What a delightful second installment to the Stella and Lyndy mystery series!

American heiress Stella Kendrick has, very happily, decided to marry the Viscount (Lyndy) Lyndhurst. Now, at the behest of her critical future mother-in-law, she must learn proper English etiquette and endure endless balls, dinner parties, and teas with the social elite. In the midst of it all Stella once again stumbles upon a body. Lord Fairbrother was a man with secrets and had been threatened by more than one person. Stella and Lyndy work together to solve the mystery, and keep its ramifications from destroying their new found relationship.

I so enjoyed reading this new adventure for Stella and Lyndy. Stella remains feisty, yet warm and kind, trying to be true to herself while navigating a new way of life—as well as tolerating the scorn and derision of some in her new world. Lyndy has truly evolved, becoming an appealing and warm character with depth. I enjoyed the continued story of an American “dollar princess” trying to fit into British aristocracy. The mystery was well conceived, and I found myself unsure of the outcome…almost until the end.

I’m really looking forward to the next in this series, and more adventures with Stella and Lyndy!

My Rating – 4.5/5

Stella is a rich American who has found love in the Aristocracy of England. She is her own person when dealing with the Aristocracy as well as her father. The author is trying to make you have sympathy for her, but to me it caused the opposite. She came off to me as snobbish and rude. Unfortunately, I did not read the first book, which might have made a difference in how I saw the characters. Stella and Lindy are trying to plan their wedding but there is a murder to deal with first. The book is fast paced and the setting is a wonderful escape from our everyday life. Thank you #NetGalley for the opportunity to review #MurderatBlackwaterBend

Stella is beautiful and rich. She is also kind, friendly, impulsive and American. Not traits admired by the aristocracy! Her fiance, Lyndy, finds every thing about her refreshing and is enjoying their courtship more and more. She, in turn, is learning more about Lyndy and feeling absolutely positive about their future. Too bad she still has to deal with her father, Lyndy's mother, and the snobbish aristocracy in general. And now murder and its fallout threaten her future with Lyndy. Once again they work together to discover the truth and protect the innocent.

I loved this book just as much as I did the first one in the series! Stella is a wonderful, fresh look at the snobbish aristocracy in this series. She’s clever and likable. Lyndy I think is actually the character who I think had a little more growth during this. Philippa was suitably obnoxious, although I did like seeing her get what she deserved at the end of the book. I can’t wait for the next book!

Full review to come.