Murder in Highbury by Vanessa Kelly is a great historical and cozy mystery that is the first book in an exciting new series: An Emma Knightly Mystery.

This is an adorable, historical, cozy mystery. This takes place during the regency period and takes our beloved Emma from Jane Austen and supposes what her life may have evolved into after marriage.

The cast of characters in this quaint English village are a hoot. Mr. and Mrs. Knightly (Emma and George) are a great combination. Emma is our main character and amateur sleuth. Her propensity to accidentally overstep her bounds (restricted by society due to her status and gender) and her overwhelming urge to right wrongs, be “awkward” as she calls it, and help others balances perfectly with her husband George whom is magistrate, kind, a bit more serious (but his quips are hilarious), and a man of few words, but high in standing. I can tell that both are totally devoted to one another and it is just a great addition.

Emma and her friends stumble into a murder seen and subsequently investigate the murder of Mrs. Elton, the Vicar’s wife, when Emma can see that the constable and village Doctor are stubborn and are traveling down the wrong path towards injustice.

What ensues is a great murder mystery with sass, twists, turns, and one-liners that made me laugh out loud. I thoroughly enjoyed this and look forward to the next in this series.


4.5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Kensington Publishing | Kensington for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 10/22/24.