Very Vexing Murder: Harriet Smith Investigates
Very Vexing Murder: Harriet Smith Investigates
Very Vexing Murder: Harriet Smith Investigates
Description
Description
Harriet Smith investigates...A murder most Austen.
A witty debut whodunit that reimagines Harriet Smith, the gullible sidekick of Jane Austen's Emma, as a spitfire con woman, hired to break off an engagement and uncover a murderer in the genteel village of Highbury.
"Seldom, very seldom, does complete truth belong to any human disclosure." --Jane Austen, EMMA
Is a killer lurking in the idyllic country domain of Emma Woodhouse?
No longer Emma's naïve companion, Harriet Smith is a feisty con-woman-turned-detective tasked with breaking off Frank Churchill's engagement and uncovering his aunt's would-be murderer. While Harriet has doubts that the deadly threats are little more than society scandal, the shrewd Mrs. Churchill suspects Frank's unsuitable fiancée, Jane Fairfax, is out to kill her. What begins as a routine investigation among Highbury's elite quickly spirals into a web of deception, dangerous secrets, and a game of survival.
As Harriet interrogates a growing list of suspects with the help of her long-suffering best friend, Robert Martin, not only does she have to contend with a potential homicidal maniac and striking out as a single woman in Regency society, but is also afraid her father (and former partner-in-crime) is out for revenge.
With a cast of unforgettable characters--including a charming scoundrel, a lovesick farmer, a ghoulish butler, and a ruthless heiress determined to hide her skeletons at any cost-- this brilliantly reimagined mystery featuring the characters from Jane Austen's Emma is as deliciously dark as it is delightfully clever.
Critical Reviews
Critical Reviews
"A Very Vexing Murder is a lively, accomplished, Austentatious debut! In a bold, re-imagined sequel to Jane Austen's Emma, this is a treat for fans of regency literature and those who love a good murder mystery... A Very Vexing Murder has it all!" - Janice Hallett, internationally bestselling author of The Appeal
"A Very Vexing Murder is utterly charming. A wise, witty, and wily delight." - Essie Fox, author of The Last Days of Leda Grey
"Lucy Andrew's love of Austen and mystery shines through on every page, making A Very Vexing Murder a fantastically entertaining read for crime fiction aficionados and Janeites alike. Enormous fun, I'll never look at Harriet Smith in the same way again!" - Jessica Bull, author of Miss Austen Investigates
"This book is an absolute joy. Lucy Andrew has crafted an effervescent delight, a witty and wonderful tale with twists, turns, and just enough of a wicked sense of humour as Harriet Smith herself. A treat for fans of Austen, mysteries, and second chances, this is sure to delight any reader. If you think there's nothing new under the sun, Lucy Andrew will prove you wrong."
- Alice Bell, author of Grave Expectations
"Andrew debuts with a winsome mystery that reimagines the timid Harriet Smith from Jane Austen's Emma as a skilled con artist whose innocuous appearance belies her street smarts and criminal prowess... Andrew's version of Harriet Smith proves a witty, appealing antiheroine."
- Publishers Weekly
"This story celebrates what makes Austen's work iconic: complex, witty characters; relationship drama; and an exploration of human nature. Readers who enjoyed Vanessa Kelly's Emma Knightley mysteries or Claudia Gray's "Mr. Darcy & Miss Tilney" series will find much to enjoy here." - Library Journal
"Think you know the world of Emma? Andrew's debut rips the lid off a seething pot of criminal mischief you and Jane Austen never suspected." - Kirkus Reviews
"Part mystery, part coming-of-age story, and part romance, this novel is neo-Regency fiction at its finest." - CrimeReads
Publishing Information
Publishing Information
The Allstora Membership
Membership Perks:
- Save 30% on all online store purchases
- Exclusive access to author's content
- You pay less, but authors still earn double
Membership Terms:
- To access membership discount simply log in and add to cart, discount applied automatically.
- One month free trial, cancel anytime. Membership renews on the 15th of each month.