Murder at Donwell Abbey is book 2 in Vanessa Kelly’s wonderful Emma Knightly Mystery series, and it was a fantastic addition to the series.
The family is all together at Hartfield, when Emma’s father suddenly announces that he and Miss Bates will be marrying. After some discussion about the matter, Emma and George agree to throw the pair an engagement party, of sorts, at Donwell Abbey. On the night of the party, Miss Bates finds a young maid’s body, seemingly fallen from her bedroom window. The local authorities deem it an accident, but Emma is not convinced and is determined to uncover the truth.
I think I said this when I reviewed the first book in this series, but Emma is not my favourite Austen heroine, so I’m happy to say that once again, Vanessa Kelly has made Emma in to a likeable character, one I actually enjoy reading about. Not that I hated the original novel, but Emma really irritated me in that book, and she seems much more empathetic and mindful in this series of cozy mysteries.
I’m also impressed with how the author is able to mimic Austen’s voice in the writing. When I read Murder at Donwell Abbey it felt like it could have been written by Jane Austen, and I enjoyed that experience as well.
I liked seeing more of Emma’s relationship with George, and how they are navigating their marriage, although in this book George spends a significant time away from home, and I would love to see him take a larger role in some future books. I also loved seeing Emma’s view of Miss Bates change over the course of this book, as she got to know her better.
From Emma’s new found appreciation for Miss Bates, to the hunt for smugglers and a murderer, I found Murder at Donwell Abbey to be thoroughly entertaining and I look forward to reading more books in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Life, Tea, and Everything 