Lead characters Stella and Lyndy are finally hitched! But, of course, their honeymoon doesn't go smoothly: first their honeymoon suite ends up going to someone else, and then that someone ends up dead, which of course leads to the question of whether or not Stella and Lyndy were the intended targets, or if it was someone with a grudge against the deceased chocolate magnate.

McKenna again delivers a solid, satisfying mystery with plenty of action. The writing style is easy to read, the lead characters charismatic and likable, and the historical details and setting and richly realized. Looking forward to the next installment in the series!

I love cosy historical mysteries, especially when they are plausibly done, with likeable characters (a bit of aristocracy a bonus). This ticked all the boxes, and I’m sorry it sat on my TBR pile so long.

I’d love to read more Stella and Lyndy books, as I jumped into this series with this fourth book, just after the marriage. Well done to McKenna for creating such an in love couple.

I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review. Apologies for the long delay in reviewing this.

Reading a book that comes midway through a series can be a dangerous action. Some series consist entirely of standalone novels, while others almost require you to read the titles in order. Murder at the Majestic Hotel lands somewhere in between: it’s the fourth book in the Stella and Lyndy Mystery series, and I’d not read the previous three, but it’s also a new case. I was attracted to this book initially by its cover, and then by the chocolate-involved storyline. Would I be able to follow the narrative, or would I be lost?

York is my home when I’m in England, such as I am now. I have walked over a large portion of the city center and was familiar with some of the sites either mentioned or implied. From the description, the Majestic Hotel is based on The Principal York Hotel which opened in 1878. I’ve walked the York Walls and the medieval streets. Author McKenna also takes some names and twists them slightly: the famous Rowntree name is Rountree here, and the Yorkshire Dales villages of Buckden and Starbotton have combined to form Buckbotton.

I felt Murder at the Majestic Hotel was a basic story, nothing too complex for a whodunnit. I only partly guessed who was responsible, but there was also a subplot involving a proprietary recipe which had seemingly disappeared. Were the death and the disappearance related? The visit to Bolton Abbey brought back a couple of memories (I’ve not been there in years), but Stella made one of her seemingly outstanding leaps of deduction while on the stepping stones which cross the river there. (Believe it or not, I only just made the connection of “leap” and “stepping stones” as I typed this!)

And, maybe it’s because I’m familiar with York and know people from there, but I was continually knocked out of the story whenever I read York Minster described as a “cathedral.” Yes, its full name is The Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of Saint Peter in York, but it’s more commonly known as York Minster. I’ve always heard of it described as “the Minster.” I checked with a couple of friends, including another author, and all said the “Minster.” One added that they’ve only ever heard the occasional tourist refer to it as a “cathedral.” Granted, Stella and Lyndy aren’t locals, but Lyndy has enough family in the area that he, at least, should’ve known better and spoken of it enough to American Stella that she picked up the terminology.

So, was I able to follow the narrative having not read the previous three books? There are some references to events in the previous novels as they relate to the main characters, but I was able to follow the plot without having read them. Would I read those earlier books? I’m not sure. Given all the books I already have on my to read list, probably not.

Although I received an electronic copy of this book from the publisher, the opinions below are my own.

Murder at the Majestic Hotel is the fourth Stella & Lyndy historical cozy by Clara McKenna. Released 25th Oct 2022 by Kensington, it's 304 pages and available in hardback, ebook, and audio formats. Paperback edition due out in second quarter 2023. Set in Edwardian England, lead character Stella is one of the 'Million Dollar princesses' who married into the English aristocracy in the late 19th - early 20th centuries.

The book is firmly in the cozy historical murder mystery genre with a romance subplot. As such, the murder is bloodless and the language is clean. There is no graphic violence or sexual content. There is strongly implied congress between the titular series protagonists, who are newlyweds (it's not graphic, and doesn't occur on page). The only cursing is an occasional 'bloody' or 'damn'; nothing to make a maiden auntie blush.

This is a solidly engaging and entertaining series. The author is a gifted storyteller with a sure feel for characterization and descriptive narrative. The relationship between Stella and Viscount Lyndhurst which started at an odd pace in the first book has found a great footing and they're newly married at the start of this one. There are a number of anachronistic turns of phrase, but all in all, the author has done her background research and the book moves along to a satisfying, if slightly telegraphed, denouement.

Four stars. I would recommend the book for fans of cozy mysteries looking for a historical series (Downton Abbey meets Daisy Dalrymple). Although it's the fourth book in the series, it works perfectly well as a standalone; with the codicil that the characters have developed throughout and will spoil earlier books in some ways. It would make a good candidate for a binge or buddy read.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

If you glance at my reviews of the first three books in the series, you will see how I persisted despite not being wowed by the first. I was rewarded for that continued interest with a very different series.
There is something about the progress of this narrative that feels more like it is not a historical mystery but a reprint of a book written at that time.
I would not recommend jumping in at this point, even if the mystery itself is not linked to the other books. The characters and their interactions form the heart of this series, and not knowing the smaller eccentricities of everyone involved takes something away from the reader. Although, as I mentioned earlier, the mystery itself is entirely disconnected from the rest of the previous installments, and it is quite action-packed in its own right.
In the previous book, after a lot of hurdles and more dead bodies, our lead pair are finally married. They have decided to do a historic visit as part of their honeymoon. We get the lay of the land in the Majestic Hotel before they arrive, and a lot of different things seem to be afoot. It is only towards the end do we know the ending of all the stories.
This particular adventure has something happening in every chapter. The narrative keeps moving, and the plot builds. The author's historical note at the end provides extra information if anyone wants to check on the actual events at the time that this story is based. I will not go into any details because it is not a straight path through the revelations that occur. There is a lot of travel involved and a lot more discussion before the situation is seen as successfully resolved.
I would highly recommend this series to anyone who is a fan of historical fiction/mystery with a very delicate romance story in the background. The latter does not steal any of the limelight but provides a good setup for the rest of the book to take place. I am not sure where they will go from here if there is to be another book, but I would love to read another book by the author.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.

Although addicted to earlier era historical mysteries, this read sounded it was worth the time to read. Set in 1905 York, England it presents several conundrums to keep a reader interested. Lady and Lord Lyndhurst are looking forward to spending their honeymoon in York at the Majestic Hotel in their Honeymoon Suite, of course. They are displaced by the insistence of one Horace Wingrove, owner of the country's leading chocolatier. Unfortunately, that night it appears that the elderly man is a victim of an accident while he sleeps or is it murder. Throw in danger to visiting Royals, ransacked rooms, and missing formulas and mystery is stacked upon mystery. The author throws the reader a bone or two by solving some of the intrigues throughout the book, but leaves the final solution to the very end. Although this is the fourth in the series, it is the first that I have read. The author tells the reader enough background to make me want to read the previous three. Stella is so very engaging, I want to know more. Hopefully, there will be more of Stella and Lyndy.

I love the Stella and Lyndy series and really enjoyed spending more time with them in Murder at the Majestic Hotel. One thing I have always enjoyed about this series is the setting. Hampshire, especially the New Forest, is beautiful. In this book, Stella and Lyndy are in York and very much fish out of water! The ancient city of York couldn't be more different to the rural peace of the New Forest.

The mystery was multi-layered and complex. There were many people with motives and lots of red herrings. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next one!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Thank you Netgalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read and review this.

I read this, unaware that this was part of a series. Despite this, I found this really enjoyable, and would very likely be reading the prior books to the series, as well as future books of the series.

Stella and Lyndy are on honeymoon at the Majestic Hotel but they find the Honeymoon Suite has been given to someone else although they had booked it. Then the chocolatier who preempted them is found dead in the suite. Another added complication, they are also invited to a reception of two granddaughters of Queen Victoria where a bomb goes off.

Stella and Lyndy are finally going on their honeymoon and arrive at their hotel only to find out that another guest is staying in their suite and they have been moved to another room. Lyndy is upset about it, but Stella convinces him that it will be all right to stay in another room for the night. She is just glad that they are away from his family and ready to start their married life together. Things don't go quite as they expected and they are questioning whether a man died from natural causes or if it was murder. They also get to spend some time with Lyndy's aunt and her family at their estate and Stella is pleasantly surprised at how welcoming they are to her. I love how Stella and Lyndy work together and how their relationship has grown over the course of the series so far. I am looking forward to their next adventure.

I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

We are back with our leading couple, Stella and Lyndy, in Murder at the Majestic Hotel by Clara Mckenna. Having just left their wedding, they are on honeymoon when a change in hotel room raises their suspicions and before they know it, they are a case again trying to resolve a mystery.

I found the motive and method a tad unbelievable for me so I struggled a bit, it’s feeling like this couple can never catch a break! Perhaps a little longer between books (in their world) would be good to allow for some normality.

The storylines are intriguing and having read previous books in this cozy mystery series I was looking forward to the next instalment.

Stella and Lyndy are now on honeymoon yet unsurprisingly end up in the thick of things. I didn't relate as well to this instalment as I did to the others. I struggled to relate to the couple this time and considering just how much was going on at the hotel, it felt just a little incredulous.

I am hoping that the next in the series will have me back on track.
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With my thanks to #Netgalley, Kensington Books and the author for my Advance Reader copy in exchange for an honest review

Against all expectations in Edwardian England, newly married American heiress Stella Kendrick and British aristocrat Viscount “Lyndy” Lyndhurst are bucking traditions—and investigating murder—on their honeymoon in the latest installment of the Stella & Lyndy Mysteries from acclaimed author Clara McKenna.

Leaving behind tragedies surrounding their wedding at Morrington Hall, travel-worn Stella and Lyndy arrive at the grand Majestic Hotel in York to more misfortune—their stately honeymoon suite has been given away to Horace Wingrove, owner of England’s largest confectionery. Stella refuses to let an innocent booking mistake spoil the mood, but her optimism vanishes when Horace suffocates in the room where she and Lyndy should have stayed . . .

Unlike authorities on the scene, Stella can’t believe the business magnate’s death can be explained away as an accident. Troubling signs are everywhere—strange murmurs in the hallway, tight-lipped hotel staff, and a stolen secret recipe for Wingrave’s famous chocolate. Then there are Horace’s murky intentions for visiting the historic cathedral city, and those who were closely watching his every move . . .

As Stella and Lyndy tour Yorkshire and mingle with royals as husband and wife, they face a sinister mystery that puts their vows to the test. Can the couple work together to discover the truth about their romantic destination and the strange happenings haunting their trip before they’re treated to another terrifying surprise?

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Thanks Netgalley for the copy!
Never read any book by the author. It suits me just fine. Love both the main characters

Stella and Lyndy are on honeymoon at the Majestic Hotel but the find the Honeymoon Suite has been given to someone else although they had booked it. Then the chocolatier who preempted them is found dead in the suite. Whodunit? Who had the chocolate formula that was the foundation for the wealth of the chocolate company? To add to complications Stella and Lyndy are invited to a reception of two granddaughters of Queen Victoria where a bomb goes off. Lots of red herrings. High Victorian manners and bad behavior. Well worth reading Murder at the Majestic Hotel by Clara McKenna.

Stella and Lyndy were such fun characters and their joy for each other and their sleuthing kept me invested in the book. I felt the story lagged a bit in the middle, but I enjoyed the conclusion and discovering all the details about why the murder occurred. I didn't connect with Stella's mother's story arc. This might be because I have not read the previous books in the series. I give this book 3/5 stars.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of Murder at the Majestic Hotel by Clara McKenna. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this ARC.

While I don’t normally read these types of books, I throughly enjoyed this story and mystery. I think overall it was written well and had a good pace to it.

3.5 upped to 4
It's always a hit or miss with this series as I'm not a fan of Stella as I find her a bit unrealistic if you think about Consuelo Vanderbilt or the heiress in Wharton's books.
It's a nice and entertaining fantasy and I enjoy this book as long as I do not compare them to historical characters.
This is complex and twisty mystery and it kept me guessing even if it took the backseat at time.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

Murder at the Majestic Hotel by Clara McKenna brings us back to Stella and Lyndy who are on their honeymoon in York. They get there and find out their room is already occupied. They are shifted across the hall, to an identical room, except it’s PURPLE! They interact with the nice little man, Horace Wingrove, in their original room and spent some time fully occupied in their new room. Such a nice change from when they first met! In the middle of the night, to them, they heard a maid screaming. Horace, a chocolate magnate, it turns out, is dead in his bed. He has no wounds, but he is certainly dead. The hotel calls a doctor who staying there and he confirms it. It is all very strange. And it gets stranger as his nephew and heir, Morgan, and his secretary, Lily, appear. They were all in town to complete the purchase of another chocolate company. Upon the death of his uncle, Morgan feels the need to contact the seller who is staying nearby. Upon discovering that home has no telephone, he decides to simply appear. It turns out it is the home of Lyndy’s aunt and cousin so they all go together. Things are getting complicated, between the families and the hotel employees.

Lyndy is the spoiled heir to his father’s title of viscount. Sadly, the man has a title and no money. Stella is the daughter of an American who has plenty of money and is prepared to sell his daughter to obtain a title for her. Things did not go well at first, but now everyone, especially Lyndy, has grown to love her. Her father has died and so all that money is now theirs. The only fly in the ointment is that Stella has to have all her questions answered, particularly distressing the case of murder. Lyndy had already grown accustomed to her curiosity and simply tries to keep up. He has noticed she is often right. This was a good mystery that ended with a pretty good conclusion. Not what one would expect at all, as other characters had secrets, too. The characters were excellent. We got just enough about them to categorize them as we tried to solve the crime along with Stella. I enjoy this series.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Murder at the Majestic Hotel by Kensington Books, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Kensington #ClaraMcKenna #MurderAtTheMajestic Hotel

Another wonderful read in this series. How this poor couple keeps finding dead bodies, even on their honeymoon makes for a good read. This one had you guessing till the end with lots of mystery, adventure, twists, and turns. I really enjoyed this story. The characters were wonderfully written, the description of churches was well done and the storyline flowed well. There was no sex in this book even though the couple was on their honeymoon. This is the fourth book in the series but can be read on its own. I received this as an ARC from NetGalley and freely give my review.

Murder at the Majestic Hotel is the 4th Stella and Lyndy mystery in the series that keeps getting better with each new book.
If you love historical cozy mysteries then this romp through Edwardian England with the sweetest mystery solving couple should definitely be on your TBR list! As always, I recommend starting with the first in series so you don't miss any of this clever duo's adventures.
In this installment, Stella and Lyndy try to enjoy their honeymoon after death marred their nuptials. This well-planned cozy had me guessing until the very end when they solve not one, but two mysteries!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am eagerly awaiting the next in the series.

Yorkshire, England 1905

What is better than a historical mystery? Not much in my opinion and yes I have become a hugh fan!
I have not read anything from this author so was very interested to see how the story evolved!

To say the least I have to go back and read the first three in this series and catch up!

Murder, mayhem, explosions, a lot of red herrings and a honeymoon couple that are so much fun!!
I hope this comes out on audible so I can listen! Loved it!!