A Murder, Many Motives, and Multiple Marital Disrupts

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Source: Review Copy from Blog Tour

TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Sequel Mystery, Mash Up of Multiple Jane Austen Novels

THE PREMISE: The Knightleys are hosting a grand house party with various relations and friends in attendance when an uninvited and very much unwelcome Mr. George Wickham descends upon them. Because treacherous rain impedes his departure, the Knightleys must extend their hospitality to George Wickham as well – even though he comes with a nefarious purpose and has bad history with more than one of their guests. In a shocking occurrence, Wickham is soon found dead – murdered, in fact – and it is likely at the hand of someone who currently resides at Donwell Abbey…who committed the murder of Mr. Wickham?

WHAT I LOVED:

• 3 Things Immediately:
  • Wickham Was Murdered!
  • A house party at Donwell Abbey
  • A blending together of Jane Austen’s characters from her 6 major novels

• Plausibly and Thoughtfully Planned: Between selecting which characters to feature in this novel, creating their connections to either the Knightleys, George Wickham, or both, and fabricating a murder where so many characters have motives and secrets, Claudia Gray employed an abundance of forethought, assiduous planning, and creativity in writing this story. It is a daunting task to integrate so many characters and storylines and deliver a well-executed and balanced tale, and she pulled it off brilliantly! I appreciated the variety of different ages and situations chosen for each of the couples featured in this tale, and I didn’t mind that Ms. Gray assigned her own specific years to Jane Austen’s novels to support her choices in the characters’ ages and timelines. The Author’s Note forewarning these changes prevented any confusion and was greatly appreciated!

• Happily Ever After?: In addition to the murder mystery, this story illustrates the marriages and futures of several Jane Austen’s couples. Through various points in the story each couple experiences some disconnect or discord. Whether it be their differing ways of handling grief, discovering their opposing moral and philosophical views, lacking openness between each other, or dealing with feelings of inadequacy and inferiority – there were so many realistic examples of couples in the midst of marital trials and tribulations. I appreciated the honesty of these relationships – that these couples weren’t portrayed as having perfect marriages. And I admired how each couple went through each of their unique travails, and the gentle reminders that openness and communication are just as vital ingredients in marriage as affection and respect.

• The Murder and the Mystery: I loved the cozy, confined-to-a-house style mystery with bad weather raging outside. Catching some Clue vibes. Killing off Mr. Wickham was an excellent choice – in the years since P&P he has amassed both wealth and enemies and his connections to other characters (other than the Darcys) as fascinating to explore. I loved trying to figure out who the murderer was and how and why it happened! Even though I was not at all correct in my guesses, I thoroughly enjoyed the twists and turns with the investigation and the very satisfying reveals and conclusion.

• Jonathan Darcy and Juliet Tilney: And speaking of sleuths trying to solve the mystery on their own, two original characters are featured in this tale doing exactly that. Jonathan Darcy, the eldest son of the Darcys and Juliet Tilney, the eldest daughter of the Tilneys. I adored both of these characters so much!!! I loved their personalities and the progression of their unique relationship together. Jonathan with his earnest sincerity, discomfort in social situations, and reliance on rules and routines endeared me immediately. I loved the representation of a neurodivergent character, and I sympathized with struggles when it came to viewing his own parents as suspects. And Juliet is marvelous – a bit more level-headed than her mother, she is adventurous, bold, and compassionate. I would love to go on many more adventures with her!

• Highbury Friends: Miss Bates, the Eltons, and Frank Churchill! How wonderful to meet with such characters again! I especially loved seeing Frank Churchill in the role of magistrate! He is still his charming and carefree self, and it is so funny to see that Mr. Knightley still disapproves of him!

WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:

• Nothing! However, I will be “most put out” if there is not a follow up book or two written for these characters. Several doors were definitely left open for this possibility, and I am so eager to go through them all!!

CONCLUSION:

The Murder of Mr. Wickham is a most phenomenal and impressive novel that skillfully combines Jane Austen’s beloved characters, a cozy-style murder mystery, and an astute study of human nature and character development through realistic personal and matrimonial hardships. I highly recommend this tale to any and all readers who dream of attending a house party with Jane Austen’s characters and doing bodily harm to Mr. Wickham!

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My sincere gratitude to Laurel Ann Nattress of Austenprose PR for putting this lovely blog tour together and inviting me to take part!