Murder at Blackwater Bend is the second outing for Stella and her betrothed, Lyndy (Viscount Lyndhurst). Her future mother-in-law still dislikes her, wishing that her son had married Philippa. Instead, Stella's wealthy and disagreeable father, makes a financial deal with the Viscount's family, a deal that will be a massive help to the cash poor family. What starts out as a marriage for financial reasons turns into a true affection between Stella and Lyndy. Soon, however, their wedding plans hit another snag, this time in the form of murder. Philippa had married money after all but he was a bounder and a cheat. To say he was disliked was mild, somebody bumped him off and made Philippa a very wealthy young widow. Soon the Vicount's mother, Lady Atherly, sees a possibility of getting rid of Stella's money and replacing it with the much more socially acceptable Lady Philippa and her new wealth. Stella is more comfortable with horses and the lower classes and that isn't what Lady Atherly has planned.
I enjoy historical mysteries- this is set in 1905 England - and the mystery was very satisfying, full of well developed characters, lovely settings and a romance. This series has earned a place on my must read list.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

This is an excellent series. Stella and Lundy have barely got over their last encounter with a murder investigation but find themselves embroiled in another one.
Stella is a lovely character. She is elegant, rich, and nice! American women are so often portrayed as supremely confident and ready to take the world by storm but Stella is a much quieter character. She is clever and brave but she also has moments where she is overwhelmed by what she's is witnessing and experiencing and that makes her much more relatable and likeable. Lyndy is sweet and nice and I love the way the two of them become closer as they navigate their way to married life together.
This mystery had me guessing. There were so many characters with questionable behaviour it could easily have been any of them. The suspense and fast pace kept me gripped and the romance will keep me invested in the rest of the series. I can't wait.

Murder at Blackwater Bend is the second in Clara Mckenna's totally adorable Lundy and Stella series. The story takes place in Hampshire, England, in 1905 at Morrington Hall, the seat of Lyndy's parents, Lord and Lady Altherly. Stella and Lundy are betrothed, despite the fact Stella is an American, or rather because of it: Stella is an American heiress. Her father, less than attractive in his behaviors, sold her to the highest bidder, but she and Lyndy have hit it off despite Stella's very unpredictable behavior. Lady Atherly hates her openness, but it was what had made Lyndy fall in love. There's a lot going on in this book, aside from the main plot which is figuring out who murdered poor Harvey Milkham, the local snakecatcher, and later, Lord Fairbrother.

This is a really cute Victorian novel, which plays on the differences between American society and English society at the turn of the 20th century. Some of the characters are quite entertaining, including the two, Barlow and Miss Cosslett, who are both total frauds and present for their own reasons. Lady Atherly is amusing in her attempts to come between Lyndy and Stella, as is Lady Phillipa who thinks she had Lyndy by the nose. Stella keeps them both in line and charms most of the rest of the cast as she does it. The murder plot is a good one and it takes a little to unravel all the false clues and red herrings. All's well that ends well, and it looks like Lyndy and Stella may actually make it to the altar. I recommend it.

I was invited to read an ARC of Murder at Blackwater Bend by Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #murderatblackwaterbend

This is the second book in Clara McKenna's Stella and Lyndy mystery series set in 1905 England. I thought the first book was delightful and this one doesn't disappoint. I loved the descriptions of Stella driving the roads around New Forest in her motorcar with Lyndy hanging on for dear life!! Stella is still trying to navigate the English aristocracy hoping for Lyndy's mother's approval. But Lyndy loves Stella and finds her a breath of fresh air that he doesn't want to change. Of
course murder pops it's ugly head up and Lyndy and Stella are drawn into the investigation.
There's much to love about this book. It's a fast read with a layered, intriguing mystery, Stella and Lyndy are characters to root for and enjoy. The secondary characters are well written as well. I also enjoyed the setting of New Forest...in fact I did a Google search to learn a little more about it. I like a book whose location is like another character. I'm hoping this will be a long running series.
Thanks to the author and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Picking up just days after the first book in the series left off, strong willed America heiress, Stella Kendrick and titled but penniless Viscount Lyndhurst (Lyndy) are enjoying their time getting to know each other before the upcoming nuptials. While skillfully ignoring her future mother in law's disdain has become more of a trial for Stella than she would like, it pales in comparison to the innumerable lessons on proper English etiquette and social functions with the social elite she must endure. The pair decide to spend some time alone, with Lyndy teach Stella one of his favorite pastimes, fly fishing. However instead of fish, Stella uncovers the body of Lord Fairbrother, the husband of a former flame of Lyndy's. Although there are plenty of suspects, as the deceased was somewhat of a cad, suspicion centers around local snake catcher, and Stella's new friend, Harvey Milkham. As a favor to Harvey, who saved the life of her precious horse, and because of her strong sense of justice, Stella decides to do all she can to uncover the true culprit and clear Harvey's name of suspicion.
Murder at Blackwater Bend is a delightful continuation of Stella and Lyndy's courtship. The characters are lively and colorful, with plenty of fast paced banter to offset any upright stodgy behavior from the upper echelon of society. Stella is a wonderful heroine, full of passion and strength, and a wonderful counterpart to the serious Lyndy. The mystery was multilayered, taking readers on a journey through Edwardian era England, and the politics and society drama that ensued at the time. The author skillfully tells the story from multiple points of view, allowing readers a glimpse into the inner mind of our main characters. I highly recommend this book to those looking for a fun, multi layered mystery with plenty of atmospherics and drama.

I picked up the first book in this series on a whim and was pleasantly surprised. the second book didn't disappoint. Stella and Lyndy once again find themselves embroiled in a murder mystery when Stella finds the body of Lord Fairbrother floating in the water while fishing. Stella works to unravel the mystery while attempting to put her best foot forward with the aristocracy.

MURDER AT BLACKWATER BEND by Clara McKenns
The Second Stella and Lyndy Mystery

Wealthy American Stella Kendrick is charming almost everyone in Hampshire, from the serving classes to much of the aristocracy, including her fiance, the Viscount of Lyndhurst. The most notable exception is her mother-in-law to be, who finds fault with everything Stella does. Delighted to spend time together, Lyndy decides to teach Stella to fish, but instead of a trout, Stella lands a dead body! Plenty of people had reason to dislike Lord Fairbrother, but when Stella's new friend, the village snake catcher, becomes a prime suspect she decides to do all she can to unearth the real killer. After all, assisting the police in their enquiries is easier than dealing with a vicious widow, a suspicious reporter, and an upcoming wedding, which Lyndy's mother seems desperate to cancel.

MURDER AT BLACKWATER BEND is a story about being true to yourself and the importance of open communication and standing up for your friends. It's about truth versus seeing what we want to see. It's about fitting in, while not always conforming.

I am so happy that Stella and Lyndy have realized that, despite being an arranged marriage, they are eminently suited for each other and are truly falling in love! The characters here are vividly drawn. Stella is a true dynamo and I love her passion for her animals and friends. Lyndy's father and his paleontologist friend bring joy and the excitement of discovery while Inspector Brown shows the benefits of hard work and open mindedness. Lady Atherly and Lady Philippa, on the other hand, are vile in their behavior...and Stella's father is almost as bad as an abusive blowhard of a bully.

MURDER AT BLACKWATER BEND is a compelling historical mystery that looks at Edwardian social mores as it details a well plotted murder. It's also a jolly good tale that drew me in and got me emotionally engaged. I look forward to Stella and Lyndy's next adventure as well as their wedding that will hopefully rid us of Mr. Kendrick and his boorish behavior.

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.

Murder at Blackwater Bend is set in England’s New Forest in the 1900’s, and is the second mystery starring Lyndy and Stella. Stella is an American heiress, and Lyndy is an English aristocrat whose family has a cash flow problem. Despite the ultimately commercial underpinnings to their relationship, Stella and Lyndy are in love, and fighting to keep their parents at arm's length from their relationship. In classic English village mystery fashion, they are also stumbling over far more bodies found dead in suspicious circumstances than any village has a right to expect.

I enjoyed this mystery in the same way I enjoy a good TV mystery series, a few hours of escapism to another place and time!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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.

I really enjoyed this historical mystery. Stella and Lyndy are getting to know each other. Lyndy's mother still doesn't like Stella and is opposed to their marriage. Lyndy really likes that Stella is so direct and different. His mother doesn't admire her for those characteristics. She wanted him to marry Lady Philippa, but she married another. When her husband, Lord Fairbrother, is found by Stella and Lyndy, dead in the river, Lady Philippa and Lyndy's mother decide that he must marry Lady Philippa and not Stella. Lyndy has had enough of Lady Philippa and his mother. He will marry Stella. But Stella feels the need to solve the murder and when another person is found murdered, Stella knows she has to solve it. There is no shortage of suspects. It turns out that Lord Fairbrother has been blackmailing quite a few people and Lady Philippa has her secrets too. Can Stella and Lyndy solve the mystery and stay together?

What an excellent sophomore outing for author Clara McKenna! Stella and Lyndy’s relationship has evolved since we last saw them, as have they both grown as individuals - it’s lovely to see. Now if only the same could be said for his mother and her father... The mystery is strong and well-paced, and kept me guessing. Can’t wait for the next installment!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

3.5 stars

American heiress Stella Kendrick and her uncouth bully of a father are in England awaiting her wedding to Lord Lyndy. Originally a business proposition (as one of many infusions of American dollars into the British aristocracy in the early 20th century), Lord Lyndy surprisingly finds himself charmed and in love with his forthright and direct American fiancee.

But murder intrudes, and Lyndy and Stella (while out fishing) find a local lord stabbed in the river. Shortly after, an old snake collector is also found dead of foul play.

This offbeat mystery is pleasant and enjoyable, and Stella is an appealing character. Lyndy's mother and Stella's father are almost caricatures of nastiness as is Lyndy's ex-girlfriend Phillippa, widow of one of the murder victims.

Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

It's 1905 and Stella and Lyndy are betrothed and discovering that, despite how this came about (their fathers made a deal - her money, his title), they really like each other. Unfortunately, Lyndy's mother doesn't like Stella because she's American, among other things. When the pair come across the body of Lord Fairbother, who was, before he was murdered, married to Lyndy's old flame Lady Phillippa, you know there's more to the story. Stella has made friends with a number of people, including Harvey, a snake catcher who is now considered the prime suspect. Cozy readers know, though, that old Fairbother wasn't very fair to others and that there is more than one person who is happy to see him gone. I enjoyed this second installment in the series- I liked that you get both Stella and Lyndy's perspective. Sometimes the us versus them aspect of Stella being an American gets a bit much but its light hearted. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A fun historical cozy.

Murder at Blackwater Bend Is an enjoyable cozy historical murder mystery with a touch of romance. I give it 4.5 stars and will round up to 5.
The book is the second in the “Stella and Lyndy” Mystery series. The book stands alone very well but I did read and enjoy the first in the series so it may have been easier for me to follow. The book takes place in an area of England that I was not familiar with and it was interesting to hear about the history of New Forest with its Pre-existing rights of common pasture and official verderers who manage and administer the forest law.
The series features Stella Kendrick, an American heiress from Kentucky whose father made his money raising race horses. A marriage has been arranged between Stella and Viscount Lyndhurst, Lyndy, by their fathers. Stella’s brutish and ambitious father wants a title, and Lyndy’s father has squandered most of the family fortune due to his passion for fossils. In this book, the couple is on the brink of becoming betrothed but Lyndy’s mother disapproves and despairs of Stella and constantly throws a former flame of Lyndy’s in her face and doing her best to prevent the marriage from going forward.
The former flame’s husband, Lord Fairbrother, is murdered and his body is found by Stella during an early morning fishing expedition with Lyndy. The main suspect is a snake catcher that Stella had befriended and who had recently saved the life of her beloved horse. Stella finds it hard to believe that Harvey could be capable of such a thing even if evidence points to him having a motive and an extreme dislike of the victim. But Lord Fairbrother was a bit of a sleazy character and there were others who may have wished him dead. The mystery is a very good one with plenty of red herrings and subplots. The author does a great job of leading you from one suspect to another and really kept me guessing.til the denouement near the end.
The relationship between Stella and Lyndy continues to grow and there is true affection and passion between them. You get their individual POV’s and Lyndy sometimes came across as a bit stilted/awkward to me - maybe that is a reflection of the time and place that the book was set in but it just seemed off to me.
I enjoy the series and look forward to the next installment.

I receive an ARC from the author via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

Stella and Lyndy find themselves in the middle of an investigation again when Stella finds the body of their neighbour, Lord Fairbrother. Lyndy knows enough about his fiancée to know that she would love a sunrise fishing lesson and it’s a great way for them to spend time without interruption. Unfortunately, Stella’s catch is Lord Fairbrother.
The contrast in this book, the second in the series, is that Stella is no longer the outsider and has been engaged in Society events and meeting locals. She has taken a liking to the local snakecatcher, Harvey, who reminds her of her grandfather. Harvey is a suspect in the murder as his home has recently been burned down and he blamed Lord Fairbrother for it. The story balances between local gentry, the local working class, and how servants interact with both during the investigation.
The wedding date isn’t set yet, and there’s a few side stories with Lord Atherly’s archeology finds and Lady Atherly’s attempts to marry Philippa off to Lyndy instead, as she is her ideal daughter in law. Lyndy is quite horrified by the notion and thwarting her attempts. Stella’s father continues to be awful.
Murder at Backwater Bend jumps around from what’s happening in the village, on the neighbouring estates, with Lyndy and Stella, with Inspector Brown, and it can be a lot of characters to keep up with. Ultimately it did really flesh out the story but it is disruptive in some parts to suddenly jump to other characters, especially if the reader wants the current storyline to continue.
All in all, once again an intriguing mystery from Clara McKenna. The 1905 setting is refreshing and so are the characters. Looking forward to the next installment in this series.

"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."

I just finished rewatching Berkeley Square and am all about American women marrying into the English upper class.

1905 The New Forest. Rich American Stella Kendrick is engaged to the son of Lord and Lady Atherly, Viscount 'Lyndy' Lyndhurst. Her family are staying at Pilley Manor. Suspects for the killing of Lord Fairbrother are introduced as his body is discovered by Stella at Blackwater Bend.
Not much of an investigation by the two main characters or mystery, seemed more of an angst Edwardian romance.
Enjoyable enough story though none of the characters were not that likeable. Also Stella calling her Father Daddy was irritating.

I received a copy of this title from the publisher for an honest review; I give this one 3.75 stars rounded up to 4. Murder at Blackwater Bend is the second title in the series and I think it could be read as a stand-alone as very little from the first title is referenced in this book. Stella is reluctantly planning party to celebrate her engagement to Lyndy in order to please her future mother-in-law, Lady Atherly. Stella has started to settling into England; at least among the locals if not among society. Lady Atherly is extremely reluctant to accept Stella into the family, but the money she is bringing into the family is much needed.

The mystery this time revolves around who killed Lord Fairbrother after Stella discovers his body while fishing with Lyndy in a local stream. Suspicion immediately falls on local snake catcher Harvey Milkham who Stella feels like she owes a debt to for his help saving her beloved horse; Stella is determined to clear his name and there is no shortage of suspects. There was much more to Lord Fairbrother than meets the eye and there is no lack of motives. I enjoyed the mystery and thought it was well done with enough turns to keep me guessing until near the end. I like that Lyndy is coming to appreciate Stella and her unique qualities in spite of his mother's clear opposition to the match; Stella is clearly coming into her own as a result of Lyndy's support. I look forward to future titles in this series so I can continue to watch their relationship develop.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this ARC. I loved the first book and was looking forward to this one. I was slightly disappointed and felt it dragged in parts but i still enjoyed it and would read a third book.