Another delightful Austenesque mystery in this series... The Perils of Lady Catherine de Bourgh by Claudia Gray (Review) #mustread #5starread #cleanreads#theperilsofladycatherinedebourgh #mrdarcyandmisstilneymysteries #claudiagray #historicalmystery #austenesquefiction #newbooks #bookx #austenprosepr @claudiagray @VintageAnchor @austenprose

Welcome to my tour stop for this delightful book! Read my 5-star review below...

The Perils of Lady Catherine de Bourgh

(Mr. Darcy & Miss Tilney Mystery #3)

By Claudia Gray

Historical Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Austenesque, Adaptation

Paperback, eBook & Audiobook, 352 Pages

June 18, 2024 by Vintage

Summary

The third book in the Mr. Darcy & 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.

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My Review

THE PERILS OF LADY CATHERINE DE BOURGH is another delightful Austenesque mystery series perfect for Austen fans! Fans of the series will love immersing themselves with these characters and another mystery, while those new to the series will also enjoy seeing familiar characters and getting to know the next generation as a mystery is solved. Likable characters (one neurodivergent), an engaging plot, and a touch of romance make this a very enjoyable read!

I loved being back with Jonathan and Juliet as they try to figure out the mystery of the threats against Lady Catherine de Bourgh. I love both of these characters and the workings of their imaginations and minds. Jonathan has a bit more of a struggle being neurodivergent, which wasn't something understood very well during this time period. It makes for more of a challenge in some things but not in others. Juliet is a bit unconventional for a woman at the time, even though solving mysteries was forced upon her a bit by circumstance. Both their fathers travel with them on this adventure about 20 years from when Pride and Prejudice took place. The Collins and Colonel Fitzwilliam are all present for this story as well, so there is a mix of familiar characters who we get to know on a deeper level years later as well as some new characters. Although, those who aren't familiar with Austen can certainly enjoy this story as well, it is better enjoyed if readers are.

This is a cozy mystery with plenty of possible suspects. and a touch of romance. I liked that as the story progressed there were more and more red herrings as there is more than just attempted murder going on. When you have some hidden secrets by some of the characters it makes you doubt if they're as innocent as you think or hope. Only as the story neared the end was it clear who the villain was. It's not often that a story can keep me guessing and in such an enjoyable way. The historical aspects were done well, with the societal norms and expectations of the time properly portrayed and also addressed, which I felt was a lovely nod to Austen. I also appreciated that the romantic aspect didn't overtake the mystery but was well balanced and a continual thread in this series. I'm hopeful for an eventual happy-ever-after for these characters.

In the end, was it what I wished for? I loved reading this newest addition to the series! A truly delightful read! I'm hopeful there will be at least two more books in this series to come as we need one set in the story of Emma and one set in the story of Northanger Abbey.

Content: Attempted murder.
Source: I received a complimentary copy through Austenprose, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Other Books in the Series

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About the Author

Claudia Gray is the pseudonym of Amy Vincent. She is the author of the Mr. Darcy and Miss Tilney Mysteries, which began with The Murder of Mr. Wickham. She is also the writer of multiple young adult novels, including the Evernight series, the Firebird trilogy, and the Constellation trilogy; in addition, she’s written several Star Wars novels, such as Lost Stars and Bloodline, and is one of the story architects of the High Republic series. She makes her home in New Orleans with her husband Paul and assorted small dogs.

You can find the author here.

Are you fan of this author or cozy historical mysteries? Have you read any of the books in this series? Have you read any other stories set in another author's fictional world?