Murder Most Persuasive is the second cozy mystery featuring Eliza Darcy, written by Jessica Berg. Released 7th June 2024, it's 308 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The first book in the series, Murder Most Pemberley, is also currently available on KU.

This is a fun humorous homage cozy series featuring an intelligent and likable young female protagonist and a wonky crew of amateurs helping her solve the next murder and clear the name of the unfairly accused (in the case, DCI Finn Wentworth). It's not absolutely necessary to be a die-hard Austen fan to enjoy this series, but there are Easter eggs aplenty in little references to Persuasion and other Austen-esque name drops throughout the story.

It's the second book in the series, but it works well enough as a standalone. It's not too much over the top, but in typical cozy fashion, it's full of eccentric characters and slightly wonky (mostly humorous) situations. The climax, denouement, and resolution are satisfying and not too silly. Lighthearted and clean.

Four stars. It would make a nice weekend binge/buddy read and a cozy standalone read by the fire with a big pot of tea and a four legged friend.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

I am not an Austen fan so some of the references in this book were lost on me, although I think they were easy enough to understand with the context given. The mystery was interesting and had me guessing but it was just so much longer than it needed to be. I enjoy the setting and characters enough to continue on with the series.

I found it enjoyable to go back and visit these characters. I like the setting. The mystery kept me guessing. I liked getting to know the Inspector better as well. I hope to see more of these.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Honestly, I didn’t get very far in this book. It just didn’t grab my attention at all and I was completely bored by it. Granted, I didn’t read the first one, so maybe that’s why I couldn’t get into it? I don’t know, but it’s a DNF (did not finish) for me.

This book was gripping and hard to put down. It didn't feel like everything else you see out there, it felt very fresh. I really enjoyed this book!

Murder Most Persuasive is book two in the Eliza Darcy series. A very fast-paced read with many twists and turns.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital arc.

Murder Most Persuasive is book 2 in the (Eliza Darcy Mysteries). Detective Chief Inspector Finn Wentworth shows up on the doorstep at Pemberly Hall, soaking wet and accused of murder. Eliza knows he is innocent, so she hides him in a secret room and gets her sleuthing gang together to solve the murder. There is a twisty plot, numerous suspects, lots of red herrings, as well as some humor sprinkled throughout. The characters are well drawn out and likeable, especially spunky Aunt Iris and her knitting needles!

I enjoyed this 2nd book in the series more than the first. With a better understanding of the flashback to reading Elizabeth Bennett-Darcy’s diaries and the modern-day Eliza figuring out her continuing romance with Heath, I jumped right back in and couldn’t put the book down. I was happy to have Great-Aunt Iris front and center at the start of the book with her continued wit and crime-solving spirit. It reminds me a little bit of Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series with her Grandmother helping her solve mysteries. It was nice to have some of the character relationships move forward at a faster pace so that we get to hear about Eliza’s parents and Uncle healing from their past, though it is still a bumpy ride. The Inspector having to take a somewhat reversed role as the one seeking help was a nice twist and he and Eliza figuring out their relationship to be able to work together. Can’t wait to see what happens next.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.