Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Murder at Glenloch Hill by Clara McKenna Series: Stella and Lyndy Mystery #6
Published by Kensington Books on November 26, 2024
Genres: Mystery, Thriller
Pages: 293
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
Goodreads
Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple
Along with cheering on her soon-to-be brother-in-law, Freddie Kentfield, at The British Open in Scotland, Stella embraces the chance to connect with her distant cousins, the McEwens, at their grand estate, Glenloch Hill. But she and Lyndy don’t receive the warm welcome they expect when their arrival is marred by missing luggage, evasive hosts, and the perceived mistreatment of a young laundry maid. Adding to the tense atmosphere, Freddie's roguish father, Sir Edwin, appears at the manor uninvited, his presence casting a shadow over the events—and stirring up more unanswered questions . . .
As golf clubs swing on the green, so do Lyndy’s fists in an uncharacteristic outburst. Chaotic circumstances take a dark turn when Sir Edwin is found bludgeoned outside the laundry house—the maid waiting beside the body, no murder weapon in sight—and all eyes on Lyndy .
After the danger of their most recent detecting adventure and disappointment not to be providing the aristocratic heir, Stella and Lyndy head to the Highlands of Scotland to visit one of her relations and see a friend compete in the prestigious golf tournament on the course of St. Andrews. Clara McKenna has captivated me with her Edwardian era historical cozy mystery series showcasing rich historic detail, colorful characters, and clever mystery plots.
Murder at Glenloch Hill is the sixth in the Stella and Lyndy Mystery series. This is a series that has strong series plot arcs running through it so it must be read in order.
Stella is stressed from her mother in law’s pushing her to have the heir and consternated by Lyndy’s lately stormy emotions so a little vacation to meet her extended family and her father’s cousin’s estate, Glenloch Hill, seems like just the thing. But mystery has a way of following her and Lyndy. An unexpected guest who they know very well as Lyndy’s mother’s first love and a distasteful discovery that some secret man is subjecting the laundry maid to unwelcome advances along with the odd quirks of her cousin and his other guests are just the beginning. Then, a murder occurs and Lyndy is top suspect.
I really appreciate how the character story and relationship of Stella and Lyndy is as strong a story thread as the mystery, but the two mingle into one story so well. Stella and Lyndy are now happily married and working well as partners in detecting, but there are still areas for them to grow individually and together and hone their detecting ability. With the latest case in Scotland, they are also working with unfamiliar official police who are suspicious of their involvement rather than accepting.
Some of the mystery was easily solved, but there was still some good reveals at the end. I liked that the setting was new and then there was the historical period of golf in the background that was interesting even for me who knows little of the sport. There were some real historical figures woven in with the fictional just like in earlier books.
All in all, another superb installment in a series I have come to anticipate new releases. Those who enjoy historical cozy mysteries set in the Edwardian Period with a captivating young couple of amateur sleuths should definitely give this a look see.
As a lifelong reader, it was inevitable that Sophia would discover book blogs and the joy of blog reviewing.Sophia is a prolific reader and audiobook listener which allows her to experience so many wonderful books, authors, and narrators.Few genres are outside her reading tastes, but her true love is fiction particularly history, mystery, sci-fi, and romance.Though, sorry, no horror or she will run like Shaggy and Scooby.
Friend or follow me at Goodreads.
- The Lizzy Chronicles by Cat Gardiner @40sExperience#HarryFrost@sophiarose1816#LoveAudiobooks - December 8, 2024
- Murder Takes the Stage by Colleen Cambridge @colleengleason @KensingtonBooks @sophiarose1816 - December 4, 2024
- Murder at Glenloch Hill by Clara McKenna #ClaraMcKenna @KensingtonBooks@sophiarose1816 - November 27, 2024
This one sounds lovely, Sophia! I’ve a real weakness for historical murder mysteries and really appreciate your excellent review recommending this one:)).
I’m so glad to tempt you! I am the same about historical mysteries. 🙂
I keep meaning to pick up the first book in this series so thanks for the reminder! This series looks really enjoyable and I’m glad to see it’s still going strong.
Oh yay! Happy to remind you. I enjoy these so much.
This is a series I’d like to get to at some point. The covers remind me of the Verity Kent series. Very pretty!
Its a nice change of pace from the thrillers. Yes! It does have that same style though I remember the first book had a different cover design or maybe that was just for the audio…
Love a new and fresh setting!
Same here! The Highlands and the historic golf course were a unique one for me.