What Jane Austen fan hasn't wanted to murder the rascally Mr Wickham? Now, thanks to the creativity of Claudia Gray, your darkest impulse has been rewarded. A treat of a mystery, THE MURDER OF MR WICKHAM is perfect escape reading--highly recommended.

Anyone who is a Jane Austen fan will love this book, I mean Mr. Wickham is murdered and deed was done at a house party that just happened to be attended by many of the beloved Austen characters. The only cons for me while reading this mystery was the character of Jonathan Darcy, the oldest son of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. His personality was not fleshed out enough to make me really like him or even care that he helped solve the murder. That and to get to the end it just seemed to drag on a little bit too much in my opinion. However, if you love Jane Austen and cozy mysteries I highly recommend you read this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read and review.

Jane Austen fans this one is for you!
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Imagine the villian of all villains attended a party, and before the night is over he winds up dead. Murdered in fact. As the rest of the night unfolds, fingers are pointing at one another to guess who killed Mr. Wickham.
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This story is very clever. I love how Gray breathed new life in to some of Austen’s most beloved characters. I have to praise that because there was lots of planning that had to occur. Unfortunately for me this one was a miss. I should preface that by saying, I’ve never read a Jane Austen book. I should have done my research prior to requesting this book. While it’s not completely necessary, it will help you be more invested in the story and characters.
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For me, I just didn’t really care. I was interested in the mystery of the story and I found myself skipping over sections. This ultimately ended in a DNF for me. I still give it 3 stars, because it’s very well written and I know Jane Austen fans will want to read this one.
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Thank you so much to netgalley and Knopf double day publishing for the opportunity to read this some in exchange for an honest review.

Mr. and Mrs. Knightley are having guests visit and have invited a host of beloved Jane Austen characters, including Mr. and Mrs. Darcy and their son Jonathan. Everyone is excited for a month of fun and socializing, including young Juliet Tilney, who is ready for some high brow socializing. However, the house party quickly turns sour when Mr. Wickham shows up uninvited, and inclement weather forces the Knightleys to host him. Mr. Wickham is clearly unwanted at this party, and that’s further reinforced when he is found dead in the gallery. Juliet and Jonathan team up and investigate the murder, finding plenty of twists and that every person in the house has motive.

I gave this book 5 stars. The Murder of Mr. Wickham was an absolute delight to read. It had the warmth and coziness of a Jane Austen novel with the intrigue of a good mystery. The characters were dynamic with interesting backstories, and all the loose ends were tied up by the end of the book. I highly, highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys period fiction. What a delight!

Austenites Unite!!!!

When I saw the concept for this book, I was already sold. As a huge Jane Austen fan, the idea of one of the biggest villains in a classic story being murdered was already a huge seller to me. But for all the other main couples from Austen's books to be involved in a Clue/Whodunit style book? TAKE MY MONEY!!

Claudia's writing style is unique, but wonderful. I really loved reading this story and her world she's come up with. While it did drag a bit near the middle, I had to finish and it easily picks up again. The ending was a little predictable but almost on par with Austen endings at the same time.

The Murder of Mr. Wickham by Claudia Gray is a great historical fiction that includes mystery, suspense, and characters from several of my beloved Jane Austen novels. Such a great idea!

I loved this murder/mystery novel that also should be included under historical fiction. Ms. Gray fabulously takes several beloved characters, places them within the same novel, and adds a fantastic murder/mystery plot involving the infamous and equally despicable Mr. Wickham. Not only did he finally get his “come uppins”, but we get to follow along as the mystery is slowly unraveled.

It was creative, entertaining, and quite an enjoyable read. If you liked any of the characters within Austen’s novels, you should read this.


4/5 stars

Thank you NG and Vintage/Knopf Doubleday Books for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 5/3/22.

A must read for Austenites, some of the best known characters ever created by Jane Austen put all in one place at one time; a house party at the estate of the Knightley’s., I thought the author did a great job staying true to the original characters but maturing them. Definitely recommend reading this book.

I adore unique fiction, and this is such an interesting premise. I recommend because of the story itself, writing style, and its ability to transport you into a different world.

This novel is an imagining of a Jane Austen Crossover/sequel surrounded the murder of Mr. Wickham.

It’s written pretty well however when requesting book I somehow missed the part of the description that this story centers around Jane Austen characters. I haven’t ever read a Jane Austen novel so the entire time I read I felt like I was missing something. That’s completely on me and I can’t fault the book for that but I definitely wouldn’t have chosen this book if I had realized. Since I didn’t recognize the characters names, I simply thought it was more Jane Austen inspired that a continuation/reimagining of the story.

Jane Austen fans, rejoice! Because all your favorites and public enemy number ones are either dying or under suspicion of being murderer. It looked like the author was done with these families having boring parties, being fake nice to each other, and following all the societal rules. So she brought the scandal himself to their door: Mr. Wickham and greater scandal of murder that was possibly committed by one of them.

Let the societal hunger games begin! Darcys' beloved youngest son and Tinleys' should have been introduced to society already daughter got together to play detectives, when real ones were not looking into anyone as close as they should. With their collective acumen and help of few other folks from the household, they were able to find out very useful information that would change the course of the investigation.

With multiple "ah"s and "oh"s, this was a good whodunnit story in Austen context, that reminded me that I need to revisit my Austens. The only reason that I wasn't so in love with the book was the ending. I mean it's great that thing worked out, but sometimes not everyone should live happily ever after.

The idea for this story is very unique. I love pride and prejudice so was excited to mix that story with a clue-like whodunnit, This fell flat for me as it was very confusing to keep all the character straight (switching between first names and married names). I’m sure I would have liked this more if I had more the rest of Jane Austen’s books. The plot really dragged in the middle and I was ready to have it wrapped up. Not the most interesting outcome but a fun idea overall.

A murder mystery where everyone is a suspect. A charming quick read that will have you guessing right up until the end. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review.

Claudia Gray, I need you to write a sequel. This book was fantastic! Gray masterfully wove a house party of Jane Austen characters together, as well as new characters Jonathan Darcy and Juliet Tilney, into a murder mystery. Though no real tears were lost at Wickham's death, it's shocking to think that anyone in their party could be capable of murder, so Jonathan and Juliet must work together to find the murderer and prevent an innocent individual from the gallows. Their biggest hindrance to their investigation: propriety. A must read for Austenites and Clue fans. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for access to the ARC!

This book is quite an undertaking. Not only does the author depict the murder of the most hated villain in Austen’s novels, but also assembles characters from many of her most popular books into one. There was obviously a lot of planning that went into this, as well as explanations of the assumed timeline.
I think everything was very cleverly thought out and designed, but I didn’t have difficult following along with the flow of the writing. There chapters went back and forth between all of the character that it was difficult to follow and focus. The liberties that were taken in developing beloved main character’s futures (including fortunes and children) were sometimes difficult to handle but overall well done.
The murder mystery leaned towards being more like Clue or a comedy, but did leave me guessing. Overall it was an interesting read and I loved to imagine a future for all of Austen’s favorite couples. I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.

I received this free ARC from NetGalley, the review reflected below is my opinion.

The Murder of Mr. Wickham just wasn’t for me. However If you are a Jane Austen fan you might enjoy revisiting these characters in this book.

Claudia Gray does a good job at capturing the essence of these beloved characters and at introducing original characters that fit in well with the story. I admit the idea of how a person on the autistic spectrum would navigate Regency England fascinates me and I'd read a whole novel based on that alone. The narrative slowed down in the middle but picked up momentum again toward the end. Overall, it was a good read that I'd recommend to anyone who's ever wondered how all of these characters would interact together.

Words! I need words! I have no words!!

Is it okay if I just squeal?!?!

Why am I squealing? The Murder of Mr. Wickham is being pitched as Jane Austen meets Agatha Christie!!! Do you know what that means??? It means that Claudia Gray has written a book especially for me!!!! I’m so happy!! Thanks, girl. Don’t worry, I’ll share with others. They can read it, too. I grudgingly suppose.

The Plot:
Sixteen years after the marriage of Emma and Mr. Knightley (from Emma), the pair throw a house party. And…and…and…characters from all the other Austen books and their children are invited!!!!!

I cannot breathe!!!!

Anyway, Mr. Wickham (from Pride and Prejudice) crashes the party, and as we learn from the title, gets a little murdered!! So, of course, everyone is a suspect!! Juliet Tilney (daughter of the leads from Northanger Abbey) and Jonathan Darcy (son of the leads from Pride and Prejudice) become junior detectives and investigate.

I still can’t breathe! Can y’all breathe??

Every single solitary thing about this book was marvelous! We get to catch up with all our beloved Austen characters and see what they’ve been up to for the last few years. Honestly, I kept putting it down to squeal! The storylines are well-crafted so that tensions are excellently explored and properly paint the picture that Wickham is despised by characters both inside and outside of his own Austen book. Whodunnit? Really, it could be anyone. Plus, the writing is phenomenal. Gray nails the perfect blend of classic and modern that will leave her readers flipping pages and refusing to move until the book is done.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It is exactly what I never knew I needed. I read it in one sitting, and I think I’m going to continue to read it again and again everyday for the rest of my life! I loved it so very much!

As a reader who has fantasized million ways of dancing on George Wickham’s grave who might be the wickedest character of entire Austen novels, I’m sold from the beginning when I read the murder mystery blurb! And you know what before I started reading, I hoped the killer could get away with it! ( evil laugh of voracious reader)

The idea of bringing together the famous Austen characters in chronological order of their stories, turning them into murder suspects is brilliant! Only problem about the book is slowness! Some chapters were a little flat and eventless. I wished the execution could be more riveting and capturing! But at least the ending was not rushed and satisfying enough, including bonus parts explaining directions of some characters’ stories!

The story takes place in the very famous Regency Period! Knightleys ( true proof of opposite attract may result with HEA) throws a house party: some matchmaking, high quality of drinks, food, socializing which may last at least one month! But when an invited guest makes thundering appearance announced, poor Knightleys grit their teeth, welcoming him with unopened hands ( probably they had a big urge to salute him with middle fingers) You can guess who came to dinner, can’t you?

And then the very famous wicked man is found death! Of course each of the guests has motives to get rid of that scumbag! Only two people who provide rock solid alibis are Jonathan Darcy and Juliet Tilney, teaming up to solve this mystery. But this investigation has its own challenges: two people from opposite sexes to be in the same room alone might be the scandalous action in the Regency area. So this partnership will be more challenging than they expected!

Overall: I found the pacing a little bumpy but bringing those memorable characters and put them into a claustrophobic whodunnit mystery is uniquely brilliant idea which made me round up 3.5 stars to 4 murder mystery, go to hell Mr. Wickham- nobody will miss you stars!

Special thanks to NetGalley and Knopf Doubleday Publishing for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.

Imagine the classic melodrama villain, the one the audience boos whenever they appear on stage. He is so evil you can’t find anything to like about him, and even if you can’t see him that clearly you just know he’s twirling his mustache as he thinks about who his next victim will be and how he’s going to achieve his ulterior motive. That is the image Claudia Gray conjures up in The Murder of George Wickham, a victim who is so unlikeable the reader can hardly wait for him to meet his demise and winds up hoping the murderer gets away with it because, after all, he really did deserve it.

In this Regency Period mystery, Gray has included some of the best known characters ever created by Jane Austen and put them all in one place at one time; a house party at the estate of the well known Knightleys, at least well known to any Austen fans. True Austen fans will also know of all the houseparty guests who have appeared in various Austen novels.Because they are not known to each other, some awkward beginnings are expected when the houseparty begins. Awkward isn’t the word when said villain, Mr. Wickham shows up in the middle of a thunderstorm and conventional polite behavior compels the Knightley’s to offer him a room for the night. The storm continues for the next several days, as does Mr. Wickham’s stay; at least until his body is discovered in the gallery. Now the somewhat uncomfortable house party has turned into one from which no one can escape even though no one wants to be there.

All the guests, along with the Knightley’s, have reason to rejoice over Mr. Wickham’s death. The only problem? It is quickly demonstrated that the death cannot be attributed to a passing stranger, and therefore must be one of the guests themselves. This has everyone looking at each other with suspicion. It seems everyone has something to hide. The only two people who are relatively free from suspicion are two young people, Jonathan Darcy and Juliet Tilney; one because of a rock-solid alibi the other since this is the first time they’ve ever met Mr. Wickham.

The young people’s logical decision? It is up to them to investigate since the local magistrate is likely to decide an innocent servant is the guilty party. The conventions of the era make it difficult for them to work together as it is against all social propriety for unmarried members of the opposite sex to be seen in the same room without a chaperone. Likewise, correspondence is not possible unless they are “courting”, and young women are considered far too delicate to involve themselves in murder at any level.

As Jonathan and Juliet find ways to meet with one another and compare notes and gather information on their fellow guests, the reader gets an excellent glimpse into the society of the Regency period. The investigation moves at a leisurely pace, as does all of Regency England and the book provides an excellent sense of time and place while providing a satisfying mystery, one that the reader isn’t sure they want to solve since all the characters are likable and the victim was so despicable.

There are individual secrets, griefs and conflicts which also hamper the lives of the characters. Some of these create motives for them to want Mr. Wickham dead and others explain growing strife between couples. As the book progresses, these are revealed and in many cases resolved, adding to the satisfying ending of the book.There is also an end chapter that gives a glimpse of the future for the various couples who have been in attendance which some may find an added bonus.

My thanks to Knopf Doubleday Publishing and Netgalley for providing access to a preview copy of the book for review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

At first, I was annoyed at the changes to some of my favorite literary characters. It took me awhile to get in the story because of this. I did appreciate the murder mystery, but the resolution was not as satisfying as I thought it would be. However, in the end, I thought the author did a good job at coming up with possibilities of where Austen's characters would be after their novels ended.