I am very fond of this mystery series. Lennox, Swift, Greggs and Mr. Fogg and Mr. Tubbs feel like part of my friends and family. The first three books, in particular, delighted me no end and I've continued to read each new one as it is released.
Perhaps I should have given this newest one four stars but I won't for two main reasons: (1) As the series has grown in popularity, so has the price of each book. Yet this new one is sadly in need of some proofreading. Missing commas, commas appearing where there should be semicolons, and other niggles that curmudgeonly me could not give a pass to. I think the author should either go back to the original lower price or hire a proofreader. And (2) I feel that Lennox et al are not growing much as characters. I don't know anyone any better now than I did when I first met them so many books ago. They have all stagnated in their quirkiness and mannerisms and are rather two-dimensional.
Foggy and Tubby are as delightful as ever. I don't expect any personal growth from dogs or cats and I was happy to see them accompany Lennox as he and Swift and Greggs travel to Lanscombe Park, home of a Lord Sinclair and his family of wife, quirky in-laws, two adult stepchildren, and a visiting illegitimate son. Not to mention Sinclair's assistants and the household staff.
The death of Sinclair's chauffeur has been pronounced accidental but Lennox and Swift are asked to investigate it as a possible homicide. Asked by whom? Well, it seems that Persi, Lennox's on-again/off-again love interest and a friend of the Sinclair family, is the one.
So the Lennox entourage goes off to investigate. More murder ensues. Lots of quirky characters to suspect. An old, lost tomb at the estate adds a bit of historical interest. There are secrets and lies in the family affairs and in Sinclair's business affairs. And the ongoing romance of Persi and Lennox needs some tweaking. Considering how clueless Lennox is at personal relationships, we readers wonder how much tweaking he's capable of.
All in all, this is an enjoyable addition to the series, but my favorites still remain the first three.