Every time I pick up a new book in this series, I’m impressed with how Claudia Gray keeps things exciting while staying within the world and tone of Jane Austen’s work. I picked up the first of this series on a whim in a book store, freshly finished with my final Austen work. I was enamored with the fresh take on the characters and the shared hatred for Mr. Wickham bringing everyone together.

I will say, for those familiar with the previous novels, this book had higher stakes (reputation ruining stakes) for the two sleuths than its predecessors. I know many people, myself included, are of the opinion that these books could easily be enjoyed as standalone novels, but assuming you are coming at it having finished the first three, I felt like this could be good context.

I am all for a cozy mystery, but what has kept me engrossed in the book was the relationship between Juliet and Jonathan. There’s so much longing and restraint, all of the things that make historical romance superior to every other genre. I am also keeping up with the Shady Hollow mystery series, and I think I'm learning that there's something really appealing to me about a long-running slow burn romance between the people solving the crimes. If that is a series that appeals to you, then maybe you would like this series as well!

This author writes with a lot of affection for the world she’s playing in. This whole series makes me feel like I'm in 18th century women's literature class again, and I love it. I wish I had the easy familiarity with Austen's work that she so clearly has. If you like Jane Austen, cozy mysteries, or historical novels, you will LOVE what she writes.

All in all, another perfect book. Keep 'em coming, please.

I have been following along with the Mr. Darcy and Miss Tilney mystery series since book one, The Murder of Mr. Wickham. The Rushworth Family Plot is the fourth book in the series. All of these books could be read as stand-alones.

This mystery series imagines the characters in Jane Austen's novels all interconnected together in friendship or otherwise. These novels are such an interesting and fun way to bring Austen's work to further life.

Our amateur sleuthers in these novels are the son of Mr. and Mrs. Darcy, Jonathan Darcy, and a Miss Juliet Tilney. In this book, the young investigative duo offer their services to help solve the mystery of who killed Mr. Rushworth.

This book is filled with scandal, deceit, scheming, and ultimately tragedy. Juliet finds herself in a potentially ruinous situation, and Jonathan finds his life in peril. There was so much tension in this book. There wasn't just a mystery to solve. There were so many other elements in this book that added to its intrigue and to the tension.

Juliet and Jonathan have developed such an attraction to each other, but their parents might not be on board, well mostly grumpy Mr. Darcy. I am really hoping these two will finally form an "attachment." It seems that circumstances continually conspire against them, though.

These books are just such excellent reads. They are fun, mysterious, and have some romance. I think The Rushworth Family Plot has to be my favourite so far. I'll tell you one thing, though: I don't think I'd want to be living in 1800s, England, so many rules for behaviour, so many ways a woman's prospects could be ruined.

I would definitely recommend this one for those who enjoy cozy mysteries and Jane Austen novels.

I love Jonathan and Juliet - I’ve adored their budding relationship and how they strive to understand and support each other since book 1! I will continue to read this series in the hopes of a happy ever after.

I enjoy reading the creative takes on Austen characters and supposing how they’d all interact!

That being said - I struggled with the end of the book. The hit to Juliet’s reputation didn’t sit well nor did its resolution.

So thankful to be able to read this ARC!

I adore this series! Claudia Gray manages to keep the core personalities of the Jane Austen characters while putting them in these new situations. This mystery was simpler than the ones in the earlier books in the series but it also was less of the focus. Instead more of the book focused on the relationship between Jonathan Darcy and Juliet Tilney, which I loved. This is the slowest of slow burn series and it definitely stayed slow but less hidden in this book. I love this series and can’t wait to see what these characters get up to next (and which of Jane Austen’s more annoying characters end up murdered).

Thank you to NetGalley and Vintage for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This is such a fun series! Young Mr. Darcy and Miss Tilney meet again, to solve a murder and enjoy each other’s company. The mystery is not the strongest part of the book; rather, it’s imagining Austen’s characters past the end of their respective novels.

"The Rushworth Family Plot" by Claudia Gray is an impressive Austen-inspired mystery! It is the fourth book in the “Mr. Darcy & Miss Tilney” series but can easily be read as a standalone. Ms. Gray, the author, gives a good recap of what the reader needs to know from previous books, which is helpful because there are some continuing storylines. This book has become one of my favorite cozy mysteries! This book and series are so fun because the son of Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth Darcy (“Pride and Prejudice”) and the daughter of Catherine and Henry Tilney (“Northanger Abbey”) team up to solve mysteries! I loved seeing all of Jane Austen’s characters from her different novels interact in this book. Ms. Gray writes the characters so they act true to the way Jane Austen portrays them in her novels. Of course the daughter of imaginative Catherine (Morland) Tilney would help investigate murders! I love that our male main character, Jonathan Darcy, is neurodiverse. He is excellent at discovering clues (he may also get that from his smart mother, Elizabeth (Bennet) Darcy). Jonathan is written very realistically, and I appreciated the scene where he got overstimulated (as someone who is also neurodiverse). The story and the mystery are so well done, and I love the slow-burn romance between Jonathan and Juliet. Ms. Gray had me wondering who the murderer was until the very end when the secrets were revealed. I cannot wait to go back and read the rest of this series while I eagerly anticipate the next release! Jane Austen fans and cozy mystery lovers will absolutely love this book with its clever, witty writing and engaging story!

Content: I give this a PG-13 rating. Some examples of the content: a married woman had an affair in the past; the word “hell” is used; the Lord’s name is taken in vain; a child is born out of wedlock; characters curse, but the words aren’t actually written; mention of alcohol; mention of bestiality in a work of art; mention of prostitution.
TW: a character struggles with infertility; miscarriage; a character was su*cidal in the past; depression; panic attack.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

I thank NetGalley and Vintage for an advance reader copy of “The Rushworth Family Plot.” All opinions and comments are my own.

Affairs of the heart are as important as the rest of the (murderous) story in “The Rushworth Family Plot,” because as readers know from earlier books in the Mr. Darcey and Miss Tilney series, “the course of true love” is not running very smoothly. And alas, it’s pretty much two steps forward and three steps back again. At least in this one a disgraced member of the Bertram family -- Mrs. Maria Rushworth -- manages to cause enough trouble to ensure that our Mr. Darcey and our Miss Tilney find themselves immersed in a twisty tale of dead bodies, disgruntled lovers and that helpful old standby, social disgrace. What’s a pair of intelligent young people to do? Well, investigate, of course!

Readers will remember that Jonathan Darcey “suffers” from something not understood by those in his Regency time period (which author Collen Gray treats with respect and sensitivity). He is able to control it to a point. Miss Juliet Tilney understands and sympathizes. For this, he has grown quite close to the young lady, although their families would prefer otherwise. Together, however, they make a formidable “detective duo,” and, despite all that everyone (including some persistent individuals -- Jonathan is a very eligible bachelor) do to keep them apart, their collective intellect, wit, and deductive skills will not be denied.

There is a subplot involving plantations in Barbados, and we see the bringing of a family together over a child. But remember that “course of true love” thing? Scandal strikes the Tilney family, alas. Our author has no intention of making things easy for Jonathan and Juliet. Ms. Gray knows how to recreate the plotting, dialog, and especially the emotions of a Jane Austen novel, and “The Rushworth Family Plot” is no exception. Looking forward to the next installment.

This series doesn't disappoint! Other than the fact that we are now in Book #4 and Juliet and Jonathan have yet to kiss. I love a slow-burn romance as much as the next girl, but I mean come oooooonnnnnn. Get to it already!

This set of books offers something unique in it's blend of Austen characters, regency setting, and cozy mystery! Using beloved characters while introducing new facets of their lives and expanding on their personalities can't be easy, but I think Gray does this well and stays true to who the character was from Austen's own pen. I find her particular style of writing the regency to be both idyllic & humorous - she writes the unique social setting with respect, but also with a comedic air that strikes a perfect balance. Part of the balanced comedy for me is the arguably ridiculous murders that take place in each book, solved by equally unlikely amateur sleuths. Although the situations and resolutions are highly unusual for the time & setting, when taken for the fictional story they are, can be enjoyed by lovers of regency and cozy mystery fans.

Something I highly respect is that they are kept clean of illicit activity or language. The romance, or any allusions to married life, is kept appropriate and respectful, while any uses of language amounts to the English-curse 'Blast!'. Thouhg religion and faith are not a large part of the story, any mention is done in a tone that is respectful and not derogatory, which I also respect.

Overall, a series that I can confidently recommend to a wide variety of readers!

Thank you to Viking Publishers and NetGalley for a complimentary ebook in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

For fans of: Jane Austen, Charlotte Holmes series
Rating: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗
Genre: Historical Mystery
Violence: 🪓🪓🪓 [mostly off-page]
Spice: 🚫
TW: family estrangement, gaslighting

I’ve loved this series since its 1st novel, The Murder of Mr. Wickham. What could be more enjoyable than throwing all Austen’s characters into the same universe & surrounding them with mystery & murder? Perhaps a sleuthing duo featuring the neurodiverse son of Elizabeth & Darcy and the daughter Northanger Abbey’s protagonists? But book 4—The Rushworth Family Plot—achieves near-perfection, both a brilliant facsimile of Austen’s style & a clever mystery in its own right. It finds Jonathan & Juliet unexpectedly reunited in London for the Season & investigating a murder on behalf of the Betram family, from Mansfield Park. I haven’t the space to enumerate all the books strengths, so I’ll highlight my favs. Gray’s characterization remains spot-on, accomplishing deep studies despite limited space. I appreciate that Gray explores one of Mansfield Park’s theme—slavery—& the moral quandary of a world in which the slave trade is outlawed but owning slaves still legal. And this book features one of the most cleverly placed out-of-order clues I have read, of which the author gives copious—if opaque—reminders. I picture Gray cackling as she slips it in, sitting back to see if anyone catches on. For a lover of Jane Austen, the opportunity to immerse one’s self in her fictional world & throw some of her most unlikable characters in peril must be priceless. Wish I had thought of it myself!

Thank you to Vintage & NetGalley for a gifted book in exchange for an honest review.

My favorite one of these, I think! The mystery was incredibly compelling and it was fun to see it set in London (even if I did have to put up with my least favorite Austen heroine, the most obnoxiously boring woman alive, Mrs. Fanny Bertram neé Price.) The conclusion ended up being perfect and I love the moment of recognition had by our two little intrepid detectives.

And speaking of them… is Jonathan and Juliet’s romance the greatest love story ever told? I was absolutely LOSING it towards the end of this book, they are so sweet and I just want them to get MARRIED! Claudia, please stop edging me!!

Wracking my brain to think of who else we need dead at this point… the next book better come out STAT.

In the fourth book of the Mr Darcy & Miss Tilney series, it has been over a year since the pair have seen each other. Because of a series of misunderstandings, misplaced pride, and—indeed—prejudice, has led their parents to deem the pair unsuited to wed, they have been kept apart. So with the Season approaching, Juliet's grandfather, General Tilney, has sent her to London with a new wardrobe and orders to prove herself worthy of someone better than the snobby Darcys. Meanwhile, Jonathan has been forced to accept an invitation to stay in town with old friends Edmund and Fanny Bertram at the house of Edmund's brother, Sir Thomas. When Mr. Rushworth, the former husband of Edmund's sister Maria, is discovered dead in his home, Jonathan and Juliet find themselves together again, drawn into solving yet another murder. Jonathan and Juliet must unmask a killer before the drama surrounding the Rushworth family fortune claims another victim.

I love this seres. I adore the Jane Austen mash-ups, although I ashamedly admit I have never cracked a spne on a Jane Austen novel in my life. Those, I don't know what it is, but they make my eyes glaze over.... don't hate me! These books still have the "old fashioned" languange, but there is always a murder to be solved, and I just adore Miss Tilney & Mr Darcy.. I can really relate to Mr Darcy because he is on the spectrum and a bit of a loner and Miss Tilney is one of the only people outside of his mother who actually understands him. I have my fingers perpetually crossed that they are going to get their way and wind up together. The mystery kept me guessing untl all was revealed by the duo. I admit to beng a little confused with who belonged to whom in this one until I pulled up the Wikipedia page....Mansfield Park was not a mere love triangle but something much more complicated, but I kept referencing the page until I could keep everyone straight. I highly recommend this one!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Claudia Gray for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for The Rushworth Family Plot coming out June 17, 2025. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I’m obsessed with Jane Austen. I love the introduction into Mansfield Park and its characters. The Rushworths was an interesting plot point. I’ve really enjoyed this series and I’m for sure going to keep reading it. I wish there was a little more romance. I think some things have been dragged out a little too long. I want more movement from the characters. Jonathan Darcy and Juliet Tilney need more. I miss the characters from the earlier books.

As an avid reader of this series, I could not wait to get my hands on the next book! We follow our pair to London where the family's of our leads hope to keep them apart, but yet another murder brings Jonathan and Juliet together. If you are faint of heart with slow burn, this series might be too strong for you. Struggle as I may with the slow burn, it is really wonderful to see the progression of time for the characters. I think I enjoyed this book as much as I enjoyed the first one (no shade to two and three, I enjoyed them very much) and to see Mrs. Tillney was a delight. The mystery seemed predictable at first, but I found parts of the reveal to still surprise me. There was quite a lot going on this time and some details did not seem as central as others, but it did not take away from the enjoyment of reading this book.

For those who are avid readers of mystery, I think this series might not entertain as much, but as an Austen fan and a fan of these two main characters, I have loved reading about their world and their development. I will be patiently waiting for the next book!

Thank you Netgalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is the fourth book in the series. I greatly enjoyed the first book, but somehow missed the second and third ones. The current novel is much more complex than the first, with many more characters (mostly from Jane Austen, I assume) to keep track of.

Nevertheless once I got into the book I was usually able to remember them all. I especially enjoyed seeing how the lives of Jane's characters (and their descendants) might have developed.

The murder plot and the descriptions of the "London Season" with its balls, theatre and exhibitions are very well done, as is the depictions of life among these well-off visitors to London. Every chapter held my interest. It was hard to put down!

I was rooting for Jonathan and Juliet throughout. I adore them as a murder investigative duo as much as Lord Peter and Harriet, and I hope they eventually do marry. What I did not remember from the first book is how severe Jonathan's social anxiety was - perhaps it was emphasized more this time by the author.

I highly recommend this wonderful series to all Jane Austen fans and others interested in historical mysteries of the period.

The London season is happening and many families with eligible young women are busy looking for suitable suitors for their daughters. Among them is Miss Tilney, who is not at all thrilled at the prospect, and her mother, Caroline, who is presenting her daughter at the firm request of the grandfather. Also in London, and not happily, is Mr. Darcy, whose family had to return home unimpededly, and requested their son stay at the home of their friends the Bertram's. Once the young pair find that they are both in London, neither is sad at being there. And once the body of Mr. Rushworth, the former brother-in-law to the Bertram's if found, the young pair is requested by the police to investigate due to their previous police assistance, and they are more than happy to assist. The investigation is tedious and long, when the sister of the Bertram's, who was formerly married to the first victim is found murdered everything heats up. Was it one murderer, or two...when it seems things are going well, a scandal involving Miss Tilney happens that threatens to ruin everything, especially any hopes of the young pair having a future together.

I've enjoyed all the books in Claudia Gray's cozy mystery series, populated with Jane Austen's beloved characters. This time the main characters were the Bertrams from Mansfield Park. To be honest Fanny and Edward Bertram are my least favorite of all the heroines and heroes in Austen's universe, and that probably took some enjoyment away from this book as well.
However, I am looking forward to the next instalment in the series.

Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read and review this book.

The fourth installment of the Mr. Darcy & Miss Tilney literary universe brings the murder mystery to the London season, and I loved every minute of it.

If you’re familiar with this series, you’ll know that our background characters (along with our leads) all originate from Jane Austen’s various works, and in this book we reunite with the cast of Mansfield Park and follow along as their family drama unfolds into a double homicide to be solved by Jonathan Darcy and Juliet Tilney.

Jonathan and Juliet have been falling in love over the course of this series, and seeing them through one another’s eyes is so tender. The two work together beautifully because of their mutual care and respect, and they’re impossible not to root for.

ARC Review: The Rushworth Family Plot by Claudia Gray ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and Vintage Books for the opportunity to read this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. This 4th book in Gray’s Austen-universe mystery series follows our favorite characters to London for the opening of the societal season. I love getting further and further into this series, my love for all the new characters and previous side characters just continues to grow! I feel like this 4th book had more niche details than the others, making this series truly for dedicated Austen readers. I loved that this one ramped up the stakes, after book 3 felt a bit lackluster. And we finally get to see Jonathan and Juliet courting one another! 😍 But now I have to wait for book 5! 😭

I do want to include a trigger warning for anyone sensitive to pregnancy loss and infertility triggers, as this is a small sub-plot in this book.

The Rushworth Family Plot releases June 17th 2025!

The Rushworth Family Plot by Claudia Gray was such a fun and twisty read. I love a good mystery, and this one delivered all the eerie vibes I was hoping for. It had that perfect mix of family drama, secrets, and a little touch of the unexpected that kept me guessing the whole way through. The characters were messy in a way that felt totally believable, and I couldn’t help but get pulled into all the tension brewing beneath the surface. It felt like a modern gothic with a sharp edge, and I was totally hooked. If you’re into clever whodunits with some emotional weight, this one’s definitely worth picking up.

Claudia Gray delivers another charming and suspense-filled mystery in The Rushworth Family Plot, a welcome continuation of the Mr. Darcy & Miss Tilney series. Featuring Austen-inspired characters and clever original twists, this novel is an engaging read for fans of fiction, Regency-era stories, and murder mysteries.
For those of us eagerly hoping for and waiting for an engagement between Juliet and Jonathan, there is a lot of focus on their personal relationship, almost more than on the mystery, which at this point readers appreciate. The twist of the plot delivered in drama and spectacle. It’s helpful to have a basic knowledge of the Austen universe for this series, but this book, more than the others in my opinion, requires in-depth knowledge about Mansfield Park.
My only criticism is that there may have been too much Mansfield Park storyline when I really just wanted to focus more on Juliet and Jonathan. This could be partly because there are so many characters in Mansfield Park in comparison to other Austen novels.
I am already eagerly awaiting the next book in the series and to see where Juliet and Jonathan's adventures and relationship go from here.