Review by Booklist Review
Gray (The Late Mrs. Willoughby, 2023), who has gathered the casts of Jane Austen's novels and placed them in Christie-like mysteries, returns with a third book featuring young sleuths Jonathan, the son of Mr. Darcy and wife Elizabeth, and Juliet Tinely, whose home is Northanger Abbey. Their chaste romance progresses slowly and is hampered by misunderstandings partially caused by Jonathan's neurodiversity. Meanwhile, they've been summoned by the imperious Lady De Bourgh to discover who is trying to kill her, and even with a great house full of friends and relatives, they are determined not to fail. With love hardly past the stroll-in-the-garden stage for Jonathan and Juliet, most of the story focuses on the many (perhaps too many) attempts to kill Lady Catherine. But there are some excellent subplots, especially one that addresses the schism between Elizabeth Darcy and her old friend Charlotte, who, many years ago, made the astounding choice to marry the unctuous Mr. Collins, the suitor Elizabeth firmly declined. Readers will be happy to learn a visit to Pemberley is on the horizon when this delightful series continues.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Violence and romance collide in Gray's bewitching third Jane Austen--inspired whodunit (after The Late Mrs. Willoughby). Jonathan Darcy (son of Pride and Prejudice's Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet) and Juliet Tilney (daughter of Northanger Abbey's Henry Tilney) have twice joined forces to solve murder cases. Now, they receive a summons from Jonathan's great-aunt, the formidable Lady Catherine de Bourgh. While Lady Catherine largely disapproves of Jonathan's undignified sleuthing, she needs his help to prevent a murder--hers. Three attempts have recently been made on her life, including a bullet through her window, a deliberate traffic accident, and a stranger pushing her over a banister. As Jonathan and Juliet set about determining who in Lady Catherine's rarefied circle might have reason to take her out, they battle simmering resentments between their fathers, who've accompanied them to Lady Catherine's estate. Meanwhile, the young sleuths' romantic feelings for each other continue to develop, to their families' dismay. Gray again evokes the wit and atmosphere of an Austen novel while serving up a mystery that will stump even the most seasoned armchair detectives. This series deserves a long life. Agent: Laura Rennert, Andrea Brown Literary. (June)
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Review by Library Journal Review
Juliet Tilney and Jonathan Darcy have successfully brought two murderers to light and their involvement in such affairs has drawn notice, and in some cases, censure. Despite her disapproval of such activities, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Jonathan's great-aunt, summons them both, insisting that someone is out to kill her. Anyone familiar with this Pride and Prejudice character will be unsurprised that the unpleasant woman has enemies. Jonathan and Juliet are eager to conduct another investigation and spend more time together. Neither Fitzwilliam Darcy nor Henry Tilney is overjoyed with the danger of another murder investigation or a potential marriage between their children, yet they and their offspring arrive at Rosings Park to serve Lady Catherine. Soon, though, the young sleuths begin to wonder at the true intent of the incidents that brought them there, but another attempt on Lady Catherine's life disabuses them of the notion that the goal is anything less than murder. VERDICT Gray continues to faithfully recreate the world of Jane Austen's novels in this delightful third book in her series (following The Late Mrs. Willoughby). As always, the characters and plot are engaging, with a satisfying denouement. Gray sensitively portrays the neurodivergent Jonathan while highlighting the real challenges he faces.--Julie Ciccarelli
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
In her third mystery for Mr. Darcy and Miss Tilney, Gray again showcases the dangers and delights of being a Jane Austen character. This time, the bull's-eye is trained on Lady Catherine de Bourgh, whom Elizabeth Bennet fans may have occasionally wanted to take a potshot at themselves. Gray makes the entitled heiress more sympathetic than Austen does. She's still vain and preening, but genuinely frightened by the escalating attempts on her life. Some of the sympathy is generated by the protagonists, young Jonathan Darcy, the shy, introverted son of Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy, and Juliet Tilney, the daughter of a country parson. Having solved the mystery of Mr. Wickham's death in The Murder of Mr. Wickham (2022), the pair are eager to save Lady Catherine from a similar fate. As readers root for the mission's success, they will also hope for a happy resolution to the characters' tender, tentative steps toward forging a bond closer than friendship. True to the Austen tradition, Gray celebrates love of all kinds. She explores myriad varieties of marriage--marriages of love, of convenience, even of desperation--and gives due respect to all. She also honors Austen in portraying her characters, both those invented by Austen and those of her own devising, giving each a strongly marked character but leaving them open to hidden depths that will surprise and delight readers. The puzzle is intriguing, but its solution is only part of the reward of Gray's ingenious new franchise. A rare treat for mystery readers and Austen buffs alike. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
