Staff Review – The Murder of Mr. Wickham by Claudia Gray

Jane Austen, the classic writer, is best known for her six novels, published between 1811 and 1817. Austen's novels have stood the test of time, as her novels explored themes and stories that writers would be able to relate to, even 200 years after they were written. Perhaps Austen's most famous novel is Pride and Prejudice, in which readers meet the appalling Mr. George Wickham. In Claudia Gray's "The Murder of Mr. Wickham", Austen's characters all come together for a summer house party turned murder mystery, when the uninvited guest is discovered dead in the night, and one of the houseguests must have done the deed.

Austen fans will love this novel for bringing back her beloved couples and characters from her six novels. However, as someone who has only read one Austen novel (and seen four movies), this novel would be delightful to any reader. The Knightley's (Emma), The Darcy's (and their son Jonathan - from P&P), the Brandon's (Sense and Sensibility), the Wentworth's (Persuasion), the Bertram's (Mansfield Park) and Juliet Tilney (daughter of the Tilney's from Northanger Abbey) gather to the Knightley's home for a house party. Gray has done a wonderful job of intertwining the existing characters Austen fans know and love, while introducing Jonathan and Juliet into their world. Austen fans will also recognize other favourite characters such as Miss Bates, John Knightley and Frank Churchill. 

As mentioned though, one does not need to be an Austen fan to enjoy this novel. A murder mystery at heart, young Jonathan and Juliet take it upon themselves to try and solve the murder of Mr. Wickham which, in the mid-1800s, is a completely different task than it would be today. The story changes in point of view often, so readers always have a chance to see what other characters are up to and can attempt to solve the murder as well. This is the first in Gray's series which follows Jonathan Darcy and Juliet Tilney and their murder-solving skills. This would be a great pick for historical fiction fans, cozy mystery fans, or anyone looking for a new series to start! Pick up The Murder of Mr. Wickham today!