Audiobook Review: Murder at the Majestic Hotel by Clara McKenna

Murder at the Majestic Hotel
Author: Clara McKenna
Narrator: Sarah Zimmerman
Series: Stella and Lyndy Mystery (Book 4)
Publication: Highbridge (December 27, 2022)
Length: 9 hours and 9 minutes

Description: Leaving behind tragedies surrounding their wedding at Morrington Hall, travel-worn Stella and Lyndy arrive at the grand Majestic Hotel in York to more misfortune-their stately honeymoon suite has been given away to Horace Wingrove, owner of England's largest confectionery. Stella refuses to let an innocent booking mistake spoil the mood, but her optimism vanishes when Horace suffocates in the room where she and Lyndy should have stayed . . .

Unlike authorities on the scene, Stella can't believe the business magnate's death can be explained away as an accident. Troubling signs are everywhere--strange murmurs in the hallway, tight-lipped hotel staff, and a stolen secret recipe for Wingrove's famous chocolate. Then there are Horace's murky intentions for visiting the historic cathedral city, and those who were closely watching his every move . . .

As Stella and Lyndy tour Yorkshire and mingle with royals as husband and wife, they face a sinister mystery that puts their vows to the test. Can the couple work together to discover the truth about their romantic destination and the strange happenings haunting their trip before they're treated to another terrifying surprise?

My Thoughts: Stella and Lyndy can't escape murder even on their honeymoon. They have traveled to York and Lyndy has booked the Honeymoon Suite at the exclusive Majestic Hotel. However, when they arrive, they learn that the desk clerk has rented the suite to a man named Horace Wingrove. He is elderly and ill and wants to recreate the honeymoon he had with his beloved but now deceased wife some forty years earlier. 

Stella and Lyndy are forced to settle for the Royal Suite which is just a bit too purple for Lyndy's tastes. But they have barely settled in when a main screaming in the hall sends Stella and Lyndy running where they discover Mr. Wingrove dead in his bed. Stella is suspicious but a doctor staying at the hotel says that it was not a suspicious death, and the police inspector called in to investigate is so concerned with an up-coming Royal visit that he is eager to go along with the doctor's opinion. 

Enter the deceased nephew and secretary. The nephew thinks his uncle was in town to merge his business with that of another famous confectioner the daughter of the family is his sweetheart. However, a visit from Wingrove's lawyer brings a new mystery. Wingrove's exclusive formula for his best-selling chocolate has gone missing. Did someone murder Wingrove for the formula?

Stella and Lyndy are invited to the gala before the unveiling of the statue of Queen Victoria and to meet two Royal princesses. Stella would rather visit a local racecourse with the first grandstands built in England, but her duty as a new member of the aristocracy means she has to attend. An anarchist's bomb disrupts the gala leaving many injured including Lyndy who was cut and has a temporary hearing loss.

This story was entertaining. I enjoyed the historical detail. I loved the way Stella and Lyndy's love for each other is growing as they settle into married life. 

I bought this one at Chirp July 25, 2023. You can buy your copy here.