'The Late Mrs Willoughby', the second book in the series, is a fun read for people who enjoy crossover genres - Jane Austen characters in an Agatha Christie setting. The two lead characters Juliette Tilney and Jonathan Darcy (yes, it is easy to guess who their parents are) meet again by chance when they are both invited to stay with friends in the same town and very soon witness another death that they are bound to investigate.

Claudia Gray stays true to the original Austen characters and era while still managing to allow them space to grow, although the two lead characters are original to the series. It's fun to see their friendship evolve as they work together to solve the murder. The story progresses slowly at first but there are enough twists soon and justifies motive, means and opportunity. The writing, though not quite Austen-like, flows smoothly along with the story and introduces just enough Regency Era romance while still sticking to the murder mystery genre. Its good to see neuro-diversity as well as diversity in professions and opinions in such a setting.

The rating which is 3 1/2 stars is rounded up to an integer 4 as the book delivers what it promises.

[One star for the premise and the whole book; Half a star for the characters; One star for the story arc; Half a star for the writing; Half a star for the world-building - Three and a half stars on the whole.]

Thanks to NetGalley, Vintage Anchor and Claudia Gray for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

*Thank you to Vintage Anchor and NetGalley for the ARC*

If you like Jane Austen retellings or interpretations and cozy mysteries, The Late Mrs. Willoughby will be right up your alley. This is the second book in the series featuring Jonathan Darcy (son of Fitzwilliam and Lizzie) and Juliet Tilley (daughter of Catherine and Henry); I picked it up unknowingly but enjoyed it even without having read the first entry. The characters are well-drawn, Austen respected but used as a jumping off-point rather than a boundary, and the mystery twisty but not too obscure. Planning to read the first book in the series and any others that come out!

I am very grateful I received this advanced copy of The Late Mrs. Willoughby on Netgalley! I was excited to read more from Claudia Gray, which is why I applied and I was truly rewarded! I loved this next adventure featuring Jonathan Darcy & Juliet Tilney! A cozy murder mystery, again with a Clue feel to it. I read this directly after finishing The Murder of Mr. Wickham, which I borrowed from my local library in order to have the context for the characters in this ARC. And so by them time I started reading The Late Mrs. Willoughby I had settled into the time period and style of writing, which I was not used to when thinking of Claudia Gray as I know and love her sci-fi works in the Constellation series (Defy the Stars et al) and her Star Wars novels. Absolute kudos to Claudia Gray for her ability to continue the stories of known Austen characters in a way that felt rather seem-less. I hope there will indeed be more adventures to look forward to as has been hinted at near the end of The Late Mrs. Willoughby!

Really enjoyed the first of this series so I went in knowing I’d enjoy this. Really love the neurodiversity and the intertwining of Jane Austen.

Juliet Tilney, daughter of Catherine and Henry Tilney of Northanger Abbey, has been invited to visit Marianne Brandon, and they are not completely happy. Mainly because the last time she was invited out, Juliet had become involved in a murder investigation. This time, Marianne’s former suitor Mr. Willoughby has returned to Devonshire with his new bride. Juliet is looking forward to seeing her new friend.

Jonathan Darcy, son of Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberly, has been invited to visit his former schoolmate, John Willoughby, at his new home, and they are completely happy. Jonathan, however, is not. Mainly because Willoughby was not a friend, instead he was a bully.

Jonathan finds himself better pleased at seeing the Brandons, but mostly Juliet Tilney again. Unfortunately, their reunion is darkened by the death of Willoughby’s new wife. Rumors begin to fly and Marianne is immediately under suspicion. Jonathan and Juliet team up once more to save their friend, but to also stop a ruthless killer as scary accidents indicate that someone else is being targeted.

I read The Murder of Mr. Wickham and loved it, so when Claudia Gray’s next book arrived on Netgalley, I immediately requested it. While I have read all of Jane Austen’s novels, and it might assist anyone with an OCD brain like me that wants the “complete” story, but I didn’t feel it was necessary. Claudia Gray does an extraordinary job of giving all relevant details while still making the story her own.

I love Jonathan and Juliet. I understand Jonathan in a very visceral way. I find that I don’t usually understand people and would rather spend time talking about books more than anything else. Juliet is compassionate while obviously intelligent. She recognizes what Jonathan needs, but never makes fun of him. Instead, she’s sees him for the unique person that he is. I hope the third book sees Juliet and Jonathan finally on the same page with each other. I’m a “in your face” person, and really don’t like slow burns all that much.

Overall, I rate this novel 5 out of 5 stars.

Inspired by the characters of Jane Austen, The Late Mrs. Willoughby is really quite clever. Bumping off lesser, or least liked characters from classic novels is something everyone has thought of—and this author does it very well.

I will say that it may help the reader to have read Austin’s books, simply because trying to keep all of the characters and their relationships straight could get confusing.

A fun read.

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A sequel to The Murder of Mr. Wickham, The Late Mrs. Willoughby is just as wonderful a story. The characters just as rich, the plot just as clever, and the setting is just perfection. 

Not all works based off of Jane Austen's novels hit the mark, but so far, Claudia Gray has found a niche that works without any hiccups. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that Austen, herself, would approve of these sometimes-comical, always intriguing stories based on some of her most beloved characters. 

Like it's predecessor, The Late Mrs. Willoughby is a murder-mystery, where are characters must find out whodunnit. One of the best aspects of these novels is that the actual murderer has surprised me each time. That's incredibly impressive, seeing as how I know I'm not the only reader who feels this way.

The writing was fantastic, the character arcs were true to the characters and the original works that this book comes from. If you haven't read this series and are an Austen fan, I really do suggest you give it a go. 

My review will be live, at the link given, on May 9, 2023.

I rarely choose to read spin offs of my favourite classic authors, but I was intrigued with Claudia Grays' take on Elizabeth and Darcys' eldest son. I must say that I enjoyed this book much more than I expected, the narrative is well balanced and the style in keeping with Austen. The story bounces along well and although this is a second in a series, I found that it was easy enough to catch up with the principal characters. I look forward to seeing how this series develops. My real thanks to Netgalley, the publishers and the Author of course for an advance copy of The Late Mrs. Willoughby.
#TheLateMrsWilloughby #NetGalley

I had read the previous book in the series and was intrigued enough by it to request for an arc of The Death of Mrs Willoughby. I loved the characters and the setting using Austenian characters was so well done. I won't say that the mystery part was extraordinary because i could guess who the killer was quite early in the book. Nonetheless, this didn't detract from my reading experience because i was lost in the world of the novel.

Definitely recommended for those who like reading Jane Austen originals and crave more of her characters.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC.

Thanks to NetGalley and Vintage Anchor for the ARC!

So much fun being back with Juliet and Jonathan again! I figured out the killer very earlier on, but that didn't affect my enjoyment of the book at all. The tone and writing are super readable, and I love imagining what our Jane Austen characters got up to in later years. Can't wait to see what they get up to next.

Minus one star because it was a little long (could have cut 50 pages IMO), but I still highly recommend this series.

I don't think this is the style for me. DNF'ed at 20% Maybe it's because I didn't realize it was a part of a series when I requested it.

The Late Mrs. Willoughby by Claudia Gray finds young Juliet Tilney and Jonathan Darcy caught up in another well-wrought mystery when the notorious Mr. Willoughby's new wife dies a violent death at a house party. Jane Austen fans will enjoy the setting and nuances, as Gray captures the essence of both the well known and newly constructed characters. The mystery itself is twisty and fun, as Jonathan and Juliet must once again balance propriety with their amateur sleuthing.

This delightful pastiche is a must read for any fans of Jane Austen. Gray does a fantastic job of carrying Austen's characters from Sense and Sensibility into this charming mystery novel, while remaining true to Jane's style. With the complexity of Regency area societal decorum hampering their investigation, Johnathan Darcy and Juliet Tilney set out to solve the murder of Mrs. Willoughby. The characters were well written, and their undeniable chemistry creates extra tension. I think this novel could be enjoyed even by those unfamiliar with Jane Austen's work, but is sure to delight any fan.

This one's even better than The Murder of Mr. Wickham! Gray's handling of Austen's characters is spot on (except for Margaret, who I refuse to believe could ever be THAT naive), and her original characters are fantastic, as is her feel for the period and its conventions and ideals. There was the hint of another sequel at the end, so I look forward to more!

(Review cross-posted to Goodreads.)

I had the pleasure of reading "The murder of Mr. Wickham" back in February. I loved it and have been recommending it to everyone. Imagine my wide-eyed surprise when I learned that there was a sequel! While our library has already pre-ordered a copy of "The late Mr.s Willoughby", I was so eager to read it that I was thrilled when I was approved to read the advanced copy!

Claudia Gray stays true to Austen's characters while she gives them new life. It's like getting to see your favourite characters after the "happily ever after" of the original books.

Based on the story structure of the first book, I was able to guess whodunit early with this book. But that didn't stop me from wondering why. I thoroughly enjoy the characters of Jonathan Darcy and Juliet Tilney.; just one line in this book hints at a third book in the series and provides no conclusion to their storyline just yet.

I found the pre-murder portion of the book where the scene is set and the various characters are introduced was slower in this book but builds tension just the same. And reading this book makes me grateful that romantic relations in the Western world are not as restricted by gender roles and propriety as they were back in the Regency era; at least now, people are more free to declare their feelings for each other.

Another good read that I will be recommending highly! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC!

Oh the joy for us Janeites out there, (we ardent lovers of Jane Austen novels), continues with this sequel to, "The Murder of Mr. Wickham". This book was such a delight, as a number of characters from at least three of Jane's novels, were found in Barton. The creatively imagined progeny of the Darcys and Tilneys are the wonderful protagonists of this series. Although intentionally not delivered in the voice of Jane Austen, (after all, there is only one Jane Austen), the dialogue was most apropos for the time and setting of the story.

Jonathan Darcy and Juliet Tilney had met in the previous book, "The Murder of Mr. Wickham" where they were in secret collusion investigating the murder. They had hoped that they might meet again and sure enough, they do in this second book. Darcy is invited to Willoughby's recently inherited estate, Allenham, for a bit of vacation with Willoughby, Willoughby's wife and other schoolmates. Miss Tilney is spending time with her dearest friend, Marianne Brandon, (Willoughby's former love interest), and Marianne's husband. The Willoughbys and the Brandons reside in Barton. Interestingly, Sir John and Lady Middleton also reside in Barton and hold a soirée welcoming the Willoughbys to Barton. Everything is lovely until the toast and Mrs. Willoughby dies on the spot. Darcy and Miss Tilney are almost more eager to investigate than decorum allows. Yet, with no magistrate yet appointed, their efforts will just just have to suffice. Afterall, they have experience with such things.

Ms. Gray has done a fabulous job of renewing and continuing our affection for these Austen characters. She writes exquisitely and in perfect form for the period represented. The character development is steady throughout and we slowly learn of each character's thoughts, concerns and motivations. The tension increases gradually throughout the story drawing to a peak and then relaxes to a satisfying conclusion. The friendship between Jonathan Darcy and Juliet Tilney is sweet and chaste and perhaps someday, a little bit more than that. This reader is ever hopeful that yet another sequel is forthcoming where their relationship can be even further developed. If a Jane Austen style mystery is your jam then this may well be the perfect book for you.

I am grateful to author Claudia Gray and her publisher, Vintage Books, for having provided a complimentary uncorrected proof of this book. Their generosity, however, did not influence this review - the words of which are mine alone.

Publication Date: May 16, 2023
Pages: 400
Publisher: Vintage Books
ISBN: 978-0593313831

I loved The Murder of Mr Wickham, and was excited to hear the series continues with this second installment where once again Jonathan Darcy (son of Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam) and Juliet Tilney (daughter of Catherine and Henry) seek to investigate the sudden death of Mr. Willoughby's unhappy wife, formerly Miss Sophia Grey. The premise—that all the characters in Austen's six major works are all somehow in each other's social orbits—continues to be audacious, but this book was such good fun for Austen fans and mystery lovers.

Wonderful flashback to Jane Austen's most beloved books! I really enjoyed visiting some of my favorite and not so favorite characters again. I think the book stayed true to the manners and feel of the era. The mystery of course gave us a reason to see all the characters and the new younger individuals. I thought the mystery was well thought out and kept up a mild mannered adventure for the "detectives". After finishing the book I want to read the next one and see where it takes us. I have not read the first book but will go back and read that one. I enjoyed it and a much needed escape to the Regency era.

The second in Claudia Gray's series based on Jane Austen's characters. This book may be easier to follow if you have read the first book. I greatly enjoyed the two main characters - Jonathan Darcy and Juliet Tinsley - and watching them solve the mystery as their relationship deepens. The mystery itself took a while to get going for me and it felt like we were covering some of the same points repeatedly. But the ending was interesting, and the characters are well-drawn. The author has fleshed out the characters from Jane Austen's novels and made them believable in these mysteries. I will definitely read the next book in the series and hope there are many more on the way.

What a great read especially for all the Jane Austen fans wishing there was a sequel to her beloved novels. This is just that but with a murder mystery twist. Think Jane Austen meets Agatha Christie.

In this novel specifically we catch up with the Sense and Sensibility group as Juliet Tilney is visiting Marianna and Captain Brandon. Jonathan in turn is visiting an old schoolmate, whom he absolutely detests however “society dictates” an invitation cannot be turned down without proper reason. A murder occurs and well the rest you must read for yourself.

I couple of things to note. I did not read the first book of the series but felt that this one stands alone pretty well. I also think that you can get away with ready this book without having read Sense and Sensibility. There is plenty of back information to help set the stage.

I like that Gray really tapped into Jane Austen’s style of writing. She emulated it so well. For me the mystery was ok — I kind had a suspicion about who did pretty early on but that didn’t take much away from the entertainment of it. I also liked that Gray explores the complexities of Jonathan’s character.

I highly recommend this. It was a pretty light read. I plan on picking up the first book and look forward to the next one whenever it comes out. I would read the books in order if you plan on reading the series as this book does reveal the identity of the killer from the first book.

Thank you NetGalley and Vintage Anchor for my advanced copy.