Death in Damascus

Heathcliff Lennox #4

by Karen Baugh Menuhin

A 1920s Murder Mystery - Death in the desert with intrigue, adventure and a dog of distinction.' There's a damsel in distress and accusations of attempted murder flying around, but it's not in the comfortable confines of the English countryside, it's in the very distant city of Damascus. Lennox must go and investigate, although he's not too keen on exotic locations, and his old retainer, Greggs is distinctly averse to the very idea. Nevertheless, ex-Chief Inspector Swift persuades them and they reach the ancient city to discover a movie crew, a spy and a couple of mysterious ladies. Nobody seems to be telling the truth, they all have secrets, and there's one secret in particular that's drawn them like bees to the honeypot. But what is it? And then there's murder, and mysteries from the ancient past, and a handsome Sheik who remains in the shadows. Heathcliff Lennox and Swift must investigate and use all their ingenuity to unravel the enigma that lies hidden in the dusty streets of ancient Damascus. 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. Death in Damascus is the fourth book in the Lennox series. amazon reviews Kindle Customer Sally Hutcheson 5 starsExcellent Mystery. Don't pick up unless you have time to read it all She does not give away "who done it" until the very end and it still makes sense. I love her characters and hopes she finds time to write a lot more books. Kindle Customer 5 starsFast paced mystery. Very well written and fast paced. A very good page turner. Did not see the end coming. Highly recommend this series. I read book three before this in error which led to a small bit of confusion but no real problem. Kindle CustomerKathryn Loewenstein What fun this book was! Delightful story...kept me laughing at times and thoroughly entertained. Really if one wants an entertaining mystery, this is it! Hope everyone will enjoy this book as much as I did! Cat100 5 starsTerrific cozy English house mystery!I absolutely loved this book! It was really hard to put down. The characters were all so great. I can't get enough of the old fashioned English house party mystery. Kindle Customer 5 starsAn Agatha or Dorothy Sayres style that I thought went out of fashion In these days Well done, satisfying, wanting the next one! I will heartedly recommend. Puzzle without gore, depressive scenes, or bodily fluids. Well done! Vicki Oliver 5 starsWell done latest mystery with Heathcliff Lennox Karen Baugh Menuhin's mystery with WWI veteran Heathcliff Lennox is perfect for fans of traditional detective mysteries. The waning life of post-war England is spot on--the loyal servants, some of whom served as bat men in the war, the ambiance of old crumbling manor houses the dialogue--all make the book a delightful read. Mr. Fogg, Lennox's sweet dog, is joined by Mr. Tubbs, an orphaned cat. Inspector Swift re-appears, much to both men's dismay. Ms. Menuhin has a way of incorporating touches of Downton Abbey with war details along with humor. I read this book via Kindle Unlimited but have added it permanently to my library for re-reading again (and again).

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical, Audiobook, Historical Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction

312 pages, Paperback

First published March 8, 2020

About the author

1920's, Cozy crime, Traditional Detectives, Downton Abbey - I love them!
Along with my family, my dog and my cat.
At 60 I decided to write, I don't know why but suddenly the stories came pouring out, along with the characters. Eccentric Uncles, stalwart butlers, idiosyncratic servants, machinating Countesses, Fogg the dog and the hapless Major Heathcliff Lennox.
Suddenly a whole world built itself upon the page and I just followed along.

Reviews

[Kathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Must now take a break from the series as this was far and away the silliest book I have read in a very long while. Damascus; American movie makers; people being shot; a wide assortment of exaggerated characters all designed for a 20's farce.


Kindle Unlimited

[OLT · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Menuhin's Lennox character and his relationships with his butler Greggs and with his friend Detective Swift. I love his endearing affection for animals, especially his delightful dog, Mr. Fogg, and his adorable cat, Mr. Tubbs. I love the quirkiness and the coziness of this series. I also very much enjoy following Lennox's adventures and the mysteries he solves. Yet, for some reason, I did not exactly love this new book in the series. I liked it well enough, but did not "love" it.

In this one he and Swift go off to Damascus, Syria, to help out lovely Persi Carruthers, the archaeologist we (and they) met in the previous book and who now may be Lennox's love interest. It seems she needs help proving the innocence of her ex-fiance, who has been accused of murder and is in the custody of the French police in Damascus.

Who has been murdered? That would be the lovely actress Josephine Belvoir. She was the star of a movie being made in Damascus by an American movie company. Josephine was a complicated woman and a bit of a femme fatale and the lover of many men, one of them Persi's ex. We have lots of characters here to meet and to suspect of the murder. There are movie stars and crew, ex-spies and current spies (this is just after WWI, you know), several locals such as the police and workers in the hotel Lennox, Swift, and that American movie company are staying at, and a mysterious, powerful sheikh.

And there is a bit of a mystery involving an ancient Phoenician treasure that everybody seems to want. Does this have a connection to the death? The local color and the history and the mystery are all good here. It makes for an entertaining read. But I must have been spoiled by the first three books of the series. Lacking for me in this fourth entry was the warm, cozy, quirky feel I got from the others. Mr. Tubbs had to be left behind in England, Foggy was busy being a movie star (yes, that's exactly what I said) with Greggs while Swift and Lennox went about solving the case, so this became, for me, just another historical mystery out of the many I've read.

In addition, the romance is not adding any new dimension to the series. The interactions between Persi and Lennox are about as romantic and warm as day-old pasta left out on the table. His attempts to call her "darling" and "dearest" instead of his usual "old thing" did not even come across as very funny to me, because I felt as if they really were "old things" to each other. No spark to the relationship. I enjoy his interactions with the two animals much more.

I was delighted with the first three books about Lennox. Reading them was like sitting around by a warm fire wrapped in a cozy blanket and sipping hot chocolate while it's snowing heavily outside. (Yes, perhaps it should be "tea and crumpets", but hot chocolate is my comfort drink.) Maybe I just want Lennox to stay close to home? Why shouldn't he have adventures abroad? What's wrong with me?

Whatever the case, I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. Release date to be announced, I guess.

[Deanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

4+ stars

I’m won over by this series of lighter-reading mysteries that have more substance than that description suggests, and that largely lack what are for me the downfalls of cozies, romantic suspense, and other light sub-genres of crime fiction.

These are historical mysteries with levity and that don’t take themselves too seriously, but allow you to take the story seriously enough to really get involved. It’s nearly fluff-free, with the fluff mostly being two cute pets who show up briefly on occasion, and who would likely irritate me in a cozy mystery but delight me here. Somehow the formula is just right.

[gloria thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another exciting adventure

After patiently waiting for this 4th installment I was not disappointed. I absolutely love the characters, especially Lennox. I cannot wait for the next book and I am greatly anticipating Lennox receives the letter he has been waiting for! If you liked the previous books you will love this one.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰

Lennox and Swift travel to Damascus to help a friend. They get their in the middle of a movie filming location and murder in the middle of a shoot. Then they find themselves in the middle of a search for an old house. The French, British 🏰, Americans are looking for oil. Lennox and Swift continue to investigate and find another body. They find the truth and the killer is caught. I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of mystery novels 👍. 2023 😀😯👒

[Melanie Fredrickson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite in the series. I really loved the others, though, and look forward to the next installment. To me, there was too much going on in this one. I got lost several times and just didn’t care too much about the outcome. Still love the relationship between Lennox and Swift and the humor. This one just didn’t have the spark the others have had.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Setting is 1922 Damascus as movie producers try to make more movies like "The Sheik" (Rudolph Valentino). These same movie people were involved in spying for the Allies during WWI. The background story is pretty complicated, but the solving of the puzzle was brilliant.

[Melanie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sigh, this was bad. So bad.

[Tino · Rating 2 out of 5]

This series seems to have grown stale for me. Nothing new just the same old same old. 2 stars.

[Beth Burzynski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Again listened to on Audible, with the excellent narration of Sam Dewhurst-Phillips. Still in love with this series, though this book was a little less compelling than the first 3. Hard to put my finger on a reason at first... after some introspection, I think that I was less pulled into the story and characters because there was so much going on. The author introduced a ton of history, historical fiction, new characters, new landscape, romance element... and so it was hard to get invested in the characters and the story "line" felt like a bit of a hodgepodge of parts that were loosely strung together. Guessed the murderer and reason for the murder quite early... never a good sign. So, I'm rating a 4 because I still love this series enough to listen to this book again (and again). And I love seeing the Lenox-Swift relationship continue. But hoping that the author slows down the pace of publication a bit to give herself some time to think out the next novel.

[Juliette Moody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story telling

I loved this one the most of all 4 of her books.Ms Menuhin truly draws you into her stories. I stayed up late to read this book and got it the day it cam out and I’m sorry it’s over. I love history and archeology and things Middle eastern. I could smell the smells and taste the baklava.

[Sandy Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

The continuing adventures of Major Heathcliff Lennox.

Another terrific mystery that will most definitely keep you guessing until Lennox exposes the culprit. As usual a fun read with a bit of humor and a touch of romance mixed into the mystery. All this adds up to believable characters and entertaining stories.

[Ree Gordy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adventures of Major Lennox

If you enjoy cozy mysteries, history, and interesting characters, you will be pleased with the four books in this series. And, best of all, solving the mystery at the heart of each book is a bit of a challenge. Highly recommended!

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heathcliff ventures abroad

The adventures continue. An exotic setting, mystery, history, dogs, and descriptions of food. What could be better for difficult times? Settle in and enjoy

[Fran Growall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!!

This one is as wonderful as the other three. I can't wait for the next one! The adventure, dialogue between characters and descriptions are very catching. I wasn't able to figure it out before the end which I absolutely love.❤️

[Joyce K. Wire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great adventure

This is the fourth book in the Heathcliff Lennox series and I've loved them all. This may be my favorite so far. Can't wait for the next one to be published!

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audible version: I recently read that the tv show "Emily in Paris" got renewed, not because it got good reviews (in fact, the opposite) but that people love it because it requires no attention and they like the comfort of it in the background. I was all bent out of shape thinking about all the good shows that aren't renewed, but then I started listening to this series again. I do the same thing. I have no idea who was killed, who killed whom or what the whole to-do was about. But I loved every minute of it. In fact, I'm typing this as I listen to the epilogue. The narrator is perfect. The book is funny. I do catch the funny parts and laugh out loud because Lennox is such a nerd. And I'll listen again and I've already bought all of the rest in the series. So while this isn't a helpful review for those who insist on paying attention, it might be good for those like me who need an innocent, silly book to listen to while trying to avoid reality in real life.

[Christa Schönmann Abbühl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I seem to be in the mood for cozy mysteries in historical settings. I was not totally at ease with Lennox traveling to Damascus, even though it made for a lovely Indiana Jones kind of adventure. The depiction of the foreign culture through British imperialist eyes must always be problematic, I fear. I did allow myself to fall back into the narration and enjoy the foibles and starts of the known and the new characters. Everybody is slightly caricatured, which helps me see it as an entertaining lark, with mystery and romance thrown in. I especially enjoy the working relationship between Lennox and Swift. They do bounce off each other in a great way. Also I adored the dog(s), the butler, Bing.... It was a good listen all in all.

[Kathleen Daly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again Ms. Karen Menuhin has written a very good mystery novel. Although we have a change of venue from England to Damascus.
So I thought am I going to like this story outside of England and in the far off city of Damascus? I will sdd as y the first couple of chapters didn’t seize me but once we had the whole cast of characters in play it did pick up to be just as much mayhem and murder I could wish for. And we go cavorting all over Damascus to hidden night clubs, and a Shah and a hidden map that brings the collection of good guys finding a hidden city under Damascus with its treasures to give up as well as the main murderer. With no little help from our main character.

[Heatherinblack · Rating 3 out of 5]

great ambiance

and heathcliff, sorry lennox, is terribly smart. but the mystery dragged a bit for me. it wasn’t something i was willing to regret being miserable at work having stayed up too late reading. the exotic locale with greggs was fabulous. the history lesson was wonderful as well. i highly recommend reading it for the ambiance. i wish i had enjoyed the mystery more.

[Susie · Rating 4 out of 5]

These books are so fun to listen to. I do want to read it, though, because I tend to listen to books while I’m doing other things and I somehow miss important plot points. But I thoroughly enjoyed the shenanigans Lennox and Swift get into. (But perhaps we can stop saying “hawklike” when mentioning Swift? It seemed like that came up in every chapter.)

[Carol Evans · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just not as good as the first three. There are movie stars and crew, ex-spies and current spies, several locals such as the police and workers in the hotel Lennox, Swift, and that American movie company are staying at, and a mysterious, powerful sheikh. It’s all a bit more farce than I prefer.

[Meredith]

Enjoyed it

I like this series very much. Lennox has improved as an investigator during the course of the series. He along with Swift and Gregg are interesting characters. I look forward to seeing what happens with Persi in the next book!

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series just gets better and better. This time the suspects are in Damascus and are ‘making’ a silent film and might be leftover spies from WWI looking for a map of hidden oil resources. There are even references to the Phonecians.
Lennox and Persi are still together, but who knows for how long?

[Shel]

I didn't think I'd love this one as much due to the setting (I have been enjoying the cozy wintery castles and manors), but the fact that Mr. Fogg becomes a movie star made up for it. I will be continuing on right into #5. It's been a long time since I've been so sucked into a series. I love the descriptions of food and the fact that Lennox is so generous in sharing with Mr. Fogg. In this book, another pup makes an appearance and it is adorable and endearing.

[Elaine Cook · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one I liked better than the previous ones, but not my favorite series.

[Candida · Rating 4 out of 5]

I get such a kick out of reading this series. Set in Damascus this book has spies and movie stars. The book is full of humor, murder, mystery and charm.

[Laurie Pitcock · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy the characters, dialogue and setting of this book series. The books are very similar and that's what I enjoy about them. They are interesting and relaxing to read.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's not hard to figure out whodunnit, but the why was a little more complex.
Some suspension of disbelief is necessary as to how Lennox actually ends up in Damascus, but all in all a good romp.

[Bskinner · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up (the author’s note at the end led to me rounding up rather than down.) The main character is Bertie Wooster, if Bertie’s IQ had been substantially higher. The author ticks all the boxes of a good cozy: interesting setting, unlikely but competent detective, enough characters to keep you guessing and each character is well developed enough so that remember each one and a plausible motive consistent with the storyline.