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Mr. Darcy & Miss Tilney #4
The Rushworth Family Plot: A Novel
The fourth book in
New York Times
bestselling author Claudia Gray's Jane Austen sequel series, which finds amateur sleuths Jonathan Darcy and Juliet Tilney caught up in the whirlwind of the London Season—and in a murderous scheme involving the family of Edmund and Fanny Bertram
Jonathan Darcy and Juliet Tilney understand each other perfectly; it's a pity their families do not. A series of misunderstandings, misplaced pride, and—indeed—prejudice, has led their parents to deem the pair unsuited to wed. Now, 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. Oblivious to and undesiring of female attention outside of Juliet's, Jonathan is at risk of being ensnared by Caroline Bingley's previously rebuffed plans to make herself—or her daughter—mistress of Pemberley.
But when Mr. Rushworth, the former husband of Edmund's sister Maria, is discovered dead in his home, Jonathan and Juliet find themselves with problems far weightier than the marriage market. In one of the greatest scandals of its day, Maria abandoned her new husband in favor of the notorious rake Henry Crawford, and when he wouldn't marry her, was forced to flee to the continent in disgrace. Now Maria is back, accompanied by a daughter she claims Mr. Rushworth fathered after their divorce—and who he wrote into his will just before his death. To spare Edmund and Fanny further social shame, Jonathan and Juliet must unmask a killer before the drama surrounding the Rushworth family fortune claims another victim.
Jonathan Darcy and Juliet Tilney understand each other perfectly; it's a pity their families do not. A series of misunderstandings, misplaced pride, and—indeed—prejudice, has led their parents to deem the pair unsuited to wed. Now, 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. Oblivious to and undesiring of female attention outside of Juliet's, Jonathan is at risk of being ensnared by Caroline Bingley's previously rebuffed plans to make herself—or her daughter—mistress of Pemberley.
But when Mr. Rushworth, the former husband of Edmund's sister Maria, is discovered dead in his home, Jonathan and Juliet find themselves with problems far weightier than the marriage market. In one of the greatest scandals of its day, Maria abandoned her new husband in favor of the notorious rake Henry Crawford, and when he wouldn't marry her, was forced to flee to the continent in disgrace. Now Maria is back, accompanied by a daughter she claims Mr. Rushworth fathered after their divorce—and who he wrote into his will just before his death. To spare Edmund and Fanny further social shame, Jonathan and Juliet must unmask a killer before the drama surrounding the Rushworth family fortune claims another victim.
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First published June 17, 2025
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About the author
Claudia Gray
83 books14.1k followersClaudia Gray is not my real name. I didn't choose a pseudonym because my real name is unpleasant (it isn't), because I'd always dreamed of calling myself this (I haven't) or even because I'm hiding from the remnants of that international diamond-smuggling cartel I smashed in 2003 (Interpol has taken care of them). In short, I took a pseudonym for no real reason whatsoever. Sometimes this is actually the best reason to do things.
I live in New Orleans. So far, in life, I've been a disc jockey, a lawyer, a journalist and an extremely bad waitress, just to name a few. I especially like to spend time traveling, hiking, reading and listening to music. More than anything else, I enjoy writing.
I live in New Orleans. So far, in life, I've been a disc jockey, a lawyer, a journalist and an extremely bad waitress, just to name a few. I especially like to spend time traveling, hiking, reading and listening to music. More than anything else, I enjoy writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 532 reviews
August 16, 2025
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.]
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.]
February 23, 2025
If Claudia Gray plays this all out right...I think Jonathan and Juliet's love story will be even greater than Darcy & Elizabeth's. Gah! I LOVE THIS SERIES!
If you're in this for the mystery -- This time we're hanging with some of our favorite and least favorite Mansfield Park characters. If you haven't read Mansfield Park or seen the movie, I highly recommend watching the film before reading this book to understand the complicated backstory and motivations of the Bertram family. It has been a while since I've seen it and had to read slowly to remind myself who everyone was and how they fit in with the fam. These events take place roughly five years after those in "Mansfield Park." This time there are TWO murders to solve.
If you're in this for the slow burn romance -- Jonathan and Juliet are both finally together in London during the season! They haven't seen each other in a year and now can dance together, solve crime and fall more in love. DRASTIC THINGS HAPPEN that I'm still SPINNING about. Caroline Allerdyce (formerly Bingley) is also in town with her daughters and designs on Mr. Darcy. So, I hate her even more and (and I never thought I'd say this) but I'm also PISSED at Fitzwilliam Darcy, the love hypocrite. There are a LOT of villains to hate on in this book. So many of Austen's characters were annoying or tragically flawed. Who will be the next to be canceled by Gray? I have a HIT LIST if she needs it!
Here's my wish list for the next book:
1. I need Jonathan to stand up to his dad!
2. I know feminism wasn't big back then but, as a modern reader, I need Juliet to get an occupation/education or something to fill her time and enrich her life so that she doesn't really need to marry but WANTS to. Especially if she's waiting for years for Jonathan. Nursing?? Detecting with police/privately?
3. Let's hang out with the Persuasion characters & kill off Anne's sister - Mary Musgrove
OR Let's go to Northanger Abbey for a murder that hits close to home for Juliet so Jonathan can have his "Ivanhoe" moment.
4. Mostly, I just need the next book ASAP! I have no idea what's coming next, but I can't wait to find out!
If you're in this for the mystery -- This time we're hanging with some of our favorite and least favorite Mansfield Park characters. If you haven't read Mansfield Park or seen the movie, I highly recommend watching the film before reading this book to understand the complicated backstory and motivations of the Bertram family. It has been a while since I've seen it and had to read slowly to remind myself who everyone was and how they fit in with the fam. These events take place roughly five years after those in "Mansfield Park." This time there are TWO murders to solve.
If you're in this for the slow burn romance -- Jonathan and Juliet are both finally together in London during the season! They haven't seen each other in a year and now can dance together, solve crime and fall more in love. DRASTIC THINGS HAPPEN that I'm still SPINNING about. Caroline Allerdyce (formerly Bingley) is also in town with her daughters and designs on Mr. Darcy. So, I hate her even more and (and I never thought I'd say this) but I'm also PISSED at Fitzwilliam Darcy, the love hypocrite. There are a LOT of villains to hate on in this book. So many of Austen's characters were annoying or tragically flawed. Who will be the next to be canceled by Gray? I have a HIT LIST if she needs it!
Here's my wish list for the next book:
1. I need Jonathan to stand up to his dad!
2. I know feminism wasn't big back then but, as a modern reader, I need Juliet to get an occupation/education or something to fill her time and enrich her life so that she doesn't really need to marry but WANTS to. Especially if she's waiting for years for Jonathan. Nursing?? Detecting with police/privately?
3. Let's hang out with the Persuasion characters & kill off Anne's sister - Mary Musgrove
OR Let's go to Northanger Abbey for a murder that hits close to home for Juliet so Jonathan can have his "Ivanhoe" moment.
4. Mostly, I just need the next book ASAP! I have no idea what's coming next, but I can't wait to find out!
June 24, 2025
4 solid stars - enjoyed the fourth outing of this series, however, I would have preferred more emphasis on the mystery and less on romantic entanglements between the two leads. Also, my least favorite Austen is Mansfield Park, so there's that too, though I did think Fanny was well-written here. Will still be interested in the next installment
March 16, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for the ARC!
This was my very first ARC ever, which is so exciting for a new reviewer such as myself. I only read the other three books in this series earlier this year, and I knew getting this was a long shot, so I am extra grateful for the early access to this work!
This installment places us in London, with our focus being on the characters from everyone's (least) favorite Austen novel, Mansfield Park.
I'll start with what I loved this time. First and foremost, Juliet and Jonathan. I love them with my whole entire heart. They're so sweet, so well suited to each other, and a slow burn friends to lovers in the background of a 19th century murder mystery is like pure comfort food. I think their relationship is what keeps the readers coming back for more every time. And this book FINALLY gave us some actual romantic moments between them! Certain scenes had me giggling and kicking my feet.
Of course, I also loved getting to see some iconic Austen characters in the spotlight. Mrs. Norris! Caroline Bingley! Pug! And we're in town for the London season, what fun! I'm always giddy to see more of the characters I know and love. Gray has a firm grasp on Austen's original characters. Most of them (though not all) feel like themselves. Unfortunately, it is possible to have far too much of a good thing, and that is the trap this book falls into.
Claudia Gray's number one flaw throughout this series is that she takes WAY too long to get to the point. Reading this on my Kindle, I could see the exact percentage that marked when the murder actually occurs. TWENTY-FOUR PERCENT. TWENTY. FOUR. That is an EGREGIOUS amount of pages to spend before getting to the murder in the MURDER MYSTERY. I think Gray is as excited as we are to have more content surrounding so many iconic literary figures. As a result, we have so many other plotlines woven in that are so deeply unnecessary. An absurd amount of time is devoted to Fanny and Edmund's family difficulties, Sir Thomas's marital prospects, and the Antigua plantation. If these books didn't revolve around solving a murder, this would be fine. But it's already an ambitious task to try to keep a solid mystery and a solid romance going. The book doesn't have to be Mansfield Park 2 as well. The book can only semi get away with doing this because Jane Austen created characters that are still on our minds 200+ years later, not through any ingenuity of its own.
There's also the issue that has been addressed in every slightly negative review of this book thus far -- keeping Juliet and Jonathan apart is becoming way too contrived. First of all, let my man Fitzwilliam Darcy keep the character development he worked so hard for in Pride and Prejudice. He is being such a hypocritical nuisance, and everyone is tired of it. Second of all, in an attempt to find a new way to separate the characters, we get the most WILDLY out of place series of events that really take over the end of the book. Once again, we have completely lost sight of the fact that this is a murder mystery. The grand reveal at the end feels like an afterthought because of the previous plot excitement. As another reviewer said, Juliet and Jonathan either need to get married, or part ways for good.
Now, did I devour this book? Yeah, absolutely. Will I be reading the next one? Of course. It's still fun, and like I said, I love Juliet and Jonathan. It is perfectly enjoyable as a novel. The problem this book has, as well as the others in the series, is that it fails as a murder mystery. There is simply far too much going on. Hopefully, the next book will zero in on the mystery plotline, and we will see Jonathan and Juliet at the altar at last.
This was my very first ARC ever, which is so exciting for a new reviewer such as myself. I only read the other three books in this series earlier this year, and I knew getting this was a long shot, so I am extra grateful for the early access to this work!
This installment places us in London, with our focus being on the characters from everyone's (least) favorite Austen novel, Mansfield Park.
I'll start with what I loved this time. First and foremost, Juliet and Jonathan. I love them with my whole entire heart. They're so sweet, so well suited to each other, and a slow burn friends to lovers in the background of a 19th century murder mystery is like pure comfort food. I think their relationship is what keeps the readers coming back for more every time. And this book FINALLY gave us some actual romantic moments between them! Certain scenes had me giggling and kicking my feet.
Of course, I also loved getting to see some iconic Austen characters in the spotlight. Mrs. Norris! Caroline Bingley! Pug! And we're in town for the London season, what fun! I'm always giddy to see more of the characters I know and love. Gray has a firm grasp on Austen's original characters. Most of them (though not all) feel like themselves. Unfortunately, it is possible to have far too much of a good thing, and that is the trap this book falls into.
Claudia Gray's number one flaw throughout this series is that she takes WAY too long to get to the point. Reading this on my Kindle, I could see the exact percentage that marked when the murder actually occurs. TWENTY-FOUR PERCENT. TWENTY. FOUR. That is an EGREGIOUS amount of pages to spend before getting to the murder in the MURDER MYSTERY. I think Gray is as excited as we are to have more content surrounding so many iconic literary figures. As a result, we have so many other plotlines woven in that are so deeply unnecessary. An absurd amount of time is devoted to Fanny and Edmund's family difficulties, Sir Thomas's marital prospects, and the Antigua plantation. If these books didn't revolve around solving a murder, this would be fine. But it's already an ambitious task to try to keep a solid mystery and a solid romance going. The book doesn't have to be Mansfield Park 2 as well. The book can only semi get away with doing this because Jane Austen created characters that are still on our minds 200+ years later, not through any ingenuity of its own.
There's also the issue that has been addressed in every slightly negative review of this book thus far -- keeping Juliet and Jonathan apart is becoming way too contrived. First of all, let my man Fitzwilliam Darcy keep the character development he worked so hard for in Pride and Prejudice. He is being such a hypocritical nuisance, and everyone is tired of it. Second of all, in an attempt to find a new way to separate the characters, we get the most WILDLY out of place series of events that really take over the end of the book. Once again, we have completely lost sight of the fact that this is a murder mystery. The grand reveal at the end feels like an afterthought because of the previous plot excitement. As another reviewer said, Juliet and Jonathan either need to get married, or part ways for good.
Now, did I devour this book? Yeah, absolutely. Will I be reading the next one? Of course. It's still fun, and like I said, I love Juliet and Jonathan. It is perfectly enjoyable as a novel. The problem this book has, as well as the others in the series, is that it fails as a murder mystery. There is simply far too much going on. Hopefully, the next book will zero in on the mystery plotline, and we will see Jonathan and Juliet at the altar at last.
June 23, 2025
I don't read these books for the mystery. I read them for Juliet Tilney and Jonathan Darcy. Reasons for keeping them separated is very convoluted. Also I don't like that it's because of Mr Darcy! Mr Darcy who had such character growth in Pride and Prejudice and married for love. There's no reason a man who ended up with Lydia as a sister in law and Mrs Bennet as a mother in law would disapprove of Juliet Tilney as a daughter in law. She not a golddigger. Her family is respectable and while not Pemberly rich, they are not poor. Juliet is smart, likeable but most importantly she truly cares for Jonathan. Mr Darcy wouldn't act this way. Because of this I cannot rate this book higher than 3 stars. Will I continue to read this series? Absolutely! I'm waiting for the happy ever after.
I received ARC in return for honest review.
I received ARC in return for honest review.
July 19, 2025
Wow, what a great read! I think I loved the later plot development even more than the murder investigations. That was very exciting! The next book is going to be so good…so many conflicts to resolve.
I think Claudia Gray does an excellent job in this series of being true to the spirit of Austen’s characters. She also catches Austen’s moral tone so well too. Vice is punished and virtue is rewarded while the characters are also very human. (Even Fanny Price Bertram has a moral struggle of her own, as well as a particular grief. Both were portrayed beautifully.) The Regency world here also feels very authentic. This novel has an undercurrent of slavery since the Bertram family owns a plantation in Antigua. I love how Gray wrote this into the novel. It fleshes out both the characters and the Regency world in compelling ways. It’s making me think too about our own societal sins today.
We get to see a middle-age Caroline Bingley! She is married with two grown daughters, and I love the story of her marriage and how she has handled being the one Not Chosen by Mr Darcy. So clever. I hope we get to see more of her and her family in the future. Juliet Tilney travels to London with her mother, and I love that Catherine is in the story so much. She has matured well since those flighty Bath days and has some interesting maternal dilemmas.
Juliet and Jonathan continue to be so very endearing. The romance is very slow burn but it’s appropriate to the time and setting. They have each matured throughout the series as well. Jonathan especially shows his maturity in this novel when he is separated from his parents. I love his reading of Ivanhoe and how it informs his decisions at several points in the story. It shows how meaningful it is to have heroes and heroines in stories to inspire us to our own virtue.
I think Claudia Gray does an excellent job in this series of being true to the spirit of Austen’s characters. She also catches Austen’s moral tone so well too. Vice is punished and virtue is rewarded while the characters are also very human. (Even Fanny Price Bertram has a moral struggle of her own, as well as a particular grief. Both were portrayed beautifully.) The Regency world here also feels very authentic. This novel has an undercurrent of slavery since the Bertram family owns a plantation in Antigua. I love how Gray wrote this into the novel. It fleshes out both the characters and the Regency world in compelling ways. It’s making me think too about our own societal sins today.
We get to see a middle-age Caroline Bingley! She is married with two grown daughters, and I love the story of her marriage and how she has handled being the one Not Chosen by Mr Darcy. So clever. I hope we get to see more of her and her family in the future. Juliet Tilney travels to London with her mother, and I love that Catherine is in the story so much. She has matured well since those flighty Bath days and has some interesting maternal dilemmas.
Juliet and Jonathan continue to be so very endearing. The romance is very slow burn but it’s appropriate to the time and setting. They have each matured throughout the series as well. Jonathan especially shows his maturity in this novel when he is separated from his parents. I love his reading of Ivanhoe and how it informs his decisions at several points in the story. It shows how meaningful it is to have heroes and heroines in stories to inspire us to our own virtue.
September 22, 2025
I think I’ve found my The Tudors.
Huh? What do the Tudors have to do with this? Well The Tudors is a ridiculous show that completely effs up all the history of that time period. And as the daughter of a historian, I couldn’t stand it. But casual history/Tudor fans went bonkers for it.
This series seems to hit avid Austen fans the same way. They notice slight mischaracterizations, dialogue that sounds slightly off, etc. But as a casual Austen fan, I know just enough to follow the stories but not enough to pick up on discrepancies. So it’s fun. It’s my The Tudors.
4th in the series, this book follows the characters of Mansfield Park (which I have never read; I had to review the plot on Wikipedia). Once again Jonathan and Juliet are thrown together to solve a mystery; once again the pretext is paper thin (“the London police are so BUSY!”) The book as always does a good job of blending the mystery with Jonathan’s and Juliet’s growing feelings for each other. Unlike the last book I did NOT figure out the mystery early on - this book was better at giving us red herrings. I spent every free moment reading it for the last 5 days.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
Huh? What do the Tudors have to do with this? Well The Tudors is a ridiculous show that completely effs up all the history of that time period. And as the daughter of a historian, I couldn’t stand it. But casual history/Tudor fans went bonkers for it.
This series seems to hit avid Austen fans the same way. They notice slight mischaracterizations, dialogue that sounds slightly off, etc. But as a casual Austen fan, I know just enough to follow the stories but not enough to pick up on discrepancies. So it’s fun. It’s my The Tudors.
4th in the series, this book follows the characters of Mansfield Park (which I have never read; I had to review the plot on Wikipedia). Once again Jonathan and Juliet are thrown together to solve a mystery; once again the pretext is paper thin (“the London police are so BUSY!”) The book as always does a good job of blending the mystery with Jonathan’s and Juliet’s growing feelings for each other. Unlike the last book I did NOT figure out the mystery early on - this book was better at giving us red herrings. I spent every free moment reading it for the last 5 days.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
April 29, 2025
I hoped this installment would get it together with sweet Jonathan and Juliet’s relationship, but I’m struggling. The lack of reasonable progress is so contrived. I don’t even mind Mansfield Park, so that’s not my issue. I like these characters, I like the mysteries for the most part, but the contrived ways to make zero progress in their relationship is unbelievable as they work together to solve a mystery. It’s not for character development or because of the mystery plot, and for me now their continued separation doesn’t feel natural.
I’ll have to check reviews before I come back for book 5. I’m guessing it’ll be a Persuasion/second chance themed opportunity to inch forward, but still not culminating until we get book 6 at Northanger.
I received an arc from NetGalley
I’ll have to check reviews before I come back for book 5. I’m guessing it’ll be a Persuasion/second chance themed opportunity to inch forward, but still not culminating until we get book 6 at Northanger.
I received an arc from NetGalley
December 31, 2024
The author's fourth book in her Mr. Darcy and Miss Tinley mystery series is an absolute delight! Janeites will adore the glamour of the London season while the young sleuths investigate a dastardly plan involving old family friends Edmund and Fanny Bertram. A must-read for Austen and historical mystery fans!
June 16, 2025
I love the plots and the concept of this series, what I don't like is the narrative style of the writing. Yeah, I get that this is a series set in 1800 England and yeah, that is how Jane Austen wrote her stories, which this series is a riff off of. But I, as a 2025 reader, just don't have the patience to interpret every sentence. It's tiring and makes me lose my train of thought in the story. When I have to work twice as hard to follow a plot, it's no fun.
Jonathan Darcy and Juliet Tilney have a real meeting of the minds, especially when murder is involved. They were leaning toward more in the last book when both sets of parents took an instant dislike to the possibility of Jonathan and Juliet making a match. So, they cooled it for a year and now both find themselves in London for the Season. Each family has the expectation of a splendid match but not to the person their kids prefer. Jonathan finds himself in London as the guest of the Bertram family and soon is embroiled in a murder. With Juliet again as his partner in solving this crime, they grow closer and their feelings for each other grow deeper, despite facing parental disapproval and also an outside influence, Caroline Bingley, that has an agenda of her own.
Jonanthan is caught up in the scandal of the Bertram sister, Maria Rushworth, who abandoned the marriage for her lover and now the murder of Mr. Rushworth. Lots of suspects and number one is the lover, Henry Crawford. Juliet is helping Jonathan by interviewing several suspects. Weave into all this Maria's child, another murder and a scandalous painting that results in devastating consequences for Jonathan and Juliet.
My thanks to the Publisher and Author for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
Jonathan Darcy and Juliet Tilney have a real meeting of the minds, especially when murder is involved. They were leaning toward more in the last book when both sets of parents took an instant dislike to the possibility of Jonathan and Juliet making a match. So, they cooled it for a year and now both find themselves in London for the Season. Each family has the expectation of a splendid match but not to the person their kids prefer. Jonathan finds himself in London as the guest of the Bertram family and soon is embroiled in a murder. With Juliet again as his partner in solving this crime, they grow closer and their feelings for each other grow deeper, despite facing parental disapproval and also an outside influence, Caroline Bingley, that has an agenda of her own.
Jonanthan is caught up in the scandal of the Bertram sister, Maria Rushworth, who abandoned the marriage for her lover and now the murder of Mr. Rushworth. Lots of suspects and number one is the lover, Henry Crawford. Juliet is helping Jonathan by interviewing several suspects. Weave into all this Maria's child, another murder and a scandalous painting that results in devastating consequences for Jonathan and Juliet.
My thanks to the Publisher and Author for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
April 17, 2025
Claudia Gray has once again taken two beloved characters and made them even more dear and more sweet than before in this fourth installment of the Mr. Darcy and Miss Tilney series. Jonathan, son of Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy, and Juliet, daughter of Catherine and Henry Tilney, both wind up in London for the season. Neither expects to see the other, but they wind up reunited at a ball and become sleuthing partners again. Jonathan's disapproving father has taken the family back to Pemberley and Jonathan is staying with the Bertams.
The subplots deal with the Bertam family's sugar plantation. Fanny is an abolitionist and Edmund has joined her in wanting the plantation sold. Eldest brother Tom has come to London to complete the sale. There is another subplot involving the former Miss Bingley, who has decided that if she couldn't have Pemberley, she'll scheme for a way for her daughter to marry Jonathan and have it. This second storyline is the impetus for the big finale of the book, which could drive a permanent wedge between Jonathan and Juliet.
I am very hard on Austen pastiche and find these books delightful. Jonathan and Juliet are the sweetest couple, but are excellent sleuths as well. I love getting to see so many characters from the original Austen books in the future with their children around. Lastly, Jonathan's neurodivergence and Juliet's acceptance of it is sensitive and charming. This book was an absolute delight!
The subplots deal with the Bertam family's sugar plantation. Fanny is an abolitionist and Edmund has joined her in wanting the plantation sold. Eldest brother Tom has come to London to complete the sale. There is another subplot involving the former Miss Bingley, who has decided that if she couldn't have Pemberley, she'll scheme for a way for her daughter to marry Jonathan and have it. This second storyline is the impetus for the big finale of the book, which could drive a permanent wedge between Jonathan and Juliet.
I am very hard on Austen pastiche and find these books delightful. Jonathan and Juliet are the sweetest couple, but are excellent sleuths as well. I love getting to see so many characters from the original Austen books in the future with their children around. Lastly, Jonathan's neurodivergence and Juliet's acceptance of it is sensitive and charming. This book was an absolute delight!
June 3, 2025
Smh, Caroline Bingley, smh.
August 20, 2025
I can‘t wait to read it!! The plot sounds exciting! 😍
October 16, 2024
I can’t wait !!!!! I love these books
June 13, 2025
"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.
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.
July 20, 2025
3.5 stars
The Rushworth Family Plot is a cozy mystery, a slow-burn Regency romance, and #4 in a standalone series.
While Juliet Tilney and Jonathan Darcy are attracted to each other, their families think they should find more suitable matches. They are pressured to go to London for the Season. Fortunately for Juliet and Jonathan, a dead body is found, and they are once again asked to help solve the crime. It is no hardship for these plucky amateur detectives to spend time together.
If you’ve not read a cozy mystery, you might be delighted by a gently told mystery featuring amateur detectives. As a team, Juliet and Jonathan have unusual crime-solving abilities. They are imaginative, intuitive, and smart….and quite attracted to each other.
If you enjoy the world of Jane Austen, you will appreciate this story and its strong sense of place and time. From the social scene to the etiquette to the clothing to the characters, you will feel transported to Regency England.
Putting the slow in slow burn. While Juliet and Jonathan are the best part of this gently told mystery, their slow-burn romance is frustrating. Over four installments, very little progress has been made. At this point, if there’s no major progress in book #5, I might take a break from the series until I read reviews that show me something has happened. Fans of the series are holding out hope that the Juliet/Jonathan romance is wrapped up soon in a memorable way. It doesn’t seem plausible to drag it out much longer.
Set in the world of Jane Austen, The Rushworth Family Plot is #4 is a loosely connected, “cozy mystery” series. Each can be read as a stand-alone. My favorite in the series is book two (I didn’t read book one).
I can recommend The Rushmore Family Plot for fans of Jane Austen, a cozy mystery, slow-burn romance, and gently told stories.
Thanks #NetGalley @IReadVintage @AustenProse for a complimentary eARC of #TheRushworthFamilyPlot upon my request. All opinions are my own.
For more reviews visit my blog www.readingladies.com where this review was first published.
The Rushworth Family Plot is a cozy mystery, a slow-burn Regency romance, and #4 in a standalone series.
While Juliet Tilney and Jonathan Darcy are attracted to each other, their families think they should find more suitable matches. They are pressured to go to London for the Season. Fortunately for Juliet and Jonathan, a dead body is found, and they are once again asked to help solve the crime. It is no hardship for these plucky amateur detectives to spend time together.
If you’ve not read a cozy mystery, you might be delighted by a gently told mystery featuring amateur detectives. As a team, Juliet and Jonathan have unusual crime-solving abilities. They are imaginative, intuitive, and smart….and quite attracted to each other.
If you enjoy the world of Jane Austen, you will appreciate this story and its strong sense of place and time. From the social scene to the etiquette to the clothing to the characters, you will feel transported to Regency England.
Putting the slow in slow burn. While Juliet and Jonathan are the best part of this gently told mystery, their slow-burn romance is frustrating. Over four installments, very little progress has been made. At this point, if there’s no major progress in book #5, I might take a break from the series until I read reviews that show me something has happened. Fans of the series are holding out hope that the Juliet/Jonathan romance is wrapped up soon in a memorable way. It doesn’t seem plausible to drag it out much longer.
Set in the world of Jane Austen, The Rushworth Family Plot is #4 is a loosely connected, “cozy mystery” series. Each can be read as a stand-alone. My favorite in the series is book two (I didn’t read book one).
I can recommend The Rushmore Family Plot for fans of Jane Austen, a cozy mystery, slow-burn romance, and gently told stories.
Thanks #NetGalley @IReadVintage @AustenProse for a complimentary eARC of #TheRushworthFamilyPlot upon my request. All opinions are my own.
For more reviews visit my blog www.readingladies.com where this review was first published.
March 24, 2025
Absolutely glued to the page. My favorite in the series so far. Claudia really settles into her narrative voice in this one; it’s playful, wise, and omniscient. So many layers of story and set up for the next book, beyond the central mystery which keeps you guessing. Lady Bertram had me highlighting every passage she was in, she was so good (and relatable? Goals?). The only sad part of reading an ARC is that there’s an even longer wait between this book and the next. I already find it so hard to wait a year between new Darcy/Tilney installments, but will continue telling my Austen friends to read these in the meantime 🥲 see me on release day picking up my physical copy in stores to reread.
December 9, 2024
09-12-2024
Guys we have a cover!!!! It's not on goodreads yet, but it is on amazon and penguin random house. AAAHHHH I LOVE it!!!!! I'm so excited for thisss
***
I can't wait to read this!!!! Literally freaked out when I saw the title and description
Guys we have a cover!!!! It's not on goodreads yet, but it is on amazon and penguin random house. AAAHHHH I LOVE it!!!!! I'm so excited for thisss
***
I can't wait to read this!!!! Literally freaked out when I saw the title and description
June 22, 2025
Fitzwilliam "I'm sorry for the way I acted when I was a snob, I wasn't raised right" Darcy would NOT act like this.
July 6, 2025
but one
In all seriousness, I like these books on the whole, they're fun and nice and cozy, but the mysteries have always been pretty predictable/underwhelming, and the romantic drama, at this point, four books in, is getting a little silly (i.e., contrived)
Sort of a side note, but it's something that's been bugging me for four books now and at this point seems like it's going to keep on going--why is Mr. Darcy (Elizabeth Bennett's husband) so stubborn and prideful and unreasonable in this series? The man's entire character arc back in Pride and Prejudice was, famously, that he learned to stop doing that. It's just . . . huh?? It comes across as either a lazy choice made for contrivance purposes for the sake of keeping our two leads apart, or just an odd misunderstanding of his character.
I'll admit that this one in particular just wasn't it for me. I think it definitely had Mansfield Park going against it. I haven't read Mansfield Park in over a decade; I barely remember it, and what I remember is not liking it. Of course, tastes change; mine very well might have since then, but if the Fanny and Edmund of the original book are anything like the Fanny and Edmund of Ms. Gray's reimagining, I'd probably be just as inclined to stay away. My GOD are those two annoying. Their single personality trait, which they share between them, as a good Christian husband and wife should, is that they're self-righteous; their shared interest is moralizing back and forth to each other. They're just really boring characters, and the rest of the characters in this one aren't much better. Nobody really "stood out"; for the most part they were all just kind of there.
I think the most I can say for this one is essentially what I had to say about Mansfield Park, all those years ago: I didn't really care for it, and I suspect it won't be long before I barely remember it.
In all seriousness, I like these books on the whole, they're fun and nice and cozy, but the mysteries have always been pretty predictable/underwhelming, and the romantic drama, at this point, four books in, is getting a little silly (i.e., contrived)
Sort of a side note, but it's something that's been bugging me for four books now and at this point seems like it's going to keep on going--why is Mr. Darcy (Elizabeth Bennett's husband) so stubborn and prideful and unreasonable in this series? The man's entire character arc back in Pride and Prejudice was, famously, that he learned to stop doing that. It's just . . . huh?? It comes across as either a lazy choice made for contrivance purposes for the sake of keeping our two leads apart, or just an odd misunderstanding of his character.
I'll admit that this one in particular just wasn't it for me. I think it definitely had Mansfield Park going against it. I haven't read Mansfield Park in over a decade; I barely remember it, and what I remember is not liking it. Of course, tastes change; mine very well might have since then, but if the Fanny and Edmund of the original book are anything like the Fanny and Edmund of Ms. Gray's reimagining, I'd probably be just as inclined to stay away. My GOD are those two annoying. Their single personality trait, which they share between them, as a good Christian husband and wife should, is that they're self-righteous; their shared interest is moralizing back and forth to each other. They're just really boring characters, and the rest of the characters in this one aren't much better. Nobody really "stood out"; for the most part they were all just kind of there.
I think the most I can say for this one is essentially what I had to say about Mansfield Park, all those years ago: I didn't really care for it, and I suspect it won't be long before I barely remember it.
July 10, 2025
JUSTICE! JUSTICE AT LAST! Enjoy Australia, Aunt Norris, I hope a cassowary eats you.
Fanny Price Bertram remains...not difficult to like, because I understand her anxiety and her ingrained habit of Not Being a Problem, but rather an awkward person to be a protagonist. She effaces herself so thoroughly that it's hard to find her a place in the narrative. She is the ur-example of the fact that when you make yourself small and hide all your needs to make others happy, they are not going to remember later on how you denied yourself and reward you for your virtue, they are going to continue to forget you because you made yourself so very forgettable. I am glad she found happiness and a measure of peace by the story's end. I just wish for her that her dreams were a little wider, and more people in her family than Edmund thought of her.
Juliet and Jonathan continue to be my joy, a classic Regency slow-burn (three years since the Austen Murder House Party, goodness!) that gives them both time to grow. Jonathan is doing so much better in society and in life; the Jonathan of The Murder of Mr. Wickham would have never managed multiple balls and social events in London, and the notion of a duel of honor would never have entered his mind. Juliet's development is just as sweet, and I love her relationship with her mother. They are such a good pair, now we just need to shut society up and tell Mr. Darcy that he's being a jerk again. Does someone need a reminder of his first proposal and how he was shot down so thoroughly that he barely clambered out of the flaming wreckage?
I respect how the whole affair with the painting (Mr. Follett, come here, I just want to talk...) and the duel played out realistically and honestly. Regency morals were vastly biased, a painting like that would indeed ruin Juliet, and Jonathan's dramatic effort on her behalf would help somewhat, but not entirely. There are going to be lots of aftershocks, and I am very, very interested to see how they play out and how Juliet and Jonathan will be drawn together again.
Fanny Price Bertram remains...not difficult to like, because I understand her anxiety and her ingrained habit of Not Being a Problem, but rather an awkward person to be a protagonist. She effaces herself so thoroughly that it's hard to find her a place in the narrative. She is the ur-example of the fact that when you make yourself small and hide all your needs to make others happy, they are not going to remember later on how you denied yourself and reward you for your virtue, they are going to continue to forget you because you made yourself so very forgettable. I am glad she found happiness and a measure of peace by the story's end. I just wish for her that her dreams were a little wider, and more people in her family than Edmund thought of her.
Juliet and Jonathan continue to be my joy, a classic Regency slow-burn (three years since the Austen Murder House Party, goodness!) that gives them both time to grow. Jonathan is doing so much better in society and in life; the Jonathan of The Murder of Mr. Wickham would have never managed multiple balls and social events in London, and the notion of a duel of honor would never have entered his mind. Juliet's development is just as sweet, and I love her relationship with her mother. They are such a good pair, now we just need to shut society up and tell Mr. Darcy that he's being a jerk again. Does someone need a reminder of his first proposal and how he was shot down so thoroughly that he barely clambered out of the flaming wreckage?
I respect how the whole affair with the painting (Mr. Follett, come here, I just want to talk...) and the duel played out realistically and honestly. Regency morals were vastly biased, a painting like that would indeed ruin Juliet, and Jonathan's dramatic effort on her behalf would help somewhat, but not entirely. There are going to be lots of aftershocks, and I am very, very interested to see how they play out and how Juliet and Jonathan will be drawn together again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2025
This is the fourth in the Austenesque mystery series featuring Jonathan Darcy and Juliet Tilney. Written in the style of Jane Austen, Jonathan is the son of Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy and his wife, the former Elizabeth Bennet. Juliet is the daughter of residents of Northanger Abbey. Challenging the mores of their era, they have worked together investigating and solving prior crimes.
Although attracted to each other, their parents do not approve of their beginning a relationship and separately have sent both of them off to London for “season” in the hopes of finding suitable partners. They are drawn together again by mutual friends and another murder to investigate.
This is the third of the four installments that I have read. This continues to be a delightful series. I enjoy the young characters….both of them with their intelligence, unique charm, and Juliet’s willingness to accept Jonathan’s neurodivergent behaviors. The mystery is well plotted and kept me guessing. Gray remains true to the Austen writing style and employs a good sense of humor.
This can work well as a standalone. The stories are so charming, though, I would suggest reading all four at some point to thoroughly enjoy the characters. You do not have to be overly familiar (or remember) Austen’s writings to appreciate these books for their plots and reflection of the society at that time. My advice is to read them slowly to savor the language and nuances.
I am looking forward to the next in this series. There is somewhat of a “situation” at the close of this installment and I can’t wait to see how it is resolved.
Thanks to #NetGalley and @AAKnopf for the DRC.
Although attracted to each other, their parents do not approve of their beginning a relationship and separately have sent both of them off to London for “season” in the hopes of finding suitable partners. They are drawn together again by mutual friends and another murder to investigate.
This is the third of the four installments that I have read. This continues to be a delightful series. I enjoy the young characters….both of them with their intelligence, unique charm, and Juliet’s willingness to accept Jonathan’s neurodivergent behaviors. The mystery is well plotted and kept me guessing. Gray remains true to the Austen writing style and employs a good sense of humor.
This can work well as a standalone. The stories are so charming, though, I would suggest reading all four at some point to thoroughly enjoy the characters. You do not have to be overly familiar (or remember) Austen’s writings to appreciate these books for their plots and reflection of the society at that time. My advice is to read them slowly to savor the language and nuances.
I am looking forward to the next in this series. There is somewhat of a “situation” at the close of this installment and I can’t wait to see how it is resolved.
Thanks to #NetGalley and @AAKnopf for the DRC.
June 16, 2025
Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free kindle book. I have been anxiously awaiting the next book in this series and was so excited to get a free copy of this. My opinions are my own and are freely given.
Pride and Prejudice is my favorite novel by Jane Austen, and I love cozy mysteries, so I knew I had to read this series. The first book was amazing, and it has gotten better with each novel. I think it's so true to life that Mr. Darcy, who married Elizabeth even though she was below his station, is now telling his son he can't marry Miss Tilney for the exact same reasons. Well, that and he thinks a lady would never be interested in murder investigations, so she is a totally unsuitable match. So he is now basically playing the part of Lady Catherine.
Loved this book so much and need another one right now.
Pride and Prejudice is my favorite novel by Jane Austen, and I love cozy mysteries, so I knew I had to read this series. The first book was amazing, and it has gotten better with each novel. I think it's so true to life that Mr. Darcy, who married Elizabeth even though she was below his station, is now telling his son he can't marry Miss Tilney for the exact same reasons. Well, that and he thinks a lady would never be interested in murder investigations, so she is a totally unsuitable match. So he is now basically playing the part of Lady Catherine.
Loved this book so much and need another one right now.
August 18, 2025
Best one yet! Gray delivers another homerun. 💯 Buddy read with Di and Mom, just like all the others.
June 22, 2025
After being separated by their fathers and spending months at home in the country, Jonathan and Juliet find themselves not only in London for the Season, but on the spot at the same time for a new murder case to solve, again amongst friends they made at the Knightley’s house party. Claudia Gray has done a superb job of marrying Jane Austen’s historical settings and characters from her novels with clever Regency era murder mysteries.
Young Jonathan and Juliet could be seen as a pair of thwarted star-crossed lovers with neither of their father’s inclined to see the worth in the young people’s chosen partners, but this pair, a neuro-divergent contemplative hero and a bright and clever heroine are determined to partner in life and murder.
This time, the murder occurs among the extended Bertram family and acquaintances showing what came of that group after the events of Austen’s Mansfield Park. I appreciated how the author used organic elements from that earlier piece, slavery, class, seduction, and scandal to continue to drive The Rushworth Family Plot. Of course, series readers have already encountered Edmund and Fanny Bertram, but now they are staying in London with the new Sir Tom Bertram, widowed Lady Bertram, married Yates and Julia, divorced Maria, bitter Mrs. Norris, and what could be more fun than to have the Crawford siblings around to stir them all up.
Poor Mr. Rushworth looked on the verge of big changes and decisions when someone finished him off and Jonathan and Julia have to figure out who before scandal and a dangerous killer strike again.
All in all, this was another entertaining and engaging entry in the series. I loved seeing progress in the connection between Jonathan and Julia, the sequel events for the Mansfield Park characters, and the clever finish to a murder mystery in a well-drawn Regency setting.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on 6.18.25
Young Jonathan and Juliet could be seen as a pair of thwarted star-crossed lovers with neither of their father’s inclined to see the worth in the young people’s chosen partners, but this pair, a neuro-divergent contemplative hero and a bright and clever heroine are determined to partner in life and murder.
This time, the murder occurs among the extended Bertram family and acquaintances showing what came of that group after the events of Austen’s Mansfield Park. I appreciated how the author used organic elements from that earlier piece, slavery, class, seduction, and scandal to continue to drive The Rushworth Family Plot. Of course, series readers have already encountered Edmund and Fanny Bertram, but now they are staying in London with the new Sir Tom Bertram, widowed Lady Bertram, married Yates and Julia, divorced Maria, bitter Mrs. Norris, and what could be more fun than to have the Crawford siblings around to stir them all up.
Poor Mr. Rushworth looked on the verge of big changes and decisions when someone finished him off and Jonathan and Julia have to figure out who before scandal and a dangerous killer strike again.
All in all, this was another entertaining and engaging entry in the series. I loved seeing progress in the connection between Jonathan and Julia, the sequel events for the Mansfield Park characters, and the clever finish to a murder mystery in a well-drawn Regency setting.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on 6.18.25
June 29, 2025
I enjoyed the earlier books. I tried to like this one.
But since Ms. Gray is determined to continue to drag out the relationship between the two leads until doomsday, I am DONE.
And what the heck is going on with this Mr. Darcy? He's gone back to the rude, nasty, smug, snobbish JERK he was in the original novel.
But since Ms. Gray is determined to continue to drag out the relationship between the two leads until doomsday, I am DONE.
And what the heck is going on with this Mr. Darcy? He's gone back to the rude, nasty, smug, snobbish JERK he was in the original novel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2025
This series! It's so good! I can't believe I pretty much binge-read all four of these books, and now I have to wait until the next one?! I don't know how anyone reading this series from book 1 has been able to stand the wait, I feel like I could become Mr. Darcy and Miss Tilney's next murder suspect just thinking about it (for the FBI agents reading, that was a joke).
I loved how the romance further developed in this one—I am a romance girl okay? The murder mystery was still fun and kept me on my toes for sure but the tension, the yearning, the planning, the I don't care what my family thinks because I love her energy?! Please, I love Mr. Jonathan Darcy and Miss Juliet Tilney so much, they are end game, they are my new OTP, I will think about them all of the time. That cliffhanger was brutal, Claudia Gray knew exactly what she was doing to me, and to me personally, and the next book really truly can't come soon enough.
Only a 4 and not a 5 because I didn't particularly care for Mansfield Park and so the drama of those characters in this book wasn't as fun to me as the drama and plot of the characters from Pride and Prejudice and Emma in books 3 and 1 in this series, respectively.
I loved how the romance further developed in this one—I am a romance girl okay? The murder mystery was still fun and kept me on my toes for sure but the tension, the yearning, the planning, the I don't care what my family thinks because I love her energy?! Please, I love Mr. Jonathan Darcy and Miss Juliet Tilney so much, they are end game, they are my new OTP, I will think about them all of the time. That cliffhanger was brutal, Claudia Gray knew exactly what she was doing to me, and to me personally, and the next book really truly can't come soon enough.
Only a 4 and not a 5 because I didn't particularly care for Mansfield Park and so the drama of those characters in this book wasn't as fun to me as the drama and plot of the characters from Pride and Prejudice and Emma in books 3 and 1 in this series, respectively.
June 13, 2025
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.
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.
May 19, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
About The Rushworth Family Plot
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
Final Thoughts
The author seamlessly transports readers from the country estates to the city's bustle, 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.
About The Rushworth Family Plot
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
Final Thoughts
The author seamlessly transports readers from the country estates to the city's bustle, 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.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2025
Which fictional character makes you feel safe and happy?
Jonathan Darcy and Juliet Tilney would like to take their relationship to the next level, but their families would like them to forget about each other and find a more appropriate love. Unbeknownst to their families, they have both been sent to London to experience the season. After a murder occurs, they are once again on the case. Will they be able to find the killer and convince their families that they should be together?
My thoughts on this novel:
• I LOVE this series.
• Jonathan and Juliet are great characters and I love their romance. Jonathan is neurodivergent and Juliet understands him.
• I loved that this was a continuation of the Mansfield Park story. Maria reappears with a child and Mr. Rushworth is thinking about remarrying her, but Henry Crawford is still on the scene.
• Fanny has the heartbreak of losing a child and being told she can never have a child. She feels jealous over the fact that Maria has had a child.
• I still love that Catherine Tilney is an authoress and that she feels comfortable traveling to London to do her own business.
• This was a clean read and a cozy mystery.
• The Rushworth Family Plot is the fourth book in the series. It is best to read the entire series in order.
• Jonathan and Juliet have both a slow burn and a friends to lovers’ romance. They had a few romantic moments in this novel. The former Caroline Bingley is back on the scene to try to split them apart. I admit, at this point, it is feeling contrived to keep them apart. I think they should just be together engaged or married and solving mysteries.
• Austen’s characters feel like Austen’s characters in this book. Author Claudia Gray writes them perfectly.
• I did not guess the murderer in this book, and I thought the mystery had a satisfying ending.
Overall, The Rushworth Family Plot by Claudia Gray is a terrific addition to the Mr. Darcy and Miss Tilney Mystery Series with an intriguing mystery and great characters. I cannot wait for the next book!
Book Source: Thank-you to @claudia_gray @ireadvintage @austenprose for the review copy as part of the Austenprose PR Book Tour.
This review was first posted on my blog at: https://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2025...
Jonathan Darcy and Juliet Tilney would like to take their relationship to the next level, but their families would like them to forget about each other and find a more appropriate love. Unbeknownst to their families, they have both been sent to London to experience the season. After a murder occurs, they are once again on the case. Will they be able to find the killer and convince their families that they should be together?
My thoughts on this novel:
• I LOVE this series.
• Jonathan and Juliet are great characters and I love their romance. Jonathan is neurodivergent and Juliet understands him.
• I loved that this was a continuation of the Mansfield Park story. Maria reappears with a child and Mr. Rushworth is thinking about remarrying her, but Henry Crawford is still on the scene.
• Fanny has the heartbreak of losing a child and being told she can never have a child. She feels jealous over the fact that Maria has had a child.
• I still love that Catherine Tilney is an authoress and that she feels comfortable traveling to London to do her own business.
• This was a clean read and a cozy mystery.
• The Rushworth Family Plot is the fourth book in the series. It is best to read the entire series in order.
• Jonathan and Juliet have both a slow burn and a friends to lovers’ romance. They had a few romantic moments in this novel. The former Caroline Bingley is back on the scene to try to split them apart. I admit, at this point, it is feeling contrived to keep them apart. I think they should just be together engaged or married and solving mysteries.
• Austen’s characters feel like Austen’s characters in this book. Author Claudia Gray writes them perfectly.
• I did not guess the murderer in this book, and I thought the mystery had a satisfying ending.
Overall, The Rushworth Family Plot by Claudia Gray is a terrific addition to the Mr. Darcy and Miss Tilney Mystery Series with an intriguing mystery and great characters. I cannot wait for the next book!
Book Source: Thank-you to @claudia_gray @ireadvintage @austenprose for the review copy as part of the Austenprose PR Book Tour.
This review was first posted on my blog at: https://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2025...
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