The Belvedere Murders

Heathcliff Lennox #11

by Karen Baugh Menuhin

Murder, Mystery and a dog, and cat, of distinction

A dazzling ball in a rooftop ballroom in one of the most prestigious mansions in the country.

Dancing, music, champagne, ravishing ball gowns, priceless jewellery . . . and murder. Jack Dutton died in the dark. Why? Who hated him enough to kill him? Why had he made a list of gemstones and their prices? What was he guilty of? Dutton had been a handsome war hero, but tragedy surrounded him, and his nature had always been unpredictable. When Lennox and Swift begin peeling away the layers of deceit, they uncover some vile secrets, secrets that have already led to Dutton's murder, and it's not long before there's another.

Belvedere House hosts the highest of high society, and yet even among its glittering halls, evil seeps in to catch the unwary and the unwitting.

Major Heathcliff Lennox - ex WW1 war pilot, 6 feet 3 inch, tousled dark blond hair, age around 30 – named after the hero of Wuthering Heights by his romantically minded mother – much to his great annoyance.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Audiobook, Historical, Cozy, Historical Mystery

Kindle Edition

First published March 30, 2024

About the author

1920'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.

Reviews

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰

This kindle e-book novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 11 of 12.

Lennox and Swift are at a party with their wives when a dead man's 🚹 body is found. Did he commit suicide? Or was it murder? Then another murdered body is found. Then a dead woman 🚺 is found. Another woman 🚺 is found poisoned. What is going on? Lennox finds the truth leading to arrest of the killer.

I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of British 🏰 👑 mystery novels 👍🔰. 2024

[Debbie Mcclelland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story!

I've read all of this author's books and will continue to re-read every them! Can't wait until the next book comes out! Great books!

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read seven of the eleven Heathcliff Lennox books and have enjoyed the main character development and lively action. This book went a tad overboard for me in the amount of death, destruction and devilry perpetrated by one of the unpleasant characters. Drugs, theft and murder featured with a sidecar of favored pets and foolish women.

Kindle Unlimited

[Eadle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just thoroughly enjoy being transported to Ashton Steeple or wherever solving murders takes Heathcliff Lennox. I’ve read every one of the series, and each time I crack open the next book, it’s like meeting up with old friends.

I can’t possibly recommend this series any more sincerely.

[Martin Flaherty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fiinnnalllyyy finished this after having a little reading hiatus, not because I wasn’t interested in this one. This one was Agatha Christie esque who I always love and this was a 1920’s British whodunnit. With these kind of books, they’re great if you really can’t figure out exactly who did it, this one was multi layered and interesting piecing it apart. The end didn’t crazy wow me but effective how it strung everything together and made sense. Ready to get back into a few that I have high hopes for.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is a pleasant getaway from daily life, except, of course, dealing with murder. I like seeing how "the other half lives," in this case the British aristocracy. Lennox is intuitively smart about uncovering the culprits. His dog and cat are cute, but I don't understand why they have to be in every book.

[Tracy Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good Heathcliff Lennox mystery! More witty banter and a real mystery to solve at Belvedere House with a house full of guests… victims and a murderer. It’s up to Lennox and Swift to figure out what’s going on, and they do. These are fun, smart, and entertaining stories.

[Billy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prime vacation brain candy.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these books. This one takes a look at opium addiction among the upper crust Britts. It’s sad and a familiar issue for today. Lennox and all the characters we’ve grown to love and there’s an interesting side story with Persi conducting an archeological dig on the property.
Can’t wait for the next one.

[Les Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book is good but I disapprove of grave robbing, and that is what they are doing at the long barrow. We criticise the ancient Egyptian tomb rubbers but our archaeologist are doing exactly the same. We use the word archaeology as an excuse, explaining why they are doing it. That is unfair as we do not know why the ancient tomb robbers were doing so. They too may have been removing the to put on exhibition in the pharaonic property.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

July 1923. Lennox and Swift are attending a ball at Belvedere House. To watch Jack Dutton at the request of Lord Belvedere. Then Dutton is killed, but he is only the first one.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable main characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.

[Marion · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another entertaining and amusing old fashioned murder mystery starring Lennox and Swift!

[Lana Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent mystery again! Love Menuhin!!!

A mystery that will keep the reader guessing until revealed. Lennox, Swift and all the regulars return and shine throughout. Luxurious Belvedere House stands in sharp contrast with the sty of addiction that permeates the unfolding tale that Lennox and Swift must untangle to catch the murder and stop those who with cold calculation seek to lines their pockets with the despair of others. Menuhin excels again with story, characterization and vivid writing style that makes each sentence a delight to savor.

[Lawrence FitzGerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great entry in the series. I've read them all and I have never figured out who did what until Lennox gets all the suspects together at the end for a show and tell. One day I may figure out how Menuhin does this.

[Adele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Menuhin Does It Again

After so many stories, Karen Baugh Menuhin gives us another great murder mystery in The Belvedere Murders. She keeps us entertained with a here-and-now mystery, as well as one from the Norman Conquest, and a future struggle that still troubles us today. Lennox’s furry companions (pet is too dull a word for them), also add to the mix. Details such as the roof-top ballroom bring the glamor of the old English manors to life, completing the setting for a murder…or two?

[Karren Hodgkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoy these characters. Lovely to 'ride along with.' This particular plot wasn't one that really captured my imagination, perhaps next time

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book brought back the humor of the first book, (and then some), that I couldn't quite find in the others. I especially enjoyed the scenes between the Dutton lawyers and then in a later scene between Fossett and Greggs. The characters are well-developed and I appreciate that she introduces new ones that become a part of the larger recurring "family" of characters.

I am particularly fond of the way that Menuhin sets each scene, meticulously describing the outfits and the settings, including the sights, the sounds and even sometimes the smells, to allow the reader to form a full picture of what is happening and feel as though you are there. Everything is well-developed and intentional.

This is probably one of my favorites from the Heathcliff Lennox series. Even though it follows Menuhin's typical writing formula, the story felt different than the others; I can't really explain it. I was growing bored of the series with Murder at Ashton Steeple, but this one drew me in again.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maj. Heathcliff Lennox and his friend Ret. Inspector Swift have been asked to go to the estate called Belvedere. It is renowned across England as one of the largest and most beautiful homes in England. Lennox and Swift will be keeping an eye on a man who hopes to marry the daughter of the house.

Lord Belvedere does not think the man deserves his daughter. And he wants to keep an eye on the situation during a huge party. There will be many of the very best people at the party. Unfortunately, not all of them are actually best.

The story addresses the issue of drugs during the 1920’s. It was slowly being realized that hard drugs are very dangerous. And casual acceptance is no longer tolerated, no matter what people would like to believe.

This series is terrific. The characters are wonderful. The ongoing characters are consistent and they all remember who they are.

Lennox and Swift are often asked to investigate on behalf of people. That is because they are good at what they do. Swift is a plodder. He wants to fall back on his habits as an inspector at Scotland Yard.

Lennox is more of a “flights of fancy” kind of guy. He sees things from different angles than Swift. He loves to eat, and he loves his wife, his dog and his cat. Not necessarily in that order. He loves his estate that has been in his family for a long time. And he loves making people accountable if they have been immoral or criminal or ugly in the world.

Lennox was an heroic pilot during WWI. He was severely injured and at one time it was possible he would not live. Those experiences have given him a true appreciation for what is important in life.

The story is filled with mystery. There is also humor. Although this is the latest in a long running series, it is easy to read and follow the story. Past experiences and relationships are fully explained.

I would recommend that anyone who is seeking wonderful stories and true mysterious mysteries, this is the series for you. But, to truly enjoy, start with number one.

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

What can I say? This one was disappointing. I’ve read all the series. They’ve been amazing and I’ve been a huge fan since the very beginning. I follow the author on Facebook. She’s got a great sense of humor. And I’ve read her Ms Busby books and enjoyed them. I struggled with this one though.

I almost gave it a two, but I gave it a three because I wasn’t tempted once to stop reading. However, I would not recommend this one to anyone, and especially not to anyone who wasn’t already a fan of the characters. They might not read the earlier books and that would be a shame.

This one lacked suspense and depth. There just wasn’t any development of story or characters. I didn’t like most of the characters - even Heathcliff. It was like no one in the novel had any sparkle this time… except maybe Fossett.

I found myself asking throughout the story if I missed something because sentences would state things that didn’t make sense. I thought perhaps things got cut in an edit that should have been adjusted or removed in other spots. It made me wonder if the book and the narration was rushed into publication. Or maybe the narrator (I listened on Audible) skipped a line or two. I’ve always loved the narrator and to me, he IS Heathcliff Lennox, but this was not a good performance and I found his female characters extremely annoying.

I’m going to read the next one when it comes out and hope for a return to the suspense-filled stories and fantastic characters I’ve grown to love. I can’t seem to say goodbye yet. If you’ve not read any of this series, definitely skip this one, start with the first one and read the rest. They are wonderful.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Cat, A Dog, Macaroons, a Mob of Friendly Villagers: How Cozy Can You Get?

Revisiting Lennox and his crew is always enjoyable. This time there is a rather traditional house party murder mystery with many diverse personalities for suspects.

I like the way Lennox has grown during this series. He began as a surviving WWI pilot, carrying the weight of the horrors of war and in retreat at his beloved home. He seemed lost and lonely. This book shows how far he has come.

Lennox and Foggy, his spaniel, still enjoy good food, but Lennox also loves his wife, Persi. He has found ways to be supportive of her career as an archeologist, and he no longer calls her "old stick." Lennox has built a solid friendship with his fellow investigator Swift, and includes Swift's wife and son in his family circle.

Lennox still gets his fill of detecting and leaves it all behind to go home to his manor house and family.

Another thing I liked: the lone American is not a caricature. His English isn't perfect, but he doesn't sound like an illiterate bumpkin, nor does he storm around, bellowing noisily.

And yet another thing: I enjoyed Lennox's efforts to announce the solution to the crimes while people and circumstances kept interrupting. I reminded me of me trying to impart information to my family.

[Leibniz · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was deeply saddened after reading this book. The magic is gone, and it's understandable. Very few authors can sustain interest for a dozen or more novels in a series, and Ms. Menuhin is not one of them. The previous novel about Ashton Steeple was such a total disaster, consisting mostly of tedious pages of confusing dialog among the characters, that I decided to give the author another chance and bought this one. The result is a plot with more murders than I've seen in one book since I read "Red Harvest" by Dashiell Hammitt years ago. Unfortunately, Ms. Menuhin does not have the writing skill of a Dashiell Hammitt, and the result is a barely coherent mess. So, I'll be grateful at the fun I had reading the first nine novels in this series, but I won't be back for the next one. It's very hard for people in many parts of their lives to admit they've been making a mistake and to cut their losses, but it's time to go.
Edit
Delete

[Charlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lord Belvedere has summoned Lennox and Swift to attend a ball at his prestigious manor as he suspects something untoward will be happening regarding his daughter Bebe's fiancé Jack Dutton. His suspicions were correct, in that it appears someone pushed Dutton off the rooftop ballroom to his death. The other guests staying at the estate all seem to have motives for the murder, and they all seem to be connected to illegal activity centered around Dutton's shady gambling scheme. The mystery was interesting, and I loved the side story of an archaeological dig led by Persi, but the characters themselves remain my favorite part of this series. They get more and more layered, authentic and appealing with each book.

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karen Menuhin says in her afterword "I hope you enjoyed this book...". I've decided, after 11 entries, it would be very hard not to like this series. Menuhin delivers well-crafted plots and interesting settings. But the best part of these books are the wonderful, quirky and sometimes completely annoying characters. Lennox and Swift are total twits sometimes but they are supported by two wise and tolerant ladies who (I suspect) spend a fair amount of time rolling their eyes at their husbands. Toss in two wonderful animals (Mr. Tubbs, a little black cat, and Fogg, Lennox' devoted cocker spaniel) and an assortment of staff and villagers and you have the perfect recipe for fun, a bit of intrigue and of course, a good reason to pick up the next entry in the series.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best British cozy mystery series I’ve read.

You are missing out if you don’t also listen to the audio version of this series. Sam Dewhurst-Phillips is a splendid narrator with engaging and sometimes down right hilarious voices (particularly for female characters). Karen Baugh Menuhin certainly helps by writing multi-layered characters into a compelling, detailed, and satisfying mystery. Heathcliff Lennox, WWI flying ace and the series’ somewhat reluctant sleuth, always gets his man (or woman) with the help of his friends and family and a well made meal.

I’ll not give a way one whiff of the plot in The Belvedere Murders but I do implore you to read and listen to it (and the ten books that came before it).

[EvyS · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read set in the 1920's

Very much enjoyed reading this cozy murder mystery that blended several aspects from other stories I have read recently. A dig in the area gave the two MMCs access to archeological experience and feminine POV s through their spouses, and the setting itself recalls the household of Downton Abbey. Multiple murders, navigating the challenges of social class hierarchy, and the use of forensic tools available at the time were woven into the plot along with the criminal opportunities provided by the new laws of prohibition. A complex but short read with a surprise ending.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another adventure for Lennox and Swift, #11 in the series. The mystery here reminds me of books like Murder on the Orient Express, where all the characters have some connection to the murder victim. Furthermore, he is a shady character who needed to get murdered, so no one feels too bad about his death. I love a country house mystery, and this one ticks all the boxes: a beautiful house, a ball, aristocrats, jewels and ball gowns, snooty rich people who think they’re above the law, 1920s setting, a locked-room mystery. While you don’t need to read the series in order, do it because the books are so much fun.

[Maryann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lennox is Always Fun

Lennox is the brains and Swift and Fossett find the evidence. Everybody lies either because that’s what the British upper classes do or because there wouldn’t be a mystery without the lies. Persi gets to have her own side story to make us appreciate the fact that Lennox’s intelligent wife is doing more than meal planning. It also keeps Tommy, Angus and Lennox’s village in the story. If you’ve been enjoying the series, you’ll like this one. If you haven’t read any of them, go back and start from the beginning.

[Celia Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karen B. Menuhin has done it again with 'The Belvedere Murders'. Another super mystery. I never guessed who the murderer was. Never even suspected the guilty person. For me, that's a good mystery. Like always, the humor with Lennox, his staff, and his animals adds much to the story. But ever serious Swift adds his own kind of humor to the mystery. Like all of Menuhin's books, I highly recommend it.

Celia Martin

[KayDee · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you haven’t read this author yet, and you like cozy mysteries, READ HER NOW! She’s one of my absolute favorite cozy mystery novelists! In this book, a body plummets off the roof of Belvedere House, the local swanky manor, during a ball. As guests, Heathcliff and Swift, already on the scene, take over the case and immediately hit stone walls as the high society guests seem to be more prone to lying than telling the truth.

[Dorothy R. Till · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, another great read!

I have enjoyed every one of the Lennox and Swift novels. This one is my favorite so far. The love that is shown between Persi and Lennox and Florence and Swift are just added delights. Even Greggs , Foggy, and Tubbs are and added enjoyment. As this is a murder mystery I have to admit that I love these books but have never guessed "who done it" until Lennox tells me.