What do you think?
Rate this book
Stella and Lyndy Mystery #2
Murder at Blackwater Bend
Wild-hearted Kentuckian Stella Kendrick cautiously navigates the strict demands of British high society as the future Lady of Morrington Hall. But when petty scandals lead to bloody murder, her outspoken nature could be all that keeps her alive . . .
Following a whirlwind engagement to Viscount “Lyndy” Lyndhurst, Stella is finding her footing within an elite social circle in picturesque rural England. Except tea time with refined friends can be more dangerous than etiquette faux pas—especially in the company of Lady Philippa, the woman Lyndy was once set to marry, and her husband, the ostentatious Lord Fairbrother . . .
Outrage erupts and accusations fly after Lord Fairbrother’s pony wins best in breed for the seventh consecutive year. The man has his share of secrets and adversaries, but Stella and Lyndy are in for a brutal shock when they discover his body floating in the river during a quiet morning fishing trip . . .
Suddenly unwelcome around hardly-grieving Lady Philippa and Lyndy’s endlessly critical mother, Stella faces the bitter reality that she may always be an outsider—and one of her trusted new acquaintances may be a calculating killer. Now, Stella and her fiancé must fight against the current to catch the culprit, before they’re the next couple torn apart by tragedy.
Following a whirlwind engagement to Viscount “Lyndy” Lyndhurst, Stella is finding her footing within an elite social circle in picturesque rural England. Except tea time with refined friends can be more dangerous than etiquette faux pas—especially in the company of Lady Philippa, the woman Lyndy was once set to marry, and her husband, the ostentatious Lord Fairbrother . . .
Outrage erupts and accusations fly after Lord Fairbrother’s pony wins best in breed for the seventh consecutive year. The man has his share of secrets and adversaries, but Stella and Lyndy are in for a brutal shock when they discover his body floating in the river during a quiet morning fishing trip . . .
Suddenly unwelcome around hardly-grieving Lady Philippa and Lyndy’s endlessly critical mother, Stella faces the bitter reality that she may always be an outsider—and one of her trusted new acquaintances may be a calculating killer. Now, Stella and her fiancé must fight against the current to catch the culprit, before they’re the next couple torn apart by tragedy.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2020
258 people are currently reading
1590 people want to read
About the author
Clara McKenna
12 books476 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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 245 reviews
March 2, 2024
I am enjoying this Stella and Lyndy Mysteries series set in early 1900's in rural England. American heiress Stella Kendrick and Lyndy, Viscount Lyndhurst, are to be wed by arrangement of their parents. Lyndy's family needs the money that Stella can bring it and her father wants his daughter married to an English title. Stella and Lyndy are ready to marry but circumstances continue to cause a delay. Murders happen, old acquaintances get in the way or try to, but the two persevere. Stella's personality is refreshing against the snobbery of the gentry and Lyndy is smitten as are others. I enjoyed the narration by Sarah Zimmerman. I am looking forward to the next series to see what comes awaits the couple.
January 28, 2021
I my wildest imagination I would never have conceived of putting together 1905/Hampshire, England and a snakecatcher.
There is so much going on in this book that it gets confusing. Frankly there is just too much going on.
There are a multitude of characters and not one likable one among them. Even our heroine, American heiress, Stella was not as charming as I would have expected.
It is not the cozy mystery that I had hoped for.
There is so much going on in this book that it gets confusing. Frankly there is just too much going on.
There are a multitude of characters and not one likable one among them. Even our heroine, American heiress, Stella was not as charming as I would have expected.
It is not the cozy mystery that I had hoped for.
July 15, 2020
When I read Murder at Morrington Hall, the first story in this series, I awarded it 3.5 stars. It struggled with the introduction of many characters, two very annoying parents, Stella and Lyndy’s initial encounter -and the thought of their arranged marriage- and the mystery itself. I liked the narrative, but I waited to see the direction of the MCs with Murder at Blackwater Bend.
~~~~~
Stella and Lyndy are a wonderful couple with some engaging moments. I thought the mystery was decent with a nice twist. I contemplated how everything would play out but I was wrong.
Mr. Kendrick and Lady Atherly were back (😡) and I would have preferred them relegated to one or two pages. They weren’t. Hopefully, Stella’s father will return to America in the next story or, better yet, Ms. McKenna will kill him off after Stella’s wedding.
With this increasingly beloved pair of amateur sleuths, I am looking forward to their nuptials and another mystery. Minus you-know-who.
~~~~~
Stella and Lyndy are a wonderful couple with some engaging moments. I thought the mystery was decent with a nice twist. I contemplated how everything would play out but I was wrong.
Mr. Kendrick and Lady Atherly were back (😡) and I would have preferred them relegated to one or two pages. They weren’t. Hopefully, Stella’s father will return to America in the next story or, better yet, Ms. McKenna will kill him off after Stella’s wedding.
With this increasingly beloved pair of amateur sleuths, I am looking forward to their nuptials and another mystery. Minus you-know-who.
July 28, 2020
Murder at Blackwater Bend
by Clara McKenna
This book is the second book in the series and despite not having had the chance to read book 1, reading this worked as a stand alone. I enjoyed this book so much that I will read the first book in the series. I really enjoyed this historical fiction cozy mystery a lot. Stella Kendrick is a fun character - a native from Kentucky who gets caught up in British high society and of course Murder. I love the writing and reading this fun cozy story with a mystery that kept me guessing until the end. I recommend this for a great escape read and for fans of cozy mysteries, this is a wonderful series.
by Clara McKenna
This book is the second book in the series and despite not having had the chance to read book 1, reading this worked as a stand alone. I enjoyed this book so much that I will read the first book in the series. I really enjoyed this historical fiction cozy mystery a lot. Stella Kendrick is a fun character - a native from Kentucky who gets caught up in British high society and of course Murder. I love the writing and reading this fun cozy story with a mystery that kept me guessing until the end. I recommend this for a great escape read and for fans of cozy mysteries, this is a wonderful series.
May 13, 2022
August 1905 finds American heiress Stella Kendrick and Viscount “Lyndy” Lyndhurst planning their wedding as they get to know each other better. Things hit a snag when they find a dead body in a nearby river one morning while fly fishing. The victim was their neighbor, Lord Fairbrother. He wasn’t a nice man and seemed to have multiple enemies. However, suspicion falls on the local snake catcher, someone that Stella has befriended. Can she and Lyndy figure out what really happened?
I enjoyed the first in the series, but I found this one even better. The story is tight with lots to keep us hooked. I was impressed with how it all came together at the end. I do find Stella’s father horrible at times, which is my only negative. Lyndy’s mother, while still annoying, is more on the amusing side. The rest of the cast is charming, and Lyndy and Stella are wonderful leads. You can’t help but root for them. We get the story from multiple viewpoints, but it is always clear when we are switching things up. I’m already looking forward to finding out what happens to these characters next.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
I enjoyed the first in the series, but I found this one even better. The story is tight with lots to keep us hooked. I was impressed with how it all came together at the end. I do find Stella’s father horrible at times, which is my only negative. Lyndy’s mother, while still annoying, is more on the amusing side. The rest of the cast is charming, and Lyndy and Stella are wonderful leads. You can’t help but root for them. We get the story from multiple viewpoints, but it is always clear when we are switching things up. I’m already looking forward to finding out what happens to these characters next.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
July 15, 2020
Funny to say a book about murder can also be a feel-good story, but that's exactly the case here. As in the first book, you can't help but smile, and then applaud, as American heiress Stella Kendrick continues to confound stuffy British society with her ingenuous charm and unbridled optimism. While her mother-in-law to be schemes to break the engagement between Stella and her son, the once-cynical Lyndy shows his deepening love and admiration for his intended in ways that warm the heart. The murder mystery is well crafted, with suspects from all levels of society and motives that range from infidelity to fraud to land rights in the New Forest, a setting the author brings beautifully to life.
May 16, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for an e-galley of this novel.
1905 in England and Lady Atherly is unimpressed with her future daughter-in-law. Granted Stella Kendrick's father has loads of money but the family had no social standing in America and they seem to imbody all that is not acceptable in British upper echelons of society. If Lyndy just didn't have to marry for money to keep the estate afloat.
This is the second installment in this series and differs from many novels featuring the title-for-money issues in England during this time period because the engaged couple seem to actually be fond of each other. That was a nice touch. The question of who the murder victim would be was much too easy to pick up on and solving the mystery didn't take any effort either. This series will probably be enjoyed by fans of historical romance more than crime solvers.
1905 in England and Lady Atherly is unimpressed with her future daughter-in-law. Granted Stella Kendrick's father has loads of money but the family had no social standing in America and they seem to imbody all that is not acceptable in British upper echelons of society. If Lyndy just didn't have to marry for money to keep the estate afloat.
This is the second installment in this series and differs from many novels featuring the title-for-money issues in England during this time period because the engaged couple seem to actually be fond of each other. That was a nice touch. The question of who the murder victim would be was much too easy to pick up on and solving the mystery didn't take any effort either. This series will probably be enjoyed by fans of historical romance more than crime solvers.
October 22, 2020
Series: A Stella and Lyndy Mystery #2
Publication Date: 6/30/20
Number of Pages: 304
It has been two months since American Stella Kendrick, her father, her aunt, and three thoroughbred racehorses arrived in England – specifically at Morrington Hall. The arrival, murders, and betrothal are all chronicled in the first book of the series – Murder at Morrington Hall. Now, Stella is beginning to settle in – at least a little. While the local folks are fairly accepting of what they see as the American’s eccentricities, society hasn’t quite gotten there yet.
Stella’s father is still as obnoxious as he was in the first book, but at least he gets a little less page time in this one. I did take great delight in him getting a bit of what was coming to him from quite an unexpected source. Lyndy’s mother, Lady Atherly, is also still a piece of work – she doesn’t want Stella in her family and makes no bones about it. She gets a bit of a comeuppance too, but not enough to suit me. I hope Mr. Kendrick goes back to America soon – like right after the wedding. I also hope Lady Atherly disappears from the pages soon.
Stella is unhappily planning an engagement party in order to appease her future mother-in-law. She’s attended balls, musicales, and garden parties, and she’s managed to acquit herself quite well. While the gentlemen appreciate the warm smiles, open, honest comments, and interested questions, the ladies are appalled at those same things. Lyndy has certainly come to appreciate Stella’s warmth, kindness, and enthusiasm. So, when he offers to teach her to fish, he’s delighted when he accepts – and he loves watching her enjoy herself.
Near dawn one morning, Stella and Lyndy are at the Blackwater with Stella learning to trout fish. As she casts her fly, it catches and she wades over to try to free it – only to find the body of Viscount Fairbrother. Oh! No! Not again.
When suspicion is cast on local snake catcher, Harvey Milkham, Stella gets involved in the investigation. Unlike other society ladies, Stella makes friends with every level of society – much to Lady Atherly’s dismay. Harvey was one of those friends and Stella just knows in her heart he can’t be a murderer.
There are more murders, more mysteries, more treachery, more masquerades, and more betrayals before everything is all wrapped up. The story is filled with twists and turns and more suspects than you can name.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and hope you will as well. Stella and Lyndy are a delightful couple and I look forward to reading more books in the series – just as soon as they are written.
Publication Date: 6/30/20
Number of Pages: 304
It has been two months since American Stella Kendrick, her father, her aunt, and three thoroughbred racehorses arrived in England – specifically at Morrington Hall. The arrival, murders, and betrothal are all chronicled in the first book of the series – Murder at Morrington Hall. Now, Stella is beginning to settle in – at least a little. While the local folks are fairly accepting of what they see as the American’s eccentricities, society hasn’t quite gotten there yet.
Stella’s father is still as obnoxious as he was in the first book, but at least he gets a little less page time in this one. I did take great delight in him getting a bit of what was coming to him from quite an unexpected source. Lyndy’s mother, Lady Atherly, is also still a piece of work – she doesn’t want Stella in her family and makes no bones about it. She gets a bit of a comeuppance too, but not enough to suit me. I hope Mr. Kendrick goes back to America soon – like right after the wedding. I also hope Lady Atherly disappears from the pages soon.
Stella is unhappily planning an engagement party in order to appease her future mother-in-law. She’s attended balls, musicales, and garden parties, and she’s managed to acquit herself quite well. While the gentlemen appreciate the warm smiles, open, honest comments, and interested questions, the ladies are appalled at those same things. Lyndy has certainly come to appreciate Stella’s warmth, kindness, and enthusiasm. So, when he offers to teach her to fish, he’s delighted when he accepts – and he loves watching her enjoy herself.
Near dawn one morning, Stella and Lyndy are at the Blackwater with Stella learning to trout fish. As she casts her fly, it catches and she wades over to try to free it – only to find the body of Viscount Fairbrother. Oh! No! Not again.
When suspicion is cast on local snake catcher, Harvey Milkham, Stella gets involved in the investigation. Unlike other society ladies, Stella makes friends with every level of society – much to Lady Atherly’s dismay. Harvey was one of those friends and Stella just knows in her heart he can’t be a murderer.
There are more murders, more mysteries, more treachery, more masquerades, and more betrayals before everything is all wrapped up. The story is filled with twists and turns and more suspects than you can name.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and hope you will as well. Stella and Lyndy are a delightful couple and I look forward to reading more books in the series – just as soon as they are written.
February 18, 2022
My biggest gripe about this series is the terrible fat father of the heroine, mostly just because of how often him being fat is mentioned, but I very much liked this and Stella and Lyndy's developed relationship.
July 1, 2020
'Wild-hearted Kentuckian Stella Kendrick cautiously navigates the strict demands of British high society as the future Lady of Morrington Hall. But when petty scandals lead to bloody murder, her outspoken nature could be all that keeps her alive . . .
Following a whirlwind engagement to Viscount “Lyndy” Lyndhurst, Stella is finding her footing within an elite social circle in picturesque rural England. Except tea time with refined friends can be more dangerous than etiquette faux pas—especially in the company of Lady Philippa, the woman Lyndy was once set to marry, and her husband, the ostentatious Lord Fairbrother . . .
Outrage erupts and accusations fly after Lord Fairbrother’s pony wins best in breed for the seventh consecutive year. The man has his share of secrets and adversaries, but Stella and Lyndy are in for a brutal shock when they discover his body floating in the river during a quiet morning fishing trip . . .
Suddenly unwelcome around hardly-grieving Lady Philippa and Lyndy’s endlessly critical mother, Stella faces the bitter reality that she may always be an outsider—and one of her trusted new acquaintances may be a calculating killer. Now, Stella and her fiancé must fight against the current to catch the culprit, before they’re the next couple torn apart by tragedy.'
_______________________________
4.5 stars, rounded up to 5 stars.
Murder at Blackwater Bend is the second book in Clara McKenna's debut A Stella and Lyndy Mystery series and is a historical mystery.
I felt that we got to know more about the main characters, Stella and Lyndy, in this book. We can see in comparison to the first in the series how Stella's free spirit and compassion is aiding her to gain acceptance in New Forest instead of being looked at as the crass American heiress. Of course she still has certain staunch detractors that she must put up with though.
I was very happy with how everything turned out with this mystery. There was a good balance of red herrings, unsavory characters, and sleuthing. I wasn't really taken by surprise by the identity of the villian, but there were additional plot points that I wasn't expecting and that I thought really added to the story.
One of the things that I enjoy most from this series is just how very clumsy this amatuer sleuthing duo is. Bodies seem to always find the way into their path and their hearts are always in the right place, but largely most of their success comes from inadvertantly stumbling across clues. For me that makes it much more realistic and amusing for me to read and endears the characters to me that much more.
I am really enjoying the A Stella and Lyndy Mystery series so far and look forward to the next book. I would recommend this series to others who enjoy historical mysteries.
_____
I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for sharing a copy of Murder at Blackwater Bend by Clara McKenna with me. This is my honest review.
Following a whirlwind engagement to Viscount “Lyndy” Lyndhurst, Stella is finding her footing within an elite social circle in picturesque rural England. Except tea time with refined friends can be more dangerous than etiquette faux pas—especially in the company of Lady Philippa, the woman Lyndy was once set to marry, and her husband, the ostentatious Lord Fairbrother . . .
Outrage erupts and accusations fly after Lord Fairbrother’s pony wins best in breed for the seventh consecutive year. The man has his share of secrets and adversaries, but Stella and Lyndy are in for a brutal shock when they discover his body floating in the river during a quiet morning fishing trip . . .
Suddenly unwelcome around hardly-grieving Lady Philippa and Lyndy’s endlessly critical mother, Stella faces the bitter reality that she may always be an outsider—and one of her trusted new acquaintances may be a calculating killer. Now, Stella and her fiancé must fight against the current to catch the culprit, before they’re the next couple torn apart by tragedy.'
_______________________________
4.5 stars, rounded up to 5 stars.
Murder at Blackwater Bend is the second book in Clara McKenna's debut A Stella and Lyndy Mystery series and is a historical mystery.
I felt that we got to know more about the main characters, Stella and Lyndy, in this book. We can see in comparison to the first in the series how Stella's free spirit and compassion is aiding her to gain acceptance in New Forest instead of being looked at as the crass American heiress. Of course she still has certain staunch detractors that she must put up with though.
I was very happy with how everything turned out with this mystery. There was a good balance of red herrings, unsavory characters, and sleuthing. I wasn't really taken by surprise by the identity of the villian, but there were additional plot points that I wasn't expecting and that I thought really added to the story.
One of the things that I enjoy most from this series is just how very clumsy this amatuer sleuthing duo is. Bodies seem to always find the way into their path and their hearts are always in the right place, but largely most of their success comes from inadvertantly stumbling across clues. For me that makes it much more realistic and amusing for me to read and endears the characters to me that much more.
I am really enjoying the A Stella and Lyndy Mystery series so far and look forward to the next book. I would recommend this series to others who enjoy historical mysteries.
_____
I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for sharing a copy of Murder at Blackwater Bend by Clara McKenna with me. This is my honest review.
June 24, 2020
Murder at Blackwater Bend, the second book in Clara McKenna’s Stella and Lyndy Mystery series is a whole lot of fun. This cozy historical mystery is fast-paced, witty, and filled with lively and memorable characters.
Picking up shortly after the end of the first book, Stella Kendrick, a spirited American heiress, is navigating her responsibilities as the fiancé of Viscount “Lyndy” Lyndhurst under the critical eye of his mother, Lady Atherly. Lady Atherly does not hide her dislike of Stella, nor of her view that his former flame, Lady Philippa, would have made a more suitable wife. Things become more difficult when Stella and Lyndy find the body of Lady Philippa’s husband, Lord Fairbrother, while on a day fishing trip. Fairbrother, it turns out, is soundly disliked by almost everyone, and since he just “won” a rigged Cecil Pony contest with an inferior horse, there is no end of suspects. Despite this, the authorities zero in on Harvey Milkham, the local snake catcher who has helped Stella heal her ailing horse. Feeling loyalty to Harvey, Stella sets out to clear his name.
As mysteries go, this one is complex and layered. There is so much going on. There are many twists and turns interwoven with a rich historical context. The subjects of squatter’s rights, fossil archaeology, and the Verderer’s Court are fascinating and play important roles in the story. In addition to the mystery, there is a subplot involving Lady Atherly’s quest to force Lyndy to abandon Stella in favor of the newly-widowed (and newly-rich) Lady Philippa. Stella, herself, is likewise complex. While she seems to have a knack for shaking up the stuffy English aristocracy, she also has an ability to befriend those (including the snake catcher) outside that group. And, although Stella’s and Lyndy’s impending nuptials started out as a purely financial arrangement, it is clear that they care deeply for each other. Stella’s bombastic father, the fossil hunting team of Lord Atherly and a visiting professor, and a self-important plant-hunter round out this colorful cast.
With a healthy balance of mystery, history, and romance, Murder at Blackwater Bend, delivers on the promise of the first book. I am eagerly looking forward to the third installment of this wonderful series.
Note: I received an ARC of Murder at Blackwater Bend from NetGalley and Kensington Books. The above is my honest review.
Picking up shortly after the end of the first book, Stella Kendrick, a spirited American heiress, is navigating her responsibilities as the fiancé of Viscount “Lyndy” Lyndhurst under the critical eye of his mother, Lady Atherly. Lady Atherly does not hide her dislike of Stella, nor of her view that his former flame, Lady Philippa, would have made a more suitable wife. Things become more difficult when Stella and Lyndy find the body of Lady Philippa’s husband, Lord Fairbrother, while on a day fishing trip. Fairbrother, it turns out, is soundly disliked by almost everyone, and since he just “won” a rigged Cecil Pony contest with an inferior horse, there is no end of suspects. Despite this, the authorities zero in on Harvey Milkham, the local snake catcher who has helped Stella heal her ailing horse. Feeling loyalty to Harvey, Stella sets out to clear his name.
As mysteries go, this one is complex and layered. There is so much going on. There are many twists and turns interwoven with a rich historical context. The subjects of squatter’s rights, fossil archaeology, and the Verderer’s Court are fascinating and play important roles in the story. In addition to the mystery, there is a subplot involving Lady Atherly’s quest to force Lyndy to abandon Stella in favor of the newly-widowed (and newly-rich) Lady Philippa. Stella, herself, is likewise complex. While she seems to have a knack for shaking up the stuffy English aristocracy, she also has an ability to befriend those (including the snake catcher) outside that group. And, although Stella’s and Lyndy’s impending nuptials started out as a purely financial arrangement, it is clear that they care deeply for each other. Stella’s bombastic father, the fossil hunting team of Lord Atherly and a visiting professor, and a self-important plant-hunter round out this colorful cast.
With a healthy balance of mystery, history, and romance, Murder at Blackwater Bend, delivers on the promise of the first book. I am eagerly looking forward to the third installment of this wonderful series.
Note: I received an ARC of Murder at Blackwater Bend from NetGalley and Kensington Books. The above is my honest review.
June 27, 2020
While I enjoyed this book, I enjoyed the first one [and in audiobook form] much more. This one seemed to drag on in spots and Lady Atherly's vocal disgust and poor treatment of American Stella [who does all that is asked of her and more and is still treated shabbily by everyone around her with the exception of her intended Lyndy] is more than tiresome by chapter 3. We get it. You don't like Stella. Please adjust your snooty attitude and move on - especially since she is there to save your snooty backside from complete ruin. And HEAVEN FORBID that your son be actually
HAPPY
!!!! GASP!!! The nerve of him.
Yeah, it got on my nerves. A lot. As did "Lady Phillipa" and her tediousness and just plain ick. She was smarmy and ick and it just grossed me out how people fawned over her. I could see her for what she as right away. ICK.
The story itself was good and the mystery was good - it isn't a bad book - just a bit long and there were some characters/storylines that were truly not needed. There are red herrings and then there are stinky fish if you know what I mean.
The reveal was clever and a bit shocking, but not totally. I hadn't thought of that direction [being lured away by that tempting red herring - as the author hoped no doubt] so it was a surprise and then not so much of a surprise. When you read it, you will understand what I mean. And I really do like Lyndy and Stella together - they bring out the best in each other and are good for each other. No matter WHAT his arrogant stuffed shirt of a mother thinks. ;-) I will definitely read the next one. Gotta see these two married off you know! :-)
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Yeah, it got on my nerves. A lot. As did "Lady Phillipa" and her tediousness and just plain ick. She was smarmy and ick and it just grossed me out how people fawned over her. I could see her for what she as right away. ICK.
The story itself was good and the mystery was good - it isn't a bad book - just a bit long and there were some characters/storylines that were truly not needed. There are red herrings and then there are stinky fish if you know what I mean.
The reveal was clever and a bit shocking, but not totally. I hadn't thought of that direction [being lured away by that tempting red herring - as the author hoped no doubt] so it was a surprise and then not so much of a surprise. When you read it, you will understand what I mean. And I really do like Lyndy and Stella together - they bring out the best in each other and are good for each other. No matter WHAT his arrogant stuffed shirt of a mother thinks. ;-) I will definitely read the next one. Gotta see these two married off you know! :-)
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 10, 2023
MURDER AT BLACKWATER BEND
Clara McKenna
This is the first book by McKenna I have read. I am a fan of Victorian murder and the sort of warm fuzzy feeling of the English countryside. So I enjoyed the story, the mystery was more than adequate, if not a bit long and convoluted in places. But overall I found it to be smart and sharp, with just a touch of shock.
McKenna can lead you off on a blind path, so kudos to her writing. AS for the characters, Lyndy and Stella are so good together. They have a very sweet relationship and I enjoyed them a great deal. So of their family, well I guess all families have these characters. Lyndy and Stella are great as amateur sleuths and I can't wait to read another.
4 stars
Happy Reading!
Clara McKenna
This is the first book by McKenna I have read. I am a fan of Victorian murder and the sort of warm fuzzy feeling of the English countryside. So I enjoyed the story, the mystery was more than adequate, if not a bit long and convoluted in places. But overall I found it to be smart and sharp, with just a touch of shock.
McKenna can lead you off on a blind path, so kudos to her writing. AS for the characters, Lyndy and Stella are so good together. They have a very sweet relationship and I enjoyed them a great deal. So of their family, well I guess all families have these characters. Lyndy and Stella are great as amateur sleuths and I can't wait to read another.
4 stars
Happy Reading!
April 5, 2021
Suffers from a serious case of the Not Like Other Girls trope. Don’t trust a story where the only other women aside from the main character are a) offscreen, b) depicted as helpless sheep, or c) raging villainesses.
July 10, 2022
I really liked the first book and was excited to get to know Stella and Lyndy better, so it disappoints me to have to admit that I didn't love this one - compared to book 1, there was a lot less of the good and a lot more of the bad.
Firstly, the mystery was far from riveting; even Stella and Inspector Brown (the two most invested) seemed to want to get it over with. The actual murder mystery itself was fairly thin, dragged on until the end only by virtue of some red herrings/side plots being thrown in - thefts, land ownership issues, blackmailing and imposters. When it was finally revealed that the old adage about the killer being the most obvious person once again rings true, I almost rolled my eyes - how convenient it was that nobody bothered to investigate Philippa seriously, just so Stella could stumble across the mysteriously overlooked murder weapon lying out in the open!
It also didn't really make sense in terms of motives; Philippa killing her husband is one thing, but Harvey? Not to mention Fairbrother was apparently killed with a single stab, and yet Harvey was stabbed multiple times... but the one Philippa should've resented enough to stab multiple times should've been Fairbrother. It was only mentioned in passing how Philippa killed Harvey, but it was never explained why she would even bother to.
Secondly, we saw Stella and Lyndy go from a tense and bickering relationship to really falling in love and wanting to proceed with their engagement in book 1, but they obviously hadn't had that much time to talk and get to know each other then. I expected that in book 2, but they got precious few opportunities to do that here. The Philippa incident forces Lyndy to learn the value of communicating openly and honestly with Stella and they do open up a bit more to each other, but for the most part they're constantly interrupted by various side characters and have little to no time alone.
And that leads me to the third and biggest issue I had with book 2: Having an absurdly high proportion of unlikable characters being constantly shoved down my throat through the unnecessary use of multiple POVs.
I believe I noted in my review of book 1 that there was a surprising number of really unlikable supporting characters. In fact, almost everyone of note is either unlikable or forgettable, and this is dialed up to a T in book 2 - not only do we have too many of them to contend with, but we are forced to sit through cycles of side character POVs featuring some of the most obnoxious characters ever.
Book 2 literally starts off on the wrong foot and never quite recovers from it, thanks to seven POV changes in the first three chapters - Lady Atherly, Tom the publican, Stella, Lord Fairbrother, Harvey, Stella and then Lord Fairbrother. Opening with the poisonous voice of Lady Atherly - talk about putting someone off from page 1! Even Stella's early POV sections were marred by the constant appearance of her horrible bully of a father and his new arm candy, an exceptionally obnoxious society reporter. I can't figure out why we are saddled with the POV of the mopey publican Tom either; I guess we need someone to cover the pub talk? Throw in far too many scenes with Lady Philippa and Cecil Barlow as well, and it turned into a risk to my blood pressure.
Sadly it doesn't seem like we're going to get rid of these people any time soon; Lady Atherly is here to stay, and Papa Kendrick has yet to add to the body count. Maybe that'll be waiting for me in book 3?
Firstly, the mystery was far from riveting; even Stella and Inspector Brown (the two most invested) seemed to want to get it over with. The actual murder mystery itself was fairly thin, dragged on until the end only by virtue of some red herrings/side plots being thrown in - thefts, land ownership issues, blackmailing and imposters. When it was finally revealed that the old adage about the killer being the most obvious person once again rings true, I almost rolled my eyes - how convenient it was that nobody bothered to investigate Philippa seriously, just so Stella could stumble across the mysteriously overlooked murder weapon lying out in the open!
It also didn't really make sense in terms of motives; Philippa killing her husband is one thing, but Harvey? Not to mention Fairbrother was apparently killed with a single stab, and yet Harvey was stabbed multiple times... but the one Philippa should've resented enough to stab multiple times should've been Fairbrother. It was only mentioned in passing how Philippa killed Harvey, but it was never explained why she would even bother to.
Secondly, we saw Stella and Lyndy go from a tense and bickering relationship to really falling in love and wanting to proceed with their engagement in book 1, but they obviously hadn't had that much time to talk and get to know each other then. I expected that in book 2, but they got precious few opportunities to do that here. The Philippa incident forces Lyndy to learn the value of communicating openly and honestly with Stella and they do open up a bit more to each other, but for the most part they're constantly interrupted by various side characters and have little to no time alone.
And that leads me to the third and biggest issue I had with book 2: Having an absurdly high proportion of unlikable characters being constantly shoved down my throat through the unnecessary use of multiple POVs.
I believe I noted in my review of book 1 that there was a surprising number of really unlikable supporting characters. In fact, almost everyone of note is either unlikable or forgettable, and this is dialed up to a T in book 2 - not only do we have too many of them to contend with, but we are forced to sit through cycles of side character POVs featuring some of the most obnoxious characters ever.
Book 2 literally starts off on the wrong foot and never quite recovers from it, thanks to seven POV changes in the first three chapters - Lady Atherly, Tom the publican, Stella, Lord Fairbrother, Harvey, Stella and then Lord Fairbrother. Opening with the poisonous voice of Lady Atherly - talk about putting someone off from page 1! Even Stella's early POV sections were marred by the constant appearance of her horrible bully of a father and his new arm candy, an exceptionally obnoxious society reporter. I can't figure out why we are saddled with the POV of the mopey publican Tom either; I guess we need someone to cover the pub talk? Throw in far too many scenes with Lady Philippa and Cecil Barlow as well, and it turned into a risk to my blood pressure.
Sadly it doesn't seem like we're going to get rid of these people any time soon; Lady Atherly is here to stay, and Papa Kendrick has yet to add to the body count. Maybe that'll be waiting for me in book 3?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2021
2.5 stars
American heiress Stella Kendrick has managed to win over the hearts of everyone in the New Forest, except her future mother-in-law. Lady Atherly still holds out hope her son will find a well-bred Englishwoman to marry, one like Lady Philippa Fairbrother, whom he once courted. Over my dead body, thinks Lyndy, who loathes Philippa and adores Stella. The wedding attracts the attention of Miss Jane Coslett, a reporter for London's Daily Mail who wants to know every detail of the upcoming event. The wedding isn't all that catches Jane's eye once she meets Mr. Kendrick. The other ladies are atwitter when Mr. Cecil Barton, the famous plant hunter, arrives, newly returned from the dead! (Or the jungle, where he was believed to have died). When Stella's horse is injured by a poisonous snake, Stella calls upon her most unsuitable friend, Harvey Milkham, the snakecatcher, for help. When Lord Fairbrother, Philippa's husband, wins the Cecil New Forest Pony Challenge Cup, AGAIN, it causes controversy with the locals. First, Lord Fairbrother's commoner neighbor, George Parley, accuses Lord Fairbrother of cheating and threatens there will be "bloody hell" to pay. Then Harvey Milkham accuses Lord Fairbrother of burning down his home. Of course Lord Fairbrother denies it but Harvey threatens Lord Fairbrother if he doesn't make it right. One beautiful morning while Lyndy is teaching Stella to fish, her line catches on something in the river bend. Upon wading in and getting her line, Stella discovers it is attached to the dead body of Lord Fairbrother! It comes as a great shock that a young, strong man could drown but soon the police suspect foul play. With Lady Fairbrother now a wealthy widow, Lady Atherly has a plan. Stella is upset about Lyndy's past connection with Lyndy and about Philippa accusing Harvey of murder. Stella knows her gentle friend could never have done such a thing and she's determined to prove it.
There's a lot going on in this novel. It's too much for one book. I like the romance a lot. Lyndy and Stella are a sweet couple and a whole romance about them would be nice, if they can ditch their horrid parents. However, the mystery was weak. The red herrings weren't there and I figured it out pretty much from the beginning. It was way too obvious. I was 90% certain until a point near the end when I wasn't sure my guess was correct but my guess turned out to be 99% correct with a slight twist I didn't think of until the clue was dropped. I didn't appreciate Stella interviewing a suspect on her own when she knew he was dangerous. I won't say she deserved to get into trouble but she was asking for it. There was another mystery I didn't see coming for the most part though. Then there was a minor mystery about a ghost in the pub that wasn't really relevant to the story.
I liked the description of the New Forest and the people. I remember that area from North and South. The way of life is different there and the people are unique. There's not much in the way of details specific to 1905 aside from references to the Boer War, automobiles and the archeological excavations. I especially found that aspect of the novel fascinating and I got distracted looking up ancient horses on Wikipedia. That was more interesting than the plot of the novel. As in the first book, the writing is rather bland and uninspiring. I've read NUMEROUS novels, including cozy mysteries, set between 1815-1920s and the writing style on this one is better than the Kindle freebies but not as good as some others (including other Kensington writers). It took me a long time to get through this novel until the investigation really got underway.
The characters are really very flat and two-dimensional. Stella is lovely. She's sweet, good and kind to everyone she meets. She's not a total Mary Sue because she stands up to her father and other villains and doesn't care what Lady Atherly thinks of her behavior. Lord Lyndhurst is a fine young man but he has a nasty temper. I didn't like it when he unleashed it. I also didn't like how long it took for him to stand up to his mother. He was trying too hard not to get physical but why not tell her how he feels about Stella? He outranks his mother, as the heir, and has more say over his own life than she has over hers. Lady Atherly is just awful! She doesn't have a heart and doesn't care about her son's feelings or happiness. She's only about appearances but she's more extreme than most of the Mamas and Grandmamas I've read about. Lord Atherly is so nice! He's a dear man but absentminded when it comes to the practical realities of life. I can see why his wife is exasperated by his unnecessary spending but morally, personally, he's a better person than she is. Lady Alice is young and impressionable. I hope Stella is a good influence on her, more than her mother. Mr. Kendrick is a bully. He's supposed to be a stark contrast to the starchy English nobility but he comes across as cartoonish. He's so nasty to everyone, including his own daughter but is susceptible to the tiniest bit of flattery. Ugh. Yuck. He's mean, nasty and gross. Aunt Rachel is rather... countryish. While her Kentucky sayings are funny and her behavior refreshing, I found her annoying.
There are so many new characters here that are important to the story. Catching snakes seems like a weird job. Can't they just let the snakes be? Even if there are poisonous snakes in the area, they aren't bothering anyone on purpose. Harvey is a hermit and the lowest rung of the social ladder. He squats in a hut on land that belongs to Lord Fairbrother who seems to want Harvey gone for some reason. Harvey is nice enough but has a weakness for drink. I appreciate Stella's defense of him but she obstructs the investigation trying to protect him. Miss Jane Coslett is likely not who she says she is or is a gossip columnist looking for dirt, or both. I don't trust any woman who bats her eyelashes at a man. She's kind of smarmy for a woman. The plant hunter, Cecil Barlow, is also kind of smarmy. His stories border on bragging and I'm sure most of them are fictional or at least partly. He likes to tell of his exploits and charm the ladies. I don't trust him. He's too cozy with Lady Fairbrother to be innocent. Lord and Lady Fairbrother deserve each other. He sounds like a piece of work and not a good husband but she takes the cake. Philippa is just horrid. She's cruel and delights in tormenting Lyndy and Stella deliberately to cause trouble. She wants the world and then when she gets what she wants, rejects it and moved on to something new and then returns to the old. Sooner or later her game was going to bite her in the backside. I think she's smart, conniving and dangerous. I wouldn't want to be her enemy but it might be worse being her friend. George Parley hates Lord Fairbrother. I think the feeling is mutual but Parley, being more rough and common, shows it more. George Parley has beef with Lord Fairbrother over their horses and other things besides. Mr. Parley isn't a nice man and isn't very intelligent. He's not evil and not really a bully, per se, just a blustering, negative sort of man.
Professor Gridley is like Lord Atherton but he's the actual scientist and excavator. What he uncovers and learns is quite fascinating. Who is Dr. Hale and what's the story there? I think Dr. Hale sounds like a rotter and is jealous of Professor Gridley. Inspector Brown is kind and sympathetic. He appreciates Stella's insights and instincts. I appreciate that he knows how to do his job and doesn't just take the easy way out. He seems intelligent. Constable Waterman, on the other hand, is hired muscle but is good at what he does. Hodson, Lord Fairbrother's butler, seems like he is unfailingly loyal to his master but not his mistress. He seems to know more than he lets on and relishes keeping secrets. Could he know the identity of the murderer or the motive behind it?
This series is not my favorite and I'm not interested in reading more about these characters or by this author.
American heiress Stella Kendrick has managed to win over the hearts of everyone in the New Forest, except her future mother-in-law. Lady Atherly still holds out hope her son will find a well-bred Englishwoman to marry, one like Lady Philippa Fairbrother, whom he once courted. Over my dead body, thinks Lyndy, who loathes Philippa and adores Stella. The wedding attracts the attention of Miss Jane Coslett, a reporter for London's Daily Mail who wants to know every detail of the upcoming event. The wedding isn't all that catches Jane's eye once she meets Mr. Kendrick. The other ladies are atwitter when Mr. Cecil Barton, the famous plant hunter, arrives, newly returned from the dead! (Or the jungle, where he was believed to have died). When Stella's horse is injured by a poisonous snake, Stella calls upon her most unsuitable friend, Harvey Milkham, the snakecatcher, for help. When Lord Fairbrother, Philippa's husband, wins the Cecil New Forest Pony Challenge Cup, AGAIN, it causes controversy with the locals. First, Lord Fairbrother's commoner neighbor, George Parley, accuses Lord Fairbrother of cheating and threatens there will be "bloody hell" to pay. Then Harvey Milkham accuses Lord Fairbrother of burning down his home. Of course Lord Fairbrother denies it but Harvey threatens Lord Fairbrother if he doesn't make it right. One beautiful morning while Lyndy is teaching Stella to fish, her line catches on something in the river bend. Upon wading in and getting her line, Stella discovers it is attached to the dead body of Lord Fairbrother! It comes as a great shock that a young, strong man could drown but soon the police suspect foul play. With Lady Fairbrother now a wealthy widow, Lady Atherly has a plan. Stella is upset about Lyndy's past connection with Lyndy and about Philippa accusing Harvey of murder. Stella knows her gentle friend could never have done such a thing and she's determined to prove it.
There's a lot going on in this novel. It's too much for one book. I like the romance a lot. Lyndy and Stella are a sweet couple and a whole romance about them would be nice, if they can ditch their horrid parents. However, the mystery was weak. The red herrings weren't there and I figured it out pretty much from the beginning. It was way too obvious. I was 90% certain until a point near the end when I wasn't sure my guess was correct but my guess turned out to be 99% correct with a slight twist I didn't think of until the clue was dropped. I didn't appreciate Stella interviewing a suspect on her own when she knew he was dangerous. I won't say she deserved to get into trouble but she was asking for it. There was another mystery I didn't see coming for the most part though. Then there was a minor mystery about a ghost in the pub that wasn't really relevant to the story.
I liked the description of the New Forest and the people. I remember that area from North and South. The way of life is different there and the people are unique. There's not much in the way of details specific to 1905 aside from references to the Boer War, automobiles and the archeological excavations. I especially found that aspect of the novel fascinating and I got distracted looking up ancient horses on Wikipedia. That was more interesting than the plot of the novel. As in the first book, the writing is rather bland and uninspiring. I've read NUMEROUS novels, including cozy mysteries, set between 1815-1920s and the writing style on this one is better than the Kindle freebies but not as good as some others (including other Kensington writers). It took me a long time to get through this novel until the investigation really got underway.
The characters are really very flat and two-dimensional. Stella is lovely. She's sweet, good and kind to everyone she meets. She's not a total Mary Sue because she stands up to her father and other villains and doesn't care what Lady Atherly thinks of her behavior. Lord Lyndhurst is a fine young man but he has a nasty temper. I didn't like it when he unleashed it. I also didn't like how long it took for him to stand up to his mother. He was trying too hard not to get physical but why not tell her how he feels about Stella? He outranks his mother, as the heir, and has more say over his own life than she has over hers. Lady Atherly is just awful! She doesn't have a heart and doesn't care about her son's feelings or happiness. She's only about appearances but she's more extreme than most of the Mamas and Grandmamas I've read about. Lord Atherly is so nice! He's a dear man but absentminded when it comes to the practical realities of life. I can see why his wife is exasperated by his unnecessary spending but morally, personally, he's a better person than she is. Lady Alice is young and impressionable. I hope Stella is a good influence on her, more than her mother. Mr. Kendrick is a bully. He's supposed to be a stark contrast to the starchy English nobility but he comes across as cartoonish. He's so nasty to everyone, including his own daughter but is susceptible to the tiniest bit of flattery. Ugh. Yuck. He's mean, nasty and gross. Aunt Rachel is rather... countryish. While her Kentucky sayings are funny and her behavior refreshing, I found her annoying.
There are so many new characters here that are important to the story. Catching snakes seems like a weird job. Can't they just let the snakes be? Even if there are poisonous snakes in the area, they aren't bothering anyone on purpose. Harvey is a hermit and the lowest rung of the social ladder. He squats in a hut on land that belongs to Lord Fairbrother who seems to want Harvey gone for some reason. Harvey is nice enough but has a weakness for drink. I appreciate Stella's defense of him but she obstructs the investigation trying to protect him. Miss Jane Coslett is likely not who she says she is or is a gossip columnist looking for dirt, or both. I don't trust any woman who bats her eyelashes at a man. She's kind of smarmy for a woman. The plant hunter, Cecil Barlow, is also kind of smarmy. His stories border on bragging and I'm sure most of them are fictional or at least partly. He likes to tell of his exploits and charm the ladies. I don't trust him. He's too cozy with Lady Fairbrother to be innocent. Lord and Lady Fairbrother deserve each other. He sounds like a piece of work and not a good husband but she takes the cake. Philippa is just horrid. She's cruel and delights in tormenting Lyndy and Stella deliberately to cause trouble. She wants the world and then when she gets what she wants, rejects it and moved on to something new and then returns to the old. Sooner or later her game was going to bite her in the backside. I think she's smart, conniving and dangerous. I wouldn't want to be her enemy but it might be worse being her friend. George Parley hates Lord Fairbrother. I think the feeling is mutual but Parley, being more rough and common, shows it more. George Parley has beef with Lord Fairbrother over their horses and other things besides. Mr. Parley isn't a nice man and isn't very intelligent. He's not evil and not really a bully, per se, just a blustering, negative sort of man.
Professor Gridley is like Lord Atherton but he's the actual scientist and excavator. What he uncovers and learns is quite fascinating. Who is Dr. Hale and what's the story there? I think Dr. Hale sounds like a rotter and is jealous of Professor Gridley. Inspector Brown is kind and sympathetic. He appreciates Stella's insights and instincts. I appreciate that he knows how to do his job and doesn't just take the easy way out. He seems intelligent. Constable Waterman, on the other hand, is hired muscle but is good at what he does. Hodson, Lord Fairbrother's butler, seems like he is unfailingly loyal to his master but not his mistress. He seems to know more than he lets on and relishes keeping secrets. Could he know the identity of the murderer or the motive behind it?
This series is not my favorite and I'm not interested in reading more about these characters or by this author.
October 17, 2020
A captivating Edwardian mystery with a charming couple acting as amateur detectives and trying to manage their new relationship while being clawed at by parental and societal expectations. Romance and mysteries don't always go well but this series is able to pull it off. I love the relationship between Stella and Lyndy. Filled with historical details and atmosphere, the couple does not descend into stereotypes and boring replicas repeated in many books. Stella is delightfully not your typical lady debutant but one who loves riding and is eager to embrace all people of all social status (definitely her American upbringing.) Lyndy may be heavily influenced by his stiff-upper lip upbringing but he has enough flexibility to make this relationship work even though it seems they would never do.
This mystery is filled with twists and turns. It kept me guessing. I was very satisfied with the book and eagerly await another in this series.
This mystery is filled with twists and turns. It kept me guessing. I was very satisfied with the book and eagerly await another in this series.
December 1, 2021
This series is sweet and fun, with a lot of tension between our friendly, brave heroine, Stella, and almost every other woman she encounters (and some of the men). A lot of the sleuthing is left to characters working solo this time around, with Inspector Brown taking on a larger role than in the first book. It all works.
It’s hard to witness Stella’s father be a complete terror. He’s so bad that he’s basically a caricature. Perhaps he’s supposed to be entertaining, but he’s so over the top as to be unbelievable. Remove his parts and I think I’d rate this installment higher.
Also, it seems like the physical description of Stella vs that of her father is a bit problematic? She’s the good, little angel with a tiny waist. He’s the big, fat monster. I think it’s old-fashioned to equate weight to goodliness.
It’s hard to witness Stella’s father be a complete terror. He’s so bad that he’s basically a caricature. Perhaps he’s supposed to be entertaining, but he’s so over the top as to be unbelievable. Remove his parts and I think I’d rate this installment higher.
Also, it seems like the physical description of Stella vs that of her father is a bit problematic? She’s the good, little angel with a tiny waist. He’s the big, fat monster. I think it’s old-fashioned to equate weight to goodliness.
June 23, 2020
I don’t read a lot of historical fiction, although I almost always enjoy it when I do, which was certainly the case with Murder at Blackwater Bend by Clara McKenna. Fans of Downton Abbey or any Upstairs/Downstairs stories are in for a treat with the Stella and Lyndy Mystery series. Although this is book two in the series, book one is Murder at Morrington Hall, McKenna gives you enough background information which she weaves seamlessly into Murder at Blackwater Bend, that you are able to catch up on past events.
I really enjoyed her descriptions of the various halls and the countryside that they inhabit. McKenna was able to draw me in and I actually felt the cold waters of the river while Stella and Lyndy were flyfishing and could smell the cloying aroma of the gardenias that Lady Philippa surrounded herself with in the drawing room. McKenna’s details of the various rooms in the halls and the outfits that were worn were very detailed and added a wonderful layer to this cozy mystery.
The characters were very well developed, even down to the maid that made just an appearance or two in the book. The cattiness and eyerolls of the ladies were plentiful, and Stella was a breath of fresh air with her friendliness. I enjoyed all of the characters for what they brought to the story, except for Lyndy. With all of his manners that are supposed to be so refined, he could be a bit of a jerk to Stella for one expressing such love to her. And even though his mom is a viper, Lyndy was really passive-aggressive with her. Although he annoyed me, it wouldn’t stop me from reading future books in this series.
The mystery itself was multi-layered which was super fun since so many cozy mysteries have a death or two that were committed by the same person. I thought some people were working together, but was mistaken, and I thought the killer was good in regards to keeping future books in the series interesting and not just the same interactions between various characters. To find out exactly what I mean, you’ll need to read Murder at Blackwater Bend!
I really enjoyed her descriptions of the various halls and the countryside that they inhabit. McKenna was able to draw me in and I actually felt the cold waters of the river while Stella and Lyndy were flyfishing and could smell the cloying aroma of the gardenias that Lady Philippa surrounded herself with in the drawing room. McKenna’s details of the various rooms in the halls and the outfits that were worn were very detailed and added a wonderful layer to this cozy mystery.
The characters were very well developed, even down to the maid that made just an appearance or two in the book. The cattiness and eyerolls of the ladies were plentiful, and Stella was a breath of fresh air with her friendliness. I enjoyed all of the characters for what they brought to the story, except for Lyndy. With all of his manners that are supposed to be so refined, he could be a bit of a jerk to Stella for one expressing such love to her. And even though his mom is a viper, Lyndy was really passive-aggressive with her. Although he annoyed me, it wouldn’t stop me from reading future books in this series.
The mystery itself was multi-layered which was super fun since so many cozy mysteries have a death or two that were committed by the same person. I thought some people were working together, but was mistaken, and I thought the killer was good in regards to keeping future books in the series interesting and not just the same interactions between various characters. To find out exactly what I mean, you’ll need to read Murder at Blackwater Bend!
August 28, 2023
Now that all the introduction to the series has occurred in the previous book set in Edwardian-era England, the Stella and Lyndy series introduces a new murder on the eve of their engagement party and the middle of the local county engagements like the New Forest Pony Show. Local turmoil and Stella’s own challenges made for a new fervor of excitement in this next engaging entry of the series.
Murder at Blackwater Bend is book two in a series that works best read/listened to in order.
Stella’s up against the demands of social decorum led by Lyndy’s mother who has decided Lyndy’s old flame, Lady Philippa would make a better daughter in law. This wouldn’t be so bad if she knew for sure that Lyndy didn’t secretly agree. There is a celebrity explorer come to visit the neighborhood and he seems chummy with Lady Philippa. Meanwhile, her father has brought in a nosy female journalist who may be more than she seems and Lyndy’s father is excavating a local dig with a fellow American paleontologist. Philippa’s husband is involved in nocturnal clandestine activities that involve exchanges of money out by the Blackwater where the ‘Snakecatcher’, a local hermit and one of Stella’s eccentric bevy of friends notices, but goes about his own business. So much comings and goings.
I love how the characters and relationships continued to grow and develop as the new mystery and the stir having Philippa around causes. Stella really had to find her inner steel and I was glad this didn’t dissolve into an unwelcome romance triangle because Lyndy made it clear that Philippa was a past mistake and he was well and over her. Thank goodness because that woman was a witch and not just to Stella. If she’d been the murder victim, it would have been tough not to sympathize with the perpetrator. But, alas, she was not and the mystery had a good array of possibilities to keep me guessing along with Inspector Brown, Stella and Lyndy. Stella doubts she’s got what it takes to be a future countess, but Lyndy sees her much better than she sees herself. She knows how to draw people to her, American eccentricities and all, she is genuine and honest, and she draws out the best in Lyndy, too.
Sarah Zimmerman is entertaining as a narrator and fabulous with voicing the broad range of characters from Stella’s wizened old Kentucky drawling great-aunt to the snobbish tones of the countess.
Murder at Blackwater Bend was a thoroughly satisfying mystery and I appreciated the attention to historical setting as well as character development. I’m eager to press forward with the series and urge other historical cozy mystery fans to give this series a whirl.
My full review will post at The Reading Frenzy Aug 28th.
Murder at Blackwater Bend is book two in a series that works best read/listened to in order.
Stella’s up against the demands of social decorum led by Lyndy’s mother who has decided Lyndy’s old flame, Lady Philippa would make a better daughter in law. This wouldn’t be so bad if she knew for sure that Lyndy didn’t secretly agree. There is a celebrity explorer come to visit the neighborhood and he seems chummy with Lady Philippa. Meanwhile, her father has brought in a nosy female journalist who may be more than she seems and Lyndy’s father is excavating a local dig with a fellow American paleontologist. Philippa’s husband is involved in nocturnal clandestine activities that involve exchanges of money out by the Blackwater where the ‘Snakecatcher’, a local hermit and one of Stella’s eccentric bevy of friends notices, but goes about his own business. So much comings and goings.
I love how the characters and relationships continued to grow and develop as the new mystery and the stir having Philippa around causes. Stella really had to find her inner steel and I was glad this didn’t dissolve into an unwelcome romance triangle because Lyndy made it clear that Philippa was a past mistake and he was well and over her. Thank goodness because that woman was a witch and not just to Stella. If she’d been the murder victim, it would have been tough not to sympathize with the perpetrator. But, alas, she was not and the mystery had a good array of possibilities to keep me guessing along with Inspector Brown, Stella and Lyndy. Stella doubts she’s got what it takes to be a future countess, but Lyndy sees her much better than she sees herself. She knows how to draw people to her, American eccentricities and all, she is genuine and honest, and she draws out the best in Lyndy, too.
Sarah Zimmerman is entertaining as a narrator and fabulous with voicing the broad range of characters from Stella’s wizened old Kentucky drawling great-aunt to the snobbish tones of the countess.
Murder at Blackwater Bend was a thoroughly satisfying mystery and I appreciated the attention to historical setting as well as character development. I’m eager to press forward with the series and urge other historical cozy mystery fans to give this series a whirl.
My full review will post at The Reading Frenzy Aug 28th.
September 18, 2022
Really enjoyed this 2nd installment in the Stella and Lyndy series--the mystery was interesting and enjoyable. I liked especially the details about Lord Lyndhurst's digs and the snakecatcher, Harvey Milkham. I liked that we got a bit of Lyndy's past by having Philippa such a big part of the plot but I would have liked to have seen more development of his character and his relationship with Stella, more than just admiration of her. Sometimes the writing style sort of grated on me but overall very entertaining and I'm looking forward to the 3rd one !
November 12, 2022
2022 bk 348 - As good as the first in the series. When a neighbor is found dead by a stream there are a number of suspects - the local snakecatcher, the people he was blackmailing, every stranger who has entered the local inn. Stella and Lyndy are pulled into the case as Stella has befriended the snake-catcher. In the meantime she has been ordered to prepare an engagement dinner, Lyndy's old flame is up to mischief, and her soon to be mother in law really reveals her hatred for Stella. And did I mention Stella's papa - the man who is giving Stella's clothes to a journalist?
August 1, 2023
Some potential here in the premise, but the execution is very weak. Pacing is excruciating (especially in all the conversations where every bit of dialogue is followed by long paragraphs of description, killing all momentum). The silliness of the protagonists’ behaviour is just too much. DNF at 50%
February 24, 2024
I enjoy this series. Makes me want to pay a return visit to the New Forest.
March 25, 2021
I ended up really enjoying this book. At first I was a bit thrown because I hadn't read the first book, so I was missing a lot of the character explanations and dynamics. Once I got a bit into the story, I quickly picked up on many of those things (though I definitely recommend going back to the first book for the whole story). I love historical fiction and mystery so this combination really suited my tastes. I quickly admired Stella and her strength and sometimes no-nonsense attitude. She knew when to dig in and when it was better to not ruffle any feathers. By the end I also liked Lyndy and could see how much he cared for Stella. The mystery was intriguing and just got more and more complicated. Various possible suspects, all more sneaky and despicable than the rest. I enjoyed how each character was depicted and the many twists that were sprung on us near the end. The one thing that kept me from attaching to the story right away was the quick jump between POV without any warning, which I did eventually get used to. Overall I enjoyed it and will definitely read more in this series.
June 13, 2022
Minu arvamuse leiab blogist https://triinuraamatud.wordpress.com/...
August 15, 2020
This was a charming read. I loved how the author drew the setting and pulled the reader in with small sensory details. I also really enjoyed Stella. If I have one complaint it's that the rest of the characters seemed rather typecast or stereotypical. Lindy in particular. I didn't really believe how vapid and besotted he seemed whenever the POV entered his head, especially considering that he is one of the mainest of main characters. All in all, though, this was a fun little read, and I may watch for more in this series.
Received a digital ARC through Goodreads giveaways.
Received a digital ARC through Goodreads giveaways.
July 21, 2022
Unfortunately, for me, there was a word that was overused, and took me right out of the story.
May 7, 2023
Had to abandon this. Yes, it might be true to the period but the characters are all so vile and the heroine so meek. I don’t care who murdered the guy. Reminding myself not to read anymore of this series.
November 10, 2020
I mentioned in the first review that this series held promise. It is a rare occasion when I can happily admit my prediction came true. This second instalment is a much better work than its predecessor. The writing was smooth and flowing, with emotions tied up to the ongoing investigations. It drew me in, to the extent that I ended up reading it in one sitting, not really pausing during my meal and ending up sleeping later than I have recently.
I could point out the factors that play out in its favour:
1) Lyndy is not the typical supportive fiancee. He is flawed and has very few real interests. He does not make any claims to be anything other than an ordinary gentleman. Particularly with a focus only on his girl and horses (and not necessarily in that order always).
2) We get a few chapters, scattered throughout the narrative from the point of view of even some small players. This enhanced the overall atmosphere of the narrative.
3) The plot was simple, sad, but well done. It had me emotionally invested in the outcome as well as the collateral damage that was caused. I almost suspected the culprit(s), unsurprisingly I got it wrong (although not entirely, which is not much better than being wrong in this case).
.4) The side characters were very vivid, and there were some hidden gems among the lighter moments.
5) It has really stepped up my hopes for the next instalment.
I may not have mentioned our leading lady Stella in the above points or the content of the mystery, but that doesn't mean her part is small. She is open and engaging, and her emotions are visible to the public. The engaged couple is slowly coming to understand and trust each other. This slow build of the relationship was also presented in a very appealing manner. The mystery is better met while reading as it takes a while to set in, and then the unravelling is also done similarly.
I look forward to reading the next instalment. I highly recommend this to anyone who likes reading historical cozies.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
I could point out the factors that play out in its favour:
1) Lyndy is not the typical supportive fiancee. He is flawed and has very few real interests. He does not make any claims to be anything other than an ordinary gentleman. Particularly with a focus only on his girl and horses (and not necessarily in that order always).
2) We get a few chapters, scattered throughout the narrative from the point of view of even some small players. This enhanced the overall atmosphere of the narrative.
3) The plot was simple, sad, but well done. It had me emotionally invested in the outcome as well as the collateral damage that was caused. I almost suspected the culprit(s), unsurprisingly I got it wrong (although not entirely, which is not much better than being wrong in this case).
.4) The side characters were very vivid, and there were some hidden gems among the lighter moments.
5) It has really stepped up my hopes for the next instalment.
I may not have mentioned our leading lady Stella in the above points or the content of the mystery, but that doesn't mean her part is small. She is open and engaging, and her emotions are visible to the public. The engaged couple is slowly coming to understand and trust each other. This slow build of the relationship was also presented in a very appealing manner. The mystery is better met while reading as it takes a while to set in, and then the unravelling is also done similarly.
I look forward to reading the next instalment. I highly recommend this to anyone who likes reading historical cozies.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 245 reviews