Review: Murder at Morrington Hall by Clara McKenna

Today we're reviewing a new historical mystery set in Edwardian England.

Murder at Morrington Hall by Clara McKenna was released in Hardcover on May 28 by Kensington. It is the author’s first novel and the first book in the new Stella and Lyndy mystery series. The historical series takes place in Edwardian era England and mixes horse racing and murder. I’m a big fan of historical mysteries and I am always looking for new series to try.

The year is 1905 and American heiress Stella Kendrick leaves her home in Kentucky with her father to travel to England. She thinks she’s helping deliver a few racehorses to a wealthy British family. What she doesn’t know is that her father has promised her hand in marriage to Viscount Lyndhurst, or Lyndy as he prefers to be called. Stella is mortified that she’s being married off, but she can’t help her attraction to the young Viscount. Lyndy is initially hesitant, but finds himself charmed at the American’s spunk and love of horses.

The young courtship is cut short when the Reverend Bullmore, who is supposed to perform the ceremony, is found murdered at Morrington Hall. Stella and Lyndy’s marriage is put on the back burner as the two get wrapped up in solving the murder.

I think this is going to be a great new series. It’s a bit reminiscent of Downton Abbey, if Downton had a murdered vicar in the library. I think it’s a great setup—the American heiress matched up with British high society. Stella is a free spirit and a likeable character. Lyndy starts off a bit arrogant, but manages to grow on you. I look forward to the next book in the series.

This book was provided to Mystery Playground by the publisher. The review was fair and completely independent.

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