The Chester Grand Murders by Karen Baugh Menuhin Series: Heathcliff Lennox #17
Published by Little Dog Publishing Ltd on May 1, 2026
Source: Kindle Unlimited
Genres: Historical Mystery
Pages: 257
Format: eBook
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When three wealthy hoteliers die within months of one another – each death neat, tidy, and labelled an accident – the seven surviving members of the Grand Proprietors’ Syndicate are no longer convinced of coincidence.
Summoned to the opulent Grand Hotel in the heart of Chester, Major Heathcliff Lennox and ex Inspector Swift find a luxury building running with understated efficiency under the formidable Miss Martin – known behind her back, and never to her face, as “Miss Martinet.” The staff whisper nervously, the corridors echo with unease, and the syndicate’s aristocratic members demand answers before one of them becomes the next casualty. The investigation leads Lennox and Swift through a maze of old grudges, romantic intrigue, and whispered scandals.
As tensions rise and another death looms, they must uncover the truth hidden behind the hotel’s gleaming façade – before the murderer strikes again.
This time around, Lennox and Swift are called to the Grand Hotel in Chester. Three members of the Grand Proprietors’ Syndicate have recently died, each ruled an accident, but three accidents among ten members is more than suspicious.
Lennox and Swift are there usual selves, Swift more practical and by the book, Lennox willing to act bit more on instinct – and to stop for a bite to eat. The whole gang shows up – wives and children and pets to add to the fun and chaos.
I appreciate that the secondary characters get full personalities, with secrets and entanglements and plenty of drama. I did figure out the whodunnit and kind of wish the book had gone a different direction, but it all made sense and the clue worked together well.
About Karen Baugh Menuhin
At 60, Karen Baugh Menuhin decided to write, and suddenly the stories came pouring out, along with the characters. Eccentric Uncles, stalwart butlers, idiosyncratic servants, machinating Countesses, and the hapless Major Heathcliff Lennox.
An itinerate traveller all her life, she grew up in the military, often on RAF bases but preferring to be in the countryside when they could.
She is living and writing in the Cotswolds with her dear husband Krov. Krov is a professional writer, an award-winning documentary filmmaker, professional diver, pilot, ex US special forces soldier, and the eldest son of violinist, Yehudi Menuhin.
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