find that the hotel’s staff are anything but completely honest and forthcoming. Stella hopes to learn who the killer is soon, so she and Lyndy can resume their romantic honeymoon.

The story is exciting, well-plotted, and written. The story has plenty of red herrings that I was kept guessing until the killer was announced. The characters are well-developed, interesting, and believable. The story is historically accurate, and the author provides notes explaining some of the events in the book.

I’m anxiously awaiting the next book in this series to see what adventures are in store for Stella and Lyndy.

Three-and-a-half years ago when I read this author’s debut book, I had no idea I was discovering both a new favorite author and a new favorite series. We’re four books in now, and the writing quality is still excellent as is the quality and complexity of the mystery, and that doesn’t even mention the wonderful romance.

Lyndy and Stella are finally off on their honeymoon and they have chosen York as their destination. They are so excited to begin their new life together and can hardly wait to arrive at the Majestic Hotel in York where they have reserved the honeymoon suite. Only, when they try to check in, they find someone else is already in the honeymoon suite. They’ve had the reservations made for weeks – how can that be? The hotel manager offers them the Royal Suite instead, but Lyndy nor Stella is happy about that – and they confront the man in the room. The man, Horace Wingrove, will not budge and informs them that they can have the room starting tomorrow night. That, of course, doesn’t happen because a maid discovers the man’s body when she opens the room to clean it the next morning. He was an old and frail man; did he just die naturally in his sleep? If it wasn’t natural – was he the intended victim or was it Lyndy and Stella because they were supposed to be in the room?

Another hotel guest, Dr. Bertram Bell, is summoned to the room and quickly says the death was accidental asphyxia (carbon monoxide poisoning from the grate). The hotel, concerned about its reputation if the death was their fault, calls the police. When Detective Sergeant Thomas Glenshaw arrives, he sees no reason to rule it murder and is happy enough to rule it accidental – though they will investigate a bit further. DS Glenshaw is very unhappy to have been called out for such a minor thing – he should be totally focusing on the plans and security for the unveiling of the statue in honor of the late Queen Victoria that is being unveiled at the Guildhall.

Stella knows she should just forget about it and let DS Glenshaw handle it, but there are some things that niggle at her – and she just cannot sit back when she’s puzzled, she has to solve it. To add to her initial concerns, there are strange people who demand to speak with them, strange whispers in the hallway, hotel employees who seem to be tainted, and the victim’s heir, Morgan Amesbury-Jones, who seems as perplexed as everyone else. Nobody knows why Mr.Wingrove was even at the hotel because the reason he gave isn’t really why he was there.

Lyndy just wants to get on with their honeymoon, but Stella can’t curb her voracious curiosity. Lyndy knows that Stella’s intuition is rarely wrong and goes along with her. Can they solve Mr. Wingrove’s murder? Oh! And did I mention there are more murders, more attacks, and even a bombing? Yes! This book is filled with non-stop excitement and plenty of red herrings to keep you guessing. There are murderer(s), anti-Royalists, disgruntled employees, thieves, happy reunions, and romance all in one book. Will Stella and Lyndy survive to solve the crime and finally get back to their honeymoon? Oh! You’ll just have to read this fast-paced, excellently plotted, and well-written story to find out. I hope you’ll read it and love Stella and Lyndy as much as I do. BTW, you can read this as a standalone book if you haven’t read the first three. There is enough background dribbled into it to get the gist of the series so far. However, to REALLY understand Stella – an American – and how she came to be betrothed to an English viscount, you really need to read at least the first book in the series. Happy reading!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This fourth installment in the Stella and Lyndy historical cozy series is excellent, with a great plot and interesting characters and a bit of fun.

American Stella Kendrick, an heiress, and her new husband, Viscount Lyndy Lyndhurst are in the cathedral city of York on their honeymoon. Even though Lyndy reserved the honeymoon suite for an extended period, the couple arrived at the Majestic Hotel to find an elderly gentleman, Horace Wingrove, the head of England's best chocolate company staying in their suite.

Loved the characters in this one and, while this 4th book was the first I read, I had no trouble following along and, in fact, have just picked up a copy of the first book so I can quickly get up to speed in this series.

Very enjoyable!!

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via Net Galley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.)

1905, Yorkshire, newlyweds, law-enforcement, theft, relationships, relatives, murder, murder-investigation, hotel, expats, class-consciousness, cosy-mystery, chocolatier, series, amateur-sleuth, married-sleuths*****

Heck of a way for a honeymoon to begin. First the reserved honeymoon suite was given to an elderly chocolatier, then a tiny bat flies down the flu in their very purple room, then his relatives create a row, then the old man turns up murdered. Toss in an unpleasant secretary, a missing formula, and someone ransacking the dead man's room. But the newlyweds are (to their own dismay) experienced sleuths and get into the fray. A growing list of suspects, a few twists and red herrings make this an enjoyable cozy.
I requested and received a free e-book copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thanks for introducing me to a new mystery author!

Great cozy mystery

May 1905 and Stella Kendrick, heiress, has arrived with her father from Kentucky at Morrington Hall. There to attend a wedding which unknown to her she is to be the bride. The groom being the penniless Edwin Searlwyn, Viscount Lynhurst, known as Lyndy.
But that same day the vicar is killed in the library at the Hall.
There didn't seem to be much of a mystery or much to investigate. I didn't really care much for the characters and the style of writing seemed at times somewhat strange with the usage of Daddy, Papa, etc when the story was not from someone's point of view. Overall it was enjoyable enough.
A NetGalley Book

1905 The New Forest. Rich American Stella Kendrick is engaged to the son of Lord and Lady Atherly, Viscount 'Lyndy' Lyndhurst. Her family are staying at Pilley Manor. Suspects for the killing of Lord Fairbrother are introduced as his body is discovered by Stella at Blackwater Bend.
Not much of an investigation by the two main characters or mystery, seemed more of an angst Edwardian romance.
Enjoyable enough story though none of the characters were not that likeable. Also Stella calling her Father Daddy was irritating.
A NetGalley book

I really enjoyed this book and the series. Stella, the heiress from Kentucky, is awaiting her wedding in three days. Friends and family are arriving at the dock in Southampton and there's an incident a man is trampled to death by a horse. The police find a paper on him that says about wedding Morrington Hall and assume the bridegroom is the target. There's mysterious people in town, an unsigned wedding gift, a stack of hidden letters, and photo album all come to light after another murder. It's a quick read and am looking forward to the next one

Stella Kendrick has traveled to England with her father delivering some of the thoroughbred horses he raises to Lord Atherly and his son Viscount Lyndhurst. She doesn't know that he is also giving her away as an American bride to Viscount Lyndhurst.

Lord Lyndhurst - Lyndy - is reconciled to the marriage since he has long wished to reinvigorate his grandfather's racing stable and one of the new horses is a prize-winning stud. If he has to marry to get the horses, he's okay with that.

Stella isn't.

Stella is used to her brutal and boorish father but this is going too far. Now, she is totally out of her depth trying to navigate the waters of the British aristocracy and no one is eager to help her stay afloat. She is receiving constant snide comments both from her future mother-in-law and the houseguests who are there for the wedding.

When the vicar who is supposed to conduct the ceremony is found murdered in the library, Stella and Lyndy find themselves investigating the crime and getting to know and appreciate each other. Then the stud is stolen and her father and Lyndy's father look ready to cancel the wedding unless Stella and Lyndy can uncover the murderer and recover the horse.

I liked the time period - 1905 - and the descriptions of the New Forest. The characters were interesting too. Stella is smart and competent even if she's not familiar with the ways of aristocratic life. Lyndy took a little longer to grow on me. He's loyal to his friends, maybe too loyal, and he is determined to make improvements to his family's financial situation. He does come to appreciate Stella's strengths.

Fans of historical mysteries will enjoy this story and be looking forward to more Stella and Lyndy adventures.

Murder At Keyhaven Castle is the third book in the Stella and Lyndy series by Clara McKenna.

It’s September 1905, and Stella and Lyndy’s wedding is just days away. Preparations are moving along nicely, and guests are starting to arrive in Hampshire. Stella would rather stay home and take care of any last-minute wedding preparations. Still, her father orders her to accompany him to Southampton to welcome the Swenson’s, friends or the Kendrick family, and a fellow horse breeder. As Miranda and her father are waiting for the Swenson’s to disembark, Stella watches as a young man is run over by what appears to be a runaway wagon and will die from the injuries caused by being run over. Miranda will later learn that the young man had a newspaper article announcing the upcoming wedding. When Miranda arrives home, she is surprised that her uncle and his two young children have come for the wedding. It will soon become evident that there is a lot of hostility between her father and his father. Stella will suggest an outing to the nearby Keyhaven Castle, thereby hoping to keep everyone at ease. Everyone has gone off to explore different castle areas when a terrifying scream sets everyone on edge. She finds a dead body that will affect her life.

Stella and Lyndy will determine if the two deaths are related and how they might be. They soon find no shortage of suspects that will include a nearby racehorse owner, close friends of Lyndy, and even Stella’s uncle.
I really like this series. The author has done an excellent job of developing two characters from very different backgrounds into a couple on the verge of marrying. The story is well-written and plotted, and there were enough red herrings that I was kept guessing until the end as to who the killer was. The characters are all believable and well-developed.

I am eagerly awaiting the next book in this exciting series.

** 4.5-Stars **

I came to absolutely adore Stella and Lyndy over the last two books. She’s the filthy rich American heiress and he’s the pockets-to-let English heir to an earl. I know you are thinking – so what - that is the theme of a lot of historical romances. True, but these two are really special and they both do a lot of growing and changing over the course of these three books. Of course, they also find dead bodies and solve murders while they are at it.

Only a couple of days left until the wedding and Lyndy and Stella are so excited. They can hardly wait to begin their new lives together. Stella’s father is still just as awful, overbearing, hateful, manipulative, demanding, and downright mean as ever, but he’ll be headed back to Kentucky once the wedding is over. Happy sighs will be heard by all.

Stella’s father demands she travel with him to Southampton to meet his friends from America who are coming in for the wedding. While waiting, they witness a horrendous accident that results in a man being trampled to death by horses. Definitely not a very auspicious welcome for her father’s friends.

To relieve some of the mounting tensions between family members, unwelcome guests, invited guests, and hosts, Stella plans an outing to nearby Keyhaven Castle. While the guests are exploring the castle another tragedy occurs. This one turns Stella’s world upside down.

Can Lyndy and Stella find the murderer? Are all of the murders related? After an attempt is made on Stella’s life, they know they have to solve the murder – and quickly – or they may never have their wedding.

This is a wonderfully well-written, well-plotted mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the last page. There are lots of suspects and lots of motives – Stella and Lyndy just have to find the right one. I rated this book at 4.5 stars because I wanted to learn a bit more about Jedidiah Kendrick. Perhaps we’ll learn more in the next book, but this one just sort of left the fate of his two children unknown. I’m sure Stella and Lyndy would see them cared for, but we didn’t actually learn that. I just wanted a bit of closure there.

I highly recommend this book – and this series – and I hope you’ll love it as much as I did.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Murder at Keyhaven Castle by Clara McKenna is a English Historical Mystery Series at the turn of the Century. Mysteries, murders, and scandals until the end. I love the intricate plots, historical facts, animals and unusual characters in this series. Stella and Lyndy are exciting, clever and loving without being sappy. Every old and new character is well woven into each mystery. I can’t wait to read the conclusion but sorry when each book ends and I’m left wanting the next book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book. 5 Stars

It has been two months since American Stella Kendrick, her father, her aunt, and three thoroughbred racehorses arrived in England – specifically at Morrington Hall. The arrival, murders, and betrothal are all chronicled in the first book of the series – Murder at Morrington Hall. Now, Stella is beginning to settle in – at least a little. While the local folks are fairly accepting of what they see as the American’s eccentricities, society hasn’t quite gotten there yet.

Stella’s father is still as obnoxious as he was in the first book, but at least he gets a little less page time in this one. I did take great delight in him getting a bit of what was coming to him from quite an unexpected source. Lyndy’s mother, Lady Atherly, is also still a piece of work – she doesn’t want Stella in her family and makes no bones about it. She gets a bit of a comeuppance too, but not enough to suit me. I hope Mr. Kendrick goes back to America soon – like right after the wedding. I also hope Lady Atherly disappears from the pages soon.

Stella is unhappily planning an engagement party in order to appease her future mother-in-law. She’s attended balls, musicales, and garden parties, and she’s managed to acquit herself quite well. While the gentlemen appreciate the warm smiles, open, honest comments, and interested questions, the ladies are appalled at those same things. Lyndy has certainly come to appreciate Stella’s warmth, kindness, and enthusiasm. So, when he offers to teach her to fish, he’s delighted when he accepts – and he loves watching her enjoy herself.

Near dawn one morning, Stella and Lyndy are at the Blackwater with Stella learning to trout fish. As she casts her fly, it catches and she wades over to try to free it – only to find the body of Viscount Fairbrother. Oh! No! Not again.

When suspicion is cast on local snake catcher, Harvey Milkham, Stella gets involved in the investigation. Unlike other society ladies, Stella makes friends with every level of society – much to Lady Atherly’s dismay. Harvey was one of those friends and Stella just knows in her heart he can’t be a murderer.

There are more murders, more mysteries, more treachery, more masquerades, and more betrayals before everything is all wrapped up. The story is filled with twists and turns and more suspects than you can name.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and hope you will as well. Stella and Lyndy are a delightful couple and I look forward to reading more books in the series – just as soon as they are written.

This was a smashing good debut novel for Clara McKenna. My absolute favorite genre is Historical Mystery – but that has to have a romance in it as well, and this book definitely meets those needs. The writing is excellent and the mystery was well done with twists, turns, and red-herrings.

I enjoyed meeting both Stella Kendrick and Viscount “Lyndy” Lyndhurst. Both were very relatable characters for that time, both were likable, and I think we saw both begin growing into themselves. My favorite was Stella because she had the shock of her life thrown at her all at once – and in front of a bunch of strangers – not to mention having the devil himself for a father – and she handled in all with great aplomb. Lyndy caused me consternation at times because he seemed to take on some of the same disapproving attitudes as the rest of the family and friends. I mean, HE was the one in need – his family was the one in need – Stella wasn’t really getting anything out of the bargain. However, he did mostly appreciate Stella’s being different and became quite supportive of her.

Bright, fun-loving, free-spirited, open, honest, and beautiful, Stella was delighted when her father told her he was taking her with him on a visit to England to attend the wedding of an acquaintance’s son. Her father is cold, aggressive, abusive, and never does anything without it having some benefit to him – but – she can’t find any of that in this wonderful opportunity. He has even insisted on bringing her very own horse along for her to ride while they are there. As the premier horse breeder in the United States, he is also bringing along a couple of thoroughbreds to give to the groom as wedding presents.

Lyndy has known about and reluctantly agreed to, wedding the American for many weeks. It isn’t the marriage he would have chosen, but he’ll do it to save his family and estate. He’s not sure what to expect, but he’s not exactly enthusiastic about it. His mother, on the other hand, is totally set against the alliance – while his father is the one who set the wheels in motion.

Stella certainly doesn’t make a good impression on the up-tight, strait-laced, unsmiling, disapproving English family who seems to be determined to belittle her. Then, she discovers the REAL reason she’s there and flatly refuses. Not that her father gives her any choice.

A comment here about the parents – I disliked all of them, but I almost found myself disliking Lyndy’s parents more than Stella’s father. Yes, her father was rude, crude, and abusive, but at least he didn’t pretend to be something he wasn’t. What he said, he said out loud and plainly spoken. Lyndy’s parents and friends (even sometimes Lyndy) put up a false front, belittling in snide little comments. So, I disliked them – especially his mother – almost as much as I disliked Stella’s father.

On the day Stella arrived at Morrington Hall, and discovered that she was to be the bride, she also discovered a dead body. The body belonged to the Vicar who was there to perform her wedding ceremony. Who would murder a man of God? There are no clues – even the murder weapon is missing. Then, a few days later, a prized champion racehorse is stolen. Are the two events related? Next, one of the wedding guests is attacked. Again? Do we have three unrelated crimes? Oh! My! The investigation is on and Stella and Lyndy have to join forces to help solve it.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I hope you will as well. I loved seeing Lyndy and Stella comes to realize that they have a lot in common and come to appreciate their differences and see them as strengths rather than weaknesses. I can’t wait to see how Lyndy and Stella come to deal with his family and the rest of the aristocracy in England. Also hopefully, Stella’s father will head back to America and we won’t have to deal with him anymore.

This was a good 2nd book in the series. The American heiress, Stella, who is engaged to British Lord Lynhurst, so that her crass Kentucky father can have bragging rights to the American aristocracy, is having a difficult time with British protocols. Her horse is bitten by a snake and she wants an old reprobate townsman to take care of it and later he is murdered. Lots of characters with strange reasons for being around the engaged couple and another murder, break-ins start happening before Stella and Lyndy figure out what and who is behind it. I hope Lyndy and Stella get married in the 3rd book and send her father back to Kentucky.