annieb123's Review of Murder in Westminster

by Vanessa Riley

Perfect for readers looking for a darker twist on Bridgerton, this first in a vibrant, inclusive historical mystery series from a acclaimed author Vanessa Riley portrays the true diversity of the Regency-era, as an aristocrat whose skin color and notorious family history have left her with few friends she can rely on is named as the prime suspect in a murder case…

“A great read to add to your current must-read lists.” – Essence Magazine

“Riley’s storytelling gift is strong and her prose is lovely and evocative…particularly clever.” – Mystery Scene Magazine

“Snappy dialogue, abundant intrigue, and Abbie and Stapleton’s increasingly flirtatious antagonism keep the tension high and the narrative drive strong. Smart, fun, and full of moxie.”—Kirkus Reviews

A BiblioLifestyle Most Anticipated Mystery of Summer 2022

Discovering a body on her property presents Lady Abigail Worthing with more than one pressing problem. The victim is Juliet, the wife of her neighbor, Stapleton Henderson. Although Abigail has little connection with the lady in question, she expects to be under suspicion. Abigail’s skin color and her mother’s notorious past have earned her a certain reputation among the ton, and no amount of wealth or status will eclipse it.

Abigail can’t divulge that she was attending a secret pro-abolition meeting at the time of the murder. To her surprise, Henderson offers her an alibi. Though he and Juliet were long estranged, and she had a string of lovers, he feels a certain loyalty to his late wife. Perhaps together, he and Abigail can learn the truth.

Abigail, whose marriage to Lord Worthing was not a love match, knows well how appearances can deceive. For all its surface elegance, London’s high society can be treacherous. Yet who in their circle would have killed Juliet, and why? Taking the reins of her life in a way she never has before, Abby intends to find out—but in the process she will uncover more danger than she ever imagined . . .

“Fans of Bridgerton will enjoy this one.” –Publishers Weekly

“Intelligent…a welcome addition to the genre.” –Library Journal

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Murder in Westminster is a well written and engaging historical cozy series starter by Vanessa Riley. Released 30th Aug 2022 by Kensington Books, it's 336 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback format due out in 3rd quarter 2023 from the same publisher. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The second book in the series, Murder in Drury Lane, is due out in 4th quarter 2023.

Set in regency London, the main protagonist is an extremely intelligent but socially precarious woman of mixed heritage who is in a marriage of advantageous convenience to a baron and as such, with entry to the ton. She soon finds herself mixed up in the violent murder of her neighbour's estranged wife and seeks to solve the crime to keep herself from scandal and prosecution.

There is a moderate subplot revolving around Lady Worthing's precognition and other paranormal aspects, so readers who prefer more realism will want to be aware going in. It's also somewhat more graphic than a light cozy series, with on page descriptions of violence/murder. It wasn't off-putting or egregious, but it was there. As a person of color, especially given the time period, there are also fairly realistic themes of racism, racist violence, and a large subplot about abolitionist movements in Great Britain (and to a lesser degree the colonies) which are interesting and informative. The author has done a superlative job with research and background.

The author skillfully weaves the fiction around a framework of actual historical occurrences and persons. The resolution and denouement for the mystery is self contained in this volume, but there are also background developments between Lady Worthing and her family and associates which promise to be developed in future.

Four stars. Quite a strong series starter. Recommended for readers who enjoy historical mystery such as Anna Lee Huber, C. S. Harris, etc.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Reading updates

1 April, 2023: Started reading

1 April, 2023: Finished reading

1 April, 2023: Reviewed