The Murder of Viscount Montcrief: Heathcliff Lennox Investigates: A Cotswolds Country House murder mystery

Heathcliff Lennox #15

by Karen Baugh Menuhin

The Murder of Viscount Montcrief
Murder, mystery and a dog of distinction.
Heathcliff Lennox investigates.
Viscount Montcrief was a man of wealth, refinement—and secrets. A recluse by nature, he lived in seclusion behind the iron gates of Montcrief House, a palatial estate renowned for its opulence and exquisite painted ceilings. Few were ever admitted, and those who entered were bound to silence.
But in the spring of 1924, the Viscount developed a curious obsession with plays broadcast over the wireless. When he invited a troupe of actors—seven players and their director—to perform a private drama within his grand drawing room, the staff raised their eyebrows. When he was discovered the next morning, brutally murdered, they raised the alarm.
With a house full of servants, a retinue of gardeners, and eight guests with dramatic inclinations, there is no shortage of suspects. But who among them turned a performance into a killing? And what was it the Viscount truly hoped to hear that night?
A mystery of masks and motives, The Murder of Viscount Montcrief is a tale of performance, masquerade and deadly pretence.
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.

Genres: Mystery, Historical, Historical Fiction, Humor, Historical Mystery, Cozy

235 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 26, 2025

About the author

1920's, Cozy crime, Traditional Detectives, Downton Abbey - I love them!
Along with my family, my dog and my cat.
At 60 I decided to write, I don't know why but suddenly the stories came pouring out, along with the characters. Eccentric Uncles, stalwart butlers, idiosyncratic servants, machinating Countesses, Fogg the dog and the hapless Major Heathcliff Lennox.
Suddenly a whole world built itself upon the page and I just followed along.

Reviews

[Norma Rightler · Rating 5 out of 5]

love this series

I am never disappointed in the Lenox series. I also get all the books on Audible.com, even after I read them. Wish they came out faster on audible. Please don’t stop doing the Lenox series. So many authors start doing other books.

[Mark Lucas-Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Murder of Viscount Montcrief.

A clever and apparently convoluted whodunnit and why they did that seems like the plot of a gothic mystery. The clues are there but not always obvious. A delightful and engrossing story.

[Lawrence FitzGerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Per usual, good prose, good characterization, good world building, very good story (mystery), no theme. So much fun to read, 5-stars.

An isolated country house, a theatrical company, the mysterious murder of the reclusive Viscount Montcrief, many twists and turns, Lennox solves the case at his characteristic summation gathering.

I have read them all and will continue until the author quits writing them or I die. (I am getting old, so it may be a close race.)

[Diane Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best one yet!!!

Karen’s use of descriptive language and character development left me riveted to the end! She is a master at plot twists and discovery.

[Deborah Biner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful!

This is my favorite book of the series because the plot is fascinating, the characters are so vividly drawn, the picture of the property is so carefully described that I can see it in my mind's eye and it all fits together beautifully. I love the way that Swift, Florence, Persi and Heathcliff interact, like old friends, comfortable with each other, used to working together, trying out theories on each other and relaxing together when they finish their work.

Foggy and Mr. Tubbs are lively additions to the proceedings and lighten the atmosphere. The digs and the other activities mentioned round out the stories and make the picture of their lives more intricate and complete. Greggs is a delight, sometimes foolish, but always treated with respect and love. Persi is a very modern woman for the time, but is still warm, caring and loving.

[Charlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Cotswolds, England, May 1924. The reclusive Viscount Montcrief hasn't been seen outside his opulent mansion in decades. Recently, the Viscount developed a curious obsession with plays broadcast over the wireless, and he invited a troupe of actors to perform for him at his palatial estate. He was discovered the next morning, murdered and laid out in a curiously macabre fashion, and Lennox and Swift are assigned by Scotland Yard to investigate. It is soon discovered that the Viscount isn't who he was purported to be, and then another murder occurs. Lennox and Swift, along with always enthusiastic Greggs and faithful pup Mr. Fogg, must untangle this mess and separate fact from fiction.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another clever country house murder mystery featuring Major Heathcliff Lennox and the usual companions, off to solve another complex mystery involving the British upper class between the two world wars. I did not suspect the solution to the mystery. The only thing that bothered me was the last page or two, where Heathcliff and his pregnant wife Persi talk about the impending birth of their child, and Persi makes Heathcliff promise to tell their child about her if something happens to her. I hope the author doesn’t plan to kill Persi off, as she is a delightful character. Looking forward to the next installment early next year.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series continues to shine thanks to the irresistible chemistry among its recurring cast. “By the Book” Swift with his rigid sense of order and duty, while his wife Florence softens those edges with warmth and wit. Persi’s precision and eye for detail balance perfectly against Heathcliff’s impulsive, “fly by the seat of your pants” style—making every investigation a lively mix of personalities.

This particular story stands out for its fresh and inventive twists—unexpected turns that keep even long-time fans guessing. The Murder of Viscount Montcrief proves that this series still has plenty of originality and charm to spare, delivering both comfort and surprise in equal measure.

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

One day I'll figure out whodunit, but not today. The Lennox series continues to shine with new and inventive stories. I love Swift's everything by the book alongside Lennox's bumbling from one clue to the next. This time, we have a reclusive viscount, a troupe of wireless players a murder or two and a very surprising plot twist. It's twisty, but few red herrings this time. Mostly actors who just never stop and are determined to evade questions and tell the truth. I figured out some, but not nearly all and never who actually did it. 5*

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The world is a stage for deception and murder.

Major Lennox and Inspector Swift are called upon to investigate the death of a reclusive Viscount who has taken a new and surprising interest in theatrical radio broadcasts. Armed with the stalwart Greggs, his pet duo of Foggy and Tubbs, and their lovely wives, Lady Persi and Lady Florence, Lennox and Swift begin to unravel murder upon murder. Added to this is a rowdy mix of actors and actresses camped out in the palatial estate of the Viscount, complicating the investigation. A delightful read.

[Charline Romine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cockade Pin

After reading every story in this series, I thought I might be able to pick out the killer. But…no way. I did think of the killer but I had no motive for it. A classic ending to a well written murder mystery! Lennox and Swift are called to Montcrief House, for another murder and find how the Viscount was murdered. (Totally gross!) Get out your magnifying glass, notebook and pen to follow the clues.

[Kerrie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good mystery!

Another fun book in this series! I very much enjoy Major Lennox and Inspector Swift with their completely different ways of investigating. Greg's is always fun. It was good to have Persi and Florence involved too. A group of actors are invited to the manor of a reclusive viscount, but he turns up murdered the very next day. While investigating, Lennox and Swift find another body! Then one of the actors is murdered! What is going on? Read it and find out!

[Leanne Pazik · Rating 5 out of 5]

BEST ONE!!

I love this author, BUT this book was better than all of them!!! I was enjoying the book, thought oh this is fun, I know how it is going to end. YIKES, nope! It had a twist you never saw coming and then ANOTHER one!!! I love all the Characters!!! But, Foggy is my favorite!!!

[Cynthia webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twisty

There is more than one twist in this book and I have to say I was bouncing around between suspects at the end. The killer was not who I expected, but then I usually pick the wrong suspect. I truly enjoyed it as I have all the books in this series; charming, well written and entertaining.

[Maryann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Very Dark and Strange One

Lennox and Swift and company have to solve a truly bizarre murder of a reclusive Viscount. The suspects are a troupe of actors. Everyone has a secret. Lennox figures it out, as usual. Persi, Florence and Greggs all help. The solution is kind of a cheat but the story moves right along.

[Jacquie Parry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent as ever

I have read all of the Heathclffe Lennox books and thoroughly enjoyed everyone I was a bit worried that the author was going to run of out steam with this srries but that is far from the case if anything they series goes from strength to strength
Cant wait for the next one

[S. Myatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent book

This mystery has all the usual charm of a British who done it. But beyond that, it shows deep research into the place and time, and a sensitive treatment of the facts about children’s workhouses and what no social safety net looks like. It includes the sweet dog and cat and loving family relationships as well. Well plotted.

[fran zimmerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

best ever

The plot was a big wow! Could not see how it would end right up to the finale. This was the best yet. I am so sorry to see it end and look forward to the next installment. This was a perfect read

[Brian J · Rating 5 out of 5]

another fine instalment

I’ve enjoyed the Heathcliff Lennox mysteries and this one is excellent. The fact that the main characters have achieved happiness as time goes on is particularly satisfying
The plot is great and the denouement is exciting.

[Christine Pritchard · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a brilliant story, one of the best I've read. I tried to make it last but I couldn't put It down ! The characters wonderfully believable and the plot is very clever indeed, I had no idea at all as to how It would end , I do hope Lennox and co have many more cases to solve.

[L R · Rating 4 out of 5]

the best one yet

I really enjoyed this latest addition to the Lennox mysteries. Although there is the usual large cast of suspects, the narration is written so that it’s fairly easy to keep track of who is who. The plot itself is fiendishly clever and good reading - well done!

[J. Clark Hallmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lethal Consequences with A Complex Plot

Again, superb 1920’s English atmosphere; concealed plots, wonderful food & devastatingly clever! Read all of her books, but only guessed the guilty parties, once!

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent.

Great plot, great mystery, great writing.
Really enjoyed it.
Well written. Really enjoyed it.
Karens's writing is improving with every book, even though its already superb.

[John Keeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely A Must Read

I have enjoyed almost all of the Heathcliff Lennox books but this one takes me case. The plot was so well devised and there were plenty of possible murderers. I don’t want to give anything away so I encourage you to read this.

[Kim Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rather enjoyed this book. There was quite a lot of mystery about it and I don't just mean the murder. It makes me giggle to myself when Swift goes on about police procedure but then always looks to Lennox to solve the case.

[Carola Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpected

I always enjoy Major Lennox and Inspector Swift’s investigations, this book more with the help of their wives. I do like their relationships with their wives, they respect and listen to them.

[Kimberley O’Malley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stumbled on this book browsing through my kindle unlimited books, I really enjoyed the book and the twist and turns. My only downfall was not starting at the first book of the series so I can understand the main characters, I will go back to the first book and start from there.

[Sharon Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lennox and Swift on the case - again!

Great mystery. Read it in one day! Was so glad to have this new story to bring back all our favorite characters.

[Mrs Christine Barnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A joy to read. As always.

Beautifully crafted characters,and the plot lucid and clever. Such a talented writer.
Look forward eagerly to more of the same.

[Lavada Haga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book

I always enjoy reading the Heathcliff Lennox series. This was a great addition, twists and turns through out. Major Lennox wasn't fooled!