The Fatal Unpleasantness at Netherfield

Mr. Darcy & Miss Tilney #5

by Claudia Gray

The fifth book in New York Times bestselling author Claudia Gray’s mystery series set in Jane Austen's world finds Jonathan Darcy and Juliet Tilney thrown together again by a murder at stately Netherfield Park.

After a disastrous London Season and a (somewhat) successful investigation, Jonathan Darcy has recovered from the wound he received in his most recent investigations. But his parents aren’t over the shock, and insist that Jonathan must stop these dangerous adventures with Miss Juliet Tilney—particularly now that she is a young lady of ruined reputation.

Jonathan still hopes for some opportunity to be with her again, and then it comes—unfortunately, in the form of his uncle Charles Bingley’s brother-in-law, Mr. Hurst, being found murdered at Netherfield Park. His Aunt Jane is desperate for answers, and in the end, Jonathan’s family must ask Miss Tilney to Netherfield to help solve the mystery!

Juliet, still reeling from her ruination, is happy to be back in the thick of an investigation—and in the company of Jonathan. But the scheming Caroline Bingley Allerdyce and her daughter Priscilla feel the same, leaving the young pair to not only look for clues but also dodge their machinations. When Mr. Hurst proves to be only the first victim, casting a pall of danger—and worse, scandal—over the Bingleys' household, Jonathan and Juliet are under fierce pressure to find the culprit—and perhaps even more momentously, to make a final choice between respectability...and love.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical, Jane Austen, Romance, Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Kindle Edition

Expected publication June 16, 2026

About the author

Claudia Gray is not my real name. I didn't choose a pseudonym because my real name is unpleasant (it isn't), because I'd always dreamed of calling myself this (I haven't) or even because I'm hiding from the remnants of that international diamond-smuggling cartel I smashed in 2003 (Interpol has taken care of them). In short, I took a pseudonym for no real reason whatsoever. Sometimes this is actually the best reason to do things.

I live in New Orleans. So far, in life, I've been a disc jockey, a lawyer, a journalist and an extremely bad waitress, just to name a few. I especially like to spend time traveling, hiking, reading and listening to music. More than anything else, I enjoy writing.

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought my Kindle was stuck but that was the last page. Why? How? I need more right now. I feel so betrayed. Not because this wasn't amazing, because it was. Because the author didn't release thirty books at the same time. So not exactly betrayed, because that isn't actually a thing, but sad, distraught, and weepy. I have waited so long for this book and now have to wait longer.

I am going to say it and be so controversial. I like Jonathan Darcy so much more than Fitzwilliam Darcy. Also, as Fitzwilliam is Jonathan's father, several times in the this book, I told him to f off. Not that he heard me, being a fictional character and all.

Now the waiting begins again.

Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. Seriously, thank you. I have been waiting and waiting anxiously for this book and was so excited to get an advanced copy. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.

[Michelle (Bamamele.reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many thanks to Vintage for the preview. All opinions are my own.

This was a "drop everything and read" ARC for me, and I could not possibly be happier with it. I read it in one sitting and was GIDDY and delighted!! This is definitely my fav of the series. I absolutely adore Jonathan and Juliet; their relationship progress (finally!) made me kick my heels in glee. I'm also just so happy with their own personal development--especially Jonathan, and I'm delighted those around him see it.

There were parts that made me laugh, and even more that made me tear up. Mr Bennett gets a lot of (mostly deserved flack), but one of his lines to Mr Darcy had me in a puddle. I feel like Gray really gets the Pride & Prejudice cast of characters. And if you picture the cast from the 1995 BBC miniseries, this book is even more elevated. But Jane is the real MVP of this book--OMG I loved her more than ever. She stands up to those who have run over her and it is GLORIOUS. I've never loved the Bingleys more.

I really didn't figure out the culprit for this particular murder mystery until the reveal. But Jonathan and Juliet are so clever and brave throughout. I will say I did want to throttle Fitzwilliam Darcy at one point, but he does always get there in the end, especially with help from Lizzy.
I asbolutely hope we get more books in this world! The end is so hopeful! Lol while I'm not hoping for more murders exactly, I do want more of these characters, especially from P&P!

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG THIS ENDING KILLED ME. Why was I pressing next page on my Kindle like 50x?! I was like NOOOOO THERE'S GOT TO BE MORE!! I do love this series and the next book better come out soon lol. I do like how the author continues the characters in an authentic way and doesn't have them do things out of their Austen character.

*Provided a DRC (digital review copy) from the publisher for review. All opinions are my own.

[Ellie]

I really hope they pick me for an ARC on NetGalley ✨ I’ve loved this series and I’d love to be part of promoting it!

[Sophia]

After he is wounded in a duel for her honor and she is shunned by polite society, a once promising romance is dashed until another country house party gets interrupted by murder. Claudia Gray’s cozy historical mystery series set in the world of Jane Austen novels returns with another spectacular installment.

My full review will post at Books of My Heart on 6.17.26.

[Regency_Fan_ Michelle RegencyFanMichelleAndMore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book and was under no obligation to leave a positive review.

I’ve only read book four in this series before picking up this one, and I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to jump right back into the story. Even without reading the earlier books, I had no trouble keeping up with the characters or the ongoing dynamics.

This installment may actually be my favorite so far. I thoroughly enjoyed the previous book, but this one drew me in even more. The continued partnership between Jonathan Darcy and Juliet Tilney is such a fun element of the series. Their investigative teamwork, combined with the tension surrounding Juliet’s ruined reputation and the expectations placed on Jonathan, adds both emotional depth and intrigue to the mystery.

It was also delightful returning to the familiar circle of Charles Bingley and Jane Bennet Bingley and spending time again at Netherfield Park. The countryside setting created the perfect atmosphere for a classic whodunit, especially as the mystery deepens and danger begins to surround the household.

Overall, this was a most enjoyable read—full of clever investigation, beloved Austen-adjacent characters, and a cozy yet suspenseful mystery inspired by the world of Jane Austen.

[Jeannine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a loyal fan of this series and I didn't think anything could top the fourth book, but The Fatal Unpleasantness at Netherfield took things to another level! We get a twisty mystery and significant developments in the romantic relationship between our charming main characters, Juliet Tilney and Jonathan Darcy.

The end of the third book made it seem almost impossible for the sweetest couple in historical mystery to get back together, but Claudia Gray gets them back together, unbeknownst to their parents, at Netherfield. All of the Bingleys and their spouses are in this one and we get to see what's happening with the Bennett parents and Kitty, who has stayed in the area.

Seeing characters that all Austen fans know was fun in and of itself. Having a few in their circle get murdered was extra fun! I didn't catch the clues that led Juliet and Jonathan to the villain and felt their arrival at the conclusion was a bit of a stretch, but who cares! They're adorable!

As for the relationship, I was completely surprised by the turn this cute couple takes. This doesn't exactly end on a cliffhanger, but I can't wait for the next installment!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

The latest installment in this delightful historical mystery series featuring characters from Jane Austen's novels revisits the Bennet/Bingley/Darcy family 25 years after "Pride & Prejudice." Amateur sleuths Jonathan Darcy (son of Elizabeth & Fitzwilliam) and Juliet Tilney (daughter of Catherine & Henry) are back on the case when sinister things begin to occur at Netherfield Hall.

Complicating the situation are the deepening feelings between the young couple, the fallout from the scandalous events of the previous book, and lack of parental support. The author does a good job of portraying the rigid societal norms, the limited options for women, and the unfair consequences visited upon them for circumstances often beyond their control.

There is plenty of comic relief in Jonathan's interactions with the elder Bennets, and talk about a cliffhanger ending!

Eagerly awaiting the next adventure!

Thanks to Netgalley for the Advance Reader Copy.

[Emily Hampton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the review copy! Such a fun revisit of the Austen characters in a mystery context. I love the character of Jonathan Darcy, the scandal that Miss Tilney is suffering is very compelling, and the characterization of the Austen characters feel consistent and believable. Cringing at the cliffhanger, and eager for the next installment!

[Anna Swanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good lord I love these books!!! As ever Gray crafts a compelling mystery with wit and perception to equal Austen herself. This time, however, even more focus is put on the romance between Juliet and Jonathan, something that has been expertly crafted in the past four books and of which groundwork pays off marvelously in this installment. I eagerly look forward to the next adventure we see them heading towards!

[Eden · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is so cozy. There is murder, so that isn't super comforting, but the murders are usually characters we don't really care about, and often our main characters aren't in peril themselves. Kind of like a Scooby Doo situation, but Jane Austen vibes. This fifth installment in the series kept the fun going!

I really enjoyed being at Netherfield. Seeing Jane and Bingley in their older age with grown children was very intriguing! I loved how their characters were portrayed and how Jane was one of the only characters to stand up for Jonathan and Juliet's relationship. Speaking of that relationship: it is developing at a realistic pace! But that ENDING?!?!!! How dare I be expected to wait for some resolution until book 6??!!!

The mystery in this one was probably my least favorite so far. There were plot points outside of the mystery that overshadowed the mystery itself, and I found those plot points more interesting. When the murderer was revealed, I didn't care much.

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an e-arc for review! Can't wait for book 6!!!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am simply obsessed with this series! And I am completely enthralled with how this installment ended.

My favorite parts of the novel:

1. Jane Bingley gets to emerge as a wonderful heroine in her own right. The book features a dinner scene with Jane's awesome reaction that had me saying "OMG" and "Good for Her!"
2. The romance between Juliet and Johnathan continues to grow and become more tender.
3. As always, Gray does a wonderful job imagining the beloved and (not so beloved) characters from the classic Austen novels. Caroline's journey was also particularly interesting.

I simply cannot wait until the next installment comes out, and, frankly, I hope the series never ends. Austen's original novels are so rich and engaging, and Gray does a fine job of exploring the latent themes inherent in the original works.

[Jessica - How Jessica Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I stalled out on this one for a while, but I think it was my own reading slump, not the book. I picked it up again today and read the last 2/3 of the book in 90 min.

A satisfying mystery, and I’m intrigued to see how Jonathan & Juliet’s romance progresses.

[Carol (Reading Ladies) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

[Nat · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was cruel to end on such a cliffhanger! The upside is that we're sure to get another mystery featuring Mr. Jonathan Darcy and Miss Juliet Tilney, and for that, I cannot wait.

This is another installment in a charming series set amongst various houses and families from Jane Austen's world. As the title indicates, the action here takes place at Netherfield, where the early-morning murder of one of Mr. and Mrs. Bingley's guests leads to a reunion between Mr. Darcy and Miss Tilney. For eight months after the scandalous events of the last novel, they have been separated. In that time, Jonathan has become more determined than ever to marry Juliet, while she is certain her hopes in that regard are dead. Nevertheless, when called to Netherfield to investigate, she joins Jonathan in the hopes of having one last offing before they are parted forever. He, of course, has no such thoughts, so even as they conduct their inquiries, the young lovers consider whether they can overcome familial resistance to their union.

As usual, the murders are gruesome and shocking--both for the genteel families, and for readers who are seeing murder come to the houses and characters we've long loved in Austen's novels. Are Jonathan and Juliet the best ever investigators? No, but they are persistent and perceptive, and in these circumstances, that goes a long way.

Claudia Gray also does a great job, as usual, of making these books seem like an extension of Austen's writing...or at least a realistic approximation, if Austen had included cozy murder mysteries in her oeuvre.

Looking forward to the next unfortunate murder to strike down another peripheral Austen character so we can watch this lovely duo solve another mystery--and to find out what fallout occurs after the events of the few final chapters here.

I received an advance reader copy from Netgalley for an honest review.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Electronic ARC provided by NetGalley.

I love this series, and every new installment adds to the overall world building and understanding of Austen's characters. In this book we take a deep dive into the Bingley family and their relationships. After the tumultuous events of the previous book Jonathan has escaped his (in his view) over protective parents to spend time with his family in Meryton. He also hopes that once away from Pemberley he will be able to contrive a reason for meeting Juliet again, and furthering their connection. Of course it isn't long before murder shatters the relative peace of Netherfield Park, and the Bingley's are more then happy to let Jonathan investigate, even going so far as to summon Juliet from her current exile in order to help. Juliet has been trying to adjust to her new status as a ruined woman (however unfair), but she leaps at the chance for one more investigation with Jonathan, even though she no longer believes that there is any hope for their future.

The most glaring change to the character backgrounds in this book is the addition of a third Bingley sister and her husband (apparently there is a brief reference in Pride and Prejudice to the fact that Bingley may have more sisters then just the two that we see, so it is moderately supported by canon). Throughout the mystery we get more insight into the former Caroline Bingley and her family, as well as some wonderfully developed views on Jane and Kitty. I continue to love how well Claudia Gray extrapolates from the characters as we saw them in their books to realistic views of how they might develop over time. Jane especially has some moments to shine in this story, and there is nothing like murder to drag family secrets into the light.

I won't say too much about Jonathan and Juliet so as not to reveal any spoilers, but their relationship does develop further through their investigation as they face their previous obstacles and discover some unexpected allies. As always I'm left both wanting desperately to see what happens next and also wanting to immediately talk to people about what happened in this book. I highly recommend this series to anyone who is a fan of Austen and is interested in some creative and well developed views on the characters. Also I love Jonathan and Juliet and would gladly read an endless number of mysteries starring the two of them.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured these books, and I’m grateful to NetGalley for the advanced copy to review.

I don’t consider myself a Jane Austen fanatic — I’ve only read three of her novels (Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, and Emma) — but I will say that, unlike other Austenverse novels I’ve read, Claudia Gray (a pseudonym) manages the delicate balance of staying true to the original characters while also allowing them to grow over the years between Austen’s books and her own. The explanation in the first book of the series, where she lays out how she organized the timeline so the characters could plausibly know one another, is very cleverly done.

The writing style is also a very good blend between Austen and more modern phrasing, which keeps us tied to the feeling of Austen without being restrained by it. In fact, Ms. Gray will sometimes paraphrase a direct line from one of the books, but it is clearly with the idea that we know that she knows that is what she is doing.

Now, to this book in particular, I am going to start at the end and quote Lady de Bourgh to express my thoughts "I am quite put out!" Not because it ended poorly, far from it, but because I need the next book already to find out what happens! There were three points in the book where I said out loud, "No, no!" and the end was one of them.

The core mystery is resolved in a satisfying way, though I do feel quite badly for one of the central classic characters. I also didn’t solve the mystery until fairly late in the book, which I appreciated. There are at least two moments where a character hints in the narrative that they are keeping a secret — a particular annoyance of mine, though admittedly common within the mystery genre.

Please read this series in order. The later books we have antagonists with which we are not familiar, but earlier books do have familiar rascals. I will say I think she took the level of villainy in those familiar antagonists a little too far, but not so much as to diminish my enjoyment of the story.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have long complained about the romance of Juliet Tilney and Jonathan Darcy moving at a glacial pace, so I was glad to see their relationship at the forefront of the story.

But I still maintain that Mr. Darcy not approving of Juliet is a convoluted storyline.  As I said in my review of last book: 'There's no reason a man who ended up with Lydia as a sister in law and Mrs Bennet as a mother in law would disapprove of Juliet Tilney as a daughter in law.  She not a golddigger. Her family is respectable and while not Pemberly rich, they are not poor. Juliet is smart, likeable but most importantly she truly cares for Jonathan.'

AND NOW we're going along with society and letting Juliet suffer for being a VICTIM of a prank. Darcy and Elizabeth would never do that! Also Elizabeth is written has a clingy mama and Darcy as sulking father. Both Darcy and Elizabeth treat Jonathan like a twelve year old child, instead of the grown man he is. It's like they begrudge Juliet because she encourages him and makes him more self-assured.

I'm giving 4 stars because J & J romance has actually progressed. I do want to read the next book. There needs to be either a HEA or series pivots to J & J solving mysteries as a married couple.

*Side note: Juliet saying her parents waiting years for her grandfather's consent to their marriage isn't true to Northanger Abbey storyline:
"Henry and Catherine were married, the bells rang and every body smiled; and, as this took place within a twelvemonth from the first day of their meeting, it will not appear, after all the dreadful delays occasioned by the General’s cruelty, that they were essentially hurt by it."

Ultimately this series has lots of things I like but it also has things that I find not true to spirit of Jane Austen.  Makes it mostly enjoyable read as an ARC or Library Loan but not one for my All Things Austen Forever Shelf.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I have no intention of abandoning you, Miss Tilney - not now or ever."

"Throughout my life, I have had to struggle to be as others would wish me to be. In these past few years, primarily due to our connection, I no longer feel such a great need to do so."

"Almost no one had ever doubted his character, but almost everyone had doubted his capacity. Juliet alone saw him true."

I adore this series and I loved this latest instalment! Claudia Gray perfectly captures the essence of Austen's original characters while crafting intriguing who-dunnits, with a neurodivergent Jonathan Darcy and spirited, unconventional Juliet Tilney. I felt this latest one focused equally on the relationship as well as the mystery but I appreciated that - it's well deserved and well past due! I also loved the return to Hertfordshire and the Bingleys and Bennets.

I loved seeing Charles and Jane Bingley, how their geniality translated to their latter years and relationships, and their quiet but profound influence on those around them. Their kindness and support of Jonathan and Juliet, as well as their gentle challenges to their family and friends, was wonderful. The Bingleys have grown to set boundaries! I loved how Charles checked Mr. Darcy. And Jane Bingley respectfully but firmly giving everyone a piece of her mind and putting the older Darcy and Bingley sisters in their place was a fist-pumping, applause worthy, squeal inducing moment - and you better believe I did all three!

This one was full of little redemptions - some hoped for and some unexpected - all of them welcome! There was also - FINALLY - some forward momentum in Juliet and Jonathan's relationship. And while the ending was still a bit of a bit of a cliffhanger, I wasn't upset about it and am excited for what the next book brings. Miss Gray can draw this series out as long as possible and I won't be complaining!

[Amy Ashworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

The brilliant young duo Mr. Darcy and Miss Tilney has been separated by a whiff of scandal and overprotective parents. Jonathan Darcy has been removed to Netherfield, where his visit with his Aunt and Uncle Bingley coincides with a houseparty made up of family and friends, and the hope is that it will distract him from a girl whose reputation is in tatters. But a sudden death amongst the guests provokes daring action: Aunt Jane requests Miss Tilney's presence since two heads together will not only solve the crime more quickly, it will also (hopefully) keep rumors and more scandal at bay. It certainly helps matters that the elder Mr. Darcy and Mrs. Darcy are occupied with Georgiana and her husband. Mr. Darcy and Miss Tilney are free to work their way to a solution to the mystery and at liberty to relish each other's presence despite family interference and their tender, doubtful hearts.

I am a sucker for fanfic, especially Regency era, and especially Austen-themed. When done well, they are such great fun. I love that Mr. Darcy is still his prejudiced self, and that Mr. and Mrs. Bingley are such pushovers, fulfilling Mr. Bennett's original Pride and Prejudice expectations on the match: “I have not a doubt of your doing very well together. Your tempers are by no means unlike. You are each of you so complying, that nothing will ever be resolved on; so easy, that every servant will cheat you; and so generous, that you will always exceed your income" (Ch. 55). I also love the end of this particular book. You'll need to read it to understand why!

Many thanks to Vintage and NetGalley for access to the digital ARC in exchange for my review.
I look forward to adding it to my high school library.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claudia Gray has done something really clever with this series by weaving characters from across Jane Austen’s novels into one timeline. Seeing the son of Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy solving mysteries alongside the daughter of Catherine Morland and Henry Tilney is such a fun premise, and the blending of Austen’s worlds continues to be one of the best parts of the series.

'The Fatal Unpleasantness at Netherfield', book 5, moves the central romance forward quite a bit, which longtime readers will definitely notice. Some of those developments felt a little rushed to me after such a slow build, but I’ve really appreciated how wholesome and sincere the relationship has been throughout the series.

The murder mystery itself was twisty and kept me guessing until the end. There’s also some interesting character progression for a few figures who have been more antagonistic in earlier books.

The pacing can be a bit slow in places, and the ending left me curious about where the series will go next. Still, I continue to really enjoy this clever blend of Austen-inspired storytelling and amateur sleuth mystery, and I’m looking forward to seeing what happens in future installments.

Special thanks to Vintage and NetGalley for providing an advance review copy. I received this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Advance copy from Vintage, provided by NetGalley

Another winner with my favorite lovebirds Jonathan and Juliet! Claudia Gray has done a fantastic job developing their relationship and slow path to love. I also really enjoy how she imagines the lives of the original Austen characters after their HEA's (or not), and how characters from different books might cross paths. I especially like that not every character who seems irredeemable turns out to be. I was surprised to find myself hoping for Mrs. Allerdyce's happiness, after all the things she's pulled.
The book was satisfying as a mystery, on top of all the love stuff I wanted. There were a few small mysteries, besides the larger one to be solved, and I guessed some of the answers, but not all. I'm usually happiest with a mystery when there's that balance of reward and surprise.
I think what I like most about Gray is that she isn't predictable. There are so many overused paths she could take to build tension between Jonathan and Juliette, but she never takes them. She respects their intelligence and their regard for each other, and things play out accordingly. She doesn't make her characters suddenly act unlike themselves just to manufacture conflict (I'm looking at you, Third Act Breakup). She's gentle, without making things too easy, for the characters or the reader.
I had a hard time putting this down. I hope for many more!

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars - I really enjoyed this fifth in the Mr. Darcy and Miss Tilney series from author, Claudia Gray. I thought she wove together a near perfect tale of murder and romance in the world of Jane Austen. The story kept a great pace as Jonathan and Juliet investigate a murder at the home of Jonathan’s aunt and uncle, Charles and Jane Bingley.

The house is filled with various relatives and the suspects abound. In between their interviews and discussions of their suspicions, Jonathan and Juliet explore their feelings for each other. They face opposition from their families but the slowly burn of their love story in the previous four books comes to a head in this volume. Sometimes I find in murder mystery novels that the story can really lag in the middle, but that was not the case with this book at all. I felt things moved along smoothly and wove the murder mystery, romance, and the Regency novel elements together.

I recently watched Pride and Prejudice (2005) and it made it all the more fun to visit the characters of the movie in this book. I know fans of this series will love The Fatal Unpleasantness at Netherfield.

I would like to say a sincere thank you to the publisher Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor, author Claudia Gray, and NetGalley for the gifted digital ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series! Book 5 finds our intrepid couple at very different places. Jonathan is recovering from the events of book 4, and determined to bring his family around to the idea of a match between himself and Juliet Tilney. Juliet, for her part, is resigned to the fact that her future is ruined and that she will never be able to marry the Darcy heir (or anyone else for that matter). But of course they can't be separated for long.

Darcy is visiting his aunt and uncle Bingley at Netherfield when one of their house guests is found murdered. He takes the chance to invite Juliet to Netherfield to help him investigate the murder, which is only the first in a string of crimes as the secrets of the Bingleys, their friends, and their family come to light.

Without a doubt this is one of the best Jane Austen sequel series, and I continue to love the little peeks into the lives of our well-known characters. Kitty is a large part of this book, and we get updates on Mary, the Lucas family, and even Georgiana. The mystery was engaging, and kept me guessing, which is always a must-have for a mystery.

Definitely recommend for anyone who likes mysteries, romance, and Jane Austen. Here's to hoping that we get more of Jonathan and Juliet!

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is it too early in the year to declare this to be the best bit of fiction I've read this year? I was enamored, entertained, delighted, amused, and engaged the whole way through! From the very first pages, I was all but giddy to be back in this cozy little universe.

The author does a marvelous job staying true to the original Jane Austen characters, while bringing in such an excellent variety of her own. I can't say I love every one of the characters, as some were not meant to be loved, but I did thoroughly enjoy the scope of this cast. I was especially happy to see Jane Bingley in this novel. She was in fine form. She might be my favorite supporting character of this series. I should be quite happy to see her return, if the plot ever allows for it.

As for the rest of it, I quite enjoyed the secrets of this house, the murdery plot, the whit, the twists and questions, the DRAMA (thank you, Bingleys and Bennets), and of course, the reunion of two of my favorite characters to solve yet another mystery. Some at Netherfield might have found this fatality to be unpleasant, but I did not! It was a joy from the first page to the last!

Now what am I to do while I wait for more of this series?

[Tanisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a self-admitted book worm, and I have been the majority of my life. Here lately, I gravitate towards suspenseful books. I admit that while I don’t really read much mystery, I was really excited to get a chance to read this book. “Pride and Prejudice” was one of my favorite books growing up. I read “The Perils of Lady Catherine de Bourgh” and I fell in love with the characters of Jonathan and Juliet. That love continued after I read “The Rushworth Family Plot.”

Although I did read books three and four, I do think that this book is possible to be read as standalone. I definitely enjoyed this book. Normally when I read mysteries, I tend to be able to guess who the culprit it. I have to admit that this book kept me on my toes up until the final reveal.

Like the other books, I’m not “in love” with the ending; however, it does make me excited to read what is next. I definitely recommend this book if you are looking for something different that holds your attention, and also if you are a fan of “Pride and Prejudice.”

**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

[Katey · Rating 4 out of 5]

About The Fatal Unpleasantness at Netherfield
Jonathan and Juliet are left reeling after the shocking events of The Rushworth Family Plot. Juliet has been ruined by the careless actions of one of Jonathan's school fellows, but her circumstances have done nothing to diminish his feelings for her or his determination that they will be married. All they need is the right opportunity to work out a plan for their future. A murder at his aunt's house might be just the thing.

Tropes in The Fatal Unpleasantness at Netherfield
🩷 Regency Era
🩷 Second Generation Jane Austen Characters
🩷 Locked Room Mystery
🩷 Everyone is a Suspect
🩷 Fair-Play Mystery
🩷 Forbidden Romance

Similar Books
🩷 Death Comes to Pemberley by P.D. James
🩷 The Other Bennet Sister by Janice Hadlow

Prior Books in the Series
🩷 The Murder of Mr Wickham
🩷 The Late Mrs Willoughby
🩷 The Perils of Lady Catherine de Bourgh
🩷 The Rushworth Family Plot

Final Thoughts
Reading these books is such a comfort. It is like snuggling up with a favorite blanket on a rainy day with a cup of tea. Claudia Gray is so faithful to Jane Austen's voice that I feel as though I am reading a book written by the author herself. This installment ends on a shocking cliffhanger, and I cannot wait to see what Claudia Gray has in store next.

Thank you to NetGalley and Vintage for providing an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Sarah Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This ARC was like a Christmas present just for me. I adore this series and it never fails to deliver. This time our victim is Mr Hurst, who drops dead at Netherfield after drinking a nice coffee cup of arsenic! Johnathan is visiting his Aunt Jane at the time, and demands that Miss Tilney be brought to Netherfield to help him solve this murder (and so they can make cute smiles and shy glances at each other).

Besides the mystery, we also catch up with some favorite characters. Mr and Mrs Bennet are perfectly written, Jane and Bingley are the epitome of wedded bliss, and we even see what Aunt Kitty is up to. Old habits die hard thought, and all of Bingley’s sisters are just as nasty as ever! A delight!

Of course this book builds upon the drama of the previous one. Jonathan is recovered from his duel but Juilet is still ostracized from good society and facing an impossible choice from her Grandfather. The book focuses more on the romance between the two sleuths this time. And thank god for that! I cannot wait for the next one!

[Macaela · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the injury suffered in the previous volume of the series, Jonathan Darcy is antsy to get out from under his mother’s watchful eye. He’s fully healed, though she doesn’t think so. His parents are being called away to visit Aunt Georgiana and a letter from Aunt Jane gives him the chance to get out of Pemberley, so he does and heads to Netherfield. He’s still in love with Juliet Tilney, though his parents have cooled on her after what happened in London. She herself has had a tricked played on her, sullying her name, even if it’s only temporary. Within a day or two of his arrival, Jonathan is again drawn into investigating a murder after Mr. Hurst is found dead. He suggests to Aunt Jane to write to Juliet to have her come as well to help solve it. I’m always excited when I see another volume in this series show up. I have no idea how many Claudia Gray will give us, but this series is so great I hope we get many more, and I can’t wait for the next one.

Thanks to NetGalley and Vintage for the advanced copy.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This installment in the Mr. Darcy and Miss Tilney mystery series is my absolute favorite! I was hooked on the mystery from beginning to end. It wraps up in a very satisfying way with excellent character development that I found consistent with who we know these characters to be in Austen’s originals.

I was cheering Jane Bingley on when she finally called out Mr. Darcy and also Mr. Bingley’s sisters for their deceitful and cruel concealment of Jane’s time in London all those years prior. It was such a well delivered admonition and tied beautifully with the current state of distress they have put Juliet and Jonathan in since the last novel. I also really love that Jane becomes Juliet and Jonathan’s greatest champion. Way to go, Jane! This novel ends with an exhilarating event and that’s all I’ll say in that regard. I am beyond ready for the next book. An easy five stars for me!

Thank you to the publisher for a complimentary e-ARC of this book! All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.