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Heathcliff Lennox #18
Christmas at The Manor: Heathcliff Lennox Investigates: A Cotswolds murder mystery
A Heathcliff Lennox Mystery — Book 18
Murder, mystery and a dog of distinction. Ashton Steeple, December 1924. Snow is settling on the Cotswolds, the Manor is being decorated for Christmas, and Major Heathcliff Lennox is attempting, without much success, to hang paperchains across the drawing room.
It is to be the first full family Christmas. Lady Persi and baby Ethan at the heart of it, Swift arriving with Florence and young Angus, Greggs in full ceremonial mode, Tommy in his element, and Tubbs and Fogg under everyone's feet.
Lennox wants nothing more than a quiet week of blazing fires, fine wine, and indulgent meals before the New Year – and a very special present for Persi and baby Ethan.
Then Greggs appears in the doorway.
'I must inform you, sir, that there is a German on the doorstep.'
The visitor is an ex-pilot of the Imperial German Air Service. His friend, another wartime aviator, has been killed in a plane crash a few miles from the Manor, and he is convinced it was murder. He has come to the only man he believes can help a former Royal Flying Corps pilot who now consults for Scotland Yard.
A new mystery from the bestselling author of the Heathcliff Lennox Golden Age murder mystery at its warmest and most compelling.
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.
Murder, mystery and a dog of distinction. Ashton Steeple, December 1924. Snow is settling on the Cotswolds, the Manor is being decorated for Christmas, and Major Heathcliff Lennox is attempting, without much success, to hang paperchains across the drawing room.
It is to be the first full family Christmas. Lady Persi and baby Ethan at the heart of it, Swift arriving with Florence and young Angus, Greggs in full ceremonial mode, Tommy in his element, and Tubbs and Fogg under everyone's feet.
Lennox wants nothing more than a quiet week of blazing fires, fine wine, and indulgent meals before the New Year – and a very special present for Persi and baby Ethan.
Then Greggs appears in the doorway.
'I must inform you, sir, that there is a German on the doorstep.'
The visitor is an ex-pilot of the Imperial German Air Service. His friend, another wartime aviator, has been killed in a plane crash a few miles from the Manor, and he is convinced it was murder. He has come to the only man he believes can help a former Royal Flying Corps pilot who now consults for Scotland Yard.
A new mystery from the bestselling author of the Heathcliff Lennox Golden Age murder mystery at its warmest and most compelling.
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.
- GenresHistorical
220 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 7, 2026
About the author
Karen Baugh Menuhin
52 books862 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 46 reviews
August 31, 2026
At this stage, I'm a loyal reader of Ms. Menuhin's books. She's a modern day Agatha Christie who meticulously channels a post WWI era in the Cotswolds.
Major Lennox, the protagonist in this series, and his comrade Swift, their wives and children, loyal butler Greggs and house pets, are all here, and in this particular book a neighboring plush estate with an owner developing new airplane prototypes has a mysterious death on its hands. A test pilot. Is it an accident or murder?
There is the added depth in this particular novel of the aversion to Germans, though the war is over. Two of the hired test pilots are Germans.
Menuhin peppers her novels with atmosphere, in this case Christmas in the Cotswolds with its snow piled on the ground, fires warming great rooms, Scottish Braeburn whisky from Swift's Highland estate pouring from flasks, children opening gifts, and Tubbs the Cat dragging ribbon along the floor.
Menuhin does a superior job of researching not only time and place, but in this case the burgeoning race to create bigger, faster, and more efficient airplanes and their mechanics, which in this case means leaving behind the biplanes used by the British during WWI. This, in my opinion, contributes to the faslcinating read of not only these characters solving a mystery in a bygone era, but of the problem solving involved in the science of early aerodynamics.
Major Lennox, the protagonist in this series, and his comrade Swift, their wives and children, loyal butler Greggs and house pets, are all here, and in this particular book a neighboring plush estate with an owner developing new airplane prototypes has a mysterious death on its hands. A test pilot. Is it an accident or murder?
There is the added depth in this particular novel of the aversion to Germans, though the war is over. Two of the hired test pilots are Germans.
Menuhin peppers her novels with atmosphere, in this case Christmas in the Cotswolds with its snow piled on the ground, fires warming great rooms, Scottish Braeburn whisky from Swift's Highland estate pouring from flasks, children opening gifts, and Tubbs the Cat dragging ribbon along the floor.
Menuhin does a superior job of researching not only time and place, but in this case the burgeoning race to create bigger, faster, and more efficient airplanes and their mechanics, which in this case means leaving behind the biplanes used by the British during WWI. This, in my opinion, contributes to the faslcinating read of not only these characters solving a mystery in a bygone era, but of the problem solving involved in the science of early aerodynamics.
August 11, 2026
Christmas at The Manor : Heathcliff Lennox Investigates Book 18
5 star 🌟 review
These books just keep getting better with each one published.
It’s the week before Christmas and Lennox is looking forward to the festive season and Ethan (Persi and his babies first Christmas) when he has a visitor Oberleutnant Reinhardt sent to him by his good friend Dr Cyril Fletcher. There has been a airplane crash and the test pilot (his friend) has died and they are calling it pilot error, but Reinhardt thinks it’s murder.
So Lennox, Swift and the friends are on the case to prove exactly what happened and there are plenty of suspects.
Lennox takes to the air again with Swift to prove the faults of the test plane, and they finally track down the culprit.
These books just get better with each one that is published, looking forward to Book 19 coming out next year.
Highly recommended
5 star 🌟 review
These books just keep getting better with each one published.
It’s the week before Christmas and Lennox is looking forward to the festive season and Ethan (Persi and his babies first Christmas) when he has a visitor Oberleutnant Reinhardt sent to him by his good friend Dr Cyril Fletcher. There has been a airplane crash and the test pilot (his friend) has died and they are calling it pilot error, but Reinhardt thinks it’s murder.
So Lennox, Swift and the friends are on the case to prove exactly what happened and there are plenty of suspects.
Lennox takes to the air again with Swift to prove the faults of the test plane, and they finally track down the culprit.
These books just get better with each one that is published, looking forward to Book 19 coming out next year.
Highly recommended
August 8, 2026
Love this series!
I love everything about this series, and this book did not let me down. The characters are like old friends to me. I've even developed an affection for Major Lenox's car. Gregs was a little subdued in this episode, I thought; I missed his usual antics. Also, Mr. Tubbs has not figured much in the last two books. I loved that Lenox flew again. He is regaining the self he was before the war. Keep these books coming, Ms. Menuhin.
I love everything about this series, and this book did not let me down. The characters are like old friends to me. I've even developed an affection for Major Lenox's car. Gregs was a little subdued in this episode, I thought; I missed his usual antics. Also, Mr. Tubbs has not figured much in the last two books. I loved that Lenox flew again. He is regaining the self he was before the war. Keep these books coming, Ms. Menuhin.
August 12, 2026
Wonderful Mystery
Lennox and Swift solve a very clever mystery. You don’t have to have read the rest of the series to enjoy this one but I would recommend all the earlier ones, too. This murder happens in Lennox’s neighborhood so there is no weirdness necessary to have the gang all on the scene. The clues add up very slowly, the crime was well disguised and I learned lots about airplane design.
Lennox and Swift solve a very clever mystery. You don’t have to have read the rest of the series to enjoy this one but I would recommend all the earlier ones, too. This murder happens in Lennox’s neighborhood so there is no weirdness necessary to have the gang all on the scene. The clues add up very slowly, the crime was well disguised and I learned lots about airplane design.
September 4, 2026
Fabulous
Finally we see Lennox in his field of expertise. A pilot has had a suspicious accident during a test flight and while some think it's just pilot error, some things aren't adding up. With post war feelings lingering and Christmas on its way, Lennox doesn't want to get involve in investigating an accident but for a former pilot turned amateur detective, the truth can't be hidden.
Finally we see Lennox in his field of expertise. A pilot has had a suspicious accident during a test flight and while some think it's just pilot error, some things aren't adding up. With post war feelings lingering and Christmas on its way, Lennox doesn't want to get involve in investigating an accident but for a former pilot turned amateur detective, the truth can't be hidden.
August 10, 2026
So so good
This was really good but also quite sad in a way. Well death is always sad and murder, well that's worse isn't it? Thankfully there's Swift forever the Scotland Yard man even though officially he isn't. And there's Lennox the reluctant policeman. And between them they get to the bottom of all the mystery to find the killer.
This was really good but also quite sad in a way. Well death is always sad and murder, well that's worse isn't it? Thankfully there's Swift forever the Scotland Yard man even though officially he isn't. And there's Lennox the reluctant policeman. And between them they get to the bottom of all the mystery to find the killer.
August 11, 2026
Great book
I enjoy reading the Heathcliff Lennox series very much! Major Lennox and Swift are asked by a German ex-pilot to investigate the death of another pilot. It's almost Christmas and Lennox doesn't want to investigate but then he finds a rubber snake at the crash site. It's a very good mystery, with great characters . Read it!
I enjoy reading the Heathcliff Lennox series very much! Major Lennox and Swift are asked by a German ex-pilot to investigate the death of another pilot. It's almost Christmas and Lennox doesn't want to investigate but then he finds a rubber snake at the crash site. It's a very good mystery, with great characters . Read it!
August 13, 2026
As always a delight to read.
I don’t give spoilers, but all I will say is that the story is well researched as always .
Mrs. Mehuin as always put together a book that is both clever as well as cozy and as you read you get to love the characters. This book was particularly special because it’s set around Christmas.
I don’t give spoilers, but all I will say is that the story is well researched as always .
Mrs. Mehuin as always put together a book that is both clever as well as cozy and as you read you get to love the characters. This book was particularly special because it’s set around Christmas.
August 22, 2026
Karen can spin a tail
As in the tail on an airplane! Another great read. All her detailed descriptions of people and places invite you into her vivid imagination and before you know it you are being carried along into the past and of course a mystery. If you are new to her books, go back and read ALL of them, you won’t regret it!
As in the tail on an airplane! Another great read. All her detailed descriptions of people and places invite you into her vivid imagination and before you know it you are being carried along into the past and of course a mystery. If you are new to her books, go back and read ALL of them, you won’t regret it!
September 10, 2026
Christmas at The Manor
This latest instalment of Heathcliffe Lennox Investigates is quite a clever conundrum. When he is asked to investigate the death of a German test pilot by said pilot’s colleague himself and Swift are drawn into a complicated situation where everyone and no-one is possibly guilty. What is the significance of the rubber snake at the scene of the crash?
This latest instalment of Heathcliffe Lennox Investigates is quite a clever conundrum. When he is asked to investigate the death of a German test pilot by said pilot’s colleague himself and Swift are drawn into a complicated situation where everyone and no-one is possibly guilty. What is the significance of the rubber snake at the scene of the crash?
August 7, 2026
December 1924. At Twyecroft Manor a monoplane has been designed and being testing. But one of the two test pilots has been killed when the plane crashed into woods. An accident or murder. Lennox and Swift investigate.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its lovable main characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its lovable main characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
August 9, 2026
Up in the sky
Great book. Love the continued characters, the humor, the invitation to bring planes into my interests. Heathcliff is his usual self with a touch of adventure this time. Terrific read.
Great book. Love the continued characters, the humor, the invitation to bring planes into my interests. Heathcliff is his usual self with a touch of adventure this time. Terrific read.
August 11, 2026
I seldom write reviews. But l loved this book. All the usual characters appear. The story line is very moving, obviously well researched, reads like the development of the Spitfire Aeroplane. Some moments which made me have a tear in my eye. I can't wait for the next book.
August 14, 2026
Another Great Story!!
This one had me completely baffled!!! The story was fun, so many different theories. The build up to Christmas. Lennox not nearly as cranky as usual. Loved it!!
This one had me completely baffled!!! The story was fun, so many different theories. The build up to Christmas. Lennox not nearly as cranky as usual. Loved it!!
August 14, 2026
Very interesting.
I hadn’t realised Lennox didn’t want to fly any more. I hope he does again. I liked this one. I like to see Persi with Lennox. They are so well suited. And seeing Swift’s softer side is lovely. I’m looking forward for the next one.
I hadn’t realised Lennox didn’t want to fly any more. I hope he does again. I liked this one. I like to see Persi with Lennox. They are so well suited. And seeing Swift’s softer side is lovely. I’m looking forward for the next one.
August 15, 2026
One of Ms. Menu hints very best
My dad was a fighter Ace in WWII so the passion about flying is well known in my family. But the plot in this one was a real mystery. Although by the end, I wasn't surprised. Just saddened like all the others. Loved the book.
My dad was a fighter Ace in WWII so the passion about flying is well known in my family. But the plot in this one was a real mystery. Although by the end, I wasn't surprised. Just saddened like all the others. Loved the book.
August 16, 2026
Great stories and always well written
Another crisply written beautifully detailed story of 1920s England, filled with characters we’ve gotten to know and care for. I appreciate how Heathcliff Lennox has evolved through the stories and is more relatable as a father and husband.
Another crisply written beautifully detailed story of 1920s England, filled with characters we’ve gotten to know and care for. I appreciate how Heathcliff Lennox has evolved through the stories and is more relatable as a father and husband.
August 18, 2026
This book had a more emotional touch from Lennox, as it - very lightly - touches his experiences in the war.
It was a good read, felt really quick, with a nice backdrop to a family Christmas in the English countryside.
It was a good read, felt really quick, with a nice backdrop to a family Christmas in the English countryside.
August 18, 2026
This series go from strength to strength
Loved it Ive read all of the series so far and they show no sign of growing tired
Every plot subject is meticulously researched and is fascinating
Well done Karen and please keep them coming
Loved it Ive read all of the series so far and they show no sign of growing tired
Every plot subject is meticulously researched and is fascinating
Well done Karen and please keep them coming
August 19, 2026
Even after 18 books, I still love these stories, and I finally worked out who did it! Well, mostly. I loved spending time with Lennox, Swift and the girls at Christmas, but I enjoyed hanging out at the aerodrome even more. This was a fantastic twisty whodunnit. I loved it.
August 21, 2026
Christmas at the Manor is a great read.
I have fallen in love with this writers way of weaving the tale around home life and murder plots. Heathcliff is charming and the family dynamics is great. Can't wait for our next adventure.
I have fallen in love with this writers way of weaving the tale around home life and murder plots. Heathcliff is charming and the family dynamics is great. Can't wait for our next adventure.
August 26, 2026
I’d say it was as enjoyable as her previous books in the series except that I had absolutely no interest in the inner workings of airplanes (the mystery concerns a plane). I read it because I usually enjoy her works, but this one was a slog for me.
August 27, 2026
A brilliant book.
This was a really brilliant book exciting and with plenty of mystery and drama. Lennox is a stirring and very human character. How does he avoid putting on weight given his love of hearty food?
This was a really brilliant book exciting and with plenty of mystery and drama. Lennox is a stirring and very human character. How does he avoid putting on weight given his love of hearty food?
September 2, 2026
Wonderfully woven mystery
This was a great book. So interesting with wonderful characters. The strong sentiments of the day so pertectly worded, and felt. Thank you, Karen. It was hard to put down. Looking forward to your next mystery.
This was a great book. So interesting with wonderful characters. The strong sentiments of the day so pertectly worded, and felt. Thank you, Karen. It was hard to put down. Looking forward to your next mystery.
September 3, 2026
an excellent addition to the series
I very much enjoyed this book! It may well be the best of the series! There was suspense, murder plots to unravel, and the enjoyable interaction with Lennox and his family. This one kept me thoroughly engaged right up to the last word.
I very much enjoyed this book! It may well be the best of the series! There was suspense, murder plots to unravel, and the enjoyable interaction with Lennox and his family. This one kept me thoroughly engaged right up to the last word.
September 5, 2026
Another crime solved
There is always a feel good factor and she brings the characters to life in such a way that you feel you know them well and want to hear what their next story is.
There is always a feel good factor and she brings the characters to life in such a way that you feel you know them well and want to hear what their next story is.
September 17, 2026
Flight Before Christmas
A murder occurs as a new plane is being designed and built post war with Germany. The engineering details are specific and the fact gathering complex. A good read.
A murder occurs as a new plane is being designed and built post war with Germany. The engineering details are specific and the fact gathering complex. A good read.
September 23, 2026
Christmas at the Manor
Truly touching 😢. I've relatives from both world wars. They're all passed, now. Those times should NEVER be forgotten. My biological grandfather emigrated from Germany in 1914. I never met him.
Truly touching 😢. I've relatives from both world wars. They're all passed, now. Those times should NEVER be forgotten. My biological grandfather emigrated from Germany in 1914. I never met him.
August 7, 2026
Absolutely her best work to date
I’m not a writer so this review won’t do the book justice. Tightly written, moving, spectacular. I read it in hours.
I’m not a writer so this review won’t do the book justice. Tightly written, moving, spectacular. I read it in hours.
August 7, 2026
great story
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Great and twisted mystery with a convincing story of personal growth. I highly recommend it.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Great and twisted mystery with a convincing story of personal growth. I highly recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews