Murder at Donwell Abbey
(An Emma Knightley Mystery #2)
By Vanessa Kelly
Historical Cozy Mystery
Audiobook, Hardcover & eBook, 416 Pages
November 25, 2025 by Kensington
Summary
This latest Regency-era mystery from USA Today bestselling author Vanessa Kelly finds Jane Austen’s clever Emma Knightley (nee Woodhouse) as an amateur sleuth, navigating shocking changes in her family—while meeting her match in a deadly adversary . . .
Emma’s spirits are elevated after she and husband George Knightley host a joyful holiday celebration at the Hartfield estate. But it’s instantly a bitter January when her father makes an unexpected announcement—he and Miss Hetty Bates have decided to marry. Not only must Emma relinquish her role as mistress of the household, but also accept the reality that the excitable Miss Bates will become her stepmother . . .
More unwanted news arrives during an extravagant betrothal ball at Donwell Abbey, the grand Knightley estate where Emma and George will soon permanently reside. Nearly every villager in Highbury revels in the dazzling affair—except Emma’s hardworking lady’s maid, Prudence Parr. To Emma’s horror, Prudence is found dead, sprawled across the stones of the library terrace . . .
The woman’s tragic fall is quickly ruled a terrible accident and whispers circulate around personal troubles leading up to her untimely demise. But Emma’s instincts tell her that something far more sinister is at play. Now, Highbury’s matchmaker-turned-sleuth vows to outwit a cunning criminal before an innocent man loses his freedom—or Donwell Abbey plunges into a darker mystery . . .
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My Review
MURDER AT DONWELL ABBEY is another delightful Austen inspired cozy mystery in this series. With Emma and Knightley along with other characters investigating a mysterious death, the small town of Highbury finds it's not as peaceful as thought. With the fun dynamics between Emma and her husband, a bit of a surprise with her father and the cadence of the original, Austen fans will find much to delight in this second installment! Also highly recommended to cozy historical mystery fans!
I adored the first book in this series and was excited to jump back into the world of Emma with this one! It did not disappoint! Like the first book in the series, the pace is fairly steady with occasional red herrings and small town happenings dispersed throughout. I loved the dynamic between Emma and her husband (one of my favorite things about this series) along with all the humor. The characters come alive, especially Emma and Miss Bates. The story also has a climatic end that will push you to the edge of your seat and was done remarkedly well. I enjoyed just about every single minute and am looking forward to more!
In the end, was it what I wished for? This was a relaxing (except towards the end when it's a bit intense) delight to read. Highly recommended for Austen and cozy historical mystery fans!
Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Austenprose PR, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Other Books in the Series
(Image linked to my review.)
Are you an Austen or Emma fan? Have you read the first book in this series? Have you read anything similar where an Austen character is the main character by another author?