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Heathcliff Lennox #12
The Twelve Saints of Christmas
Murder, mystery and a dog of distinction. Heathcliff Lennox investigates.Book 12 in the Heathcliff Lennox seriesTwelve Saints, who are not true saints at all. They are the great and the good, although none are entirely great, nor good - indeed one is a murderer. Temple House near Bath is built upon an old Roman Temple, the house bequeathed many centuries before to a secret order of old aristocracy. The 'Saints' are not true saints, they are remnants; the last of their line, they have wealth, but no heirs.T he Order may invite any such relict to join them. They will come to live in Temple House, they will become a revered and venerable Saint, and when they die all their wealth must go into the saints coffers. Each Christmas these coffers are opened and the Saints - after much debate and contemplation - will donate a proportion of their wealth to a good and deserving cause. This fine philanthropic task has followed the same line for hundreds of years - until now. It is Christmas 1923 and a Saint is found dead, murdered, and the killer is from within Temple House itself. The Order of the Saints is shrouded in secrecy and this dreadful deed cannot be allowed to expose them. And so their keeper of the books - the Dead Reckoner - suggests they call in Major Heathcliff Lennox and ex-Inspector Jonathan Swift to uncover the killer. Major Heathcliff Lennox - ex WW1 war pilot, 6feet 3inch, tousled dark blond hair, age around 30 – named after the hero of Wuthering Heights by his romantically minded mother – much to his great annoyance.
302 pages, Paperback
First published May 23, 2024
531 people are currently reading
250 people want to read
About the author
Karen Baugh Menuhin
43 books802 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
January 14, 2025
My actual rating is 3.7 stars rounded up to 4.
---> If you love classic Golden Age mysteries, then you might like this one even if written by a contemporary author.
In fact, the writing style is very reminiscent of that of "whodunits" from the first half of the 20th century with a very small addition of humor and a little more coziness which in this book is given by the affectionate bond that the two protagonists feel towards their wives, and by the cheerful presence of 3 cats and 1 dog who liven up the scenes from time to time.
__PLOT IN A NUTSHELL ___ England, December 1923.
Major Heathcliff Lennox (ex-RAF pilot) and ex-Inspector Jonathan Swift of Scotland Yard are not at all 2 elderly people as one might expect, but rather 2 charming young people interested in investigating crimes and mysteries, who work for Scotland Yard only for cases involving very wealthy people.
Shortly before Christmas Lennox (who always travels together with his butler and his beloved pets, a dog and a cat) and his best friend Swift are sent by Scotland Yard to shed light on a strange death that occurred at Temple House, near Bath.
Temple House is run by a secret order of old aristocrats who call themselves "The 12 Saints", each of whom has no heirs and who have the common goal of giving money to needy organizations every Christmas.
The two pseudo-investigators must shed light on the death of one of the saints, the circumstances of which are unclear and lead to suspicion of murder.
The perfect harmony soon turns out to be only an external image, in fact jealousies and old secrets emerge which lead to another murder and a very complicated mystery to unravel.
_________ ****** ___________
The writing style is fluid, the dialogues are witty and always aimed at explaining the story of the moment or the private story of the two main characters, there are no stupid digressions and stupid useless chatter as in many contemporary mysteries set in the 1920s.
The story is told in the third person and one of the things I appreciated in the investigative couple is that both characters have equal weight and ability (and sometimes even confusion) in the investigation.
---> I hate the old cliché that sees the main character as super intelligent (and also presumptuous like Sherlock and Poirot, whose books I adore, but in this kind of detective the two of them are enough for me) and his "trusty right-hand man" is slow on the uptake ( like Dr. Watson and Hasting poor things).
Here the investigative couple continuously interacts on an equal basis and I really liked the friendship that binds the two characters and the loyalty towards each other that arises from it.
---> This is book #12 in a series where the two protagonists are initially single and then over the course of the books they find their soul mate and then get married, however the romance is subtle and barely hinted at (as in the detective books of Agatha Christie and his contemporaries) however sufficient to give humanity and to make the two characters more real and to give more warmth to the plot.
---> Although the book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. What you need to know about the past of our protagonists is told in a concise and light, but satisfying way.
----> The mystery is very well thought out by the author and until the end I would never have guessed the real culprit.
---> The author's skill lies in creating various hypotheses in the reader's mind that always seem plausible, but which ultimately turn out to be inaccurate.
The culprit was really a surprise to me.
---> What lowered my rating was the fact that the two investigators also stumbled in the dark until the end (and I was also surprised by this!).
In fact, despite carrying out several interrogations, the two are often accused of being incompetent and although they kept a cool head in the face of these offenses and pretended to be close to the truth, in reality they too only discovered the culprit in the final scene.
Maybe a little more cunning in the two characters wouldn't have hurt.
----> What I loved 200%, being a great animal lover, was the constant and lively presence of 3 cats (1 was from Lennox and 2 lived in Temple House) and 1 dog (also from Lennox).
Obviously they had nothing to do with the investigation, but seeing them sprawl here and there, tearing ribbons and baubles from the Christmas tree, sleeping curled up around Lennox, made reading the book more pleasant and serene for me.
I really think I will read more books in the series and next time I will start from book #1.
----> :-( Christmas atmosphere = barely perceptible
(and that little only thanks to the pets).
This also contributed to lowering my rating, in fact, as I always write in my reviews, if the word CHRISTMAS appears in the title, then I expect a festive atmosphere.
Thanks for reading my opinion, I hope it could be useful to you for choosing or discarding this reading.
If you found English errors in my text, please forgive me, it's not my native and every day language.
---> If you love classic Golden Age mysteries, then you might like this one even if written by a contemporary author.
In fact, the writing style is very reminiscent of that of "whodunits" from the first half of the 20th century with a very small addition of humor and a little more coziness which in this book is given by the affectionate bond that the two protagonists feel towards their wives, and by the cheerful presence of 3 cats and 1 dog who liven up the scenes from time to time.
__PLOT IN A NUTSHELL ___ England, December 1923.
Major Heathcliff Lennox (ex-RAF pilot) and ex-Inspector Jonathan Swift of Scotland Yard are not at all 2 elderly people as one might expect, but rather 2 charming young people interested in investigating crimes and mysteries, who work for Scotland Yard only for cases involving very wealthy people.
Shortly before Christmas Lennox (who always travels together with his butler and his beloved pets, a dog and a cat) and his best friend Swift are sent by Scotland Yard to shed light on a strange death that occurred at Temple House, near Bath.
Temple House is run by a secret order of old aristocrats who call themselves "The 12 Saints", each of whom has no heirs and who have the common goal of giving money to needy organizations every Christmas.
The two pseudo-investigators must shed light on the death of one of the saints, the circumstances of which are unclear and lead to suspicion of murder.
The perfect harmony soon turns out to be only an external image, in fact jealousies and old secrets emerge which lead to another murder and a very complicated mystery to unravel.
_________ ****** ___________
The writing style is fluid, the dialogues are witty and always aimed at explaining the story of the moment or the private story of the two main characters, there are no stupid digressions and stupid useless chatter as in many contemporary mysteries set in the 1920s.
The story is told in the third person and one of the things I appreciated in the investigative couple is that both characters have equal weight and ability (and sometimes even confusion) in the investigation.
---> I hate the old cliché that sees the main character as super intelligent (and also presumptuous like Sherlock and Poirot, whose books I adore, but in this kind of detective the two of them are enough for me) and his "trusty right-hand man" is slow on the uptake ( like Dr. Watson and Hasting poor things).
Here the investigative couple continuously interacts on an equal basis and I really liked the friendship that binds the two characters and the loyalty towards each other that arises from it.
---> This is book #12 in a series where the two protagonists are initially single and then over the course of the books they find their soul mate and then get married, however the romance is subtle and barely hinted at (as in the detective books of Agatha Christie and his contemporaries) however sufficient to give humanity and to make the two characters more real and to give more warmth to the plot.
---> Although the book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. What you need to know about the past of our protagonists is told in a concise and light, but satisfying way.
----> The mystery is very well thought out by the author and until the end I would never have guessed the real culprit.
---> The author's skill lies in creating various hypotheses in the reader's mind that always seem plausible, but which ultimately turn out to be inaccurate.
The culprit was really a surprise to me.
---> What lowered my rating was the fact that the two investigators also stumbled in the dark until the end (and I was also surprised by this!).
In fact, despite carrying out several interrogations, the two are often accused of being incompetent and although they kept a cool head in the face of these offenses and pretended to be close to the truth, in reality they too only discovered the culprit in the final scene.
Maybe a little more cunning in the two characters wouldn't have hurt.
----> What I loved 200%, being a great animal lover, was the constant and lively presence of 3 cats (1 was from Lennox and 2 lived in Temple House) and 1 dog (also from Lennox).
Obviously they had nothing to do with the investigation, but seeing them sprawl here and there, tearing ribbons and baubles from the Christmas tree, sleeping curled up around Lennox, made reading the book more pleasant and serene for me.
I really think I will read more books in the series and next time I will start from book #1.
----> :-( Christmas atmosphere = barely perceptible
(and that little only thanks to the pets).
This also contributed to lowering my rating, in fact, as I always write in my reviews, if the word CHRISTMAS appears in the title, then I expect a festive atmosphere.
Thanks for reading my opinion, I hope it could be useful to you for choosing or discarding this reading.
If you found English errors in my text, please forgive me, it's not my native and every day language.
May 26, 2024
Excellent as always
I started reading this morning, completely forgot about making lunch🤔
I have just finished reading it, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Once again Karen has written a great story.
I started reading this morning, completely forgot about making lunch🤔
I have just finished reading it, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Once again Karen has written a great story.
August 4, 2024
An excellent book with an unusual storyline. Well worth giving her a read I highly recommend it. Another good book by Great author..
September 15, 2024
Great series
I have read all the books in this set and ordered the next one. The characters are well developed with good secondary story line so the characters are not 2 dimensional. Imagery is good including description of English major houses. I thoroughly enjoy this series.
I have read all the books in this set and ordered the next one. The characters are well developed with good secondary story line so the characters are not 2 dimensional. Imagery is good including description of English major houses. I thoroughly enjoy this series.
December 17, 2024
The latest book in this good series didn’t disappoint. The ‘saints’ are an interesting group, one of whom is a murderer. The deaths were very unique. I was guessing until the end.
I did miss the wives in this one.
I did miss the wives in this one.
July 13, 2024
Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰
This kindle e-book novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 12 of 13
Karen Baugh Menuhin is one of my favorite authors with now two series.
Lennox and Swift are once again asked to investigate a strange case that may be murder. The investigation leads to the truth and closure of the case.
I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of British 🏰 mystery novels 👍🔰. 2024
This kindle e-book novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 12 of 13
Karen Baugh Menuhin is one of my favorite authors with now two series.
Lennox and Swift are once again asked to investigate a strange case that may be murder. The investigation leads to the truth and closure of the case.
I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of British 🏰 mystery novels 👍🔰. 2024
June 15, 2024
Outstanding, as always.
Menuhin has a remarkable vocabulary and uses it to bring every sentence, every situation alive within the reader's mind. Each character is uniquely written, walking into the page with realism. Her mysteries are crafted with twists and turns that keep the reader guessing. This adventure with Lennox and Swift includes a cast of over the top octogenarians that frustrate and delight them and prove life at every age can be highlighted with love, generosity, selfless care, and an eye for the future when one chooses . Most highly recommend.
Menuhin has a remarkable vocabulary and uses it to bring every sentence, every situation alive within the reader's mind. Each character is uniquely written, walking into the page with realism. Her mysteries are crafted with twists and turns that keep the reader guessing. This adventure with Lennox and Swift includes a cast of over the top octogenarians that frustrate and delight them and prove life at every age can be highlighted with love, generosity, selfless care, and an eye for the future when one chooses . Most highly recommend.
June 8, 2024
I have been a fan of the Heathcliff Lennox series from the beginning but they seem to be running rather out of steam. Since they are within my "sweet spot" for murder mysteries (not too hard boiled, not too silly and saccharine) I hope they will not totally lose their charm. But PLEASE Ms. Menuhin, stop using "I" as sentence object-it is like fingernails on a chalk board.
October 14, 2024
Major Heathcliff Lennox was formerly an RAF pilot and hero. But, now WWI is over and Heathcliff is acting as an investigator along with his good friend Former Detective Jonathan Swift, for Scotland Yard.
Swift wants them to sign a contract to work for The Yard when needed. Lennox, not so much. He had enough of regimentation and following orders during his time in the service. But, he cares for Swift and being even a part time employee will make Swift happy.
Lennox and Swift have been invited to go to Bath and investigate a death.
The Twelve Saints are a group of very wealthy philanthropists who live together in a mansion, The Temple House. They donate great amounts of money to worthy causes. Each of them have turned their money over to the organization and become permanent residents of the Saints’ Home.
When Lennox and Swift arrive they are immersed in the Home and the lives of all the residents.
This is a book in a series. It works as a stand alone read, but the enjoyment is greater if one has read the earlier books.
There are many characters and each one of them is more eccentric than the next one.
There are several servants at the Saints’ home. There is one particular servant, a young butler. His grandfather is the old butler. Their family has been devoted to the Saints for a very long time. The young man represents his family very well.
The murder is puzzling. At first there could be no motive for this death. But, slowly information begins to appear to give several motives and several suspects.
In this series, this is the first book in which I new the villain immediately. I am not sure why, but I recognized the “bad guy”.
That did not make the enjoyment of this story any less. This author writes stories which hold the reader’s interest.
She creates wonderful fully formed characters. And the characters are always interesting and entertaining.
Lennox is a man who overcame a great deal during the War. He was wounded and spent time in hospital. That period of war colored his outlook on the world and his fellow man. He has seen the best in people and also the very worst. He is good at reading human behavior. He also likes observing his fellow man. All that makes him a good detective.
Swift is a pedantic man who is an excellent detective. He is a good man at noting details In this book, we learn about Swift’s childhood and it is chilling. The past has given him a certain bias against the “upper classes.” That is one reason Scotland Yard wants Lennox and Swift as a team.
Lennox was raised in a privileged world. He recognizes the actions of the well to do. And he can see through a great deal of fake. .
This is a terrific book. These stories have given me a great deal of entertainment and I feel lucky to have found this author and this series.
The solution to the mystery is a sensible one.
This is during the holiday season and the snow and Christmas seem to add a softness to a violent series of events.
I really liked this book. I have liked every book I have read by this author.
Swift wants them to sign a contract to work for The Yard when needed. Lennox, not so much. He had enough of regimentation and following orders during his time in the service. But, he cares for Swift and being even a part time employee will make Swift happy.
Lennox and Swift have been invited to go to Bath and investigate a death.
The Twelve Saints are a group of very wealthy philanthropists who live together in a mansion, The Temple House. They donate great amounts of money to worthy causes. Each of them have turned their money over to the organization and become permanent residents of the Saints’ Home.
When Lennox and Swift arrive they are immersed in the Home and the lives of all the residents.
This is a book in a series. It works as a stand alone read, but the enjoyment is greater if one has read the earlier books.
There are many characters and each one of them is more eccentric than the next one.
There are several servants at the Saints’ home. There is one particular servant, a young butler. His grandfather is the old butler. Their family has been devoted to the Saints for a very long time. The young man represents his family very well.
The murder is puzzling. At first there could be no motive for this death. But, slowly information begins to appear to give several motives and several suspects.
In this series, this is the first book in which I new the villain immediately. I am not sure why, but I recognized the “bad guy”.
That did not make the enjoyment of this story any less. This author writes stories which hold the reader’s interest.
She creates wonderful fully formed characters. And the characters are always interesting and entertaining.
Lennox is a man who overcame a great deal during the War. He was wounded and spent time in hospital. That period of war colored his outlook on the world and his fellow man. He has seen the best in people and also the very worst. He is good at reading human behavior. He also likes observing his fellow man. All that makes him a good detective.
Swift is a pedantic man who is an excellent detective. He is a good man at noting details In this book, we learn about Swift’s childhood and it is chilling. The past has given him a certain bias against the “upper classes.” That is one reason Scotland Yard wants Lennox and Swift as a team.
Lennox was raised in a privileged world. He recognizes the actions of the well to do. And he can see through a great deal of fake. .
This is a terrific book. These stories have given me a great deal of entertainment and I feel lucky to have found this author and this series.
The solution to the mystery is a sensible one.
This is during the holiday season and the snow and Christmas seem to add a softness to a violent series of events.
I really liked this book. I have liked every book I have read by this author.
July 4, 2024
I knew who did it before the end...hurry me! Didn't know why They did it but...
Her books are fun, fast and full of wonderful (and mostly good looking) characters.
I love the construction of the tales and the glib way Lennox proceeds through life...with his wife, friends, and dog and cat...and of course his Bat man and Butler...Greggs.
I do not believe he could actually "Do" life without all of them!
I so worry that he drinks far too much and probably eats too much...it nay all come to
Haunt him and bite him in the butt, so to speak, in the future.
Wonder if he and Persi, will produce a little Lennox at some point...it could be inevitable!
Love these rales...lots a mistakes in this book...I mean not very well edited... It is such a same...it takes away from the total quality of the book..sad.
And...the stories are familiar, creative, satisfying in any case.
Love the characters! Want to know them. In the Pantheon of cozy mysteries... This stands out as an original tale with classic elements...Christie, Doyle, others...my go to genre...mystery (puzzles, conundrums, Mysteries).
These are among the most pleasant to read.
Thank you MS Menuhin.
Her books are fun, fast and full of wonderful (and mostly good looking) characters.
I love the construction of the tales and the glib way Lennox proceeds through life...with his wife, friends, and dog and cat...and of course his Bat man and Butler...Greggs.
I do not believe he could actually "Do" life without all of them!
I so worry that he drinks far too much and probably eats too much...it nay all come to
Haunt him and bite him in the butt, so to speak, in the future.
Wonder if he and Persi, will produce a little Lennox at some point...it could be inevitable!
Love these rales...lots a mistakes in this book...I mean not very well edited... It is such a same...it takes away from the total quality of the book..sad.
And...the stories are familiar, creative, satisfying in any case.
Love the characters! Want to know them. In the Pantheon of cozy mysteries... This stands out as an original tale with classic elements...Christie, Doyle, others...my go to genre...mystery (puzzles, conundrums, Mysteries).
These are among the most pleasant to read.
Thank you MS Menuhin.
December 20, 2024
Bath, England, Christmas 1923. Twelve "saints" reside in privileged privacy at Temple House, an opulent mansion built over a Roman temple. The "saints" are actually wealthy members of the aristocracy who are living out the rest of their lives together, as the end of their family bloodlines. One of the more contentious members is found murdered, and Lennox and Swift are called to investigate by Scotland Yard. With no clues to go on and very little evidence, they are even more lost when another murder occurs. One of the purposes of the Twelve Saints is to decide which charity will receive a huge donation from their coffers at Christmas time. That might be a motive, or it might not be. No one is talking, no one has a motive, and there is no evidence, and the murders need to be resolved so Lennox and Swift can get home to their families in time for the Christmas festivities.
September 5, 2024
The Twelve Saints of Christmas
A group of extremely wealthy, elderly and heir bereft philanthropists living in retired semi seclusion. Who would want to kill one of them, was it murder or misadventure? This is the conundrum facing Lennox and Swift in their latest mystery.
I have a serious annoying niggle with this particular episode, there are references and nods to Santa Claus. This is set in England in 1923 and surely the character would be referred to as “Father Christmas”.
Santa Claus is an American creation harking on Western European traditions of St Nicholas.
The author is English and as here in England we still say “…going to Father Christmas…” I find this very odd and to be perhaps overreacting also again very annoying.
A group of extremely wealthy, elderly and heir bereft philanthropists living in retired semi seclusion. Who would want to kill one of them, was it murder or misadventure? This is the conundrum facing Lennox and Swift in their latest mystery.
I have a serious annoying niggle with this particular episode, there are references and nods to Santa Claus. This is set in England in 1923 and surely the character would be referred to as “Father Christmas”.
Santa Claus is an American creation harking on Western European traditions of St Nicholas.
The author is English and as here in England we still say “…going to Father Christmas…” I find this very odd and to be perhaps overreacting also again very annoying.
September 5, 2025
The concept of an aristocrat and Scotland Yard inspector solving crimes in fine country homes is interesting and the author makes each one interesting. The plot of this 12th in the series of elderly wealthy folks living in an estate and leaving their money to charitable works after death was intriguing. Menuhin always adds a twist that makes it hard to determine the killer.
I’ve listened to all of this series and loved the series with Sam Dewhurst-Phillips (such a British name with a hyphen!) as narrator. She has changed narrators and I am not a fan. It was difficult to distinguish the speakers and we did not get to hear Foggy’s bark. I’m not sure I will continue the series as a result.
I’ve listened to all of this series and loved the series with Sam Dewhurst-Phillips (such a British name with a hyphen!) as narrator. She has changed narrators and I am not a fan. It was difficult to distinguish the speakers and we did not get to hear Foggy’s bark. I’m not sure I will continue the series as a result.
October 25, 2024
Unusual setting. Far fetched plotting.
This book is the twelfth in a series but the first one I had read. I chose it because I like Christmas murder mysteries. As I didn't know who Lennox and Swift were I found the first chapter confusing. Gradually, I became engaged with the plot and enjoyed it. The characters were eccentric. Given the almost continuous eating and alcohol intake it was surprising the sleuths had time or were sufficiently clear headed to solve the crimes. Good, light read for the festive season.
This book is the twelfth in a series but the first one I had read. I chose it because I like Christmas murder mysteries. As I didn't know who Lennox and Swift were I found the first chapter confusing. Gradually, I became engaged with the plot and enjoyed it. The characters were eccentric. Given the almost continuous eating and alcohol intake it was surprising the sleuths had time or were sufficiently clear headed to solve the crimes. Good, light read for the festive season.
July 31, 2025
It's always money, isn't it? Money and power. The Saints are a private group comprised of wealthy men and women who happen to be the last in their line, leaving no one to inherit. They bring their wealth to the Saints and once a year the group makes a large bequeath on a deserving entity, thereby improving the world one gift at a time. This year one of them has been murdered before that all-important decision can be made. It's up to Lennox and Swift to find the culprit, hard to do when the group they are investigating cling to secrets like moss to a rock.
December 7, 2025
As usual, Heathcliff Lenox and Jonathan Swift start off strong, full of wit and banter. There’s a death at Temple House, an order of “saints” who live there and bequeath their wealth at death to charities. A lot more words were used to describe all that and the cast of characters, who were hard to keep track of. About ⅔ of the way through, I couldn’t take any more talk and conjecture about the murders. The charm of Lenox even wore thin. I skimmed to the end. Just too long to stew over all this at just under 300 pages. Could’ve easily been 200.
May 27, 2024
Having pre-ordered this book months ago, I took it as a sign when I discovered it had been loaded on to my kindle yesterday - a cool rainy Sunday - that I should ignore all responsibilities and stretch out on the couch to spend an afternoon with Heathcliff Lennox & company. This 12th installment is a delight and I am pleased to note that unlike so many other series of comparable length, this one continues to deliver hours of fun escapist reading. I look forward to reading the next.
August 30, 2024
Lennox is an unforgettable if unwilling hero!
I am already hoping for the next installment in the life and times of Heath cliff Lennox. All the characters are so finely drawn in these mysteries, it is sad to come to the end because you want to see what happens to them tomorrow. And it is lovely to add a little to the knowledge of the world. Freya is not just Norwegian, she is Sami. Read the book to learn what that means!
I am already hoping for the next installment in the life and times of Heath cliff Lennox. All the characters are so finely drawn in these mysteries, it is sad to come to the end because you want to see what happens to them tomorrow. And it is lovely to add a little to the knowledge of the world. Freya is not just Norwegian, she is Sami. Read the book to learn what that means!
November 5, 2024
I love the dynamic between Lennox and Swift. Swift is so 'by the book' and Lennox is more of a 'by the seat of his pants' type. Together they make a formidable team. This is the twelfth book in the series and it's still going strong. The plot was well thought out and the characters interesting. I really had no idea who the culprit was until the great 'Poirot style' reveal at the end. Long may these stories continue
August 8, 2025
I love this series and Karen Menuhin's books and this was no exception! Her characters are funny, quirky, smart and even silly but oh, so interesting. Lennox and Swift are at their best trying to solve 2 murders in a community of very eccentric people. And of course, Greggs plus Foggy and Mr. Tubbs are always there to help - or get underfoot. Lots of twists in this episode and a very unexpected ending!
September 26, 2025
Our Detectives Have Looked More Competent
A very strange, sad, group of well heeled and well fed seniors have a murderer in their midst. I didn’t think this one was as well thought out and plausible as some of the earlier mysteries. I also thought Menuhin missed the opportunity for comic relief with Swift and Lennox, three cats and Mr Fogg as roommates. It still made for relaxing and enjoyable reading.
A very strange, sad, group of well heeled and well fed seniors have a murderer in their midst. I didn’t think this one was as well thought out and plausible as some of the earlier mysteries. I also thought Menuhin missed the opportunity for comic relief with Swift and Lennox, three cats and Mr Fogg as roommates. It still made for relaxing and enjoyable reading.
December 3, 2025
I was in the mood for a Christmas story and this entry in the Heathcliff Lennox series was quite satisfactory. Set on a snowy, but not snowbound, estate the twelve titular saints are an eclectic bunch of suspects. Protagonists Lennox and Swift are befuddled by the clues and evasive residents for quite a while. The red herrings, obfuscation and secrets are plentiful and confusing but have no fear. The solution is eventually discovered and revealed.
June 6, 2024
Another adventure and mystery to solve
Once again, another fantastic outing for Lennox and Swift when they are asked to investigate a suspicious death within a secluded house of saints. However, one of them is no saint and when further deaths occur, can Lennox and Swift unmask the sinner within.
Once again, another fantastic outing for Lennox and Swift when they are asked to investigate a suspicious death within a secluded house of saints. However, one of them is no saint and when further deaths occur, can Lennox and Swift unmask the sinner within.
June 11, 2024
The Twelve Saints of Christmas by Karen Menuhin is another absolute treasure. Love the central characters, especially Lennox, but they all work well together, including the various animals. As the saints prepare gifts to give to needed causes at Christmas, someone is set on murdering the saints. Can Lennox and Swift find the culprit before more murders are committed?
Celia Martin
Celia Martin
July 4, 2024
Needed a Diagram of Characters
The book was delightful as usual. Love these mysteries. There were so many Saints and staff, I got them confused. I could have used a visual layout of the occupants of the Order to keep them straight. Illustrations are allowed. Even Agatha Christie used them.
The book was delightful as usual. Love these mysteries. There were so many Saints and staff, I got them confused. I could have used a visual layout of the occupants of the Order to keep them straight. Illustrations are allowed. Even Agatha Christie used them.
December 31, 2024
A really good Christmas mystery in the vein of Agatha Christie. Loved all the interesting English Christmas details. If you're an animal lover you will enjoy the dog and 3 cats in the story also. It really had too many characters to try and keep track of, but that's okay, I enjoyed the setting and the mystery. Think I'll jump into this series and see what else I've missed.
February 7, 2025
Lennox and Swift return for their 12th investigation among the toffs, with their usual cast of supporting characters, including Greggs the butler and ladies’ man and Lennox’s spaniel Mr. Fogg. I love a country house mystery, especially one set at the holidays, and this one is great fun like all of the books in the series.
July 19, 2025
Not your run of the mill Christmas Story😅
The boys are at it again, with a good plot, bloodless murders, great characters and a lot of history in the mix. Each of these story's are filled with an amazing amount of Aristocratic information along with English history (which I love) So people, on to the next!
The boys are at it again, with a good plot, bloodless murders, great characters and a lot of history in the mix. Each of these story's are filled with an amazing amount of Aristocratic information along with English history (which I love) So people, on to the next!
August 4, 2025
Like a Pair of Old Slippers
I simply love these novels, the Cotswolds, the regular eclectic collection of characters that we've grown so familiar with and the parade of new and comic characters always supported by a great plot filled with twists and turns.
This is cozy mystery at its best.
I simply love these novels, the Cotswolds, the regular eclectic collection of characters that we've grown so familiar with and the parade of new and comic characters always supported by a great plot filled with twists and turns.
This is cozy mystery at its best.
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November 19, 2025"Jiggens turned ashen then fainted to the floor. ‘Oh, come now.’ Freya picked up the bowl. ‘This is not manly.’ She promptly emptied the remainder of the water over him. ‘Arghh!’ Jiggens sat up, eyes wide in shock. ‘Now, young Jiggens, you are to be of help,’ Freya ordered. ‘Why did you…? I’m all wet!’ Jiggens looked down at his spattered waistcoat. "
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