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An Elizabeth Parker Mystery #2
Murder on the Bride's Side
Drawing from the classic Sense and Sensibility, Tracy Kiely continues the adventures of Elizabeth Parker, the likable Austen-quoting sleuth, in this witty and charming series.
Elizabeth Parker suspected that fulfilling her duties as maid-of-honor for her best friend, Bridget, was going to be murder. And no sooner is the last grain of rice thrown than she finds herself staring into the dead eyes of Bridget’s Aunt Roni, a woman whose death is almost as universally celebrated as Bridget’s nuptials. The horror only increases when Harry, Bridget’s cousin, becomes the chief suspect. The idea is ludicrous to the family, because Harry is one of the kindest, most compassionate people imaginable. To complicate matters, Elizabeth’s boyfriend, Peter, appears to be falling for an old flame, a gorgeous wedding planner. Determined to clear Harry of the crime, reign in Bridget’s impulsive brand of sleuthing, and figure out where Peter’s heart lies, Elizabeth sets her mind to work.
Tracy Kiely has again brilliantly combined the wit and spunk of Austen’s protagonists with a contemporary, traditional mystery. With a vibrant cast of characters, the lush setting of a Virginia estate, and irresistible humor, she delivers on all counts.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published August 31, 2010
About the author
Tracy Kiely
7 books158 followersTracy Kiely graduated from Trinity College in 1990 with a degree in English. Tracy's first novel, Murder at Longbourn, is a mystery set in Cape Cod, and combines her love of the classic English country house murder and Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. She currently lives in Maryland with her husband, Matt, and their three children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
December 15, 2014
Mini rant: While I enjoyed this novel, 3 books in this series with similar plot elements have finally annoyed Criminal Justice major in me enough to make that voice counter the book lover.
Let us begin:
1. Every mystery has a similar plot which involves a group of related or at least interconnected people forced to remain within the confinement of a certain area while the cops abuse, accuse, and in general terrorize the group to find a suspect. And there is always a trophy wife.
2. The suspects refuse to give all their information.
3. This in turn leads Elizabeth Parker to try and gather all that hidden information and save the day.
Fine. Why don't any of them get a lawyer while they are questioned?
As I repeatedly shouted at my poor, bemused siblings all day: If you are questioned by the police, especially if you are innocent, get a lawyer. Get a lawyer immediately. It's good for everyone, all around. Less accusations of mistrial. Less opportunities for someone to remain ignorant of their rights. *sigh*
However, if there were lawyers around to prevent people from sticking their feet in their mouths, I suppose there wouldn't be much of a point for Elizabeth Parker to sleuth around.
The cops in general appear to be a rather bumbling lot, unable to do much but show up in time to arrest the bad guy. Insulting.
Hmmpph.
Anyway, as far as Murder on the Bride's Side goes I loved the ending because I didn't see it coming. What a fun surprise! However Elizabeth and Peter's romance and ensuing complications left me irritated to the extreme. As per usual I wanted to slap them both and tell them to suck it up and get over their irritating ability to jump to the wrong conclusions.
Anyway, despite my complaints, good stuff.
Let us begin:
1. Every mystery has a similar plot which involves a group of related or at least interconnected people forced to remain within the confinement of a certain area while the cops abuse, accuse, and in general terrorize the group to find a suspect. And there is always a trophy wife.
2. The suspects refuse to give all their information.
3. This in turn leads Elizabeth Parker to try and gather all that hidden information and save the day.
Fine. Why don't any of them get a lawyer while they are questioned?
As I repeatedly shouted at my poor, bemused siblings all day: If you are questioned by the police, especially if you are innocent, get a lawyer. Get a lawyer immediately. It's good for everyone, all around. Less accusations of mistrial. Less opportunities for someone to remain ignorant of their rights. *sigh*
However, if there were lawyers around to prevent people from sticking their feet in their mouths, I suppose there wouldn't be much of a point for Elizabeth Parker to sleuth around.
The cops in general appear to be a rather bumbling lot, unable to do much but show up in time to arrest the bad guy. Insulting.
Hmmpph.
Anyway, as far as Murder on the Bride's Side goes I loved the ending because I didn't see it coming. What a fun surprise! However Elizabeth and Peter's romance and ensuing complications left me irritated to the extreme. As per usual I wanted to slap them both and tell them to suck it up and get over their irritating ability to jump to the wrong conclusions.
Anyway, despite my complaints, good stuff.
October 12, 2012
Unfortunately, I didn't like this book as much as the first. The lead character freaked every time the police questioned her about the murder, which was stupid. The victim was obvious from the get-go. The author, once again, introduced a huge cast of characters within the first 50 or so pages which made it difficult to keep who was who straight (i.e., the main character and her boyfriend, her BFF and her husband, the BFF's parents, a family matriarch with her children, both of whom have spouses, ex-spouses and a few children, and a caterer. I'm sure I'm forgetting someone but this is just an example of how many people there are to keep straight.) It almost felt like the author introduced all these people because she just wanted to confuse the reader so we couldn't guess the who-done-it. Good writing will do that.
And this book had little resemblance to any Jane Austen stuff, unlike the first book.
I'm on the fence whether I'll read any more in this series or not. I really annoys me how many people are introduced in so short a time and I can't see the necessity of all of them.
And this book had little resemblance to any Jane Austen stuff, unlike the first book.
I'm on the fence whether I'll read any more in this series or not. I really annoys me how many people are introduced in so short a time and I can't see the necessity of all of them.
July 30, 2010
This series continues to entertain - I love how she uses Austen as an overlay to the mysteries, more as a wink to an Austen fan than any real ingrained Austen plot. Plus, I love an author who uses epigraphs.
February 21, 2021
Unusual and Unexpected resolution
January 1, 2017
I enjoy the Austen references (just winks and nods, rather than entire plot points), and I liked how Elizabeth's inside knowledge of / history with the Matthews family gave her insight that the detective couldn't have. I like Elizabeth herself, but I often want to shake her! She is too clueless about her own personal life.
August 9, 2012
Quel plaisir de retrouver Elizabeth Parker dans la suite de ses aventures ! Cette fois, le décor de l'intrigue policière n'est plus la chaleureuse auberge de tante Winnie, à Cape Cod, mais le sud de la Virginie, où Elizabeth doit assister, en tant que demoiselle d'honneur, au mariage de ses amis Bridget et Colin (notez la référence). C'est un vrai délice de retrouver notre héroïne et cette ambiance si particulière et si "cozy mystery". L'esprit de Jane Austen est toujours présent, les références à Sense & Sensibility, notamment, sont nombreuses. On croise également au détour des pages Dorothy Parker, Daffy Duck, Cary Grant, Anna Karenine, George Eliot et bien d'autres encore. Comment résister à ça ? ! L'humour est subtil, l'intrigue mise en scène avec adresse et la prose de Tracy Kiely toujours aussi enlevée. Le 3ème tome, écrit en hommage à Persuasion cette fois, m'attend bien sagement dans ma bibliothèque, j'en salive d'avance !
February 5, 2013
Not nearly as enjoyable as the first.
While it's nearly to bullying to pick apart a cozy mystery (which by very definition is a book that one reads with the suspension of disbelief) I have a few things to say.
1. The plot was so contrived, it was ridiculous.
2. The characters were completely unbelievable. What grown man (Avery) would really be blinded by such awful behavior (Roni)? I mean, she didn't even try to hide her viciousness.
3. If someone commits murder do you REALLY try to throw off the police from finding the killer? Just because the killer is related to you? I can't imagine trying to protect a killer from being caught, no matter who it is.
Not sure I'll read the third.
While it's nearly to bullying to pick apart a cozy mystery (which by very definition is a book that one reads with the suspension of disbelief) I have a few things to say.
1. The plot was so contrived, it was ridiculous.
2. The characters were completely unbelievable. What grown man (Avery) would really be blinded by such awful behavior (Roni)? I mean, she didn't even try to hide her viciousness.
3. If someone commits murder do you REALLY try to throw off the police from finding the killer? Just because the killer is related to you? I can't imagine trying to protect a killer from being caught, no matter who it is.
Not sure I'll read the third.
April 12, 2018
I’m waffling between 1 & 2 Stars. I enjoyed the first book quite a bit but this one...eh. Elizabeth seemed a little bit of a nut job rather than a lovable eccentric and the chemistry between her and Peter was nonexistent. I almost hoped they would break up just so we could get someone new. Also, the ending was VERY unsatisfactory for me because I so deeply value justice and truth. But, she did reveal the mystery little by little and make me guess as to the murderer so...I will give it a generous 2 Stars.
September 30, 2010
Light, easy read, but I did not like it as much as the first one in the series. Too many wrong assumptions by the heroine - got a bit annoying. Aside from the occasional quotes, did not really have that Jane Austin feel that the first book did.
April 28, 2023
I usually love Jane Austen inspired works, and the first book was ok, if you ignored a few things. These books work best if you think them like murder she wrote style mysteries and ignore the fact that there should have been a ton of forensic evidence.
Again, I failed to identify the killer, but I think that’s due to the author twisting and forcing things to work out. My issues with the first book were about the romance between Elizabeth and Peter. This book really upset me. I wanted Elizabeth to dump Peter, and Peter is supposed to be Darcy. How can you write a book where you finish the book not wanting Elizabeth and Darcy to be together. The way that Peter handled the hole Chloe thing makes me think he cheated on E, whom he has supposedly had a crush on since they were kids. Then their fight is so anti climatic. And he just shows up at the end and all is good? Elizabeth makes a point that she needs her white knight and he’s with Chloe. Come on, I needed to see him do something for E, like get his head bashed in again.
As for anticlimactic, the use of the letter… after all that..: it felt forced.
Then you have the lose threads:
1. Was the nurse in love with Avery
2. Who wanted to come down to the wedding to see Roni? Was he the guy trying to buy the business.
3, did Chloe and the detective and up together?
If I hadn’t requested the rest of the series from the library, I think I would t continue reading.
Again, I failed to identify the killer, but I think that’s due to the author twisting and forcing things to work out. My issues with the first book were about the romance between Elizabeth and Peter. This book really upset me. I wanted Elizabeth to dump Peter, and Peter is supposed to be Darcy. How can you write a book where you finish the book not wanting Elizabeth and Darcy to be together. The way that Peter handled the hole Chloe thing makes me think he cheated on E, whom he has supposedly had a crush on since they were kids. Then their fight is so anti climatic. And he just shows up at the end and all is good? Elizabeth makes a point that she needs her white knight and he’s with Chloe. Come on, I needed to see him do something for E, like get his head bashed in again.
As for anticlimactic, the use of the letter… after all that..: it felt forced.
Then you have the lose threads:
1. Was the nurse in love with Avery
2. Who wanted to come down to the wedding to see Roni? Was he the guy trying to buy the business.
3, did Chloe and the detective and up together?
If I hadn’t requested the rest of the series from the library, I think I would t continue reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2019
I really enjoyed this second book in the series. This is a really fun modern twist on Jane Austen-esque stuff.
I really like Elizabeth as a main character. She's smart, funny, and unusually for a cozy heroine, she is also very sensible. She isn't the one of those mystery main characters who does stupid, ridiculous things to help move the story along. That's not to say there are not people in this book who do stupid things, because let's face it - the story does have to move along. But it isn't Elizabeth who's stupid, and that is big bonus points for me in a cozy.
As someone whose favourite book is Pride and Prejudice, the Jane Austen focus, and the mentions and quotes from her books that the characters say is a fun extra feature for me.
Elizabeth is funny. During the shenanigans that go on, both the things Elizabeth says, and the things she thinks made me laugh out loud more than once. I really enjoyed that.
The murder investigation, the supporting characters, the pacing - everything about this book was fun, light, easy-to-read and enjoyable. I will definitely read the other books in this series.
I really like Elizabeth as a main character. She's smart, funny, and unusually for a cozy heroine, she is also very sensible. She isn't the one of those mystery main characters who does stupid, ridiculous things to help move the story along. That's not to say there are not people in this book who do stupid things, because let's face it - the story does have to move along. But it isn't Elizabeth who's stupid, and that is big bonus points for me in a cozy.
As someone whose favourite book is Pride and Prejudice, the Jane Austen focus, and the mentions and quotes from her books that the characters say is a fun extra feature for me.
Elizabeth is funny. During the shenanigans that go on, both the things Elizabeth says, and the things she thinks made me laugh out loud more than once. I really enjoyed that.
The murder investigation, the supporting characters, the pacing - everything about this book was fun, light, easy-to-read and enjoyable. I will definitely read the other books in this series.
September 5, 2026
A good whodunnit. I guessed who did it before it was even done, but with a lot of other factors, I second guessed myself. I enjoyed that Elizabeth and Peter’s relationship is being tried, because sometimes true love doesn’t run smooth. I do have to say, Bridget is a potty mouth. That being said, this book would have been a star and a half higher, but I had to take them off due to the author using the Lord’s name in vain one too many times. It doesn’t make the book better, and you lose credibility when you do. This quote the author put in the book fits how I feel about it:
“The more I see of the world, the more am I dissatisfied with it; and every day confirms my belief of the inconsistency of all human characters, and of the little dependence that can be placed on the appearance of either merit or sense.” Jane Austen Pride & Prejudice
“The more I see of the world, the more am I dissatisfied with it; and every day confirms my belief of the inconsistency of all human characters, and of the little dependence that can be placed on the appearance of either merit or sense.” Jane Austen Pride & Prejudice
June 8, 2017
I am enjoying this series a lot. Perfect summer reads, with likable characters and - at least as far as books #1 and #2 - good surprise endings. The author mixes in just enough of her main character's personal life into the plot to involve the reader but not detract from the mystery. "Murder on the Bride's Side" involved a large collection of possible suspects and multiple motives, giving it the feel of a good old-fashioned whodunit without any of the weightiness. Definitely a cozy read! Will be moving on to the next one!
November 13, 2024
#2 in the 20 something Jane Austen-quoting sleuth Elizabeth Parker mystery series.
Elizabeth is attending the wedding of her best friend, Bridget as her maid-of-honor and finds herself in the middle of the internal unhappiness of the bride's family. The morning after the wedding, she discovers the murdered body Bridget's Aunt Roni, a woman who pretty much everyone disliked.
The honeymoon is cancelled, engagements are postponed, and hearts are wounded as Elizabeth tries to make sense of the murder.
Elizabeth is a bit flighty, quite to emotionally react and jump to conclusions.
Elizabeth is attending the wedding of her best friend, Bridget as her maid-of-honor and finds herself in the middle of the internal unhappiness of the bride's family. The morning after the wedding, she discovers the murdered body Bridget's Aunt Roni, a woman who pretty much everyone disliked.
The honeymoon is cancelled, engagements are postponed, and hearts are wounded as Elizabeth tries to make sense of the murder.
Elizabeth is a bit flighty, quite to emotionally react and jump to conclusions.
July 15, 2018
This book was even more amazing than the first one and I cherished the ending. Not spoiling anyone here!
I liked how it was similar yet different to the last book. Wanted a little bit more romance but it made up with the quirky dialogues and story plot!
If you liked the first book then you will definitely like this book even more!
I liked how it was similar yet different to the last book. Wanted a little bit more romance but it made up with the quirky dialogues and story plot!
If you liked the first book then you will definitely like this book even more!
November 8, 2017
Was never a big fan of Jane Austen books, so a few of the quotes or references I didn't get. Other than that the story has a lot of lies that families keep and it is interesting how the lies all unravel.
October 8, 2018
This book was entertaining and I liked the explanation at the end because I hadn't guessed who did it before the reveal.
January 19, 2019
Easy “murder mystery” series. I like the protagonist.
June 17, 2020
This is a great author! If you like a well written mystery with great dialogue and an even better plot, read this.
August 15, 2023
I’m enjoying this series which has a little bit of everything. Entertaining and fun twists.
July 27, 2010
Charming cozy mystery with odd, interesting, unique but somehow familiar characters
An old Richmond, Virginia plantation, a festive wedding and family disputes set the stage for murder in Tracy Kiely’s novel Murder on the Bride’s Side, the second novel in the Elizabeth Parker mystery series inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novels. A year ago, Kiely wowed me with her debut novel Murder at Longbourn loosely based on characters from Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. This time we follow the further adventures of her endearingly flawed, angst ridden sleuth Elizabeth Parker as she draws strength and great quotes from Sense and Sensibility.
The story picks up eight months after Elizabeth solved a double murder at her aunt Winnie’s B&B in Cape Cod. She and her boyfriend Peter McGowan (who she reconnected with in Murder at Longbourn) are still an item, but the challenge of a long distance relationship niggles at her insecurities. He is joining Elizabeth in Richmond, Virginia while she fulfills her maid-of-honor duties for her best friend Bridget Matthews whose wedding is at the family estate Barton Landing, a former tobacco plantation fronting the James River. It would not be a proper old southern family without an elderly potentate to wield their cane and pelt cross words at their children, so Kiely has supplied us with Elsie Matthews, a meddling grand dame who likes to match make and foretell the future. Upon Elizabeth’s arrival her ominous prediction of “death is coming” ultimately comes to pass the day after the wedding when the body of her daughter-in-law Roni is found brutally murder with a large kitchen knife in her chest. This is a tragic event, so why is no one grieving?
Elizabeth soon discovers that almost everyone in the Matthews clan wanted Roni dead. She is what Barbara Bush quipped “a noun beginning with b and rhyming with witch.” She was the much younger second wife of Elsie’s eldest son Avery, the heir presumptive and president of a thriving landscaping company whose recent stroke has left him in a wheelchair. His scheming wife (with a man-made figure) was determined that he sell in order to slow down and enjoy life. This news sends the family into a tailspin of anger and fear, so much so that someone commits murder to stop her.
Among Elsie’s three children and their families the chief suspect is Bridget’s cousin Harry Matthew’s, a Willoughby-like playboy who is often in his cups but not at all the killing kind. Because of Elizabeth’s success with sleuthing out the murderer at her aunt’s B&B last January, she is called upon by Bridget to find the proof of the real murderer and free Harry. Could it be Roni’s browbeaten teenage daughter Megan, Avery’s starchy infatuated nurse Millicent McDaniel, womanizer and family leech David Cook, Avery’s jilted girlfriend Julia Fitzpatrick, or Elizabeth herself, who is found in possession of the valuable diamond necklace missing from Roni’s body? Add to this drama the coincidence of Peter’s former flame, wedding coordinator Chloe Jenkins, is on the prowl again and Elizabeth will need to channel the Dashwood sisters: Elinor’s inner strength and Marianne’s passionate determination to solve the crime.
Written from her heroine’s perspective, it was a delight to return to Kiely’s breezy, familiar, blog-like writing style. It drew me into Elizabeth’s anxious world as a singleton and struggles with confidence in her own abilities, building upon my desire for her to succeed. Like Austen, Kiely excels at endearing characterization supplying an array of odd, interesting, unique but somehow familiar characters. I particularly appreciated her descriptive use of metaphor and subtle humor. This mystery enthusiasts paid close attention to clues, had my predictions, but was still surprised at the final reveal. My major quibble is that this novel has even less connections to Austen than her previous outing. If you are going to claim that it has been drawn from Sense and Sensibility, you better deliver. Elizabeth’s ongoing relationship with Peter had its ups and downs – but really – how could anyone not be besotted by a man who can quote lines from Cary Grant movies by heart? Kudos to St. Martin’s for the beautiful cover. BIG improvement. I am looking forward to Tracy’s next murder mystery in the series inspired by Austen’s Persuasion. Yay! Men in blue. Go Wentworth.
Laurel Ann, Austenprose
An old Richmond, Virginia plantation, a festive wedding and family disputes set the stage for murder in Tracy Kiely’s novel Murder on the Bride’s Side, the second novel in the Elizabeth Parker mystery series inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novels. A year ago, Kiely wowed me with her debut novel Murder at Longbourn loosely based on characters from Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. This time we follow the further adventures of her endearingly flawed, angst ridden sleuth Elizabeth Parker as she draws strength and great quotes from Sense and Sensibility.
The story picks up eight months after Elizabeth solved a double murder at her aunt Winnie’s B&B in Cape Cod. She and her boyfriend Peter McGowan (who she reconnected with in Murder at Longbourn) are still an item, but the challenge of a long distance relationship niggles at her insecurities. He is joining Elizabeth in Richmond, Virginia while she fulfills her maid-of-honor duties for her best friend Bridget Matthews whose wedding is at the family estate Barton Landing, a former tobacco plantation fronting the James River. It would not be a proper old southern family without an elderly potentate to wield their cane and pelt cross words at their children, so Kiely has supplied us with Elsie Matthews, a meddling grand dame who likes to match make and foretell the future. Upon Elizabeth’s arrival her ominous prediction of “death is coming” ultimately comes to pass the day after the wedding when the body of her daughter-in-law Roni is found brutally murder with a large kitchen knife in her chest. This is a tragic event, so why is no one grieving?
Elizabeth soon discovers that almost everyone in the Matthews clan wanted Roni dead. She is what Barbara Bush quipped “a noun beginning with b and rhyming with witch.” She was the much younger second wife of Elsie’s eldest son Avery, the heir presumptive and president of a thriving landscaping company whose recent stroke has left him in a wheelchair. His scheming wife (with a man-made figure) was determined that he sell in order to slow down and enjoy life. This news sends the family into a tailspin of anger and fear, so much so that someone commits murder to stop her.
Among Elsie’s three children and their families the chief suspect is Bridget’s cousin Harry Matthew’s, a Willoughby-like playboy who is often in his cups but not at all the killing kind. Because of Elizabeth’s success with sleuthing out the murderer at her aunt’s B&B last January, she is called upon by Bridget to find the proof of the real murderer and free Harry. Could it be Roni’s browbeaten teenage daughter Megan, Avery’s starchy infatuated nurse Millicent McDaniel, womanizer and family leech David Cook, Avery’s jilted girlfriend Julia Fitzpatrick, or Elizabeth herself, who is found in possession of the valuable diamond necklace missing from Roni’s body? Add to this drama the coincidence of Peter’s former flame, wedding coordinator Chloe Jenkins, is on the prowl again and Elizabeth will need to channel the Dashwood sisters: Elinor’s inner strength and Marianne’s passionate determination to solve the crime.
Written from her heroine’s perspective, it was a delight to return to Kiely’s breezy, familiar, blog-like writing style. It drew me into Elizabeth’s anxious world as a singleton and struggles with confidence in her own abilities, building upon my desire for her to succeed. Like Austen, Kiely excels at endearing characterization supplying an array of odd, interesting, unique but somehow familiar characters. I particularly appreciated her descriptive use of metaphor and subtle humor. This mystery enthusiasts paid close attention to clues, had my predictions, but was still surprised at the final reveal. My major quibble is that this novel has even less connections to Austen than her previous outing. If you are going to claim that it has been drawn from Sense and Sensibility, you better deliver. Elizabeth’s ongoing relationship with Peter had its ups and downs – but really – how could anyone not be besotted by a man who can quote lines from Cary Grant movies by heart? Kudos to St. Martin’s for the beautiful cover. BIG improvement. I am looking forward to Tracy’s next murder mystery in the series inspired by Austen’s Persuasion. Yay! Men in blue. Go Wentworth.
Laurel Ann, Austenprose
September 30, 2011
n old Richmond, Virginia plantation, a festive wedding and family disputes set the stage for murder in Tracy Kiely's novel MURDER ON THE BRIDE'S SIDE, the second novel in the Elizabeth Parker mystery series inspired by Jane Austen's classic novels. A year ago, Kiely wowed me with her debut novel MURDER AT LONGBOURN loosely based on characters from Austen's PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. This time we follow the further adventures of her endearingly flawed, angst ridden sleuth Elizabeth Parker as she draws strength and great quotes from SENSE AND SENSIBILIY.
The story picks up eight months after Elizabeth solved a double murder at her aunt Winnie's B&B in Cape Cod. She and her boyfriend Peter McGowan (who she reconnected with in Murder at Longbourn) are still an item, but the challenge of a long distance relationship niggles at her insecurities. He is joining Elizabeth in Richmond, Virginia while she fulfills her maid-of-honor duties for her best friend Bridget Matthews whose wedding is at the family estate Barton Landing, a former tobacco plantation fronting the James River. It would not be a proper old southern family without an elderly potentate to wield their cane and pelt cross words at their children, so Kiely has supplied us with Elsie Matthews, a meddling grand dame who likes to match make and foretell the future. Upon Elizabeth's arrival her ominous prediction of "death is coming" ultimately comes to pass the day after the wedding when the body of her daughter-in-law Roni is found brutally murder with a large kitchen knife in her chest. This is a tragic event, so why is no one grieving?
Elizabeth soon discovers that almost everyone in the Matthews clan wanted Roni dead. She is what Barbara Bush quipped "a noun beginning with b and rhyming with witch." She was the much younger second wife of Elsie's eldest son Avery, the heir presumptive and president of a thriving landscaping company whose recent stroke has left him in a wheelchair. His scheming wife (with a man-made figure) was determined that he sell in order to slow down and enjoy life. This news sends the family into a tailspin of anger and fear, so much so that someone commits murder to stop her.
Among Elsie's three children and their families the chief suspect is Bridget's cousin Harry Matthews, a Willoughby-like playboy who is often in his cups but not at all the killing kind. Because of Elizabeth's success with sleuthing out the murderer at her aunts B&B last January, she is called upon by Bridget to find the proof of the real murderer and free Harry. Could it be Roni's browbeaten teenage daughter Megan, Avery's starchy infatuated nurse Millicent McDaniel, womanizer and family leech David Cook, Avery's jilted girlfriend Julia Fitzpatrick, or Elizabeth herself, who is found in possession of the valuable diamond necklace missing from Roni's body? Add to this drama the coincidence of Peter's former flame, wedding coordinator Chloe Jenkins, who is on the prowl for Peter and Elizabeth will need to channel the Dashwood sisters: Elinor's inner strength and Marianne's passionate determination to solve the crime.
The story picks up eight months after Elizabeth solved a double murder at her aunt Winnie's B&B in Cape Cod. She and her boyfriend Peter McGowan (who she reconnected with in Murder at Longbourn) are still an item, but the challenge of a long distance relationship niggles at her insecurities. He is joining Elizabeth in Richmond, Virginia while she fulfills her maid-of-honor duties for her best friend Bridget Matthews whose wedding is at the family estate Barton Landing, a former tobacco plantation fronting the James River. It would not be a proper old southern family without an elderly potentate to wield their cane and pelt cross words at their children, so Kiely has supplied us with Elsie Matthews, a meddling grand dame who likes to match make and foretell the future. Upon Elizabeth's arrival her ominous prediction of "death is coming" ultimately comes to pass the day after the wedding when the body of her daughter-in-law Roni is found brutally murder with a large kitchen knife in her chest. This is a tragic event, so why is no one grieving?
Elizabeth soon discovers that almost everyone in the Matthews clan wanted Roni dead. She is what Barbara Bush quipped "a noun beginning with b and rhyming with witch." She was the much younger second wife of Elsie's eldest son Avery, the heir presumptive and president of a thriving landscaping company whose recent stroke has left him in a wheelchair. His scheming wife (with a man-made figure) was determined that he sell in order to slow down and enjoy life. This news sends the family into a tailspin of anger and fear, so much so that someone commits murder to stop her.
Among Elsie's three children and their families the chief suspect is Bridget's cousin Harry Matthews, a Willoughby-like playboy who is often in his cups but not at all the killing kind. Because of Elizabeth's success with sleuthing out the murderer at her aunts B&B last January, she is called upon by Bridget to find the proof of the real murderer and free Harry. Could it be Roni's browbeaten teenage daughter Megan, Avery's starchy infatuated nurse Millicent McDaniel, womanizer and family leech David Cook, Avery's jilted girlfriend Julia Fitzpatrick, or Elizabeth herself, who is found in possession of the valuable diamond necklace missing from Roni's body? Add to this drama the coincidence of Peter's former flame, wedding coordinator Chloe Jenkins, who is on the prowl for Peter and Elizabeth will need to channel the Dashwood sisters: Elinor's inner strength and Marianne's passionate determination to solve the crime.
September 6, 2010
Murder on the Bride's Side is Tracy Kiely's second murder mystery. I thought her debut novel, Murder at Longbourn, quite charming. Although it was set in modern times, the tie ins to Jane Austen were detailed enough to be satisfying. (In the first book, Aunt Winnie was the proprietor of the Inn at Longbourn, the heroine Elizabeth Parker turned to reading Pride and Prejudice in times of stress, a cat named Lady Catherine prowled the premises, and two friends named Bridget and Colin joined a band of murder suspects for the New Year's festivities.)
Murder on the Bride's Side begins where Murder at Longbourn left off. Elizabeth Parker, the heroine who helped to solve the first murder, thereby saving her aunt from being falsely accused, is a fact checker for a local Virginia paper. This explains her eye for details. As the novel opens, guests are assembling to attend Bridget and Colin's wedding in Richmond, Virginia. Elizabeth and Peter McGowan are now an item, which must have made Aunt Winnie deliriously happy, for she practically forced Peter's company onto Elizabeth in Murder at Longbourn.
During her spare time Elizabeth reads Sense and Sensibility, which is quoted quite often at the start of this mystery. These quotes provide a tentative connection to Jane Austen, for, unlike Tracy Kiely's first novel, the plot of this book has not been so neatly constructed around Jane's oeuvre, and Tracy stops quoting Sense and Sensibility early on. She quotes other books as well, each one introducing a new chapter, setting up the theme.
As guests arrive for the wedding and assemble for the rehearsal dinner and reception, the reader is introduced to each murder suspect. The victim, Roni Avery, is a suitably nasty individual whose treatment of her husband, Avery, her daughter, Megan, and the world in general is such that murdering her was quite a sensible solution.
Bridget and Colin are married and then the fun happens. As with Tracy Kiely's first novel, the murder and its denouement are incidental to the development of the characters and their relationship to each other. Kiely's writing style is breezy and effortless, and she has constructed a tight and entertaining mystery that leads to a satisfying conclusion. This time around the murder is not so easily solved, for she offers a side trail that a careless reader who has missed some important clues might follow.
I give Murder on the Bride's Side two out of three Regency fans. Will I read another Elizabeth Parker murder mystery when Tracy Kiely writes her third book? Why, yes, of course. I want to follow Peter and Elizabeth as they deepen their romance against a backdrop of murder most foul.
Murder on the Bride's Side begins where Murder at Longbourn left off. Elizabeth Parker, the heroine who helped to solve the first murder, thereby saving her aunt from being falsely accused, is a fact checker for a local Virginia paper. This explains her eye for details. As the novel opens, guests are assembling to attend Bridget and Colin's wedding in Richmond, Virginia. Elizabeth and Peter McGowan are now an item, which must have made Aunt Winnie deliriously happy, for she practically forced Peter's company onto Elizabeth in Murder at Longbourn.
During her spare time Elizabeth reads Sense and Sensibility, which is quoted quite often at the start of this mystery. These quotes provide a tentative connection to Jane Austen, for, unlike Tracy Kiely's first novel, the plot of this book has not been so neatly constructed around Jane's oeuvre, and Tracy stops quoting Sense and Sensibility early on. She quotes other books as well, each one introducing a new chapter, setting up the theme.
As guests arrive for the wedding and assemble for the rehearsal dinner and reception, the reader is introduced to each murder suspect. The victim, Roni Avery, is a suitably nasty individual whose treatment of her husband, Avery, her daughter, Megan, and the world in general is such that murdering her was quite a sensible solution.
Bridget and Colin are married and then the fun happens. As with Tracy Kiely's first novel, the murder and its denouement are incidental to the development of the characters and their relationship to each other. Kiely's writing style is breezy and effortless, and she has constructed a tight and entertaining mystery that leads to a satisfying conclusion. This time around the murder is not so easily solved, for she offers a side trail that a careless reader who has missed some important clues might follow.
I give Murder on the Bride's Side two out of three Regency fans. Will I read another Elizabeth Parker murder mystery when Tracy Kiely writes her third book? Why, yes, of course. I want to follow Peter and Elizabeth as they deepen their romance against a backdrop of murder most foul.
October 3, 2012
Amateur sleuth Elizabeth Parker is at it again. Readers were first introduced to this clumsy, Austen-quoting character in Tracy Kiely’s debut novel, Murder at Longbourn. In the second book in her series, Murder on the Bride’s Side, Kiely brings Elizabeth, her detective skills, and her boyfriend, Peter, to Richmond, Virginia for her best friend Bridget’s wedding.
From the onset, death is all around. Between Bridget’s dream and her grandmother’s premonitions, both are certain that a death is imminent. But whose? When Elizabeth stumbles upon Bridget’s Aunt Roni’s dead body, everyone is shocked, but no one is disappointed. It appears most of the Matthews’s family each had at least one reason to knock off the narcissistic golddigger. It’s now up to Detective Grant to uncover the murderer amongst a plethora of suspects. Will he find the actual killer, or will someone be framed?
Detective Grant’s chief suspect is Roni’s stepson, Harry Matthews. Having known Harry pretty much her whole life, Elizabeth knows he could not commit such an act, and she sets out to uncover the real killer. However, with skills that are reminiscent of Lucy Ricardo rather than Nancy Drew, Elizabeth faces quite a challenge.
While in the midst of trying to clear Harry’s name, Elizabeth is also fighting a personal battle. Peter has reconnected with an old flame, an attractive, sophisticated, leggy blonde. Guided by her emotions, not unlike Marianne Dashwood, how is Elizabeth going to respond to Peter’s open and amiable demeanor towards his ex-lover? Can Elizabeth summon her reasonable Eleanor Dashwood side and get to the bottom of both the murder and Peter’s heart?
While the murder investigation is taking place, the author maintains an amusing and entertaining feel through the snide remarks between the suspects, while at the same time, I am anxious to discover who the killer is. From the very beginning, Kiely strategically sprinkles the text with little nuggets of information, intended to keep the reader speculating on what is going on between certain characters and guessing who could be the real killer. After all, nobody liked Roni.
Murder on the Bride’s Side is a clever and entertaining mystery. I find it diverting trying to pick out Austen quotes when an author sneaks them in. I relished picking out the Sense and Sensibility quotes just like I did with the Pride and Prejudice quotes in Murder at Longbourn. I am looking forward to reading the next in this series, Murder Most Persuasive as I enjoy Kiely’s writing and adore Persuasion.
Originally posted on www.leatherboundreviews.blogspot.com
Watch my vlog for Murder on the Bride's Side: http://leatherboundreviews.blogspot.c...
FTC Disclaimer: Personally purchased this book
From the onset, death is all around. Between Bridget’s dream and her grandmother’s premonitions, both are certain that a death is imminent. But whose? When Elizabeth stumbles upon Bridget’s Aunt Roni’s dead body, everyone is shocked, but no one is disappointed. It appears most of the Matthews’s family each had at least one reason to knock off the narcissistic golddigger. It’s now up to Detective Grant to uncover the murderer amongst a plethora of suspects. Will he find the actual killer, or will someone be framed?
Detective Grant’s chief suspect is Roni’s stepson, Harry Matthews. Having known Harry pretty much her whole life, Elizabeth knows he could not commit such an act, and she sets out to uncover the real killer. However, with skills that are reminiscent of Lucy Ricardo rather than Nancy Drew, Elizabeth faces quite a challenge.
While in the midst of trying to clear Harry’s name, Elizabeth is also fighting a personal battle. Peter has reconnected with an old flame, an attractive, sophisticated, leggy blonde. Guided by her emotions, not unlike Marianne Dashwood, how is Elizabeth going to respond to Peter’s open and amiable demeanor towards his ex-lover? Can Elizabeth summon her reasonable Eleanor Dashwood side and get to the bottom of both the murder and Peter’s heart?
While the murder investigation is taking place, the author maintains an amusing and entertaining feel through the snide remarks between the suspects, while at the same time, I am anxious to discover who the killer is. From the very beginning, Kiely strategically sprinkles the text with little nuggets of information, intended to keep the reader speculating on what is going on between certain characters and guessing who could be the real killer. After all, nobody liked Roni.
Murder on the Bride’s Side is a clever and entertaining mystery. I find it diverting trying to pick out Austen quotes when an author sneaks them in. I relished picking out the Sense and Sensibility quotes just like I did with the Pride and Prejudice quotes in Murder at Longbourn. I am looking forward to reading the next in this series, Murder Most Persuasive as I enjoy Kiely’s writing and adore Persuasion.
Originally posted on www.leatherboundreviews.blogspot.com
Watch my vlog for Murder on the Bride's Side: http://leatherboundreviews.blogspot.c...
FTC Disclaimer: Personally purchased this book
October 2, 2021
I love it when an author fools me and I don't guess the killer. I was completely off on this one. Elizabeth's BFF is getting married, but family feuds make the rehearsal and reception not too pleasant. To make it worse, the wedding planner is boyfriend's Peter ex-girlfriend, and she's trying to rekindle the flame. The morning after the wedding, Elizabeth finds one of the nasty in-laws dead on the terrace and the search for the killer begins.
November 16, 2010
Murder on the Bride's Side by Tracy Kiely is the follow-up to Murder at Longbourn, following the misadventures of Elizabeth Parker, who loves Jane Austen and has a bad habit of stumbling onto murders. It picks up on the eve of Elizabeth's best friend Bridget's wedding. The women have been friends since childhood, and Elizabeth treats her friend's family as her own. As maid of honor, she has many responsibilities on her plate, but she had no idea that solving Bridget's Aunt Roni's murder would be one of them! Roni was barely tolerated by the family, and her desire to get husband, Avery, to sell the family business has everyone up in arms. The murderer seems to have planted evidence to make Elizabeth appear guilty, so she needs to find the culprit in order to clear her own name, but can she keep her mind on the crime when she discovers that her boyfriend Peter used to date the wedding planner, Chloe, who doesn't even hide her intentions to win him back? Kiely uses the occasional Austenism as well as some characters remarkably similar to Austen's; Elsie shares a remarkable resemblance to Lady Catherine. Bridget and Elizabeth make for a charming and humorous team of crime-solvers, and it's their friendship that really carries the story. Their history and love for each other allows them to tease and know each other, making each come to life for the reader as well. The culprit is a definite surprise when revealed, and Kiely throws in a heart-breaking twist at the end. Elizabeth and Bridget will keep Kiely busy writing mysteries for awhile, much to readers' delight!
November 22, 2010
It's the day before her best friend's wedding and there's a heap of chaos and commotion surrounding maid-of-honor Elizabeth Parker. With the grandmother-of-the-bride having premonitions about death, the bride's (Bridget) contentious family all living under the same roof, and a wedding planner who is after her boyfriend, Elizabeth is just hoping to make it through the weekend alive!
Well, the good news is that Elizabeth does make it through the weekend alive, the bad news is that Bridget's Aunt Roni does not. Found dead the morning after the nuptials, Roni Matthews, the much younger, narcissistic, conniving, and artificially enhanced wife of Bridget's Uncle Avery, was not very popular with the Matthews' clan. In fact, Avery seems to be the only one who isn't celebrating the death of this vile and vindictive person. The Matthews' lack of grief and sorrow leads Detective Grant, who is called to investigate this case, to suspect one of the family members of this heinous act of murder.
To continue reading, go to: http://janeaustenreviews.blogspot.com...
Well, the good news is that Elizabeth does make it through the weekend alive, the bad news is that Bridget's Aunt Roni does not. Found dead the morning after the nuptials, Roni Matthews, the much younger, narcissistic, conniving, and artificially enhanced wife of Bridget's Uncle Avery, was not very popular with the Matthews' clan. In fact, Avery seems to be the only one who isn't celebrating the death of this vile and vindictive person. The Matthews' lack of grief and sorrow leads Detective Grant, who is called to investigate this case, to suspect one of the family members of this heinous act of murder.
To continue reading, go to: http://janeaustenreviews.blogspot.com...
July 27, 2013
The plot has many many twists and turns and I think even if I wrote down all the clues, there's no way I could have solved it. I couldn't put the book down and read way too late to finish it. I don't know how Elizabeth figured it out. The ending was a bit unsatisfactory. I don't want to spoil the whodunnit but it came as a big surprise to me. The final reveal was unconventional and didn't make a lot of sense. I enjoyed the story though the characters were all unlikeable and unrealistic. It seems like they were picked from a cast of two-dimensional characters.Also, things are wrapped up a bit too neatly and happily ever after to be realistic. I would have liked more development of Elizabeth and Peter's relationship. They've been dating for 8 months and she's pretty sure she loves him and he's THE ONE - how the heck did that happen?! Elizabeth quote extensively from Jane Austen's novel and the movie version of Sense and Sensibility along with a few other movie references I didn't always recognize. (Love the Cary Grant reference though). I would recommend this series to those who like contemporary adaptations of Jane Austen's novels and those who like light mysteries.
December 7, 2010
What a find Kiely is! This is her second book, both about impetuous Elizabeth Parker. Elizabeth and Bridget Masters have been friends for many years, and the Masters family has been like her own family. Of course she's Bridget's maid of honor, and--just her luck--of course she finds the body of a much disliked family member the morning after the wedding. The police focus on one of Bridget's cousins, but both women are sure that he is innocent. The family would like to believe that the killer is an outsider, but Elizabeth can see why the police think differently. A really delectable treat for cozy fans (and try Kiely's first book, Murder at Longbourn, too).
July 6, 2011
Elizabeth Parker attends the wedding of her best friend, Bridget and is tossed amidst the internal unhappiness of the Bride's family. As a reader, you are quickly introduced to the person causing the vortex. When the person is discovered dead, you are not surprised.
You are surprised by the intricately woven story surrounding the victim. It is not as simple as implied. The honeymoon is cancelled, engagements to be are postponed, and hearts are wounded as Elizabeth tries to make sense of the murder.
Ms. Kiely writes a tight storyline and her characters are three dimensional.
I highly recommend this novel and series.
You are surprised by the intricately woven story surrounding the victim. It is not as simple as implied. The honeymoon is cancelled, engagements to be are postponed, and hearts are wounded as Elizabeth tries to make sense of the murder.
Ms. Kiely writes a tight storyline and her characters are three dimensional.
I highly recommend this novel and series.
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