Death and Drama follows Marianne Brandon back to Devonshire

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Source: Review Copy from Blog Tour

TYPE OF NOVEL: Sense and Sensibility Sequel Mystery

SERIES: Mr. Darcy and Miss Tilney Mystery

(NOTE: While it is a stand alone novel, I’d recommend reading the first book in this series – The Murder of Mr. Wickham – before reading this book for a more enhanced experience – also to avoid spoiling the mystery of the first book.)

THE PREMISE: In the first book of this series Jonathan Darcy, the son and heir to Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth Darcy, and Juliet Tilney, the daughter of Henry and Catherine Tilney first meet at a house party at Donwell Abbey, where they team together and solve a shocking murder. Now they unexpectedly both happen to be in the same county again – Juliet is the invited guest of the Brandon’s at Delaford, and Jonathan begrudgingly attends a house party at Allenham hosted by his former tormentor – John Willoughby. And guess what…another murder takes place! 😵 Can our favorite amateur sleuths team up again to discover the truth of what happened to Mrs. Willoughby…?

WHAT I LOVED:

• Jonathan and Juliet Again: This is exactly what I wanted. I adore both of these characters and was elated to see them reunited and have the chance to spend more time with them. They are such admirable and likable characters – especially Jonathan Darcy. We see touches of neurodivergency with his character, and I loved seeing the way his mind works – his factual and analytical perspective, his striving to understand emotions and social nuances, and his forthright honesty – I find it all so incredibly endearing. I loved seeing these two work together on their secret sleuthing escapades, but I loved seeing them both assess and question their feelings and friendship even more.

• Bringing It Back to Barton: Just like with Highbury, Barton is a charming locale to visit and encounter some very dear friends. The Middletons, the Edward Ferrars, Margaret and Mrs. Dashwood, and even dear Mrs. Jennings make an appearance. I enjoyed learning a little about how our friends were faring, but I wouldn’t have minded seeing either more of them or some new developments in their lives. I enjoyed witnessing Mrs. Jennings engage in some matchmaking conjectures and teasing once again.

• In Close Proximity: I never before realized this but post Sense and Sensibility, these characters are guaranteed some awkward and uncomfortable encounters. Just think of it – when Mr. Willoughby’s aunt dies (as she did in this novel), who will be owning and occupying the estate just miles away from where Marianne and Colonel Brandon live? Willoughby!  And what happens should the Ferrars family ever decide to discontinue their excommunication of Edward – “Yes, we used to be betrothed, but now you married my brother. Lovely to see you again…?” Such cringe. I enjoyed seeing how Claudia Gray tackled the awkwardness of these encounters and the dynamics these characters have to face. I especially enjoyed seeing Beth William’s (Colonel Brandon’s ward) reaction to Marianne. Talk about friendships fraught with hidden tension.
• There IS More: While the mystery is neatly solved, there is much left unresolved between Jonathan and Juliet. At least for the reader! And I’m thrilled to see the narrative hint that they WILL be crossing paths again. I wonder where…London? Bath? Maybe Sanditon?

WHAT I HAVE MIXED FEELINGS ABOUT:

• The Mystery: The murder was suitably shocking, the method was creative and intriguing, and there were several interesting suspects with motives. But overall, I didn’t feel as riveted to the mystery this time around. But that might have more to do with the characters and my apathy towards some of them. That being said, I still wasn’t completely accurate in my conjectures – so I enjoyed being wrong and experiencing some a surprising twist or two!

WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:

• Not As Balanced: One of the aspects I loved so much with The Murder of Mr. Wickham was seeing the various relationship developments and dramas alongside the murder. There were several central characters in that tale, and each had their own obstacle or challenge to overcome. This tale focused primarily on the murder mystery – and sometimes on some vey scientific and technical aspects of the investigation (which were a little less interesting). I think with the page time spent recounting past history and details from the previous novel and going in deep with forensic investigating, that maybe there was less page time spent exploring the various secondary story lines and relationships in this novel.

CONCLUSION: 

It is hard to top the brilliance and exquisite crafting of The Murder of Mr. Wickham, and my expectations for this novel were a little high. But nonetheless, I was most agreeably engaged by the compelling mix of intrigue, tension, and friendship featured in The Late Mrs. Willoughby. In true Sense and Sensibility fashion, this mystery is brimming with scandal, danger, and shocking reveals!

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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!