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Lady Worthing Mysteries #3
Murder in Berkeley Square
Offering “a vibrant picture of the roles Black and mixed-race people played in Regency life” (Publishers Weekly), this unique historical mystery series, featuring a mixed-race heroine with a notorious past, will appeal to Bridgerton fans who want a sharper edge to their drama.
A marriage of convenience saved Lady Abigail Worthing’s family from disgrace, but she’s finding her absent husband's endless conditions increasingly repressive. Unable to stay at their London home during the oncoming winter, she accepts a ride to the country from her neighbor, Stapleton Henderson. However, she's less than delighted that she’s his excuse to avoid a dinner held by Lord Charles Duncan, one of London's most powerful—and relentless—magistrates. More irritating, women are decidedly unwelcome at the evening’s prestigious discussion of criminality—even though Abigail and Stapleton have solved several cases together . . .
Then an unexpected blizzard strands them at Lord Duncan’s with his now-houseguests. Suddenly, an evening of fine dining, fine brandy, and insightful debate becomes an inescapable—and deadly—ordeal. The ultimate test for Abigial’s skill. One of the dinner guests is found dead in front of the Berkley Square mansion. And when another party is murdered, Abigail discovers each had received a taunting, prophetic nursery rhyme . . . coincidence, or clues left by a killer on the loose?
Through deft interrogation, she learns everyone present is connected to Lord Duncan's greatest failure in the the conviction of a Martinique plantation informant for a murder he didn’t commit. But as Abigail races to find who was really responsible for the miscarriage of justice, she'll be forced to put her own and Stapleton's lives at risk in a gambit that will alter their fates forever—or end them permanently.
A marriage of convenience saved Lady Abigail Worthing’s family from disgrace, but she’s finding her absent husband's endless conditions increasingly repressive. Unable to stay at their London home during the oncoming winter, she accepts a ride to the country from her neighbor, Stapleton Henderson. However, she's less than delighted that she’s his excuse to avoid a dinner held by Lord Charles Duncan, one of London's most powerful—and relentless—magistrates. More irritating, women are decidedly unwelcome at the evening’s prestigious discussion of criminality—even though Abigail and Stapleton have solved several cases together . . .
Then an unexpected blizzard strands them at Lord Duncan’s with his now-houseguests. Suddenly, an evening of fine dining, fine brandy, and insightful debate becomes an inescapable—and deadly—ordeal. The ultimate test for Abigial’s skill. One of the dinner guests is found dead in front of the Berkley Square mansion. And when another party is murdered, Abigail discovers each had received a taunting, prophetic nursery rhyme . . . coincidence, or clues left by a killer on the loose?
Through deft interrogation, she learns everyone present is connected to Lord Duncan's greatest failure in the the conviction of a Martinique plantation informant for a murder he didn’t commit. But as Abigail races to find who was really responsible for the miscarriage of justice, she'll be forced to put her own and Stapleton's lives at risk in a gambit that will alter their fates forever—or end them permanently.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 24, 2024
21 people are currently reading
1757 people want to read
About the author
Vanessa Riley
43 books1,691 followersI'm Vanessa Riley, and I write Historical Fiction of dazzling multi-culture communities of the 1750s to 1830s, The Revolutionary Years. I write for readers who treasure and share with friends books that showcase women, power, strong sisterhoods, and love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
August 13, 2024
Vanessa Riley takes And Then There Were None, but sets it at a Regency-era dinner party where guests are stranded by a blizzard. On top of that, we get incredibly satisfying developments in our characters, great relationship development, a look at how Haiti's revolution was viewed in England, and a stunning twist at the very end. This is an absolute banger and my favorite book in the series so far.
As the story opens, our main character, Abigail Carrington Monroe, aka Lady Worthing, and her cousin have accepted a ride from their neighbor to Cheapside, where they'll spend the holidays with family. The neighbor, Captain Stapleton Henderson, has been invited by Lord Duncan, the magistrate, for dinner and will be dropped off along the way. A blizzard makes them all stop at the magistrate's house, as traveling to Cheapside has become impossible. The dinner party is an annual "Night of Regrets" affair with men who live around Berkley Square and the presence of Abbie, her cousin, and their maid delays the dinner. As guests start turning up dead, Abbie and Henderson team up once again to investigate.
Riley has a way of revealing the backstories of her characters slowly and this installment in the Lady Worthing series reveals more of Abigail's and Lord Duncan's past. We knew the basics of Abbie's rise to Lady Worthing, but the full picture becomes clearer in this story.
The most delightful scene comes after Henderson's drink is laced with belladonna and he becomes affectionate with a very sober Abbie. Of course, this comes during a murder investigation, so they are interrupted by the task at hand. The big twist leaves us with a cliffhanger of sorts.
Abigail's involvement in the abolitionist movement runs through this series and the new from Haiti and details connected to Martinique solidify the timing of this Regency-era story. Many books set in this period use Napoleon as a reference point and pass over the West Indies.
I read the first two books again before diving into this one and it made the revealing moments of this one so exciting. I can't wait for the next book!
As the story opens, our main character, Abigail Carrington Monroe, aka Lady Worthing, and her cousin have accepted a ride from their neighbor to Cheapside, where they'll spend the holidays with family. The neighbor, Captain Stapleton Henderson, has been invited by Lord Duncan, the magistrate, for dinner and will be dropped off along the way. A blizzard makes them all stop at the magistrate's house, as traveling to Cheapside has become impossible. The dinner party is an annual "Night of Regrets" affair with men who live around Berkley Square and the presence of Abbie, her cousin, and their maid delays the dinner. As guests start turning up dead, Abbie and Henderson team up once again to investigate.
Riley has a way of revealing the backstories of her characters slowly and this installment in the Lady Worthing series reveals more of Abigail's and Lord Duncan's past. We knew the basics of Abbie's rise to Lady Worthing, but the full picture becomes clearer in this story.
The most delightful scene comes after Henderson's drink is laced with belladonna and he becomes affectionate with a very sober Abbie. Of course, this comes during a murder investigation, so they are interrupted by the task at hand. The big twist leaves us with a cliffhanger of sorts.
Abigail's involvement in the abolitionist movement runs through this series and the new from Haiti and details connected to Martinique solidify the timing of this Regency-era story. Many books set in this period use Napoleon as a reference point and pass over the West Indies.
I read the first two books again before diving into this one and it made the revealing moments of this one so exciting. I can't wait for the next book!
September 9, 2024
I received a free copy of, Murder in Berkeley Square, by Vanessa Riley, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book 3 of 3 in The Lady Worthing Mysteries. Lady Abigail Worthing is not happy in her marriage of convenience, her husband is never around. A winter storm hits London, she goes with her neighbor Stapelton Henderson to the country. This was an interesting period piece.
September 23, 2024
Nights of terror!
Based on Agatha Christie’s novel of Ten Little Indians, Riley has once again given us a mystery that literally chills some of the victims and the reader to the backbone. Instead of the guests marooned on an island they’re snowed in at Berkley Square just before Christmas Eve due to a punishing blizzard.
Lady Abigail Worthing, her cousin Miss Flo (Florentina) Sewell and Commander Stapleton Henderson are enroute to a family Christmas in Cheapside. The Commander stops by Berkley Square to give his apologies for not attending the Magistrate of London, Lord Duncan Flower’s annual dinner, Night of Regrets, in honor of his dead first wife Anna Violet.
The group attending are all men, neighbours of Berkley Square.
At the Square Abigail spies someone sitting on a seat in the square, a very dead someone. By now they’re snowed in and have to stay at Lord Duncan’s house.
Abigail has gained a reputation of being a highly intelligent sleuth. Here however, she and her cousin Flo feel the need to act as hapless women, the very thing the men all expect. Hard for both of them.
The next days are terror filled as guests keep being murdered. Prior to their death each of the men has a riddle from a Martinique rhyme sung by slaves as they were about to attack their masters. One of the guests had introduced the rhymes to make the dinner more memorable, maybe not as memorable as this.
The tension is high. Abigail and Henderson draw closer to each other in this latest murder inquiry.
We are left with Abigail coming to a decision that will change her life, or will she?
I’m hooked I’ve read all the titles in the series, and have high expectations for the next.
A Kensington ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Based on Agatha Christie’s novel of Ten Little Indians, Riley has once again given us a mystery that literally chills some of the victims and the reader to the backbone. Instead of the guests marooned on an island they’re snowed in at Berkley Square just before Christmas Eve due to a punishing blizzard.
Lady Abigail Worthing, her cousin Miss Flo (Florentina) Sewell and Commander Stapleton Henderson are enroute to a family Christmas in Cheapside. The Commander stops by Berkley Square to give his apologies for not attending the Magistrate of London, Lord Duncan Flower’s annual dinner, Night of Regrets, in honor of his dead first wife Anna Violet.
The group attending are all men, neighbours of Berkley Square.
At the Square Abigail spies someone sitting on a seat in the square, a very dead someone. By now they’re snowed in and have to stay at Lord Duncan’s house.
Abigail has gained a reputation of being a highly intelligent sleuth. Here however, she and her cousin Flo feel the need to act as hapless women, the very thing the men all expect. Hard for both of them.
The next days are terror filled as guests keep being murdered. Prior to their death each of the men has a riddle from a Martinique rhyme sung by slaves as they were about to attack their masters. One of the guests had introduced the rhymes to make the dinner more memorable, maybe not as memorable as this.
The tension is high. Abigail and Henderson draw closer to each other in this latest murder inquiry.
We are left with Abigail coming to a decision that will change her life, or will she?
I’m hooked I’ve read all the titles in the series, and have high expectations for the next.
A Kensington ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
September 24, 2024
This was a very engaging read. The main character is Abbie, Lady Worthing and to some extent, her neighbour, Stapleton Henderson. Abbie is quite a determined character and has a knack for solving murders. She also feels passionately about racism and slavery. Abbie is a lover of lists and they play a part in her in investigation. This is a complex case to solve and old grievances play a part. There is also the ongoing relationship between Abbie and Stapleton, platonic at the moment but could it be more in the future and how does Abbie’s adventure seeking husband fit into her life? I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 13, 2024
First book I have read in this series.
Whilst clever, my advance reader copy of this book sorely needed a good editor, the typos and changes in tense were annoying and I hope have been corrected in the final draft. I found the ending, where two supposedly good men acted as judge and jury, disappointing and depressing. I doubt I will read more in this series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Whilst clever, my advance reader copy of this book sorely needed a good editor, the typos and changes in tense were annoying and I hope have been corrected in the final draft. I found the ending, where two supposedly good men acted as judge and jury, disappointing and depressing. I doubt I will read more in this series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 8, 2024
4.5 stars
Vanessa Riley’s latest historical mystery in the Lady Worthing series is a delightful Regency twist on And Then Were None. I loved Riley’s take on the classic Agatha Christie novel, and I especially love the way she not only addresses the original version’s racist connotations (in her author’s note) but also reclaims it in Murder in Berkeley Square with her inclusion of so many wonderful Black and mixed race characters. She also turns an important spotlight on the fight for abolition in the West Indies at the time, the Haitian revolution, and the Martinique slave revolt. I love getting nuggets of this type of history – the kind I never learned about in school – while I’m reading fiction and then doing more research on my own to educate myself further.
Lady Worthing (Abigail), her cousin Florentina, Abigail’s maid Miss Bellows, and Abigail’s neighbor (and friend who is crazy about her) Stapleton add vibrancy to this story, and my immediate liking of each character had me invested in the outcome and hoping they would still be able to salvage their holiday and … you know… stay alive. Speaking of Stapleton and Abigail and their obvious chemistry, I very much appreciated the fact that, since Abigail is still married (albeit a loveless union to a guy who proves himself to be lower than scum in this book), their growing affection toward one another is stemmed by their mutual integrity. Though, there’s a super cute scene when Stapleton is … shall we say… not himself and gives us and Abigail a peek at his deeper feelings. I’m very curious to see where Riley takes their friendship, especially given some stunning events later on in the book.
The mystery in Murder in Berkeley Square roped me in right from the captivating prologue and kept me completely engaged with the eerie poem that forms the backdrop for the plot. The snowed-in setting – a square of society homes whose men have gathered at one home for a sobering annual purpose – is a perfect fit for the overall vibe of the story. And as the men are picked off, one by one, the idyllic-appearing home provides an ironic contrast to the high-stakes race against time to figure out who’s next. Abigail’s crime solving instincts make for a smart and compelling read, but I also loved that she’s not so strong that she doesn’t react naturally to the deaths.
Bottom Line: Murder in Berkeley Square by Vanessa Riley is the ideal escape for a spooky autumn night or a snowy winter one or, for that matter, any time of day or year. Layered characters, including an insightful glimpse into life as mixed race/Black Britons of the era, draw you in and keep you reading as much as for their interactions as the mystery itself. But while we’re on the subject, the ‘snowed-in house’ murders that Abigail and her entourage inadvertently find themselves in the middle of are cleverly written so that you may not know what you think you know. I am looking forward to more books in this series, particularly after the events at the very end, to see what happens now for these characters and what mysteries they’ll stumble upon next. Vanessa Riley’s writing voice works perfectly for this type of story, and I also appreciate the history she seamlessly amplifies as well.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
Vanessa Riley’s latest historical mystery in the Lady Worthing series is a delightful Regency twist on And Then Were None. I loved Riley’s take on the classic Agatha Christie novel, and I especially love the way she not only addresses the original version’s racist connotations (in her author’s note) but also reclaims it in Murder in Berkeley Square with her inclusion of so many wonderful Black and mixed race characters. She also turns an important spotlight on the fight for abolition in the West Indies at the time, the Haitian revolution, and the Martinique slave revolt. I love getting nuggets of this type of history – the kind I never learned about in school – while I’m reading fiction and then doing more research on my own to educate myself further.
Lady Worthing (Abigail), her cousin Florentina, Abigail’s maid Miss Bellows, and Abigail’s neighbor (and friend who is crazy about her) Stapleton add vibrancy to this story, and my immediate liking of each character had me invested in the outcome and hoping they would still be able to salvage their holiday and … you know… stay alive. Speaking of Stapleton and Abigail and their obvious chemistry, I very much appreciated the fact that, since Abigail is still married (albeit a loveless union to a guy who proves himself to be lower than scum in this book), their growing affection toward one another is stemmed by their mutual integrity. Though, there’s a super cute scene when Stapleton is … shall we say… not himself and gives us and Abigail a peek at his deeper feelings. I’m very curious to see where Riley takes their friendship, especially given some stunning events later on in the book.
The mystery in Murder in Berkeley Square roped me in right from the captivating prologue and kept me completely engaged with the eerie poem that forms the backdrop for the plot. The snowed-in setting – a square of society homes whose men have gathered at one home for a sobering annual purpose – is a perfect fit for the overall vibe of the story. And as the men are picked off, one by one, the idyllic-appearing home provides an ironic contrast to the high-stakes race against time to figure out who’s next. Abigail’s crime solving instincts make for a smart and compelling read, but I also loved that she’s not so strong that she doesn’t react naturally to the deaths.
Bottom Line: Murder in Berkeley Square by Vanessa Riley is the ideal escape for a spooky autumn night or a snowy winter one or, for that matter, any time of day or year. Layered characters, including an insightful glimpse into life as mixed race/Black Britons of the era, draw you in and keep you reading as much as for their interactions as the mystery itself. But while we’re on the subject, the ‘snowed-in house’ murders that Abigail and her entourage inadvertently find themselves in the middle of are cleverly written so that you may not know what you think you know. I am looking forward to more books in this series, particularly after the events at the very end, to see what happens now for these characters and what mysteries they’ll stumble upon next. Vanessa Riley’s writing voice works perfectly for this type of story, and I also appreciate the history she seamlessly amplifies as well.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
September 16, 2024
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Vanessa Riley for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Murder in Berkeley Square coming out September 24, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
A marriage of convenience saved Lady Abigail Worthing’s family from disgrace, but she’s finding her absent husband's endless conditions increasingly repressive. Unable to stay at their London home during the oncoming winter, she accepts a ride to the country from her neighbor, Stapleton Henderson. However, she's less than delighted that she’s his excuse to avoid a dinner held by Lord Charles Duncan, one of London's most powerful—and relentless—magistrates. More irritating, women are decidedly unwelcome at the evening’s prestigious discussion of criminality—even though Abigail and Stapleton have solved several cases together . . .
Then an unexpected blizzard strands them at Lord Duncan’s with his now-houseguests. Suddenly, an evening of fine dining, fine brandy, and insightful debate becomes an inescapable—and deadly—ordeal. The ultimate test for Abigial’s skill. One of the dinner guests is found dead in front of the Berkley Square mansion. And when another party is murdered, Abigail discovers each had received a taunting, prophetic nursery rhyme . . . coincidence, or clues left by a killer on the loose?
Through deft interrogation, she learns everyone present is connected to Lord Duncan's greatest failure in the courts: the conviction of a Martinique plantation informant for a murder he didn’t commit. But as Abigail races to find who was really responsible for the miscarriage of justice, she'll be forced to put her own and Stapleton's lives at risk in a gambit that will alter their fates forever—or end them permanently.
I really love this series and this author! It definitely felt like a Regency Era And Then There Were None. I read the author’s note that she loves Agatha Christie. I’m also obsessed with Christie, so I really loved that homage to her. I really love dinner murder mysteries. There’s a lot going on with Lady Abigail Worthing in this book. I love the character development. This book offers a lot of diversity. As a mixed race person, I love to see other mixed race characters in books. If there are more books in the series, I’ll definitely check them out!
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys regency murder mysteries!
A marriage of convenience saved Lady Abigail Worthing’s family from disgrace, but she’s finding her absent husband's endless conditions increasingly repressive. Unable to stay at their London home during the oncoming winter, she accepts a ride to the country from her neighbor, Stapleton Henderson. However, she's less than delighted that she’s his excuse to avoid a dinner held by Lord Charles Duncan, one of London's most powerful—and relentless—magistrates. More irritating, women are decidedly unwelcome at the evening’s prestigious discussion of criminality—even though Abigail and Stapleton have solved several cases together . . .
Then an unexpected blizzard strands them at Lord Duncan’s with his now-houseguests. Suddenly, an evening of fine dining, fine brandy, and insightful debate becomes an inescapable—and deadly—ordeal. The ultimate test for Abigial’s skill. One of the dinner guests is found dead in front of the Berkley Square mansion. And when another party is murdered, Abigail discovers each had received a taunting, prophetic nursery rhyme . . . coincidence, or clues left by a killer on the loose?
Through deft interrogation, she learns everyone present is connected to Lord Duncan's greatest failure in the courts: the conviction of a Martinique plantation informant for a murder he didn’t commit. But as Abigail races to find who was really responsible for the miscarriage of justice, she'll be forced to put her own and Stapleton's lives at risk in a gambit that will alter their fates forever—or end them permanently.
I really love this series and this author! It definitely felt like a Regency Era And Then There Were None. I read the author’s note that she loves Agatha Christie. I’m also obsessed with Christie, so I really loved that homage to her. I really love dinner murder mysteries. There’s a lot going on with Lady Abigail Worthing in this book. I love the character development. This book offers a lot of diversity. As a mixed race person, I love to see other mixed race characters in books. If there are more books in the series, I’ll definitely check them out!
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys regency murder mysteries!
August 25, 2024
An advance reader copy of the book was provided to me by Netgalley but this review represents my honest opinion.
This was a new author and series for me, but I love period mysteries so I decided to give it a try. And I'm very glad I did. First of all, I hadn't realized before that the main character was a woman of Caribbean ancestry, which was fascinating. It's a view of Regency England that I haven't seen before and I'm grateful to learn about it.
Second, there's an ongoing background discussion of Hayti (Haiti) that I loved. It made me sad because I work on a program with Haitian youth and it's both wholly depressing and incredibly inspiring, and one feels that here too. Haiti carried the hope of a lot of people, and seeing that hope take a beating, seeing the grief of the Female Main Character (FMC), hurt a bit. But it gave the book an added element.
The mystery itself has a delightful throwback to Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None. Given the disturbing racist origins of the title, it seemed an apt choice for a series with a FMC who is Black. Despite Christie's unfortunate original title choice, and some of the racism in her work, the book is a masterclass in classic mystery writing, and I love seeing modern writers pay homage to it.
There is also a romantic subplot, but this is not a romance. There is no happily ever after, and I wouldn't even say there is a happy for now as much as an underlying current. We get the FMC's views of what's going on and I think I get some of what isn't being said on the page, but the situation is by no means resolved.
There was a lot to enjoy but I have two small issues. First, the mystery fell short for me with the revelation of the main villain. It was almost convincing but not all the way there. I felt like there needed to be more clues to their identity in in the text. The second is that the FMC can't seem to decide between damsel in distress or can do anything. But maybe that's not fair- aren't we all ricocheting between those two states of being?
Overall I just discovered a new series and I can't wait to read more! I appreciate learning about a new segment of Regency society and the homage to one of my favorite classic mysteries. And I very much want to know what happens next for Abigail.
This was a new author and series for me, but I love period mysteries so I decided to give it a try. And I'm very glad I did. First of all, I hadn't realized before that the main character was a woman of Caribbean ancestry, which was fascinating. It's a view of Regency England that I haven't seen before and I'm grateful to learn about it.
Second, there's an ongoing background discussion of Hayti (Haiti) that I loved. It made me sad because I work on a program with Haitian youth and it's both wholly depressing and incredibly inspiring, and one feels that here too. Haiti carried the hope of a lot of people, and seeing that hope take a beating, seeing the grief of the Female Main Character (FMC), hurt a bit. But it gave the book an added element.
The mystery itself has a delightful throwback to Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None. Given the disturbing racist origins of the title, it seemed an apt choice for a series with a FMC who is Black. Despite Christie's unfortunate original title choice, and some of the racism in her work, the book is a masterclass in classic mystery writing, and I love seeing modern writers pay homage to it.
There is also a romantic subplot, but this is not a romance. There is no happily ever after, and I wouldn't even say there is a happy for now as much as an underlying current. We get the FMC's views of what's going on and I think I get some of what isn't being said on the page, but the situation is by no means resolved.
There was a lot to enjoy but I have two small issues. First, the mystery fell short for me with the revelation of the main villain. It was almost convincing but not all the way there. I felt like there needed to be more clues to their identity in in the text. The second is that the FMC can't seem to decide between damsel in distress or can do anything. But maybe that's not fair- aren't we all ricocheting between those two states of being?
Overall I just discovered a new series and I can't wait to read more! I appreciate learning about a new segment of Regency society and the homage to one of my favorite classic mysteries. And I very much want to know what happens next for Abigail.
September 10, 2024
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
It appears Vanessa Riley has disappointed me for the second time this year, although with this one, Murder in Berkeley Square, it wasn’t as unexpected, given that I did take time to warm to this series initially. This was a classic case of things I didn’t like about the first book coming back, plus it not being my favorite style of mystery.
Riley continues to do a great job with the historical research into Black people in the 19th century. I particularly liked the mention of the assassination of Jean-Jacques Dessalines, which she previously wrote about in one of her historical fiction books. I also caught onto the homage to Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None, and while it feeds into some of my complaints plot-wise, I like how she reimagines the concept (with its checkered, racist history) in a way that is much more inclusive of Black people, just as she has in her books in general.
Abigail was all right, but I didn’t feel invested in her as a protagonist this time around. I keep expecting something deeply personal to happen for her, particularly where her husband is concerned, and I just never get that satisfaction.
As for the mystery, one thing about this setup is that it involves a bunch of very privileged, often unlikable people trapped together as they’re picked off, and I find I rarely care about them for that reason, and that’s the case here. And the murder investigation “notes” included felt incredibly repetitive, reminding me of what I knew already, along with the new developments…trust your readers to remember who’s dead and who’s a suspect!
As much as I like Vanessa Riley as an author, I’m contemplating giving up on this series, given my general apathy towards historical mysteries, doubly so when they lean on the cozier end of the spectrum. But I do like what she offers the genre, as with the others she writes in, as historical mysteries with Black leads are still comparatively rare. If that sounds interesting to you, I’d recommend checking out the series for yourself and seeing how you feel.
It appears Vanessa Riley has disappointed me for the second time this year, although with this one, Murder in Berkeley Square, it wasn’t as unexpected, given that I did take time to warm to this series initially. This was a classic case of things I didn’t like about the first book coming back, plus it not being my favorite style of mystery.
Riley continues to do a great job with the historical research into Black people in the 19th century. I particularly liked the mention of the assassination of Jean-Jacques Dessalines, which she previously wrote about in one of her historical fiction books. I also caught onto the homage to Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None, and while it feeds into some of my complaints plot-wise, I like how she reimagines the concept (with its checkered, racist history) in a way that is much more inclusive of Black people, just as she has in her books in general.
Abigail was all right, but I didn’t feel invested in her as a protagonist this time around. I keep expecting something deeply personal to happen for her, particularly where her husband is concerned, and I just never get that satisfaction.
As for the mystery, one thing about this setup is that it involves a bunch of very privileged, often unlikable people trapped together as they’re picked off, and I find I rarely care about them for that reason, and that’s the case here. And the murder investigation “notes” included felt incredibly repetitive, reminding me of what I knew already, along with the new developments…trust your readers to remember who’s dead and who’s a suspect!
As much as I like Vanessa Riley as an author, I’m contemplating giving up on this series, given my general apathy towards historical mysteries, doubly so when they lean on the cozier end of the spectrum. But I do like what she offers the genre, as with the others she writes in, as historical mysteries with Black leads are still comparatively rare. If that sounds interesting to you, I’d recommend checking out the series for yourself and seeing how you feel.
August 30, 2024
BIPOC Paranormal Historical Mystery set in 1806 England that follows a psychic mixed-race lady and her neighbor as they turn sleuths after a blizzard strands them at a dinner party and someone starts killing off guests.
4/5 stars: This is the third entry in Riley's Lady Worthing Mysteries series which is a Paranormal Historical Mystery set in 1806 England featuring a mixed-race noblewoman who has psychic visions and her retired military man neighbor as they team up after they're stranded by a a blizzard during a dinner party and someone starts killing off guests. With plenty of twists and turns, Riley has masterfully crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects and weaves in plenty of clues and red herrings that will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Oh and Riley hit all the right notes with this Agatha Christie And Then There Were None homage. The paranormal elements are minimal; Abbie has visions/feelings that she's learning to decipher. Additionally, Riley's writing and character work are stellar; the main characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable and the secondary cast members are well crafted and uniquely voiced. Abbie's life's complicated but she's tough and remains determined and I look forward to seeing her navigate her circumstances. Also, It's great to catch up with her mathematician cousin Florentina (Flo) and see the friendship with her neighbor Stapleton become more easy. The paranormal elements are minimal; Abbie has visions/feelings that she's learning to decipher. Riley doesn't skimp on the historical research and it shows, neither does she hold back on touching on some very tough topics, so take care and the CWs. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, Murder in Westminster.
I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and ARC provided by Kensington Publishing | Kensington in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.
4/5 stars: This is the third entry in Riley's Lady Worthing Mysteries series which is a Paranormal Historical Mystery set in 1806 England featuring a mixed-race noblewoman who has psychic visions and her retired military man neighbor as they team up after they're stranded by a a blizzard during a dinner party and someone starts killing off guests. With plenty of twists and turns, Riley has masterfully crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects and weaves in plenty of clues and red herrings that will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Oh and Riley hit all the right notes with this Agatha Christie And Then There Were None homage. The paranormal elements are minimal; Abbie has visions/feelings that she's learning to decipher. Additionally, Riley's writing and character work are stellar; the main characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable and the secondary cast members are well crafted and uniquely voiced. Abbie's life's complicated but she's tough and remains determined and I look forward to seeing her navigate her circumstances. Also, It's great to catch up with her mathematician cousin Florentina (Flo) and see the friendship with her neighbor Stapleton become more easy. The paranormal elements are minimal; Abbie has visions/feelings that she's learning to decipher. Riley doesn't skimp on the historical research and it shows, neither does she hold back on touching on some very tough topics, so take care and the CWs. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, Murder in Westminster.
I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and ARC provided by Kensington Publishing | Kensington in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.
September 23, 2024
I thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for an advance reader copy of Murder in Berkeley Square. All opinions and comments are my own.
News of the assassination of the Emperor of Hayti (or it’s called in modern times, Haiti), discussion of the racial issues that we know about from previous books (because Abigail, Lady Worthing is of mixed race), and the miserable confessions emerging from an annual dinner party titled the Night of Regrets (is that why the man in the prologue is dead?) confront Lady Worthing, her cousin Florentina and helpful neighbor Commander Henderson in Murder in Berkeley Square, the latest in the Regency-era series by Vanessa Riley. And while the assassination and its implications may be of importance to only a few beside Abigail and Florentina, it is the consequences of the events at the party, and earlier occurrences that happened in this house on Berkeley Square that will see Lady Worthing using all her skills of deduction to solve several crimes, both present and past.
I enjoyed Murder in Berkeley Square, for all its complicated and somewhat confusing twists and turns and thus what at times seemed like two steps forward and three steps back. I enjoy the character of Lady Worthing, and can appreciate (and abhor) her dilemma, given the temper of the times (and now that ending is going to open a whole new set of problems). In this, her third outing, she must fight misogyny (unsurprising) and her personal complications to ensure that no one escapes the consequences of their actions.
News of the assassination of the Emperor of Hayti (or it’s called in modern times, Haiti), discussion of the racial issues that we know about from previous books (because Abigail, Lady Worthing is of mixed race), and the miserable confessions emerging from an annual dinner party titled the Night of Regrets (is that why the man in the prologue is dead?) confront Lady Worthing, her cousin Florentina and helpful neighbor Commander Henderson in Murder in Berkeley Square, the latest in the Regency-era series by Vanessa Riley. And while the assassination and its implications may be of importance to only a few beside Abigail and Florentina, it is the consequences of the events at the party, and earlier occurrences that happened in this house on Berkeley Square that will see Lady Worthing using all her skills of deduction to solve several crimes, both present and past.
I enjoyed Murder in Berkeley Square, for all its complicated and somewhat confusing twists and turns and thus what at times seemed like two steps forward and three steps back. I enjoy the character of Lady Worthing, and can appreciate (and abhor) her dilemma, given the temper of the times (and now that ending is going to open a whole new set of problems). In this, her third outing, she must fight misogyny (unsurprising) and her personal complications to ensure that no one escapes the consequences of their actions.
December 6, 2024
3.25 stars. One thing I can say about this series is that the book reads really fast. I flew through this book and finished in one day. The writing is easy and the mystery is often straight forward, which can be a cozy and reassuring thing. I didn’t know what I wanted to read so I decided to continue with this story. Now, if the author decides to continue this series…I need more steam. I’m TIREDDDD of this slow burn. I am soooo frustrated at Lady Worthing and Stapleton that I wanna scream. I couldn’t get A KISS?!!! After 3 BOOKS?!!!! Damn it! And then you’re gonna leave me with this cliffhanger?!!!! I was so sure after this book I wouldn’t continue with this series, but now I must know and I am soooo mad about it. This author knows what she’s doing, she has me invested in their love story or LACK THEREOF! Also, I appreciate that they didn’t make Flo a big player in this storyline. I still found her annoying but she was a backseater in the story so I wasn’t too upset. I need more scenes with the love interest please. It’s time to dial the steam up a bit, otherwise the next one is it for me. I’m frustrated and low-key want cheese and wine lol. But overall, the story was good. Even towards the end, the story got a little scary. I was jumping at the slightest sounds. It was done very well and can’t wait to read the next one!!!
January 7, 2025
2.5/5 stars, rounded down
I regret to say that I found this book to be heavily disappointing. I believe the ideas behind the story are important and worthwhile, and I have a great appreciation for the history shared within the story.
But it’s frankly not a good novel, and I suspect its publication was rushed so it could be marketed as a Christmas novel. I think it would’ve benefitted from more intensive editing, even if it meant waiting until next October for the next Christmas book season.
Its usage of the structure and general plot of And Then There Were None could’ve been good in theory, but it fell flat in execution, which I was extremely saddened by, especially considering the author’s note talking about the true history behind the rhyme Christie’s book is named and modeled after. The pacing is all over the place and at no point hits the right note, and there were still many SPAG errors in the text that editors and copy editors should’ve found. The characters were also very flat, and their moods and behaviors hugely changeable from paragraph to paragraph—this is, unfortunately, something I think may be indicative of the author’s style, as I had similar frustrations with other novels both in this series and in others.
Overall, the story could’ve been great, and I’m sad to say I found it much less than that.
I regret to say that I found this book to be heavily disappointing. I believe the ideas behind the story are important and worthwhile, and I have a great appreciation for the history shared within the story.
But it’s frankly not a good novel, and I suspect its publication was rushed so it could be marketed as a Christmas novel. I think it would’ve benefitted from more intensive editing, even if it meant waiting until next October for the next Christmas book season.
Its usage of the structure and general plot of And Then There Were None could’ve been good in theory, but it fell flat in execution, which I was extremely saddened by, especially considering the author’s note talking about the true history behind the rhyme Christie’s book is named and modeled after. The pacing is all over the place and at no point hits the right note, and there were still many SPAG errors in the text that editors and copy editors should’ve found. The characters were also very flat, and their moods and behaviors hugely changeable from paragraph to paragraph—this is, unfortunately, something I think may be indicative of the author’s style, as I had similar frustrations with other novels both in this series and in others.
Overall, the story could’ve been great, and I’m sad to say I found it much less than that.
September 21, 2024
3.5 Stars
A marriage of convenience saved Lady Abigail Worthing’s family from disgrace, but she’s finding her absent husband's endless conditions increasingly repressive. Unable to stay at their London home during the oncoming winter, she accepts a ride to the country from her neighbour, Stapleton Henderson. Then an unexpected blizzard strands them at Lord Duncan’s with his houseguests. Suddenly, an evening of fine dining, fine brandy, and insightful debate becomes an inescapable and deadly ordeal. One of the dinner guests is found dead in front of the Berkley Square mansion. And when another party is murdered,
The third book in the series & it’s easily read on its own. I like Abigail & I’m finding I’m growing to like her more as the series progresses & we get to know her better.There are twists, turns & red herrings, also there’s Abigail’s relationship with Stapleton which I have reservations about where it’s heading as although she’s in a unhappy marriage of convenience she’s still married. I enjoyed this cosy murder mystery
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
A marriage of convenience saved Lady Abigail Worthing’s family from disgrace, but she’s finding her absent husband's endless conditions increasingly repressive. Unable to stay at their London home during the oncoming winter, she accepts a ride to the country from her neighbour, Stapleton Henderson. Then an unexpected blizzard strands them at Lord Duncan’s with his houseguests. Suddenly, an evening of fine dining, fine brandy, and insightful debate becomes an inescapable and deadly ordeal. One of the dinner guests is found dead in front of the Berkley Square mansion. And when another party is murdered,
The third book in the series & it’s easily read on its own. I like Abigail & I’m finding I’m growing to like her more as the series progresses & we get to know her better.There are twists, turns & red herrings, also there’s Abigail’s relationship with Stapleton which I have reservations about where it’s heading as although she’s in a unhappy marriage of convenience she’s still married. I enjoyed this cosy murder mystery
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
September 20, 2024
This is the third book in the Lady Worthing series set in the Regency period. Lady Abigail Worthing's sea captain husband, from whom she is becoming estranged, is not returning home for Christmas. So, she and her cousin plan to spend the holiday with their extended family. Her neighbor offers her a ride before going to a dinner he really does not want to attend at the home of a powerful magistrate.
Bad weather forces them to abandon their plans and seek refuge at the home of the magistrate. Then the killing starts. I thought I was reading a version of "And Then There Were None." Frankly, I was disappointed both by the story and by the editing, but not enough to prevent me from picking up another book in the series.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. Hopefully there will have been another editorial review by the time this book is published.
Bad weather forces them to abandon their plans and seek refuge at the home of the magistrate. Then the killing starts. I thought I was reading a version of "And Then There Were None." Frankly, I was disappointed both by the story and by the editing, but not enough to prevent me from picking up another book in the series.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. Hopefully there will have been another editorial review by the time this book is published.
September 28, 2024
Shades of Bridgerton here adding the beginnings of mixed race and black origin people in society, and the somewhat grudging acceptance of these folks in the community.
Lady Worthing and her cousin are visiting family over the Christmas holidays and accompanied by their friend Stapleton get stranded in Berkeley square due to a huge snowstorm. They did not expect to get embroiled in a series of murders meticulously planned and enumerated in a sequence decimating the eight members of the group one by one. The murders set in rhymes is detailing the manner in which each person will die.
Set in Regency England with its own strictures on what women could and couldn’t do, Lady Worthing has to work as speedily and surreptitiously as possible to save herself and her friend.
There are plenty of stories behind each character - the abolitionist movement, the lucrative slave trade, the revolt in Haiti all add interest to the book.
Lady Worthing and her cousin are visiting family over the Christmas holidays and accompanied by their friend Stapleton get stranded in Berkeley square due to a huge snowstorm. They did not expect to get embroiled in a series of murders meticulously planned and enumerated in a sequence decimating the eight members of the group one by one. The murders set in rhymes is detailing the manner in which each person will die.
Set in Regency England with its own strictures on what women could and couldn’t do, Lady Worthing has to work as speedily and surreptitiously as possible to save herself and her friend.
There are plenty of stories behind each character - the abolitionist movement, the lucrative slave trade, the revolt in Haiti all add interest to the book.
November 4, 2024
I dearly loved this book. Haven't read the other two, which I plan to do as I really enjoyed the chemistry between Abbie and Stapleton. But enough background is given here that I did not feel lost at any point for jumping late into the series. The mystery really had me guessing throughout - kept changing my mind as to who could be responsible. The incorporation of other cultures' beliefs - as well as how our heroine of color and her family struggled at times for acceptance in such a snobbish world as the ton - made this an even more interesting read. Even supporting characters were multidimensional and added significantly to the story. The author has a lovely way of giving vivid, rich detail to scenes, I really enjoy her writing style. Definitely recommend this book, I have read others by this author and as usual she did not disappoint! I received an ARC but am voluntarily providing this review with my own personal opinions on this book.
December 14, 2025
With an Agatha Christie ambience, this book details the fate of eleven people trapped in a snowbound house around the Christmas holidays. A killer murders some guests in the same way a poem from the story, "The Rebels Rhyme," describes (akin in many ways to Christie's book, "And Then There Were None"). The protagonist, Lady Worthington, is of Jamaican heritage. Lady Worthington and her friend must find the killer before he strikes...them, as guests die one by one. What sets this story uniquely apart from Christie's is the inclusion of a mixed-marriage perspective, which gives the novel a diverse bent. It is a good story and an intriguing mystery. This is the fourth in the series, and I haven't read the other three yet. Some of the exposition was cumbersome, possibly because I hadn't read the other three and was playing catch-up. But this is a good mystery to read over the holiday season.
October 22, 2024
This has been my favorite Lady Worthing mystery so far! A group of frienemies trapped in a house and people start dying. It was such a beautiful ode to Agatha Christie, but even better because Riley never lets us forget that Lady Worthing is Black and concerned with what is happening in the world. Hati and news from Haiti are present throughout the story because Riley's heroine cares about Haiti.
The chemistry between Lady Worthing and Stapleton is at its peak. I really keep wishing this was a romance novel so that we could finally get these two to do something about the love and chemistry these two have.
The mystery was top-notch for me and kept me wanting to read without stopping. The thriller elements worked so well!
I read an advanced reader's copy provided for free via NetGalley.
The chemistry between Lady Worthing and Stapleton is at its peak. I really keep wishing this was a romance novel so that we could finally get these two to do something about the love and chemistry these two have.
The mystery was top-notch for me and kept me wanting to read without stopping. The thriller elements worked so well!
I read an advanced reader's copy provided for free via NetGalley.
September 16, 2024
Lady Abigail Worthing is stuck in a demoralizing marriage to a rather despicable man. Everything is stacked against her because her husband is so visibly absent, she is female and is of mixed parentage with her roots in the Caribbean. She has been ordered to attend Lord Duncan's Night of Regret where she finds the first bloody body on a bench out in the snow near that residence. If this seems a low point, be sure that everything goes downhill from there. The whole tale is rather grim and show the most negative aspects of the era. The characters are well done, the investigation unusual, and the plot twists ingenious.
I requested and received a free temporary EARC from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
I requested and received a free temporary EARC from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
August 3, 2024
Kindle Copy for Review from NetGalley and Kensington Publishing.
I received a free, advance copy of this book and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.
Accepting a ride out of London, Lady Worthing becomes an excuse for her escort not to attend a dinner party. But a sudden blizzard has them stranded at the dinner party where women are not really wanted at an official magistrate home. Death soon turns up with a nursery rhyme quote as tension mount among the guests. Rill justice be served in this case or is something more is going on? A compelling read that will keep you guessing.
I received a free, advance copy of this book and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.
Accepting a ride out of London, Lady Worthing becomes an excuse for her escort not to attend a dinner party. But a sudden blizzard has them stranded at the dinner party where women are not really wanted at an official magistrate home. Death soon turns up with a nursery rhyme quote as tension mount among the guests. Rill justice be served in this case or is something more is going on? A compelling read that will keep you guessing.
August 30, 2024
Not Again
A few years ago, Regency was not the read for me; stepping out of my comfort zone, I read one of Ms. Riley's earlier books.
Murder in Berkeley Square is a masterpiece that deserves ten stars. It's a witty, informative mystery that takes you by surprise. And just when you think you've figured it out, Ms. Riley adds a touch of romance, making it even more captivating. With each book in the Lady Worthing series, Ms. Riley continues to impress.
Thank you to NetGalley, Vanessa Riley, and Kensington for an advanced reader's copy of Murder in Berkeley Square. This is my honest review.
#Netgalley #murder #Ladyworthing #Pinkparlor #Berkeleysquare
A few years ago, Regency was not the read for me; stepping out of my comfort zone, I read one of Ms. Riley's earlier books.
Murder in Berkeley Square is a masterpiece that deserves ten stars. It's a witty, informative mystery that takes you by surprise. And just when you think you've figured it out, Ms. Riley adds a touch of romance, making it even more captivating. With each book in the Lady Worthing series, Ms. Riley continues to impress.
Thank you to NetGalley, Vanessa Riley, and Kensington for an advanced reader's copy of Murder in Berkeley Square. This is my honest review.
#Netgalley #murder #Ladyworthing #Pinkparlor #Berkeleysquare
September 18, 2024
Lady Abigail becomes snowed in with a group of London’s elite, including a powerful magistrate who wrongly convicted a man for murder. When a guest is found dead, Abigail’s sharp wit and investigative skills are put to the test as she races to uncover the truth behind the crime and a long-buried injustice.
This book is an homage to Agatha Christie’s “And Then There Were None.” Riley’s writing style is a little more literary than that of most genre fiction writers. The story is atmospheric and the mystery full of twists. I recommend reading the series in order.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
This book is an homage to Agatha Christie’s “And Then There Were None.” Riley’s writing style is a little more literary than that of most genre fiction writers. The story is atmospheric and the mystery full of twists. I recommend reading the series in order.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
October 5, 2024
Murder in Berkley square 4* 05/10/24
This is book 3 in the series. This was a very different murder mystery. Even though the first murder happened very early in the read, I found it a little slow to start. But once I got into the story, I found it hard to put down. I loved the main characters, they well written and very likeable. The secondary characters set the scene well. The plot was well thought out and although I did guess the murder, it still had me guessing till the end. I very much enjoyable read and now I look forward to the next book. I received this as an ARC from Netgalley and freely give my review.
This is book 3 in the series. This was a very different murder mystery. Even though the first murder happened very early in the read, I found it a little slow to start. But once I got into the story, I found it hard to put down. I loved the main characters, they well written and very likeable. The secondary characters set the scene well. The plot was well thought out and although I did guess the murder, it still had me guessing till the end. I very much enjoyable read and now I look forward to the next book. I received this as an ARC from Netgalley and freely give my review.
September 16, 2024
I enjoyed this murder mystery with its subtle layers of meaning. The plot was absorbing and built the tension towards its conclusion well. In exploring the identity of the killer the book finds a few skeletons in the closet which give an insight into world politics at the time it was set. People feel guilty as they became wealthy from a plantation in the Americas using slavery for instance. The book uncovers the incipient racism and sexism that was hidden beneath a layer of respectability. This types of themes make this a thoughtful, interesting read
September 22, 2024
Step into the intriguing world of The Lady Worthing Mysteries Series 🕵️🏾♀️, where a Regency-era dinner party sets the stage for a thrilling murder mystery. Immerse yourself in this well-crafted historical Regency mystery that seamlessly weaves together a compelling plot and rich historical context. If you love Regency books with a touch of mystery, this is a must-read! While this is book 3 in the series, it can be enjoyed as a standalone novel. As an early reader (arc), I received this book and these thoughts are entirely my own.
October 27, 2024
This is book 3 in the series and is a trapped in a house during a snow storm mystery. Unusually the first murder happened very early in the read and held my interest from there on forward. The main characters are very likeable and are well written and developed. The plot was well thought out and although I did guess the murderer it didn't spoil the story for me which was very entertaining. I'm looking forward to more. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 24, 2024
Set in Regency England, this intriguing mystery will engage you from the first.
Lady Worthing is trying to keep herself entertained since her husband seems to be absent from her life. Luckily she can entertain herself at her box at Drury Lane, but never expects to get involved in a murder investigation that occurs during the performance.
Great world building and characters, you will be pulled in until the end! I read this through NetGallery
Lady Worthing is trying to keep herself entertained since her husband seems to be absent from her life. Luckily she can entertain herself at her box at Drury Lane, but never expects to get involved in a murder investigation that occurs during the performance.
Great world building and characters, you will be pulled in until the end! I read this through NetGallery
September 26, 2024
4.5 stars
Fantastic historical mystery series. I love these stories and Abigail grows as a main character and investigator or sleuth. I highly recommend. Book three is my favourite yet.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers Kensington for granting me access to an advanced reader copy.
The books should be read in publication order to appreciate the character development of Abigai, Stapleton and Florentina. And I hope there will be a book four.
Fantastic historical mystery series. I love these stories and Abigail grows as a main character and investigator or sleuth. I highly recommend. Book three is my favourite yet.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers Kensington for granting me access to an advanced reader copy.
The books should be read in publication order to appreciate the character development of Abigai, Stapleton and Florentina. And I hope there will be a book four.
October 14, 2024
Good entry in the series. It’s Christmas time and Lady Abigail is stuck in a blizzard. Not a locked room mystery but similar as a closed group of people are involved and murders are being committed. I like Abigail, Stapleton and her cousin, Flo. Their characters are interesting and well drawn. Looking forward to reading the next in the series to find out what Abigail does re her marriage of convenience and absent husband.
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