Wild-hearted Kentuckian Stella Kendrick cautiously navigates the strict demands of British high society as the future Lady of Morrington Hall. But when petty scandals lead to bloody murder, her outspoken nature could be all that keeps her alive . . . Following a whirlwind engagement to Viscount “Lyndy” Lyndhurst, Stella is finding her footing within an elite social circle in picturesque rural … social circle in picturesque rural England. Except teatime with refined friends can be more dangerous than etiquette faux pas—especially in the company of Lady Philippa, the woman Lyndy was once set to marry, and her husband, the ostentatious Lord Fairbrother . . .
Outrage erupts and accusations fly after Lord Fairbrother’s pony wins best in breed for the seventh consecutive year. The man has his share of secrets and adversaries, but Stella and Lyndy are in for a brutal shock when they discover his body floating in the river during a quiet morning fishing trip. Suddenly unwelcome around hardly-grieving Lady Philippa and Lyndy’s endlessly critical mother, Stella faces the bitter reality that she may always be an outsider—and one of her trusted new acquaintances may be a calculating killer. Now, Stella and her fiancé must fight against the current to catch the culprit, before they’re the next couple torn apart by tragedy.
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I don’t read a lot of historical fiction, although I almost always enjoy it when I do, which was certainly the case with Murder at Blackwater Bend by Clara McKenna. Fans of Downton Abbey or any Upstairs/Downstairs stories are in for a treat with the Stella and Lyndy Mystery series. Although this is book two in the series, book one is Murder at Morrington Hall, McKenna gives you enough background information which she weaves seamlessly into Murder at Blackwater Bend, that you are able to catch up on past events.
I really enjoyed her descriptions of the various halls and the countryside that they inhabit. McKenna was able to draw me in and I actually felt the cold waters of the river while Stella and Lyndy were flyfishing and could smell the cloying aroma of the gardenias that Lady Philippa surrounded herself with in the drawing room. McKenna’s details of the various rooms in the halls and the outfits that were worn were very detailed and added a wonderful layer to this cozy mystery.
The characters were very well developed, even down to the maid that made just an appearance or two in the book. The cattiness and eyerolls of the ladies were plentiful, and Stella was a breath of fresh air with her friendliness. I enjoyed all of the characters for what they brought to the story, except for Lyndy. With all of his manners that are supposed to be so refined, he could be a bit of a jerk to Stella for one expressing such love to her. And even though his mom is a viper, Lyndy was really passive-aggressive with her. Although he annoyed me, it wouldn’t stop me from reading future books in this series.
The mystery itself was multi-layered which was super fun since so many cozy mysteries have a death or two that were committed by the same person. I thought some people were working together, but was mistaken, and I thought the killer was good in regards to keeping future books in the series interesting and not just the same interactions between various characters. To find out exactly what I mean, you’ll need to read Murder at Blackwater Bend!
Funny to say a book about murder can also be a feel-good story, but that’s exactly the case here. As in the first book, you can’t help but smile, and then applaud, as American heiress Stella Kendrick continues to confound stuffy British society with her ingenuous charm and unbridled optimism. While her mother-in-law to be schemes to break the engagement between Stella and her son, the once-cynical Lyndy shows his deepening love and admiration for his intended in ways that warm the heart. The murder mystery is well crafted, with suspects from all levels of society and motives that range from infidelity to fraud to land rights in the New Forest, a setting the author brings beautifully to life.
Another entertaining adventure for Stella and Lyndy, who are already busy falling in love and figuring out how Stella can fit into British society when they have to stop to solve a murder. Delightful fun. Don’t miss it!
Murder at Blackwater Bend by Clara McKenna a Mystery set in the early 1900‘s. An American equestrian from Kentucky with her fiancé who is a British Viscount investigate a murder. An Entertaining story with plenty of action, mysterious murders and romance throughout. The characters are original, snarky and fun. This is the second in the series and can be read as a stand alone but both books are excellent so why not read both.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. 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
The murder mystery, or rather mysteries, that Stella and Lyndy find themselves involved in this time are quite good. I wasn’t sure till the end whodunit on the main mystery. Stella is still Stella, but Lyndy seems to be blossoming making him more attractive to everyone except his mother. And there is more romance this time around. I also enjoyed Inspector Brown and his man-mountain Constable Waterman, as they showed up at the right time everytime. Stella’s father needs to return to America, and take Lyndy’s obnoxious mother with him. Just a personal opinion.
After two books the series continues to improve building on the previous books. It really isn’t a standalone. Can’t wait for book 3.
I highly recommend Murder at Blackwater Bend.
Murder at Blackwater Bend
by Clara McKenna
This book is the second book in the series and despite not having had the chance to read book 1, reading this worked as a stand alone. I enjoyed this book so much that I will read the first book in the series. I really enjoyed this historical fiction cozy mystery a lot. Stella Kendrick is a fun character – a native from Kentucky who gets caught up in British high society and of course Murder. I love the writing and reading this fun cozy story with a mystery that kept me guessing until the end. I recommend this for a great escape read and for fans of cozy mysteries, this is a wonderful series.
I am really enjoying this series. I like how Stella and Lyndy get along and support each other throughout the book. Stella doesn’t back down from the challenges that she faces and follows her heart. She gets involved in solving the mystery when someone that she cares about is accused of the crime and Lyndy is right there with her. There were plenty of red herrings to keep the mystery interesting until the end. I can’t wait to see what happens next in this wonderful series.
I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This is the second book in the series and am already looking forward to the third installment. The main character (Stella) is quirky and really lovable. I find myself cheering her on.
Good character development and good story.
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.
I have only just started reading historical murder mysteries and as with the other few I have read, I find the beginning a little slow as the scene is set and the characters set up but once the murder has been done and the mystery starts I found this book very hard to put down. I found the characters very well written and even though this is the second in the series and the character’s relationships had started then, I didn’t feel as if I was missing anything. The characters were also very easy to follow, having had a little trouble keeping up with some other books. I liked the way there was more than one mystery and it was enjoyable trying to work out who done it! I thought I had worked it out ¾ of the way through but I was wrong. This, I feel makes a good mystery. For those who like historical romance, this book also had enough to keep you happy. There was no sex or swearing in this book. It was a very pleasant read and I will be looking forward to reading more by this author.
‘Wild-hearted Kentuckian Stella Kendrick cautiously navigates the strict demands of British high society as the future Lady of Morrington Hall. But when petty scandals lead to bloody murder, her outspoken nature could be all that keeps her alive . . .
Following a whirlwind engagement to Viscount “Lyndy” Lyndhurst, Stella is finding her footing within an elite social circle in picturesque rural England. Except tea time with refined friends can be more dangerous than etiquette faux pas—especially in the company of Lady Philippa, the woman Lyndy was once set to marry, and her husband, the ostentatious Lord Fairbrother . . .
Outrage erupts and accusations fly after Lord Fairbrother’s pony wins best in breed for the seventh consecutive year. The man has his share of secrets and adversaries, but Stella and Lyndy are in for a brutal shock when they discover his body floating in the river during a quiet morning fishing trip . . .
Suddenly unwelcome around hardly-grieving Lady Philippa and Lyndy’s endlessly critical mother, Stella faces the bitter reality that she may always be an outsider—and one of her trusted new acquaintances may be a calculating killer. Now, Stella and her fiancé must fight against the current to catch the culprit, before they’re the next couple torn apart by tragedy.’
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4.5 stars, rounded up to 5 stars.
Murder at Blackwater Bend is the second book in Clara McKenna’s debut A Stella and Lyndy Mystery series and is a historical mystery.
I felt that we got to know more about the main characters, Stella and Lyndy, in this book. We can see in comparison to the first in the series how Stella’s free spirit and compassion is aiding her to gain acceptance in New Forest instead of being looked at as the crass American heiress. Of course she still has certain staunch detractors that she must put up with though.
I was very happy with how everything turned out with this mystery. There was a good balance of red herrings, unsavory characters, and sleuthing. I wasn’t really taken by surprise by the identity of the villian, but there were additional plot points that I wasn’t expecting and that I thought really added to the story.
One of the things that I enjoy most from this series is just how very clumsy this amatuer sleuthing duo is. Bodies seem to always find the way into their path and their hearts are always in the right place, but largely most of their success comes from inadvertantly stumbling across clues. For me that makes it much more realistic and amusing for me to read and endears the characters to me that much more.
I am really enjoying the A Stella and Lyndy Mystery series so far and look forward to the next book. I would recommend this series to others who enjoy historical mysteries.
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I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for sharing a copy of Murder at Blackwater Bend by Clara McKenna with me. This is my honest review.
Murder at Blackwater Bend is the second outing for Stella and her betrothed, Lyndy (Viscount Lyndhurst). Her future mother-in-law still dislikes her, wishing that her son had married Philippa. Instead, Stella’s wealthy and disagreeable father, makes a financial deal with the Viscount’s family, a deal that will be a massive help to the cash poor family. What starts out as a marriage for financial reasons turns into a true affection between Stella and Lyndy. Soon, however, their wedding plans hit another snag, this time in the form of murder. Philippa had married money after all but he was a bounder and a cheat. To say he was disliked was mild, somebody bumped him off and made Philippa a very wealthy young widow. Soon the Vicount’s mother, Lady Atherly, sees a possibility of getting rid of Stella’s money and replacing it with the much more socially acceptable Lady Philippa and her new wealth. Stella is more comfortable with horses and the lower classes and that isn’t what Lady Atherly has planned.
I enjoy historical mysteries- this is set in 1905 England – and the mystery was very satisfying, full of well developed characters, lovely settings and a romance. This series has earned a place on my must read list.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
While I enjoyed this book, I enjoyed the first one [and in audiobook form] much more. This one seemed to drag on in spots and Lady Atherly’s vocal disgust and poor treatment of American Stella [who does all that is asked of her and more and is still treated shabbily by everyone around her with the exception of her intended Lyndy] is more than tiresome by chapter 3. We get it. You don’t like Stella. Please adjust your snooty attitude and move on – especially since she is there to save your snooty backside from complete ruin. And HEAVEN FORBID that your son be actually HAPPY !!!! GASP!!! The nerve of him.
Yeah, it got on my nerves. A lot. As did “Lady Phillipa” and her tediousness and just plain ick. She was smarmy and ick and it just grossed me out how people fawned over her. I could see her for what she as right away. ICK.
The story itself was good and the mystery was good – it isn’t a bad book – just a bit long and there were some characters/storylines that were truly not needed. There are red herrings and then there are stinky fish if you know what I mean.
The reveal was clever and a bit shocking, but not totally. I hadn’t thought of that direction [being lured away by that tempting red herring – as the author hoped no doubt] so it was a surprise and then not so much of a surprise. When you read it, you will understand what I mean. And I really do like Lyndy and Stella together – they bring out the best in each other and are good for each other. No matter WHAT his arrogant stuffed shirt of a mother thinks. 😉 I will definitely read the next one. Gotta see these two married off you know! 🙂
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Murder at Blackwater Bend is the second in Clara Mckenna’s totally adorable Lundy and Stella series. The story takes place in Hampshire, England, in 1905 at Morrington Hall, the seat of Lyndy’s parents, Lord and Lady Altherly. Stella and Lundy are betrothed, despite the fact Stella is an American, or rather because of it: Stella is an American heiress. Her father, less than attractive in his behaviors, sold her to the highest bidder, but she and Lyndy have hit it off despite Stella’s very unpredictable behavior. Lady Atherly hates her openness, but it was what had made Lyndy fall in love. There’s a lot going on in this book, aside from the main plot which is figuring out who murdered poor Harvey Milkham, the local snakecatcher, and later, Lord Fairbrother.
This is a really cute Victorian novel, which plays on the differences between American society and English society at the turn of the 20th century. Some of the characters are quite entertaining, including the two, Barlow and Miss Cosslett, who are both total frauds and present for their own reasons. Lady Atherly is amusing in her attempts to come between Lyndy and Stella, as is Lady Phillipa who thinks she had Lyndy by the nose. Stella keeps them both in line and charms most of the rest of the cast as she does it. The murder plot is a good one and it takes a little to unravel all the false clues and red herrings. All’s well that ends well, and it looks like Lyndy and Stella may actually make it to the altar. I recommend it.
I was invited to read an ARC of Murder at Blackwater Bend by Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #murderatblackwaterbend
MURDER AT BLACKWATER BEND by Clara McKenns
The Second Stella and Lyndy Mystery
Wealthy American Stella Kendrick is charming almost everyone in Hampshire, from the serving classes to much of the aristocracy, including her fiance, the Viscount of Lyndhurst. The most notable exception is her mother-in-law to be, who finds fault with everything Stella does. Delighted to spend time together, Lyndy decides to teach Stella to fish, but instead of a trout, Stella lands a dead body! Plenty of people had reason to dislike Lord Fairbrother, but when Stella’s new friend, the village snake catcher, becomes a prime suspect she decides to do all she can to unearth the real killer. After all, assisting the police in their enquiries is easier than dealing with a vicious widow, a suspicious reporter, and an upcoming wedding, which Lyndy’s mother seems desperate to cancel.
MURDER AT BLACKWATER BEND is a story about being true to yourself and the importance of open communication and standing up for your friends. It’s about truth versus seeing what we want to see. It’s about fitting in, while not always conforming.
I am so happy that Stella and Lyndy have realized that, despite being an arranged marriage, they are eminently suited for each other and are truly falling in love! The characters here are vividly drawn. Stella is a true dynamo and I love her passion for her animals and friends. Lyndy’s father and his paleontologist friend bring joy and the excitement of discovery while Inspector Brown shows the benefits of hard work and open mindedness. Lady Atherly and Lady Philippa, on the other hand, are vile in their behavior…and Stella’s father is almost as bad as an abusive blowhard of a bully.
MURDER AT BLACKWATER BEND is a compelling historical mystery that looks at Edwardian social mores as it details a well plotted murder. It’s also a jolly good tale that drew me in and got me emotionally engaged. I look forward to Stella and Lyndy’s next adventure as well as their wedding that will hopefully rid us of Mr. Kendrick and his boorish behavior.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.
Murder at Blackwater Bend Is an enjoyable cozy historical murder mystery with a touch of romance. I give it 4.5 stars and will round up to 5.
The book is the second in the “Stella and Lyndy” Mystery series. The book stands alone very well but I did read and enjoy the first in the series so it may have been easier for me to follow. The book takes place in an area of England that I was not familiar with and it was interesting to hear about the history of New Forest with its Pre-existing rights of common pasture and official verderers who manage and administer the forest law.
The series features Stella Kendrick, an American heiress from Kentucky whose father made his money raising race horses. A marriage has been arranged between Stella and Viscount Lyndhurst, Lyndy, by their fathers. Stella’s brutish and ambitious father wants a title, and Lyndy’s father has squandered most of the family fortune due to his passion for fossils. In this book, the couple is on the brink of becoming betrothed but Lyndy’s mother disapproves and despairs of Stella and constantly throws a former flame of Lyndy’s in her face and doing her best to prevent the marriage from going forward.
The former flame’s husband, Lord Fairbrother, is murdered and his body is found by Stella during an early morning fishing expedition with Lyndy. The main suspect is a snake catcher that Stella had befriended and who had recently saved the life of her beloved horse. Stella finds it hard to believe that Harvey could be capable of such a thing even if evidence points to him having a motive and an extreme dislike of the victim. But Lord Fairbrother was a bit of a sleazy character and there were others who may have wished him dead. The mystery is a very good one with plenty of red herrings and subplots. The author does a great job of leading you from one suspect to another and really kept me guessing.til the denouement near the end.
The relationship between Stella and Lyndy continues to grow and there is true affection and passion between them. You get their individual POV’s and Lyndy sometimes came across as a bit stilted/awkward to me – maybe that is a reflection of the time and place that the book was set in but it just seemed off to me.
I enjoy the series and look forward to the next installment.
I receive an ARC from the author via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
Stella is beautiful and rich. She is also kind, friendly, impulsive, and American. Not traits admired by the aristocracy! Her fiance, Lyndy, finds everything about her refreshing and is enjoying their courtship more and more. She, in turn, is learning more about Lyndy and feeling absolutely positive about their future. Too bad she still has to deal with her father, Lyndy’s mother, and the snobbish aristocracy in general. And now murder and its fallout threaten her future with Lyndy. Once again they work together to discover the truth and protect the innocent.
I enjoyed it from start to finish! I loved it was in England at the turn of the Century.
It is focused about Stella an America and Lundy Lyndhurst who is from England. They are to get married. That is if is happens. They have a lot of challenges in the way causing one to wonder . A murderer, Lundy’s mother, and Lady Philippe for a few. Lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing who the murderer is too!
I highly recommend this book!!!!
4.5 stars ! This book is witty, action-filled, mysterious, heartfelt, and fun! Whenever I picked up “Murder at Blackwater Bend”, I was whisked back in time to the Edwardian Era, and the story came to life before my eyes.
This is the second book in Ms. McKenna’s “A Stella and Lyndy Mystery Series”, but the first I have read. While I think the book can absolutely work as a stand-alone, I think reading the first book might have helped to deepen my understanding of the characters’ history with one another. However, even with that said, Ms. McKenna writes her characters in a way that they jump right off of the page, and their relationships are vividly clear. You feel the love between certain people, tension between others, and so forth.
All of the characters are brilliantly written to push the story forward in one way or another.
Stella is such a fun, strong, and passionate character who goes after what is right. Lyndy is such a kind and caring man. Watching these two work together with others to solve crime was so intriguing. They really bring out the best in one another, and are truly able to support each other in many ways. I also love the relationship between Stella and her horse, Tully. I so hope these characters’ stories, along with others (particularly Lady Alice!) , are continued in this series as well.
If you enjoy historical fiction, cozy mysteries, and a little bit of romance, I highly recommend this book! It had me gripped from the early pages, and I could not put it down! And as an archeology and history lover, I really enjoyed those aspects of this novel too! I love how the puzzle pieces of the mystery came together. This book is filled with twists and turns, and had me guessing until the very end, and I was SHOCKED!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC of this novel, I really enjoyed it! All opinions expressed in this review are my own.