Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC! I enjoyed the departure from the normal murder mystery plot structure where the victim who lives through the murder attempts. The most exciting part was to see Juliet and Jonathan finally make some real headway in their courtship. Minus one star because the side characters in this one are just not most compelling from the Austen universe + it was 50 pages too long (again), but overall I continue to really love this series.

Thank you to Vintage for my advance copy via NetGalley. My opinions are my own.

This series is best read in order.

A year after they last saw each other (in book 2 of the series), Miss Juliet Tilney and Mr. Jonathan Darcy are summoned by no less than Lady Catherine de Bourgh to help her catch whoever is trying to kill her. The two amateurs are no less drawn to each other than they were before, but will doubt--and meddling parents--continue to keep them apart romantically? And when the attempts on Lady Catherine's life escalate and become more frequent, will they be able to identify the would-be killer in time to stop yet another murder?

I was enchanted, as always, by Gray's writing and how well its style echoes Austen's and others of the time period. I love more and more how eccentric and smart both Jonathan and Juliet are, and I adore the mental health rep! Gray sets up suspicion nicely around the characters and we watch their development play out--more as a study of human nature (Austen would be proud) rather than a puzzle for the reader to solve. This book (and this series) gives life and purpose to characters who were but secondary in the originals, and it adds considerable depth to those who were primary. I gobbled this one up and really can't wait for the next one!

"The Perils of Lady Catherine de Bourgh," the third installment in Claudia Gray's "Mr. Darcy & Miss Tilney Mystery" series, presents an intriguing yet somewhat uneven continuation of the adventures of Jonathan Darcy and Juliet Tilney. This time, the amateur sleuths are summoned to prevent the murder of the formidable Lady Catherine de Bourgh, a challenge that tests their detective skills and their budding romantic connection.

The premise is captivating: someone is targeting Lady Catherine, a woman renowned for her austere control over Rosings Park. With her life at stake, she calls upon her grand-nephew Jonathan and his friend Juliet to unmask the would-be assassin. The series of attempts on Lady Catherine’s life—including sabotaged carriages, gunshots, and near-fatal falls—set a tense atmosphere that propels the story forward.

Jonathan and Juliet’s reunion after a year apart adds a layer of personal development to the narrative. Their chemistry is palpable and well-written, providing a sweet counterbalance to the dark and dangerous mystery they must solve. However, their fathers, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy and Mr. Henry Tilney, accompany them to Rosings, introducing an element of familial tension. The interactions between the elder Darcy and Tilney are less harmonious than those of their children, adding another dimension of conflict to the story.

Despite the promising setup, the novel struggles with pacing. The build-up of suspense is occasionally marred by slow-moving passages, and the resolution of the mystery feels rushed. The list of suspects is intriguing but not fully fleshed out, leading to a conclusion that, while surprising, lacks the satisfying depth of a well-laid clue trail.

Lady Catherine herself is portrayed with Gray's characteristic attention to detail, and her imperious nature is captured brilliantly. Her vulnerability in the face of real danger adds an interesting complexity to her character, making her more than just the stern matriarch familiar to "Pride and Prejudice" fans.

The book shines in its depiction of the growing relationship between Jonathan and Juliet. Their interactions are charming and authentic, making readers root for them as a couple. The romantic subplot, though secondary to the mystery, is one of the novel’s highlights.

Overall, "The Perils of Lady Catherine de Bourgh" is a mixed bag. It offers a compelling mystery with engaging characters, but it falls short in its execution. Fans of the series will appreciate the continuation of Jonathan and Juliet’s story, even if the mystery itself doesn't quite hit the mark. It’s a decent read for those who enjoy historical mysteries with a touch of romance, but it might not satisfy readers looking for a tightly woven whodunit.

"The third book in the Mr. Darcy and Miss Tilney Mystery series, which finds the amateur sleuths facing their most daunting challenge yet: preventing the murder of the imperious Lady Catherine de Bourgh.

Someone is trying to kill Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Esteemed aunt of Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, generous patroness of Mr. William Collins, a woman of rank who rules over the estate of Rosings Park with an unimpeachable sense of propriety - who would dare? Lady Catherine summons her grand-nephew, Mr. Jonathan Darcy, and his investigative companion, Miss Juliet Tilney, to find out.

After a year apart, Jonathan and Juliet are thrilled to be reunited, even if the circumstances - finding whoever has thus far sabotaged Lady Catherine's carriage, shot at her, and nearly pushed her down the stairs - are less than ideal. Also less than ideal: their respective fathers, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy and Mr. Henry Tilney, have accompanied the young detectives to Rosings, and the two men do not interact with the same felicity enjoyed by their children.

With attempts against Lady Catherine escalating, and no one among the list of prime suspects seemingly capable of committing all of the attacks, the pressure on Jonathan and Juliet mounts - even as more gentle feelings between the two of them begin to bloom. The race is now on to provoke two confessions: one from the attempted murderer before it is too late - and one, perhaps, of love."

Oh, but couldn't Lady Catherine also, you know, die. Because that would be funny... Though I do see their problem in narrowing down their suspect list...

I read books 1 & 2 to prepare for this ARC and I am so glad that I did! I love the relationship and how it's growing between Mr. Darcy & Miss Tilney! I can't wait to see how it grows, unless their fathers impede it! This is a fun series and I can't wait for the next installment to come out! Claudia Gray is now on my always-read list!

#ThePerilsofLadyCatherinedeBourgh
#NetGalley

*I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you so much to NetGalley and Vintage for this ARC!*

This is such a fun series, and this installment is a great addition to it! If you are into Jane Austen retellings, mysteries, and Regency-era shenanigans, this is the series for you!

I enjoyed getting to dive back into Pride and Prejudice in this installment. I always feel like Claudia Gray does a great job with her assessment of where the characters would be in this future and how their personalities and stories would have progressed. Getting to see Lady Catherine in all of her Lady Catherine glory was a trip in and of itself. I really liked the story decision to have Colonel Fitzwilliam marry Lady Anne de Bourgh. That felt right to me and I feel like it played well with the rest of the storyline.

Seeing the P&P characters from an outside perspective was quite a fun experience. Most of the characters in this book come from P&P originally (or are the children of the original characters). Seeing them from the Tilney’s perspective (they are from Austen’s Northanger Abbey) was very interesting. Tilney and Darcy immediately don’t like each other. And Juliet Tilney doesn’t trust Mr. Collins’ flowery, constant compliments of Lady Catherine de Bourgh as far as she could throw him!

I love the disability rep in these books. Jonathan Darcy is working on his curtain (or as modern day autistic people would call it, masking). Two other characters in this novel have disabilities as well. This is refreshing to see in an historical context.

This mystery is less a who-done-it than a who-is-trying-to-do-it. I enjoyed the small switch up and how it changed the way Jonathan and Juliet went about solving the mystery.

All in all, this was a fun read that kept me on my toes. I love seeing all of the character interactions, and cannot wait to see if Jonathan and Juliet will finally declare themselves in the next installment!

My Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I gave The Perils of Catherine de Bourgh 4 Stars!

My thanks for the ARC goes to NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor.
I'm voluntarily leaving review.

Genre: Historical Mystery, Historical Romance, Pride and Prejudice Spin-Off, Cozy Mystery
Spice Level: Very low—sweet. This is a slow burn for romance.
Gore: None. All violence within this books not bloody.
Readability: Can be read as a standalone.

THE PERILS OF LADY CATHERINE DE BOURGH is my first novel by Claudia Gray, and now I want to read her backlist! This was so much fun!

Some of the things I loved:
- Catherine de Bourgh is spot on!
- Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth Darcy—the way she "manages/persuades" him is wonderful.
- Mr. Jonathan Darcy and how she represents him being on the spectrum. Oh, he is lovable.
- Miss Tilney is a delight and clever
- Anne and the Colonel—the change in their relationship makes sense
- All of the Collins family is drawn so well. I really still feel sorry for Charlotte and her worldview.
- The setting is how I picture Regency England and the environs. Does it make sense that the texture is right? Because I felt like I could touch it.
- Finally! The mystery is smart—I was drawn into the world and couldn't wait to learn everyone's secrets.

I highly recommend this book! The characters are varied and interesting—I was constantly questioning their motivation. Sneaky little devils.

Happy reading!

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. I don't usually ask for or seek out ARCs, but this is a slow burn romance story and I wanted to see them get together eventually (hopefully, maybe someday).

This book in the series follows Johnathon Darcy and Juliet Tilney as guests of Lady de Bourgh, who has lately been the almost-victim of several clumsy murder attempts. They attempt to find the would-be killer before he strikes again, or succeeds in his attempts.

The Pros: The last book was more original, with several new characters, settings, and a whole town to explore. It actually worked to the story's detriment, as characters had unrelated side plots and the world felt too open for a contained mystery. This book solves that issue by having several close-together households populated with close relations and existing Austen characters, which made it feel less loose. Claudia Gray also clearly attempted in this series to write in a style that is modern enough to read easily but still antique enough to feel like an Austen story, and she largely succeeds.

The Cons: The story felt like it took over this one. Part of the appeal of the other books was the two main sleuths and their inner lives, but they felt unexplored in this story. The plot was tightened, but maybe too much? It felt like the characters didn't have breathing room.

Overall, I might read the next one, since these are quick and entertaining. But we'll see how long my interest holds if we can't explore the characters and their relationship more in the next installment.

Miss Juliet Tilney and Mr. Jonathan Darcy are back together to solve another mystery in this third book of the series. I was instantly interested – I love a good mystery; I love Jane Austen and fan fiction that works extra hard to be period-authentic. What fun. The indomitable Lady Catherine de Bourgh has had one too many accidents to attribute them to coincidence (Not to be borne!), so she orders her grandnephew Jonathan Darcy and Miss Tilney to Rosings Park to apprehend the culprit. Not only are the young people expected forthwith, they look forward to seeing each other in hopes to further an association that could be more. As with the other books in the series, Gray gathers together a variety of Jane Austen characters under one roof. Here, Jonathan and Juliet encounter the Collinses, Colonel Fitzwilliam and Anne Fitzwilliam née de Bourgh, and here also Mr. Tilney (Northanger Abbey) and Mr. Darcy (Pride and Prejudice) meet to mutual disapproval.

What I love about this series is that Gray seeks to represent a Jane Austen-style tale by full measures. Her attention to character means that the people Austen created are polished in their roundness. She and her editors have worked hard to make the books read like Austen novels: no anachronistic wording like I’ve found in other à la Regency tales plus an admirable attention to the social niceties that dictate proper behavior for unmarried young people (and, of course, proper behavior for everyone else). I love the historical asides that teach the reader little details about Regency life and times in appropriate places. Readers looking for fast-paced romance, search elsewhere. The romance features prominently, but within the fore-mentioned historical confines.

I highly recommend the Miss Tilney and Mr. Darcy series to those of you readers who have read all of Jane Austen’s books at least once. Readers of Longbourne may find this series too whimsical, but I love it. Characters from different novels meeting up is a clever mechanism to make Austen’s world a little smaller. For this series, be sure to begin with book 1 to follow the romance between Miss Tilney and Mr. Darcy.

Many thanks to Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor | Vintage and NetGalley for access to the ARC. Opinions stated herein are my own. I receive no compensation for my review.

The third installment in the Mr. Darcy and Miss Tilney series sees Jonathan Darcy and Juliet Tilney reunited about a year after their last investigation when summoned to Rosings Park by Darcy's great aunt, the Lady Catherine De Bourgh. It seems that someone is trying to kill Lady Catherine, which she will NOT tolerate. Though some awkwardness and uncertainty on both their parts makes the reunion a bit awkward at first (as does their fathers' dislike of one another), as Juliet and Jonathan get further into the investigation, they reveal truths about themselves as well as the suspects.

Gray continues to do justice to the origin stories that inspire her characters while also extending their stories past that which Austen wrote. It is satisfying to see characters long after their first appearances and to watch the younger generation developing along their own storylines and personalities. The mystery is compounded by adjacent ones that must also be solved in order to exonerate suspects. At times they are more interesting than the central one, but they serve to make the whole story more complex and layered than one solely focused on who wants to kill Lady Catherine. As usual, the primary interest and joy in the story is in the characters rather than in the mystery itself - astute readers will be able to guess the true culprit fairly easily - but that can be forgiven since the characters are so interesting and fun to read about. Given how this one ends, readers can expect a fourth mystery in the future. Hopefully this one will help move Juliet and Jonathan's friendship into true courtship territory!

Thank you to Vintage and NetGalley for the opportunity to read The Perils of Lady Catherine de Bourgh early in exchange for a review.

The third installment of the Jane Austen inspired mystery series, and I think it's my favorite one yet! Meddling parents are a theme of the book, from Lady Catherine and Anne's relationship to the will-they-won't-they storyline for young Darcy and Miss Tilney. Etiquette and historical details from the time period still play a large role in the storyline, which brings variety to some of the plot twists and tropes. It's a memorable cast of characters and a fun mystery + comedy of manners read.

The Perils of Lady Catherine de Bourgh by Claudia Gray is the third installment in the captivating Mr. Darcy & Miss Tilney Mystery series. In this thrilling novel, our amateur sleuths are confronted with their most formidable task yet: thwarting the murder of the imperious Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Gray skillfully captures the charm and ambiance of an Austen novel, all while delivering a perplexing mystery that will challenge even the most astute armchair detectives. This series is truly deserving of a lasting legacy.

I think my favorite parts of the story are the subtle moral lessons throughout. We likely need much more of this, in reading, to make up for the lack in society, as a whole. The characters were well developed but not as dynamic as I would have liked.. The plot is a bit tired but satisfying. Having said all of this, I am now excited to read the next book in the series to find out how our detectives love story progresses. Great hook and a solid sequel to the series.

This series is a delight, and I liked the third volume just as much, if not more, than the previous ones. For once, Jonathan Darcy and Juliet Tilney are not involved after there is a dead body, but they are called by no other than the titular Lady Catherine from Pride and Prejudice to figure out who’s trying to murder her. The cast of suspects is well known to Austen readers, with new additions from Gray’s imagination. All the characters are wonderful. Faithful to the originals, but having changed with time and experience. I am so invested in Jonathan and Juliet getting together that it was painful to read all the misunderstandings caused by the societal restraints of the period. The writing would not be out of place in an Austen novel, and the new creations fit perfectly with the established characters. I’m glad to see that there may be another volume. I can’t wait. For Austen fans, mystery lovers and anyone who enjoys good books.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor.

4.5 stars

As unlikely as the premise for this one was--Lady Catherine demanding Jonathan Darcy and Juliet Tilney come to Rosings to solve the mystery of who's trying to kill her--I enjoyed it quite a bit, and once again did not figure out who the culprit was.
It's always fun to see how the author portrays these Austen characters and their continued stories. She does a nice job imagining how relationships might evolve and the characters' deeper stories. She even made me feel sorry for Lady Catherine and Mr. Collins.
The romance between Jonathan and Juliet continues to move slowly. Misunderstandings abound, and not just between the young sleuths. They felt natural though, and made sense, for the most part. I loved that Mr. Darcy and Mr. Tilney accompanied their children on the trip, and I thought Elizabeth's later arrival was a great addition to the story. In the end, I was satisfied where the author left things, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed the next book will be set at Pemberley.

Set two decades after Pride & Prejudice, The Perils of Lady Catherine de Bourgh is the third book in the Mr. Darcy & Ms. Tilney mystery series. I somehow didn’t realize this when I decided to read this book, but it did not take away from the experience. Jonathan Darcy, eldest son of Elizabeth & Mr. Darcy, and Ms. Juliet Tilney are brought together again to employ their investigative services. However, this time, their goal is to thwart the murder of none other than Her Ladyship, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, who has not changed a bit since Jane Austen first brought her to life in Pride & Prejudice! I would be remiss to acknowledge that their intentions don’t stop there. Could a courtship for Mr. Darcy & Ms. Tilney be on the horizon? Or could pride & prejudice once again stand in the way of such a match? What ensues is a delightful account of the entire cast of Rosings Park & Pemberley residents as the mystery of who wishes to harm Her Ladyship is unraveled. Along the way, depth and nuance of each character is revealed, along with a few secrets, too. This book is a perfect cozy mystery for any reader who loves the classic Austen work of Pride & Prejudice, and I already have my library holds in for the first two books in the series! As this book publishes on June 18, readers may even have time to squeeze the first two in before this one hits shelves!

Ah, this was everything I’d hoped it would be! Such a comforting read, though yes, it is about murder. The comfort is in revisiting these characters we know so well! Even loathsome Mr. Collins and Lady Catherine de Bourgh - as written here, they are even almost sympathetic at times. Almost. But for me, the real joy is in Jonathan and Juliet. Sigh. One can only hope that these two can overcome the strictures of the time period and actually talk one day… Can’t wait!

Historical Mystery set in England 1821 following a pair of amateur sleuths team up to find out who's trying to kill Lady Catherine de Bourgh; featuring an all-star cast of Jane Austen characters.

5/5 stars: This is the third entry in Gray's Mr. Darcy & Miss Tilney series, which is a Historical Mystery Jane Austen Retelling that takes place in England 1821 and features Juliet Tilney, whose parents are the MCs of Northanger Abbey, and Jonathan Darcy, who's Pride and Prejudice's MC's son. The two are summoned by Mr Darcy's imperious Great Aunt Lady Catherine de Bourgh; someone's trying to kill her and she wants them to find out who among the residents in and around Rosings Park's the culprit. With plenty of twists and turns, Gray has masterfully crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects, clues and red herrings and will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Additionally, Gray's writing and character work is stellar; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable. Gray does an impeccable job at keeping to the heart of Austen’s characters while expanding on them and creating new characters that fit into the universe perfectly and I love how Gray portrays Austen's classic characters. Oh and Juliet and Jonathan's slow burn romantic relationship is delicious to read... a true nod to Austen. Additionally, I really appreciate how Gray portrays Jonathan's neural diversity and the other characters illnesses and disabilities throughout. Gray does tackle other sensitive subjects; so take care and check the CWs. While you could read this as a stand-alone, be WARNED you will learn the previous books resolutions; so to avoid being spoiled start at the beginning with book one, Murder of Mr Wickham.

I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor, Vintage in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.

I continue to love this series and am always so happy to see another installment. I think Claudia Gray expertly weaves fan-fiction elements with a delightful premise of her own. The mysteries are cozy, but believable. And the Austen easter eggs are just so much fun. The Perils of Lady Catherine de Bourgh sees a formidable villain in the Jane Austen cannon get her comeuppance as an unknown assailant seeks to bring about her demise. Neurodivergent Jonathan Darcy, son of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, gets thrown together with Miss Tilney yet again when they are tasked to figure out who has Lady Catherine's death in mind. The action wasn't as compelling as in the first two, but the chaste romantic tension builds nicely. I can't wait to see what novel Gray dips into next.

3.5 ⭐️

I have enjoyed the previous two books in the series and, while not my favorite one, I enjoyed this book, too.

Brief synopsis: Jonathan Darcy and Juliet Tilney are summoned to Rosings to figure out who is attempting to harm Lady Catherine de Bourgh. As you can imagine, the suspect list is quite long.

Overall, this is a fun read for those who enjoy the series. I felt like the suspects, particularly the ones who were not from Austen’s novels, were a little underdeveloped. Also, it’s a small critique, but Lady Catherine uttered the phrase, “It cannot be endured” so many times, especially toward the middle of the book, that it was distracting.

As always, I enjoyed seeing the new challenges that the Austen characters faced in this novel. Little details like the names of the Collins children prove that Gray is a master at taking existing characters and keeping them authentic in a slightly different world.

If you’re an Austen fan and you haven’t checked this series out, you definitely should. I don’t think you will be disappointed.

Thank you to NetGalley, Knoph, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.