Murder in Highbury

Vanessa Kelly reintroduces us to Jane Austen's Emma, now turned amateur sleuth!

Book Tour and Review

Thank you to Kensington Books, Austen Prose and author Vanessa Kelly for my spot on this tour and gifted copy of Murder In Highbury by Vanessa Kelly. This book is available now!

SYNOPSIS:

Less than one year into her marriage to respected magistrate George Knightley, Emma has grown unusually content in her newfound partnership and refreshed sense of independence. The height of summer sees the former Miss Woodhouse gracefully balancing the meticulous management of her elegant family estate and a flurry of social engagements, with few worries apart from her beloved father's health . . .  But cheery circumstances change in an instant when Emma and Harriet Martin, now the wife of one of Mr. Knightley's tenant farmers, discover a hideous shock at the local church. The corpse of Mrs. Augusta Elton, the vicar's wife, has been discarded on the altar steps—the ornate necklace she often wore stripped from her neck . . .  As a chilling murder mystery blooms and chaos descends upon the tranquil village of Highbury.

MY THOUGHTS:

What a delightfully fun historical mystery starring Jane Austen's Emma Woodhouse (now Knightley) as an amateur sleuth. She's honestly perfect for the role. She's charming and very likable! Well-written and witty, with fantastic historical detail, this book is a love letter to both Austen and murder mysteries. However, you do not need to be familiar with Austen's original work to enjoy this, as it stands on its own. The mystery was solidly plotted and had enough misdirection to keep you guessing, as well as secrets and humor to keep you entertained. The pacing was good, and the mystery was interesting. This is the kind of book you'll want to brew a pot of tea and curl up with. Cozy and historical mystery lovers will want to add to their lists!

My steep was Jane Austen's Tea Blend from Simpson Vail Tea's Literary Tea line: a black tea blend with lavender, spearmint, and vanilla, this is fabulous hot or iced!