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.

Another entry in the Mr. Darcy/Miss Tilney mysteries and just as enjoyable as the rest! I went into this one both excited (because Claudia Gray has yet to set a single step wrong) but also a bit nervous (because the characters from “Mansfield Park” and especially the dynamic between Edmund and Fanny seem like the most challenging of Austen’s originals to re-create). But, as always, I shouldn’t have worried at all!

Let’s start with the mystery itself! Like always, Gray does an excellent job setting the stage for the murder at the center of this story. There are a number of excellent suspects and red herrings, and every time the reader (or Miss Tilney or Mr. Darcy, for that matter) feel as if they might begin to get a reading on the situation, another twist will be thrown in. I also enjoyed the other, smaller mysteries that made up many of the subplots, such as the Bertrams’ handling of the sale of their plantation in Antiqua.

The story also delved into Fanny’s character and her struggles with childbirth in a very deep way. Poor Fanny. She’s always getting the most rough end of the stick, both in her original story and now here with all of this tragedy. However, I think the way that infertility and miscarriage was handled was incredibly sensitive, and some of Fanny’s internal thoughts and struggles are of the sort that you don’t often see portrayed well on the page. On a lighter note, I enjoyed her interactions with Edmund, and it we even got a bone thrown to some of the Edmund/Fanny/Mary Crawford drama from the original book.

Of course, the main draw is, as always, Mr. Darcy and Miss Tilney themselves. Their relationship continues to be hindered by their ridiculous parents, but I was incredibly excited to see Catherine Tilney finally in person on the page! It’s also poetic justice that she immediately gathered a better reading on the situation between Jonathan and Juliet than her husband did in the last book. Their letters discussing the matter were particularly fun! Of course, as this is a series that is ongoing, sticks continued to be thrown in the cogs of them actually formally pursuing things (Darcy and Elizabeth really need to get their act together!). But the story definitely took a twist in this area that I wasn’t expecting and that lead to some of the major action at the end of the book.

Overall, I really enjoyed this one! It didn’t perhaps reach the highs of some of the previous books (mostly because the secondary characters are largely unlikable or fairly depressed through most of the book which lead to a bit less humor). But I really liked the mystery and I will be first in line to check out the next one!

Rating 8: Full of unexpected action and twists and turns galore, this is another incredibly showing in the series!

Link will go live on June 25 on The Library Ladies

This excellent addition to the Mr. Darcy and Miss Tilney series sees the two sleuths in London for the season, with their respective families hoping that each will meet a more suitable match. However, they are once again thrown together at various balls and events, and they must work together to solve a murder.

What I liked: The story is lively and exciting, particularly towards the end (there is a DUEL!). As always, meeting familiar characters from various Austen novels is fun. Jonathon Darcy is staying with the Bertram family, and I loved the character development of Fanny Bertram (originally from Austen's Mansfield Park). The description of the grief she feels at losing someone important to her (avoiding spoilers here) is poignant, and her character arc through the story is excellent.

What I disliked: The beginning was a bit slow. As always, Jonathan and Juliet's romance is progressing slowly, and, while it makes some satisfactory leaps forward here, all the obstacles in their path are growing a bit frustrating.

Overall: A fun, comforting, satisfying addition to the series.

Thanks to and NetGalley for providing the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

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Book Review: The Rushworth Family Plot by Claudia Gray
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3 out of 5)

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an Advanced Reading Copy of The Rushworth Family Plot, the fourth installment in Claudia Gray’s delightful Austen-inspired mystery series featuring Jonathan Darcy and Juliet Tilney.

Set in 1820s England, this series imagines a richly interwoven world where all of Jane Austen’s characters coexist. Jonathan Darcy, eldest son of Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy, is now 23 years old — a timeline that aligns if one considers the date Pride and Prejudice was written (1796–97), rather than its 1813 publication date. Gray’s ability to merge Austen’s worlds into a cohesive and believable setting is good, and fans of literary pastiches will find much to admire.

I've thoroughly enjoyed the first three novels in the series, which offered a compelling mix of historical mystery and staying true to the source material. However, this fourth entry didn’t quite hold my interest to the same degree. The plot unfolds more slowly, with pacing that feels more measured than suspenseful, and I found myself less engaged with the new cast of suspects, many of whom are tied to Mansfield Park—a novel I personally admittedly don’t care for as much, though others may feel differently.

Jonathan remains a unique protagonist; readers must be willing to accept the premise that he may be on the autism spectrum. Having done some research, this interpretation isn’t completely far-fetched, and it adds an interesting layer to his character and his interactions. The slow-burn sweet romance between Jonathan and Juliet continues to be a highlight of the series. Their partnership is rooted in mutual respect, understanding, and quiet affection, which plays out within the constraints of Regency society and their families.

While The Rushworth Family Plot wasn’t my favorite of the series, I still wholeheartedly recommend this series to fans of Austen and historical mysteries. Gray’s respectful yet imaginative reworking of Austen’s world remains a clever and comforting escape.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
The Rushworth Family Plot is the fourth book in the Miss Darcy & Miss Tilney Mysteries. While the mystery is once again self-contained, the layers of character and relationship development here both depend on context depicted in the first and third books, plus you should at least have passing familiarity with Mansfield Park and the web of relationships between those characters, because that drama features heavily in this book.
In fact, that drama dominates the book, to the point of often dominating the mystery. And on some level, I didn’t mind, as while there are some side-tangents, concerning the Bertram family and their role in slavery in the Caribbean, the stories did all interconnect. And while I did have massive dread when the Bertrams showed up, with Edmund in particular once again being rather holier-than-thou, he did grow on me a bit by the end of the book. His relationship with Fanny remains solid, and I particularly liked how her arc with infertility paid off in a way that respected people going through similar struggles, and also paid tribute to her own upbringing as an adopted child of the Bertram family.
And all this tied in nicely with the central mystery arc, surrounding Mr. Rushworth’s murder, which escalated when Maria too was found murdered. The “whodunit” aspect itself was fairly obvious, but the related intrigue around Maria’s continued ties to Rushworth post-divorce, while also still seeing Henry Crawford, created a great foundation for the murder plot.
But when it comes to so-called “main characters,” I feel like all this drama ended up leaving them mostly sidelined from the main action. I mean, they do investigate and solve the murder, but with who did it being far less interesting than the family drama, I didn’t feel like their roles were all that satisfying in that department. As far as the romance, I did appreciate seeing how far Jonathan was willing to go to defend Juliet’s honor, but the fallout of this leaves the state of their romance still in question, and their families’ discord with one another from the prior book remains unresolved.
While this book was a bit of step down from the prior two, it’s still a solid read, and I’d recommend it to Austen fans who also enjoy cozy mysteries.

I love how the author brings in characters from Jane Austen's books! I like that Gray writes in the style of Jane Austen.
I was happy to see Fanny and Edmund again, and couldn't help wishing them a happy outcome. Obviously you can't not root for Juliet and Jonathan, who still have obstacles to overcome before they can be together. I was afraid that this would be the last book, but with that ending...Please keep this series going!

This was so good it made me mad I’ll have to wait a whole year for the next one. This series continues to develop in such interesting ways.

I do enjoy these Austen-based mysteries and this has been one of the best of them. I’m looking forward to the next.

The 4th book in the series deals with the characters of Mansfield Park. Juliet Tilney and Jonathan Darcy both find themselves in London for the Season. Jonathan is staying with the Bertram's, acquaintances from the house party in the first book. The two are thrilled to reunite, although both father's disapprove of the match.

The drama of Mansfield Park rears it's ugly head when Maria Rushworth arrives in London and her ex Husband is promptly murdered. Edmund Bertram enlists Juliet and Jonathan to solve the mystery with discretion.

In this book the mystery takes a back seat to Juliet and Jonathan's developing relationship, which I appreciated. I liked the characterization of the Bertrams and Crawfords. Tom has grown in some respects, but his refusal to change in some respects may cost him. Maria Rushworth and Henry Crawford are still terrible, I don't think there's much that could be done to redeem them. Slavery and abolition are addressed as well.

J & J face even more obstacles at the hands of Caroline Bingley, who has grown up considerably but still can't get over the loss of Pemberley.

Omg I am addicted to these books! Jonathan and Juliet are perfect together, no matter what anyone says. Having all of Austen’s characters making appearances gives me so much joy! The mystery was so good, I only figured out half of it, and only just before the reveal! The drama was on point, the characters were so perfect, and the cliffhanger ending gave me hope for the next book!

Let me start by saying I adore Jonathon Darcy and Julia Tilney. They are delightful as a pair. It makes reading a murder mystery quite delightful. There is also the tension between them since they both know they would love to be together romantically as well as detective partners. And with each book I read I look forward to the next one.

This one has a lot of stuff going on with other characters. Honestly I spent a while in the middle of the book wondering why we needed a bunch of info. Was this leading up to a surprise murderer or victim? As it turned out, it was no. It was a bunch of storyline that didn't really need to be in there because it didn't further the murder storyline. So in my opinion, the book could have been shorter by glossing over the side plots. One of them added a lot of angst although I get why the author put in the drama adding to that side plot I still didn't feel it was needed. The murder storyline didn't need propping up and the placement of Ellen was obvious without the drama.

I only kinda solved the mystery and I made a list of suspects early on in the book based on what I knew about them from Mansfield Park. The bad guys were on my list but so were a number of other people, one of which never appears in the story. But I didn't really narrow them down to be 100% sure who dunnit before the reveal.

My feelings about the following characters have nothing to do with my overall feeling about the book. In many cases this is exactly how the reader is supposed to feel about the character. I was sorry for Tom having to learn a hard lesson. I noted that Caroline never learns her lessons. I love her husband but feel sorry for him too. But I admired their older daughter for standing up where she felt things weren't right. I still dislike the Crawfords for all obvious reasons. I still find Catherine Tilney charming. I was disappointed by the elder Mr. Darcy since he is being hypocritical and has obviously not learned his lesson well either. Both Fanny and Lady Bertram are so pathetic. I never expected Fanny to be so wimpy after marrying. Not to say she wasn't going through difficult things but I expect more from her. Mrs. Norris was always a horrible person and Maria was never likable either.

In short, what bit I didn't love about the book didn't keep me from loving the book overall and therefore I stick with my 5 star rating. Looking forward to the next one. But I confess I hope Jonathon and Juliet do finally marry soon because I'll hate it if it drags out through book after book. I'd love to see the next mystery be solved at Pemberley so Darcy has to watch his son and Juliet together and see how good she is to him. Just a suggestion.....

This was a delightful Austenesque mystery and fourth in series featuring the young Jonathan Darcy and his charming sleuthing companion, Miss Juliet Tilney. The London Season has commenced. Balls and visitations have the matchmakers pulling out all the stops. As Jonathan's parents are not able to join him, it has been requested of the Bertrams to lodge Jonathan at their home and facilitate his socializing. All was going fine until Mr. Betram's shamed and shunned sister descends upon the family home. Soon the bodies start accumulating and a gentle sleuthing touch is required as it involves the delicate reputation of members of the Ton. With the police being understaffed, Jonathan and Juliet are soon called upon to assist. They do, after all, have previous successful experience in such matters.

Ms. Gray has done a fabulous job of renewing and continuing our affection for these Austen characters. She writes exquisitely and in perfect form for the period represented. The character development is steady throughout and we slowly learn of each character's thoughts, concerns and motivations. The tension increases gradually throughout the story drawing to a peak and then relaxes to a satisfying conclusion. The friendship between Jonathan Darcy and Juliet Tilney is sweet and chaste and inches further along. Perhaps someday, when all the stars align, it will be a little bit more than that. This reader is ever hopeful that yet another sequel is forthcoming where their relationship can be even further developed. If a Jane Austen style mystery is your jam then this may well be the perfect book for you.

I am grateful to author Claudia Gray and her publisher, Vintage Books, for having provided a complimentary uncorrected proof of this book. Their generosity, however, did not influence this review - the words of which are mine alone.


Publisher: Vintage
Publication date: June 17, 2025
Number of Pages: 336
ISBN: 978-0593686607

This continues the very clever series involving the next generation of Jane Austen novels. Elizabeth and Darcy’s oldest son, Jonathan, is somewhere on the spectrum, but he’s fallen for the daughter of Catherine Morland from Northanger Abbey, Juliet Tilney. It seems that they just keep encountering murders involving other characters from Austen novels. It’s all very intelligently plotted and written. Claudia Gray does a very good job imitating Austen’s style and dialogue.

I am really enjoying this series. I did have to go back and review the plot and characters from Mansfield Park since the murders involve some of those characters. It was well worth my time.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

Another in Claudia Gray's Jane Austen-adjacent mysteries. Juliet Tilney and Jonathan Darcy solve another mystery, while deepening their admiration for each other. Unfortunately, complications keep them yet again from the happy ending they long for.

I have enjoyed this series from the beginning and was so excited to get a digital advanced copy of this book. Many thanks to NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, and Vintage Publishing for the copy!

"The Rushworth Family Plot" focuses on the characters from Jane Austen's Mansfield Park, which is not a book I am overly familiar with. Edmund Bertram's sister's former husband Mr. Rushworth is found dead, prompting Mr. Jonathan Darcy and Miss Juliet Tilney to team up once again to solve the murder. I would say that the mystery aspect of this novel was a bit easier to piece together and, since I was not attached to the characters connected to the murder plot, almost felt anticlimactic. While this is still a good addition to the series, it was not my favorite book in the series.

While there is definitely forward movement on the relationship between Jonathan and Juliet, I still feel like things need to progress in order for me to continue to be engaged in this series. Also, I may need to brush up on my Austen knowledge in order to connect more with the plot. If you are a fan of Mansfield Park, you may enjoy this one more than I did.

This book was so fun. I just love this series. In the 4th book of this collection Jonathan and Juliet are in London with the Mansfield Park crew, and are ready to make their relationship official (but of course in those days they couldn't actually say that.) Shopping and balls are of course interrupted by a murder that the dynamic duo must solve. I'm so glad we got another book this summer, and can't wait for the next.

I have loved every book in this series, so I was thrilled to be able to read this one early through NetGalley! Claudia Gray does an amazing job writing stories with Jane Austen's characters and somehow gets each one's personality and voice just right! If you're new to this series, you MUST start at the beginning and read them in order. Each book has a new mystery to solve, but the story of Mr. Darcy and Miss Tilney starts in book 1, and you'll miss so much if you try to skip around. This latest installment focuses on characters from Mansfield Park, but as usual, some beloved (or NOT so beloved) characters from other Jane Austen stories will also make an appearance. I enjoyed the mystery, but at this point I think I am more invested in the continuing storyline between our two amateur sleuths and their character development. There was plenty of excitement from both parts of this book, but we are once again left hanging! My feelings on that are mixed because I'm glad the series is continuing, but I am also ready for a happy ending! I can't wait to see which Austen character will be in peril next time! I have my guesses, but I will keep them to myself.

I just love this mystery series stacked full of Jane Austen references! The story is engaging and the characters are true to who Jane wrote them to be! Like, a kind of judgmental Mr. Darcy (the older, not the younger!) and quiet, retiring Fanny Bertram and her flighty, lazy mother in law! I think that the author did an amazing job of taking Austen's characters and placing them in this new story, while being true to the personalities and doubles that Austen gave them!

AND the budding love story between Juliet Tilney and Jonathan Darcy is enough to keep me reading this series!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

About The Rushworth Family Plot: A Mr Darcy and Miss Tilney Mystery #4
In The Rushworth Family Plot, Juliet Tilney and Jonathan Darcy are transported from the quiet countryside to the bustling streets of London. Jonathan is staying as a guest of the Bertrams after an accident forces his parents to return to Pemberley. Meanwhile, Juliet’s stern grandfather insists that she and her mother go to London for the social season and Juliet’s debut.

Jonathan knows he must work to mend the strained relationship between the Darcys and the Tilneys if he hopes to properly court Juliet, for whom he has developed tender feelings. Juliet is dreading her debut, as she has harbors strong affections for Mr. Darcy, believing they may be reciprocated.

Their time in London takes an unexpected turn when Edmund Bertram’s brother-in-law is savagely murdered, thrusting Juliet and Jonathan into another high-stakes investigation. This allows the pair even more opportunities to spend time together, solidifying their budding romantic relationship as they work to uncover the truth behind the shocking crime.


Tropes in The Rushworth Family Plot
🎩❤️ Jane Austen Regency Romance
🧣🔎 Cozy Mystery
⬅️❤️➡️ Opposites Attract
♿ Disability Rep

My Review
Plot & Pacing
The Rushworth Family Plot returns the reader to the bustling world of Jane Austen’s London in the fast-paced fourth installment of The Mr Darcy and Miss Tilney series. The action picks up at a brisk pace, heightening the excitement and drawing the reader immediately into the story.
Characters
Juliet Tilney
FMC
Daughter of Henry and Catherine Tilney
Juliet Tilney has led a sheltered life within the loving confines of her family’s estate at Northanger Abbey. Unprepared for the whirlwind of London society, Juliet finds herself overwhelmed by the dazzling jewels and lavish gowns that surround her during the social season. However, amidst the dizzying distractions, her gaze remains fixed solely on Jonathan Darcy.
Throughout the series, Juliet Tilney blossoms from a sheltered young miss into a sensitive and caring young woman. Her affection for Jonathan Darcy is both tender and all-encompassing, as she offers him the unconditional acceptance he has long sought.
Jonathan Darcy
MMC
Son of Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth Darcy
Jonathan has long felt like an outsider, struggling to navigate the social expectations and nuances of his peers. He has often found himself unable to pick up on the unspoken cues that come so naturally to others. However, in Juliet, Jonathan has found a kindred spirit – a companion who truly understands and accepts him, flaws and all. Though they are still young, Jonathan is certain that Juliet is his perfect match.
The character arc of Mr. Darcy has been a true highlight throughout the series. Over the course of the novels, he has undergone a remarkable transformation, showcasing growth and increasing maturity. In a grand, romantic gesture that is sure to thrill fans, Mr. Darcy makes a choice that demonstrates the depth of his feelings for Juliet.

Final Thoughts
The author seamlessly transports readers from the country estates to the bustle of the city, weaving a compelling mystery that pushes Juliet and Jonathan’s connection to new depths. Fans of the series will delight in seeing the protagonists navigate both the investigation and the social complexities of Regency London, as they strive to overcome the obstacles standing in the way of their blossoming love.

The Rushworth Family Plot promises to be another captivating addition to The Mr Darcy and Miss Tilney series, blending the charm of Jane Austen’s beloved world with a gripping new mystery that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next chapter in Juliet and Jonathan’s story.

"Even amid the deepest and most sincere grief, there is often a strong curiosity about the contents of a will. Avarice can strike like a viper, even within otherwise benevolent hearts... And where the contents of a will are surprising, even shocking, the news of those contents will spread with remarkable speed."

Jonathan Darcy and Juliet Tilney meet in London during The Season in The Rushworth Family Plot and have to solve yet another murder (or two), while also navigating social intricacies without set rules of etiquette, try to understand where they stand on moral issues, semi-plot to convince their parents they are a good match for each other, and more easily bask in each others' attentions.

Jonathan and Juliet continue to grow as detectives solving macabre murders, although quite a bit of the novel is centered on the moral issues Jane Austen's Mansfield Park addresses openly like infedility, and mentions offhand between the lines like slavery. Exploring means, motive and opportunity for the murders forces several characters to confront their morality, which was interesting to read, but seemed a bit unlikely considering the time period these novels are set in.

Though it is naturally difficult to completely capture the essences of someone else's characters, written a long time ago, Claudia Gray's not quite Austen-like writing brings across some of the characteristics we've come to know and expect. However, balancing this with the character arcs hinted at in Austen's novels and perhaps growth that might be expected in some of them given time, this series is starting to require a higher degree of suspension of disbelief of the various mentality vascillations seen in the continuing attempts to bring so many Austen characters together. The plot held for most of the novel, but some of the twists, especially at the end, to further the investigation as well as provide opportunity for more drama in the future seem far-fetched. On the whole, still a fun read, and I'm warily looking forward to the possible next book.

"Jonathan sighed. He knew the rules of etiquette as well as any (and better than most), but he could not see the sense of any rule that made it impolite to keep to one’s own house and read one’s own books. Still, such rules had to be obeyed even— especially, it seemed— when they made no sense at all."

Many thanks to NetGalley and the Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage and Anchor Publishing Group for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. The quotes included here are from the unpublished draft but provide a good sample of the writing.

🌟🌟1/2🌟
[Half a star for the premise and the whole book; Half a star for the characters and their growth; 1/4 star for the plot and themes explored; Half a star for the world-building; 3/4 star for the writing - 2 1/2 stars in total, rounded up to 3 stars.]