New Year’s Eve at Pemberley is meant to be all sparkle and celebration, and Eliza Darcy has every reason to hope the coming year will bring peace at last. The ballroom gleams, the guests are in high spirits, and for one magical night, the old estate hums with the promise of a peaceful future. Then Hunter Crawford arrives, charming everyone in sight and leaving Eliza with the uneasy feeling that disaster has just walked through the door.
When Hunter is found murdered on the estate the following morning, that unease turns to horror. The situation becomes even more alarming when Belle Knightley, Eliza’s dearest friend, is discovered hurt, confused, and unable to explain where she has been. With evidence linking Belle to the crime, suspicion rises fast and hard.
Eliza has no intention of standing by while her friend is blamed for murder. As she begins asking questions, she finds herself facing old rivalries, dangerous secrets, and a victim who left behind more enemies than admirers. But beneath Pemberley’s polished surface, something far darker is stirring, and to clear Belle’s name, Eliza must uncover the truth before it claims another victim.
I was born and raised a small-town girl with a penchant for wild imaginings and a love for the prairie. My passions are my family, my husband, and my four children. I take the advice to write what you know to heart, so my writing centers around the strong bonds of family and the land upon which they live.
Eliza Darcy had outdone herself. The New Year's Eve festivities at Pemberley were elegant, sophisticated, and bright until notorious cad Hunter Crawford arrived on the scene. Charming the hostess's best friend, he lured her away from the celebrations. When Hunter's body is discovered the next day, all eyes turn to Belle, who had been found covered in scratches, mud, and blood. Eliza knows that Belle is innocent; now she has to convince DCI Wentworth.
It's always a pleasure to return to Pemberley; Jessica Berg makes sure of that. More than the trappings of wealth or a grand residence, the draw is the warmth of the family who have welcomed their American relation, Eliza Darcy, as much as she has embraced them. It was the delight with the relationships that carried me to a four-star review. While I enjoyed the mystery and its investigation, I found that the story ran long and failed to fully resolve all the circumstances surrounding the murder. Nevertheless, the plot held my attention, and I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who enjoys the classic cosy or a mystery that nods at the Regency period.
Thank you to BookSirens and Jessica Berg for the opportunity to read this eARC. I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
"Murder Most Charming" is book #3 in the "Eliza Darcy Mysteries" by Jessica Berg.
A glittery New Year's Eve bash at Pemberley starts out on all the right notes, but with the unexpected arrival of the charming bad boy Hunter Crawford, Eliza has a sinking feeling things may not end well. She is proven right the next morning when his body is found near a wooded area on the edge of the property. Eliza is horrified to discover that her visiting bestie from the US, Belle, has been found injured and can't remember what happened the night before.
With Belle as a prime suspect, Eliza and the posse work to clear Belle's name and catch whoever is responsible. Questioning some of the suspects can be a nasty business, but also surprising in what information, history and connections come to light before justice is served.
Several of the suspects in this case gave off a rather negative or creepy vibe but whether or not they were capable of murder was up for debate. Some clearly had motive but lacked opportunity. Even so, what they shared with members of the posse, could prove helpful.
As with previous books in this series, the story has a number of layers and sorting out how those layers fit together can take time and a bit of frustration to figure out. The group discussions brought out some interesting theories.
Admittedly, I did have a strong hunch about one character being guilty but the full reasoning of the motive was more than I expected. The true depth of how the pieces all fit together was well done.
I adore the core characters of this series. One character referred to the group as an odd bunch but it worked - even when they pushed the limits of how far they should go without getting in too much trouble from DCI Wentworth. The relationships, both familial and romantic continue to grow stronger. The group dynamics in sleuthing and in general is strong and there is almost always room for a bit of wit and cheeky banter! Would be lovely if everyone had a support system like Eliza and the posse have!
There were a few cringe worthy moments with some suspects and I gasped at a couple of discoveries. I also shed a few tears for a couple of scenes but also literally laughed out loud more times than I could count while reading this book!
Jessica, you've done it again! You captured my attention from the start and I thoroughly enjoyed reading "Murder Most Charming"!
Jessica Berg has done it again! Murder Most Charming is everything I love about a cozy mystery: an intriguing murder, a gorgeous setting, memorable characters, plenty of humor, and just enough romance to make me smile.
When a glamorous New Year's Eve celebration at Pemberley ends with the murder of the charming—but deeply troubled—Hunter Crawford, Eliza Darcy finds herself pulled into another investigation. Things become even more personal when her best friend, Belle, becomes the prime suspect. From that moment on, the story takes off at a brisk pace filled with twists, red herrings, family secrets, and long-buried scandals.
Eliza is a smart, determined amateur sleuth, but she never works alone. Great-Aunt Iris once again steals every scene she appears in with her sharp wit, knitting needles, and unapologetic meddling. Joy and Willoughby's ongoing relationship drama adds plenty of laughs, while Heath and Eliza's romance provides warmth without overwhelming the mystery.
At first, the case seems straightforward, but as Eliza digs deeper, the story reveals generations of secrets, betrayals, and consequences that stretch far beyond the current murder.
The final reveal was satisfying, emotional, and genuinely surprising. I thought I had the culprit figured out more than once, but the story kept proving me wrong.
I recommend it and am waiting for Eliza Darcy's next adventure.
Eliza Darcy hosted a magnificent New Year’s Eve party at Pemberley with nearly 100 guests. A brilliant ending to the old year to usher in an equally brilliant new year. Except that the new year brought the news of an uninvited guest murdered on Pemberley grounds—and Eliza’s best friend Belle Kimberly, recently arrived from America to spend a couple of weeks with Eliza, held for the murder.
Eliza knows that her friend didn’t kill charmer Hunter Crawford, but nearly everyone in Lambton had a motive to kill the man who had victimized them with his investment schemes or with his love-em and leave-em sexual seductions.
Despite the difficulty in narrowing down her list of suspects, Eliza, with the help of family, friends, and acquaintances, doggedly pursues justice for Belle—despite warnings from the killer—and Detective Chief Inspector Wentworth’s cautions and requests.
The characters (Great-Aunt Iris is a particular favorite of mine) are well-drawn, and Eliza is a friend you want on your side.
The excerpts from Elizabeth Bennett Darcy’s journals are a delight.
This is the third volume in the Eliza Darcy Mystery series. Reading the first books in the series is not necessary, but if you haven’t read them, you’re missing a treat.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Murder Most Charming is the third novel in Jessica Berg’s Eliza Darcy Mysteries, and it is the first book in the series that I’ve read. After finishing it, I truly wish I had read the first two books because I loved this story so much! I always enjoy reading about the Darcys, their friends, and their family.
Fortunately, I didn't feel lost jumping into the third book. Each installment tells its own unique story with different characters, allowing this book to stand perfectly on its own.
Murder Most Charming is one of the most delightful stories I’ve ever read; I was drawn deep into its world from the moment I read the summary. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough as I tried to help Eliza and her friends solve the murder of poor Mr. Hunter Crawford.
Plenty of people at the New Year’s Eve ball at Pemberley had it in for Hunter and his charming ways. However, things take a drastic turn when Eliza’s best friend, Belle, arrives from the US and becomes the number one suspect. Knowing Belle could never commit such a crime, Eliza sets out to prove her innocence before someone else ends up dead.
I highly recommend Murder Most Charming to all cozy mystery buffs and fans of the Eliza Darcy world. Be sure to grab your copy today for another grand adventure!
As soon as he waltzes through the door she just has this uneasy feeling that trouble followed him... because Hunter Crawford is the definition of trouble. Then the next morning he is found murdered and Eliza just knows this one is going to be a mess to sort out!
The pages of Murder Most Charming will take you on a journey filled with unexpected surprises, twists and turns, and a few moments that will leave you completely puzzled. I thoroughly enjoyed getting lost between the pages of this well penned cozy mystery, it was completely enthralling! I sat down with the intention of reading a chapter before bed, and soon a chapter turned into two, then before I knew it I had finished the whole book... in the wee hours of the morning!! It kept me guessing until the very end! Highly recommend you take a chance on this one, Eliza and her friends will steal your attention at first meet!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
This third installment in the Eliza Darcy Mysteries is the best yet! Each book has been terrific but this one really shines. So the usual suspects ... I mean the usual cast of characters ... are all at the big News Year's Eve party at Pemberly. Eliza, her boyfriend, Heath, cousin, Joy, Uncle Fitzwilliam, and Great Aunt Iris are ringing in the New Year along with Eliza's friend, Belle, who is visiting from the US. The party is a success ... or so they think until they receive a visit from Chief Inspector Wentworth the following morning because a man was found dead on the property. If that isn't bad enough, the cause of death was likely murder. To make it even worse, Eliza's friend is the suspected killer! Eliza and her ragtag sleuthing group are determined to find out who the killer is to clear her friend and find the real killer. This story is delightfully written with multiple suspects, plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing, and even another old mystery to solve as well. Cudos to Jessica Berg for bringing a great third book to this series.
This was a really terrific and enjoyable read. A New Years party ends tragically with the murder of a man and the key suspect is a friend of Eliza's. She is determined to prove otherwise and so with the aid of her friend Joy, her boyfriend Heath and her amazing aunt, complete with aggressive knitting needles!! , her investigation begins much to the dismay of the local detective. The discovery of old remains adds further intrigue to things as does another murder.
I found this easy to read. The characters are well done, there's plenty of humour and I really enjoyed the whole storyline. Great-Aunt, or Aunt as she will now be known, is my favourite and quite astute and adept at whatever task she sets out to do. I highly recommend it and look forward to whatever comes next.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I’ve really enjoyed this series thus far, and this was a great addition to it. Eliza is an amateur sleuth, and while Pemberly is such a cozy-feeling place at times, things are rarely calm for long. It was fun watching Eliza and crew try to solve the mystery and clear Belle’s name, but I was so worried for Belle meanwhile! Trying to puzzle everything along with them and learning more the deeper you get into the book was a lot of fun. Heath and Eliza are as adorable as ever; it’s like having a nice side dish of romance alongside the mystery. (Side note, I would love to be at one of Eliza’s parties; they sound so fun!) I will say, the murder victim in this case sounded like he had plenty of enemies, so there were plenty of suspects to sort through. The story itself has great pacing, and while you don’t *have* to read the other books first, I definitely recommend it!
New Year’s Eve at Pemberley is all about glitz and glam, and Eliza Darcy is ready to welcome a peaceful year ahead. But when the charming Hunter Crawford crashes the party, she can’t shake the feeling that trouble has arrived. Sure enough, the next morning, Hunter is found dead, throwing the celebration into chaos.
To make matters worse, Eliza’s best friend Belle Knightley is discovered hurt and confused, with evidence linking her to the murder. Determined to clear Belle’s name, Eliza dives into a whirlwind of secrets and rivalries lurking beneath Pemberley’s polished surface. With quirky characters and a race against time, can Eliza unravel the mystery before another life is lost? Let the sleuthing begin!
Being an avid fan of Jane Austen I couldn't miss the opportunity to read this story. I haven't read either of the previous books but this has it's own HEA. For about the first quarter of the story I wasn't sure if I was enjoying it. I had trouble separating these modern characters from the original Austen stories. I kept going and ultimately enjoyed it very much. However, it's not perfect. Without having the background of the characters from the first two books I had trouble keeping track of who everyone was and while it was fun recognising the characters from the original stories, it also made the story very crowded.
This is a fun story that I liked. I can see myself reading more from this author.
Nice continuation of a JAFF murder mystery. Eliza is a great great great great great grandchild of Elizabeth Darcy. I really really enjoy her relations, especially her Great Aunt Iris. She are so much fun especially with her knitting needles, and energy. Have all the right characters and all the right action and suspense to make this a great novel. Very well written. So yes I recommend! Sad about the Crawfords, but if you have read Jane Austen's books, you know them already, just not this side of them. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Beautiful ending - or lead in for future books in this series.
There were many possible suspects, once you learn what a vile, entitled pieces of destructive garbage that Hunter was to all and sundry. He was someone to avoid, but the kind of charmed you don't see until the snake bites!!! With all the possible suspects, I never landed on the truth or the correct one. The ending is manic, frantic, desperate, and a must. Can Eluza survive this last confrontation? I liked all the sleuths supporting Eliza too.
I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.
I hadn't read this series prior to this book. I did find this "charming". Eliza is a descendant of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" characters. She lives at Pemberton, but was originally from the USA. Eliza has to find the real murderer to clear her friend, Belle, of the murder(s). I did guess the murderer probably half-way to three-quarters of the book. I liked the book, though. I recommend it, particularly if you''re interested in literary historical fiction and/or cozy mysteries.
Murder Most Charming is Book 3 in An Eliza Darcy Mystery by Jessica Berg. New Years Eve in England is the setting for Eliza's party to ring in the new year. I enjoyed how the author used the party to introduce the characters and their relationships. I thought that the murder and the why was surprising and unexpected. There is a touch of romance I loved Elizabeth Great Aunt Iris. I believe that this is an excellent cozy mystery. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
Eliza gets caught up in solving a murder that took place during her New Year’s Eve party when her friend is the main suspect. This is book three in a series, but I believe would be fine as a stand alone. The concept is fun, a modern continuation of the Darcy family, now with an American woman as the head of the estate. This was a good mystery sprinkled with clues. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Being a huge Jane Austen and a murder mystery fan, naturally this is the series for me. I have to say, not a popular opinion but I don’t really like the romance between Eliza and Heath. Yes I know he’s supposed to be a Henry Tilney type. But I always preferred Mr Darcy. Having said that, I do like Eliza, the way the author has used Jane Austen characters throughout is wonderful. The mystery and storyline kept me interested and Eliza’s great Aunt steals the book!
She is looking forward to the party and everyone was also ready until he arrived. It gave her an uneasy feelings which is soon clear. He is found murdered. Follow her as she tries to save her friend being charged for the murder. The way to the truth is not easy to find and there are lots of secrets still to be found before the truth can be revealed. See who the killers is I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a great murder mystery
Solide 3.5 stars for me!! There were a few edits that went unnoticed for the copy I have but nothing drastic. There were also A LOT of repetitive details that made the story a tad longer then it needed to be. It was however a fun mystery that had me on my toes with great characters!! I only wish I read the first since I felt like there was a bit of a back story I was missing but even that wasn't drastic enough to make me lost. Very fun mystery thats worth reading!!
This was a charming read. I love the family sleuthing team, headed by American Eliza Darcy. I especially like Great Aunt Iris, a feisty octogenarian. This book is a real must for lovers of Jane Austen with excerpts from Lizzy Bennet Darcy's diary ( Pemberley, 1815). I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Who killed the womaniser. It certainly wasn't Bellle although she is being accused of the crime. Will her friend be able to solve the mystery? I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved this cozy mystery. I enjoyed the parts about Pemberly at the beginning of each chapter that were from 1815. Loved Eliza and her friends as they solve a murder. I loved the action and the romance in this story. I received a copy of the book and gave an honest opinion.
Wonderful read! Felt wonderful to be back in the community of amateur sleuths and their exuberant personalities. Well written and kept me guessing until the end!