From the book's blurb:
'Downton Abbey meets Agatha Christie with a touch of Wodehouse and a dog of distinction.'
It's 1920 and Christmas is coming. Major Lennox finds a body on his doorstep - why on his doorstep? Was it to do with the Countess? Was it about the ruby necklace? Lennox goes to Melrose Court home to his uncle, Lord Melrose, to uncover the mystery. But then the murders begin and it snows and it all becomes very complicated....
Major Heathcliff Lennox, ex-WW1 war pilot, six feet 3 inches, unruly dark blond hair, age around 30 - named after the hero of Wuthering Heights by his romantically minded mother - much to his great annoyance. Murder at Melrose Court is the first book in the Lennox series.
My Review:Murder at Melrose Court by Karen Baugh Menuhin proved to be a
wonderful distraction from WWII historical fiction, cozy "happily ever after" stories, and Coronavirus isolation. The characters were funny, and oh, so British gentry, at least to this American reader, and quite likeable.
Not one but two murders to solve and several suspects I wanted to find guilty. The resolution was complicated but realistic when explained.
The cold winter setting was portrayed effectively. I wanted to grab a cup of hot tea by a blazing fire and join the fun at Melrose Place.
This was a lighthearted, entertaining story. I recommend it as a change of pace and a pleasant escape. I would add that the book is reminiscent of a Woody Allen, Pink Panther caper. Don't take the words murder mystery too seriously.
This is the first of four books in this series. I bought my copy online.
