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  • Published: 20 July 2021
  • ISBN: 9781496731227
  • Imprint: Kensington
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 336
  • RRP: $29.99

Murder at Blackwater Bend





Stella Kendrick, a wild-hearted Kentuckian "Dollar Princess" shipped off to England for an aristocratic marriage and her soon-to-be groom Viscount "Lyndy" Lyndhurst must navigate culture clashes, scandal, and a high society killer in Clara McKenna's second historical mystery set in England's New Forest region at the turn of the 20th century.

Stella Kendrick, a wild-hearted Kentuckian "Dollar Princess" shipped off to England for an aristocratic marriage and her soon-to-be groom Viscount "Lyndy" Lyndhurst must navigate culture clashes, scandal, and a high society killer in Clara McKenna's second historical mystery set in England's New Forest region at the turn of the 20th century.

LOVE, MURDER, AND HORSERACING IN EDWARDIAN ENGLAND

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.

  • Published: 20 July 2021
  • ISBN: 9781496731227
  • Imprint: Kensington
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 336
  • RRP: $29.99

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Praise for Murder at Blackwater Bend

Praise for the Stella and Lyndy Mystery Series

"A spirited American heiress who's shocked the stuffy Edwardian aristocracy turns to detection once more...Oodles of charisma in a neat combination of mystery and romance." --Kirkus Reviews on Murder at Blackwater Bend

"McKenna manages to pull the many storylines together toward the satisfying conclusion." --Publishers Weekly on Murder at Blackwater Bend

"Love will have its way and murder will out, but it's a harrowing and dangerous experience for the Kentucky heiress and her noble intended, with plenty of false clues and mysterious diversions." --The New York Journal of Books on Murder at Blackwater Bend

"Stella and Lyndy come from different backgrounds but together they're creating a life that combines the best of the old and new worlds. I look forward to their next adventure, hopefully after a splendiferous wedding." --Criminal Element on Murder at Blackwater Bend

"McKenna's delightful debut and series launch introduces feisty American heiress and horse breeder Stella Kendrick and Viscount Lyndy Lyndhurst...Eccentric, humorous characters add to the intrigue of catching the murderer...Fans of historical cozies will be enchanted." --Publishers Weekly on Murder at Morrington Hall

"McKenna's series kickoff will warm the hearts of fans who cherish all things Edwardian." --Kirkus Reviews on Murder at Morrington Hall

"Well-drawn characters, a richly described historical setting with details of horses and horse racing, and a tentative romance distinguish this agreeable cozy." --Booklist on Murder at Morrington Hall

"Get ready for an entertaining combination of Pride and Prejudice, the game of Clue, and an Agatha Christie-type plot...What adds to the reader's enjoyment is the growing relationship between the intended bride and groom, who are both lovers of horses and horse riding. The denouement is both surprising and satisfying." --Mystery Scene on Murder at Morrington Hall

"Unexpected twists and turns and a clever ending...Hopefully, her next one will have just as much quirkiness and fun." --Historical Novels Review on Murder at Morrington Hall

"With her unconventional, contrary ways, American heiress Stella lays siege to every notion of decorum held dear by her soon-to-be British in-laws, but she and their elegant son Lyndy find more in common than either thought possible. Together, Stella and Lyndy make a delicious pair. They'll win your hearts as they win each other's in this charming, clever mystery!" --Alyssa Maxwell, author of Murder at Crossways

"Murder at Morrington Hall proves to be a delightful read. While educating her readers about the social history of the era, Clara McKenna also provides us with a challenging mystery to solve." --Newport Plain Talk

"It will take more than an arranged marriage and a murder to thwart Stella Kendrick in this compelling mystery filled with twists and turns, intriguing characters, and rich historical detail. I fell in love with the clever and spirited Stella and her charming fiancé Lyndy as they navigate the perils posed by both romance and intrigue; I cannot wait to see what the future holds for them!" --Ashley Weaver, author of An Act of Villainy

"Witty from the start, Clara McKenna has crafted a clever mystery. A pair of wickedly winning sleuths--one horse-loving, headstrong American heiress and the handsome Viscount she's meant to marry--makes for fabulous fun." --Nancy Herriman, author of the Bess Ellyott mysteries

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