Murder in Highbury by Vanessa Kelly is a fun regency era murder mystery featuring the characters from Jane Austen's Emma, and it is such a fun read, you won't want to miss it.

I am a huge fan of all Jane Austen's books, but Emma is not my favourite, so I was a bit dubious about this book going in, but I needn't have worried because it was fantastic. To be honest, I think I loved this more than Emma, but at the same time it was important to know the characters and their quirks from the original, in order to really appreciate what a great job the other does in bringing them back to life.

In Murder in Highbury we get to revisit all of the characters from the original book, along with all their quirky character traits, all while Emma puts her mind to solving the murder of Mrs. Elton, the vicar's wife.

This was such an entertaining read, and to be honest, if I hadn't known better, I could easily have believed it was written by the Jane Austen, it was just that good. If you love Jane Austen's writing I think you will love this regency mystery, and especially visiting with old friends from the original book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Confession. I’ve only read the book EMMA once, but I’ve seen the movie dozens of times (the Gwyneth Paltrow version). The author does an amazing job of capturing these beloved characters that are near to my heart. The banter between Emma and Knightley, Father’s hilarious worries about drafts, Miss Bates’ quirkiness, Emma’s and Harriet’s friendship, plus dozens more. It was all there. And add a murder in the mix, I was instantly hooked.

This is my first book from Vanessa Kelly. She does a perfect job with the setting and characters. I enjoyed seeing Emma as an observant detective, as she tried to get a sense of the who and why. While still being her kind, but funny self. There are surprising twists and turns and red herrings thrown in the mix. I enjoyed every page. I hope there is another book in the works.

Huge thank to the publisher for the NetGalley link and a paperback ARC. All views expressed are mine.

Absolutely Austen with a mix of mystery! Love that Kelly brought Austen’s characters back out of the shadows of the shelves for another adventure! Can’t wait to read more in this series!

Murder in Highbury
by Vanessa Kelly
Pub Date: Oct 22 2024

Less than one year into her marriage to respected magistrate George Knightley, Emma has grown unusually content in her newfound partnership and refreshed sense of independence. The height of summer sees the former Miss Woodhouse gracefully balancing the meticulous management of her elegant family estate and a flurry of social engagements, with few worries apart from her beloved father’s health . . .  

But cheery circumstances change in an instant when Emma and Harriet Martin, now the wife of one of Mr. Knightley’s tenant farmers, discover a hideous shock at the local church. The corpse of Mrs. Augusta Elton, the vicar’s wife, has been discarded on the altar steps—the ornate necklace she often wore stripped from her neck . . .  

As a chilling murder mystery blooms and chaos descends upon the tranquil village of Highbury, the question isn’t simply who committed the crime, but who wasn’t secretly wishing for the unpleasant woman’s demise. When suspicions suddenly fall on a harmless local, Emma—armed with wit, unwavering determination, and extensive social connections—realizes she must discreetly navigate an investigation of her own to protect the innocent and expose the ruthless culprit hiding in plain sight.

Totally new author and series for me. A big thank you to #Netgally, #Kensingtonbooks, and the author for an opportunity to discover this delightful read. I love the concept of Emma Knightley, the main character from Jane Austin's Emma as our amateur sleuth. Emma, her husband, and all the likely characters are present and involved in our story. Emma, as a married lady, has taken her place in the community and has arrived at the church with her friend Harriet and flowers to freshen up the altar for the weekend's service. Unfortunately, what they find is the vicar's wife, murdered. A recent, and though not totally well loved member of the community, this is still a shock. As Emma's husband is the local magistrate and Emma found the body, they are definitely going to be involved. I truly enjoyed Emma's clever mind, her relationship with her husband, and how she used her place in the town to find answers to questions her husband would have a hard time getting. Some of the flowery language and manners of the day do drag things down here and there, but for the most part, this is an interesting, multilayered mystery. I will definitely come back for more. #MurderinHighbury #VanessaKelly #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader

Such a fun read! Highly recommend.

Many thanks to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

This is a well-written, entertaining, historical fiction, mystery novel. It has a likable, intelligent and astute female protagonist, an engaging and supportive male protagonist, murder, mystery, wit, a touch of humor, an unexpected twist, and a satisfying conclusion. I am looking forward to reading the next entry in this wonderful new series with great anticipation. Many thanks to Ms. Vanessa Kelly, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, from whom I received an advanced reader copy of this delightful novel. This is my honest opinion.

Emma is one of my favorite Jane Austen characters. She is fun, witty, and doesn’t mind getting involved in delicate situations. She is perfect for amateur sleuthing. I was hooked from the very first page.

I love seeing her and George in married life in this story. Whenever he was on the page, I would smile, thinking of his remarks and lovingly chiding Emma. The writing was superb; it felt authentic to the time period and characters yet was still easy for a reader to follow.

This is a story for you if you love the Regency era, Jane Austen, and want to enjoy a slow, relaxing read with plenty of moments for a laugh.

I received an ARC copy from the author and publisher to read and review. All thoughts are my own.

'Murder in Highbury' was perfect! The language, the setting and the character's traits were just a delight. Even if one hadn't read Jane Austen's 'Emma' the result would be the same of an exceptional mystery and societal commentary in Regency England. I could rhapsodize on and on, but one thing I will say is that I am thrilled it is the first in a new series. I truly can hardly wait for more!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Murder in Highbury by Vanessa Kelly is a cozy mystery that takes place soon after Emma by Jane Austen ends. The story begins as Emma Knightly and Harriet Martin discover Mrs. Augusta Elton’s body inside Highbury’s church. Who could do such a thing? The entire Highbury community is in an uproar as they try to unravel the mystery of Mrs. Elton’s murderer!

I absolutely LOVED this story! The author did an amazing job continuing the story of Emma in the most creative way while staying true to the story of Emma. I felt like the original story was simply continuing making Murder in Highbury a joy to read. I loved getting to know some of my favorite characters more in depth, and absolutely enjoyed my time in Highbury. The mystery was very intriguing and I kept turning thevpages to see what would happen next.

Murder in Highbury by Vanessa Kelly is well written, has engaging characters, and stays true to Jane Austen’s story, Emma! I think any fan of historical fiction, Jane Austen’s novels, and Regency mysteries will be intrigued! I highly recommend Murder in Highbury by Vanessa Kelly! This will be a favorite of 2024 for me!

I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review.

DNF at 22%

I really think this book just wasn’t my cup of tea, but it could totally be for other readers! If you’re looking for a regency-era murder mystery based on Jane Austen’s Emma Knightley, then look no further.

I wanted to love this book; I typically love mysteries and love historical fiction, but something about this book just wasn’t doing it for me. I found the pacing to be very slow and was having a really difficult time actually getting into the book. Some of the dialogue also just felt really drawn out. However, I think my struggle to enjoy this book was more about it not being my personal favorite and not about it not being a good book. Please still give it a try!

Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Publishing, and Vanessa Kelly for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. Lovers of Jane Austen, be sure to stay tuned for the release of Murder in Highbury on October 21, 2024!

It's safe to say that I adore Austen retellings, ESPECIALLY ones that involve murder mysteries. Claudia Gray's YA mysteries featuring Juliet Tilney and Jonathan Darcy, and Tirzah Price's Jane Austen murder mysteries immediately come to mind. While Emma is not my favorite Austen novel (I'm about to reread it though, so maybe that will change), I was still so excited to read Kelly's murder mystery featuring the misguided matchmaker, and it did not disappoint!

This novel follows the characters after the ending of the original Emma. Emma is married to Mr. Knightley (swoon) and she and her friend Harriet Martin find themselves entangled in a murder mystery when they discover a dead body in the church. It's not a spoiler to say it's Mrs. Elton they find...and if you have read Emma, maybe you'll understand when I say I wasn't sad about it. I loved Emma as an amateur sleuth--her cleverness and meddlesome nature work well in this capacity!

This book was everything I wanted it to be. It was fun, exciting, and kept me guessing. I thought the ending was extremely well done. When I wasn't reading it, I found myself thinking about it! Normally, I read a few books at once, but as soon as I started Murder in Highbury, it was the only book I wanted to read.

I recommend this one for anyone who enjoys Jane Austen, Austen retellings, and murder mysteries.

A whodunit involving Emma & George Knightley? Yes please! I adored this Regency mystery! Vanessa Kelly brilliantly captured the essence of Jane Austen’s beloved couple so well. It felt like a natural extension of Emma with a mystery that kept me completely enthralled.

When Emma & her friend Harriet Martin discover the body of their nemesis Mrs. Augusta Elton in the church, it’s apparent she’s been murdered. But, which of the people she ran afoul with could have done such a thing in their tranquil town of Highbury? With Knightley as the magistrate, it’s up to him and his somewhat inept constables to investigate the crime. When an old, seemingly harmless friend is accused of the murder, Emma sets out to discover the truth.

I loved this mystery! It was so fun revisiting all the familiar characters of Jane Austen’s much loved Emma. From Emma & Knightley, Frank & Jane Churchill, the Martins, Miss Bates, & Emma’s father, to the annoying Mr. Elton, I felt like I was reacquainting myself with old familiar friends. The mystery kept me guessing with each new clue Emma discovers. There are quite a few suspects, and while I guessed who it might be fairly quickly, I was riveted leading up to the dramatic conclusion.

Highly recommend this lovely cozy Regency mystery, especially to Jane Austen fans. I’m hoping Emma & Knightley find another mystery to investigate, maybe that elusive poultry thief… I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author and publisher. All opinions are my own & voluntarily provided.

CW: a few instances of mild swearing, brief violence, mild description of murder scene.

Murder in Highbury by Vanessa Kelly is an exhilarating read that had me hooked from start to finish. As my first book by the author, I was blown away—just wow! The story is filled with intrigue, well-drawn characters, and a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat. I was so captivated by the entire book that I felt a pang of sadness when it ended, eager for the next installment. If you're looking for a mystery that delivers on every front, this should absolutely be on your TBR list.

Absolutely loved this! Characters and relationships were true to original while telling a new story. I particularly liked Mr. Woodhouse. Also managed to included poultry thieves. Knightley and Emma as a married couple was totally believable. Was nice to see them making the situation of living with Emma's father work. Mystery kept me guessing to the end. Just a fabulous read!

I cannot believe what I just read! Murder in Highbury is the best Jane Austen murder mystery novel I have ever had the pleasure of reading!

The story continues a year after Emma has wed George Knightley. With the Knightley’s settled in the idyllic Hartfield, all seems to be well in Highbury until Emma and her dearest friend Harriet stumble upon a body at the vicarage. Determined to find the culprit, Emma takes it upon herself to investigate the murder.

Vanessa Kelly did such a wonderful job mirroring the style of Jane Austen’s work in this book. It was seamless and picked up where Jane Austen left off. The author reacquaints the readers with the delightful cast of the original novel but puts a unique spin on Emma Knightley as the devoted wife, daughter, and amateur sleuth. There were surprising plot twists that I should have seen coming but embarrassingly missed. Right when I thought the mystery was solved, the author threw me into a different direction. The pacing of the book is delightfully quick and ends in a vicious whirlwind. In all, I simply adored this book and was sad to have finished.

Murder, mayhem, mystery, and manners. What more could a mystery lover and Jane Austen fan want?

Many thanks to author Vanessa Kelly and AustenProse for the ARC. This review is voluntary, and all thoughts are my own.

A very fun Regency Jane Austen murder mystery!

I read Emma for the first time shortly before reading this, but I really did not need to to enjoy this book. The author does a good job of quickly getting the reader up to speed without being heavy-handed in the details. Because I did read Emma recently, however, I can confidently say the author preserves and honors the characters and town of Highbury. Mr. Knightley still overly lectures Emma and Emma is Emma but in the best way. I also appreciate that the author was able to convey the dottiness of Miss Bates and Mr. Woodhouse in a much more tolerable way than in Emma. (Jane Austen is quite merciless in her characterization of these two in Emma with extended diatribes that are rough to read.) The Regency-era criminal legal investigation proceedings were very interesting to include and it really makes me wonder how much justice there was in those times. The author clearly put a lot of care into thoughtful details that added to the story and enjoyment of the Jane Austen world.

I did suspect the murderer from the beginning, but it was more due to my dislike in the character's personality than deductive reasoning. The twists and turns were realistic but kept me engaged. Murder mystery is not my preferred genre, but I still really enjoyed this. If there must be murder, better make it in Jane Austen style. I will certainly read the next books in the series!

Thank you, Kensington Publishing, for this arc!

Out of all the Jane Austen heroines, Emma is the one I believe most likely to try and solve a murder. This murder mystery imagines that soon after Emma and Mr. Knightly settle into wedded bliss, someone murders poor Mrs. Elton! Emma discovers the body and takes it on herself to sleuth out the killer, especially when the local officials are clearly bungling the whole affair.
I had to laugh at the choice of victim—not a lot of readers will feel sad to see Mrs. Elton leave the pages of an Austen book, although her escapades before death definitely cause enough mayhem to keep her presence known.
I guessed the solution early on, but it was still fun to watch the characters blunder through false leads and hasty conclusions.
If you like Jane Austen and murder mysteries, this is an enjoyable story.
Thanks to @vanessakellyauthor @kensingtonbooks @austenprose for the free print and ebook.

I really enjoyed this "sequel" to the classic "Emma", showcasing Emma's investigative and deductive abilities, after her marriage to George. There were so many viable suspects, it was easy to vacillate between them but Ms. Kelly did a great job with misdirection and red herrings so it was a constant guessing game. I have enjoyed her books in the past but this could be a fun series and I look forward to more with these characters., especially as she has kept so many of the characteristics of the original characters. Highly recommended.
#netgalley

For fans of Jane Austen's Emma, we are met with Murder in Highbury which finds our matchmaker in the role of a detective. With a familiar cast of characters, including Knightly, Harriet, and Miss Bates, as well as Mr. Elton and others, we can cozy up to this mystery and feel right at home in Highbury,

This is a delightful cozy mystery when Emma stumbles upon a murdered person, What ensues only increases her father's anxiety and Knightly's exasperation, I loved this journey. back to Highbury with all of Emma's rationalization and conclusions. Vanessa Kelly does a wonderful job with these characters and this world. It feels authentic to Austen's characters and world, with a humor of its own, in spite of the mystery,

The mystery is rich with twists and turns with a very much unexpected conclusion and quite a bit of work to get there. In the journey, you get to interact with delightful friends, a bit of mischief, and a few proper set downs.

I delighted in this world and this story, It is a worthy offering and I would love to see further mysteries solved by the lovely Mrs. Knightly, much to Mr. Knightly's chagrin.

I received an early copy of this story and this is my honest review.