I love Vanessa Riley’s historical fiction novels. However, I could not get into this audiobook. The narrator was hard to understand, and it took my enjoyment of the novel. I would have enjoyed it better if there was a different narrator. I will try to read the novel to see what happens in the story.

This was not really my cup of tea. The mystery was great to try to unravel but I found myself getting distracted and confused.

The first in a mystery series, MURDER IN WESTMINSTER centers around Lady Abigail Worthing after she discovers a body on her property, presenting more than one problem. The victim is Juliet, the wife of her neighbor, Stapleton Henderson.

Abigail's skin color and her mother's notorious past have earned her a certain reputation among the ton, and no amount of wealth or status will eclipse it.

I enjoyed the characters that Vanessa Riley included in the story, providing a fun take on this murder mystery. I also enjoyed the audiobook, preferring to listen to the book over reading as a physical copy.

*many thanks to Tantor Audio and Netgalley for the gifted copy for review

This is mystery series #1 with Lady Worthing. It's fun. Lady Worthing is smart and must always remember she's part Scottish and Jamaican. Riley's characters have wit and intelligence. Lady Worthing's needs to solve a murder because she can't be blamed. A great story and I enjoyed listening to it.

For a book that involves Black representation, jealousy and murder in an historical setting, this was surprisingly very boring. I do not have high hopes for A Duke, the Spy, an Artist, and a Lie, which I purchased at the LA Times Festival of Books after hearing Vanessa speak.

DNF at 17.5%

The narrator of this audio book had such a horrible version of an accent for the British characters (a mixture of English, Southern States, and Jamaican accents) that it was difficult to pay attention to the story. There was also a clicking in the background of the audio recording that was distracting.

This ARC was provided by the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for and honest review.

It troubles me to write this, as I have never done so before. I did not finish the book because I could not get past the narrator. I found the narrator overly dramatic, overbearing and difficult to understand at some points. I would like to read this book instead of listening to this audio recording,
I LOVE audiobooks so this is a true disappointment. Knowing how much work goes into such a production also leaves me feeling a bit harsh, but I did promise to give honest feedback. The story, as far as I was able to listen was good. and I do believe that I will find a hardcopy at some time to begin again
My thanks to NetGalley for affording me this opportunity in exchange for my honest review.

Dang, I love me a good historical fiction murder mystery! This one did not disappoint. And on top of it, the MC was a BIPOC! What's more to love than a kick-ass black woman back in the day taking names and bossing like a boss?! I seriously can NOT wait for more books in this series, I hope that Vanessa Riley is a fast writer!! I definitely recommend this book.

#MurderinWestminster
#NetGalley

I wanted to like this one, but I was so bored. I also got lost a few times thinking I missed something, but then realized I hadn't, there was just not enough information.

I enjoyed the complex storyline - I do like a good mystery, and Vanessa Riley definitely had me guessing 'who dunnit' over and over again in Murder in Westminster. The novel is very nicely written. There are loads of interesting historical details, and the author paints vivid pictures with their words.

The audio is nicely performed by Chanté McCormick.

It is very possible that it’s just me or this book wasn’t for me… despite the fact that I do read regency all the time. However it was boring none of the characters were particularly memorable or likeable especially Abigail who was irritating to no end. The narration though was good.

I couldn't get into this book and I was not able to finish this. I made it about 25 percent through and I am so bored and lost. For the last several, several minutes I listened to a lady talk about her dog, and her neighbors dogs and their feuding, and then talk about it again and again, and just went on and on. I do not think the narrator choice for this was good either and I am fighting to stay awake. This was not my cup of tea but perhaps others will enjoy.
Thank you so much NetGalley for allowing me to listen to an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Lady Worthington is the main character of a new series of historical mysteries. I love historical fiction and this one is set in London during the early 1800s. Secret abolitionist meetings are part of the plot line and that really sets the time period clearly in the reader's mind. Though slave trading was banned in 1807, the practice of slavery was not abolished until 1833. Abigail is interesting and will be a good lead for the series. Her neighbor Henderson will make a good supporting character, but the rest of the people in her life need more background (before they are killed, like all long running mysteries, right?). The climax was pretty exciting, but some of the lead up got repetitive until each clue was revealed. This will be a good series to follow.

This book didn’t work for me. The cold open featuring the victim was way too long and then nothing is explained about the main characters circumstances. Also the writing was really awkward. There’s a line like “they have no decency, it’s indecent”. How did an editor not catch that? I also thought the narrator was a mismatch for the book. The narrator came off as very reserved and posh, while the main character seems to be a little more capable and passionate. I don’t know, just wasn’t working.

I became interested in this book due to the abolition and Bridgerton ties, but oftentimes if fell flat. I would be interested, then not. The story bounced around between who the killer was the abolition, and the MC's love life (lack there of). The last few chapters were the best of the book and I truly dislike when that happens. I'd give it 3 stars for narration, which helped the story move along when it seemed slow.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Thank you to Vanessa Riley, Tantor Audio, and NetGalley for allowing me to listen to a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.


Murder in Westminister is book one in a historical mystery series which portrays a woman of color as the heroine. Lady Abigail Worthing has discovered the body of her neighbor's wife. But she is surprised when her neighbor offers her an alibi especially since she was at an abolition meeting. Abigail wonders who in London's high society is responsible for the killing and decides she needs to find out, potentially putting her own life in danger……


Now for my review:

I was instantly interested from the title. I absolutely love a good murder mystery. I found myself liking all of the characters which is rare for me. It gave me cozy murder mystery vibes. It was lighthearted but also made you wanna know who did it. The author did a great job at keeping your attention. Definitely looking forward to book 2 of this series as well as reading other books by Vanessa Riley

This was a bit of an up and down read for me. I enjoyed the mystery and the setting quite a bit! The twists and turns were great really! I did feel like I missed a book in the series at times. It just felt like the story was referencing things I should have known about, but that wasn't actually in this book. That would become quite frustrating for me. Outside of that, this was a good story.

This book wasn't for me. I wanted to like it, I just couldn't get into it. I'm sure others will enjoy this it just wasn't for me.

Thank you to the publishers, author and NetGalley for the free copy of this audio book.

This was overall a decent read with some good romance and intrigue but I wasn't fully drawn in. It fell a little flat for me. I felt like I missed a previous book the whole time, but this is the first in the series. I wouldn't be opposed to reading more, just wouldn't be on the top of my list. The narrator did a good job.

I love mysteries and this one didn’t disappoint. The characters were great and the story was intriguing. The author did a great job of luring you in the storyline. Highly recommend