Murder at the Majestic Hotel
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- $21.99
Publisher Description
Clare McKenna returns with the latest book in a historical cozy mystery series sure to appeal to fans of Alyssa Maxwell and Anna Lee Huber.
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 . . .
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?
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
McKenna's spirited fourth Stella and Lyndy mystery (after 2021's Murder at Keyhaven Castle) opens the day after the 1905 wedding of wealthy American Stella Kendrick and British viscount "Lyndy" Lyndhurst. When the newlyweds try to check in to York's luxurious Majestic Hotel, they find the honeymoon suite they've booked already occupied by Horace Wingrove, the founder of England's leading confectionery company. Lyndy and Stella settle into rooms across the hall and overhear an altercation at Wingrove's door. The next morning, a chambermaid discovers the confectioner's corpse lying peacefully in bed. The cherry-red color of his skin leads the police to attribute his death to accidental carbon monoxide poisoning, but Stella isn't sure. Her suspicion that the death is murder deepens when Wingrove's room is rifled and the closely guarded formula for the company's signature chocolate turns up missing. McKenna nicely balances detection with romantic moments between Stella and Lyndy. Vivid evocations of Yorkshire and clever subplots enhance the smart, well-paced mystery. Fans of light British historicals will be well satisfied.
