I apprecitate the publisher allowing me to read this book. I found this a really interesting read and the characters are quite engaging. it kept me reading until the end. I highly recommend.

I wanted to like this book. It had many of my favorite things: books, Jane Austen, retreats, etc.. Unfortunately, I really did not like the main character. I don't need to like all the characters, but I found Erin mean and immature. How is she running an entire retreat?
I won't be going forward with this series.

absolutely loved this book! it was such a fun read, i would highly recommend this books to my friends and family if they wanted a delightful time,

Death and Sensibility was an ok book. I didn't see any improvement from the first one. As a matter of fact, the writing was a bit worse. There were several areas of the book that left out important details. For example, after Erin discovers a body, it states she goes up to her room to get her cellphone and calls the police. At no point does it say she then left her room to go to the lobby, but when the detective asks where she is, she says she's in the lobby. That's just one example out of quite a few places where it was confusing to me because info was left out of the writing. I get that these are supposed to be uncorrected galleys, but to me "uncorrected" means there are still spelling and grammatical errors, not that there's possibly huge changes to entire parts in the book. And as for the murder mystery, the killer is someone that the author literally never gave any reason for them to be a suspect throughout the book. And the explanation is weak. The author also made Erin a bit unlikable in this book. She's obsessing over the detective, but kisses another man who she knows likes her a lot, thus she kind of leads him on. It just feels like the author truly doesn't know who her characters are or what they want. I won't be reading the next book in this series.

I couldn't get into this book and did not finish reading it, it sounded like a fun cozy read but I didn't like it.

Erin Coleridge is the classic cozy sleuth with a flirtation with a sexy detective, quirky friends, and a nosy attitude that creates her involvement in every murder she stumbles upon. The story is set against a backdrop of a literary society which is one of the several connections to literature that's prevalent throughout the story. The tone has been influenced by the love of Jane Austen, literature, the classics, and reading. The writing is stunning through the vivid descriptions Blake uses to set her scenes such as describing Winnifred through the gifts that Nature cruelly denied her and Jonathan Adler who Nature capriciously bestowed those gifts upon. Jonathan Adler is the classic seductive and charming gentlemen - who Erin can't help but be drawn to - and who receives high praise even in his description. The scene of him walking down the hall is compared to Moses parting the Red Sea at his will and how every woman fell under his spell "like enchanted fairy tale princesses." These are just two examples of the essence that genuinely reflects a classic literary style that's seen in Blake's writing. Even the names fit the world of Jane Austen with Farnsworth, Prudence Pettibone - fervent and competitive about Austen knowledge -, Carolyn Hardacre and her husband Owen, Hetty Miller, Jonathan Adler, Barry Wolf - the victim -, and Winnifred Hogsworthy.

Erin and her boyfriend have a delicate dance as he's a detective and she - as a sleuth - tends to be nosy in murderous affairs. This tends to create a conflict between them that goes further than his moody standoffish nature at times. Other characters include Sergeant Rashid Jarral who as Hemming's easygoing partner creates an opposite to him. While Hemming is described as the classic moody and intense love interest, his partner is described as being good-natured and trusting. The mystery sends Erin on a hunt for a killer among them with the help of her friend Farnsworth and the Jane Austen Society. The twists and turns create a mystery that is addicting with Death & Sensibility delivering the perfect treat for book lovers.

Death and Sensibility follows on this author’s first in the series which was Pride, Prejudice and Poison. I somehow missed that one but will go back and read it. It was no problem to begin with the second book however.

As can easily be deduced from the books’ titles, Jane Austen references feature in the stories. I enjoyed these. I also liked that the book’s protagonist, Erin Coleridge, shares a last name with a poet and owns a bookstore. Additionally, I was delighted to spend time in York.

Erin and several of her friends are visiting in order to attend a Jane Austen convention. When the disliked keynote speaker is murdered, Erin cannot resist sleuthing even though her police officer boyfriend asks her not to. There are a good number of suspects.

On the romance side, there is a schoolteacher who is also interested in Erin. Which of these two men is the Austen like man who might be best for her?

This is a novel that cozy lovers who enjoy a bit of romance are sure to enjoy! It was an easy and fun read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Death and Sensibility Earns 5/5 Cups of Tea…Cozy Fun!

Jane Austen brings to mind images of empire dresses, waist coats and tall hats, and the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of romance, but murder? Elizabeth Blake’s Jane Austen Society Mystery is a delightful blend of delightful Jane Austen literary elements, descriptive language illustrating the Yorkshire setting, informative and witty banter, rich and eclectic characters sometimes more than a bit snarky, and a mystery that provided hours of cozy entertainment. Erin Coleridge, purveyor of secondhand books, coffees, and teas, is excited about attending the Society’s conference, but her suspicions get the better of her and BFF Farnsworth Appleby when the keynote speaker, with no history of health issues, dies of an apparent heart attack. The investigation reveals many reasonable suspects and motives from revenge to jealousy to greed, and of course, Erin’s involvement is not wholeheartedly welcomed by those in charge. The clues are cleverly revealed, red herrings provide obstacles in my own deduction, and the final solution was on my radar, but nevertheless engaging. Even a romantic triangle enters the picture…of course, it’s Jane Austen!

Princess Fuzzypants here: Erin Coleridge, descendant of the poet and book store owner, is in York for a Jane Austen convention. As one of the organizers, she is on several panels and is deeply involved with both the preparation for and the execution of the event. Sadly, however, the event does not seem to be the only thing executed. In fact, before the killer is brought to justice there will be three murders and a couple of near misses for Erin herself.

First, the keynote speaker, a thoroughly reprehsible slime ball, is offed in the cloakroom. Erin, who has an insatiable curiosity is compelled to find out which of the man’s many enemies was motivated enough to end his life. She is not dissuaded in her investigation by the pleading of the York detective who has shown reciprocated romantic leanings towards Erin. There is a lot that going on and it leads to a big question of whether some previous hanky panky may have predicated the murders. And if not love gone wrong, what has happened to leave three corpses at one event.

I found myself swept up in both the city of York and the convention. The titles of the different panels are fascinating and if the reader has any doubt that Jane Austen was well ahead of her time and a social rebel, this should lay them to rest. It is a lot of fun as the characters in the story are compared to the Austen characters from her books. It is thought provoking and entertaining. While Erin can be rather forward with her pursuit of the truth, she is never reckless or silly. Thankfully, when she does get into trouble, she has friends who come to the rescue. Four and a half purrs and two paws up.

Death and Sensibility
By Elizabeth Blake
Crooked Lane
2021

Review by Cynthia Chow

The city of York is holding the UK’s first ever Jane Austen conference, and the Jane Austen Society’s Northern Branch has the honor and responsibility of being selected host. Kirbymooreside book store owner Erin Coleridge is thrilled to be attending alongside her best friend Farnsworth Appleby, a woman whose personality matches her statuesque size. The keynote speaker Barry Wolf more than resembles his last name, with a much younger trophy wife who barely pretends to be interested in either the conference or her husband. Taking up the mantle as the most gallant and courteous is Grant Apthorp, an Austen expert from Cardiff University who not only rescues from a fall, he all but asks for the hand of a bowled-over Farnsworth. It’s fortunate that there are so many lecturers on hand, as another speaker will be needed when Barry Wolf is found dead in the cloakroom.

Unwilling and unable to believe that such an unlikable man could have died by natural causes, Erin takes it upon herself to being an investigation that will prove that the Wolf was murdered. This is despite the adamant warnings from Detective Inspector Peter Hemming with whom she previously bonded over murder and puns but is not proving stubborn about her amateur detecting. Kirymooreside’s extremely handsome Jonathan Adler is proving to be a much more helpful assistant, stirring up as much envy as he does clues. An angry ex-wife, jealous assistant, greedy inheriting son, and a conference full of eccentric Austenites will all fill up Erin’s murder board of suspects and motives.

This second in the series gleefully mixes mystery with a love of Jane Austen’s writings. While having no legitimate justification for delving into Barry Wolf’s death, she tries to explain her need for control and commitment issues as the result of the devastating loss of her mother. Erin and her friends can be rather judgmental and snarky at times, falling in line nicely with the gossipy and society-ruled characters frequently found in Austen’s books. As appropriate for any tribute to the works of Jane Austen, Erin also finds herself torn between a darkly dashing dangerous man and a perfectly handsome, most eligible bachelor. Erin’s feelings are made quite clear as she manages to get herself in and out of trouble, and by the end the love triangle seems to be at an end. Nothing is ever simple in romantic mysteries though, so future installments should look to complicate Erin’s enviable young life. This series delivers all of the witty banter, gossip, and romantic miscommunications that any Austenite or mystery-fan could hope to have in a modernized tribute to the works of a celebrated author.

This was not my favorite cozy mystery novel, it wasn't bad but it wasn't great. There were a lot of twists and miss-directions throughout the book which I enjoyed. I will definitely read the next book in the series to see if it was the book or if I was just in the wrong head space when I read this one.

⭐⭐

This is one of those books that is really hard for me to review. I enjoyed the story. Loved the setting. Loved the bits of history. Enjoyed the Jane Austen tie in. It also kept me guessing until the end, which is always a bonus. All good things...

However, I could not stand Erin in the least. She was a rude, snotty, know it all. Not to mention 90% of the descriptors of people were rude or negative. From "her yellow tinged skin" or "she wears ratty old clothes" or the best one "most of the people in this room look like they've never seen the inside of a gym" Not to mention the amount of people who were described as being "hefty" And there were her FRIENDS she was talking about. 😬

Don't even get me started on the borderline offensive comments. 🤬 I don't even have the energy to list them all, but yikes. Will I give the next book a try...maybe...

**ARC Via NetGalley**

Okay, at first, I thought this story to be a bit chatty, you know, lots of conversation, no action. Then as I got deeper into the book, it wasn’t bad at all. It grew on me, especially the characters Erin and Hemming, and not forgetting Farnsworth. It was intriguing, exciting, and entertaining with a touch of romance. I loved the ending of this book, worthy of the five-star crown.

DEATH AND SENSIBILITY is the second book in Elizabeth Blake’s “Jane Austen Society” cozy mystery series. Bookshop owner Erin Coleridge is getting away from it all, getting out of town, and attending and hosting a Jane Austen Society conference. This book will appeal to cozy mystery fans as well as Austen fans. Elizabeth Blake does a good job of making the reader feel as though you’re right there, attending the conference along with the characters. Erin is surround by friends and two possible love interests. Schoolteacher Jonathan Alder is a conventionally attractive fellow Austen aficionado, and Detective Inspector Peter Hemming is a more complicated prospect who can be charming, but with whom she can clash when she plays the role of amateur sleuth. Everything is going along swimmingly until featured speaker Barry Wolf passes away suddenly. The authorities are quick to assume natural causes, but Erin suspects something more sinister.

Although there are male characters in DEATH AND SENSIBILITY, I felt like the female characters dominated the story – but not in a bad way. All the characters – whether heroes or villains – are realistically flawed. There is variety when it comes to the female characters – but they all have strong personalities in some way. Erin is a businesswoman and a good friend, but her reads on people aren’t always a hundred percent spot on, and she doesn’t understand why Hemming is so perturbed by her investigating. Erin’s friend Farnsworth is strong and loyal yet very sensitive when it comes to her friendships. Conference co-chairs Hetty and Prudence are super quirky frenemies and have an unusual snarky way of communicating. As far as suspects go, Barry’s ex-wife Judith and his current wife Luca seem to be connected in their disdain for him. Barry may be the first to die, but he’s certainly not the last. While Barry may not be a sympathetic victim, the casual callousness of the murderer as people are viciously attacked and poisoned brings home the tragic quality to the crimes. There is an unhinged quality to the murder that comes through as you progress through the book.

DEATH AND SENSIBILITY combines Jane Austen trivia, quirky characters, and a cozy façade that lulls the reader into a false sense of security before the thrills and chills. Although this was the first time reading a book in this series, I was still able to read and enjoy it as a standalone mystery novel. I look forward to reading Elizabeth Blake’s next “Jane Austen Society” book.

This is a good cozy mystery for lovers of literature and all things Regency. While the occasion is a conference of the Jane Austen Society and there is much about Austen, there are references and allusions to many authors, such as Keats and Milton. The heroine, Erin, is well crafted. She is known for her passion in solving murder mysteries (I've missed the first in this series). Blake gives Erin an interesting motivation for her sleuthing pursuits. Erin had watched helpless as her mother died of cancer. Now, solving murders gave her a illusion of control. (1806/4615) Erin wrestles with personal issues in the form of two men romantically interested in her, as she pursues identifying the murderer. Blake provides a good balance of personal story intermixed with murder investigation progression.

I liked how Blake firmly placed the plot in location. The setting is the quaint English town of York. We get a good idea of the community, its history and geography with such interesting actions as walking the surrounding wall. The history of the area is inserted into the plot in a reasonable way.

I like how so many suspects come to light as past secrets and character relationships are revealed. The revelation of the villain did not come as a surprise and astute readers will probably figure out the individual along the way.

I enjoyed this cozy mystery for its interesting characters and informative setting. I liked the literary bent to the plot. I also liked the great critique of Hallmark Christmas movies as they are compared to great literature.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

I sadly didn’t like this as much as the first one. The first one I would have only considered “ok”, but I held out hope that they series could improve. For me, it didn’t.

I just don’t think this author’s writing style is for me.

I enjoyed this take on Jane Austen mystery series. It's a fun easy read with loads of references to the great Jane Austen with a decent mystery complete with suspicious cast of characters, red herrings, and plot twists as well as a nice sense of humor.

I loved the setting—a Jane Austen society sounds like so much fun. It makes for a wonderful community in this cozy.

I enjoyed the sitting of this mystery at a Jane Austen Society conference, Which was prefect for Erin and her friends as Jane Austen fans and members of the society. Even though I didn't love this one as much as the first one in the series. I think it was simply because I figured out the who done it so early in the book. However that said it's not going to stop me from reading the next one in the series. I still enjoy Erin and Fransworth , Pru and Hetty.

Death and Sensibilty by  Elizabeth Blake is the 2nd book in the Jane Austen Society Mystery, and another fun addition. I love Jane Austen, so I was very excited to read this book. Erin Coleridge is an antiquarian used bookstore owner in Kirkbymoorside, North Yorkshire, England. Erin attends a conference in York, excited to get away for awhile until the key note speaker, Barry, dies. Barry appears to have died of a heart attack, but Erin believes it was foul play and she is determined to find the truth. I really enjoyed this cozy mystery, and look forward to the next book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.