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Heathcliff Lennox #13
Saint Valentine's Day Murder: Heathcliff Lennox Investigates: A Cotswolds Country House murder mystery
Murder, Mystery and a dog, and cat, of distinction
Book 13 of the Heathcliff Lennox series
‘A duel?’ Swift was incredulous. ‘Two men fighting a duel in this day and age?’
‘Yes, Swift,’ I replied, trying to get a word in. ‘And Lady Bancroft has asked us for help.’
'We’re not private investigators for hire, Lennox, we’re professional consultants to Scotland Yard,’ he reminded me tersely.
‘Which is why I telephoned Scotland Yard this morning and asked Billings what he thought,’ I replied with as much patience as I could muster.
The line went quiet for a moment, nothing but crackles and hisses as he absorbed that piece of news. ‘Billings wouldn’t support any attempt to absolve a murderer,’ he said at last.
‘No, and he isn’t. He just wants us to investigate,’ I told him. I’d have told him that already if he’d actually taken the time to listen.
1924 Valentine's Day.
One man lies dead, the other shot and badly injured. Why they chose to fight a duel on a cold and frosty morning is a mystery.
Every Valentine 's day, Lady Bancroft holds a ball at Bancroft Hall for a handpicked list of high societies' most eligible men and women.
It was always a great success, and many a happy couple bestowed grateful gifts on their kind hostess – thus enabling Lady Bancroft to continue living in her beautiful Cotswolds mansion in genteel comfort.
Until the duel.
Now everything lies in jeopardy. All Lady Bancroft could think of was to call her distant neighbour, the handsome, ex war hero, Major Heathcliff Lennox. He'd rather go fishing actually, but there was a murder, and he'd agreed to become a consultant to Scotland Yard, under pressure from ex detective Inspector Swift. Uncovering the murderer is hardly a challenge, the man's injured and lying in bed at Bancroft Hall. But then there's another murder, and it all becomes very complicated...
Meanwhile, Lennox's wife, Persi, an archeologist, is handed a mystery of her own. The Valentine's Murder is not the only mystery at Bancroft Hall, there was the centuries old mystery of the lost Lady of Lisle.
In 1415 Sir Edward Parcival Bancroft joined King Henry the fifth's retinue to wage war in France. Edward distinguished himself at Agincourt and was ennobled for his bravery and valour.
King Henry returned in triumph to London. Lord Edward Bancroft rode south, exploring a country he'd become enchanted with. He reached Lisle, and fell in love with the daughter of the local Seignour, Lady Madeleine de Lisle. They married and one year later, he escorted her home to Bancroft Hall. For six months they appeared happy and content. Then one fine summer's day, Lady Madeleine walked out of the house and vanished, never to be seen or heard of again.
Unless Persi, and Swift's wife, Florence can find her, or at least, uncover what happened to her...
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.
Book 13 of the Heathcliff Lennox series
‘A duel?’ Swift was incredulous. ‘Two men fighting a duel in this day and age?’
‘Yes, Swift,’ I replied, trying to get a word in. ‘And Lady Bancroft has asked us for help.’
'We’re not private investigators for hire, Lennox, we’re professional consultants to Scotland Yard,’ he reminded me tersely.
‘Which is why I telephoned Scotland Yard this morning and asked Billings what he thought,’ I replied with as much patience as I could muster.
The line went quiet for a moment, nothing but crackles and hisses as he absorbed that piece of news. ‘Billings wouldn’t support any attempt to absolve a murderer,’ he said at last.
‘No, and he isn’t. He just wants us to investigate,’ I told him. I’d have told him that already if he’d actually taken the time to listen.
1924 Valentine's Day.
One man lies dead, the other shot and badly injured. Why they chose to fight a duel on a cold and frosty morning is a mystery.
Every Valentine 's day, Lady Bancroft holds a ball at Bancroft Hall for a handpicked list of high societies' most eligible men and women.
It was always a great success, and many a happy couple bestowed grateful gifts on their kind hostess – thus enabling Lady Bancroft to continue living in her beautiful Cotswolds mansion in genteel comfort.
Until the duel.
Now everything lies in jeopardy. All Lady Bancroft could think of was to call her distant neighbour, the handsome, ex war hero, Major Heathcliff Lennox. He'd rather go fishing actually, but there was a murder, and he'd agreed to become a consultant to Scotland Yard, under pressure from ex detective Inspector Swift. Uncovering the murderer is hardly a challenge, the man's injured and lying in bed at Bancroft Hall. But then there's another murder, and it all becomes very complicated...
Meanwhile, Lennox's wife, Persi, an archeologist, is handed a mystery of her own. The Valentine's Murder is not the only mystery at Bancroft Hall, there was the centuries old mystery of the lost Lady of Lisle.
In 1415 Sir Edward Parcival Bancroft joined King Henry the fifth's retinue to wage war in France. Edward distinguished himself at Agincourt and was ennobled for his bravery and valour.
King Henry returned in triumph to London. Lord Edward Bancroft rode south, exploring a country he'd become enchanted with. He reached Lisle, and fell in love with the daughter of the local Seignour, Lady Madeleine de Lisle. They married and one year later, he escorted her home to Bancroft Hall. For six months they appeared happy and content. Then one fine summer's day, Lady Madeleine walked out of the house and vanished, never to be seen or heard of again.
Unless Persi, and Swift's wife, Florence can find her, or at least, uncover what happened to her...
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.
320 pages, Paperback
Published December 16, 2024
428 people are currently reading
160 people want to read
About the author
Karen Baugh Menuhin
45 books807 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 68 reviews
October 1, 2025
This is the thirteenth book from the Lennox library I have managed to read. I find them entertaining.
Books by this author are some of the better entries available through Kindle Unlimited in the murder category. Wit and charm are to be found.
Kindle Unlimited
Books by this author are some of the better entries available through Kindle Unlimited in the murder category. Wit and charm are to be found.
Kindle Unlimited
April 27, 2025
1924 Every Valentine Day Lady Rose Bancroft of Bancroft Hall holds a house party and ball. This year there was a duel resulting in one dead and the other injured. Major Lennox and Inspector Swift are called in by Scotland Yard to investigate.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery withits likeable main characters. Another good addition to this very enjoyable series.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery withits likeable main characters. Another good addition to this very enjoyable series.
February 8, 2025
Do yourself a favor, read everything Karen Baugh Menuhen writes!
Each book in this series is a gift. It's difficult to be objective when I've come to see these characters as dear friends and blessed to be included in their unfolding story.
This mystery was intriguing from beginning to end. The cast of characters consist of Swift's "contemptable toffs", an endearing household staff, two charming, aging romantics, and three bodies that throw a halt to much celebrated Valentine's affair. An involved story that certainly kept my interest and curiosity until all resolved. Highly recommend!
Each book in this series is a gift. It's difficult to be objective when I've come to see these characters as dear friends and blessed to be included in their unfolding story.
This mystery was intriguing from beginning to end. The cast of characters consist of Swift's "contemptable toffs", an endearing household staff, two charming, aging romantics, and three bodies that throw a halt to much celebrated Valentine's affair. An involved story that certainly kept my interest and curiosity until all resolved. Highly recommend!
December 25, 2024
While I enjoyed catching up with the characters I have become so fond of, I found this 13th plot tedious and ultimately quite dissatisfying. I am hoping for a better one next time. So many of these continuing series run out of steam, so to speak...I'll keep my fingers crossed because I was such a super fan in the early days.
January 28, 2025
Mixed review- lots of characters to keep track of and once again seemed to be just Swift and Lennox plodding along with questions but never really solving on their own. But I enjoy the interaction of the familiar characters and some funny dialogue and great personalities.
December 30, 2024
Major Heathcliff Lennox is a retired RAF pilot. He and a friend, Inspector Swift, now investigate on behalf of Scotland Yard. They have been successful and solved cases.
Lennox has been asked to go to a nearby estate to investigate a death. Two men fought a duel and one of them has died.
It seems like a simple investigation. But things are not always as they seem.
This is a group of young people who are at the estate to meet possible future mates. All of them are from "good" families. Some of them are quite wealthy but some of them must work to make a living
The longer Lennox is there, the more things become much more difficult.to understand.
A straight forward death becomes 3 deaths. And there is nothing straight forward about anything.
I have loved this series. The plots are always interesting and the characters are complete people.
This story is no different. The plot held my interest and things moved at a good fast pace.
But this time there were too many characters and the names seemed to run together. It was hard to remember who people were and what the relationships were. Which young women were sleeping with which young men and why?. How much wealth was enough to become a motive for murder?
I enjoyed this book. I always do enjoy these books. But, I found myself rereading pages in order to remind me who was who and what was what.
Lennox is a hero who is intelligent. He loves his wife, his dog and his friend, Swift. He also loves a good mystery. So do I.
Lennox has been asked to go to a nearby estate to investigate a death. Two men fought a duel and one of them has died.
It seems like a simple investigation. But things are not always as they seem.
This is a group of young people who are at the estate to meet possible future mates. All of them are from "good" families. Some of them are quite wealthy but some of them must work to make a living
The longer Lennox is there, the more things become much more difficult.to understand.
A straight forward death becomes 3 deaths. And there is nothing straight forward about anything.
I have loved this series. The plots are always interesting and the characters are complete people.
This story is no different. The plot held my interest and things moved at a good fast pace.
But this time there were too many characters and the names seemed to run together. It was hard to remember who people were and what the relationships were. Which young women were sleeping with which young men and why?. How much wealth was enough to become a motive for murder?
I enjoyed this book. I always do enjoy these books. But, I found myself rereading pages in order to remind me who was who and what was what.
Lennox is a hero who is intelligent. He loves his wife, his dog and his friend, Swift. He also loves a good mystery. So do I.
December 31, 2024
Fun. Fast. Reader friendly. Have read all her books!
Am now as familiar with her characters ax if they were neighbors interesting enough to keep up with more than just a card at Christmas!
Love the Lennoxes, the Swifts, Greggs, Tommy (would love more about him and The Cook, his Aunt!!!), Foggy and Tubbs...
This book had so many characters I was often lost in the shuffle And I think I "got" most of what happened and who was guilty of what by the end...just a bit convoluted...
The characters are funny, engaving, likable and some loveable. The plots are generally fine with many details to lead one to TBE correct conclusions.
I think the mention of food and drink so often in the stories...especially for Heath cliff the bottomless pt, has led to my gaining much weight over the years! That just has to stop...
Now a huge, but not really surprise for Persi and Lennox will keep me reading as long as the books last or I do!
I really do love all of Ms. Karen,'ebooks and look forward to the next one in both series...
Am now as familiar with her characters ax if they were neighbors interesting enough to keep up with more than just a card at Christmas!
Love the Lennoxes, the Swifts, Greggs, Tommy (would love more about him and The Cook, his Aunt!!!), Foggy and Tubbs...
This book had so many characters I was often lost in the shuffle And I think I "got" most of what happened and who was guilty of what by the end...just a bit convoluted...
The characters are funny, engaving, likable and some loveable. The plots are generally fine with many details to lead one to TBE correct conclusions.
I think the mention of food and drink so often in the stories...especially for Heath cliff the bottomless pt, has led to my gaining much weight over the years! That just has to stop...
Now a huge, but not really surprise for Persi and Lennox will keep me reading as long as the books last or I do!
I really do love all of Ms. Karen,'ebooks and look forward to the next one in both series...
April 22, 2025
Karen's books never disappoint. They are well written in a wonderful world that she has created over the last dozen books. The plot was quite complicated and there were a lot of characters to keep track of, but Lennox's musings constantly reminded us of who they all were and as long as you were paying attention, it was fairly easy to keep track of them. I love golden age mysteries and read quite a few, more often than not I can figure out whodunit fairly early, but these books are different and it wasn't until Lennox revealed the killer that I finally got it. There was a nice little historical side plot that Persi and Florence were figuring out in the background. PCs Fossett and Kimble were there for comedic light relief along with some other side characters and of course Foggy and Tubbs.
October 5, 2025
The Cotswolds, England, February 1924. Every Valentine's day, Lady Bancroft holds a ball at Bancroft Hall for an elite group of eligible men and women. This year's gathering features a tragic event when two of the guests are shot in a duel. One of the men dies instantly, while the other is only wounded, but later that night, he is shot again and killed. Old Lady Bancroft asks her old friend Heathcliff Lennox to come and investigate and bring his lovely wife Persi. Lennox and Scotland Yard investigator Swift must unravel the tangled relationships of the murder victims as well as the weekend guests. Meanwhile, Persi and Swift's wife Florence try to make sense of an old tapestry that may solve a mystery from eons ago.
June 1, 2025
1924, the Cotswold’s. Lady Bancroft fancies herself as a matchmaker and every year holds a Saint Valentine’s day ball at her remote country estate. The invitees, many of them rich and beautiful, titled and entitled, come looking for romance. However, this year the ball ends with two of them shot in a duel. Major Heathcliff Lennox and his partner Inspector Swift come in as consultants to Scotland Yard. With them are Lennox’s wife, archaeologist Persephone, as well as a dog and a cat. There is an additional mystery at Bancroft Hall and I was delighted that it was solved with the help of threads. Narrated in the first person which, paradoxically, gives Lennox a rather understated role.
June 8, 2025
Another enjoyable Heathcliffe Lennox book where he and Swift investigate a death after a duel has taken place at Bancroft Hall. The place is full of eligible types who congregate there for the St Valentine’s Ball in the hope of finding the love of their lives or at least someone they can get along with. It’s obvious who shot whom but, as is often the case, other deaths follow.
Lennox’s wife Persi and Swift’s wife Florence are also at the hall. Having heard of a strange story tied to an old tapestry they try to work it out using the symbolism sewn there.
We have Greggs, Mr Fogg and Tubbs, Constable Fosset and a new local recruit in the shape of Constable Kibble who spends his time putting his foot in it.
Great fun and a twisty mystery.
Lennox’s wife Persi and Swift’s wife Florence are also at the hall. Having heard of a strange story tied to an old tapestry they try to work it out using the symbolism sewn there.
We have Greggs, Mr Fogg and Tubbs, Constable Fosset and a new local recruit in the shape of Constable Kibble who spends his time putting his foot in it.
Great fun and a twisty mystery.
July 10, 2025
Saint Valentine’s Day Murder
An intriguing mystery that turns into a murder investigation, combined with a four hundred year old mystery. Karen Baugh Menuhin weaves a complex whodunnit around Lady Rose Bancroft’s St Valentine’s Day celebration which is held as a matchmaking event annually. Charming, very British and set amongst Britain’s upper class society during the nineteen twenties. It also explores the changes happening between the two World Wars, the greater liberation of women and includes the gradual modernisation and freedoms after the Victorian era of patriarchal domination.
An intriguing mystery that turns into a murder investigation, combined with a four hundred year old mystery. Karen Baugh Menuhin weaves a complex whodunnit around Lady Rose Bancroft’s St Valentine’s Day celebration which is held as a matchmaking event annually. Charming, very British and set amongst Britain’s upper class society during the nineteen twenties. It also explores the changes happening between the two World Wars, the greater liberation of women and includes the gradual modernisation and freedoms after the Victorian era of patriarchal domination.
February 19, 2025
Entertaining mystery listening 🤔😘
This kindle ebook novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 13 of 14. Next release 10/25.
Lennox and wife travel to the scene of a death with a local constable. One man is dead another wounded. The investigation becomes a murder case when the wounded man is murdered along with another man. Swift and Lennox uncover the truth leading to a happy ending 😄.
I would recommend this series and author to readers of romantic family and friends relationship adventure mystery British novels 💏 2025 😏😉
This kindle ebook novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 13 of 14. Next release 10/25.
Lennox and wife travel to the scene of a death with a local constable. One man is dead another wounded. The investigation becomes a murder case when the wounded man is murdered along with another man. Swift and Lennox uncover the truth leading to a happy ending 😄.
I would recommend this series and author to readers of romantic family and friends relationship adventure mystery British novels 💏 2025 😏😉
February 14, 2025
More people need to know about this author. Part of the Lennox series, which takes place in the 1920s, this installment has Swift, Lennox and crew trying to solve a murder in a duel gone badly. A cast of characters is gathered at an estate where everyone is a suspect, some are truly nasty characters and Foggy the Spaniel and Tubbs the chunky cat are also in attendance. A truly delightful read.
September 20, 2025
The Tapestry
This story left me with a smile on my face and a softness in my heart. Not for the murder, mayhem and treachery but for the personal. Lennox figured it out again. The story seemed confusing and jumbled at times but with Lennox and his
analytical thinking process, he was able to expose the murderer. Perci and Florence along with Edna found the correct ending to the mysterious story of the missing Lady Madeline. Very good!
This story left me with a smile on my face and a softness in my heart. Not for the murder, mayhem and treachery but for the personal. Lennox figured it out again. The story seemed confusing and jumbled at times but with Lennox and his
analytical thinking process, he was able to expose the murderer. Perci and Florence along with Edna found the correct ending to the mysterious story of the missing Lady Madeline. Very good!
October 1, 2025
Everyone Lies and Our Heroes Get Very Little Help
Lots and lots of suspects who all lie to Lennox and Swift and Fosset and pet the pets. An aristocratic set of matchmakers bring together a group of people who have all slept around and have their own agendas. Our boys are a little slow on the uptake and more murder ensues. I wish Menuhin had a better comic touch but I do like her characters.
Lots and lots of suspects who all lie to Lennox and Swift and Fosset and pet the pets. An aristocratic set of matchmakers bring together a group of people who have all slept around and have their own agendas. Our boys are a little slow on the uptake and more murder ensues. I wish Menuhin had a better comic touch but I do like her characters.
October 29, 2025
Book 13 in this series. They never are boring. There is always touches of humor and lots of complications abound. I love the main characters, and there were many "suspects" to entertain as possible murderers. In the end though, Lennox and Swift solve the murders, while Persi and Florence are able to shed light on a very old mystery. Well done. Now I have to get the next book to read. Please keep them coming!
December 24, 2024
SO GOOD!!!
Ok first, that this wonderful author would have a book released on December 20th! When there is SO much to do for the holiday…but you can’t put it down!!! So you bake cookies and read, you wrap presents and read, etc until you FINALLY FINISH!!!! Wow this one was the best yet, but I am pretty sure I said that about the last one!!!!
Ok first, that this wonderful author would have a book released on December 20th! When there is SO much to do for the holiday…but you can’t put it down!!! So you bake cookies and read, you wrap presents and read, etc until you FINALLY FINISH!!!! Wow this one was the best yet, but I am pretty sure I said that about the last one!!!!
January 14, 2025
Saint Valentine's Day Murder
I have read and loved all of Karen Baugh Menuhin's books. This book had more characters than usual so I had to go back and review who was who a couple of times. But the story was intriguing and I very much enjoyed it. And loved the ending for Lennox and Persi! And, as usual, an waiting for the next in the series.
I have read and loved all of Karen Baugh Menuhin's books. This book had more characters than usual so I had to go back and review who was who a couple of times. But the story was intriguing and I very much enjoyed it. And loved the ending for Lennox and Persi! And, as usual, an waiting for the next in the series.
January 28, 2025
Lennox & Swift never disappoint. There is always a solid plot, but the characters are the fun. You can't put the book down for want of knowing what they will do next. Fog & Tubs as always steal the show. Bottom line: This series is fun to read and the mystery or mysteries keep you on your toes. Ready for #14!
January 30, 2025
Another excellent read
This cosy series never fails to keep you guessing to the last. The reader feels part of this extended family - characters, 4 legged friends and even the cakes and treats make you feel at home - love the idea of crumpets with brandy butter! Keep them coming - the stories and the crumpets!
This cosy series never fails to keep you guessing to the last. The reader feels part of this extended family - characters, 4 legged friends and even the cakes and treats make you feel at home - love the idea of crumpets with brandy butter! Keep them coming - the stories and the crumpets!
July 2, 2025
A marvelous addition to the series
I absolutely love this series. Karen Menuhin is top shelf storyteller. All her books are real gems. I put off doing any obligatory housework today so I could spend several hours finishing this book. (Plus today is my birthday, so I feel entitled!)
I absolutely love this series. Karen Menuhin is top shelf storyteller. All her books are real gems. I put off doing any obligatory housework today so I could spend several hours finishing this book. (Plus today is my birthday, so I feel entitled!)
January 3, 2025
Enjoyed every minute of this read. So many characters but focused mainly on Lennox. Love that character!! (and his butler) Love the surprise endings of Karen's stories. I'm always guessing and very seldom right on "who done it". Looking for ward to the visit to Swift's in Scotland!!!!
January 21, 2025
Great read
I really like all the main characters. It was very nice to have Persi and Florence in the story and the story of the List Lady. Very entertaining and well researched. Thank you.
I really like all the main characters. It was very nice to have Persi and Florence in the story and the story of the List Lady. Very entertaining and well researched. Thank you.
February 17, 2025
Love Lennox and Crew
I always look forward to Lennox and compny's next adventure into the world of the toffs. Getting a glimpse of the historical settings is always fun, and following the clues to solve the murders is always fascina
ting.
I always look forward to Lennox and compny's next adventure into the world of the toffs. Getting a glimpse of the historical settings is always fun, and following the clues to solve the murders is always fascina
ting.
February 23, 2025
Wonderful intriguing cozy mystery
Lovely, descriptive details, interesting characters, impossible to figure out mystery, which keeps me going till the very end. The infuriating socially clueless detective who figures it all out in his inimitable way. I love this series.
Lovely, descriptive details, interesting characters, impossible to figure out mystery, which keeps me going till the very end. The infuriating socially clueless detective who figures it all out in his inimitable way. I love this series.
March 1, 2025
Great
I do so enjoy Heathcliff Lennox Investigates. This one was really good, it had so many characters and all so different from one another. And now a baby! I have difficulties seeing Lennox with a baby but he will probably be a great Father, a fun one at least.
I do so enjoy Heathcliff Lennox Investigates. This one was really good, it had so many characters and all so different from one another. And now a baby! I have difficulties seeing Lennox with a baby but he will probably be a great Father, a fun one at least.
March 2, 2025
Heathcliff Solves Another Murder!
I love these Heathcliff Lenox books. They are so well written that I always feel less me I'm in the story watching it unfold. I was totally surprised who the culprit was in Saint Valentine's Day Muder!
I love these Heathcliff Lenox books. They are so well written that I always feel less me I'm in the story watching it unfold. I was totally surprised who the culprit was in Saint Valentine's Day Muder!
March 18, 2025
Valentine’s Day Hate
Another Heathcliff Lennox story with the entire crew joining him before the end. As usual, evil villains against the mostly good. Enjoy the historic period. Fun read.
Another Heathcliff Lennox story with the entire crew joining him before the end. As usual, evil villains against the mostly good. Enjoy the historic period. Fun read.
March 31, 2025
Saint Valentine's Day Murder.
Another enjoyable read from this entertaining series. Looking forward to the next release. I think it is available on pre-order, for release in October.
Another enjoyable read from this entertaining series. Looking forward to the next release. I think it is available on pre-order, for release in October.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews