While my favorite Jane Austen heroine is by far the capable and mature Anne Elliot of Persuasion, I’ve been accused often enough of being too much like the eponymous heroine of Emma to not have a fondness for her as well. So when I heard that someone was writing a murder mystery following the events of that latter novel, I knew that I had to take a look.

And I’m so glad I did, because Murder In Highbury is a charming pastiche that faithfully captures the spirit of its predecessor while being a very smart cozy crime novel all on its own. Readers are thrown right into the action on the very first page, when Emma and Harriet – now Mrs Knightley and Mrs Martin – stumble across the corpse of Mrs Elton in the village church where her husband is vicar. It’s very clear that Augusta Elton did not die of natural circumstances. After first situating an overcome Harriet in a pew, Emma sets her formidable brain to figuring out how best to deal with this horrifying occurrence:

QUOTE
Emma was very fond of her young friend, but Harriet often displayed an unfortunate excess of emotion when distressed as well as a tendency to faint. Neither characteristic was welcome under the circumstances.

With Harriet sorted for the moment, Emma could gather her thoughts and determine what must be done next. As mistress of Hartfield, her father’s manor house, and of Donwell Abbey since her marriage to George, she was used to making decisions. Still, while Emma generally trusted her judgment and intellect, a dead Mrs Elton was a challenge that taxed even her ability to think clearly.
END QUOTE

Her talent for organizing quickly alerts the proper authorities, including her own husband George Knightley, whose responsibilities include acting as the local magistrate. But her insatiable curiosity soon has her picking up incriminating evidence, which she swiftly turns over to her sensible husband. Unfortunately, his counterparts in local law enforcement zero in on the hapless Miss Bates as their prime suspect in Mrs Elton’s murder. Emma knows that the talkative former vicar’s daughter wouldn’t harm a fly, and is determined to prove it. Will her meddling ways prove for the best as she seeks to keep Miss Bates out of prison, or will they only do further harm as a devious killer stalks their English village?

Having acquired years of leadership experience in both professional and community settings since reading Emma as a teenager, I can now better appreciate her characteristics and personality – flaws, foibles and all. It’s very clear that Vanessa Kelly does, too: the Emma of Murder In Highbury has certainly learned several very important lessons as she’s grown up and gotten married, but still possesses that wonderful self-confidence and clarity that allows her to both see the reality of and the very best in people, including in herself:

QUOTE
Her father dramatically sighed.”[I] could barely swallow a bite. Emma did her best to eat something–more for my sake, you understand. I know she did not wish me to worry after her terrible ordeal.”

Truth be told, her terrible ordeal had left Emma terribly famished. She had demolished ample portions of the veal and the trifle and had finished dinner with an apple and cheese tart. Though rather insensitive of her, it hardly made sense to pretend she wasn’t hungry.

And the veal had been excellent.

“That was very thoughtful of Emma,” George wryly replied.

She smiled. “You know very well that nothing impairs my appetite, which is surely an unfortunate lack of sensibility on my part.”

“Or a great deal of common sense. If we were to lose our appetites every time a tragic event occurred, the human race would starve in very short order.”
END QUOTE

In addition to successfully continuing the original’s humor and charm, Ms Kelly writes a surprisingly dense murder plot, with excellent misdirections to go with the lively characterizations. I was just as absorbed in the twisty tale as I was amused at the on-going adventures of characters I already know and love. Out of all of Austen’s heroines, the inquisitive, assured Emma is by far the best suited to take on the role of investigator, in my personal opinion. This novel was a treat for me as an Austen fan and as a mystery reader, and I’m hoping that, despite the decisive nature of the book’s final sentence, there will be many more mysteries for Emma and her loved ones to solve together in future.

Less than a year into her marriage with George Knightly, Emma and Harriet happen upon a shocking discovery in the local church. As the investigation into Mrs. Elton’s death progresses, Emma must discreetly navigate an investigation of her own to protect the innocent and expose the ruthless culprit hiding in plain sight. From matchmaker to sleuth, Emma faces new challenges amongst familiar faces.

Cozy mysteries are always fun to follow, and this brought back many of my favorite characters from classic Austen literature! I felt like the author did those characters justice, creating a fun story to follow with just enough red herrings. This book wasn't particularly long, but there were a few chapters that felt drawn out. Overall, I was happy to return to the world of Emma Woodhouse and those in her inner circle.

Thank you Kensington Books, Austen Prose PR, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book!

What a fun cozy mystery! The author did a fantastic job at staying true to the heart of the established characteristics and personalities.

I wasn't able to finish this book. I made it to 40 percent, but so little had happened in the plot that I lost interest. It was a unique and interesting premise, but it the pacing was too slow for me. I'm rating the portion that I read.

A very light, fun, cozy mystery read! Jane Austen’s Emma , now happily married to George Knightley, finds herself in quite a situation when she and her friend Harriet discover a dead body. And this body is not any body, it happens to be the vicar’s wife, Mrs. Elton. Though Dr. Hughes and Constable Sharpe seem to be looking for the killer, Emma sees the need to intervene and with the help of her friends she seeks out to find out the truth. Due to the doctor and the constable’s ineptitude, two characters are mistakenly accused of the crime. It is up to Emma to figure out who the killer is, before he strikes again, and this time it may be someone near and dear to Emma. I really enjoyed this murder mystery!
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Books, and Vanessa Kelly for providing this advance reader copy of the book. My honest review is below.

Confession, I've never read the book Emma by Jane Austen. I've come into this world of Emma with no background to help navigate. George and Emma seem to be the usual Regency romance couple in age difference and social standing. George seems to be a grounded man who understands his jobs/duty but has a real soft spot for his wife. He calls her "my Emma" and it melts my heart. The inner monolog from Emma paints a wonderful picture of a handsome truly nice and understanding man. Her father on the other hand, sheesh. Mr. Woodhouse and his Nosophobia - irrational fear of contracting a disease - was a burden to slog through. One daughter lit out for London as soon as possible and never comes home to visit. Emma feeds into his phobia non-stop. Poor George has moved into the Woodhouse home instead of his own manor house. I was done with him about 1/3 of the way in.

I found Emma herself to be a hoot. She's into everything and has a good nose for details. Perceptive, audacious, energetic, easy to talk to, jumps in with both feet and thinks later - usually when George chides her, she's a Regency Jessica Fletcher. The plot was good but the book was too long. At 403 pages I felt it could have been just as effective if pared down a bit. All in all, a pleasant read and good story. I look forward to book #2 in the series.

#NetGalley #MurderinHighbury #VanessaKelly #EmmaKnightleyMystery #KensingtonBooks #basedonJaneAustencharacter #Regencymystery #murdermystery #mystery

It was fun to revisit old favorite characters and see annoying ones get knocked off, but for a murder mystery this wasn’t particularly suspenseful or mysterious and dragged quite a bit. Some of the phrasing seemed rather modern and anachronistic, too.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the ARC!

I really enjoyed this Regency historical fiction murder mystery. It’s been about 25 years since I’ve read Jane Austen’s “Emma,” so I now have the urge to reread it.

The writing style was excellent and captured the nature of that period. Emma Knightley is an amateur detective (much to her husband’s chagrin) in this delightful cozy murder mystery. You’re kept guessing until the end and along the way you the characters really come to life (some more likable than others).

This is supposedly the first in a series - I look forward to reading future installments!

I have to say, this “generation” of Austen retellings are spectacular. I love that authors are choosing to continue these stories for more than their romance- it allows for more creative stories without feeling like they are simply an afterthought, and I’m glad that so many have embraced it. They don’t “interfere” with Austen’s novels in any way but expand out so beautifully.

Murder in Highbury continues on Emma and Knightley’s story in the perfect way. We get to see what their married life might be like and we get to shift to a Austen-ish mystery. I think that setting Emma up as our amateur sleuth is also spot on, as I cannot name an Austen character more likely to be digging around in a murder investigation. This is blasphemy, but I found Emma’s character slightly irritating in the original novel due to her meddling. However, in a murder mystery? It is put to its best use and I am here for it!

Kelly also utilised Austen’s supporting characters well; Mr Woodhouse was a standout in particular. (Continuously musing on a murder and people’s characters is absolutely in his wheelhouse…) There are more than enough callbacks to the original characters and stories to grab an Austenite but it is also a fresh story that is very entertaining for those who are less familiar with Emma.

The author has also clearly done her research on both Austen’s novels and the period. Cosy mysteries with a historical setting can sometimes end up reaching beyond the period in more than few ways but there is no such problem with Kelly’s novel.

This is a must-read for anyone who loves The Murder of Mr. Wickham or Emma itself! Here is hoping that this will be continuing on as a series, as well.

Highbury England - 1815

Mrs. Emma Woodhouse Knightley has discovered a dead body in her village church. It turns out that it is Mrs. Elton, wife of the Vicar. She had been bashed over the head and her ornate necklace ripped from around her neck.

Emma is married to George Knightley, a wealthy landowner and the local magistrate. He is working to update his home, Donwell Abbey as they stay at her father’s home, Hartfield. Her father is rather ill and Emma feels the need to be closeby to take care of him.

Thus begins the investigation to find the murderer. First, Miss Bates, a spinster, is thought to have done it as it appears Mrs. Elton felt the woman owed her money. We have Dr. Hughes, the coroner who is a pompous ass.

Emma puts on her sleuthing hat and tries to solve the mystery herself to the chagrin of her husband, George. There are lots of characters in the parish that are all friends and they spend lots of time drinking tea and discussing the case.

This book is overly long which I found to be irritating as so much time was spent just discussing the case to death. The dialogue was certainly written for the time period which I’m sure was not easy for the author to produce. So, that is a plus. However, the story just dragged out way too long for me. Sorry.

Copy provided by NetGalley and Edelweiss in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Murder in Highbury by Vanessa Kelly is a cozy mystery that begins as Emma Knightly and Harriet Martin discover Mrs. Elton’s dead body inside Highbury’s church. This is quite shocking for this small village.

I found this to be a light mystery novel with a plucky heroine and an interesting cast of characters in the villagers. But....I have not read Jane Austin's Emma (gasp)- so, I may have not been the right audience for this one.

There’s was a lot of slow moving "old fashioned drama" going on (think courting and marriages)and just not enough mystery solving pace in this story to stoke my interest.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

If you’re a fan of Jane Austen’s work, especially her novel, Emma, this book is for you. Murder at Highbury features many of the characters from Jane Austen’s Emma, including Emma herself, now Mrs. George Knightley; George Knightley; her friend Harriet; the Reverend Mr. Elton; Emma’s father Mr. Woodhouse; and so forth. When Emma and Harriet find the murdered body of Mrs. Elton in the church, the action starts. But there’s really not a lot of action. While she has abandoned her matchmaking efforts, Emma now flexes her talents as an amateur sleuth - mostly by talking to people and being observant. And there’s lots and lots of talking. And drinking of tea. I think there really was only one significant action scene and that was very near the end when the murderer was revealed. At 400 pages, I think it could have been pared down quite a bit and been a more enjoyable reading experience.

Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

This was such a good, light, regency era read. I loved the character development and dynamic between the FMC and MMC.

Murder in Highbury
Vanessa Kelly

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 4.5/5 stars

If you were a Jane Austen fan, you’re going to love this one. It is a wonderful cozy historical who-done-it murder mystery. It was full of humor, wit, and even suspense.

If you have read any of Austen’s books, you’re probably familiar with Emma. This one is post Emma and George’s wedding. Emma is just as charming and witty as ever. I really enjoyed seeing Emma and George’s relationship continuing to blossom.

The whole-done-it murder mystery, was enough to keep me guessing and turning the pages wanting more.

I truly hope that Vanessa Kelly writes more and this turns into a series. I am 100% here for it.

Although several authors have reimagined Jane Austen and her fictional characters in the role of mystery-solving sleuth, Emma Woodhouse Knightley is uniquely qualified for the appointment, in my opinion. Janeites can recall Emma’s penchant for meddling, in particular within the realm of matchmaking. See seems to notice details that others don’t, and while she does not always make the best choices, she is often wise in her assessments. Appreciating her uniqueness is George Knightley, who marries her in spite of, and possibly because of her foibles. He loves her for all that she is. These characteristics remain true in the new novel by Vanessa Kelly, <i>Murder in Highbury.</i> In this Austenesque murder-mystery, Emma sets aside her matchmaking hobby (for now) when she stumbles upon a gruesome death. Along with husband George, she pieces together the clues to determine the full picture of what has occurred in their otherwise quiet town.

<i>Murder in Highbury</i> does open with the discovery of a startling murder, but the general feel of the novel is very light and is a diverting tour of the characters from Jane Austen’s <i>Emma.</i> Vanessa Kelly most certainly has her fingers on the pulse of these vivid personalities, from Emma and her family members, down to employees on the estate grounds. Readers who are unfamiliar with the source material would do well to either read the original text or at minimum watch a faithful screen adaptation of Austen’s novel. The 1996 <i>Emma</i> movie with Gwyneth Paltrow is one of my favorites, and the faces from that film populated my mind as I read the book. Understanding the backstory of the main characters was helpful to me as I took in Kelly’s mystery and enjoyed the narrative.

From a content standpoint, <i>Murder in Highbury</i> does have a few adult moments, but they are quite tame. Of course there is the murder of Mrs. Elton, done in a somewhat dramatic way on the grounds of the church. There are also just a few instances of salty language, but those moments are rare and very PG-rated. I would feel comfortable recommending the material to just about anyone.

Vanessa Kelly has done fabulous work with Austen’s characters. She understands them inside and out, and she is also quite cognizant of the historical aspects of the period. Emma as a married female does not have the exact standing as her husband, a local magistrate. Women did not have the same place in courtrooms that men did. Kelly shines a light on these issues without being overly derogatory, and she also promotes the strength and intelligence of women as well. I particularly liked the manner in which Emma and George interacted with each other. George understood his place in society, but he never belittles his wife. He cannot fully endorse her “sleuthing”, as she is not an officer of the law, but he works in concert with her as she sniffs out information. Although they hold different positions in their community, they are nonetheless equals in their relationship with each other. It was refreshing to witness this type of loving interaction within a 19th century marriage.

I was excited to learn that <i>Murder in Highbury</i> is the beginning of a series. This opening volume was light, interesting, and kept me guessing. Now that I’ve finished the novel, I want to return to the opening chapters in order to suss out the clues that I missed all along the way. The answer to the “whodunnit” question was in front of me the entire time. Vanessa Kelly took me on a fun ride, and I look forward to seeing what she brings to her readership next.

This is the first book in a new series and is a cosy mystery set during the Regency period, with Jane Austen’s, Emma Knightley as the amateur detective. This mystery is filled with lots of suspects and provided me with a few chuckles that lightened the mood of the serious subject of the story and although the villain seemed clear to may way before Emma solves things it was still a fun read. Looking forward to more. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

It's the nicest thing when you pick up a book and it captures you from page 1, whether it's some heart-pounding action, suspense, horror, or something that makes you cry from the beginning and you know its going to be that kind of book, or maybe something that gets your heart racing to start 😉.

Murder in Highbury captured me like this, and with this book, it was its charm. Yes, this book is simply charming. It's a cozy mystery set during the Regency period, with Jane Austen’s, Emma Knightley as the amateur sleuther.

This book seemed very true to the time period and to Emma's personality. The vicar’s unpleasant wife has been murdered in the church, and Emma is first on the scene. This mystery is filled with lots of plausible, and some implausible suspects, and it seemed that just when the constable thought he had his criminal, Emma was on hand to present the reasons why the accused couldn't be the perpetrator, leaving the reader always questioning.

The story provided me with a few chuckles that lightened the mood of the serious subject of the story. In fact, even Emma admits that the investigation has often taken a nonsensical turn.

Overall, this was such a delightful story. If you are a fan of Claudia Gray's, Mr. Darcy and Miss Tilney series, then this book is for you.

Thank you to Kensington Books for the advanced digital copy of this book. My opinions are my own.

Hello! :) Firstly, many thanks, indeed, to Netgalley for having provided me with an ARC of Murder in Highbury to review. I absolutely love, love, love Murder in Highbury! I read this book in two sittings; I was super motivated throughout this book to 'turn the page' and could not wait to 'see what happens next.' I am eager buy the hardcopy as well. I have enjoyed Vanessa Kelly's other books, and Murder in Highbury is no exception. I would say it is probably her best to date. I believe Murder in Highbury is the beginning of a series, so that will be wonderful. This book seamlessly summons and captures the spirit of Jane Austen and her amazing book, Emma - in character, style (including dialogue) and essence. Taking Emma from her role in Jane Austen's book to Emma the sleuth in Murder in Highbury is a completely smooth transition - so, to me, it was like 'why not?' to have Emma be a detective. The plot was wonderful, and the mystery was well-done and brilliantly considered. I fell in love with the characters all over agian - particularly Emma and George! Thank you again! :) I highly recommend Murder in Highbury! :)

Murder in Highbury
A Emma Knightly Mystery#1
By Vanessa Kelly

Emma Woodhouse is no more, rather she is Emma Knightley, newly married, and enjoying life in Highbury. But in an instant everything is disrupted when she and Harriet (Smith) Martin find a body in the church. If finding a body wasn't shocking enough the identity is even more so, Mrs. Elton is dead! And Emma is convinced she was murdered even before anyone else has been summoned or the inquest is held. Highbury's idealic charm is shattered with fears that a murderer is now in their midst.

Fearing that justice won't find the true killer, Emma flaunts expectations and takes it upon herself to find the killer. With the skills she formerly employed as a matchmaker she turns to sluething.

Murder in Highbury is the next chapter in the life of Emma Woodhouse and all the characters who called Highbury home. This was a fun read mostly, excepting for Mrs, Elton. There is a familiarity with the characters. The writing makes this feel like this the next logical step in the lives of the people one got to know while enjoying Jame Austen's original work Emma. An enjoyable read for fans of Jane Ausen or Regency who-dunits. This easily a potential reread, in my opinion. I look forward to the second book in this series.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

I loved this Regency mystery! It paid perfect homage to Jane Austen's Emma, while seamlessly intertwining a gripping mystery that kept me on the edge of my seat.

It was well-written, had great character development, and the mystery was clever and kept me guessing. Emma was just as charming as I’d hoped she’d be. I really loved the familiar cast of characters, and being reunited with them was a delight.

If you're a fan of Jane Austen's Emma and of cozy historical mysteries, you won’t want to miss this one!

I received an advanced copy from the author, publisher, and NetGalley. All opinions are my own and a positive review wasn’t required.