The Fatal Unpleasantness at Netherfield Park by Claudia Gray

On By TracyIn Georgian Era (1714-1837), Historical Mystery, Mystery, New To Me Author, Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820), Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

The Fatal Unpleasantness at Netherfield: A Novel (MR. DARCY & MISS TILNEY MYSTERY)The Fatal Unpleasantness at Netherfield: A Novel by Claudia Gray

Tracy’s Rating: 3 of 5 stars

Series: Mr. Darcy & Miss Tilney Mystery, #5

Release Date: June 16, 2026

Jonathan Darcy and Juliet Tilney are positioned at the center of the story as a pair whose connection is shaped by affection, restraint, and social pressure. Jonathan is recovering physically while also navigating his family’s disapproval, and Juliet is dealing with the consequences of her damaged reputation. Around them, the supporting cast adds tension and complication, especially within the Bingley household, where old loyalties, family expectations, and more calculating personalities create a charged atmosphere.

The plot unfolds around a poisoning at Netherfield Park that draws Jonathan and Juliet back together for another investigation. As they begin looking into the death, the situation grows more complicated with additional danger, hidden motives, and the risk of greater scandal for the household. The mystery develops alongside the broader social conflicts surrounding reputation, marriage, and family duty, giving the story both an investigative thread and a strong connection to the Regency setting.

Overall, I found the book well written and engaging with its blend of mystery, romance, and Austen-inspired drama, but I also felt a bit lost at times because I had not read the previous books in the series. It was easy to tell that many of the emotional stakes and character dynamics had been building for a while, so some moments felt like I was stepping into an ongoing conversation. Even so, Juliet and Jonathan’s relationship, and the unfolding scandal kept me interested enough to appreciate this story, but not enough to go back and read the previous books. This is the fifth book in the series, and I would definitely recommend reading the series in order.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

 

A Proud Woman by Sarah F. Noel

On By BarbaraIn Audiobook, Barb's Reviews, Debut Novel, Historical Mystery, New To Me Author, Part of a Series, Victorian Era (1837-1901)Leave a comment

A Proud Woman (Tabitha & Wolf Historical Mystery #1)Barbara’s rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Series: Tabitha & Wolf Historical Mystery #1
Publication Date: 6/1/23
Period: Victorian London – 1897
Number of Pages: 262
Format: Audiobook Narrator: Vicki-Jo Eva

Sarah F. Noel is a new-to-me author, and I’m glad to have discovered her and this series. It was nice to discover that she has added a new series featuring two characters from this current series. I enjoyed this book well enough that I purchased the book and audio for the first thirteen of the seventeen books in the series. I have already gone through the first four books and will be writing successive reviews for those four. This review won’t be as book-specific as I normally do because I want to share more about the series since it is the first book. I will add that the gist of the story is that Mickey D, a crime lord from Wolf’s past, comes to ask for Wolf’s help in solving a crime that he’s afraid will be blamed on a member of his family. Since Wolf is in Mickey D’s debt, he cannot refuse. Tabitha, of course, demands to help as well.

The series features Tabitha Chesterton, the widowed Countess of Pembroke, and Jeremy Chesterton, the new Earl of Pembroke, who is a long-lost cousin to the former Earl. We will follow these two main characters as Jeremy (Wolf) is called upon to solve mysteries (murders) because of his former profession as a thief taker. We will also follow these two characters as their relationship develops. I have looked ahead, and I can tell you the romance is a very slow-burn that has tried my patience through the four books I have already completed. I think the wedding comes somewhere around book eight.

There is a growing coterie of characters who seem to show up in the books. I’m sure some will enter and leave as the storylines require, but it seems most are featured from book to book.

• Dowager Countess of Pembroke: She is one of the most onerous, aggravating, and annoying characters I have ever read. She also seems to be featured prominently in every book, and I cannot fathom why. I’ve tried to view her as the comic relief, but that doesn’t usually work for long before I’m wishing she’d fall into a hole. However, to provoke that strong reaction in me, she must be a very well-written character.

• Bear: Wolf’s best friend and business partner from the thief-taker days. He’s a gentle giant who loves drawing and his mother. He’s large with lots of dark hair, which gave him his name. He’s struggling to find his place in Wolf’s new world.

• Melody and Rat: Four-year-old Melody and eight-year-old Rat (Mat) are brother and sister street urchins who are taken in by Tabitha. Note: The second series, The Continental Capers of Melody Chesterton, features Melody and, I assume, Rat after they are older. I think ALL of the adults in the series kowtow too much to these children. Just another note: all of these nicknames drive me nuts, but I still like the series.

• Other characters are added as the series progresses, but I’ll list those as we go through them.

The narration was good. I enjoyed the narrator’s voice, and the pacing was well done. That said, there wasn’t much differentiation between character voices. I couldn’t always tell whether Tabitha or Wolf was speaking. I could, however, always tell when the Dowager Countess was speaking. Another thing I noticed was the narrator sometimes changed words from what was written – using ‘but’ rather than ‘however’. She also used the word ‘okay’ in the narration when it wasn’t in the text of the book. Still, an enjoyable listen throughout the series.

I enjoyed this book; it was an excellent mystery with a surprise ending. I could have done with less of the Dowager Countess, but I still enjoyed Tabitha, Wolf, Bear, and the children. If you are looking for a longer historical mystery series to try, I can recommend this one. Happy reading and listening!