Solving the Jigsaw Puzzle of Mr. Collins’s Murder

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Source: Review Copy from Publisher

TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Sequel Mystery Featuring Secondary Characters

THE PREMISE: Several years after the close of P&P Lady Catherine finds something unexpectedly decomposing in her gardens – Mr. Collins! She quickly enlists the local magistrate and constable to find the perpetrator of this heinous crime and bring them to justice. But what if the most likely suspect is Mr. Collin’s cousin…

MY THOUGHTS: Right off the bat this book has some great things going for it – a murder mystery set at Rosings, a plot that features secondary and original characters, and killing off Mr. Collins on page one – that’s a win-win-win in my book! 🙌🏼

I enjoyed the perspective and angle from which this story is told. The reader witnesses many events and conversations from the perspective of Robert Archer, Hunsord’s wheelwright-turn-part-time-constable. From the rowdy Irish stable boys to the impatient housekeepers who find this investigation to be a disruptive nuisance, from the handsome footmen to the young maid-of-all-work – the reader follows Mr. Archer throughout many interrogations and encounters with the various household members and serving staff of Rosings and the Parsonage. There were plenty of new characters to meet, and it was interesting to hear both the goings-on of the serving class and their opinions of the households they serve. Who would’ve thought that Lady C had the esteem and admiration of all her servants!

Another aspect I enjoyed about this story was that there were some interesting subplots taking place at the same time. There was an unexpected blossoming friendship for Mary Bennet and a sweet and shy romance emerging between our constable and the draper’s niece – both of which were interesting developments that would have benefited from just a little more page time. And then there was the additional tension of what would Mr. Bennet do if convicted, and what would become of Charlotte and her daughters after Mr. Collins is interred. I was as invested in all these storylines as I  was the criminal investigation.

However, I did often feel that even with the investigation and additional subplots that this story was a little slow and less eventful than I hoped it would be. There were so many interrogations with various characters and the sharing of or ruminating on these interrogations that it sometimes felt a little repetitious for the reader. And while the murder mystery itself included some interesting reveals and surprising twists, it wasn’t one that held me riveted. Especially when it took an unsavory turn and more about the victim’s secrets and past actions were uncovered. While these revelations were fitting developments for this character – and sadly, very plausible for the time period – it just felt awful to read about them. While some retribution is paid by those involved, it left a dissatisfied feeling that more still wasn’t done. But again, that is realistic for this time period.

Despite not feeling fully immersed and satisfied with the intrigue of this murder mystery, I did appreciate the entertaining sojourn to Rosings and the realistic portrayals of the serving class during Jane Austen’s time this book provided. A Murder at Rosings is an excellent choice for readers who enjoy cozy mysteries and/or readers who desire to see Mr. Collins killed off!

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