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Mr. Darcy & Miss Tilney #2
The Late Mrs. Willoughby
The suspenseful sequel to The Murder of Mr. Wickham, which sees Jonathan Darcy and Juliet Tilney reunited, and with another mystery to solve: the dreadful poisoning of the scoundrel Willoughby's new wife.
Catherine and Henry Tilney of Northanger Abbey are not entirely pleased to be sending their eligible young daughter Juliet out into the world again: the last house party she attended, at the home of the Knightleys, involved a murder—which Juliet helped solve. Particularly concerning is that she intends to visit her new friend Marianne Brandon, who's returned home to Devonshire shrouded in fresh scandal—made more potent by the news that her former suitor, the rakish Mr. Willoughby, intends to take up residence at his local estate with his new bride.
Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley are thrilled that their eldest son, Jonathan—who, like his father, has not always been the most socially adept—has been invited to stay with his former schoolmate, John Willoughby. Jonathan himself is decidedly less taken with the notion of having to spend extended time under the roof of his old bully, but that all changes when he finds himself reunited with his fellow amateur sleuth, the radiant Miss Tilney. And when shortly thereafter, Willoughby's new wife—whom he married for her fortune—dies horribly at the party meant to welcome her to town.
With rumors flying and Marianne—known to be both unstable and previously jilted by the dead woman's newly made widower—under increased suspicion, Jonathan and Juliet must team up once more to uncover the murderer. But as they collect clues and close in on suspects, eerie incidents suggest that the killer may strike again, and that the pair are in far graver danger than they or their families could imagine.
A VINTAGE ORIGINAL.
Catherine and Henry Tilney of Northanger Abbey are not entirely pleased to be sending their eligible young daughter Juliet out into the world again: the last house party she attended, at the home of the Knightleys, involved a murder—which Juliet helped solve. Particularly concerning is that she intends to visit her new friend Marianne Brandon, who's returned home to Devonshire shrouded in fresh scandal—made more potent by the news that her former suitor, the rakish Mr. Willoughby, intends to take up residence at his local estate with his new bride.
Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley are thrilled that their eldest son, Jonathan—who, like his father, has not always been the most socially adept—has been invited to stay with his former schoolmate, John Willoughby. Jonathan himself is decidedly less taken with the notion of having to spend extended time under the roof of his old bully, but that all changes when he finds himself reunited with his fellow amateur sleuth, the radiant Miss Tilney. And when shortly thereafter, Willoughby's new wife—whom he married for her fortune—dies horribly at the party meant to welcome her to town.
With rumors flying and Marianne—known to be both unstable and previously jilted by the dead woman's newly made widower—under increased suspicion, Jonathan and Juliet must team up once more to uncover the murderer. But as they collect clues and close in on suspects, eerie incidents suggest that the killer may strike again, and that the pair are in far graver danger than they or their families could imagine.
A VINTAGE ORIGINAL.
389 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 16, 2023
About the author
Claudia Gray
94 books14.4k followersClaudia 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,419 reviews
April 17, 2023
I didn't read THE MURDER OF MR. WICKHAM. And now I'm not going to. Even though parts of the first book are mentioned in snippets, this can mostly be read as a standalone.
Retellings are hit or miss, but this read more like next-gen fanfiction than anything else. And while that doesn't necessarily have to be bad, this was.
Darcy/Thumps reads like the author looked up the autism spectrum, took one glance, and decided to base his entire character off that. Tilney is so boring. The killer is so boring. Everyone is so boring.
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Vintage
Retellings are hit or miss, but this read more like next-gen fanfiction than anything else. And while that doesn't necessarily have to be bad, this was.
Darcy/Thumps reads like the author looked up the autism spectrum, took one glance, and decided to base his entire character off that. Tilney is so boring. The killer is so boring. Everyone is so boring.
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Vintage
April 11, 2023
The Late Mrs Willoughby, the second book in the series, is a fun read for people who enjoy crossover genres - Jane Austen characters in an Agatha Christie setting. The two lead characters Juliette Tilney and Jonathan Darcy (yes, it is easy to guess who their parents are) meet again by chance when they are both invited to stay with friends in the same town and very soon witness another death that they are bound to investigate.
Claudia Gray stays true to the original Austen characters and era while still managing to allow them space to grow, although the two lead characters are original to the series. It's fun to see their friendship evolve as they work together to solve the murder. The story progresses slowly at first but there are enough twists soon and justifies motive, means and opportunity. The writing, though not quite Austen-like, flows smoothly along with the story and introduces just enough Regency Era romance while still sticking to the murder mystery genre. Its good to see neuro-diversity as well as diversity in professions and opinions in such a setting.
The rating which is 3 1/2 stars is rounded up to an integer 4 as the book delivers what it promises.
Thanks to NetGalley, Vintage Anchor and Claudia Gray for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
🌟🌟🌟1/2🌟
[One star for the premise and the whole book; Half a star for the characters; One star for the story arc; Half a star for the writing; Half a star for the world-building - Three and a half stars on the whole.]
Claudia Gray stays true to the original Austen characters and era while still managing to allow them space to grow, although the two lead characters are original to the series. It's fun to see their friendship evolve as they work together to solve the murder. The story progresses slowly at first but there are enough twists soon and justifies motive, means and opportunity. The writing, though not quite Austen-like, flows smoothly along with the story and introduces just enough Regency Era romance while still sticking to the murder mystery genre. Its good to see neuro-diversity as well as diversity in professions and opinions in such a setting.
The rating which is 3 1/2 stars is rounded up to an integer 4 as the book delivers what it promises.
Thanks to NetGalley, Vintage Anchor and Claudia Gray for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
🌟🌟🌟1/2🌟
[One star for the premise and the whole book; Half a star for the characters; One star for the story arc; Half a star for the writing; Half a star for the world-building - Three and a half stars on the whole.]
May 25, 2023
4 stars. Second outing for this mystery series set in Jane Austen’s world. Now, young Jonathan Darcy’s neurodivergence is even more on display as he investigates the death of cad Willoughby’s new bride’s murder, along with the lovely Juliet Tilney & a potential rival from his school days. Didn’t feel quite as engaging a mystery as the first, a simpler solve & this one is set firmly in the “Sense & Sensibility” novel, rather than a big cross-over of Austen characters, which made the first so fun. Still enjoyed & wondering what novel is next…
January 16, 2023
May 2026: Third time through and I adore these characters.
March 2024: Finishing Emma days before starting this made it even more delightful.
January 2023: What fun to see Jonathan Darcy and Juliey Tilney again! Once again, Claudia Gray sails over my sky-high bar for derivative works of Jane Austen. Just as The Murder of Mr. Wickham delighted many Janeites, The Late Mrs. Willoughby will have Austen fans eagerly following the charming duo of Jonathan and Juliet as they track down a murderer among the casts of Sense and Sensibility.
Juliet Tilney is visiting the Brandons, who she met at the house party in the book prior to this one. Jonathan's connection to this cast is through school.. He has been invited, along with two others, to Willoughby's newly inherited home. Jonathan accepts the invitation to please his parents, who are concerned about his lack of friends. Jonathan is neurodivergent and the young men continue to bully him as they did at school. It's great fun to see the Brandons and Juliet enthusiastically greet Jonathan when the groups come together at a party.
The writing here is true to the Austen style. The use of many points of view is effective and even funny at times, especially when we get narration of some scenes from secondary characters. Most of the time is spent with Jonathan and Juliet, who are clearly destined to be together, but are thwarted by societal structure and circumstances. They are staying in different houses and wind up having a "third wheel" in their investigation, which stunts their overt relationship development, but we get to see their internal feelings for each other evolve. There are touching scenes where Juliet shows acceptance and even appreciation for behaviors that are connected to Jonathan's neurodivergence.
Pastiche sometimes requires a reader to know the original work to understand what they are reading. While knowing the characters from Sense and Sensibility adds to the enjoyment of this book, it is by no means necessary. The fact that the main characters of Jonathan and Juliet are Gray's creations helps with this.
Thank goodness the stage is set for a third book.!
March 2024: Finishing Emma days before starting this made it even more delightful.
January 2023: What fun to see Jonathan Darcy and Juliey Tilney again! Once again, Claudia Gray sails over my sky-high bar for derivative works of Jane Austen. Just as The Murder of Mr. Wickham delighted many Janeites, The Late Mrs. Willoughby will have Austen fans eagerly following the charming duo of Jonathan and Juliet as they track down a murderer among the casts of Sense and Sensibility.
Juliet Tilney is visiting the Brandons, who she met at the house party in the book prior to this one. Jonathan's connection to this cast is through school.. He has been invited, along with two others, to Willoughby's newly inherited home. Jonathan accepts the invitation to please his parents, who are concerned about his lack of friends. Jonathan is neurodivergent and the young men continue to bully him as they did at school. It's great fun to see the Brandons and Juliet enthusiastically greet Jonathan when the groups come together at a party.
The writing here is true to the Austen style. The use of many points of view is effective and even funny at times, especially when we get narration of some scenes from secondary characters. Most of the time is spent with Jonathan and Juliet, who are clearly destined to be together, but are thwarted by societal structure and circumstances. They are staying in different houses and wind up having a "third wheel" in their investigation, which stunts their overt relationship development, but we get to see their internal feelings for each other evolve. There are touching scenes where Juliet shows acceptance and even appreciation for behaviors that are connected to Jonathan's neurodivergence.
Pastiche sometimes requires a reader to know the original work to understand what they are reading. While knowing the characters from Sense and Sensibility adds to the enjoyment of this book, it is by no means necessary. The fact that the main characters of Jonathan and Juliet are Gray's creations helps with this.
Thank goodness the stage is set for a third book.!
January 23, 2023
Absolutely delightful! Fans of Jane Austen and historical mysteries will fall in love with this series. Gray remains true to Austen’s style and intent for her beloved characters while still adding her own spin on them and their progeny—one that is both refreshing and absorbing. I’m already looking forward to the next installment.
May 13, 2023
I have never read any of Jane Austen's novels, but thought I would give this blended Jane Austen/Agatha Christie styled book a look and I came away very pleased. Claudia Gray is primarily a YA author who has made a partial transition into historical mystery with the help of most all of the characters of Jane Austen's novels. This book uses most all the characters from Sense and Sensibility as we delve into a murder of a newly married woman at a welcoming dinner party. Horrors, aghast and social norms be damned. The poor woman both vomits and loses control of her bowels at the home of Lord Middleton. Despite having two constables available to investigate this murder we are lucky to have Mr. Jonathan Darcy and Miss Juliet Tinley in attendance. These two young people, both apparently under the age of 20, had worked together just a few months ago to help solve another murder, and now they are thrown into this case. Darcy is in town at the invitation of his boarding school nemesis John Willoughby, whose wife was murdered, and he was joined by two other boarding school acquaintances, Ralph Bamber and Laurence Follett, neither of who either liked John Willoughby. So there are suspects galore, action taking place in numerous locales and all in all you get a highly satisfactory read. This is the 2nd in the series and I hope more are on the way. Even though I know nothing about Jane Austen, her books or characters, this is an extremely readable book, one that Austen fans should enjoy, and folks like me will find interesting and filled with plenty of societal rules that make this one fun read. I give this a well deserved 3.5 stars!
May 22, 2023
4.5*
The Late Mrs. Willoughby is the second delightful instalment in Claudia Gray's series featuring Juliet Tilney (daughter of Northanger Abbey's Henry and Catherine) and Jonathan Darcy (son of Pride and Prejudice's Darcy and Elizabeth) as amateur sleuths.
In this story, Juliet and Jonathan travel separately to Devon, Juliet to stay with her friends Colonel and Mrs. Marianne Brandon (of Sense and Sensibility), and Jonathan - quite reluctantly - to a house party hosted by his recently-married schoolboy tormentor John Willoughby (also of Sense and Sensibility). Juliet and Darcy are both delighted to renew the acquaintance they made in The Murder of Mr. Wickham (2022), although strict social conventions make it difficult for them to spend time alone together. However, when Willoughby's prickly new bride, the former Miss Sophia Grey, is horrifically poisoned in front of them both, it doesn't take long before they reprise their secret sleuthing proclivities to identify the culprit.
I found both The Late Mrs. Willoughby and its series predecessor to be entertaining and enjoyable reads, using the work of Jane Austen as a launching pad for the dramatisation of existing characters and the creation of a new generation. The style, tone and dialogue felt convincing to me, notwithstanding the rather modern attitudes espoused by the characters at times. Austen afficionados are notoriously difficult to please when it comes to modern fictional homages, and this is sometimes reflected in snarky review comments referencing issues such as historical/cultural anachronism and perceived character inconsistencies. I make no claim to be any sort of expert on Austen's tragically small oeuvre, simply an enthusiastic reader, but Claudia Gray has me absolutely entranced with her post-Austen universe! The Late Mrs. Willoughby sets the scene for more Tilney-Darcy collaborations in future and hopefully the resolution of a budding romance between the two. I can't wait to read the next instalment...
I'd highly recommend The Late Mrs. Willoughby to homage-tolerant lovers of Jane Austen's original works (especially Sense and Sensibility) and to any reader who enjoys well-paced historical mysteries and/or historical light romance.
My thanks to the author, Claudia Gray, publisher Vintage Anchor, and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this delightful and engaging new title.
The Late Mrs. Willoughby is the second delightful instalment in Claudia Gray's series featuring Juliet Tilney (daughter of Northanger Abbey's Henry and Catherine) and Jonathan Darcy (son of Pride and Prejudice's Darcy and Elizabeth) as amateur sleuths.
In this story, Juliet and Jonathan travel separately to Devon, Juliet to stay with her friends Colonel and Mrs. Marianne Brandon (of Sense and Sensibility), and Jonathan - quite reluctantly - to a house party hosted by his recently-married schoolboy tormentor John Willoughby (also of Sense and Sensibility). Juliet and Darcy are both delighted to renew the acquaintance they made in The Murder of Mr. Wickham (2022), although strict social conventions make it difficult for them to spend time alone together. However, when Willoughby's prickly new bride, the former Miss Sophia Grey, is horrifically poisoned in front of them both, it doesn't take long before they reprise their secret sleuthing proclivities to identify the culprit.
I found both The Late Mrs. Willoughby and its series predecessor to be entertaining and enjoyable reads, using the work of Jane Austen as a launching pad for the dramatisation of existing characters and the creation of a new generation. The style, tone and dialogue felt convincing to me, notwithstanding the rather modern attitudes espoused by the characters at times. Austen afficionados are notoriously difficult to please when it comes to modern fictional homages, and this is sometimes reflected in snarky review comments referencing issues such as historical/cultural anachronism and perceived character inconsistencies. I make no claim to be any sort of expert on Austen's tragically small oeuvre, simply an enthusiastic reader, but Claudia Gray has me absolutely entranced with her post-Austen universe! The Late Mrs. Willoughby sets the scene for more Tilney-Darcy collaborations in future and hopefully the resolution of a budding romance between the two. I can't wait to read the next instalment...
I'd highly recommend The Late Mrs. Willoughby to homage-tolerant lovers of Jane Austen's original works (especially Sense and Sensibility) and to any reader who enjoys well-paced historical mysteries and/or historical light romance.
My thanks to the author, Claudia Gray, publisher Vintage Anchor, and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this delightful and engaging new title.
April 26, 2023
THIS SERIES IS DEFINITELY ONE TO WATCH OUT FOR!
The first book in this series had me kind of on the fence. But now I am caught. After finishing this book I could not stop thinking about it and I am super pumped for the next installment.
👍 What I Liked 👍
Slow burn: Will they/won't they? Usually that is used to talk about Ross and Rachel on Friends. But Jonathan and Juliet are gaining in on the OG slow-burn couple. I just love how their relationship is slowly allowed to unfold, how they are fast friends slowly discovering that perhaps they could be more. It just works so well, especially in a Jane Austen universe.
Jonathan: My man Jonathan. I really liked him in the first book, but now I feel like I've peeled back another layer of the onion. And it's just fluff on the inside. I absolutely adore Jonathan. I love his awkwardness and directness. He is such a great and different character. Not the usual Historical Romance hero, which is definitely a plus in my world.
Jane Austen: Honestly, pretty much anything Jane Austen related is a hit with me. While I did have some issues with Gray's portrayal of some of the characters in the first book, I didn't have any concerns this time around. It was just lovely to be back with some of my favourite characters.
👎 What I Disliked 👎
Twists: Overall, this was minor issue for me, but the book did feature two major twists that I had been able to work out long before they actually unfolded. It was a bit of a letdown from the first book, where I really didn't have a clue how it would unfold. But overall, I don't read this series for the mystery. I will come back for the characters.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
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The first book in this series had me kind of on the fence. But now I am caught. After finishing this book I could not stop thinking about it and I am super pumped for the next installment.
👍 What I Liked 👍
Slow burn: Will they/won't they? Usually that is used to talk about Ross and Rachel on Friends. But Jonathan and Juliet are gaining in on the OG slow-burn couple. I just love how their relationship is slowly allowed to unfold, how they are fast friends slowly discovering that perhaps they could be more. It just works so well, especially in a Jane Austen universe.
Jonathan: My man Jonathan. I really liked him in the first book, but now I feel like I've peeled back another layer of the onion. And it's just fluff on the inside. I absolutely adore Jonathan. I love his awkwardness and directness. He is such a great and different character. Not the usual Historical Romance hero, which is definitely a plus in my world.
Jane Austen: Honestly, pretty much anything Jane Austen related is a hit with me. While I did have some issues with Gray's portrayal of some of the characters in the first book, I didn't have any concerns this time around. It was just lovely to be back with some of my favourite characters.
👎 What I Disliked 👎
Twists: Overall, this was minor issue for me, but the book did feature two major twists that I had been able to work out long before they actually unfolded. It was a bit of a letdown from the first book, where I really didn't have a clue how it would unfold. But overall, I don't read this series for the mystery. I will come back for the characters.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Follow me for more book loving content!
Blog ✨ Facebook ✨ Instagram ✨ Twitter
Blog Post: Which Book Should you read next based on your favourite Jane Austen Heroine
July 29, 2025
i love autistic idiots in love. i love them so much. darcy jr realizes maybe he COULD like kissing ?! a revelation. juliet has a sudden epiphany that maybe another guy was flirting with her ? (he was propositioning her for literal marriage). a triumph of a realization. i love these idiots. i cherish them dearly
March 10, 2023
Mr. John Willoughby is another of Jane Austen's characters most of us would vote off the island if given the opportunity. But, alas, we don't get to rejoice as another villain bites the dust. This time his wife is the victim. Was the poison meant for her? Or did she get taken out by mistake and the killer missed their primary target? With lots of suspects and theories to work with we have the reteaming of Mr. Jonathan Darcy and Miss Juliet Tilney to solve the case and they make a wonderful duo indeed. These young people are engaging and smart. I love the way that Miss Tilney brings out the best in Mr. Darcy and I am very hopeful that they end up together someday. But, I was very disappointed in this book. It had an abundance of narrative that was just plain boring and although I loved the characters it just wasn't enough.
The last time the Tilney's let their daughter attend a house party, she ended up in the middle of a murder and the lady, Marianne Brandon, who has invited Juliet this time ended up being the murderer, it was self-defense, however. But gossip is a nasty thing and Marianne needs a friend right now as Marianne's former suitor has returned to the neighborhood to take up residence after his aunt has died. He has brought with him his new bride and all her money. The handsome Mr. John Willoughby tossed Marrianne aside for his new wife and her fortune.
Invited to Willoughby's new home to help him celebrate his good fortune with his inheritance and his marriage are three of his chums from Oxford, Mr. Jonathan Darcy, Mr. Ralph Bamner and Mr. Laurence Follett. Mr. Darcy was loath to accept the invitation as he quite hated Willoughby at school, but with the Brandon's in the area, he would at least have friends he could escape to when needed.
Jonathan is delighted that Juliet is in residence with the Brandon's, and she is happy to see him again too. She had harbored hope that they might renew their acquaintance and maybe grow closer together leading to . . . However, at a dinner party meant to welcome the newcomers to the neighborhood, Mrs. Willoughby drops dead. Jonathan and Juliet at once suspect foul play and undertake to uncover the murderer. Of course, everyone hopes that it is the despicable Willoughby, and it just may be. But others have motive to do the deed and they have to consider that Mrs. Willoughby may not have been the target.
My thanks to the Publisher and Author for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
The last time the Tilney's let their daughter attend a house party, she ended up in the middle of a murder and the lady, Marianne Brandon, who has invited Juliet this time ended up being the murderer, it was self-defense, however. But gossip is a nasty thing and Marianne needs a friend right now as Marianne's former suitor has returned to the neighborhood to take up residence after his aunt has died. He has brought with him his new bride and all her money. The handsome Mr. John Willoughby tossed Marrianne aside for his new wife and her fortune.
Invited to Willoughby's new home to help him celebrate his good fortune with his inheritance and his marriage are three of his chums from Oxford, Mr. Jonathan Darcy, Mr. Ralph Bamner and Mr. Laurence Follett. Mr. Darcy was loath to accept the invitation as he quite hated Willoughby at school, but with the Brandon's in the area, he would at least have friends he could escape to when needed.
Jonathan is delighted that Juliet is in residence with the Brandon's, and she is happy to see him again too. She had harbored hope that they might renew their acquaintance and maybe grow closer together leading to . . . However, at a dinner party meant to welcome the newcomers to the neighborhood, Mrs. Willoughby drops dead. Jonathan and Juliet at once suspect foul play and undertake to uncover the murderer. Of course, everyone hopes that it is the despicable Willoughby, and it just may be. But others have motive to do the deed and they have to consider that Mrs. Willoughby may not have been the target.
My thanks to the Publisher and Author for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
January 12, 2023
I enjoy this series so much. There's just something so pleasurable about watching a talented author who knows Jane Austen's work in all the right ways play around in that world and with those characters, and then add in a well-executed murder mystery on top of that and I'm gonna be happy no question. This is like, the essence of good fanfic, except it's polished, professionally published fanfic (hence my shelf name).
So last time we had Mr. Wickham getting his just desserts, and this time the unfortunate victim is a character we've never met before, so it's sadder that she's dead. It's also sad that she had the extreme misfortune of being married to Mr. Willoughby, of Sense and Sensibility infamy, who broke Marianne's heart. Marianne is also suffering from PTSD from the events of the first book, which was satisfying. I didn't think that Claudia Gray would handle this sequel badly, but I was very pleased to see that events from book to book will be continuous and have consequences.
Anyway, that PTSD is triggered when poor Mrs. Willoughby drops dead during a party where almost all the characters of importance have gathered, including Juliet Tilney (who is visiting Marianne, her new friend from the first book), and Mr. Darcy the younger (who is apparently an old school chum/enemy/former bullying victim of Willoughby's). It's been since May that I read this so I don't remember why he and the other two men were invited to stay with Willoughby, but they just were, that's the set-up, okay. And because they've done this before and the local constabulary is really not handling things all that well, Juliet and Jonathan team up again to try to solve the murder.
In addition to being pleased with the character work here for all the characters (including Willoughby!) I was also very pleased with the mystery, which I thought was clever, and which of course completely fooled me (not that hard to do, but still).
I'm not sure how many different murders can happen in the vicinity of these two young people without it straining credulity, but I'm here for it regardless.
So last time we had Mr. Wickham getting his just desserts, and this time the unfortunate victim is a character we've never met before, so it's sadder that she's dead. It's also sad that she had the extreme misfortune of being married to Mr. Willoughby, of Sense and Sensibility infamy, who broke Marianne's heart. Marianne is also suffering from PTSD from the events of the first book, which was satisfying. I didn't think that Claudia Gray would handle this sequel badly, but I was very pleased to see that events from book to book will be continuous and have consequences.
Anyway, that PTSD is triggered when poor Mrs. Willoughby drops dead during a party where almost all the characters of importance have gathered, including Juliet Tilney (who is visiting Marianne, her new friend from the first book), and Mr. Darcy the younger (who is apparently an old school chum/enemy/former bullying victim of Willoughby's). It's been since May that I read this so I don't remember why he and the other two men were invited to stay with Willoughby, but they just were, that's the set-up, okay. And because they've done this before and the local constabulary is really not handling things all that well, Juliet and Jonathan team up again to try to solve the murder.
In addition to being pleased with the character work here for all the characters (including Willoughby!) I was also very pleased with the mystery, which I thought was clever, and which of course completely fooled me (not that hard to do, but still).
I'm not sure how many different murders can happen in the vicinity of these two young people without it straining credulity, but I'm here for it regardless.
July 13, 2024
A great fun mystery. I love the two central characters.
May 25, 2023
Well that was exhausting. A few decently funny sentences and fun supporting cast of Ferrars's and Mrs. Jennings do not a good Jane Austen fan fiction or mystery make. The mystery crawls, and while it makes sense, is boring and devoid of catharsis. Marianne and Colonel Brandon finally get to a healthy point in their relationship. Beth actually gets decent character development. I like the bones of these ideas. Yet she tells everything rather than shows. The pace is sluggish. I didn't care about our main characters who had been the highlight of book one in the form of Jonathan Darcy and Juliet Tilney. The lack of clarity concerning naming conventions led to very weird undertones which only sort of got addressed. The book is practically a massive exposition dump of both the previous book and Sense and Sensibility woven in with to little mystery too much angst, and practically holding the reader's hand the entire time. Even though I didn't quite guess who the murderer was, I was also suspicious of him and can't say I'm surprised. The reason is not convincingly written, but then again subtlety has never been Miss Gray's strong suite.
June 27, 2026
3.5 stars
April 15, 2023
Part historical mystery and part sequel, The Late Mrs. Willoughby will have vast appeal to mystery and Jane Austen fans alike. After the stupendous debut in the series set against the backdrop of Jane Austen’s world and featuring a younger generation of amateur sleuths, there was no doubt I was going to be coming along when Jonathan Darcy and Juliet Tilney accept invitations to join friends in the Devon countryside.
As the second book in a series, The Late Mrs. Willoughby offers a standalone murder mystery, but the primary characters and some of the secondary ones are better understood if readers approach the series in order.
Claudia Gray has chosen to set her historical mystery series in Jane Austen’s world, but focusing on the next generation for her main characters who are sleuthing partners. Jonathan Darcy is the clever yet awkward and neuro-diverse son of Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth Darcy of Pride & Prejudice fame while Juliet Tilney is the intrepid daughter of Henry and Catherine Tilney from Austen’s Northanger Abbey. They became friends over their first case that involved many of Austen’s primary couples and now they are brought together once again to solve yet another murder that the local constabulary and neighborhood is pinning on their friend, Mrs. Marianne Brandon.
The author gives careful attention to historical backdrop and setting. She endeavors to be faithful to Austen’s world and characters while still focusing on a murder mystery with plenty of suspects, motives, twists and turns. Those readers who prefer very little modern anachronisms peeping in and want to see crime solving done with what was known at the time and within the boundaries of social and legal rules will not be disappointed. And, while I had my suspicions about who was behind it all, I discovered some surprise twists that had me changing my mind a few times.
During the murder mystery, there is also the sequel aspect. The reader who is familiar with the events of Austen’s Sense & Sensibility will recognize the surrounding characters to Jonathan & Juliet as well as their ongoing storylines. But, this need not cause readers unfamiliar with that story to balk because there is enough filled in for anyone to grasp what led to where things are now.
I delighted to see Jonathan & Juliet back together and working the case while tentatively exploring their friendship that could be something more. Jonathan’s nature makes it hard for him- he doesn’t catch many social or emotional clues, he struggles being touched, having sensory overloads, and sees this as a deterrent to any deeper relationships. He was bullied and torments for his differences and by the very people he is staying with and one is even showing interest in Juliet so he is confused while she, too, must sort out if Jonathan only wants friendship and should she turn her attention to other eligible men.
All in all, this second entry in the series was as good, if not better to me, than the first and I can’t wait to see what comes with the third installment. Readers should get in on this series to appreciate these amateur Regency era sleuths for themselves.
I rec’d an eARC via NetGalley and finished print copy via Austenprose to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on May 31st.
As the second book in a series, The Late Mrs. Willoughby offers a standalone murder mystery, but the primary characters and some of the secondary ones are better understood if readers approach the series in order.
Claudia Gray has chosen to set her historical mystery series in Jane Austen’s world, but focusing on the next generation for her main characters who are sleuthing partners. Jonathan Darcy is the clever yet awkward and neuro-diverse son of Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth Darcy of Pride & Prejudice fame while Juliet Tilney is the intrepid daughter of Henry and Catherine Tilney from Austen’s Northanger Abbey. They became friends over their first case that involved many of Austen’s primary couples and now they are brought together once again to solve yet another murder that the local constabulary and neighborhood is pinning on their friend, Mrs. Marianne Brandon.
The author gives careful attention to historical backdrop and setting. She endeavors to be faithful to Austen’s world and characters while still focusing on a murder mystery with plenty of suspects, motives, twists and turns. Those readers who prefer very little modern anachronisms peeping in and want to see crime solving done with what was known at the time and within the boundaries of social and legal rules will not be disappointed. And, while I had my suspicions about who was behind it all, I discovered some surprise twists that had me changing my mind a few times.
During the murder mystery, there is also the sequel aspect. The reader who is familiar with the events of Austen’s Sense & Sensibility will recognize the surrounding characters to Jonathan & Juliet as well as their ongoing storylines. But, this need not cause readers unfamiliar with that story to balk because there is enough filled in for anyone to grasp what led to where things are now.
I delighted to see Jonathan & Juliet back together and working the case while tentatively exploring their friendship that could be something more. Jonathan’s nature makes it hard for him- he doesn’t catch many social or emotional clues, he struggles being touched, having sensory overloads, and sees this as a deterrent to any deeper relationships. He was bullied and torments for his differences and by the very people he is staying with and one is even showing interest in Juliet so he is confused while she, too, must sort out if Jonathan only wants friendship and should she turn her attention to other eligible men.
All in all, this second entry in the series was as good, if not better to me, than the first and I can’t wait to see what comes with the third installment. Readers should get in on this series to appreciate these amateur Regency era sleuths for themselves.
I rec’d an eARC via NetGalley and finished print copy via Austenprose to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on May 31st.
June 4, 2023
4 Stars
This is such a great series! I can't wait for the next book.
This is such a great series! I can't wait for the next book.
September 7, 2023
Yeah, meh. I got 80% through and lost my loan on my Libby app, and honestly can’t be bothered to finish it.
January 17, 2026
Audiobook
This second book in the series was much easier for me to get into than the first. Although the cast of characters is still very large with many of them getting their own POV scenes, I wasn’t as confused as I was at the start of The Murder of Mr. Wickham. While not a favorite, I enjoyed the book enough that I’ll keep going with the series since the audiobooks are available via my library.
5🌟 = Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite.
4🌟 = Loved it. Will recommend to others.
3🌟 = Glad I read it. Will probably read more by this author.
2🌟 = The book was okay, but I’ve enjoyed others so much more.
1🌟 = I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.
This second book in the series was much easier for me to get into than the first. Although the cast of characters is still very large with many of them getting their own POV scenes, I wasn’t as confused as I was at the start of The Murder of Mr. Wickham. While not a favorite, I enjoyed the book enough that I’ll keep going with the series since the audiobooks are available via my library.
5🌟 = Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite.
4🌟 = Loved it. Will recommend to others.
3🌟 = Glad I read it. Will probably read more by this author.
2🌟 = The book was okay, but I’ve enjoyed others so much more.
1🌟 = I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.
Read
August 30, 2023I thoroughly enjoyed this very clean general market mystery with all the Jane Austen characters and vibes. I thought I had the mystery figured out, but I was surprised at the end! A fun, charming read--as fun and charming as a murdery mystery can be!
October 16, 2026
The most invigorating and interesting experience of Juliet’s life was to be repeated! She would have to pray for forgiveness, taking such delight in circumstances that had proved tragic to another. “I quite agree, Mr. Darcy,” Juliet said. “Let us investigate.”
I found this one pretty much on par with the first of the series. The detection on the part of Miss Tilney and Mr. Darcy (and an unexpected friend and ally) still dragged and was tedious, but I enjoyed the slow burn relationship of our two detectives. The writing almost feels like Jane Austen and is top notch. I found the authenticity of the characters to Austen's original creations rather remarkable with one exception. That would be Willoughby, who is much darker than Austen painted him. I suspected the murderer right from the beginning but allowed myself to be deflected by subsequent happenings. But that’s a murder mystery for you.
**Spoilers for Book #1**
Miss Tilney is invited by her new found friend Marianne Brandon for a visit to Delaford. At the same time, Mr. Darcy is invited to Willoughby’s estate because it turns out they went to school together. They were not friends: Willoughby bullied and mocked Jonathan throughout their schooldays. In Austen, Willoughby is a cad with little character but popular and charming. In this book, he is very mean and nasty which I found inconsistent with Austen's character. It’s not really explained why Jonathan or another old school friend, Bamber, are invited. Jonathan reflects that he thinks it was for entertainment because Willoughby got his kicks out of mocking him and making a joke out of him. For someone described as so handsome, charming, rich, and sports oriented, one would think he would have more sources of entertainment within his reach, and have had lots of real friends rather than two old schoolmates he hadn’t seen in years. When unhappy and unpleasant Mrs. Willoughby is poisoned, the game, as they say, is afoot. Since it appears that Marianne is a top suspect by virtue of the events in the previous book, the daring duo, along with another guest, scientifically oriented Bamber, who asks to join them, investigate informally. Despite the stabilizing influence of her happy marriage and her sister Eleanor, the town of Barton still remembers her unrestrained behavior with Willoughby little over a year before. All eyes of the town, the constables, and others who don’t really know her, turn to Marianne as the culprit. Not to mention the fact that she is already a “known murderess.” (Completely choosing to ignore the circumstances whereby she was responsible for killing Mr. Wickham.) This attitude was an irritant and a frustration.
Even when evidence and suspicion start to indicate that Mr. Willoughby, not Mrs. Willoughby, may have been the target, Marianne still cannot escape suspicion.
Some still thought Mrs. Brandon had done it… Others thought Willoughby’s had been the hands that delivered the poison, but that it had been done at Mrs. Brandon’s urging. Another camp held that Mrs. Brandon had known nothing of it, but that she was the reason for Willoughby’s action, which meant she was nonetheless to blame.
The poor girl just cannot win!
As the three detectives consult, observe and uncover evidence, a lot of time and effort is spent only to realize or discover they are not really making any progress. They spend a lot of time running around in circles. This slows the book down and it was a little boring. However, my interest did not flag completely because there are side stories involving Colonel Brandon and his ward, the daughter of his former love Eliza, Eleanor and Edward Ferrars, and especially the continuing up and down development of Colonel Brandon’s and Marianne’s romance. Even Edward Ferrars' estranged mother, Fanny, and Lucy Ferrars (nee Steele) make an appearance. Also Jonathan and Juliet are both very lovable. Jonathan especially is a very sympathetic and well rounded character you can’t help but root for.
The book ends with Juliet and Jonathan still good friends, but each clueless that the other’s feelings are developing into love. Actually, Jonathan is still confused about his feelings because he’s Jonathan. They part with little hope of meeting again despite their warm friendship.
“The courses of Mr. Darcy and Miss Tilney might well have parted there forever, had it not been for the extraordinary circumstance that would, in the fullness of time, reunite them.”
https://rebekahsreadingsandwatchings....
June 21, 2023
I totally fell in love with the first book in this series, it was fun and unusual and totally awesome so requesting to review the sequel was a complete no-brainer.
Again we have the main characters of some of the famous and fantastic Jane Austen books under scrutiny for yet another mysterious death. It's really quite fascinating to see where these characters are after their respective books finished and whether they are still together, did they have children and so on. Of course the Darcy's son Jonathan is one of the two junior detectives in these books, along with the Tilney's daughter Juliet, and that is compelling in itself as his parent are probably the most famous of Austen's creations.
Claudia Gray is an engaging writer as it is and this book just shows how fabulous her work is and how great her imagination is when using someone else's infamous characters and making them her own while maintaining the integrity of Austen's original works.
Would I recommend this book and this series..... well yes I would, with bells on!!
Again we have the main characters of some of the famous and fantastic Jane Austen books under scrutiny for yet another mysterious death. It's really quite fascinating to see where these characters are after their respective books finished and whether they are still together, did they have children and so on. Of course the Darcy's son Jonathan is one of the two junior detectives in these books, along with the Tilney's daughter Juliet, and that is compelling in itself as his parent are probably the most famous of Austen's creations.
Claudia Gray is an engaging writer as it is and this book just shows how fabulous her work is and how great her imagination is when using someone else's infamous characters and making them her own while maintaining the integrity of Austen's original works.
Would I recommend this book and this series..... well yes I would, with bells on!!
May 30, 2023
3.5 rounded up.
A new historical cozy mystery set in the universe of Jane Austen's characters wherein Jonathan Darcy and Juliet Tilney are reunited at another house party, this time to discover who might have had motive to poison Mrs. Willoughby. For any cozy mystery or Austen fans this series is not one to miss. Entertaining and oh so imaginative, this second book was just as delightful as the first and good on audio too.
A new historical cozy mystery set in the universe of Jane Austen's characters wherein Jonathan Darcy and Juliet Tilney are reunited at another house party, this time to discover who might have had motive to poison Mrs. Willoughby. For any cozy mystery or Austen fans this series is not one to miss. Entertaining and oh so imaginative, this second book was just as delightful as the first and good on audio too.
March 17, 2023
I had read the previous book in the series and was intrigued enough by it to request for an arc of The Death of Mrs Willoughby. I loved the characters and the setting using Austenian characters was so well done. I won't say that the mystery part was extraordinary because i could guess who the killer was quite early in the book. Nonetheless, this didn't detract from my reading experience because i was lost in the world of the novel.
Definitely recommended for those who like reading Jane Austen originals and crave more of her characters.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC.
Definitely recommended for those who like reading Jane Austen originals and crave more of her characters.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC.
May 16, 2023
Loved, loved, loved Book 2 in this fab series with its Austenesque wit, mysteries that left me guessing, a neurodivergent sleuth (a Darcy no less!), Austen characters galore, and the hint of Regency romance. Perfect for Janeites and anyone who loves a well-done whodunit.
October 31, 2023
4.5 Stars!
I really enjoyed this second instalment of Mr Darcy and Miss Tilney - young sleuths extraordinaire:).
I have already pre-ordered the next one - The Perils of Lady Catherine de Bourgh.
I cannot wait!
I really enjoyed this second instalment of Mr Darcy and Miss Tilney - young sleuths extraordinaire:).
I have already pre-ordered the next one - The Perils of Lady Catherine de Bourgh.
I cannot wait!
April 18, 2023
I’m ready to spend more time with neurodivergent Pemberley heir Jonathan Darcy and young but perceptive Tilney daughter Juliet. Jonathan is enduring a house party with his childhood bully and she’s eager to visit her friend Mrs Brandon, who is struggling with the repercussions of what happened in the Murder of Mr Wickham.
This is best read by Austen fans and those who read book 1. There’s no summary about the changes the author made to Austen or to remind you of the events of Sense and Sensibility or book 1.
This was a good mystery, although the solution didn’t have much emotional impact for me. The whodunnit was clear early, if not the why. The personalities of Austen’s characters was well done. Those Ferrars are awful and Willoughby is just as you’d expect him to be. I’m here to spend more time with Jonathan Darcy and how he navigates and interprets the world. Jonathan and Juliet’s relationship isn’t a slow burn yet, more of an ember, but I’m eager to see them investigate the death of whatever unlikable minor Austen character gets bumped off next.
4.5 stars. I received an arc from NetGalley
This is best read by Austen fans and those who read book 1. There’s no summary about the changes the author made to Austen or to remind you of the events of Sense and Sensibility or book 1.
This was a good mystery, although the solution didn’t have much emotional impact for me. The whodunnit was clear early, if not the why. The personalities of Austen’s characters was well done. Those Ferrars are awful and Willoughby is just as you’d expect him to be. I’m here to spend more time with Jonathan Darcy and how he navigates and interprets the world. Jonathan and Juliet’s relationship isn’t a slow burn yet, more of an ember, but I’m eager to see them investigate the death of whatever unlikable minor Austen character gets bumped off next.
4.5 stars. I received an arc from NetGalley
February 1, 2023
This was another delightful installment in this little series. I just adore Juliet and Jonathan. And I loved that the setting was with the Sense & Sensibility crew this time. I pictured and heard in my head the whole cast from the 1995 movie as I read the book. Once again, I didn't figure out the murderer until very late in the book. And while Fanny and Edmund reduced my enjoyment of the first book, I didn't have that issue with anyone in this book. Obviously Willoughby is the careless and mean rogue we know him to be already.
And I was about to throw my book at the very end but the author gave us hope and a promise of another book and kept my little Juliet and Jonathan ship afloat.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a requested copy for review. All opinions are my own.
And I was about to throw my book at the very end but the author gave us hope and a promise of another book and kept my little Juliet and Jonathan ship afloat.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a requested copy for review. All opinions are my own.
July 26, 2023
This series is a perfect blend of Jane Austen and murder mysteries! You do not need to know the original stories before reading this series, but it helps with character backstories. I liked the first one a bit more because there were more characters featured and Willoughby is not my favorite to read about, but this one was good too! There were points that I kind of guessed the ending, but it was still a fun journey getting there. I really enjoy our two main characters: Juliet and Jonathan and hope to see them again in another story :)
May 21, 2024
3.5 stars
Following the delightful introduction to Mr. Jonathan Darcy and Miss Juliet Tilney in 2022’s The Murder of Mr. Wickham, Gray returned with a sweet little sequel that reunited this crime-solving duo in another reimagining of a continued and united Austen-verse.
Gray orders the timeline in this series with an eye for a winning outcome — twenty-some-odd years have passed for seemingly all the Austen crew except the Brandons . . . Colonel Christopher and Marianne Brandon (from Sense and Sensibility). They are still happy newlyweds, although they continue to deal with the fallout from the events of the previous book.
Now, with their eyes on having to cope with Mr. Willoughby (who treated Marianne so poorly in S&S) following his taking up residence at his neighboring, inherited estate, the former Misses Dashwoods and current residents of Devonshire prepare to socialize with Willoughby and his new bride. But, when her sudden death at a welcoming dinner turns out to have been due to poisoning, Mr. Darcy and Miss Tilney feel obligated to put their heads together once again to get to the truth of what happened and discover who is responsible.
Gray gets the tone just right for her Austenverse take, while also loosening the narrative a wee bit for a modern audience. This installment went on a little too long, and I spotted the guilty party almost immediately. That combination made it a little harder to fully enjoy as the pages turned, but this felt more like a second-book blip than a real concern for the storytelling and the future of this wonderfully cozy series. I’m looking forward to the incredibly enticing-sounding third installment this summer, The Perils of Lady Catherine de Bourgh.
Following the delightful introduction to Mr. Jonathan Darcy and Miss Juliet Tilney in 2022’s The Murder of Mr. Wickham, Gray returned with a sweet little sequel that reunited this crime-solving duo in another reimagining of a continued and united Austen-verse.
Gray orders the timeline in this series with an eye for a winning outcome — twenty-some-odd years have passed for seemingly all the Austen crew except the Brandons . . . Colonel Christopher and Marianne Brandon (from Sense and Sensibility). They are still happy newlyweds, although they continue to deal with the fallout from the events of the previous book.
Now, with their eyes on having to cope with Mr. Willoughby (who treated Marianne so poorly in S&S) following his taking up residence at his neighboring, inherited estate, the former Misses Dashwoods and current residents of Devonshire prepare to socialize with Willoughby and his new bride. But, when her sudden death at a welcoming dinner turns out to have been due to poisoning, Mr. Darcy and Miss Tilney feel obligated to put their heads together once again to get to the truth of what happened and discover who is responsible.
Gray gets the tone just right for her Austenverse take, while also loosening the narrative a wee bit for a modern audience. This installment went on a little too long, and I spotted the guilty party almost immediately. That combination made it a little harder to fully enjoy as the pages turned, but this felt more like a second-book blip than a real concern for the storytelling and the future of this wonderfully cozy series. I’m looking forward to the incredibly enticing-sounding third installment this summer, The Perils of Lady Catherine de Bourgh.
June 6, 2024
Another great Mr. Darcy and Miss Tilney mystery! This author does such a great job bringing us back into the world of Jane Austen. This story brought us back into the world of Sense and Sensibility, which is probably my least favorite Jane Austen book, but still fun to be back among all the characters. I look forward to the 3rd installment of this series later this month.
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