What do you think?
Rate this book
Miss Busby #1
Murder at Little Minton
Miss Busby Murder at Little Minton.
Book One in the Miss Busby Series.
A picturesque Cotswolds village at Christmas 1922, a man found face down floating in the lake. He was known to take a risk, an insurance salesman; debonair, charming and sweet-talking.
His clients were all ladies of a certain age, but nothing was as it seemed; he was playing a game, he pushed his luck, he put a price on his head and somebody decided to collect.
Miss Busby helped Major Heathcliff Lennox solve a series of murders at Bloxford in the Cotswolds. Now she finds herself drawn into a new murder, but this time, it's just her, and she must rely on her sharp mind, and sharper wits, to catch a Cotswolds killer. Along with a handsome police inspector, and a reporter who's keen to make her mark.
Full of twists and turns, "Miss Busby Murder at Little Minton" is a real page-turner that will keep you guessing until the very end. With its strong protagonist and charming Christmas setting, this book is a must-read for fans of classic whodunits and cozy mysteries alike.
If you love Agatha Christie, Miss Marple, you will love this.
Book One in the Miss Busby Series.
A picturesque Cotswolds village at Christmas 1922, a man found face down floating in the lake. He was known to take a risk, an insurance salesman; debonair, charming and sweet-talking.
His clients were all ladies of a certain age, but nothing was as it seemed; he was playing a game, he pushed his luck, he put a price on his head and somebody decided to collect.
Miss Busby helped Major Heathcliff Lennox solve a series of murders at Bloxford in the Cotswolds. Now she finds herself drawn into a new murder, but this time, it's just her, and she must rely on her sharp mind, and sharper wits, to catch a Cotswolds killer. Along with a handsome police inspector, and a reporter who's keen to make her mark.
Full of twists and turns, "Miss Busby Murder at Little Minton" is a real page-turner that will keep you guessing until the very end. With its strong protagonist and charming Christmas setting, this book is a must-read for fans of classic whodunits and cozy mysteries alike.
If you love Agatha Christie, Miss Marple, you will love this.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 21, 2023
1829 people are currently reading
781 people want to read
About the author
Karen Baugh Menuhin
45 books810 followers1920's, Cozy crime, Traditional Detectives, Downton Abbey - I love them!
Along with my family, my dog and my cat.
At 60 I decided to write, I don't know why but suddenly the stories came pouring out, along with the characters. Eccentric Uncles, stalwart butlers, idiosyncratic servants, machinating Countesses, Fogg the dog and the hapless Major Heathcliff Lennox.
Suddenly a whole world built itself upon the page and I just followed along.
Along with my family, my dog and my cat.
At 60 I decided to write, I don't know why but suddenly the stories came pouring out, along with the characters. Eccentric Uncles, stalwart butlers, idiosyncratic servants, machinating Countesses, Fogg the dog and the hapless Major Heathcliff Lennox.
Suddenly a whole world built itself upon the page and I just followed along.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
May 29, 2023
Delightful
I recommend to fans of the genre and the Heathcliff Lennox series. The main character, Miss Busby, is introduced in The Black Cat Murders, the second book in the Lennox series. The book is a delightful choice particularly for readers that enjoy curling up with a furry friend, a cup of tea, and a small English village cozy mystery. Additionally, there is no graphic violence, sex, or crude language.
I recommend to fans of the genre and the Heathcliff Lennox series. The main character, Miss Busby, is introduced in The Black Cat Murders, the second book in the Lennox series. The book is a delightful choice particularly for readers that enjoy curling up with a furry friend, a cup of tea, and a small English village cozy mystery. Additionally, there is no graphic violence, sex, or crude language.
June 1, 2023
Another Very Enjoyable Mystery
This was a very pleasant read. Each of the characters were well described and trying to decide which one of them was the murderer was impossible for me. Although considering the number of mysteries I have read over the years I should have been able to identify the murderer after having clearly seen all of the characters. I am looking forward to the next in the series.
This was a very pleasant read. Each of the characters were well described and trying to decide which one of them was the murderer was impossible for me. Although considering the number of mysteries I have read over the years I should have been able to identify the murderer after having clearly seen all of the characters. I am looking forward to the next in the series.
August 16, 2023
I’m a huge fan of the Heathcliff Lennox series. This one has many pluses, but it’s just not of the same caliber. It’s a little too cosy for me, almost to the point of snoozy. It appears Lennox has spoiled me!
March 6, 2024
This is a 4.5 star for me. I started out not so sure about it in places (not the whole thing). I liked a lot but some bits were ... don't know how to describe it. Just not the same delightfulness that I got from Heathcliff Lennox. BUT... then it all started snowballing and I loved it.
The mystery itself was great. I had two opposing theories with two suspects--three, actually--and reasons why they were all plausible. In the end, I settled on the right one just before it was glaringly obvious at the reveal. So barely. I count it as "stumped" and I like that. She really had me going in a lot of directions.
I like that Miss Busby has the no-nonsense appeal of an old school marm AND... the dislike of conflict and unpleasantness both. It's a nice juxtaposition.
Looking forward to many more with our sleuthing trio/quartet.
The mystery itself was great. I had two opposing theories with two suspects--three, actually--and reasons why they were all plausible. In the end, I settled on the right one just before it was glaringly obvious at the reveal. So barely. I count it as "stumped" and I like that. She really had me going in a lot of directions.
I like that Miss Busby has the no-nonsense appeal of an old school marm AND... the dislike of conflict and unpleasantness both. It's a nice juxtaposition.
Looking forward to many more with our sleuthing trio/quartet.
August 29, 2024
Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰
This kindle e-book novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book one
Miss Busby is a retired school teacher who becomes involved in the investigation of the death of a man 🚹. She and lady 🚺 friends ask questions of ladies 🚺 who were his clients. The truth comes out leading to the arrests.
I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of British 🏰 mystery novels 👍🔰.
This kindle e-book novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book one
Miss Busby is a retired school teacher who becomes involved in the investigation of the death of a man 🚹. She and lady 🚺 friends ask questions of ladies 🚺 who were his clients. The truth comes out leading to the arrests.
I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of British 🏰 mystery novels 👍🔰.
July 29, 2023
Read this author. If you like 1920s murder mysteries, you need to read her. This one has a spin-off character from the Lennox series. Miss Busby is a retired teacher who lives in a small village. When a too-good-to-be-true insurance salesman is found in a river, the death is ruled accidental. Miss Busby is convinced it was murder and soon finds a bevy of elderly ladies with reason to want him dead. Read this book and the Lennox series.
May 28, 2023
My favourite kind of book
These are my favourite books. I thoroughly enjoyed it as I enjoy The Major Lennox series. I hope there will be more,I will be waiting. Worthwhile reading.
These are my favourite books. I thoroughly enjoyed it as I enjoy The Major Lennox series. I hope there will be more,I will be waiting. Worthwhile reading.
March 8, 2024
A very, very good start, neither Miss Marple nor Jessica Fletcher but a good combination of the two. I enjoyed the very well-placed clues; they could easily be missed! Thoroughly enjoyed the story and the narrator did an excellent job.
September 15, 2023
Very cute and well written. I'll have to remember this author for when I get caught up on the books I already have.
August 20, 2024
Another gentle mystery series from the author of the Major Lenox series.
March 3, 2024
3.5. I liked the characters in this new series. I look forward to the next one.
July 7, 2023
Missing the humor in the Heathcliffe Lennox series
I fear the author has decided that it's necessary to devise a female detective as a balance to the male detective Lennox (don't call him Heathcliffe!!!), in order to fight the patriarchy, or toxic masculinity, or something. Note to author: It's not necessary... In Lennox and supporting characters, you created a charming, readable and intriguing set of stories. Miss Bundy would make a nice addition to the Lennox cast of personalities, and I can imagine some real fun when the butler meets Bundy. Fingers crossed for the future.
I fear the author has decided that it's necessary to devise a female detective as a balance to the male detective Lennox (don't call him Heathcliffe!!!), in order to fight the patriarchy, or toxic masculinity, or something. Note to author: It's not necessary... In Lennox and supporting characters, you created a charming, readable and intriguing set of stories. Miss Bundy would make a nice addition to the Lennox cast of personalities, and I can imagine some real fun when the butler meets Bundy. Fingers crossed for the future.
June 20, 2023
I am a fan of the Heathcliff stories, so not surprised that I loved meeting Miss Busby.
Miss Busby is a retired school teacher who lives in her small Cotswold cottage with her cat, Pud. This is the period shortly after World War I and life was still simple in this village. Miss Busby is involved in what happens in her village and she knows everyone. But, she finds she does not know everyone as well as she thought?
A man has been killed. He was in the in the park in the middle of town. The man sold insurance, only it was not normal insurance. The life which was insured was his. All his clients were older ladies. Some of them were in dire straits financially.
If the murder was not solved, the insurance company was planning to not pay any of the women anything at all. It was imperative that the murder be solved.
When Miss Busby realizes that the new inspector who has come to the village to solve the case does not know anyone, and no one knows him, she sees a problem. The villagers will not talk to him. This is a small village of people who are familiar with one another and not familiar with strangers.
Miss Busby knows she can ask questions and the villagers will talk to her. And she asks questions. Lots of questions.
Miss Busby is a lady who is intelligent and most importantly, she understands human nature. She also understands the people who live in her village.
The reader becomes a part of life in the village. When a neighbor becomes ill, we are there. When some of the women explain to Miss Busby their financial situations, we are there. And when another man is killed, we are there.
The characters are complete people. I could picture who they were from the descriptions by Ms Menuhin. I could also picture them from the way they behaved.
The plot moves at a good pace. There are no slow spots.
This is a well done mystery. I look forward to the next chapter in this new series.
Miss Busby is a retired school teacher who lives in her small Cotswold cottage with her cat, Pud. This is the period shortly after World War I and life was still simple in this village. Miss Busby is involved in what happens in her village and she knows everyone. But, she finds she does not know everyone as well as she thought?
A man has been killed. He was in the in the park in the middle of town. The man sold insurance, only it was not normal insurance. The life which was insured was his. All his clients were older ladies. Some of them were in dire straits financially.
If the murder was not solved, the insurance company was planning to not pay any of the women anything at all. It was imperative that the murder be solved.
When Miss Busby realizes that the new inspector who has come to the village to solve the case does not know anyone, and no one knows him, she sees a problem. The villagers will not talk to him. This is a small village of people who are familiar with one another and not familiar with strangers.
Miss Busby knows she can ask questions and the villagers will talk to her. And she asks questions. Lots of questions.
Miss Busby is a lady who is intelligent and most importantly, she understands human nature. She also understands the people who live in her village.
The reader becomes a part of life in the village. When a neighbor becomes ill, we are there. When some of the women explain to Miss Busby their financial situations, we are there. And when another man is killed, we are there.
The characters are complete people. I could picture who they were from the descriptions by Ms Menuhin. I could also picture them from the way they behaved.
The plot moves at a good pace. There are no slow spots.
This is a well done mystery. I look forward to the next chapter in this new series.
June 19, 2023
Solving Mysteries Through Hot Soup, Tea, and Pastries
Mrs. Isabelle Busby (which I imagine is derived from the word "busybody") is a spin-off of the Heathcliff Lennox series.
Busby is the essence of a cozy mystery, a spry 70-year-old who uses her connections as someone who taught everybody in town at the village school to call in favors.
This is more than a detective story, though. It is an essay on old age, including illness, the loss of a spouse or child, financial difficulties, and the overwhelming loneliness which often affects the elderly-- and nearly all the suspects are elderly. Busby is often beset by loss of confidence in herself and what she is doing. She uses her cat Pudding and dog Barnaby to fend off her own loneliness.
I missed the humor of the Lennox stories and the pervading cheerfulness.
This is a good tale that oozes with coziness and will be just the cup of tea many will enjoy. It is not the right book for me at this time, however. I am about Busby's age and trying to keep myself and friends out of the age-related pitfalls mentioned in the book. That is enough of a challenge without those difficulties seeping into my reading material.
Mrs. Isabelle Busby (which I imagine is derived from the word "busybody") is a spin-off of the Heathcliff Lennox series.
Busby is the essence of a cozy mystery, a spry 70-year-old who uses her connections as someone who taught everybody in town at the village school to call in favors.
This is more than a detective story, though. It is an essay on old age, including illness, the loss of a spouse or child, financial difficulties, and the overwhelming loneliness which often affects the elderly-- and nearly all the suspects are elderly. Busby is often beset by loss of confidence in herself and what she is doing. She uses her cat Pudding and dog Barnaby to fend off her own loneliness.
I missed the humor of the Lennox stories and the pervading cheerfulness.
This is a good tale that oozes with coziness and will be just the cup of tea many will enjoy. It is not the right book for me at this time, however. I am about Busby's age and trying to keep myself and friends out of the age-related pitfalls mentioned in the book. That is enough of a challenge without those difficulties seeping into my reading material.
January 14, 2024
In this picturesque Cotswolds village just before Christmas 1922, a man is found floating in the lake, murdered. He was a traveling insurance salesman whose specialty was preying on the older, more vulnerable ladies in town. Miss Busby, a retired school teacher, is drawn into helping solve the case, along with Scotland Yard Inspector McKay and intrepid newspaper reporter Lucy Wesley. There are lots of quirky townspeople, lovable pets, lunches in the tea room, bracing walks in the snow, and chats by the fireside with a cuppa. Very sweet story, in spite of the killings going on in the village. I enjoyed getting to know Miss Busby and the others in this cozy mystery, light and heartwarming and the perfect "palate cleanser" in between some more intense books.
April 30, 2025
Loved this cozy mystery complete with a retired teacher, her cat (not to mention a borrowed dog), cups of tea with thick slices of cake (including Battenburg), and a whole village full of suspects, nice and nasty.
It was much closer to an Agatha Christie than any other book I've read lately set in the 1920s English countryside. Maybe not quite so intricate a puzzle as Dame Agatha could spin, but still, it kept me guessing. I was sure I had guessed the killer early on, and I was close but wrong. I do believe a solid case could still be made for my suspect.
The only thing missing was the amateur detective or her protege being placed in mortal danger. I kept waiting for that. Instead there was more tea and scones, which isn't a bad tradeoff at all.
I will read more from this author.
It was much closer to an Agatha Christie than any other book I've read lately set in the 1920s English countryside. Maybe not quite so intricate a puzzle as Dame Agatha could spin, but still, it kept me guessing. I was sure I had guessed the killer early on, and I was close but wrong. I do believe a solid case could still be made for my suspect.
The only thing missing was the amateur detective or her protege being placed in mortal danger. I kept waiting for that. Instead there was more tea and scones, which isn't a bad tradeoff at all.
I will read more from this author.
October 24, 2024
Cute story
Decent mystery told in a pleasant way following Miss Busby around visiting her friends while she learned the truth. I had an inkling about who the killer had to be, but the author did a credible job pointing suspicion at several candidates.
I really liked Busby and her adventuresome best friend, as well as the detective and the reporter. But all the characters were well-portrayed and added to the cozy atmosphere of the little town.
A few missteps with singular possessives of names ending in "s" and misspelling "all right." But otherwise nicely written.
A very enjoyable bedtime read.
Decent mystery told in a pleasant way following Miss Busby around visiting her friends while she learned the truth. I had an inkling about who the killer had to be, but the author did a credible job pointing suspicion at several candidates.
I really liked Busby and her adventuresome best friend, as well as the detective and the reporter. But all the characters were well-portrayed and added to the cozy atmosphere of the little town.
A few missteps with singular possessives of names ending in "s" and misspelling "all right." But otherwise nicely written.
A very enjoyable bedtime read.
July 5, 2023
This is enjoyable reading with interesting characters living in the Cotswolds in the 1920's. Amusing relationship develops between retired school teacher and the new detective in town. Other residents are quite accustomed to Miss Busby and her information gathering, always open to tasty morsels that go along with their convivial tea sessions as she drills for information to solve murders.
I have read a number of books by this author and was happy to start a new (to me) series.
Kindle Unlimited
I have read a number of books by this author and was happy to start a new (to me) series.
Kindle Unlimited
July 16, 2023
Murder at Little Minton by Karen B. Menhuhin and Zoe Markham is full of sweet and charming characters. Miss Busby is a strong minded older woman who believes a man has been murdered. His drowning was not an accident. As she begins to investigate, she has help from a young newspaper woman reporter, and eventually from the police chief assigned to their area. I liked all the women characters, especially Enid, and I hope to see them in future books. A good mystery for me is always one I cannot figure out for sure 'whodoneit'. This would be one of those mysteries.
Celia Martin
Celia Martin
September 30, 2023
At this point I’ve become such a Lennox/Swift fan that I will read anything KBM wants to write, but this one was substantially slower. I like Miss Busby, and I would definitely read another book in her series (if KBM and ZM decide to write another one). I think what made this book a challenge for me was that most of the suspects and interviews were almost all with little old ladies, and I had a really hard time keeping them straight in my head (some diversity would have been nice). Still cute and I enjoyed it but it definitely didn’t compare with the Major. :)
July 9, 2024
This was a great cozy mystery. The storyline was intriguing and the characters somewhat likable. Miss Busby, our main protagonist came off to me as a formidable, pushy snoop, but still likable. The story revolves around the death of an insurance man, who sells policies on his own life to the "old biddies" in the village. It falls to Miss Busby and the new inspector, along with a nosy female reporter, to figure out who killed him and the only witness, a homeless tramp. An enjoyable read. I wonder what the next book will bring. Narration was excellent.
September 14, 2024
Skilllfull & Beautifully written
It was thoughtfully and carefully written. Allowing the reader the luxury to immerse and invest time in the characters. The plot was well paced ànd delivered in style. I found myself yearning for those old style Tea-rooms where a big roaring fire and the smell of antique furniture mixed with home made toasted tea cakes and scones were a treat I've held a memory of since a little girl.
It's a 'family' unit I will happily go and visit and enjoy reading about. Highly recommended read 5*
It was thoughtfully and carefully written. Allowing the reader the luxury to immerse and invest time in the characters. The plot was well paced ànd delivered in style. I found myself yearning for those old style Tea-rooms where a big roaring fire and the smell of antique furniture mixed with home made toasted tea cakes and scones were a treat I've held a memory of since a little girl.
It's a 'family' unit I will happily go and visit and enjoy reading about. Highly recommended read 5*
January 15, 2026
If a book with a central plot line of murder can be called delightful, this is it. I'm ashamed.
The characters are each idiosyncratic, and their idiosyncrasies are well developed. It's fun to be with Ms Busby. And Lucy. And even the inspector, who is one of those traditional gruff nice guys. And there are well-behaved pets. It's as cozy as a mystery gets.
What is more, it makes as much logical sense as these novels can do.
Unfortunately, it is nearly impossible to obtain in audio format, so one has to do business with audible for its free trial. The reader is terrific.
The characters are each idiosyncratic, and their idiosyncrasies are well developed. It's fun to be with Ms Busby. And Lucy. And even the inspector, who is one of those traditional gruff nice guys. And there are well-behaved pets. It's as cozy as a mystery gets.
What is more, it makes as much logical sense as these novels can do.
Unfortunately, it is nearly impossible to obtain in audio format, so one has to do business with audible for its free trial. The reader is terrific.
June 19, 2023
Murder at Little Minton
This is the first book I’ve read by these authors. The book is engaging. You have a Lotta suspects, and you don’t find out who’s the murderer till the end of the book. I enjoy all the characters. Miss Buzbee reminds you of miss marble of Agatha Christie series. Totally different with different characters. I really enjoyed the book. I’m looking forward to seeing the next book in the series.
This is the first book I’ve read by these authors. The book is engaging. You have a Lotta suspects, and you don’t find out who’s the murderer till the end of the book. I enjoy all the characters. Miss Buzbee reminds you of miss marble of Agatha Christie series. Totally different with different characters. I really enjoyed the book. I’m looking forward to seeing the next book in the series.
July 20, 2023
Delightful!
Miss Busby is the new Miss Marple! She, and her crew of lively friends crack the murders with persistence and charm. I see a begrudgingly blooming romance between the inspector and reporter that will be interesting to watch. All characters are uniquely created and add to the storyline. The story does not lag and keeps the readers attention. And, there is a perky pup and cuddlely cat! What more can one ask!
Miss Busby is the new Miss Marple! She, and her crew of lively friends crack the murders with persistence and charm. I see a begrudgingly blooming romance between the inspector and reporter that will be interesting to watch. All characters are uniquely created and add to the storyline. The story does not lag and keeps the readers attention. And, there is a perky pup and cuddlely cat! What more can one ask!
August 8, 2023
The main character Miss Busby was introduced in one of the Heathcliff Lennox books. In that book I felt she was a somewhat irritating busybody. However, here in the first of her own series, I found her endearing and fun. An insurance salesman who charmed single older women into policies winds up floating face down in the River of a little village in the Cotswolds. And the fun begins. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book.
February 4, 2024
Another cozy mystery series going on my to read list. So far I enjoyed this first story for Miss Busby and I also like her better than Lennox... never cared for his sputtering around women and his cavalier attitude to investigating, when he'd rather go home than keep trudging on like Inspector Swift. Miss Busby gives me Miss Marple vibes, but I think is a bit less unassuming. Looking forward to seeing how this series progresses.
May 21, 2024
A good first start
I know they do the Lennox books, but this wasn’t as smooth as it could have been. Lots of characters (some of them main) sharing more information than they would have if it weren’t a murder mystery. Yes, murders tend to slip up, but they were stupid in this case. Already have second one (started it before I realized I already had book one). So, we will give it a try. Keep you posted Ross.
I know they do the Lennox books, but this wasn’t as smooth as it could have been. Lots of characters (some of them main) sharing more information than they would have if it weren’t a murder mystery. Yes, murders tend to slip up, but they were stupid in this case. Already have second one (started it before I realized I already had book one). So, we will give it a try. Keep you posted Ross.
August 26, 2024
I'm afraid this author does not produce books that I like. I tried the Heathcliff Lennox series and did not like that. So I've tried this series and unfortunately I do not like this one either. I think it is the characters that don't appeal to me. If you like Heathcliff Lennox and you like this title character, I am sure you will like her books. It is not the mystery I object to but the characters.
December 29, 2024
Murder at Little Minton
I read this book for my sisters book club. It was basically a murder mystery with an interesting storyline involving elderly women. The plot and location were different but it had a lot of characters to track which confused me often. Nonetheless I figured out who did it before the book revealed the killer. It was just a matter of paying close attention to the many details.
I read this book for my sisters book club. It was basically a murder mystery with an interesting storyline involving elderly women. The plot and location were different but it had a lot of characters to track which confused me often. Nonetheless I figured out who did it before the book revealed the killer. It was just a matter of paying close attention to the many details.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews