Murder at Ashton Steeple

Heathcliff Lennox #10

by Karen Baugh Menuhin

Murder, Mystery and a dog, and cat, of distinction
Book 10 in the Heathcliff Lennox series.
A man shot through the heart with an arrow - the victim a rich outsider who has moved into Ashton Hall in the village of Ashton Steeple...which is Lennox's own village, and everyone is watching as he and Swift try to hunt down the killer.
Persi, Lennox's new wife, is keen to help, so is the whole household, including Tommy the boot boy and Greggs the ever stalwart butler. But the killer is clever, and devious and is always a step ahead, and it will take all of Swift's dogged detective work and Lennox's erratic intelligence, to track the murderer down.
Major Heathcliff Lennox - ex WW1 war pilot, 6feet 3inch, tousled dark blond hair, age around 30 – named after the hero of Wuthering Heights by his romantically minded mother – much to his great annoyance.

Genres: Mystery, Historical, Historical Fiction, Audiobook, Historical Mystery, Fiction, Crime

252 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 17, 2023

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

[PR · Rating 3 out of 5]

Getting to be more repetitive as one reads more of the series.

Good writing...not great! I like the cozy feel of these stories and the Are getting a bit, well the same...eating, food drinking, escaping in the midst of all the investigations...describe Heathcliff Lennox to the max. He needs to evolve more to keep this reader's interest. Persi, his wife, has become a background character since their marriage, which is really annoting. She, and her background deserve more attention even at the time period these take place. The 'girls' gets pretty tedious mentioned over and over again. The women mentioned in the books have so much more to offer than just the places to which they have been put...A distance in the background that makes no sense at all. I am mad, as one can tell I 'm sure,v about this fact!
Lennox stories ate light, predictable, cozy and fun but after a number of them I hope for so much more...just sayin'.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining mystery listening 🎵🎶

This kindle e-book novel free from Amazon.

Lennox and Swift are sent by Scotland Yard to investigate the death at the mansion. The first death is followed by another then another. Lennox and Swift are no closer to the truth. Then Lennox has a break through leading to the arrest.

I would recommend this series and author to readers of British mystery novels. 2024 🤗👒😡🎎🏠

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do enjoy this Heathcliff Lennox series and this book adds to the pleasure with another lively, creative and successful exercise in the art of detecting. The art of deception is finely honed in more than one of the colorful characters making their presence known in a large house where high finance and trickery are the main focus. The solution was a surprise to me, certainly. It also yielded a happy benefit for Lennox as an added delight.

Kindle Unlimited

[Leibniz · Rating 2 out of 5]

This series has been fun, but I'm afraid her run of interesting mysteries is ending. This one had the familiar characters, but unfortunately the plot seemed more like she was following a formula. You had the mansions, the pets, the devoted girldfriend (now wife), but it all seemed tedious. The complex plot required too much time reading about cranky people sitting around in rooms bickering while you tried to keep track of their complicated relationships. Most authors run out of ideas eventually, and she had a good run of ten books. I'll probably buy the next one, but I'm afraid hoping she'll capture her intial excitement is just wishful thinking on my part. Life is short, so it's time to look elsewhere for mysteries.

[Bev · Rating 2 out of 5]

These books are getting stale and repetitious. Too many boring characters just sitting around whining. I found it tedious and, just like the last book, the killer was obvious fairly early on. I think Lennox and I will be parting ways.

[Christine Pritchard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another btilliant story about Lennox and co
I couldn't put it down A very clever ending!

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved another visit with Heathcliff Lennox and his friends and family. This time the wives had a bit more to do in solving the mystery.

[Nanette Williamson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. Pretty much a Christie-style 'closed circle' house party murder, but I still couldn't guess the murderer.

[Les Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoy this author the book is well worth a read.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Another light, cozy read, but I was getting lost with all the tedious financial dealings…too much detail that really slowed the pacing of the book. Enjoyable to a point, but there are others in the series I’ve enjoyed more.

[Gail Gassen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an extraordinary book! Worth getting now❣️

Can't say enough of how I enjoyed this book. Everyone knows that sometimes an author has a fantastic book start to finish & some are slow to start at first. Even Ms. Menuhin. Ii will not say which ones ever! I hope I didn't ever review one where I did. Forgive me if that happened. I don't think it actually the authors falt if the reader finds it slow at the first few chapters. It's the mood of the reader that counts. I've reread many series where when I'd reviewed them before I thought I m use have been drinking when I reviewed it! After the whole bottle of wine even! So because I deal with chronic pain in so many places of my body it reflects greatly on the review I give at the end. Remember this isn't reading the whole book in one night, this is the chapters I read to the ending. So it's not an impartial review. I'm in pain, how can I be impartial? No way! I've only figured this out lately, in the last 6-9 months I'm thinking. It's dumb it took me so long, but I've quit leaving so many reviews. Silly I know but I didn't review cause I just hurt so very bad in my neck mostly now & my legs! Before it was my middle to lower back. I've got stenosis & it really is not a nice word to say how I feel about it! I have a morphine pain pump now so that has taken most of the pain in those areas south of my middle spine. So enough of my boo-hoos! Just to cap off what I'm meaning is to think how your feeling before you make any negative comments or decisions. I'm so happy I am aware of what I really, like about a book now beyong how my body causes my mind to betray my feelings. This book is awesome. There's a new character in Lenox's village. Well not new at all because Lenox has know him for a long time, but he's a constable in this book & he's very on the ball with most everything there is to take care of. He's impressed (L is for Lenox in the rest of this review 🙄) Lenox allot, but when L mentioned how on the ball he was, all Swift did was grumble & gosh that's all I remember him doing. ☺️ I agree with L on this tho. I liked yhe young constable & I hope he'll be in future books with these two detectives...This wasn't as easy to solve who the murderer is but he did of course!! These people are as likable as a tick, & just as p past the lies of anyone. Even the real owner of the house, Clemetine!! Except she ends up a suspect also & the evidence against her isn't good. So many twist & bobs up & down sometimes its hard to keep them in place. I think every one will love this who done it! It's one I'll remember because of such great characters in it. Plus I really like it when L is at home with everyone. Especially Tommy! He's such a great enthusiastic boy. I think L is a bit to hard on him usually. Well most of the time. I'm .!!! not sure why he's so grumpy with Tommy, but he has been. My feelings are right for the reason I believe. I'll have Weeknderful book! 😉👍🏻

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful series. If you want to have the joy of learning all there is to know about Major Heathcliff Lennox and his best friend, former Scotland Yard Detective Swift, I suggest you read all the books in the series. But, this book works fine as a stand alone read. No matter what, you will find a mystery, villains, danger and humor. In short, what’s not to love?

Lennox (do not call him Heathcliff) is a former World War I ace. He was a war hero. He lives in an old family estate. It is old and in need of repair but it holds the people that Lennox loves most in life. Now that estate may be taken in a foreclosure process and Lennox has no way to pay the huge debt.

At the same time, a group of people have come to the country from London. One of them has been found murdered with an arrow sticking out of his chest.

In this story, things are not always as they appear to be.

The group of city people are all involved with a company which has less than honest business practices. When the next member of the group is murdered, it appears they are in competition to see who will end up with the most money in the end.

Lennox and Swift make a perfect pair of investigators. Swift becomes pedantic and Lennox looks for food. Both of them are talented interrogators. Both of them are attentive to details. Both of them feel strongly about justice. And both of them find

During the entire story, the villagers are all available to put in their opinions on what should be done and how it should be done. Never let it be said that anyone in this village is not interested in the latest news.

There are suspects who are their own worst enemies. And as facts come to light the reader gets to know the suspects well. What kind of murderer uses a different method for every victim? What kind of murderer seems to have so much anger?

This story allows the reader to get to know the families of both Lennox and Swift. It is easy to see that life is not only made up of investigations and murderers. There is also love and joy at what life has to offer.

I believe this may be the best of all the Lennox stories.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

At Home With Lennox

This entry in the series shows Lennox as a homebody, enjoying his domestic life as an ordinary citizen, if an ordinary citizen lives in a stately home called "The Manor" and drives a fast car in a time when most people still rode bicycles.

We are privy to Lennox's love of the countryside and the financial worries of the gentry after WWI.

What makes this book stand out was that the murders take place in Lennox's small village. He and Swift could do detective work at the mansion infested with murders and then go home to The Manor for a picnic lunch while discussing theories and evidence with their intelligent and helpful wives over sandwiches and a good stiff drink. Lennox even took time off to go fishing.

I enjoyed the book, not only because I paid attention this time and figured out the identity of the murderer, but because the majority of suspects and victims were heartless and deceitful. I didn't care if they died or came under suspicion.

In all, this was a satisfying book, and it was much the same restful diversion for me that fishing is for Lennox.

[Bonnie E Prevost-Limoges · Rating 5 out of 5]

another great adventure. I just love this series. the characters are interestingly very serious but then again humorous. If I am not caught in the first few pages I’m done with the book. This series caught me from the first page on in everyone of there after.

If a book does not grab my attention in the first couple of pages I am done. Every book in this series has been a good read and leaves me wishing the next book is written quickly. There is mystery, serious characters, much humor and to top it off the dog and cat travel with their beloved master. I really enjoyed the book and the whole series.

[Becky Brodersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Menuhin’s Lennox does it Again

Immediately we relate to the fear of losing the place we call home in Menuhin’s latest tale of murder and deceit. Lennox, the self-deprecating, but nearly perfect man, bravely tries to shoulder the burden of his post war worries as he seeks to uncover the perpetrator of multiple murders in his own village. All the supporting characters are such that you’d like to lend a hand and become friends with Persi, Florence, Greggs and Swift. Empathy mixed with justice sums up Lennox’ character and in the end he is rewarded with a mercy almost too good to be true. But isn’t that why we read novels like these?

[Charlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

A man is murdered with an arrow through the heart, and Lennox and Swift are assigned the investigation by Scotland Yard. The murder victim was a rich outsider who had just moved into Lennox's village, and he was entertaining a house full of visitors whose unscrupulous business was the only thing they had in common. Another person soon falls victim to the murderer, and then another, and Lennox and Swift are no closer to a resolution. The killer seems to be one step ahead of them at all times, and the pressure builds to make an arrest and cease the killing. There was an interesting twist at the end, and a very happy outcome for Lennox and his household.

[Lisa Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series. Lennox and Swift continue in their investigations with the blessing of Scotland Yard, who sends the pair out when toffs are involved in a murder case. Even as I love these stories and the characters, this one was a bit too contrived in places to warrant a five star rating. You could probably argue that of all the stories, but I'm not as forgiving with this one. Lennox and Swift find themselves ferreting out a murder amid a barrel of snakes, the very ones who have loaned Lennox money with the intent of ruining him. Everyone is lying, some multiple times, as our detectives unravel the case.

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, Karen Menuhin delivers! I love this series for any number of reasons: Funny and fun, as well as endearing characters, well-plotted mysteries and laugh-out-loud dialogue. This title starts with a mansion full of greed-driven people who start dropping like flies. Swift and Lennox are pressed into service by Scotland Yard and of course, Persi and Florence immediately join in the sleuthing. Lots of twists ensue and the reader gets to enjoys the journey until our heroes get their culprit!

[Mark Lucas-Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder at Ashton Steeple

This time Lennox and Swift are tasked with solving a murder in Lennox’s home village. The victim is the chair of a financial institution who it also turns out have purchased the loan against Lennox’s own home and are now charging an exorbitant rate of interest.
This practice has resulted in many other debtors losing their home and any assets.
One might say a reason for Lennox to praise the murderer rather than apprehend him. There are some clever twists and a laugh out loud ending.

[Sherry Brennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great installment!

The Heathcliff Lennox series continues in the same leisurely fashion as its predecessors, with a clever mystery woven through with lovable characters. Somehow murder and mayhem in 1920s rural England soothes the soul - comforting the mind with thoughts of a gentler time (sort of!). I had an i killing of the solution to this one about 2/3 of the way through, but still enjoyed every moment of watching how it played out. I look forward to the next one!

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder hits close to home in the 10th Heathcliff Lennox mystery. In Lennox’s Cotswold village, a shady businessman is found dead on his balcony, shot through the heart with an arrow. Scotland Yard asks Lennox and retired Inspector Swift to investigate, and they struggle to untangle the knots that connect the man’s business dealings before more dead bodies turn up. Lennox also has a personal stake in the outcome. Fun and entertaining as always.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this newest book in the Heathcliff Lennox series. It was fun having the murder happen right in his home village. As usual the mystery and clues, twists, and turns along the way were clever and the characters quirky and interesting. Of course, there were some laugh out loud spots as well as murder and mayhem. I'm definitely looking forward to the next episode, which the author assures is in the works.

[Mary McEwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner from Karen Baugh Menuhin

Each story about Heathcliff Lennox and the people around him is amazing. I keep thinking there’s no way Karen can do better after each book but she does it! I have enjoyed the series so much. I truly cannot wait until the next book is published. In the meantime, perhaps I’ll go reread one or two of her earlier books.

Bravo, Karen! Well done!

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific addition to the series

Good mystery... With some marvelous laugh out loud dialogue. Heathcliff and Swift work well together solving the convoluted murders...though it's the cat who gives Heathcliff the idea to solving the mystery.

It's a very good series... Good characters and stories. This book however can be read as a stand alone, but you'd be missing some good adventures.

[S L Nixon]

A fun yarn!

The story was wonderful. The punctuation was appalling. It was very inconsistent. The word 'none' means 'not one' or 'no one.' What follows should be singular: 'none was available' or 'none of them had' not 'none were available' or 'none of them have.' As a former English teacher and editor, this stuff drives me crazy. The story deserves better because it was a fun read.

[Elizabeth James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another outstanding story!

I just love this series! The characters are delightful and no two stories are alike. The treatment of social manners is tongue in cheek and very funny. As with so many English mysteries, the reader always feels safe, and confident the culprit will be identified in the end, and the solution is unexpected. Recommended for anyone who likes a little fun along with their murders.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've loved every book in this series, but this one seemed a bit less engaging and a bit too formulaic. I love listening to Sam D-P's narration, and will continue with the series, because often there are books in a series that aren't quite as good as the others. I always get a kick out of the dog barking and Tommy's excitement in the narration. Definitely start at the beginning of the series on this set.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absorbing delicious murder mystery! Honestly, I was guessing right up until the reveal. Many, many suspicious characters, motives, and red herrings had me scratching my head and glued to the pages throughout. This series is wonderful, and I am so happy there are still plenty of books left in the series. Ms. Menuhin is a true master of the murder mystery and deserves to be praised in the same breath as Dame Agatha herself. Recommended without hesitation!

[Sandy Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific...as usual!

Lennox, Swift, and family solve another crime, probably much too soon for the readers! A charming who - done - it featuring clever crimes mixed in with characters you feel you know or would like to meet. Add in the antics of the obviously loved pets and you are treated to another fun story.

[Suzanne E.Lauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let's hear it for Heathcliff

Another wonderful episode with my favorite characters. When books enter a discussion I tell people I enjoy murder, reading about murder I should say. These stories with Lennox, Swift and the gang never cease to entertain. I feel as if I know the cast personally and I look forward to the next adventure.