I enjoyed this book and sent a review to Fresh Fiction last autumn, however they have not published it yet. I have therefore written a much shorter version on Goodreads.

I enjoyed this historical crime read. The countryside location and blending of social classes makes an interesting setting, while we get to know the characters.
This was my first read of this series and I will look out for more.
I also sent a review to Fresh Fiction, having downloaded an e-ARC from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.

Clara McKenna has Stella and Lyndy at home for Christmas after their marriage; Murder on Mistletoe Lane finds their housekeeper dead on the lane and another local dies in a horse race in Edwardian countryside. Stella, Viscountess Lyndhurst, is settling into upper class living and with her mother in law. The staff have their own concerns. Stella lends her detective skills to help the local police. What could go wrong? Fun reading cozy.

A charming holiday mystery and a great addition to the series. I loved following along on the investigation and learning more of the English Christmas traditions.
Many thanks to Kensington and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

It’s the early twentieth century in the New Forest area of England, and American heiress Stella Kendrick and her new husband Viscount Lyndy Lyndhurst are getting ready to celebrate their first Christmas as husband and wife.

Stella has been settling into her role as Lady Lyndhurst and is bringing her fresh perspective to the position, even starting a horse farm charity. She’s busy so doesn’t notice much of the domestic goings-on until she discovers a few personal items missing and Mrs. Nelson the housekeeper falls desperately ill, then is found dead on Mistletoe Lane. Could it be one of the other staff? Stella begins questioning workers to find out who knows what. Then a second death occurs during the Point-to-Point Boxing Day Race.

With everything that is happening, Stella and Lyndy realize they can trust no one but each other as they press on to ferret out the killer among the many and varied suspects.

Stella is bright and opinionated but kind, with a social conscience that seems more modern than her times in some circumstances. Lyndy is learning to step outside only what’s expected of his station and support his wife’s endeavors.

There were a lot of titles to keep track of and understand the hierarchy of who fit in where. It could be a bit confusing at times, especially at the beginning.

The author has done a good job of taking the reader back a century, while creating modern characters to identify with as they work together to discover who the thief and the killer are.

Murder on Mistletoe Lane, the fifth book in Clara McKenna’s Stella and Lyndy mystery series, combines the historical charm we’ve grown to love with the festivity of the Christmas season – and, once again, murder.

Lady Stella and Viscount “Lyndy” Lyndhurst have returned from their honeymoon in time to spend their first Christmas together at Morrington Hall. Stella is busy, both learning the traditions of her new home and with her efforts to raise money for her new horse farm. She is constantly under fire from her new mother-in-law and the cook of the house, both of whom refuse to allow any of Stella’s American traditions. Little wonder that she barely notices when several small items go missing. Yet, when the housekeeper’s mysterious “illness” leads to an “accidental” death, it becomes frighteningly clear that there is something sinister in the air. A second death ups the suspense and serves to further motivate Stella’s quest to find the culprit. Will it take a Christmas miracle to find the perpetrator?

Stella and Lyndy are a formidable crime-solving duo. Stella’s innate inquisitiveness and intelligence serve her well. Lyndy is as supportive a husband as one could hope for. His willingness to stand up for her despite all opposition is remarkable. Their determination to work with the police instead of undermining them underscores why this series is unique. The mysterious deaths are ultimately resolved in a way that is both logical and intriguing. The setting is Christmas, and we do get a good sense of the holiday, despite the murders and investigation.

Murder on Mistletoe Lane is one of the strongest entries in this series. It possibly could be read as a standalone novel, but I would encourage you to read the series from book one. It is a fantastic historical mystery series that just keeps getting better and better.

Note: I received an ARC of Murder on Mistletoe Lane from NetGalley and Kensington Books. The above is my honest review.

Stella's American charm and exuberance are starting to have an affect on Lyndy, her husband. In previous books in the series, he is a rather stuffy English aristocrat, but his more warm, human side comes alive in this one. Certainly, Stella's doing. Murder follows Stella and Lyndy once again. This time it is Morrington Hall's long time housekeeper, Mrs. Nelson. Who would kill her and why? What secrets did she keep? Does it have anything to do with the Hall's Christmastime guests? Just why are they visiting after so many years? Then there is another death. Are the two related? By the same murderer? What is the motive? The author delivers enough possible suspects to choose from. The reader may think that one is guilty of one of the murders, but maybe not the other. Of course, in the end, Stella pulls all of the clues together so that the guilty party gets their just desserts. With each book in the series I am becoming a bigger fan of this author, the series, and these wonderful characters.

3.5 rounded up: Murder on Mistletoe Lane is the 5th book in the Stella & Lyndy series and although I had issues following this story as a standalone mystery, I think I might have enjoyed it more if I had read the previous books. Ex-pat Stella and British aristocrat Viscount “Lyndy” Lyndhurst have recently married and are celebrating their first Christmas as a married couple. They are spending the holidays at the country estate, but things have been set in their ways and Stella is having a hard time putting her individual touches on the celebrations. When one of the housekeepers ends up dead and things disappear from the bedrooms, Stella and Lyndy are back on the investigation trail. Will they find the killer before someone else ends up dead?

Getting to know Stella and Lyndy was fun, but I know there is a lot of character development I have missed. I loved their easy relationship and felt bad for Stella as Lyndy's mother was still the matriarch of the house. This had a Downton Abbey vibe with the upstairs/downstairs stories, the connections between the guests and the locals as well as the secrets that are eventually revealed. The mystery is interesting and fitting to the period of the story. There is enough festive atmosphere that made this a Christmasy read. If you enjoy historical cozy mysteries, then you will probably enjoy this book and the Stella & Lyndy series.

I adored this book and the following review was published on King River Life Mystery Magazine
https://kingsriverlife.com/12/02/murder-on-mistletoe-lane-by-clara-mckenna/?fbclid=IwAR3Aw6h5Ad1Rm_bkRxlDC9E_wwDRC52dX8uJdcj8EKz7kQT01qVvxkQOsQA

Murder on Mistletoe Lane by Clara McKenna (Stella and Lyndy Mystery #5)

Cozy historical mystery readers are in for a treat with Clara McKenna’s “Murder on Mistletoe Lane,” book five in the “Stella and Lyndy Mystery” series. While this title could easily be read as a standalone, readers who haven’t yet met Stella and Lyndy will enjoy going back to books one through four. I listened to books one to four and found the performances spectacular.

In this newest entry to the series, Lyndy and Stella (Lord and Lady Lyndhurst) are looking forward to celebrating their first Christmas together at Morrington Hall.

Stella is busy getting her horse farm charity up and running, as well as trying to convince the cook at Morrington Hall to make some traditional American holiday sweets. She hardly notices when personal items go missing from her room (simply assuming she misplaced them), but then she starts receiving mysterious notes from a secret admirer. Is it someone from the household writing and delivering these uncomfortable notes?

One night, Stella’s maid wakes her up because the housekeeper, Mrs. Nelson is seriously ill. Stella tends to Mrs. Nelson and the doctor believes she must have food poisoning. Once Mrs. Nelson is settled, Stella returns to bed only to be woken up in the morning to learn that the horse veterinarian has found Mrs. Nelson dead nearby on Mistletoe Lane. While others may be quick to label this as a tragic accident, Stella and Lyndy are suspicious. They encourage Inspector Brown to investigate, all while they do some sleuthing of their own.

And then, yet another person dies under strange and suspicious circumstances during New Forest’s annual Point-to-Point Boxing Day race, and Stella and Lyndy dive deep into the investigation.

Red herrings abound in this wonderfully complex mystery. There are many possible motives, and as I read, I kept trying to see if and how everything was related. This made for a delightful reading experience.

Stella is such a well developed character–her enthusiasm for life and helping others is contagious, and I couldn’t help but root for her. Lyndy is a loving and protective husband who doesn’t try to squash Stella’s curiosity, but simply embraces it. While this certainly isn’t a romance, the little bits of romance readers do see are swoon-worthy. The banter between the two provides moments of humor throughout the story.

The seasonal details add a festive touch to the story, and I could just imagine the decorations throughout Morrington Hall as I read. This would be a wonderfully fun mystery to read in the midst of holiday preparations and celebrations.

This one wasn’t for me. It was a little too gruesome and brutal for a cosy murder mystery. I loved the start of this series but the characters aren’t developing as much as I hoped through the books.

I'm in love!

This book is my first introduction to the Stella and Lyndy series and I'm in love! I don’t typically read books out of order but I couldn't resist the themes in this installment. A cozy first Edwardian Christmas as a married couple, a horse charity, a Boxing Day race, and of course murder. But, I would suggest starting from the series beginning because their are small spoilers…nods to previous murders…that may spoil your reading experience. However, these are easily forgiven because Clara McKenna has a way of writing that sucks you in and toys with all your sensibilities to the point you find you've read through the night and the sun is coming up. I may have been given an ARC in order to provide my honest review, but the writing is excellent and I would highly recommend!

Another wonderful read in this series. It can be read as a standalone but it is much better as part of the series. How this poor couple keeps finding dead bodies, even on their honeymoon makes for a good read. This one had you guessing till the end with lots of mystery, adventure, twists, and turns. I really enjoyed this story. The characters where wonderfully written and the storyline flowed beautifully. There were some interesting secrets come out in this story as the characters develop and grow through each book. Now we wait to see where the next poor dead body will be? I received this as an ARC and freely give my review.

Back from their honeymoon just in time for the holidays at home, Stella and Lyndy are up to their sprig of mistletoe in mysteries, secrets, and murder before the bang of their first Christmas cracker. This Edwardian Era historical cozy series has become highly anticipated must reads and this latest release was no exception.



With a blend of relationship development and clever murder mystery plotting set against a vibrant Edwardian era backdrop in the holiday season, Murder on Mistletoe Lane, the fifth of the connected Stella and Lyndy series opens back at Moorington Hall for the holidays.



I enjoyed the upstairs/downstairs connection of family, guests, locals and servants that brought an interesting cast of characters together with the murder involving the serving staff more than previous books. There is no shortage of mysteries even before the death occurs from why the countess invited certain guests to the goings on of some of the staff. I liked how it all ends up having relevance to the ongoing series plot or to the new murder to be solved. But, most of all, I’ve enjoyed seeing Stella and Lyndy grow in confidence as a couple, in their position, but also as a detecting pair. Stella is still working out her place in the household as the American and non-aristocratic wife, but she is staying true to herself even while respecting tradition and the responsibility that comes with her new title. Her heart for anyone and anything in need and respect for others no matter their circumstances is what makes her so loveable and Lyndy prizes her for it and has grown to be a man worthy of her.



There is a lovely amount of holiday atmosphere, sweet moments of romance for the new married pair, family secrets, and the murder that Stella and Lyndy help Inspector Brown work to solve. I meant to spend longer time relishing the book, but it drew me in and I read it swiftly to the end. Historical cozy mystery fans really need to jump on board with this series.

I really like both Stella and Lyndy. The mysteries kept me guessing. I like the historical setting.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Oh how I love this series. I love the MC's [Stella and Lyndy], especially Stella, who is doing her best to adapt to English peerage and what is expected and NOT expected, all while not losing herself and her independence and spark that makes Stella Stella. I admire Lyndy and his love for Stella and his willingness to stand by her side, even when it pits him against his own family [THAT mother of his...revelations about her in this book may change the tide there]. Most of all, I love the stories. Filled with everything that makes for a really good read, the author outdoes herself in this one - filled with Christmas [and all the traditions of both the English and American and how some of them fit together and how some clash and how sometimes, people just need to compromise], family [and all their messes], intrigue and of course, murder.

I was certain I knew what was going on and proceeded to fall down that gorgeous red herring trail and therefore was sort of surprised [I did have a back up and I was right there, but not the why] of the killer at the reveal, but TOTALLY surprised at the why [it never fails to amaze me at just what drives people to murder] along with some of the other revelations that happen throughout this book. I will say that I have had some issues with ALLLL the books I am currently reading and this one, none. Not once did I want to quit, or throw the book, or rage against anything going on, and after the last few books I have read, this is nothing short of miraculous, so if I could give this a hundred gold stars just for that, I would.

As always, a well-researched, well-written, just fantastic book and leaves me wishing the author could speed-write so we could all have a new book ASAP! ;-)

Thank you to NetGalley, Clara McKenna, and Kensington Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I received a copy of this title from the publisher; all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. Following their marriage and honeymoon, Stella and Lindy are celebrating their first Christmas together with his family. Stella is struggling with feeling at home in England and accepted by his family and friends. Additionally, she's been working on setting up Triple R, a charity farm for horses. The main mystery resolves around the death of Mrs. Nelson who was found dead outside after coming down ill earlier in the day. Although it appears to be an accident, Stella and Lindy just can't shake the feeling that there is something more with the death. There is a secondary mystery around some of Stella's items go missing. The mysteries are well done keeping me guessing and I'm enjoying watching the relationship between Stella and Lindy deepen and his continued realization of just how strong and capable Stella is. I am looking forward to future titles in the series.

This is the fifth book in the Stella and Lyndy Mystery series.

Stella and Lyndy are spending their first Christmas together as a married couple at the family estate, and poor Stella is finding it hard to make any changes to the traditional celebrations. Lyndy is always on her side, but his mother is a hard nut to crack. (excuse the pun!). However even at home in the holiday season murder follows them and soon Stella is involved in the investigations.

This is proving to be a very good series with two loveable main characters, lots of character development and interesting mysteries. The author writes well and it was fun to read about Edwardian Christmas traditions. It is a book you could buy just for its beautiful cover, but you would also be getting a very readable story.

Another Great addition to this fun series and this time it is the holidays!

Stella wants to take her role as Lady of the manor and make the holidays special. Of course she never expects for murder to step into her plans!

Love this series and the characters!!

Stella is eager to be Lady Lyndhurst but not everyone is willing to turn over the reins to a brash American. There is some dissension in the ranks and not all of the servants are happy about the changes that Stella is trying to make. Meanwhile, she is just trying to incorporate a bit of her own memories of Christmas.
The holiday starts off with some food being stolen from the kitchen, escalates to the firing of a maid, and then really goes off the rails when a dead body is discovered.
This mystery didn't feel as tight as others in this series. It was an okay story but not as well constructed as some of the previous books.

Three and a half stars
This book comes out October 24, 2023
Follows Murder at the Majestic Hotel
ARC kindly provided by Kensington Books and NetGalley
Opinions are my own

Murder On Mistletoe Lane is the fifth book in the A Stella and Lyndy Mystery series by Clara McKenna.

Christmas is nearing, and Stella is looking forward to bringing some of her childhood memories of Christmas in Kentucky to the present home at Morrington Hall. But her mother-in-law, Lady Atherly, is not receptive to many of Stella’s ideas. Lady Atherly feels this is how we have done it in the past, and there’s no reason to change now, telling her not to corrupt the staff with her unconventional “American ways.” Stella meets with Mrs. Cole, Morrington’s cook, to request a couple of her favorite Christmas dishes. Mrs. Cole informs Stella that the Christmas meal is well underway; besides, she doesn’t have recipes for the dishes Stella has requested.

She is also concerned that there may be a thief or stalker at Morrington, as she has found personal items missing from her bedroom, and notes of a romantic nature have been left in her room.

Concern is high for the housekeeper when she becomes seriously ill and is confined to her bed. When a maid checks on the housekeeper, she’s nowhere to be found. It is soon learned that her body has been found on Mistletoe Road, possibly dying from exposure. Then, a second suspicious death occurs during a Boxer Day point-to-point race. A retired army man who has spent his whole life riding horses has his mount go down, throwing the man to the ground.
With the family home directly involved in one of the murders, Stella and Lyndy will begin their own investigation. Inspector Brown readily accepts Stella and Lyndy’s help. They have worked together, and Inspector Brown has found them to share their findings with him rather than working against him. Their investigation will provide several suspects, some involving guests staying at Morrington Hall.

The story is well-written, plotted, and historically accurate. The characters are well-developed, engaging, and believable. There were many twists and turns and red herrings that I kept guessing until the end, when the killer's identity was revealed.

I am anxiously awaiting the next book in this wonderful series.

Another exceptional Stella and Lyndy mystery! This series is quickly becoming a favorite. It reminds me a lot of Agatha Christie or Carola Dunn mysteries with intricate plots, a touch of humor, and romance. I loved the Edwardian Christmas setting and all the fun traditions along with the whodunnit mystery that was so well done & kept me guessing.

Stella is anticipating her first English Christmas as a married woman. Adjusting to her new role as Lady Lyndhurst isn’t easy though with a frosty, overbearing mother-in-law, a cook who isn’t accommodating to her American Christmas traditions, and unexpected houseguests. But, Stella takes it all in stride with her usual cheerfulness and aplomb. While she’s been preoccupied with her new horse farm charity, she’s been receiving mysterious notes from a secret admirer and some of her personal effects have gone missing. Is there a thief in the house or is someone stalking her? When two suspicious deaths occur including their housekeeper who falls ill and winds up murdered on Mistletoe Lane, Stella, Lyndy, and Inspector Brown must work together to solve the murders and hopefully save their Christmas holiday.

I loved this historical mystery! The Christmas setting was so fun and I loved the inclusion of the various traditions. Stella and Lyndy are such an enjoyable couple. Lyndy appreciates Stella’s intelligence and lets her pursue her investigations all while being the protective, besotted husband. There’s teasing banter, a little mild innuendo, humor, and swoony romance that makes this closed door cozy mystery even more fun.

The mystery definitely kept me on my toes. Red herrings abound in this one and it’s hard to pinpoint who the murderer is. I enjoyed Inspector Brown and the way he treats Stella. He takes her insights and observations seriously, which is nice for a change. There were several interesting motives and moving parts which all tied together nicely in the end. Throughout the story we learn more about Stella’s mother-in-law’s past and why she is the way she is. I loved how she warmed more towards Stella as the story continued. Along with the murders, are the mysterious notes and stolen items. Are these related to the murders?

All in all, a fantastic new mystery! Highly recommend to historical cozy mystery fans! Though it’s the fifth book in the series it could be read as a standalone, but is more enjoyable if you’ve read the previous books. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.

CW: mild innuendo, mild violence, a few instances of taking the Lord’s name in vain.