A Regency novel is one which was written during or set within the Regency era between 1811 and 1820, when George IV was the Prince Regent in England and Napoleon was dominating Europe. In Kelly Jones' Regency mystery, Murder, Magic and What We Wore, Annis Whitworth's father has died and left her and her guardian aunt penniless. Determining that he was a spy, Annis longs to find out the truth behind his death. When she attempts to alter a gown for her mourning period, she discovers she has the magical ability to quickly turn any article of clothing into whatever she wants it to be. In need of money to pay off her father's debts, she disguises herself as Madame Martine, a "glamour modiste," and sets up shop as a seamstress. Meanwhile, she is trying to convince the War Office that her abilities lend themselves to her becoming a spy. Her maid Millie, who helps her with her disguise, as well as her quest to find her father's murderer, is actually much more suited to the task. In getting to the bottom of her father's death, Annis discovers a great deal about her parents' lives as spies, as well as a plot to help Napoleon escape from prison. The fiercely independent female characters, creatively detailed fashions and quirky humor in this novel are great fun and a wonderful introduction to the Regency novel for young readers.

Being very familiar with (and loving) fantasy books set in England's Regency period, I absolutely had to read MURDER, MAGIC, AND WHAT WE WORE. And overall, I was not disappointed! While it had its flaws, this book is a fun example of this genre, and is a cute, quick read.

I was amused by Annis' antics - she is both observant and somewhat dense at times. Her maid, Millie, was an even more interesting character, and I liked her partnership with Annis. Millie was quick and picked up on things when Annis did not, but Annis was the one with the schemes. They had a nice interplay.

Though the book is titled MURDER, MAGIC, AND WHAT WE WORE, I was never really frightened for the main characters. Though they got in some tough situations at times, there was always a reasonable escape and the most concern I felt was during when Annis got caught alone in a room with a young gentleman who had a habit of man-handling maids. There never felt like there was real danger from the other spies, though there was an element of "who can Annis trust" underscoring all of her conversations.

My biggest complaint would be the poor world-building. All of a sudden, it was discovered that Annis could sew glamours, but they were never really explained, and the role of magic in the world was never really explained either. This could easily have been more of an aspect of the book.

Overall, while MURDER, MAGIC, AND WHAT WE WORE was not perfect, it definitely had aspects I like - magic, interesting characters, and enough of a mystery to keep me entertained. Plus, while I am not sure if this is the first in a series or a stand-alone, for the most part, the mystery gets tied up at the end of the book, so there are no cliff-hangers and the ending is satisfying.

This was an amusing and quick read. I hope there's a sequel.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.

Appropriately named title for this clever mystery. Annis Whitworth can sew like nobody's business, and she discovers she has a talent for creating whatever she wants out of rags. She is immediately likable and has a penchant for getting into trouble. Annis and her friend Mille along with Aunt Cassia, set out on finding the truth about what happened to Annis' dad and uncover more than they bargained for. These are memorable characters I can't wait to revisit. This is fun amateur sleuthing with a magical twist.

4.5 stars for this excellent story. The main characters, Annis and Millie, made a great team. I loved the magical elements layered over this historic mystery. It really gave an already good, solid story a memorable twist.

Murder, Magic, and What We Wore by Kelly Jones is an adorably enchanting YA historical-fantasy-mystery all rolled into one. Reading it feels like the beginning of a series, so while I haven’t seen any mention of it being a series…. I’m really hoping for it.

I was actually on the fence with this book. Annis was a character that I really just wasn’t feeling and I quickly got annoyed with her. Fortunately, most of the other women in this book are fierce, intelligent and independent. Eventually, Annis experiences some growth of character and I liked her more by the end of the book. I think this book would have been bumped up a star if it had been a dual POV with Millie (I LOVED HER!)

A little treat within the book is the insertion of characters from other novels set in the era. I haven’t read most of the books, so I didn’t recognize any character except Jacky Faber, but just seeing her brief inclusion made my heart sing. I imagine fans of the other books mentioned had the same feeling when their characters made an appearance. Kelly Jones listed the books + characters at the end of the novel, and it made me want to go pick up a few of them.

The year is 1818, the city is London, and 16-year-old Annis Whitworth has just learned that her father is dead and all his money is missing. And so, of course, she decides to become a spy.

Annis always suspected that her father was himself a spy, and following in his footsteps to unmask his killer makes perfect sense. Alas, it does not make sense to England’s current spymasters—not even when Annis reveals that she has the rare magical ability to sew glamours: garments that can disguise the wearer completely.

Well, if the spies are too pigheaded to take on a young woman of quality, then Annis will take them on. And so she crafts a new double life for herself. Miss Annis Whitworth will appear to live a quiet life in a country cottage with her aunt, and Annis-in-disguise as Madame Martine, glamour artist, will open a magical dressmaking shop. That way she can earn a living, maintain her social standing, and, in her spare time, follow the coded clues her father left behind and unmask his killer.

It can’t be any harder than navigating the London social season, can it? (via Goodreads)
I received an eARC from Netgalley, courtesy of Knopf Books for Young Readers, in exchange for an honest review.

If you were a fan of Duels AND DECEPTION, but wanted more magic, this may be the book for you!

I enjoyed the premise of this book a lot. I love ladies, spies and magic! Put all that together, and you have a very 'me' book. However, I think there are a few things that would have made it a much better book.

One of those things is the magic being used as a replacement for any actual skill in dressmaking, as well as having the actual fabric needed to make the dresses she wanted. At one point, Annis asks her maid if she knows how to attach a sleeve which, granted, is kind of difficult, but also something you should definitely know if you're gonna be a seamstress. Even if you're a magical one.

I also would have loved more explanation about how exactly her magic works. What possibilities are there in this universe?

I loved the female friendships in this book. It was literally full of different sorts of badass women, and I loved that about it. Millie was so different to Annis, and they were both incredibly different from Cassia. They all interacted with each other differently, and it was awesome.

I think this book sets us up for a very interesting experience in the next book, but it doesn't really stand on its own very well for me.

The beginning to an awesome series! I received a copy from NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an honest review. Murder, Magic and What We Wore is a historical mystery which is full of intrigue, espionage, spying and some very interesting types of magic in England. Annis lives with her aunt in London. It is obvious that they are part of the "ton" as they called it in the 1800's in England. They have quite an interesting life they both seem to enjoy even if she never gets to spend much time with her beloved father who she suspects just might have been a spy. Annis is a gifted designer who is well known for her advise in clothing in London.

Annis and her aunt hit on bad times and must leave London and start new lives in a small village outside of London. Annis believes she would make a good spy, especially after she realizes that her gift for choosing amazing outfits is due to her magical gift of glamour, a gift she wants to use to spy for England if she can just get the spymasters to listen to her. In the meantime, she can use her gift to keep her and her aunt afloat and just maybe she can convince those spymasters to give her chance, if she can prove herself. This was a fun, colorful story and it kept me highly entertained. The characters were well defined. The mystery was multi-faceted and a good challenge. I am really looking forward to the next book in this series. Review can also be seen at ladytechiesbookmusings.blogspot.com.

Sixteen-year-old Annis Whitworth just found out that her father is dead and all his money is missing. With the social season in London looming, Annis and her aunt are on the verge of the horror of all horrors: having to find jobs. When Annis finds out her father was a spy, she decides to follow in his footsteps. But the spymasters are not so sure.

After learning she can sew glamours, magical disguises, Annis moves to a small town and starts her double life as Madame Martine, seamstress extraordinaire. She must succeed in her new role if she is ever to find out who killed her father—and earn a place as a spy herself.

Murder, Magic, and What We Wore is a fun Regency-era tale of a girl discovering who she truly is as she seeks her place in life. Annis finds out there is far more going on around her than she ever imagined, and she hasttalents she never suspected. This is a light, enjoyable read, with quirky characters and a fantastic setting.

(Galley provided by Knopf via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.)

MURDER, MAGIC, AND WHAT WE WORE is a Regency romp featuring a young lady with many opinions about lies, spies, and fashions. This delightful tale is chock-full of wit and verve, and while readers may not be blown away by it, they’ll certainly find themselves charmed by Kelly Jones’ latest novel. The fact that it’s a standalone certainly doesn’t hurt!

Miss Annis Whitworth has spent most of her life as a society lady whose keen eye for style has earned her a reputation as a woman of taste; the latest sleeve styles, delicate lace, and even the occasional daring neckline are Annis’ raison d’etre. So when her father – whom she’s always believe to be a spy – dies suddenly and leaves Annis and her Aunt Cassia destitute, this lady of quality finds herself in something of a bind. Annis and Cassia need to find a source of income quickly, lest they be thrown in debtors prison and lose their position in society, but there are few respectable options for ladies and Annis refuses to become a governess or a lady’s companion. Instead, she turns her eye towards her greatest loves, needle and thread. For it turns out that Annis is more than just stylish: she can also sew glamours, transforming garments to look and behave completely differently. Under the assumed identity of Madame Martine, French glamour modiste, Annis opens a dress shop in a quiet country town with the help of her intrepid maid Millie (and a master of disguise). But there’s more at stake than a few truly hideous gowns and even the lady’s fortunes, as the spies who murdered Mr. Whitworth are still at large…

By far my favourite part of MURDER, MAGIC, AND WHAT WE WORE is its sly commentary on the state of women in the Regency era. All classes of women are represented here, with the ladies Whitworth joined by both Millie and a business woman named Miss Spencer. Each has specific circumstances relating to education, wealth, and class, but in the end they’re all in the same situation: they’re underestimated by their male counterparts and struggle to live independently. The camaraderie that develops between these characters, especially the genuine friendship between Annis and Millie, is wonderful to see. I particularly appreciated how Millie’s experiences as a servant opened Annis’ eyes to the difficult and dangerous circumstances for women in the working world. Add to all this feminist goodness the fact that Annis’ strength comes from sewing, which is dismissed as women’s work, and I was grinning from ear to ear.

Although there is magic to be found in this story, it’s fairly subtle and largely secondary to the primary plot of murder and espionage. There isn’t anyone in Millie’s life to teach her about her abilities, so her limits and the possibilities of her glamours are unknown even to her. Personally I would’ve preferred a bit more development on the magical front, as I found I had more questions than answers about how it all worked. That said, there’s something positively delightful about a protagonist who has the ability to sew a cloak of invisibility or a shawl that makes you look like someone else. The sewing of glamours is very well suited to a story about espionage, and while I found much of that story line rushed and somewhat obvious, I did enjoy how they complimented each other. If only Annis had been able to sew a handkerchief that’d open her eyes to the rather blatant identity of the enemy spy!

Overall, this is a funny feminist romp that any fan of historical YA or fantasy of manners will enjoy.

This was one of the best books I've read this year. Adventurous Magical suspenseful and all around awesome. I requested a copy from netgalley. These characters kept me entertained and loving every minute of this book. This author is very talented and I cant wait to read what she comes up with next

Annis Whitworth had always suspected that her father was a spy. When she learns of her father's sudden death and that all of his money has gone missing, she decides to follow in his footsteps as a spy and uncover the mystery of his murder. It makes perfect sense to her, but it doesn't make sense to England's top spymasters even though Annis has the rare ability to sew glamours - garments that can completely disguise the wearer. Annis has to create a double life for herself - Annis will live the quiet life with her respectable aunt and in disguise she'd become "Madame Martine", a London-based glamour artist with a magical dressmaking shop. That way she'll still be able to maintain her social standing, earn her own living, and follow the clues that her father left behind to solve his murder. It can't be much harder than successfully making it through the London social season, can it?

I've always enjoyed historical fantasy and Kelly Jones's Regency Era set mystery is no exception. I wasn't terribly blown away by the mystery element, but it has so much else going for it. I, for one, loved the getting to know our cast, the wonderful female friendship, the magical elements, and clever wit. I particularly liked that Annis, although clever and determined, still has a lot to learn about herself, her abilities, and the wider world. As much as I liked her, though, I really liked Millie, Annis's servant. Let's just say she's quite resourceful and has a lot of hidden depths. Plus, their friendship is empowering, supportive, and is totally goals worthy. I also have to admit, I liked the reveal about Annis's aunt - very cool. Finally, I was also hooked on what we got about Annis's magic. The glamour sewing scenes were some of my favorites. I really only wish we got to know more about the state of magic in the wider world of Regency England.

Overall, Murder, Magic, and What We Wore by Kelly Jones is a fun fantasy spy caper through Regency Era London. If you're a fan of historical fantasy such as These Vicious Masks by Kelly Zekas and Tarun Shanker, A Shadow Bright and Burning by Jessica Cluess, The Dark Days Club by Alison Goodman, and Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, I have a feeling you'll also enjoy Kelly Jones's new release. I'm definitely looking forward to more from this author in the future.

Murder, Magic, and What We Wore is a young adult novel written by Kelly Jones. I was excited about the opportunity to read this book because it is set in the Regency era, one of my absolute favorite historical periods.

Annis Whitworth is a young woman whose life is thrown into upheaval by her father’s death. She did not know her father very well because he was often traveling, and his sudden death prompts many questions about his occupation. This event also seems to serve as the catalyst for Annis learning that she can sew “glamours” that transform garments and the person wearing them.

Annis sets up a shop in a little village- using a disguise, of course, because no well-bred young woman would ever do something like work in trade. This places her in a position to discover more about what her father did, and who may be responsible for his death.

I loved the setting of this book. I was also fascinated by the element of magic found within this particular interpretation of Regency England. I wish the magic would have been more fleshed out- how much magic is present and what other uses for magic are there? I found the mystery element to be rather well done, and the big reveal was a bit of a surprise for me. Jones also plays a "trick" of sorts, and while I did make note of one coincidence, I did not realize the extent of this trick- well played, Ms. Jones! Naturally, I cannot say any more, and I fear I have already said too much, so I'll have to remain vague on the matter.

I would recommend Murder, Magic, and What We Wore. It’s reminiscent of other Regency-era YA novels like Patrice Kindl’s Keeping the Castle, Cindy Anstey’s books, and Alison Goodman’s Lady Helen books. Annis is a lively protagonist, and I would be interested to see if there is going to be a sequel to this book.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley/the publishers in exchange for an honest review.

What a FUN book! I went in, hoping for a similar read to Duels and Deception, and it was excellent. Annis has just learned, not only of her father’s death, but that his fortune appears to have gone missing…meaning she and her aunt have no way to pay the bills. Suddenly her high class lifestyle is in serious jeopardy. Add in a bit of spy intrigue – Annis is convinced her father was a spy – and you’ve got the makings of a wonderful novel.

Naturally the War Office isn’t going to take a 16-year-old girl seriously, so what does Annis do? She goes undercover – sewing magical glamours to disguise herself and open a dress shop, all the while collecting what info she can on what really happened to her beloved father.

Though I really enjoyed this one, its open ending leaves me wondering if it’s simply just that: a vague ending, or if there will be a sequel. There were hints of a romance to come and still some unanswered questions. If it turns out there will be more, I am so there!

Such a fun read--very much in the style of SORCERY AND CECELIA.

Historical fantasies set during the Regency period are fast becoming a favorite sub-genre of mine. In fact, it was my primary reason for wanting to read MURDER, MAGIC, AND WHAT WE WORE. In that way, Kelly Jones did not disappoint. The premise of sewing glamours into garments is unique and lovely. There's so much to be done with that type of setting and it's clear that Jones had fun with her construction of such a world. I also loved the nods to other works of historical fiction set in this era. But it's the friendship between Annis and Millie that ends up being the real highlight of the novel. I'm all about YA fiction that gives prominence to female friendships, which this book certainly does.

Which is why I'm disappointed that I cannot seem to conjure up any strong feelings for it. It's an okay, cute little novel. But it's just that - okay. Just okay. I didn't love or loathe it. It was just okay. I wanted to love it far more than I did. Still, I can't say I regret reading it because, as stated above, it is refreshing to get a YA story that places more importance on female friendships and relationships over romance. I only wish I felt more while reading.

This is fun regency adventure full of lies, spies, and magic. The magical additions add dimension and flavor to this mystery, making it something bigger and better than you'd expect. Annis is a heroine much different from many. She is delightful and witty, and what makes this story work. Thoroughly enjoyed this read.

Pro: I find this time period quite delightful and the setting. It was fun to see Annis transplanted from London to the countryside.

Con: I liked the mystery element, but there was a clue that sort of gave it all away. There were still a few other parts of the mystery that were unknown, and being able to figure out the first part did not detract from my enjoyment.

Pro: The friendship that developed between Annis and Millie was quite special. In fact, there were many strong female friendships in this book, and I loved all the girl-power moments brought to us throughout.

Con: There was this small hint of a romance, but then, nothing. It's not that a story needs romance, but I like it, and it was kind of a tease for me.

Pro: I thought the sewing of glamours was fabulous. Jones used this well in the story, and also included a few other neat magical elements, which showed that this world was a accustomed to this sort of thing.

Overall: A delightful and charming regency romp filled with spies, deception, and a little magic.

This was so cute and fun! I honestly could not put it down. The mystery was interesting, but the one clue they had completely gave it away. The characters were wonderful, but at times it felt like Annis was overshadowed by the other characters. I absolutely adored the setting, and I loved the addition of magic.

I found this book a fun, quirky, light murder mystery. Not quite what I was expecting, but a very well written book with dynamic characters woven with a fun bit of magic with the back drop of war and a mysterious death. 

I was expecting a little more murder, however, considering the books that I've been reading recently, the lighter feel of this book was a great change. 

The narrator, Annis, is fun. She's a high society London girl in the early 1800's. She comes across as materialist rich girl, which I'm pretty sure is the point, but it also makes her so different from the average YA female protagonist. In many YA novels, the leading female character is a quirky "not your average girl" girl. Annis is the average society girl-- although there is something very special about her. 

At the start of the novel, after Annis and her aunt, Cassia, learn of Annis's father's death, which appears to be a carriage accident, Annis is certain that there is something more to his death and sets to figure it out. She appears to have a fantasy about spying and her father being a spy. Annis has a determination about her. She wants to know the truth, and demanding it from the War Office is the best way for her to do it. 

Her grand plan fails, and because of the death of her father, the family is left with little money and can't live the life they used to live, so they head to the outskirts of London-- far from the high society and city balls that Annis is used to. Along the way, Annis, and her handmaid--a pretty fantastic character that I would read a book about-- Millie, discover that Annis has a talent for creating glamours.

So these glamours-- it reminds me of how Lunar Magic works in the Lunar Chronical Novels. Except instead of mind magic, it's all done with fabric. The way that Annis sews things, changes how other people see them. It's pretty cool. 

Millie is excellent at creating disguises-- like physical non-magic ones. Millie and Annis are basically an unstoppable pair. 

Overall, I found this book a fun departure from the gruesome murder mysteries that I'm used to. It's a lighter story. I figured out the mystery kind of quickly, but I have been listening to the Sherlock Holmes books and thinking in Sherlockian mysteries, so I feel like if you're not looking for the answer while you're reading it, as I was, the book will be more fun. 

The female characters are all well rounded and more than what they appear. There a lot of female characters in this book. Jones does a wonderful job at creating separate people in a sea of society girls. I think it can be easy to make a crowd of girls one character; Jones separates each of them. Annis has a little bit of an Elle Woods air about her. She's very into fashion and from outward appearance can look superficial, but she uses that to her advantage. I like that in a character. 

I did enjoy this book, it wasn't exactly my kind of book, but I loved the characters, and the story was interesting and fun. I definitely think it's worth picking up.