"American heiress Stella Kendrick and her husband, British aristocrat Viscount "Lyndy" Lyndhurst, prepare to celebrate their first Christmas together as newlyweds in Clara McKenna's latest historical mystery set in England's New Forest region at the turn of the 20th century...

Taking on the responsibilities that come with being Lady Lyndhurst, Stella is eager to embrace yuletide traditions in the Edwardian English countryside and use her strong social influence for good. Her world becomes so consumed with starting a horse farm charity for the holidays that she barely notices the usual oddities attached to her upper-crust lifestyle. At least, not until items vanish from her bedroom and maligned housekeeper, Mrs. Nelson, becomes seriously ill - only to be found dead in the cold on Mistletoe Lane...

Cheery spirits are dashed following the sudden death, especially once Stella questions whether her own staff knows what - or who - killed the woman. Her suspicions mount when another person dies under strange circumstances during New Forest's annual Point-to-Point Boxing Day race. Then there's the case of Morrington Hall becoming plagued by false identities, secret affairs, and disgruntled employees...

Now, with two murders unfolding before their eyes in late December, Stella and Lyndy realize they can't fully trust anyone except for themselves while investigating. Because as disturbing answers come into focus, identifying the criminal responsible and surviving into the new year would be the greatest gift of the season..."

Another book that I plan on devouring this holiday season.

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
It’s Christmastime in the New Forest (book 5) and Stella is eager to share her American traditions with her new British aristocratic in-laws. Family friends are visiting (polar opposite married couple and their son) and the manor is getting steam heating installed, making the household staff all the busier and more on edge. There are secrets among them all, missing people, suspicious deaths, fast cars and mince pies.
I’ve really grown to like Stella more and more with each book and have enjoyed seeing what was at first an arranged marriage to Lyndy, really evolve into romantic love and a partnership, even if those around her still think Stella too “American.” She is so likable and plucky.
I was instantly able to transport myself to Edwardian England Christmas season (even though I read the book in September), thanks to the author’s expressive writing; lots of rich detail but not too much to bog down the pacing of the story. It can be a delicate balance. I loved this line:
“Towering, skeletal, leafless trees lined the lane, like soldiers at attention waiting for their commander to tell them what to do.”
The story had plenty of twists and turns, especially along “Mistletoe Lane.” I liked the heart-pounding last few chapters.
If you enjoy PBS Masterpiece programs, this series is for you.

It is December1905 and this will be the first Christmas that Stella and Lyndy have spent together as a married couple. Stella is hoping to experience Christmas with the the excitement and joy she felt as a child back in Kentucky. Unfortunately, Mrs. Cole, the cook, doesn’t seem at all interested in Stella’s foreign foods, and Lady Atherly, Stella’s mother-in-law, just wants Stella to behave like a proper Viscountess for a change instead of always being so American. As company is expected for the holidays, Lady Atherly wants the household to be perfect. When the body of Morrington’s housekeeper, Mrs. Nelson, is found dead in Mistletoe Lane on Christmas Eve morning, a perfect holiday seems to be the least of their problems.

Mrs. Nelson had been so sick the night before, so the questions of why she was on Mistletoe Lane and how she got there and what happened once she arrived are questions that Stella fully intends to answer.

My Thoughts

This was a captivating story with an exceptionally well-crafted mystery. It was a multilayered puzzle in a house with many secrets. Items are disappearing, a maid has lied about her identity and vanished, and somebody has been leaving love notes for Stella in places that only someone close to the household could access. There are secrets, whispered conversations and outright threats. Although the pool of potential suspects isn’t huge, there are many possible motives. Clues are dispersed nicely throughout the story and there are some interesting red herrings.

I did figure out who was responsible for the murder, but not until a second murder had taken place much later on. Even then, it was a challenge to figure out how it had happened. I very much appreciated that it was a puzzle that kept me working.

This is book #5 in the Stella and Lyndy series, but having read none of the others in the series, I found that it did well as a standalone book.

Stella is an endearing character. It’s easy to feel sorry for her, but she isn’t wallowing in self-pity. She is a very compassionate individual who is determined to use her wealth for the good of others - be they human or horse.

What else I liked
- In spite of Stella’s concerns that there would be no popcorn strings or pecan pie, there were plenty of delightful holiday touches in this Christmas mystery. Cold snowy weather, caroling in sleighs, gorgeous decorations, traditional English Christmas activities, a Christmas morning church service and sumptuous meals all add to the overall holiday feeling. I have pretty high expectations for Christmas mysteries and I give it a 5/5 for its Christmas theme.

- I feel like a great deal of research was done into this time period. It all felt very authentic.

What I didn’t Like
- Lyndy hasn’t quite grown on me yet, but Stella clearly adores him and he clearly adores her. I also get the feeling that his personality has improved from the earlier books, so I suspect he will continue to be influenced for the better by his love for his wife.

4.25

After several books full of emotional turmoil or questionable worthwhileness, it was such a relief to launch into another Stella and Lyndy murder mystery and get exactly what I wanted and expected.

Warning: If you haven’t read the first four Stella and Lyndy books, you 1. Are not making good choices if you are trying to read #5 before the first four, and 2. Are likely to get some spoilers. Consider yourself warned.

This is a Christmastime book following a few months after Stella and Lyndy‘s wedding and honeymoon. I had forgotten a lot about the previous books, though there were mentions of previous characters and incidences (though not enough to fill me in if I hadn’t read the books).

Throughout the book I was either feeling sorry for Stella, jealous of Stella, or admired Stella. It is hard to imagine, but it has been less than a year since she arrived in England and this is her first English Christmas. Add to that, her only family nearby, who seems to be quite remote socially if not physically, is her aged aunt. Even though she is a lady officially now, she does not have the respect of the staff and just wants them to add a few American recipes and traditions to the celebrations. In the cook’s defense, however, it does seem to be pretty late in the season to make those unfamiliar requests, if this is indeed the first time she’s mentioned them, and the cook has some Christmas miracles to pull off already.

For some reason, which we don’t find out anytime soon, they have invited some “old friends” from London: Sir Edwin, Lady Isabella, and their grown son Freddy. Lady Isabella makes Lady Atherly look like mother-in-law of the year! Freddie and Alice seem to get along famously from the get-go.

This one kept me guessing. The story starts out from the point of view of an unknown character, a widow with her two children, who has fallen on very hard times and she appears to be up to something at the manor house. We don’t hear anything about it anytime soon, but in the meantime, there are some very suspicious deaths and events and none of them seem to be really adding up. Who is bad and who just got in over their head?

One of the things I like about this series is that the arranged bride and groom, even before their marriage, became friends and fell in love, which didn’t usually happen quite that easily and who could blame Stella if it hadn’t? I also like, and excuse me for saying so, that we didn’t have to suffer through her father for too much longer, just to have an antagonizing element. I think her mother-in-law is antagonizing enough, although who could really blame her when her husband spent all their money looking for fossils and she had to give up a lot and take on an American daughter-in-law? That said, she should be a lot nicer to Stella now that she is able to hire back a full staff and make some modern updates to the house. I also like that the police inspector appreciates Stella’s intelligence and unique abilities to see clues and solve mysteries. Unless they are a potential love interest, most mysteries seem to have the police Inspector hating the female sleuth forever, regardless of how many times that amateur sleuth has saved his bacon.

Maybe I was overly grateful after a DNF and some emotional roller coaster’s in book form, and I think this series is often forgotten or overlooked, but it was so nice to get into and read and I would have felt like I had gotten my money's worth… if I had paid for this book.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for providing an unbiased review.

Stella, Lady Lyndhurst, is celebrating her first British Christmas as a married woman, she came to England from her home of Kentucky in America, and fortunately fell in love with the man she was slated to marry by her father. She's still finding her way around new customs, and her new mother-in-law is decidedly frosty in her presence, and it's not because of the weather.

It doesn't help that there are visitors arriving -- Sir Edwin, his wife Lady Isabella, and their son Frederick -- and Lyndy is curious because they've not been there in many years, at least since before he was born.

One night she is awakened by a maid because the housekeeper, Mrs. Nelson has taken ill and she doesn't know what to do. Stella has her call the doctor, and once he informs her it's a case of food poisoning, Stella leaves her in the maid's care. But the next day Mrs. Nelson is nowhere to be found. Both Lyndy and Stella are stunned when they discover that she's been killed on Mistletoe Lane, and Stella wonders why she was out in the night at all, being so ill.

Now Stella has a murder to solve, and she wants it done before Christmas, so as not to spoil the holiday. But there are other things afoot as well -- personal items from her room have been stolen, strange notes appear, Sir Edwin seems to be flirting with her (making her uncomfortable) and of all things, Lyndy's mother comes to her with a strange confession and asking for her help! Will wonders never cease?

When there's another 'accident' which is deemed to be a murder occurs, it only strengthens Stella's intent to solve both. Is she putting herself in danger? Or will there be Christmas miracles after all?

I have to admit first that I rarely read historical novels. Upon occasion, I will read something along the lines of Rebecca and other classics, but this is the one of the first historical cozies that I've ventured into. And what a surprise I received. The writing is excellent as well as the plot, and the characters are compelling (even those I didn't care for). Everything is written with precision and in such a way to draw you into the story nearly from the beginning.

It was a delight to read, and now I find that I must go back and begin with the first one (this being the fifth story!) and introduce myself to all the characters from their onset. I am actually looking forward to doing so.

Stella is an intriguing character; she's from America and grew up as an only child on a large horse farm, she's developed her strong social and moral tendencies, with her kindness and forgiveness part of her being. She's not a pushover, and is quite intelligent. Her husband Lyndy is a perfect fit, allowing Stella her way while still taking on the role of protector, as was the wont then (and should still be).

Throughout the story we are given many suspects and questionable behavior, all leading us to wonder who the murderer is. When Stella has her 'aha' moment, we are not privy to the answer immediately. We must watch as she confronts the killer along with her husband -- but she is not out of danger yet.

In the end, will Stella have her perfect English Christmas? One must wait and see, but I can tell you that I highly recommend this book.

I was given an advance copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.

Thanks to Kensington Books and Net Galley for this ARC. Book No 5 and the series is still going strong. I love the two main characters and even in book 5 you are still getting to know them. Lots packed into this book but it does not disappoint.

This is the fifth title in the historical cozy mystery Stella and Lyndy series. I'm a frequent cozy mystery reader, and this series checks all the boxes. Stella and Lyndy are preparing to celebrate their first Christmas as a married couple, but of course murder and secrets abound. This was a lovely addition to the series with great red herrings, twists, and sweet moments between the newlyweds. I'd recommend reading the previous titles in the series to better understand the family dynamics, etc, but this can be read as a standalone. A perfect winter holiday read!

I'm definitely in the minority here so perhaps this book just wasn't for me or I would have enjoyed it more if I'd read others in the series. I found it very over wrought and not very interesting.

It’s not easy to review a mystery series starting with book 5. There’s so much that can’t be said without spoiling the series arc for others. Nevertheless, I’m going to give it a try.

Stella Kendrick, the daughter of a rich Kentucky horse breeder, wasn’t expecting to find a husband when she first traveled to England in the first novel, “Murder at Morrington Hall,” but her father surprised her. It’s the early twentieth century, and Dad has taken advantage of a highborn but cash-strapped British earl to arrange an aristocratic marriage for his only child. Although Stella objects to her father’s high-handedness, she soon finds herself drawn to her intended, Viscount Lyndhurst (known as Lyndy), but she can’t help noticing that his family is far less welcoming. Nonetheless, the courtship continues through several books—and murders.

By the time “Murder on Mistletoe Lane” opens in December 1905, Stella and Lyndy are celebrating their first Christmas together. Stella, who has warm childhood memories of the holiday, is determined to enjoy herself despite her mother-in-law’s continuing disapproval and the unexpected arrival of another family with past connections to her in-laws that seem to prickle with tension. Neither Stella nor Lyndy anticipates the appearance of a dead body, but the family’s housekeeper first falls deliriously ill, then is found by the side of the road, deceased. It soon becomes clear that the housekeeper may have been killed, but why and by whom, even the intrepid Inspector Brown of the local police force, cannot determine. It’s up to Stella and Lyndy to figure out what happened—even as other (related?) mysteries confound each attempt at a solution.

The echoes of ”Upstairs/Downstairs,” the American heiress marries English lord, and the nostalgic focus on a vanished aristocratic past are all familiar elements of historical novels featuring amateur detectives, but what makes the Stella and Lyndy books memorable is the characters. Some, like the hero and heroine, are appealing and well matched, although they too have flaws; others are not so pleasant on the surface but turn out to have the capacity to change. And the mysteries are clever—challenging but completely believable. I will certainly seek out other books in the series.

I plan to interview this author on my blog (link below) in mid-October 2023.

This is my first book by this author and I loved it, an entertaining clean mystery during a traditional English Christmas we not only get the aromas of Christmas we get poisoned mince pies! I can't wait to tell my sister about this book, being Anglophiles, we both love Dickens Christmases, my brother - in - law's favorite treat during the holidays is mince pies, what a hoot, a new murder weapon! This is in the top two of my favorite reads this year, it is a good escape from the heat of summer, and it will be great fun during Christmas. The murders take place in a beautiful English home, and the newlyweds are likeable, rare in most stories these days, Lord and Lady Lyndhurst, Lyndy and Stella are spending their first Christmas in the family home, able to stay in the family thanks to the dowry Stella, a wealthy American, from Kentucky has brought into the family. With guests for the holidays, the downstairs is busy, the newly hired maids, gardeners and with the influx of cash a new heating system is also being installed, there are new people in the mansion, so when items begin disappearing, Stella's unease heightens. I love the relationship between Lyndy and Stella, they are romantic without being graphic, it has the feel of Agatha Christie, and I love it, I cannot wait until the next book. If you like good mysteries, romance without the explicit details, Christmas and all the trappings, then you will love this Historical Mystery. Thank you #Netgalley #KensingtonPublishing
I highly recommend it, I gave it a 4.5 I don't like murderers who have excuses made for them, even if it is Christmas. I understand why the author wanted to finish the story the way she did, but like Hercule Poirot, I believe in full justice. Thank you.
carolintallahassee

I received a copy of the book from NetGalley in exchange for a review.
I loved Stella and Lynsey and this book did not disappoint. I enjoy seeing ther relationship develop and Lyndsey becoming more caring about others. Also happy to see things I,proving with Lady Atherton.
The plot of the book was easy to follow and I totally did not guess who was responsible for the deaths..

A stellar addition to the Stella and Lyndy series! The story had quite a bit going on - lots of secrets, multiple deaths, multiple villains (or are there?), lots of confusion, and so much love. The Lyndhursts are still newlyweds and still learning each other, but they are so sincere with one another that my heart is bursting with them!

I received a copy of this book from Kensington through NetGalley.

Lundy and Stella are celebrating their first Christmas as a married couple at Morrington Hall. Central heat is being installed and the Boxing Day Point to Point Race is something Stella is determined to enter. Add two murders and you have another great mystery in this series. I love these books.

"Murder on Mistletoe Lane" by Debbie Young is the fifth installment in Stella and Lyndy's historical mystery series. I enjoyed listening to the first four novels, and this was the first one I read on paper, happily discovering that it's as charming as the audiobooks.

Stella, a wealthy American heiress, and her aristocratic Viscount husband Lyndy spend their first Christmas together at Lyndy's parents' country house, Morrington Hall, where behaving according to one's social status is essential. Stella has already broken the rules several times, asking the servants to sit down or trying to embrace someone in distress, and her husband admires her for that empathy and enthusiasm. They are in love, delighted by their similarities and differences. Even Lyndy's mother, a traditional "upper stiff lip" matriarch, warms up to her daughter-in-law. Will Stella's openness cause trouble?

Unfortunately, this Christmas is not just traditional meals and singing carols by the fireplace. Two bodies are found, and they don't look like accidental deaths. Once more, Stella's intelligence helps to solve the puzzle, and the New Year can be welcomed with hope.

The author did excellent research, and, in addition to the great characters, the small details make the novel especially interesting. The charity organization that Stella established is based on a real organization. The New Forest Point-to-Point Boxing Day race – an essential event in the novel – is still held yearly, keeping up with the 250-year-old tradition. And who could suspect that the humble mincemeat pie will play a critical role in the story…

Murder On Mistletoe Lane by Clara McKenna is the 5th in the Stella and Lyndy Mystery series. This is the first in the series I have read and I'm definitely going back to read books 1-4. That being said, if you are looking for a cozy little Christmas mystery, you can read this as a stand-alone.

Murder On Mistletoe Lane is like Downton Abbey meets cozy mystery. I absolutely pictured Branson and poor Lady Sybil as our sleuthers.

This is such a delightful cozy mystery! Full of charming characters, and a few not so charming, and a really good mystery. I absolutely adored our main characters the husband and wife duo sleuthers, Lyndy and Stella.

I find the early 1900's a fascinating time period, from the opulent, but constrained lives of the Lord and Lady of the manor, to the staff working with them, and the occupants of the local village. The authour really brought their daily lives into vivid detail, I could almost taste the mince pies.

If you are a fan of cozy mysteries and of Downton Abby, you'll love this cozy mystery. It was a definite 5 star cozy mystery.

I have been enjoying the Stella and Lyndy mystery series, and this newest book did not disappoint. It had all my current favourites, a cozy mystery and the Christmas season in the english countryside. The mystery was well thought out, and there were plenty of clues, as well as the usual misdirects. I hope there will be more of this series in the future and can't wait to read them.

I was provided an advance copy of this book from NetGalley, and all opinions are my own.

The Stella and Lyndy series is quickly becoming one of my favorites and this fifth book in the series, a Christmas mystery, is probably the best book in the series so far. I absolutely loved it.

Stella (Lady Lyndhurst) is celebrating her first Christmas in England and, after a member of the staff is found dead, as is her usual, Stella, along with her husband Lyndy, get involved in trying to solve the case.

It's an engaging mystery with a great portrayal of an English Christmas in the early 20th century.

Highly recommended for fans of historical mysteries or for those who love Christmas mysteries.

Stella is excited to celebrate her first Christmas in England as a married lady. She even refuses to let a death ruin her holiday while still determined to ensure that justice is served. A delightful cozy.

I enjoy the Stella and Lyndy series. I like the differences between the rich american woman and the upper class english man. I have also enjoyed Lyndy's growth as a man and a husband. He was a bit awful in book 2 but Stella's love (and modern ways!) are making him more likeable.

What can I say? I love Stella and Lyndy. I love how her nature and influence change Lyndy for the better. In this story Lyndy loses his rag a few times when Stella is threatened. No stiff upper lip for him! Mysterious love notes, suspicious accidents, disappearances, and house guests all combine for a memorable Christmastide.