Miss Juliet Tilney and Mr. Jonathan Darcy once again find themselves investigating a ghastly murder. Readers will enjoy the mystery as Juliet and Jonathan must work around polite society to find the individual responsible for the murder of Mrs. Willoughby. Claudia Gray does it again! This is a highly enjoyable return to the world of Jane Austen with a splash of murder mystery and romance. I hope to see more of Mr. Darcy & Miss Tilney.

This sequel to The Murder of Mr Wickham finds young Juliet Tilney (of Northanger Abbey) and Jonathan Darcy (son of Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth Darcy of Pemberton) visiting neighbouring properties in Devonshire. Juliet to the home of her new friends Marianne and Colonel Brandon and Jonathan by his old schoolmate (and bully) John Willoughby. Both households come together at a dinner party where they witness the shocking, sudden death of the newly wed Mrs Willoughby.

Fans of Jane Austen’s books will recognise John Willoughby (from Sense & Sensibility) as the rakish scoundrel who not only courted and then jilted Marianne to instead marry a woman with her own fortune, but also seduced Colonel Brandon’s ward, Eliza Williams, leaving her pregnant. With both Marianne and Eliza top of the list of suspects for Mrs Willoughby’s murder, Juliet and Jonathan must once again join forces to uncover the real killer.

I enjoyed this novel more than I did the first in the series, as more of the story is seen through Juliet’s and Jonathan’s eyes keeping it fresh and interesting. There is a good dash of humour and wit in their interactions, although their almost romance is hampered by Jonathan’s poor understanding of human courtship and by a rival would be suitor. The mystery kept me guessing and although I suspected the identity of the murderer, but not his motive earlier, than our amateur sleuths. While it’s not essential to have read all of Austen’s books to enjoy this, fans of the novels will enjoy meeting up with her characters again.

Another creative mystery in the Mr. Darcy & Miss Tilney series! In this mystery, the villain focused on is John Willoughby, the rake who broke Marianne Dashwood’s heart in Sense and Sensibility. Instead of him winding up the murder victim, it’s his wife. This crafty, slow burn whodunit combines the wit of Jane Austen with the clever deductions of Agatha Christie as the second generation of Austen’s characters works to expose a murderer.

Mr. Johnathan Darcy’s been invited to the estate of his former nemesis and classmate, John Willoughby for a house party. He goes more so to please his parents than himself. It just so happens, Miss Juliet Tilney whom he became friends with in the previous book, is in the neighborhood visiting Marianne and Colonel Brandon.

Willoughby is not only a rake, but a bully. He and his friends treat Jonathan abominably by reminding him of all the pranks they played on him in school, and their cruel nickname for him, “Thumps.” The indifferent way Willoughby treats his wife isn’t much better. When Mrs. Willoughby dies by poison in a horrific way, Willoughby is the main suspect. But, when Willoughby himself becomes a target, blame is cast on Marianne and a host of other suspects. Juliet and Jonathan must work together once again to find the culprit.

I love Jonathan. He’s such a sympathetic character. He tries so hard to understand others’ motivations. He’s just incapable of reading others’ cues. His friendship with Juliet has the potential for more if only he understood her feelings better. They work well together and I can’t wait to see if their relationship blossoms into something more.

The mystery had plenty of twists and suspects. While I guessed the murderer, there were still so many things I didn’t predict. It kept me guessing until the end. I loved seeing all the characters from Sense and Sensibility again, especially Eleanor happy and expecting a baby. Marianne and Colonel Brandon’s relationship is put to the test now Willoughby is free, but Marianne has grown a lot since her marriage and it’s clear where her feelings and loyalties lie.

Highly recommend to fans of Jane Austen and historical mysteries. I can’t wait for the next book in the series. Though it’s the second book, it could be read as a standalone, however to understand the characters and motivations, it’s better if you’ve read the first book. Thanks to the author and AustenProse for the arc! All opinions are my own & voluntarily given.

I am always ready to jump back into the world of Jane Austen. Claudia Gray has combined two of my absolute bookish favorites- Jane Austen and murder mystery! The Late Mrs. Willoughby is the second installment in the Mr. Darcy and Miss Tilney mystery series. I am happy to report that I loved this one even more than the first book!

Gray picks up just a few months after the conclusion of the first book and we are once again witnessing a social gathering that spirals into murder. The setting for this book is the world of Sense and Sensibility. Not only do we get to check back in with those beloved characters, but we are also introduced to some new personages of interest and intrigue.

This is a delightfully clever continuation of Austen’s world with a unique mystery twist. I highly recommend you add this one to your TBR and if you haven’t yet read The Murder of Mr. Wickham, move it to the top of your TBR.

Thank you to Vintage Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

The Late Mrs. Willoughby is another clever mystery set in the world of Jane Austen. The children of characters from two of Jane’s most popular novels, Jonathan Darcy and Juliet Tilney, unite once again to solve a mystery. Who killed Mrs. Willoughby?

I loved everything about this book. The descriptions of the homes, customs, and way of life immediately transported me to a Jane Austen-inspired world. Seeing her characters revived, and with children now, is so interesting and touching. The mystery was intriguing and had plenty of unexpected twists and turns. The book is expertly written, and it always stays true to the period. Endearing touches of humor were included that made it even more special. The complexity of the relationships between characters is really well done.

From start to finish, this is a captivating mystery and a great tribute to Jane Austen.

I received a free copy of this book from Vintage Anchor via Netgalley. I also received a copy via Austenprose book tours. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

I had such a hard time getting into this book. I really think I would have enjoyed it more if I had read the first book in the series. everything about it was slow.

I found this really hard to rate. As a mystery it was fine and I must admit to not guessing the answer. However although not a real Austen devote I have enjoyed other mystery's based on her books but this is the strangest one ever. It is based on Darcy and Elizabeth's son who seems have some type of autism that makes him not like being touched but likes rituals and routines and led to him being bullied at school. Jonathan and Juliet which seems to have stalled a romance and they are both rather young at 17 and 21. The pace seemed very slow and it took me way longer than normal to be able to finish this. It wasn't very exciting either despite a murder so it dragged quite a lot. The beginning was very confusing well as I hadn't read the first book and all the references to Mr Wickham's murder was lost on me. So I cannot say it can be read as a standalone but must be read in order.

This author balances romance and mystery and i am so happy for it, the romance has me from the first moment, and also the mystery.

It is truly such a compelling story that the less you know it work s better for it.

This is the second book featuring Juliet Tilney and Jonathan Darcy. These are fantastic characters partly because they are well-written and partly because of the license allowed when adding offspring to Jane Austen characters, It gives the reader a new lens with which to view the entire world.

Heavily featured in this story is the town of Barton, complete with the residents of Barton Cottege, Allenham, Delaford, and of course Barton Park. Included are new characters purported to be friends to Mr. Willoughby.

The story and mystery are delightful. It is slow to lay out the clues, but the important thing is for our two investigators to learn and interact as they go. Their previous adventure with Mr. Wickham is mentioned multiple times and the time period between both books is not long.

It is delightful to see these characters inner thoughts. With Jonathan there is an impression that he struggles with what we might call Asperger's due to his well-written quirks. He struggles in his interactions with others because he is not confident in his ability to understand a situation, but he is also very observant.

One theme I noticed was that of the danger of gossip. The entire town had decided the murderer of Mrs. Willoughby without a thought to truth. In fact the story, as layered as it is, bounces between suspects until ultimately all is revealed. Afterall, It wouldn't be a whodunit without uncovering the truth.

This is a delightful world that has been created with existing characters and new. It was a well thought out story and was fun to read. There is definitely a need for a third adventure with these two. The miscommunications caused by the very nature of Regency society leave so much room for more.

I received an early copy through NetGalley and this is my honest review.

Overall, I enjoyed the second in this series. However, I often find that I need to take a break before coming back and continuing my read. But, when I’m away, my thoughts wonder back to the story. So pro, the story is written in the way of Austen and the plot is enticing. Con, everything seems to go on just a bit longer than I think it needs to.

This second book in the series is as entertaining as the first. The author does a good job of evoking the time period and ambience of Jane Austen’s time and classic books. Jonathon Darcy and Juliet Tileny are thrown together again only to get involved in another murder investigation, and of course get to know each other better.

I did not realize this was the second book in the series. It is the sequel to the Murder of Mr. Wickham. With that being said I felt I was a little lost. But it kept me reading to find out what happens. Now I will have to go back to read the first book.

Thanks NetGalley for allowing me to receive and review this book.

Once again, The Late Mrs. Willoughby takes us into the delightful world of Jane Austen....with a few twists and turns along the way. As someone who adores Austen, I think she will be very proud of how Claudia Gray pays homage to familiar characters and new family members.

In this book, I really appreciated Jonathan Darcy. In not so many words, Darcy is on the neurodivergent spectrum. And I love how it is depicted with an authenticity and vulnerability. Also, it is a way to show that "different" types of people can do big things and solve big crimes.

Juliet Tilney is an absolute delight. I will keep reading this series because of her. Her commitment to convention but also her spunkiness and challenging convention too.

I really enjoyed this follow-up to The Murder of Mr. Wickham, and the return of amateur sleuths Juliet Tilney and Jonathan Darcy. Juliet is once again charming as a young woman who wants to question, explore, and use her wits in a time when women are not encouraged to do so. If Jonathan was around today, he would probably be considered neurodivergent, and I cannot imagine how difficult it would be to feel so different in a time that does not celebrate difference. I think Gray has treated his character with care and love.

While the setting of the first book was in Emma's world, this one is set in Marianne and Elinor's world. Is it too much to hope that we will get a book in this series set in each of Austen's books's setting? Did that sentence make sense? Whatever. I loved the intrigue that came with Marianne, her husband Colonel Brandon, Willoughby, his new wife, AND the young woman Willoughby fathered a child with all living in the same area. The drama!

As the title suggests, a murder occurs, and I want to tell you that I guessed the murderer early...but while I did, I also suspected many others in quick succession so it still came as *somewhat* of a surprise when revealed. The investigation is a bit all over the place, but I was satisfied with how the mystery wrapped up.

Complaints? This story felt a bit slow-going in some areas, the beginning especially. While probably historically accurate, it definitely felt like it was just a lot of walking between houses for a while. Also...as a sucker for romance, I absolutely wanted more romance between Juliet and Jonathan. I really just wanted more interaction between Juliet and Jonathan. There was individual pining, but we got so many sweet, exciting moments between the two of them in book one, and I had hoped that would progress in this book? While in a way, each one's understanding of her/his own feelings towards the other (eventualllyyyy) becomes clearer, I just wanted more.

Overall, if you are a fan of Jane Austen, historical mysteries, etc, I would recommend! Do read The Murder of Mr. Wickham first, though.

The Late Mrs. Willoughby is the second installment in the loosely connected Mr. Darcy & Miss Tilney series and can be read as a stand-alone.

Juliet Tilney and Jonathan Darcy are reunited at the estate of John Willoughby, Jonathan’s boarding school nemesis. Although Jonathan isn’t thrilled about attending Willoughby’s house party, he is keen to see Miss Tilney again after they paired up as amateur sleuths (in the previous book) to solve a recent murder. The occasion is a party to welcome John Willoughby’s new bride. Unfortunately, she dies at the party, the victim of an apparent poisoning. Juliet and Jonathan combine their investigative skills to solve the murder which has twists and turns and puts their lives in danger.

Juliet and Jonathan are two smart and compassionate young adults with strong investigative abilities. Jonathan is neurodivergent and was bullied at boarding school by Willoughby and his group. Juliet understands Jonathan’s neurodivergence and appreciates him.

If you enjoy gently written historical fiction in an Austenesque style, you might enjoy this cozy mystery. Although difficult content is addressed, most of it happens off the page. The death of Mrs. Willoughby is described and a bit of bullying occurs in the present. There is no profanity and no open-door romance.

Juliet and Jonathan solidify their friendship and work well together as amateur investigators. As they become better acquainted, a hint of sweet romance is in the air. A definite cliffhanger for the next installment.

For readers who appreciate the Austenesque style of cozy histfic mystery, I enthusiastically recommend The Late Mrs. Willoughby. If you are looking for a gently-written series, you might enjoy this one!

Thanks #NetGalley @VintageAnchorBooks #AustenProsePR @AustenProse for a complimentary e ARC of #TheLateMrsWilloughby upon my request. All opinions are my own.

Jonathan Darcy and Juliet Tilney are back at it again in this book. Juliet has come to stay with the Brandons who she became acquainted with in the first book of this series, and coincidentally Jonathan Darcy is also in town to visit an old school friend, Mr. Willoughby. When the 2 come together for a dinner party the night will end in the death of Mr. Willoughby's wife. The cause? Poison. Juliet and Jonathan immediately decide to begin investigating again. They were able to solve a murder in the past perhaps they can do it again. I really enjoyed revisiting these characters and their relationship. I found it difficult to discern who was the culprit. I look forward to reading more about the antics of Mr. Darcy and Ms. Tilney in the future.

"The Late Mrs. Willoughby" by Claudia Gray is book 2 in the "Mr. Darcy & Miss Tilney" series. This was the first book I've read in the series. It is such an intriguing and fun read! I loved revisiting some of my favorite Jane Austen characters and getting to know, Jonathan Darcy and Juliet Tilney. The author has done great work in staying true to the personalities of Jane Austen's characters! The setting was great. It was so nice to revisit Barton Park, Barton Cottage, and Delaford! I really enjoyed seeing the continuation of Jane Austen's characters' lives. It was lovely to see Marianne and Colonel Brandon's love for each other continue to grow and to see Elinor and Edward happy. The speed of the plot was perfect and the twists and turns kept the story interesting and mysterious. I did not see the twist at the end of this book coming! This book is definitely a page-turner. the author's writing style is smooth along with detailed descriptions of the locations and events which help the reader to better picture what is happening in the story. The setting is familiar and interesting, the characters are three-dimensional, the plot is well paced and carried out, the writing style is smooth, and the friendship and romance is sweet. "The Late Mrs. Willoughby" will appeal to so many readers! Not only will Jane Austen fans and readers of Austenesque fiction enjoy this, readers of historical fiction and mysteries will too. I highly recommend this book! Thank you very much to Austenprose PR, Vintage Anchor Books, Penguin Random House, and NetGalley for providing me with the wonderful opportunity of being on the launch team and for providing me with both digital and physical copies of this book to read and review honestly.

I enjoyed this second installment even more than the first. I think it was because the new main characters, Jonathan Darcy, and Juliet Tilney and their connection was more greatly established. This was an excellent whodunit with an Agatha Christie feel. While I had my suspicions throughout the course of the novel, I was never entirely certain who it was until the big reveal.

The writing and language feel accurate to the time period and the characters, but there is a touch of the modern that also keeps it feeling fresh and new. I especially loved this aspect with the neurodivergent character, Jonathan Darcy, and how that translates into the timeframe.

Once again, I think this book is best enjoyed by those who are familiar with Jane Austen's books and characters, though Gray does a good job at incorporating their backstories into the novel.

I love the slow-brewing romance between Jonathan and Juliet, and how the ending of this one leaves us convinced there will be a third but not who it will involve or where. Since Book 1 covered the most notorious Austen villain in Wickham, and this one covers the 2nd great offender in Willoughby, I wonder if we head to Mansfield Park next and the Crawfords? That is only speculation on my part, but I will be eagerly awaiting the next installment.

Thank you to the author, the publisher, Austen Prose PR, and Netgalley for the free book and e-arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

Reading The Murder of Mr. Wickham was such a delight, that when I heard there would be a sequel I was both excited and worried about how I might receive the next story. I wish I had started reading sooner because I could not put it down. I found the story interesting and while I had clued into the suspect early I still had such a fun time seeing how the story developed and how loose ends were to be tied. I love how Claudia Gray makes every character so fleshed out and gives readers the necessary background to understanding the nature of the main characters from Jane Austen's work, even if you have not read the respective book or it has been a long time. I would have liked having the author's note from the first book about age and publication date, but that is a minor hiccup in my reading experience. I cannot wait to see what else Jonathan and Juliet get into, especially with such an ending. This was a great followup!! Thank you netgalley and Vintage for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I'll start by saying I read and Loved The Murder of Mr. Wickham, this style of storytelling, blending fiction into the stories we know and love, adding a dash of Christie-type mysteries, I just love all of it.

This book was seamless in picking up that feeling, our characters are even better than in the first book, and the story kept me engaged and wondering who killed Mrs. Willoughby until the very end. At this point I should just trust Juliet's hunches but where's the fun in that?

Juliet is one of those characters that just makes you think what is she getting into this time but you want to go along for the ride.

Jonathan gets pulled along again in this story and I love them together, the wit, the banter, the moments of electricity between them, it's just phenomenal.

Marianne, what can I say about her, my heart felt for her, being the center of the juiciest gossip of the day, not knowing who to trust, where to turn, or if she would be arrested for murder.

Spellbinding in its ability to blend characters, backgrounds, lifestyles, and well Murder this book is a must-read for fans of Jane Austin, or anyone that likes historical fiction with a side of snark and a sprinkling of romance.

I love this series and truly hope there are many books to come, I can think of so many characters from books that I would love to see Juliet and Jonathan tangle wits with.


Thank you to Vintage Anchor and NetGalley for providing a copy of this e-book, I have voluntarily read and reviewed it and all thoughts and opinions are my own.