This is a mystery set at an estate, Melrose Court, in 1920. When a deadman is found in May on Heathcliff Lennox's front porch with no ID, Lennox wonders why he was there. Later, at the Christmas celebration at his uncle's home, Melrose Court, Lennox is introduced to the uncle's fiancée, Sophia, thought to be Russian royalty, and her niece Natasha, who escaped during the revolution. When there is another murder, Lennox is accused. He sets out to discover the real murderer.
Cute story with upper-crust characters reminiscent of old money, but struggling to stay afloat. Also somewhat stuffy, but funny. ( )

Major Heathcliff Lennox's valet calls him to the front door to have a look at the dead man lying there. The local detective doesn't believe that Lennox has never seen the man and wasn't responsible for his death, but there's no proof otherwise so Lennox is allowed to travel to his family estate for Christmas.
What would normally be a dull collection of cousins and their elderly uncle is thrown into chaos this year with the introduction of the uncle's new fiancee, a Russian Countess, and her beautiful young niece. It turns out that the Countess has been working on the old man for awhile and now, with the whole wealthy family gathered, she announces that their uncle has a new will that replaces them with her. It doesn't take long for the first murder.
Published in 2018 and part of a series, this has a real Golden Age feel with snappy dialogue and humor. ( )

The main character is an effete, debt-ridden English aristocrat, and when you meet his family and friend you can see why. He is the absolute reflection of them. The plot is timeworn and pedestrian. The only likable character is the dog.

it works as a satire but I am not certain if that was the author's intent. ( )

Murder at Melrose Court - Menuhin
Audio performance Sam Dewhurst-Phillips
3 stars

The story begins with a body on the doorstep of Major Heathcliff Lennox’s country house. Such a bother. It interferes with the delicate construction of Lennox’s latest fishing fly. It also sets the tone for a lightweight cozy mystery. When Lennox decamps to Melrose Court, the old family pile, events become more serious. Two murders, fraught romance, the threat of jail, the certainty of financial ruin and a snowbound country house. It’s December 1920. Merry Christmas.

Definitely not meant to be taken seriously. This is a book that laughs at itself like a game of Clue. I enjoyed it, especially the dog, Mr. Fogg. The audio was well done, even though the female voices were very annoying. ( )

1920, and as Christmas approaches a body is discovered at the door of Major Heathcliff Lennox's home at Ashton Steeple. This prompt him to accept his uncle's invitation to Christmas at Melrose Court. Unfortunately surprises await him, and then another body. As he is the prime suspect he attempts to find the real killer.
A really enjoyable mystery and a good start to what I hope is a long series. Major Lennox is such a loveable character ( )