Category: Regency Era (1811-1820)

The Regency in Great Britain was a period when King George III was deemed unfit to rule and his son ruled as his proxy as Prince Regent. On the death of George III in 1820, the Prince Regent became George IV. The term Regency can refer to various stretches of time; some are longer than the decade of the formal Regency which lasted from 1811–1820.
Preceded by: Georgian era
Followed by: Victorian era
Monarch: George III, George IV, William IV

Murder at Donwell Abbey by Vanessa Kelly

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

Murder at Donwell Abbey (Emma Knightley Mysteries Book 2)Murder at Donwell Abbey by Vanessa Kelly

Tracy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: Emma Knightley Mysteries #2

Release Date: November 25, 2025

Things have finally settled down after the excitement of last year’s murder and now that her father is preparing to marry Miss Bates, Emma Knightley is tasked with throwing the happy couple a betrothal ball. She is wondering how to accommodate all the guests that Miss Bates wants to invite at Hartfield when her brother-in-law John suggests that she host the event at her husband’s estate – Donwell Abbey. Since her father is to remarry, it means that she and George can finally move to his estate, and throwing a party is a perfect way to determine what needs to be done at the manor before they relocate.

But things don’t go as planned and the night ends with the death of Donwell Abbey’s chambermaid Prudence Parr. At first glance, it appears her death is a tragic accident, but on closer examination it is clear that she was murdered. Emma is horrified by the murder and can’t trust either the village’s inept constable or their coroner to catch the real killer, so once again, she investigates the crime and soon realizes Prudence’s murder may be linked to other criminal activities in Highbury. Together with her husband George, her father’s betrothed Miss Bates and her nephew Henry, Emma will follow the clues and find justice for Prudence.

What a great installment of the Emma Knightley Mysteries! This book starts about 6 months after the last book and Emma getting ready to turn over the reins of Hartfield and become the mistress of Donwell Abbey, but a murder shakes up everything! The story has a tragic murder, wonderful secondary characters, smuggling, lots of suspects, twists and turns, before coming to a nail-biting ending! This book had me absolutely sure I knew who the murderer was but then had me second guessing myself more than once, only to be surprised that in the end, I was both right and wrong! Overall, this was a great read and one I highly recommend to lovers of a good mystery. This is the second book in the series, but it could easily be read as a standalone title with no problems.

*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. *

Revenge, Served Royal by Celeste Connally

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Contemporary in Period Dress, Georgian Era (1714-1837), Historical Mystery, Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820)Leave a comment

Revenge, Served Royal (Lady Petra Inquires, #3)Barbara’s rating: 3 out of 5 Stars
Series: Lady Petra Inquiries #3
Publication Date: 11/11/25
Period: Regency
Number of Pages: 328

This series has mostly fallen into the “meh” category for me. I didn’t hate the books, but I also didn’t love them. Unfortunately, this third installment is my least favorite so far. The pacing felt slow throughout, with very little suspense and far less involvement from the supporting characters I’ve grown to enjoy. Even Duncan is absent for long stretches. The tone still feels much too modern for my taste, though I will say I’ve warmed up a bit to Lady Petra.

The premise—a blend of Murder, She Wrote and The Great British Bake Off—sounded like it would be a lot of fun, but it didn’t quite live up to my hopes.

Lady Petra is summoned to attend a week-long anniversary celebration for Queen Charlotte and King George. Her cook is participating in the royal bake-off, and Petra has been invited to serve as one of the judges. Since the judging is blind, there’s no conflict of interest there. Petra is excited for her cook and also eager to reconnect with her father’s former chef, now retired and writing cookery books—at least until he turns up murdered.

Petra has no intention of investigating until the victim’s valet is accused—and until she discovers the man’s true identity. Solving the crime proves difficult. Although Duncan oversees security for the Queen and Royal Family, he has no authority within the Royal Palace. That falls to someone else, someone very determined to see the valet hang. Petra and Duncan are convinced of the man’s innocence, but proving it won’t be easy.

Overall, this was a smooth but very slow read with little excitement. There is, however, plenty of detail about the bake-off, the dishes, and the judging process. As I mentioned earlier, the book still feels far too modern—so modern that I sometimes wondered why it wasn’t simply written as a contemporary story. Petra and Duncan are openly sharing a bed, and while everyone seems aware of it, nobody cares—even though she’s an unmarried earl’s daughter. Petra has declared she’ll never marry, and Duncan seems content with that. There are also hints at upcoming relationship developments for two supporting characters—one I liked, the other I didn’t. If I do pick up the fourth book, I assume I’ll see where those threads are headed.

I wouldn’t reread this one, but I am mildly curious to see how things unfold for Lottie and Caroline. At this moment, I’m not inclined to read the next book, though that could change once I see the blurb. If you enjoy a slower, steadier pace in your mysteries, this one might be exactly what you’re looking for.

Happy reading!

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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