Murder at the Majestic Hotel: A Stella and Lyndy Mystery

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. Agent: John Talbot, Fortune Talbot Agency. (Nov.)