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Stella and Lyndy Mystery #7
Murder at Cottonwood Creek
Far from England and their beloved Morrington Hall, Viscount “Lyndy” Lyndhurst and his American wife, heiress and equestrian Stella Kendrick—now Lady Lyndhurst—find fossils and murder in Montana . . .
Led by his passion for paleontology, Lyndy’s father, Lord Atherly, has traveled all the way to Montana, to explore the fossil-rich horse ranch owned by Stella’s mother, Katherine, and her second husband, Ned Smith. Urged by Lady Atherly to look after her husband, Stella and Lyndy follow in his wake. Stella is excited to be reunited with her mother, and Lyndy is eager to experience the real “Wild West.” Both are equally thrilled to participate in a fossil dig.
But when a local man who was guarding the dig site overnight is found the next morning dead in a creek bed, the couple fear his death may not have been an accident—especially when things get wilder still. The paleontologist on the dig has his notebook stolen, several fossil bones disappear, and a second body is found in the research tent.
No one is above suspicion—a rival paleontologist up to some skullduggery, members of their own crew, even Lord Atherly himself. Stella and Lyndy must keep digging to unearth the clues that will expose a killer in their midst—before more bones must be buried . . .
Led by his passion for paleontology, Lyndy’s father, Lord Atherly, has traveled all the way to Montana, to explore the fossil-rich horse ranch owned by Stella’s mother, Katherine, and her second husband, Ned Smith. Urged by Lady Atherly to look after her husband, Stella and Lyndy follow in his wake. Stella is excited to be reunited with her mother, and Lyndy is eager to experience the real “Wild West.” Both are equally thrilled to participate in a fossil dig.
But when a local man who was guarding the dig site overnight is found the next morning dead in a creek bed, the couple fear his death may not have been an accident—especially when things get wilder still. The paleontologist on the dig has his notebook stolen, several fossil bones disappear, and a second body is found in the research tent.
No one is above suspicion—a rival paleontologist up to some skullduggery, members of their own crew, even Lord Atherly himself. Stella and Lyndy must keep digging to unearth the clues that will expose a killer in their midst—before more bones must be buried . . .
305 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 25, 2025
37 people are currently reading
3426 people want to read
About the author
Clara McKenna
12 books477 followersClara McKenna is a USA TODAY bestselling author of historical cozy mysteries. The Stella & Lyndy Mystery series involves an unlikely couple who mix love, murder, and horseracing in Edwardian England. The Hattie Davish Mystery series follows a 19th century secretary who solves crime in every historical town she visits.
Clara is a member of Sisters in Crime and the founding member of Sleuths in Time, a cooperative group of historical mystery writers who encourage and promote each other's work.
An avid teacup collector and self-proclaimed anglophile with an incurable case of wanderlust, Clara enjoys afternoon tea from her prized collection and travels every chance she gets, the UK being a favorite destination. When she can't get to the UK, she's happy to write about it from her home in the Upper Midwest.
To learn more, and subscribe to her monthly newsletter, visit her online at www.claramckenna.com
Clara is a member of Sisters in Crime and the founding member of Sleuths in Time, a cooperative group of historical mystery writers who encourage and promote each other's work.
An avid teacup collector and self-proclaimed anglophile with an incurable case of wanderlust, Clara enjoys afternoon tea from her prized collection and travels every chance she gets, the UK being a favorite destination. When she can't get to the UK, she's happy to write about it from her home in the Upper Midwest.
To learn more, and subscribe to her monthly newsletter, visit her online at www.claramckenna.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
November 14, 2025
Stella and Lyndy are visiting her mama and family on their Montana ranch after settling Stella's father's estate in Kentucky. Lyndy's father, Lord Atherly, and his professor friend are already on the ranch working a dig searching for fossilized horse bones. But someone keeps disturbing the camp with suspicious deaths, upheaval in the tents, stolen fossils and more. A competitive paleontologist camping on the adjoining ranch seems like a suspect. Or an annoying journalist. Who and why are the questions. As Stella enjoys time with her mama, something is off with the ranch so she and Lyndy look for answers. I was surprised by the answers. Lyndy and his father are enjoying the old west. Great addition to the series.
November 2, 2025
Stella and Lyndy have traveled to Montana to visit Stella's mother and to reconnect with Lord Atherly who is hunting for fossils on the horse ranch owned by Katherine and her husband Ned Smith.
Lyndy, who is fan of dime novels, is eager to see cowboys and buffalo and is a little disappointed that those days are gone. But he makes do by taking part in ranch activities and his father's fossil dig.
There are problems. The local man who was guarding the site at nights and working as an assistant by day is found dead. The death looks suspicious to Stella and the local sheriff, but the coroner who is the local banker convinces the inquest board that it was an accident.
When a younger paleontologist also dies in a suspicious way, Stella is convinced that he was also murdered. Determining who caused his death uncovers a variety of suspects. A reporter eager (or desperate) to send fascinating stories back East for his paper and an unscrupulous rival paleontologist lead the field of suspects. But there is also a man running a scam of selling his horses and then claiming they were stolen who could also be in the mix.
This episode of the Stella and Lyndy mysteries is filled with danger and action, but they find their way to the solution of the mystery in this mystery set in 1906 Montana.
Lyndy, who is fan of dime novels, is eager to see cowboys and buffalo and is a little disappointed that those days are gone. But he makes do by taking part in ranch activities and his father's fossil dig.
There are problems. The local man who was guarding the site at nights and working as an assistant by day is found dead. The death looks suspicious to Stella and the local sheriff, but the coroner who is the local banker convinces the inquest board that it was an accident.
When a younger paleontologist also dies in a suspicious way, Stella is convinced that he was also murdered. Determining who caused his death uncovers a variety of suspects. A reporter eager (or desperate) to send fascinating stories back East for his paper and an unscrupulous rival paleontologist lead the field of suspects. But there is also a man running a scam of selling his horses and then claiming they were stolen who could also be in the mix.
This episode of the Stella and Lyndy mysteries is filled with danger and action, but they find their way to the solution of the mystery in this mystery set in 1906 Montana.
November 14, 2025
Stella and Lyndy in America! It feels a little strange saying a book about murder was fun, but here it is. This was fun!
Lyndy's fossil-obsessed father left the series previously to dig for fossils in Montana. Our sleuthing couple travels to see him and Stella's mother after settling the estate of Stella's father in Kentucky. They bring some horses with them, as they won't put them in the same danger Stella's horses were in when they made the cross-Atlantic voyage in the first book. So we get to see both of our characters reunited with their parents.
As you'd expect, fossil-hunting is competitive and there are some unseemly people involved in it. It's no surprise that our murdered characters are connected to the dig. Stella's skills as an astute observer are on display here as she notices the small details that eventually lead to the villain being discovered. Along the way, there are some interesting moments in which Lyndy realizes how unimportant he is in a county that doesn't acknowledge titles. We also see some sweet moments between Stella and her mother, who she didn't know as a child.
Lyndy's character development over the course of this series has been a very interesting secondary storyline. In addition, the couple is feeling pressure to grow their family and produce an heir.
Lyndy's fossil-obsessed father left the series previously to dig for fossils in Montana. Our sleuthing couple travels to see him and Stella's mother after settling the estate of Stella's father in Kentucky. They bring some horses with them, as they won't put them in the same danger Stella's horses were in when they made the cross-Atlantic voyage in the first book. So we get to see both of our characters reunited with their parents.
As you'd expect, fossil-hunting is competitive and there are some unseemly people involved in it. It's no surprise that our murdered characters are connected to the dig. Stella's skills as an astute observer are on display here as she notices the small details that eventually lead to the villain being discovered. Along the way, there are some interesting moments in which Lyndy realizes how unimportant he is in a county that doesn't acknowledge titles. We also see some sweet moments between Stella and her mother, who she didn't know as a child.
Lyndy's character development over the course of this series has been a very interesting secondary storyline. In addition, the couple is feeling pressure to grow their family and produce an heir.
November 27, 2025
After the events in Scotland, Stella and Lyndy are in America to wrap up her father’s business and the horse farm in Kentucky before traveling to Montana to get to know her mother’s second family and spend some time with the earl fossil hunting, but the west is wild in more ways than one and they are roped into another mystery.
Clara McKenna’s Stella and Lyndy series have reached the seventh installment and I anticipated this moment when the situation would reverse and Lyndy would be the one trying to adjust to a whole different social world.
Stella is excited to spend more time with her mother, yet privately anxious that her mother really does welcome her and wants to spend time with her. She and Lyndy try to ignore the pressure they are feeling to produce the heir as they enjoy the time on her step-father’s Montana cattle ranch and the dig camp where Lyndy’s father and his paleontologist partner are searching for prehistoric horse fossils.
Instead of a relaxing time on the ranch, they discover that someone has it in for the fossil camp, stolen artifacts and research notes, running off the horses, dead guard who may have been murdered, and a rival appearing nearby. Secret undercurrents are going on at the ranch, as well. The sheriff and the coroner are political rivals so their investigation has its obstacles.
Murder at Cottonwood Creek had a lot of brands in the fire, so to speak, with lots of plot threads that may or may not have anything to do with the central mystery which took a while to come together. I had the hardest time focusing as a result of the way the story darted here and there. I was into all the threads and wanted to follow up on them though I had a suspicion of who and what was behind the darker events and I was right.
Mostly, I enjoyed getting Lyndy’s perspective as he was first startled and then had to adjust to how things are on the other side of the pond. His title was fascinating to the westerners, but didn’t cut any ice with them forcing him to learn what it was like to be sized up for his abilities and personality and not his title. I also enjoyed seeing Stella get time with her mom and get to know her half-brother. There was also the fun of reading about an area of the west I have visited a few times including exploring the fossil landmarks.
All in all, Murder at Cottonwood Creek was another entertaining installment in the series and fun to see them far from their usual setting.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on 11.19.25.
Clara McKenna’s Stella and Lyndy series have reached the seventh installment and I anticipated this moment when the situation would reverse and Lyndy would be the one trying to adjust to a whole different social world.
Stella is excited to spend more time with her mother, yet privately anxious that her mother really does welcome her and wants to spend time with her. She and Lyndy try to ignore the pressure they are feeling to produce the heir as they enjoy the time on her step-father’s Montana cattle ranch and the dig camp where Lyndy’s father and his paleontologist partner are searching for prehistoric horse fossils.
Instead of a relaxing time on the ranch, they discover that someone has it in for the fossil camp, stolen artifacts and research notes, running off the horses, dead guard who may have been murdered, and a rival appearing nearby. Secret undercurrents are going on at the ranch, as well. The sheriff and the coroner are political rivals so their investigation has its obstacles.
Murder at Cottonwood Creek had a lot of brands in the fire, so to speak, with lots of plot threads that may or may not have anything to do with the central mystery which took a while to come together. I had the hardest time focusing as a result of the way the story darted here and there. I was into all the threads and wanted to follow up on them though I had a suspicion of who and what was behind the darker events and I was right.
Mostly, I enjoyed getting Lyndy’s perspective as he was first startled and then had to adjust to how things are on the other side of the pond. His title was fascinating to the westerners, but didn’t cut any ice with them forcing him to learn what it was like to be sized up for his abilities and personality and not his title. I also enjoyed seeing Stella get time with her mom and get to know her half-brother. There was also the fun of reading about an area of the west I have visited a few times including exploring the fossil landmarks.
All in all, Murder at Cottonwood Creek was another entertaining installment in the series and fun to see them far from their usual setting.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on 11.19.25.
September 2, 2025
A truly solid mystery, with a bad guy and a resolution I did not see coming. Experiencing the wilds of 1906 North America, I love that Lyndy realizes just how difficult the culture shock must have been for Stella arriving in England six books ago. He’s definitely had the most character growth throughout the series. Can’t wait for more! Thanks to Kensington for the ARC.
December 10, 2025
Really fun and interesting [make sure you check out the author's note at the end!] outing with Stella and Lyndy, including a rather large cast of side characters this time around, including Stella's Mama and Lyndy's father.
They are all in Montana, at Stella's mother's ranch, digging up fossils, Lord Lyndhurst's absolutely most favorite thing in the world to be involved in. Naturally, a murder happens and everything just kind of goes awry after that [theft. plagiarism, and some seriously hinky behavior to begin with].
While I really DID enjoy this book, I guessed the killer V E R Y early on and was sad about that [I even had some of the why, but not all of it,so there is that]. There were also moments that really irritated me [Mama calling Stella "Sweet Pea" repeatedly; it really gave off Cal Huxley vibes {IYKYK} and was really annoying after the first 10 times] and I had really focus on the story as a whole during those times.
Overall, this was a great adventure, a lovely addition to a great series, and I am very much looking forward to the next one. This is absolutely in my top five of favorite historical mystery series and I highly recommend it.
Thank you to NetGalley, Clara McKenna, and Kensington Publishing/Kensington for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
They are all in Montana, at Stella's mother's ranch, digging up fossils, Lord Lyndhurst's absolutely most favorite thing in the world to be involved in. Naturally, a murder happens and everything just kind of goes awry after that [theft. plagiarism, and some seriously hinky behavior to begin with].
While I really DID enjoy this book, I guessed the killer V E R Y early on and was sad about that [I even had some of the why, but not all of it,so there is that]. There were also moments that really irritated me [Mama calling Stella "Sweet Pea" repeatedly; it really gave off Cal Huxley vibes {IYKYK} and was really annoying after the first 10 times] and I had really focus on the story as a whole during those times.
Overall, this was a great adventure, a lovely addition to a great series, and I am very much looking forward to the next one. This is absolutely in my top five of favorite historical mystery series and I highly recommend it.
Thank you to NetGalley, Clara McKenna, and Kensington Publishing/Kensington for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 3, 2025
I was so happy to get an ARC of this book. This has become one of my favorite historical mystery series because it’s different from all the others that I have read.
I loved seeing more interaction between Stella and her mother. Lord A had me grinning with some of his antics and his love of archeology and paleontology. But Lyndy stole the show with his excitement for what he wanted to see in the Wild West even if it didn’t quite meet his expectations.
Overall, this was an excellent addition to the series and I can’t wait to find out what is in store for Stella and Lyndy next!
I loved seeing more interaction between Stella and her mother. Lord A had me grinning with some of his antics and his love of archeology and paleontology. But Lyndy stole the show with his excitement for what he wanted to see in the Wild West even if it didn’t quite meet his expectations.
Overall, this was an excellent addition to the series and I can’t wait to find out what is in store for Stella and Lyndy next!
November 19, 2025
Led by his passion for palaeontology, Lyndy’s father, Lord Atherly, has travelled all the way to Montana, to explore the fossil-rich horse ranch owned by Stella’s mother, Katherine, and her second husband, Ned Smith. Urged by Lady Atherly to look after her husband, Stella and Lyndy follow in his wake. Stella is excited to be reunited with her mother, and Lyndy is eager to experience the real “Wild West.” Both are equally thrilled to participate in a fossil dig. But when a local man who was guarding the dig site overnight is found the next morning dead in a creek bed, the couple fear his death may not have been an accident.
The seventh outing for Lyndy & Stella & we find them in the “Wild West”, another well written, entertaining murder mystery. I loved Lyndy & Stella & this was a very good addition to the series. There’s danger, action, twists & turns as well as Stella reconnecting with her Mother
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
The seventh outing for Lyndy & Stella & we find them in the “Wild West”, another well written, entertaining murder mystery. I loved Lyndy & Stella & this was a very good addition to the series. There’s danger, action, twists & turns as well as Stella reconnecting with her Mother
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
November 22, 2025
I’m always ready to reconnect with Stella and Lyndy. And if her mother-in-law isn’t there, all the better. It was fun for Lyndy to be the fish out of water for once. Usually we see Stella the one forced to adapt. I hope their relationship has a deeper focus and more page time in the next installment.
Uneven pacing with many red herrings and a rushed wrap-up make this good not great. Best for fans of the series more than for newcomers, but easy enough to jump in. I’m eager for the next book.
I received an arc from NetGalley
Uneven pacing with many red herrings and a rushed wrap-up make this good not great. Best for fans of the series more than for newcomers, but easy enough to jump in. I’m eager for the next book.
I received an arc from NetGalley
December 5, 2025
Oooh I am so happy for Stella to be able to spend time with her mother. She has been through so much with her awful father and this is a reunion that made my heart swell. It was a LOT of fun to see the uber British Lyndy and his father so out of their element in Montana. And yet, they sought out the familiar and did a great job acclimating. Though I don't know how this poor couple even travels anymore with all the drama in their wake. I was totally baffled by this mystery and felt so worried it was going to be someone I liked. There were lots of twists and unraveled plots; more than meets the eye at first. I love Lyndy and Stella together so much and enjoyed seeing how strong and brave Stella is! I learned a lot about Montana at the time and bit and pieces of archeology. I love this series.
Thanks to the publisher for an ARC; my thoughts and review are my own.
Thanks to the publisher for an ARC; my thoughts and review are my own.
November 28, 2025
Another delightfully charming Stella & Lyndy mystery! This fabulous sleuthing couple continues to keep me on my toes with their latest whodunit. Murder at Cottonwood Creek takes Viscount “Lyndy” Lyndhurst & Stella, his American heiress wife to Montana as they join Lord Atherly in a fossil hunting expedition. But, Stella’s & Lyndy’s life wouldn’t be complete without a murder investigation, so when one of the workers guarding the dig site is found dead, their mystery solving skills are put to the test. Full of romance, humor, historical nuggets, & intrigue, this cozy historical mystery kept me eagerly turning the pages.
Lord Atherly, Lyndy’s father, loves paleontology, which leads him to the wilds of Montana in search of fossils abundantly present on Stella’s mother’s horse ranch. Lyndy’s mother is not too keen on the idea & sends Stella & Lyndy to Montana to keep an eye on him. Not only are they thrilled to participate in a fossil dig, but Stella’s excited to reconnect with her mother & Lyndy can’t wait to learn all about the “Wild West.” All seems to be going well until one of the crewmen is found dead. But, was it a horrible accident or was he murdered? With fossils disappearing, a professor’s stolen notebook, & attempts on Lord Atherly’s life, it’s up to Stella & Lyndy to solve the mystery of the cursed fossil dig before it’s too late.
I loved returning with Stella & Lyndy for another exciting mystery. This couple is so much fun! Lyndy’s very much the typical English Lord who little by little is becoming more adventurous & patient. While getting used to the relaxed, informal ways of America, he finds enjoyment in a slower pace & learning how to lasso. Stella’s been under tremendous pressure to produce an heir & I enjoyed seeing her able to relax & escape her mother-in-law’s constant expectations.
The mystery kept me guessing! Stella’s got a true knack for solving mysteries & this one really stretches her with multiple suspects including her father-in-law. It’s an intriguing whodunit with several motivations. Loved the setting & historical fossil hunting tidbits woven in.
Highly recommend! I received an advanced copy from the publisher with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are completely my own & provided voluntarily.
CW: Closed door romance with insinuation of married relations, few Biblical swears, innuendo, mild violence.
Lord Atherly, Lyndy’s father, loves paleontology, which leads him to the wilds of Montana in search of fossils abundantly present on Stella’s mother’s horse ranch. Lyndy’s mother is not too keen on the idea & sends Stella & Lyndy to Montana to keep an eye on him. Not only are they thrilled to participate in a fossil dig, but Stella’s excited to reconnect with her mother & Lyndy can’t wait to learn all about the “Wild West.” All seems to be going well until one of the crewmen is found dead. But, was it a horrible accident or was he murdered? With fossils disappearing, a professor’s stolen notebook, & attempts on Lord Atherly’s life, it’s up to Stella & Lyndy to solve the mystery of the cursed fossil dig before it’s too late.
I loved returning with Stella & Lyndy for another exciting mystery. This couple is so much fun! Lyndy’s very much the typical English Lord who little by little is becoming more adventurous & patient. While getting used to the relaxed, informal ways of America, he finds enjoyment in a slower pace & learning how to lasso. Stella’s been under tremendous pressure to produce an heir & I enjoyed seeing her able to relax & escape her mother-in-law’s constant expectations.
The mystery kept me guessing! Stella’s got a true knack for solving mysteries & this one really stretches her with multiple suspects including her father-in-law. It’s an intriguing whodunit with several motivations. Loved the setting & historical fossil hunting tidbits woven in.
Highly recommend! I received an advanced copy from the publisher with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are completely my own & provided voluntarily.
CW: Closed door romance with insinuation of married relations, few Biblical swears, innuendo, mild violence.
August 7, 2025
I enjoyed this so much. Historical mystery is one of my favourite genres but books in this genre are usually so expensive on Kindle so I'm always grateful when I receive the opportunity to try a new series through NetGalley.
I'd never read any books in the series but I didn't feel lost in the least and a quick look at the synopsis of the book filled me in on the relationships between the main characters. Stella and Lyndy visit Montana where Lyndy's father is indulging in his passion for paleontology on Stella's mother's ranch when a series of murders stop them in their tracks.
I loved the paleontology parts - Lord Atherly focuses on extinct horse species, which I found fascinating (I ended up looking this up and it was quite interesting) and, prior to this, I don't think I'd realised paleontology wasn't only about the study of whole animals who'd disappeared but could also look into specific breeds of animals which are still very much around, like horses. Everyone in this book is obsessed with horses and I love them too so that was a treat.
I also absolutely loved reading about the differences between England and the US at the turn of the century. Lyndy's an English lord and Stella, his wife, an American heiress, and it's the first time (in seven books) that he realises just how much of a culture shock England must have been for her when they married for he experiences it himself here when visiting America for the first time. Seeing Lyndy acclimate to America's casualness, obsession with money and vast expanses of land was entertaining.
This is also a book about broken families and how to mend them - Stella's mother left her when she was very young and yet Stella does her utmost to create a healthy and lasting relationship with her mum, which I found very touching. I loved Stella as a heroine so much.
The mystery was fine but I was more impressed with the interpersonal relationships and the backdrop of American desert. I'd really like to read more of the books in the series one day, I loved spending time with these characters.
My endless thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this ARC!
I'd never read any books in the series but I didn't feel lost in the least and a quick look at the synopsis of the book filled me in on the relationships between the main characters. Stella and Lyndy visit Montana where Lyndy's father is indulging in his passion for paleontology on Stella's mother's ranch when a series of murders stop them in their tracks.
I loved the paleontology parts - Lord Atherly focuses on extinct horse species, which I found fascinating (I ended up looking this up and it was quite interesting) and, prior to this, I don't think I'd realised paleontology wasn't only about the study of whole animals who'd disappeared but could also look into specific breeds of animals which are still very much around, like horses. Everyone in this book is obsessed with horses and I love them too so that was a treat.
I also absolutely loved reading about the differences between England and the US at the turn of the century. Lyndy's an English lord and Stella, his wife, an American heiress, and it's the first time (in seven books) that he realises just how much of a culture shock England must have been for her when they married for he experiences it himself here when visiting America for the first time. Seeing Lyndy acclimate to America's casualness, obsession with money and vast expanses of land was entertaining.
This is also a book about broken families and how to mend them - Stella's mother left her when she was very young and yet Stella does her utmost to create a healthy and lasting relationship with her mum, which I found very touching. I loved Stella as a heroine so much.
The mystery was fine but I was more impressed with the interpersonal relationships and the backdrop of American desert. I'd really like to read more of the books in the series one day, I loved spending time with these characters.
My endless thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this ARC!
September 26, 2025
American heiress Stella Kendrick and her husband, Viscount “Lyndy” Lyndhurst, follow Lyndy’s father from England all the way to the ranchland of Montana where Lord Atherly is digging for ancient horse fossils on land owned by Stella’s mother. They’ve only just arrived at Katherine’s ranch, and already there are problems. First, Lord Atherly goes missing. Then a local man who was hired to help at the dig site is found dead in a nearby creek. The lead paleontologist’s notebook is stolen from the research tent along with several fossils. Another member of the team dies under questionable circumstances. A rival paleontologist, who has a track record of stealing other scientists’ research and their glory, sets up a dig on a neighboring ranch. And then Lord Atherly goes missing again. When it becomes clear that the local coroner is determined to shut down the sheriff’s investigation and declares both deaths as accidents, Stella and Lyndy take it upon themselves to conduct their own inquiry. Not only is Lord Atherly’s dig in danger of being shut down, but Katherine’s ranch is gaining a bad reputation in their corner of Wyoming.
I initially requested MURDER AT COTTONWOOD CREEK on NetGalley because I was intrigued by an historical mystery novel set on an archaeological dig site in the American West. Before reading MURDER AT COTTONWOOD CREEK, I binge read the first six books in the Stella and Lyndy Mystery series. I’m glad I did, because I got to see the progression of Stella’s and Lyndy’s relationship and knew all the backstory going into MURDER AT COTTONWOOD CREEK. I also feel like I would not have enjoyed this book as much had I not read the other books. While I still enjoyed this book, it is not my favorite in the series. The first three quarters of the book were drawn out and followed several storylines, and the final few chapters felt rushed as all the different plots were brought together. Neither of the murder victims were all that interesting—with the second victim being thoroughly unpleasant to the point that it was almost understandable why someone would want to kill him. It was fun seeing Lyndy and his father out of their very proper British world. They were both thrown out of their comfort zone. Lyndy adapted well and even embraced the cowboy life. Lord Atherly embraced the rough and rustic lifestyle of an archaeologist and seemed to be thoroughly himself at the dig site. Stella, who has been stifled by the expectations of her upper-class British in-laws, was finally able to stop worrying so much about appearances and reputation. She finally got to be herself. I’m looking forward to Stella’s and Lyndy’s next adventure.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
I initially requested MURDER AT COTTONWOOD CREEK on NetGalley because I was intrigued by an historical mystery novel set on an archaeological dig site in the American West. Before reading MURDER AT COTTONWOOD CREEK, I binge read the first six books in the Stella and Lyndy Mystery series. I’m glad I did, because I got to see the progression of Stella’s and Lyndy’s relationship and knew all the backstory going into MURDER AT COTTONWOOD CREEK. I also feel like I would not have enjoyed this book as much had I not read the other books. While I still enjoyed this book, it is not my favorite in the series. The first three quarters of the book were drawn out and followed several storylines, and the final few chapters felt rushed as all the different plots were brought together. Neither of the murder victims were all that interesting—with the second victim being thoroughly unpleasant to the point that it was almost understandable why someone would want to kill him. It was fun seeing Lyndy and his father out of their very proper British world. They were both thrown out of their comfort zone. Lyndy adapted well and even embraced the cowboy life. Lord Atherly embraced the rough and rustic lifestyle of an archaeologist and seemed to be thoroughly himself at the dig site. Stella, who has been stifled by the expectations of her upper-class British in-laws, was finally able to stop worrying so much about appearances and reputation. She finally got to be herself. I’m looking forward to Stella’s and Lyndy’s next adventure.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
November 27, 2025
5/5 stars: This is McKenna's seventh entry in the Stella and Lyndy Mystery series which is a Historical Mystery set in Montana, 1906. Featuring an equestrian and heiress from Kentucky and her British viscount husband who travel to Montana to explore her mother's horse ranch with her father-in-law, who's searching for extinct horse fossils, only to find herself turning sleuth after a couple murders, the theft of a paleontologist's notebook and the disappearance of several fossil bones. No one's above suspicion – a rival paleontologist, members of their own crew and even her own father-in-law. She'll have to keep digging to unearth the clues that will expose a killer in their midst – before more bones must be buried.
With plenty of twists and turns, McKenna has masterfully crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects and weaves in plenty of clues and red herrings that will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Told in multiple POVs, McKenna's smart and witty writing and character work are stellar; the main characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable with a secondary cast that are well crafted and uniquely voiced. The historical research McKenna's done is evident and well done without overshadowing the overall mystery plot and providing a sense of time and place perfectly.
McKenna touches on some sensitive subjects, so take care and the CWs. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, Murder at Morrington Hall.
I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing | Kensington in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.
With plenty of twists and turns, McKenna has masterfully crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects and weaves in plenty of clues and red herrings that will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Told in multiple POVs, McKenna's smart and witty writing and character work are stellar; the main characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable with a secondary cast that are well crafted and uniquely voiced. The historical research McKenna's done is evident and well done without overshadowing the overall mystery plot and providing a sense of time and place perfectly.
McKenna touches on some sensitive subjects, so take care and the CWs. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, Murder at Morrington Hall.
I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing | Kensington in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.
November 5, 2025
**My thanks to Kensington Publishing for providing me with an advanced review copy via NetGalley**
3.5 stars
As with most cosies, though this was the seventh installment of a series I was able to jump right in with no prior knowledge of the prior titles in the series.
I loved this Montana mystery! I’ve read some nonfiction books on the bone wars and the Victorian-era paleontological craze, and reading a mystery set in that milieu was oodles of fun. English aristocrat Lyndy and his American heiress wife Stella trek out to Montana to visit Stella’s recently un-estranged mother and Lyndy’s fossil-maniac father at a dig site on Stella’s mother’s ranch. Unfortunately, the exciting fossil dig is interrupted by suspicious deaths, and Stella and Lyndy must crack the case in order to keep the dig operating and the ranch’s reputation intact.
I was expecting hijinks and cowboy fun, which I received in spades, but I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the emotional family dynamics of this book. Stella is deeply affected by reuniting with her mother, who she spent much of her life without, and the way she turns to and responds to her mother over the course of the novel made me want to call my own mom and tell her I love her. Lyndy also comes to understand and appreciate his father in this new setting, removed from their usual class privileges—though watching Lyndy struggle to adjust to American customs is very funny.
The ending wasn’t my favorite, as things were resolved and wrapped up a little more neatly than felt plausible, but the atmosphere and characters were such a joy to spend time with that I don’t hold that too much against the book as a whole.
I will definitely be picking up the backlist for this series and plan to continue reading Lyndy and Stella’s adventures as new installments are published.
3.5 stars
As with most cosies, though this was the seventh installment of a series I was able to jump right in with no prior knowledge of the prior titles in the series.
I loved this Montana mystery! I’ve read some nonfiction books on the bone wars and the Victorian-era paleontological craze, and reading a mystery set in that milieu was oodles of fun. English aristocrat Lyndy and his American heiress wife Stella trek out to Montana to visit Stella’s recently un-estranged mother and Lyndy’s fossil-maniac father at a dig site on Stella’s mother’s ranch. Unfortunately, the exciting fossil dig is interrupted by suspicious deaths, and Stella and Lyndy must crack the case in order to keep the dig operating and the ranch’s reputation intact.
I was expecting hijinks and cowboy fun, which I received in spades, but I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the emotional family dynamics of this book. Stella is deeply affected by reuniting with her mother, who she spent much of her life without, and the way she turns to and responds to her mother over the course of the novel made me want to call my own mom and tell her I love her. Lyndy also comes to understand and appreciate his father in this new setting, removed from their usual class privileges—though watching Lyndy struggle to adjust to American customs is very funny.
The ending wasn’t my favorite, as things were resolved and wrapped up a little more neatly than felt plausible, but the atmosphere and characters were such a joy to spend time with that I don’t hold that too much against the book as a whole.
I will definitely be picking up the backlist for this series and plan to continue reading Lyndy and Stella’s adventures as new installments are published.
November 22, 2025
Murder at Cottonwood Creek by Clara McKenna sees Stella and Lyndy in Montana, visiting Stella’s mother and her family: her husband, Ned and their son, Junior. It was on their ranch that Lyndy’s father, Lord Atherly, was participating in a dig that he had financed (with Stella’s dowry). They found that Junior was an entertaining and intelligent young man and the small village constructed to house the members of the expedition was far more organized than Stella would have expected. Her father-in-law was sleeping in a tent! Things seemed to be progressing nicely with several interesting discoveries already in pocket. Then, the night watchman died under mysterious circumstances. Stella and Lyndy, as well as the sheriff, thought it was murder; the coroner thought it was an accident. And so, it was an accident.
Stella and Lyndy are an endearing pair and it is fun to watch Lyndy assimilate into this less formal society. He has learned to rope and has purchased boots; he eats in the kitchen with the help; and he does manual labor. He loves it all. Then, there is another frightening murder and the surrey discovered to have been maimed by person or persons unknown and Lord Atherly was not only hurt, but spent the night rough, along with the paleontologist, Amos Gridley. This entire thing is totally out of character for Stella and Lyndy and the setting is glorious: no Lady Atherly. The mystery is solved, not happily, and Stella and Lyndy step up to help her mother’s family. It is a delightful change from the buttoned-up life they live in England and Lord and Lady Lyndhurst. It is another delight tale.
I was invited to read Murder at Cottonwood Creek by Kensington Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #KensingtonPublishing #ClaracKenna #MurderAtCottonwoodCreek
Stella and Lyndy are an endearing pair and it is fun to watch Lyndy assimilate into this less formal society. He has learned to rope and has purchased boots; he eats in the kitchen with the help; and he does manual labor. He loves it all. Then, there is another frightening murder and the surrey discovered to have been maimed by person or persons unknown and Lord Atherly was not only hurt, but spent the night rough, along with the paleontologist, Amos Gridley. This entire thing is totally out of character for Stella and Lyndy and the setting is glorious: no Lady Atherly. The mystery is solved, not happily, and Stella and Lyndy step up to help her mother’s family. It is a delightful change from the buttoned-up life they live in England and Lord and Lady Lyndhurst. It is another delight tale.
I was invited to read Murder at Cottonwood Creek by Kensington Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #KensingtonPublishing #ClaracKenna #MurderAtCottonwoodCreek
December 3, 2025
Do you prefer standalones or series? I enjoy both, but always love when I find a new series to enjoy like the Stella and Lyndy Mystery series.
British Lyndy, Viscount Lyndhurst, and his American wife Stella, Lady Lyndhurst, have traveled to Montana to visit Lyndy’s father, Lord Atherly, who is working on a paleontology dig on the horse ranch of Stella’s mother and stepfather. Soon after their arrival, a death amongst the dig team occurs and things spiral after that. Will Stella and Lyndy be able to solve this mystery?
My thoughts on this novel:
• This is the seventh book in the series. It can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading this delightful series.
• This is a cozy mystery.
• I’ve always found paleontology fascinating, and I loved the setting of this story in 1906 Montana during the search for fossils.
• Stella and Lyndy are a great couple. It was fun with this new setting in America to have Lyndy out of his element in this book rather than Stella in England.
• There were a lot of red herrings in this mystery, and I was surprised by the ending.
• I enjoyed that Stella got to enjoy time with her mother and getting to know her. Stella was raised by her father and didn’t really know her mother.
• It was also nice that Lyndy’s abrasive mom was not in America, but she still put the pressure on to have a child from afar.
• This was a fun read.
• Interesting author’s note on the end with tidbits and sources on the real history during this time period.
Overall, Murder at Cottonwood Creek by Clara McKenna was a fun cozy historical mystery with great characters.
Book Source: Thank-you to author Clara McKenna for a review copy of this novel.
This review was first posted on my blog at: https://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2025...
British Lyndy, Viscount Lyndhurst, and his American wife Stella, Lady Lyndhurst, have traveled to Montana to visit Lyndy’s father, Lord Atherly, who is working on a paleontology dig on the horse ranch of Stella’s mother and stepfather. Soon after their arrival, a death amongst the dig team occurs and things spiral after that. Will Stella and Lyndy be able to solve this mystery?
My thoughts on this novel:
• This is the seventh book in the series. It can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading this delightful series.
• This is a cozy mystery.
• I’ve always found paleontology fascinating, and I loved the setting of this story in 1906 Montana during the search for fossils.
• Stella and Lyndy are a great couple. It was fun with this new setting in America to have Lyndy out of his element in this book rather than Stella in England.
• There were a lot of red herrings in this mystery, and I was surprised by the ending.
• I enjoyed that Stella got to enjoy time with her mother and getting to know her. Stella was raised by her father and didn’t really know her mother.
• It was also nice that Lyndy’s abrasive mom was not in America, but she still put the pressure on to have a child from afar.
• This was a fun read.
• Interesting author’s note on the end with tidbits and sources on the real history during this time period.
Overall, Murder at Cottonwood Creek by Clara McKenna was a fun cozy historical mystery with great characters.
Book Source: Thank-you to author Clara McKenna for a review copy of this novel.
This review was first posted on my blog at: https://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2025...
November 25, 2025
I have not read any of the Stella and Lyndy Mystery books and starting with Murder at Cottonwood Creek, the seventh book, may not have been ideal. However, it sure was an exciting story !!! I realize there are things that "went over my head' because there is a lot of history going back six books but quite frankly it doesn't matter. I still fell in love with it all.
In Murder at Cottonwood Creek main characters Stella and her husband are traveling to Montana to bring some horses to Stella's mother's ranch. While there besides visiting with her mother, her mother's husband, and their son (Stella's brother who she hasn't met), they will be seeing Lyndy's father who is there on a paleontologist dig.
Unfortunately, soon after they arrive a local man helping at the dig site is found dead. Stella doesn't believe that the man was just drunk and fell down the embankment to his death even though the coroner is ruling it an accident. Sadly, Stella has had too much experience with dead bodies and death to ignore things.
While she tries to wrap her head around that, there are more incidents, accidents and questionable things that suggest something bigger is occurring .....
Murder at Cottonwood Creek, like I said is the seventh book in the Stella and Lyndy Mystery series written by Clara McKenna and if you are like me and just hearing about it, I hope you will take the time to go back and read the previous books. If not, I hope you will follow the series and read any future books. I know that is my plan going forward. This book was full of exciting storylines, lovable characters and moved at a nice pace so that you are able to thoroughly enjoy it all .... although I guess the pace is up to you.
In Murder at Cottonwood Creek main characters Stella and her husband are traveling to Montana to bring some horses to Stella's mother's ranch. While there besides visiting with her mother, her mother's husband, and their son (Stella's brother who she hasn't met), they will be seeing Lyndy's father who is there on a paleontologist dig.
Unfortunately, soon after they arrive a local man helping at the dig site is found dead. Stella doesn't believe that the man was just drunk and fell down the embankment to his death even though the coroner is ruling it an accident. Sadly, Stella has had too much experience with dead bodies and death to ignore things.
While she tries to wrap her head around that, there are more incidents, accidents and questionable things that suggest something bigger is occurring .....
Murder at Cottonwood Creek, like I said is the seventh book in the Stella and Lyndy Mystery series written by Clara McKenna and if you are like me and just hearing about it, I hope you will take the time to go back and read the previous books. If not, I hope you will follow the series and read any future books. I know that is my plan going forward. This book was full of exciting storylines, lovable characters and moved at a nice pace so that you are able to thoroughly enjoy it all .... although I guess the pace is up to you.
November 20, 2025
3.5/5 stars
This was a change of pace/venue for this series as it took place for the first time in America (Montana to be exact).
As a very brief overview, while visiting Stella's mother and her family on their ranch and joining Lyndy's father and his associates at his paleontology digs, thefts and deaths begin to mount up. Were the deaths accidents or something more nefarious?
I've always enjoyed this series. While not in my top 10, it's fun and in Stella has a heroine that is cheer worthy. But I'll be honest, this particular book was a bit hard for me to get into. The pacing felt off with some very slow portions and a speeded-up denouement/ending. And as a personal aside, the English diction of the Americans just grated on me. Maybe it was just that I had grown used to the "proper" English usage from previous books, but the terms/slang used in this one was a bit distracting at times. I also didn't feel the amount of emotional involvement that I've felt with past books. Yes, Stella is happy to reconnect with her mother, but I didn't feel the emotional impact of that that I was expecting. I guess I wanted to feel more of an impact with the reuniting and more page time between the two.
So overall, it was a decent installment for the series, but not one of my favorites because of a couple of caveats.
My thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing / Kensington for providing the free early arc of Murder at Cottonwood Creek for review. The opinions are strictly my own.
This was a change of pace/venue for this series as it took place for the first time in America (Montana to be exact).
As a very brief overview, while visiting Stella's mother and her family on their ranch and joining Lyndy's father and his associates at his paleontology digs, thefts and deaths begin to mount up. Were the deaths accidents or something more nefarious?
I've always enjoyed this series. While not in my top 10, it's fun and in Stella has a heroine that is cheer worthy. But I'll be honest, this particular book was a bit hard for me to get into. The pacing felt off with some very slow portions and a speeded-up denouement/ending. And as a personal aside, the English diction of the Americans just grated on me. Maybe it was just that I had grown used to the "proper" English usage from previous books, but the terms/slang used in this one was a bit distracting at times. I also didn't feel the amount of emotional involvement that I've felt with past books. Yes, Stella is happy to reconnect with her mother, but I didn't feel the emotional impact of that that I was expecting. I guess I wanted to feel more of an impact with the reuniting and more page time between the two.
So overall, it was a decent installment for the series, but not one of my favorites because of a couple of caveats.
My thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing / Kensington for providing the free early arc of Murder at Cottonwood Creek for review. The opinions are strictly my own.
December 11, 2025
In "Murder at Cottonwood Creek," the seventh book in Clara McKenna's Stella and Lyndy Mystery series, our adventurous couple journeys to America to settle Stella's father's estate in Kentucky and reconnect with her mother's family in Montana. Initially expecting a peaceful visit, they quickly become embroiled in a gripping mystery involving stolen artifacts, murder, and fierce rivalries. The narrative delves into Lyndy’s adjustment to a more casual American lifestyle while gaining insightful and context into Stella's transition to her new life in Britain.
This intriguing story also features Lord Atherly, whose passion for paleontology takes him to Montana, where Stella and Lyndy assist him at a fossil dig on Stella’s mother’s ranch. Stella’s evolving relationship with her mother is also explored, along with the challenges they face on the ranch and at a fossil dig site. As excitement builds around the excavation and Lyndy’s growing interest in the American West, things take a dark turn when a crew member is found dead under suspicious circumstances.
I thoroughly enjoyed this thrilling installment. This captivating mystery kept me guessing, especially with its array of suspects, and the vivid setting alongside archeological elements were standout features. I highly recommend this book to lovers of historical mysteries, and I look forward to the next book in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
This intriguing story also features Lord Atherly, whose passion for paleontology takes him to Montana, where Stella and Lyndy assist him at a fossil dig on Stella’s mother’s ranch. Stella’s evolving relationship with her mother is also explored, along with the challenges they face on the ranch and at a fossil dig site. As excitement builds around the excavation and Lyndy’s growing interest in the American West, things take a dark turn when a crew member is found dead under suspicious circumstances.
I thoroughly enjoyed this thrilling installment. This captivating mystery kept me guessing, especially with its array of suspects, and the vivid setting alongside archeological elements were standout features. I highly recommend this book to lovers of historical mysteries, and I look forward to the next book in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
November 21, 2025
Stella and Lyndy are in Montana visiting Stella’s mother and the dig site where Lyndy’s father is spending the summer of 1906 looking for fossils. Not too long after the couple arrives, the night watchman for the dig dies. While the local coroner is quick to rule it an accident, Stella thinks there might be more to it. If she is right, how can Lyndy and Stella prove it?
It was natural that Stella and Lyndy would wind up in the US at some point instead of England, where the earlier books were set. This different setting allowed us to see a different side of Lyndy. Between that and the continuation of character arcs from earlier in the series, I liked the character growth we got. Sadly, many of the regulars didn’t make the trip, and I did miss them. The new characters, while good suspects, weren’t the same. The mystery is a bit uneven, partially because it tries to do a bit too much. I did have one issue that I didn’t feel was resolved, but overall, I was satisfied with the ending. While this may not be the best book to jump into the series with, it is one that fans will still enjoy.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
It was natural that Stella and Lyndy would wind up in the US at some point instead of England, where the earlier books were set. This different setting allowed us to see a different side of Lyndy. Between that and the continuation of character arcs from earlier in the series, I liked the character growth we got. Sadly, many of the regulars didn’t make the trip, and I did miss them. The new characters, while good suspects, weren’t the same. The mystery is a bit uneven, partially because it tries to do a bit too much. I did have one issue that I didn’t feel was resolved, but overall, I was satisfied with the ending. While this may not be the best book to jump into the series with, it is one that fans will still enjoy.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
September 20, 2025
Thanks to Kensington Publishers and Clara McKenna for an ARC of this book. My opinions are my own.
I've followed the Stella and Lyndy books from the first when Stella arrived in England with her thoroughly unlikable father as an unwitting American dollar princess to marry a cash strapped Viscount. Murder at Cottonwood Creek is the 7th installment in the series.
Stella and Lyndy have traveled from England to Kentucky to settle her late father's estate and have continued on to Montana to visit Stella's mother and keep tabs on Lyndy's father, Lord Atherly a paleontologist who is financing a dig nearby. When a member of the dig team is found dead, all sorts of questions arise, drawing Stella, then Lyndy into the mystery and toward a suspect that could have serious ramifications for Stella and her mother.
All the Stella and Lyndy books are cozy mysteries, but are complex enough to keep you hooked from beginning to end. Each book is stand-alone, but if read in order the reader can appreciate the evolution of their relationship.
Available November 25.
I've followed the Stella and Lyndy books from the first when Stella arrived in England with her thoroughly unlikable father as an unwitting American dollar princess to marry a cash strapped Viscount. Murder at Cottonwood Creek is the 7th installment in the series.
Stella and Lyndy have traveled from England to Kentucky to settle her late father's estate and have continued on to Montana to visit Stella's mother and keep tabs on Lyndy's father, Lord Atherly a paleontologist who is financing a dig nearby. When a member of the dig team is found dead, all sorts of questions arise, drawing Stella, then Lyndy into the mystery and toward a suspect that could have serious ramifications for Stella and her mother.
All the Stella and Lyndy books are cozy mysteries, but are complex enough to keep you hooked from beginning to end. Each book is stand-alone, but if read in order the reader can appreciate the evolution of their relationship.
Available November 25.
September 24, 2025
Murder at Cottonwood Creek is the latest Stella and Lyndy mystery by Clara McKenna. This time the setting is rural Montana instead of England and it’s Lyndy’s turn to feel out of place in truly unfamiliar territory. I enjoyed the change of setting in this book and it was fun to get to know some of Stella’s family better. I also enjoyed reading about the early days of paleontology in a wild west setting. The mystery was complicated and it took a while to figure out who the criminal was. My only complaint about this book is that the last few chapters felt incredibly rushed and things were just too easily tied up in a neat little bow. With the murderer being who it was, I think the repercussions would have been far reaching for many characters and that they wouldn’t have been back to “normal” a few minutes after learning that this person committed the crime. That being said, it was still a very enjoyable book and I look forward to more adventures for Stella and Lyndy.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book. All opinions are my own.
November 19, 2025
Stella and Lindy have arrived in Montana to visit Stella's Mom. Lindy's Dad is working on a fossil dig on part of the ranch belonging to Stella's Mom and her new husband Ned. Stella and Lyndy had settled her father's estate in Kentucky before coming to Montana. When they arrive, it's just been announced that Lord Atherly is missing. They go to the Camp site, and Lord Atherly is back at the site. The next day when Stella and Lindy go to the site, they find no one is there and all the horses are missing. They call the Sheriff who comes with the Coroner. This dig site is beginning to seem like a death trap. In addition, research notebooks and items they have found seem to disappear, and they begin to think the paleontologist working about two miles away may be sneaking into their site. Also, It appears there is a persistant horse thief. The question is whether all the family and the paleontologist will live to the end of the book.
I thank Netgalley and Kensington books for the ARC so I could read the book before publication. This was a fun cozy mystery.
I thank Netgalley and Kensington books for the ARC so I could read the book before publication. This was a fun cozy mystery.
November 26, 2025
3 1/2 stars. An enjoyable addition to the Stella and Lyndy historical mystery. This time they have left England to visit Stella's mother and her family on a ranch in Montana which is where Lord Atherly is enjoying himself on a paleontological dig. But things aren't quite as serene as Stella and Lyndy would have thought. The man standing guard on the dig site at night is found dead. Accident or murder? And some things from the site are missing. Then another body is found. Stella and Lyndy will have to work hard to dig up the truth before the bones uncovered are their own or their loved ones...
A solid mystery. I didn't guess who the culprit was until the end. It was very enjoyable to see Lyndy and his father very much out of their element of the British aristocracy in the informal Wild West. Lyndy has come a long way since the first book and really realizes in this one how much his wife had to overcome being shuttled over to Britain to marry.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
A solid mystery. I didn't guess who the culprit was until the end. It was very enjoyable to see Lyndy and his father very much out of their element of the British aristocracy in the informal Wild West. Lyndy has come a long way since the first book and really realizes in this one how much his wife had to overcome being shuttled over to Britain to marry.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
November 19, 2025
Murder at Cottonwood Creek is my first foray into the world of Stella and Lyndy. I’ve been wanting to read this series for a long time, so I’m grateful I finally got to because I really enjoyed this book! Since it’s a later book in the series, you will find out a bit of what happens in prior books. It’s definitely enough to catch you up, but if you’re planning on reading them all, you should know that. I quickly got attached to the characters, and I loved the Montana setting. I’ve never been, but the author paints that “big sky country” picture very well. I loved Lyndy’s dad and his obsession with fossil hunting. There is a lot of humor in this cozy mystery along with the cozy feel of camaraderie of friends and family. I had fun trying to solve the mysteries along with the characters. Plenty of characters could be the “bad guy,” so you’ve got to pay close attention! This won’t be my last visit with Stella and Lyndy! I’m excited to see what they get up to next. I highly recommend this for cozy mystery fans!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
December 27, 2025
Stella and Lyndy are visiting Stella’s mother’s ranch in Montana, where Lord Atherly, Lyndys father is on a mission to find fossils of a long extinct horse. It is rough country, and Lyndy who is used to deference due to his aristocratic status, finds that none of the people who he works with is cowed or bothered by whom he is.
Undercurrents exist on the site and amongst all those involved, but when one murder is followed by another, and the suspects all seem to have alibis Stella finds herself in a quandary. Limitations because of her being female also plays a role. On top of it all the coroner who seems to be the most powerful man in the area, over rides the verdict of murder and declares death by accident. His appointed jury follows him and though the Sheriff disagrees, he is not willing to go against the most powerful man in Cottonwood Creek.
The setting in Montana, the era, the ranching lifestyle and the lack of pretension are all highlighted in this story.
Undercurrents exist on the site and amongst all those involved, but when one murder is followed by another, and the suspects all seem to have alibis Stella finds herself in a quandary. Limitations because of her being female also plays a role. On top of it all the coroner who seems to be the most powerful man in the area, over rides the verdict of murder and declares death by accident. His appointed jury follows him and though the Sheriff disagrees, he is not willing to go against the most powerful man in Cottonwood Creek.
The setting in Montana, the era, the ranching lifestyle and the lack of pretension are all highlighted in this story.
November 27, 2025
this series is great, loved this book it was fun to read another lynley and Stella mystery. this reverses things now it's Lord Lynley that is the fish out of water now, set in Texas this is his wife territory, they are visiting her mother and her new family while also checking on his father who is in Texas on a dig, they find intrigue, murder and theft. Lynley's view of Texas is spot on funny as he sees what his wife experience in her trip to London was like when she met his family. this could easily be a masterpiece theater series or even a series on Britbox I would definitely watch it. this series is a must read that keeps getting better. I got an Arc of this book and still preorderd it just to make sure that if I loaned it out I would still have a copy. Read this book, won't be disappointed
December 4, 2025
Another wonderfully written Stella and Lyndy mystery. I’ve grown to love these two so much, and every addition to their story immediately goes to the top of my TBR list. This particular story, which takes place in the beautiful state of Montana, was a beautiful new setting for the couple. I sincerely enjoyed the cowboy references right alongside the archaeological set up, and the addition of Stella’s mother and Stella’s desire to once more build the broken relationship between them really added something personal this time, and of course the mystery added just the right amount of curiosity and flow in this particular setting. Likewise Stella and Lindy’s evolving personalities and relationship are always a highlight, and I love each scene where they are together, be it solving the case or just enjoying one another’s company. Can’t wait to see where the couple head off to next!
November 15, 2025
Stella and Lindy are finally on Stella's home ground-Montana. They've come to visit her mother Katherine and to keep half and eye on his father, who is looking for fossils of horses on Katherine's ranch. It's all very nice (and Lindy is excited to see the West) until a paleontologist is murdered. Fans of the series (and know that this will be fine as a standalone) know that Stella and Lindy will spin into action to find the villain. This pair works well together as they deal with complex mysteries. I like that their banter never gets silly and that their affection for one another is always apparent. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. No spoilers from me. For fans and for those who enjoy historical cozys.
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