Major Heathcliff Lennox is called in, along with ex Detective Inspector Swift, to help the police investigate a macabre death. The dead man is Lord De Ruyter, a man inextricably linked to the notorious Birdcage Murders.
Nothing is as it appears, witnesses to De Ruyter's murder are not the strangers they purport to be, everyone present had a reason to be there and it all relates to the Birdcage Murders.
1920's, Cozy crime, Traditional Detectives, Downton Abbey - I love them! Along with my family, my dog and my cat. At 60 I decided to write, I don't know why but suddenly the stories came pouring out, along with the characters. Eccentric Uncles, stalwart butlers, idiosyncratic servants, machinating Countesses, Fogg the dog and the hapless Major Heathcliff Lennox. Suddenly a whole world built itself upon the page and I just followed along.
Heathcliff Lennox is getting use to Persi and the changes that she is making to the estate with the help of Tommy and Greggs the butler. Lennox receives a phone ☎ call from Swift and they are off to investigate a twelve year old cold case and a murder. The cold case was the murder of eight people with a bomb in a birdcage 🐦. The new murder is with diamond 💎 dust. There is another murder and a ladies 🚺 maid is attacked. Lennox and Swift put all the facts together leading the truth and arrest of the killers. I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of British 🏰👑 romantic family and friends relationships mystery novels 👍🔰. 2023 😀👒😡🏰👑
Heathcliff Lennox and his good friend retired Scotland Yard Inspector Swift have been asked to come to London and help with a murder investigation. That is unusual because in the past their investigations have not always been welcomed by The Yard. Lennox is a former WWI flying hero. He comes from a well known family. And he is handsome. So, if one were seeking a hero, he is perfect for the job. At an exclusive dinner in a private club, a gentleman has died. His death was especially gruesome. It is believed the man who died was responsible for an explosion which killed 8 people. Everyone else at the dinner were relatives of those people who died in the explosion. The suspects are many and right at the scene of the crime. This series is always filled with a good mystery. Lennox and Swift are good investigators. Each has their own style. Swift is pedantic and precise. Lennox asks questions, looks at places and people and uses his powers of deduction and commons sense. And there is always food, atmosphere and humor. This investigation is a difficult one. There is sympathy for everyone involved. But, Lennox and Swift move forward at a steady pace. These books are wonderful. The character development is terrific. These are complete people. Even the lowest secondary characters add to the story. The plots are always well done and draw the reader right into the period between the Great Wars. We are all in it together looking for clues and asking questions. I loved this book. I have loved every one of the Lennox series.
I love this series and this one did not disappoint. The characters are lovely and inhabit their world very believably. The story is both intriguing and funny, although I would have liked to hear more of Persi - it took long enough to get them together it's a shame she becomes a footnote in this story. The only complaint I have is that it upset my whole morning as I started reading it first thing and it's now nearly lunchtime as I finish it and I haven't done anything else.
Did you ever wonder what would happen if you ground up a diamond and ate it? I never wondered, but now I know.
This episode of Lennox and Swift takes place at Lennox's club and pays homage to Agatha Christie's "Murder on the Orient Express." I admit I had sometimes wondered what the London men's clubs of old were like, and now I know that, too.
The current murder is an outgrowth of one years ago, so many of the characters are older and staid, but then so am I.
My mind kept wandering and I wondered about other things: Will the wives always be kept at home? The plot rolls along better without them. Will Persi, a world-class Egyptologist, be content as lady of a country manor? Will Swift ever learn that although he uses reams of paper to write down clues, nothing ever seems to come from them? Will Tubbs develop a personality? It might ruin him.
I love visiting with Lennox, Swift, and Foggy in their time period. They make me smile and tune out the world for a while. That is a gift I enjoy.
Okay, this one was clever. I totally guessed, had no basis for my supposition, and couldn't figure out how or why. I just guessed. I was right, but come on. It doesn't count. Man, I love it when that happens.
What is also cool is the character development that slowly happens through this series--both progressive and regressive. Just like actual people (what a concept!).
Add to that putting natural and realistic obstacles in their way instead of using things to clear the way, and you've got a mystery you won't want to miss.
Anything else I'd say might be a spoiler, so... yeah. Loved it.
I love Karen Menuhin’s Lennox series. This another good one, but I can’t say it’s my favorite. It felt rushed or something, and I missed all those little details about the characters and the settings that usually makes these so good. In the other hand, if you’re a Menuhin fan, you’ll probably still enjoy this book. It has its moments! Looking forward to the next one, an I understand it’s already in the making.
Let's just get this out there: Lennox is quirky. And that's exactly what makes these stories so enjoyable for me. The cast of characters is delightful—from Tubbs to Mr. Fogg, even the secondary, four-legged characters are well-drawn. And I like the realistic interaction between Lennox and Swift, who compliment each other beautifully. Add to these strengths the evocative, beautiful settings that Menuhin handles so capably, and The Birdcage Murders is a clear winner.
Highly recommended if you're looking for a cozy historical mystery.
Birdcage is another very readable and gripping murder mystery from Karen Menuhin.
I enjoy the main character, Lennox, and his butler, his dog and his cat as well as his compatriot in solving the murders. Karen's writing is packed with well written details and observations of life that give so much depth to the plot that it raises the level of reading one comes to expect in all books. I enjoy her books as well as I do another favourite, a renowned author that I read. I look forward impatiently to her next book each time I finish one as I now look forward to book 9 Wreath of Red Roses. I recommend this book to all who enjoy the the English murder mystery. Good reading!
Lennox and Swift do it again. After being asked to do some discreet investigations in Brundals, Lennox's club, after a diner dies in very suspicious circumstances. Everything point to a murder committed 12 year previously. As usual they find their murderer. I just love these books..taking you back to a bygone era.
Great author! Wonderful series. I am so glad to have stumbled across her! Please keep writing Karen! If you love classical English who done its these stories are for you.
While I have enjoyed the previous books in this series, this one shines! Intriguing murder devise, intricate but believable plot, sound characters and Foggy and Tubs! Best of all, Heathcliff is not a blockhead as in past books. After getting used to a handsome but idiotic investigator who stumbles onto clues, Heathcliff was smart, intuitive and (amazingly enough) socially adept. Marriage must indeed agree with him! There were oodles of interesting period details, the pace was fast and the text was well proofed. The denouement owes a great deal to one of Agatha Christie's most famous mysteries, I won't say which one as it would spoil this story. But a very nice homage, derivation, etc.
I did wish for this book to bring us along on their honeymoon. But it starts later. This time it was the mystery that dominated the story for me, with lots of drama and fascinating characters. Also the stay at the club was lovely, with them treating the pets so well.
This series is just so much fun! This one takes place entirely in London, and because I could picture some of the areas/streets often mentioned along with a good mystery, I think this is my favorite so far.
Fast paced, complexly plotted. One thing I particularly like about Brit Cozies is that the characters can take their pets with them everywhere as they detect--trains, stores, restaurants--very different from the U.S. And as usual, I am surprised by how much people drink!
Another well crafted, well written, satisfying read!
She writes with a sophisticated, droll and sometimes very funny pen! These books are well crafted, well written and a fast cozy read. I like the stories and just love the main characters and some of the secondary ones, as well. Heath cliff is his same old wonderful self and Greggs, Swift, Tommy, and now Persi...cannot Wait to get to know her better! Would recommend Ms. Menuhin's books are just a tad formulaic but always worth reading and an enjoyable way to pass the time and leave our sad and sorry world for a bygone era when things went along quite easily for those with means. Highly recommended.
Swift is annoying me more and more. He simply isn't entertaining in any way. I suspect I like Heathcliff so much because he clearly is an introvert too. Hmmm, I seem to be "being" much harder in my ratings recently, for comparable books, by the same authors, and I'm not sure why. This is as good as any and I like these books. Didn't think there was enough for the reader to come to the same conclusion as Heathcliff, but that's OK (and IMHO true of most mysteries). It's a between the world wars cozy.
MY RATING GUIDE: A very satisfying 4.5 Stars. I read a variety of mysteries. The Lennox series is toward the lighter end of my spectrum but still manages to include interesting historical information, puzzling mysteries, books I can see myself revisiting in the future, and I find fun rather than silly. Performer Sam Dewhurst-Phillips turns the titles into captivating entertainment. I enjoyed listening to and the mystery of TBCM very much.
5= I Loved this; THIS WAS GREAT! & most likely will read again (I SELDOM give 5 Stars); 4= I LIKED THIS A LOT & would read it again; 3.5= I enjoyed it & might read it again; 3= This was okay/fairly good & might or might not read it again; 2= Nope, not for me; 1= dnf/What was that?
Feb 1923, London ~ Diamond heir Ezra Ruyter, the 4th lord of de Ruyter was dining with his mistress Lillian Lamb at Brundels, a private club, when he suddenly begins hemorrhaging. He dies 10min later and the autopsy indicates the cause of death was the final meal which someone laced with diamond dust. Apparently, the dust sliced through Ezra’s perforated ulcer, causing his near immediate death. Without a perforated ulcer, Ezra’s death would have been considerably slower and incredibly painful.
Due to the fact that the deceased was a lord and most of the suspects are among the ton as well, Scotland Yard’s Chief Inspector calls in retired Chief Inspector Jonathan Swift, now residing in the Scottish Highlands, and his friend, amateur investigator Major Heathcliff Lennox of the Cotswolds.
The police believe Ezra’s murder ties in with an unsolved homicide case of 12yrs previous which the press named the Birdcage murders. Ezra was a police suspect at the time but the police had been unable to prove anything. Undisputed is the fact that Ezra inherited a fortune following the explosion of a large music box killing his uncle and cousin as well as 6 other people in the room. When Swift & Lennox arrive in London to look into this latest murder, they are told they will be investigating the death of a very unpopular man who most likely was guilty of murdering 8 innocent people 12 years ago, and got away with it.
Comments ~ 1) I enjoy Menuhin’s 1920’s British Mystery series and find them perfect for decompressing. Each title contains sound mystery elements, a light tone and humor without being too silly. Each title reads quickly, keeps me engaged and smiling as I listen. 2) I listened to the audio version of THE BIRDCAGE MURDERS. Sam Dewhurst-Phillips again did an excellent job voicing the various characters and accents, of which there were many. I have already purchased the next 3 titles in the series and plan to purchase more. 3) The main character, Lennox, was nicely introduced in the prequel Short Story HEATHCLIFF LENNOX - FRANCE 1918. Each successive title continues to develop his character and his relationships (such as with former CID Swift). I prefer ‘reading’ book series chronologically but each title can be read independently, as a standalone mystery. 4) I enjoy the historical and scientific details included in each book (the use of Diamond dust as a means for murder, the prevalence of titled English gentlemen marrying American heiresses, etc). The author’s notes at the end of many of these books encourage me to do a bit of a researching on my own. 5) I recommend the Heathcliff Lennox 1920’s Mysteries to readers who enjoy: > Cozy, British or Classic Mysteries (Benedict Brown’s Lord Edginton Mysteries, Agatha Christie, etc). > Lighter mysteries which provide a welcome break from the real world. > Character-driven series. Major Lennox and his close friends’ relationships continue to change and grow throughout the series. > Pick Me Up fiction. > Books such as James Herriot’s Yorkshire veterinarian fiction series (All Creatures Great and Small) as the upbeat tone is similar (the Major Lennox series has considerably less profanity).
READER CAUTIONS ~ Suitable for many Mystery readers. PROFANITY - Yes. Strong language is used on a few occasions. VIOLENCE - PG. Not dark or graphic. SEXUAL SITUATIONS - None.
A man was killed at a dinner at Brundals, a private men’s club in London. Lennox happens to be a member although he hasn’t been there for years, so Scotland Yard asks him and retired Inspector Swift to go to the club and be the Yard’s eyes and ears. Swift is delighted to be working with the Yard again, and while Lennox is a little leery of spying at first, the case soon captures his attention.
I have read a lot of mysteries, but I think this may be the first I’ve come across with this particular method of murder. It’s dreadful and very upper-crust. It turns out that all of the people in the dining room when the murder occurred are connected to an unsolved case from 12 years ago when several people were killed when a birdcage automaton exploded.
This is the 8th in the series and by now we know Lennox, Swift, and the crew well. I always enjoy spending time with them and adore Lennox’s dog and cat, who are both present here. Apparently the club members and staff love animals.
The mystery had a few twists and turns, several suspects and red herring. We have a good denouement that pulls it all together well.
It’s a solid, enjoyable read. And I do love the London between the wars setting.
Our favorite toff sleuth, Lennox, is at it again as he and his ex inspector friend, Swift try to discover who killed the prime suspect in an old murder. A bejeweled birdcage exploded at the celebration of an impending wedding, killing a number of people. Now, years later the families of those victims are gathered together when said suspect is killed right in front of them. But why after so long, who did it and what was the catalyst? Believable characters a reader can relate to mixed with a terrific plot and an ending most will not figure out ahead makes for another outstanding story!
This is my eighth Heathcliff Lennox book and I did enjoy the characters, the private club where much of the action takes place and the extreme silliness of the plot. Scotland Yard is not up to the investigation required to solve the death of a man at the heart of a fiendish plan. The new wife of Lennox is offstage but getting her new home readied to please herself and has asked Lennox to bring a cockerel home to control her chickens when he finishes solving murders in London.
The Birdcage Murders is a fantastic addition to Karen Baugh Menuhin's Heathcliff Lennox Investigates series - I was kept guessing until the denouement, and was actually a little surprised, lol! Narrator Sam Dewhurst-Phillips IS Lennox, and I eagerly anticipate each new audio release in one of my fave cozy series. Not only is he Lennox, however, he's everyone else, too - he perfectly embodies each and every character. I can't recommend this book and series, and especially the Audible version, enough!!! A+++
Many years ago an intricate and extraordinary automaton, a singing bird in a gilded and bejeweled cage exploded at a party to celebrate an impending wedding, killing the few that were in the room. The police were never able to solve it. Now, the main suspect in The Birdcage Murders has just been killed. What is the tie to the past and why is it all being stirred up again, now? Wat the main suspect guilty or not? Major Lennox and ex-inspector Swift are asked to assist in untangling this gory knot.
Now this book is my favorite Heathcliff Lennox mystery!
Each book in this series is better than the one before it! The characters, both human and pet, are well written, quirky and lovable. The mystery is intriguing, slowly revealed and logical. The books are fun to read, but the audiobooks are even better. Can’t wait for the audio version of The Birdcage Murders to be completed.
I have been waiting for the release of Birdcage for months. I've been reading historical novels and mysteries and they have been wonderful but Lennox and Swift are unsurpassed! Totally enthralled with all the characters you so brilliantly create. And the plots of all your books are so NOT easy to uncover. Needless to say, I love your books, I love Heathcliff and Jonathan and look forward to the next one!
Once again Major Lennox, Swift and Greggs take us on a murderous romp this time in London, and it does not fail to thoroughly entertain. Reading The Birdcage Murders was a delightful way to spend a cold, stormy day while sipping a hot toddy! I must say, this whodunit had plenty of twists and turns and comedic flare to keep the reader from putting it down.