A Very Vexing Murder: Harriet Smith Investigates

Harriet Smith Investigates #1

by Lucy Andrew

Harriet Smith investigates...A murder most Austen.

A witty debut whodunit that reimagines Harriet Smith, the gullible sidekick of Jane Austen’s Emma, as a spitfire con woman, hired to break off an engagement and uncover a murderer in the genteel village of Highbury.

“Seldom, very seldom, does complete truth belong to any human disclosure.” —Jane Austen, EMMA

Is a killer lurking in the idyllic country domain of Emma Woodhouse?

No longer Emma’s naïve companion, Harriet Smith is a feisty con-woman-turned-detective tasked with breaking off Frank Churchill’s engagement and uncovering his aunt’s would-be murderer. While Harriet has doubts that the deadly threats are little more than society scandal, the shrewd Mrs. Churchill suspects Frank’s unsuitable fiancée, Jane Fairfax, is out to kill her. What begins as a routine investigation among Highbury’s elite quickly spirals into a web of deception, dangerous secrets, and a game of survival.

As Harriet interrogates a growing list of suspects with the help of her long-suffering best friend, Robert Martin, not only does she have to contend with a potential homicidal maniac and striking out as a single woman in Regency society, but is also afraid her father (and former partner-in-crime) is out for revenge.

With a cast of unforgettable characters—including a charming scoundrel, a lovesick farmer, a ghoulish butler, and a ruthless heiress determined to hide her skeletons at any cost— this brilliantly reimagined mystery featuring the characters from Jane Austen’s Emma is as deliciously dark as it is delightfully clever.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical, Historical Mystery, Retellings, Cozy Mystery, Audiobook

Audible Audio

Published May 12, 2026

Reviews

[Dee (in the Desert) · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars, rounded up for a debut. So disappointing, big sigh. Most of my GR buddies know that I'm a bit of a Janite, but this was a seriously let down and I actually read a few Austenesque cozy series and quite enjoy them - but this was not a promising start, sadly. It's supposed to be based on "Emma" but Miss Woodhouse barely makes an appearance and Mr. Knightly not at all. The focus is on Harriet Smith and she's now a very strong con-woman?? And her side-kick, farmer Martin, is gay and she's his beard - ummm, okay? While I can easily go with those changes, but the so-called "mystery" is poorly plotted and takes forever and the titular murder didn't happen till way past the 50% mark and it was all just so tedious and slow AF. I didn't feel it was "witty" either, never even made me smile - toss my iPad across the room frustrating?? yeah.....

[eyes.2c · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma! Not as well liked as thought!

Austen’s “Emma” is turned every which way to produce an interesting and at times confusing mystery. Harriet Smith is a con artist and solves problems for the élite. Emma Woodhouse seems like a nice person—but she’s manipulative, and Jane Fairfax is a troubled young woman.
Harriet is hired by the dreadful Mrs. Churchill to get rid of Jane whom Mrs. Churchill believes has stolen her jewels, tried to poison her, and entrapped her son Frank Churchill. A rather complicated, mysterious read with misleading clues, and unexpected happenings strewn across Harriet’s path. Her relationship with Robert Martin, a local tenant farmer is long standing and not all what we expect.
I wasn’t sure I liked the tale at first, but Harriet and her exploits drew me in.

A William Morrow ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.

[Books By Your Bedside · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Thanks to NetGalley and Corvus for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.

I met Lucy at the Harrogate Crime Festival 2025 whilst we were in the queue to meet Leodora Darlington (author of The Exes - which is brilliant). Lucy was a beautiful person, so warm and friendly, and I instantly put her book on my list and was thrilled to be sent a digital ARC. And it's set in the world of Jane Austen so what could be better?

Jane Fairfax is from Emma, which, whilst I own a copy, it is not an Austen book I've actually read, and so I came into this not really knowing what to expect.

You can practically see Lucy's love for Jane Austen oozing off the page. You can do research, sure, but passion can improve a story far more than research alone can.

It's a 2026 book but it could pass as much older. She's got the pacing of the sentences right, the form of chapters. She's gone into so much detail - as classic novels tend to do - that you can practically step into this world.

I admit, there's a lot going on. I did wonder if it was too much but overall I think it's okay. You've got the "vexing murder" storyline, but there's also romance, revenge, and scandals to keep you on your toes.

I think she's got the tone right. To try and write a story based in the world of one of the most loved authors was always going to be a tall order, but she's smashed it. It feels familiar, like we've gone to meet an old friend, but Lucy hasn't tried to be Jane Austen, you can clearly still hear her own voice.

I liked reading about Harriet. She's a strong, independent woman during a time where women were not encouraged to be so. She's so well written. And I thoroughly enjoyed the scenes where someone underestimates her, just to be proven otherwise. She is the star of the book, so natural and familiar and likeable.

Did I want more of the "vexing murder"? Yes I did. Well, no. It's not that I wanted more, it's that I wanted it earlier. What there is brilliant, don't get me wrong, I'd just have liked a bit more focus on that part earlier in the story, but that's a personal thing.

I did find it a little difficult to keep up with all the characters, but that's definitely a me thin rather than something wrong with the book, as I am terrible with names and faces and people.

I read it in a day, I just couldn't put it down. It got more exciting as it went along and I didn't see the ending coming at all. Overall the story, characters, themes, pacing, writing style, language, historical elements...everything is so enjoyable.

I am hoping this is the beginning of a series. It finishes well if it is just a standalone, but I do want more.

For a debut it was very promising indeed, and Lucy will definitely be a name I look out for, and when she's this rich and famous novelist I can say "I know her".

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of advance copy

A Very Vexing Murder by Lucy Andrews is a crime/mystery novel that, although a bit long at times, I genuinely enjoyed. It was entertaining and kept me guessing throughout. I found myself constantly going back and forth trying to figure out who had done it. There isn’t just one crime at the center of the story, but several events that seem suspicious or criminal, and at times I wasn’t even sure whether a crime had actually taken place, which added to the intrigue.

What I didn’t realize until later is that the novel is inspired by Jane Austen’s Emma. It’s actually stated on the cover, but somehow I missed it. I had read Emma not too long ago, and it made me wonder whether remembering the characters and storyline more clearly would have made a difference to my reading experience; perhaps it would have helped me pick up on more of the parallels.

There were a few parts of the story that felt a little hard to believe, but overall I found it to be an enjoyable and engaging read. I would definitely recommend it as a light, entertaining mystery. As an added bonus, some of the areas where I live were mentioned in the book, which made the story feel even more special and enjoyable to read.

[The Page Ladies Book Club · Rating 5 out of 5]

What if Harriet Smith wasn’t naïve but a con artist with a knack for solving murders? ✨

A Very Vexing Murder by Lucy Andrew was a sharp, witty, and delightfully mischievous twist on Emma that completely surprised me.

Told from Harriet’s point of view, this version of her is nothing like the gullible girl we remember. Instead, she’s clever, scrappy, and a little morally gray in the best way. Watching her navigate Highbury as a con-woman-turned-detective was honestly such a fun ride. I loved how the story played with familiar characters while giving them new secrets, new motives, and, in some cases, much darker edges.

The mystery itself kept me guessing longer than I expected. What starts as a seemingly simple task breaking off an engagement quickly spirals into something far more dangerous. There’s scandal, deception, and just enough chaos to keep the stakes high without losing that signature Regency charm. And Harriet’s dynamic with Robert Martin? Quietly one of my favorite parts there’s loyalty, tension, and a softness that balances out all the scheming.

That said, the pacing did wobble a bit in the middle for me, especially as more suspects and subplots were introduced. I found myself wanting a tighter focus at times. But the payoff? Worth it. The twists land, the tone stays playful yet sharp, and the ending feels satisfying without being too neat.

Overall, I had such a good time with this one. It’s clever, a little chaotic, and perfect if you love your historical mysteries with a bold heroine and a wink of Austen-inspired drama.

✨️Thank you, William Morrow Books and Lucy Andrew, for sharing A Very Vexing Murder with me!

[Lola · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute stunner of a debut novel that had me on the edge of my seat.
----
A Very Vexing Murder was not easy to put down! I was constantly second guessing myself and was absolutely shocked the entire time.
The book was absolutely unforgettable, and I can't wait to read more by Andrews!

[Pam Kang · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Despite not having read a Jane Austin book in many years, i found myself easily being able to immerse myself into that period. The characters are believable and engaging, and the story is thoroughly enjoyable to read. Harriet is a compelling character with many sides to her, as we gradually learn more about her, we are pulled into the challenges she is facing, and the ever present dangers that are alluded to. The story is in chapter sections that segment the story into digestible reads and allow for easy continuation. I especially enjoyed Harriet's commentary along with her descriptions as she interacts with the characters around her.

I am proud of our fellow Wulfrunian Lucy for writing this story, and feel she has created characters and a storyline that can be continued in further books. If further books are written, i look forward to immersing myself into them too.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucy Andrew’s A Very Vexing Murder is a clever twist on Austen’s Emma, transforming Harriet Smith into a sharp witted con woman turned detective. This bold reimagining is the novel’s greatest strength: Harriet’s voice is lively, her independence refreshing, and her investigation into Highbury’s secrets adds a thrilling layer of suspense to the genteel Regency setting. The murder mystery itself is engaging, with plenty of scandal and deception to keep readers hooked, and the ending leaves the door open for future books in a series.

That said, the book occasionally tries to juggle too much at once. Between family revenge, romantic entanglements, and society scandals, the central mystery sometimes gets lost in the shuffle, making the plot feel crowded and uneven. Still, even when the threads tangle, the ride remains enjoyable thanks to Harriet’s spirited narration and the inventive blend of Austenian manners with crime fiction. Readers who appreciate strong female leads and a fresh spin on classic literature will find this a rewarding, if occasionally chaotic, read.

[abs · Rating 4 out of 5]

thank you to netgalley for the arc. i’d give this 4 and a half stars if i could ☕️

‘a very vexing murder’ is a creative and murderous twist on the beloved classic ‘emma’ by jane austen. it’s witty and funny, with enough twists to keep you hooked for entire time. being such a fan of the 2020 movie adaptation of ‘emma’ did help me keep to keep track of all the characters, seeing as i could just picture the cast clearly in mind, and there is a lot of characters which i suspect may get confusing to some at times. but it’s worth it, for this fun and unique cozy murder mystery that i highly recommend.

[Brendon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Very Vexing Murder - Book Review

Brendon Gore


It is a truth universally acknowledged that an interesting book in possession of too many pages must be in want of a more ruthless editor. A Very Vexatious Murder by debut author Lucy Andrew is an interesting book. As the front cover subtitle notes, this novel is ‘A mystery set in the world of Jane Austen’, though it might have been more helpful to the reader if it had been more direct and said: ‘Do not read this book until you have read Jane Austen’s Emma’.

Lucy Andrew’s book is a slow burn. Set in Regency England, it uses many of the same locations and characters as Austen’s Emma, but seen through the eyes of Harriet Smith rather than the eponymous hero. Indeed, Emma is but a minor character in this reimagining of events where Harriet is employed by Mrs Churchill to break up the budding relationship between her nephew Frank Churchill and one Jane Fairfax and to recover some missing jewellery. This is a task that Harriet undertakes with aplomb, but it is only an entrée to a world of theft, betrayal and murder most foul where both actions and people are often not as they first appear.

Anyone looking for an action thriller will be disappointed. There is too much introspection for any tension or suspense to be built. Rather this is a ‘Who Dun It?’, more in the style of Agatha Christie where the reader is invited to work out for themselves what is really going on and who is the villain or villainess of the piece. The first 100 pages are a bit of a struggle and would have benefitted from being reduced by half, but from that point on it gets easier for the reader to engage with Harriet and her quest to find the identity of a murderer among the shifting sands of victims, suspects and motives.

There are minor irritants. The overuse of the word ‘I’. One paragraph on page 193 consists of nine sentences – six of which all start with the letter ‘I’. I understand that writing in a first-person point of view, it is inevitable that the word ‘I’ will appear…a lot. But this many in such a short space, made me pause and took me out of the flow of the story.

A slightly more serious irritant is Harriet’s attitude to money. When first introduced to the reader, Harriet is a 17-year-old con woman who has no money of her own. Yet she has little reaction when Mrs Churchill gives her £5,000 while firing Harriet before she has completed her tasks. The sum of £5,000 in the early 19th Century would have been a considerable amount of money – a sum that any self-respecting con woman would surely have hidden somewhere more securely than putting beneath her pillow in a boarding house.

Similarly, the point where Frank Churchill discovers Harriet hiding under his aunt’s bed. Harriet explains away her presence as being because she couldn’t stay away from him, their connection is so strong, but seconds later she is rejecting him saying that she is in love with someone else. Blinded by passion or no, surely Frank would spot the inconsistency in Harriet’s actions and demand some sort of explanation as to why she was really hiding under the bed?

Nevertheless, Harriet does carry the reader with her as the pace of the story picks up and she gets closer to the denouement of exactly who did what to whom and why. Does Harriet end up with Frank Churchill, or the other man shed loved, or Robert, her gay best friend? To answer those questions, you’ll have to buy the book.

One Final question: Did this reviewer a) read Emma before reading A Very Vexing Murder, b) read Emma while reading A Very Vexing Murder, c) read Emma after reading A Very Vexing Murder d) Never read Emma at all?

-ENDS-

[SOS · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a variation on Jane Austen’s Emma. I thought it stayed fairly true to the original while introducing a new central character, Harriet Smith. She’s not the Harriet from the original novel. She’s new to Highbury, and she’s a seventeen year old experienced con-woman. She’s come to Highbury because her friend, Robert Martin – again, not quite the same Robert Martin from the original Emma – owns a farm there.

The no-nonsense Mrs. Churchill has hired Harriet to break up the engagement of Jane Fairfax and her nephew Frank Churchill. One small glitch is that Harriet comes to like Jane. While Harriet is willing to do what she must to get paid, she’s less than eager to cause Jane pain.

In this version, Robert Martin is gay. He has a relationship with a minor character from Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, Denny. Despite that, he has a secret, major crush on Mr. Knightly. (Mr. Knightly, like Emma, is hardly seen in this book.) He also has become a writer, working on a mystery while allowing a hired hand to deal with most of the farm work.

Mrs. and Miss Bates have a good-sized role in the book. Miss Bates remains true to the original character she’s based upon. However, her mother, Mrs. Bates, has a few secrets up her sleeve.

Jane Fairfax remains consistent with her part in the original Emma. Frank Churchill, on the other hand, is a complete scoundrel with a wondering eye and a serious gambling habit. While doing her best to separate Jane and Frank, Harriet winds up dealing with a murder, and she’s quite up to the task of figuring it out.

This book was a fun read, especially if you’re a fan of Jane Austen’s works. As I mentioned above, it includes very few Emma or Knightly sightings, but that works well for this story. What this book does have are many surprises.. It won’t let you down, as long as you can at times suspend disbelief concerning Harriet’s antics.

I completely enjoyed this cozy mystery version of Austen’s Emma. I hope there will be more to follow with Harriet and Robert winding up in the worlds of other of Austen’s books. If you enjoy cozy mysteries and Jane Austen, I highly recommend this book.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I thank all involved for their generosity, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading this book.

[WS_BOOKCLUB]

I wanted fun with this book, and I got it. This is a whodunit of a unique sort, which takes Harriet Smith (of Emma fame) and writes her as a con woman-turned-sleuth. It’s a gentle book with a guaranteed happily ever after, with small hiccups and pockets of adventure along the way.

Harriet herself is a great character! She’s in the midst of a crisis of identity, trying to shake off her past as a conwoman, and figure out what comes next for her. When she is hired by Mrs. Churchill to get Jane Fairfax to leave her bachelor son alone, there’s more to the initial job than expected. There’s the matter of some missing jewelry. Oh yeah- and a murder attempt. Harriet gets caught up in a surprising mess, but she is equal to the task. She’s spunky and determined in her professional life, but not so great with her own personal life. This was a fun juxtaposition.

The rest of the small cast of characters is also great. There’s Robert, Harriet’s best friend and confidant, the sharp-witted Mrs. Churchill, her lazy yet charismatic son (who may not be what he seems), Jane herself who definitely isn’t what she seems, and a slew of minor yet memorable additions. I particularly enjoyed sussing out how the seemingly separate pieces all fit together into a full puzzle.

The pacing was odd at times, with random bits of background information popping up in strange ways. For example, there was a scene regarding a pianoforte (I love that word!) that really had no place in the story. It caused some hiccups in the story, but they were easily overlooked as the narrative itself was just flat-out fun. The reminiscences often came across as scenes the author wanted to add but couldn’t figure out how. I think this will lessen in book two, and it wasn’t a deal breaker by any stretch of the imagination.

The mystery itself didn’t break the mold, but that’s not the point with this book. The setting and characters were all introduced in an engaging way, and the story itself was entertaining. While it didn’t blow me away, A Very Vexing Murder is a fun romp and a promising start to a new mystery series.

Thank you to William Morrow for providing me with a copy of this book. My review is voluntary and my opinions are completely my own.

Review Originally Appeared on my Blog: https://wittyandsarcasticbookclub.hom...

[Liam Hogan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the UK paperback version. (Which has a different cover).

A Very Vexing Murder takes a side-glance at Austen's Emma - not a retelling, so much as using the characters and events as the background and weaving a murder-mystery through them. I can't imagine this was easy to do! Harriet Smith is the chosen investigator, and is given more agency and a lot more narrative than Austen granted her. Emma, by comparison, is shuffled to the side, a presence (about which other characters orbit), but far from an overwhelming one. Instead, we get a partner of "crime" in Robert Martin, pressganged into assisting Harriet, Mrs Churchill, as her de facto employer, and Frank, as both a suspect and love interest. Plus a mixture of maids and servants, the owner of a gambling den (and barbers...), and Jane Fairfax and Mrs Elton, again, rather reinvented (perhaps over-ambitiously)

Parts of AVVM are great fun - Robert playing at characters from his own novel in progress, ruining his tea room snack because that character doesn't like currants, and other interactions where there is free rein to invent. Mrs Churchill is quite the character - not a likeable one, which (IMO) means we might not be as invested in her welfare as we should be. Parts seem a little contrived - and the ultimate climax in particular, manouevering the various characters into position, without, for most of them, a particularly strong reason (perhaps) to be there. And there is a strong and present subplot about Harriet's ner-do-well father, which acts to make her a little frantic and so less capable. And perhaps this also makes it a bit overlong a novel - though as Emma was apparently published over three volumes totalling > 1000 pages, this might just be faithful to the oeuvre!

Overall, a worthy debut, and there will be those out there who I suspect love it all the more for the interweaving with an AUsten classic - though at times it does feel like you need to read both Emma and AVVM in lockstep, in order to fully appreciate the extensive cast of characters at play. It is a tightrope walk, and it will be interesting to see how entwined future Harriet Smith novels are with the Austen classics.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*

I went back and forth between three stars and four so let's put this at a 3.5. There was a lot I liked about this book, but also some things that I did not. I loved the re-imagining of the characters and how the author kept to some of the events from the original story. Considering so many characters were getting new facets to their personalities I wish the author had done something new with Miss Bates. Like Harriet there is so much room for development and chances to show a different aspect of her personality. I think my favorite re-write for a character was Mrs. Elton - that was a nice twist and offered a pretty unlikeable character (from the original) a chance to be something more. Some people might not like the altered ending here for Jane and Frank, but I did. The author put more of a Henry Crawford spin on Frank Churchill's character with him seeking out the kindest character hoping it would make him a better person rather than maybe truly being in love with her. My primary problem with the book was the pacing, it felt like it dragged a little in parts and time was spent on things that ultimately did not really matter. And then the big reveal at the end pretty much came out of nowhere. I also wasn't always a big fan of Robert. He's made to be an important character but he ends up being more of a bumbling sidekick to Harriet. And I did not like the side plot with him and Denny - it made Robert seem selfish and careless with the feelings of others. The final aspect of the book that I did not enjoy was the relationship between Harriet and Frank - I just get tired of the strong, independent woman who cannot resist the charms of the handsome (but selfish and fickle) man. But it did make it clear that Jane ultimately made the right decision at the end. If this is a series, I would happily read the next book as I would like to see more of what happens with Harriet and the other characters in the future. Perhaps another team-up with Mrs. Elton?

[Laura Freeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this!

The writer does a great job of setting the book in the world of Jane Austen’s Emma, reworking the characters and parts of the original novel into this alternate take on the story, giving the character of Harriet the starring role. If you’re a fan of Jane Austen I think you’ll really enjoy this book and its familiarity. However even if you’ve not read Emma or any Austen, the book is written that you’ll be able to enjoy it just as much and without feeling you’re missing crucial details that can only be known from having read the original novel. The author is obviously an Austen fan, with the book written in an Austen style. That said though, the characters do come across as more modern than their Regency originals (I wouldn’t have been shocked if one of them had whipped out a mobile phone to call someone) but the writing and that subtle modernity let you visualise the characters and immerse yourself in their story with ease. It’s a light and cosy whodunnit which has plenty of twists and kept me engaged throughout, really wanting to carry on reading to find out what would happen in the end.

This is a thoroughly enjoyable book with likeable characters, whether you knew them previously or not. It’s good fun, is funny in places and is one that I’m sure will keep you hooked throughout.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
“…poisoned tea and wicked women is exactly what Robert Martin would put in his strange experimental novel (which I am convinced the English public are not ready for…)”

Based on Jane Austen’s Emma, Lucy Andrew’s A Very Vexing Murder brings the novel’s peripheral characters to the forefront and adds a murder mystery. Central to the plot is Harriet Smith. In Austen’s original, she is the “poor relation,” lacking both financial security and social standing, and therefore open to manipulation. Here, Andrew gives Harriet far more agency, placing her in the employ of Frank Churchill’s mother, who believes someone is trying to kill her. Harriet is sent into Highbury to uncover the would-be poisoner and to interfere in the relationship between Frank and Jane Fairfax and prevent their marriage of which Mrs. Churchill disapproves.

There have been many retellings of Emma, and I am not usually drawn to them, but this feels closer to the kind of experimental novel Robert Martin is imagined to be writing. Whether it works will depend on the reader. My own reaction was mixed, partly because it was not what I expected. I had anticipated a retelling that stayed close to Austen’s characterisations, and this is not that. It took time to adjust, but once I did, I began to enjoy what the novel was doing.

Emma Woodhouse takes more of a back seat here, though her influence remains. This allows other characters more space to develop. Harriet is still recognisably the quiet, unassuming figure from Austen, but there is a sense that this is a role she consciously adopts in order to move within Highbury society and gather information. She becomes more independent, perceptive, and capable than in the original.

Her relationship with Robert Martin, who also gets a character make-over, is also expanded in a way that feels convincing for the period, supporting both their developing partnership as investigators and their personal connection. The novel does not relocate the story but instead shifts the reader's perspective, offering a different view of Highbury, it's residents and their underlying motivations.

I knew the outline of Emma before reading, but not in detail, and this proved frustrating. The novel is described as a treat for Austen fans, and I can see why. A deeper familiarity with the original would likely make the connections and nuances more rewarding. As it was, I felt caught in between—aware of what was being reworked, but unable to fully appreciate all of it.

Overall, this is a clever and unusual reimagining. While I did not entirely connect with it, I came to appreciate its ambition and the way it reinterprets a well-known story. I would recommend a read or reread of the original to fully appreciate how accomplished this reimaging is.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an absolute delight! A Very Vexing Murder is a clever, witty blend of Austen-esque charm and classic whodunnit intrigue. Harriet Smith as an amateur sleuth is such a fun twist—her sharp observations and unexpected cunning make her the perfect (and most unlikely) detective.

The story sparkles with humour and period detail, yet the mystery at its heart is genuinely gripping. I loved the tangled web of motives and secrets surrounding Frank Churchill, Jane Fairfax, and the ever-suspicious Mrs Elton. Harriet’s investigation kept me guessing right to the end, and the romantic tension added just the right amount of spice.

As a fan of Austen, I adored the way Lucy Andrews captured the tone and manners of the era while weaving in a murder plot that feels fresh and exciting. It’s smart, playful, and thoroughly entertaining—a treat for anyone who loves historical mysteries with a literary twist.

I couldn’t stop smiling while reading this one. If you enjoy Austen-inspired fiction with a dash of danger and a heroine who’s far more resourceful than anyone gives her credit for, this is a must-read!

With thanks to Lucy Andrew, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Jo Bardgett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very vexing murder
By Lucy Andrew
Published by Atlantic Books

A beautifully written murder mystery filled to the brim with all the features of Austen!Expect romance, social standing, sharp irony and witty dialogue to keep you turning each page with anticipation.
Step back in time with Lucy Andrew’s twist on the classic Austen’s Emma, as utterly charming characters plunge you into the twists and turns of love, gossip and murder!

When Mrs Churchill is convinced someone is trying to kill her, she employs Harriet Smith, companion and con woman!
Then knowing that Jane Fairfax has won the heart of her nephew, Frank, she has nothing but devious plans to break off their engagement to uncover her villain.

But as Harriet's list of suspects grows, more deadly deals get in her way.
Will she uncover the truth that history is trying to conceal?
Will she battle her own demons to save the next victim?
And will she avoid falling for the charming Frank Churchill herself?

What’s not to love if you are a classic lover of times gone by?

Joanne Bardgett - teacher of littlies, lover of Children’s literature.
#Netgallery

[Shirly Dee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Review of advance copy provided to Book Club

I want to preface this review by saying that I have not read Jane Austen's Emma but I am a huge fan of the murder mystery genre. The book is based on Harriet Smith ( who I expect will be in further sequels) , a self-described con woman , who has been hired by Mrs. Churchill to break up the secret engagement of her nephew, Frank Churchill and Jane Fairfax. Harriet is also assigned the additional task of trying to discover who wants to kill Mrs. Churchill.

I found the first half of the book very slow going. There were too many characters and references to back stories for some of the characters . It was hard to tell if some of the chapters were just too much prose or if the happenings in the chapters were red herrings. The second half picked up the pace but I personally did not like the ending. I like all my endings neatly tied with a bow and no loose ends. I think this was a bit untidy.
I really liked the humour (modernish in my opinion ) and the witty banter.
I will give a second book a chance to see if the character of Harriet is developed further.

[Becca · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a longtime fan of Jane Austen, I was immediately drawn to A Very Vexing Murder. However, I do wish I had known going in that the story is closely tied to Austen's novel, "Emma". Readers unfamiliar with Emma may find themselves struggling a bit, as there are quite a few characters to keep track of...some of whom are only mentioned in passing. For me, that was the most “vexing” part of the experience.

That said, I did enjoy the overall premise and cozy mystery atmosphere. The book starts off strong and pulls you in early, but the pacing becomes uneven in the middle. It slows down considerably, making that section feel like a bit of a chore. Interestingly, the momentum picks back up near the end as the plot twist is exposed, and I found myself quickly finishing the final stretch. Unfortunately, the ending then felt a bit rushed compared to the slower middle.

I also would have loved to see more of Robert. I’m hopeful he might play a larger role in future installments.

Overall, while the pacing issues and large cast made it a slightly uneven read for me, I would still recommend this book to readers who enjoy cozy mysteries with a strong Jane Austen influence.

[Ali Bunke · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Very Vexing Murder by Lucy Andrew is an entertaining historical fiction mystery set in the familiar world of Emma, and the recognizable backdrop makes it easy to settle into the story. This version of Harriet Smith is a standout as an independent, sharp‑witted conwoman hired by Mrs. Churchill to break off Frank Churchill and Jane Fairfax’s engagement after Mrs. Churchill becomes convinced that Jane is trying to kill her. What begins as a simple assignment quickly turns into a complicated investigation filled with secrets, scandals, family revenge, and romantic entanglements. The plot has many layers, with a growing list of suspects and plenty of background schemes unfolding alongside the main mystery, but the tone fits the Regency setting well and keeps everything feeling lively. I especially enjoyed how the story plays with the characters and setting of Emma, and Harriet’s confident, capable voice brings a fresh spark to the narrative. With its mix of deception, social scandal, and twisty intrigue, this was an enjoyable and engaging read.

[RubieReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Very Vexing Murder by Lucy Andrew — ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This book is such a clever and entertaining twist on a classic, turning Harriet Smith into a sharp, determined con woman with a knack for solving mysteries. I picked it up for the idea of a Jane Austen inspired whodunit, and it delivered a fun mix of Regency charm and intrigue. Watching Harriet navigate Highbury’s social scene while trying to uncover the truth behind a possible murder made the story feel both familiar and refreshingly new.

What I enjoyed most was Harriet’s character and the witty tone throughout, which kept things light even as the mystery deepened. The cast of suspects added plenty of drama and personality, and the twists kept me guessing without feeling overwhelming. It leans more toward cozy than intense, but that is part of its charm. I would recommend this to fans of Austen retellings and light mysteries, especially if you enjoy a bit of humor with your suspense.

Thank you William Morrow and NetGalley for this approved eARC!

[Danielle Bush · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up
Harriet is a con-woman. Which I thought was really fun. She has been hired by Mrs. Churchill to stop her nephews engagement to the horrible Jane Fairfax. Jane is obviously only after Frank's money, and in fact has already tried to kill Mrs. Churhill once already. So the engagement must be broken.
Well Harriet is on the case with the help of her friend Robert. I did enjoy the mystery portion, although I do think it was drawn out a bit too long. This also read to me like it this was a few books at least in to a series. Talking about things her and Robert had done previously that sounded like they must be other books, however, this is the first. This didn't make a difference really in the story for me, just a bit of mild disappointment when I looked at Goodreads and found this was the first and we didn't get the story of Robert and Harriet aboard the ship, which I was definitely interested in learning more about.
Overall I liked Harriet and Robert a great deal and had fun following along on this twisty mystery.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read the UK version of this novel, purchased at Waterstones online in advance of publication date.

This is an absolute treat both for Jane Austen fans and for those who enjoy historical crime, even if unfamiliar with Austen. In this novel, Harriet Smith from 'Emma' is a con artiste/ private investigator employed to prevent a marriage, but ends up solving a murder and attempted murder. There are twists and turns all through, as the reader along with Miss Smith suspects first one character and then another. The reader meets many familiar characters from 'Emma' and sees them all in a new light.

The conventions of early 18th century etiquette are closely observed, even though Miss Smith attempts to thwart them at every opportunity. This is the story of what Harriet Smith was really thinking and feeling, but Jane Austen never told us, as we were all looking at Emma instead. It is very cleverly done, whilst remaining a fast-paced, rattling good yarn in itself.

[Homerun2 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This historical mystery provides a lot of humor and a very strong-willed and young female heroine, Harriet. Harriet has had a rough life, but she is a survivor and a con artist. She is bold, impulsive, smart and high-handed.

She is contacted by someone who has heard that she is a problem-solver and wishes her to break up a troublesome engagement. Mrs. Churchill's nephew Frank, due to inherit, has fallen for an unsuitable women. Mrs. Churchill, a tyrant, also believes the young lady, Jane, has stolen some jewelry and tried to poison her.

There are laughs, misunderstandings and lots of action along the way. Harriet has a different suspect every minute, and further complicates matters by developing a crush on Frank. It's surely meant to be madcap and fun but I found the plotting to be complex becoming even more convoluted by the end of the story. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Very Vexing Murder by Lucy Andrew is the first book in the Harriet Smith Investigates series and offers a unique twist on Jane Austen's Emma.

The premise reimagines Harriet Smith not as a naive friend, but as a con artist working behind the scenes. While I found the concept intriguing—specifically the idea that an entire subplot could occur without Emma’s knowledge due to her self-involvement—my feelings are ultimately mixed. As a dedicated fan of the original novel and its adaptations, I struggled with the author’s interpretation of certain characters' motives.

The mystery itself was well-paced and engaging, successfully blending Regency fan fiction with the cozy mystery genre. I am curious to see if the next installment will be set within another Austen novel or if it will branch out independently.

Thanks to William Morrow and NetGalley for providing the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are several murder mystery Austen retellings lately and I usually love them. This one was definitely intricate and well thought out. I appreciated how the author used so many scenes from the original story but turned them completely around. It was very creative and I was entertained, but I didn't really love the direction it went. It took everything I love about how Emma ended and corrupted it. If you've ever read Emma and thought, "This would be better if it was twisted and devoid of all humor and romance," then this is the book for you. It's well done if you don't mind things being completely different in that way, but it wasn't really my taste. Emma herself was barely featured and painted as somewhat cruel. Harriet's personality is completely the opposite. If you go into it knowing that and expecting it, you can enjoy the murder mystery part which kept me guessing with its many twists and turns.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Net Galley for this ARC. This story follows Harriet Smith. Harriet is hired by Mrs. Churchill to get rid of her nephew Frank's fiancé, Jane. As Harriet investigates the case, she realizes there is more than meets the eye and continues to dig deeper. Harriet uncovers family secrets and how far people will go to protect the people they care for. This story has a lot of interesting and cantankerous side characters who provided fun banter and humor. I really enjoyed how all the stories weaved together leading to a good resolution for the case and leaving it open for more adventures for Harriet. I just finished a 5 star historical romance and this just didn't leave me with the same feelings that read did so I am giving it 3.5 stars. This was entertaining, cozy, and an easy read I would definitely recommend it if you are a Jane Austen fan as it pays homage to her writing.

[Tina Dangerfield]

I have never read Emma by Jane Austin (although I did see a film dramatization several years ago - too long ago for me to remember much of the story line). So feel that I came to this story with fresh eyes. I can also divulge that I do enjoy a good murder mystery and I am not very keen on historical stories ...
Having said all of this, I honestly, hand on heart, really enjoyed this book! The characters are well rounded, some you will fall in love with and others you will seriously dislike. Much like real life.
There is a solid story line with an abundance of twists and turns, enough to keep the most ardent reader entertained.
Harriet has had a colorful history, which leaves her with personal demons but her youthfulness gives her the confidence to forge ahead a make a life and a living for herself.
Would definitely recommend this book to anyone happy to listen.

[Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

ARC - This book reads as if a mean girl was trying to write like Austen. There is no wit, it only cuts. The narrator is insufferable and just… mean. And for no point other than selfishness and a complete disregard of others.

There are so many names, but none of them are memorable characters. Robert and Mrs, Churchill are okay, and Wakefield is almost interesting. The way Harriet talks about Jane in the beginning made me think they would end up together in the end, which I thought was very exciting for an Austen-take, but SPOILER, they do not, nor is it actually considered. Disappointing.

The murder resolve is satisfying, but I was counting the last 300 pages until it was over. The book is 409 pages.