Murder in Highbury by Vanessa Kelly

A Fresh Take on a Beloved Character

In the ever-expanding universe of Jane Austen adaptations and retellings, finding a truly fresh approach is rather like discovering a new constellation in a familiar night sky. Vanessa Kelly’s “Murder in Highbury” achieves this rare feat by transforming Emma Knightley (née Woodhouse) from Austen’s clever but sometimes misguided matchmaker into an astute amateur detective. This inventive historical mystery, set in the familiar world of Regency England, proves that even the most well-trodden literary paths can yield delightful surprises.

The Mystery Unfolds

Setting the Scene

The story opens less than a year after Emma’s marriage to George Knightley, with our heroine having settled comfortably into her role as mistress of both Hartfield and Donwell Abbey. The tranquil summer days of Highbury are shattered when Emma and Harriet Martin discover the murdered body of Mrs. Augusta Elton, the vicar’s wife, on the steps of the village church. The shocking discovery sets in motion a complex investigation that will test Emma’s renowned wit and determination in ways Jane Austen could never have imagined.

Plot and Pacing

Kelly demonstrates considerable skill in constructing a mystery that maintains suspense while remaining true to the social constraints and conventions of the Regency period. The pacing is deliberate but never sluggish, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the period setting while following the twists and turns of the investigation. The author cleverly weaves together multiple threads—from missing jewelry to mysterious letters—creating a tapestry of suspicion that keeps readers guessing until the final revelation.

Character Development and Authenticity

Emma Reimagined

One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in Kelly’s handling of Emma’s character. This older, wiser Emma retains her essential wit and confidence but shows greater self-awareness and maturity. Her tendency to meddle is now channeled into legitimate investigation rather than matchmaking, making her evolution feel both natural and satisfying. The author manages to capture Emma’s distinctive voice while adding layers that make her feel fresh and relevant to contemporary readers.

Supporting Cast

Kelly does an admirable job of bringing back familiar faces from Austen’s original work while adding new dimensions to their characters. George Knightley remains the voice of reason but shows touching vulnerability in his concern for Emma’s safety. The transformation of characters like Harriet Martin and Jane Churchill (née Fairfax) feels organic, while new additions to the cast integrate seamlessly into the existing social fabric of Highbury.

Writing Style and Period Detail

Prose and Dialogue

The author strikes a commendable balance between period-appropriate language and accessibility for modern readers. While not quite matching Austen’s razor-sharp wit, Kelly’s prose captures much of the original’s charm and social observation. The dialogue feels authentic to the era without becoming stilted or overly formal.

Historical Accuracy

Kelly’s attention to historical detail is evident throughout the novel. From the intricacies of social calls to the legal procedures of the period, the author has clearly done her research. The mystery plot is carefully constructed to work within the constraints of Regency-era law enforcement and social conventions, lending credibility to the story’s progression.

Areas for Improvement

Pacing in the Middle Acts

While the overall pacing is good, there are moments in the middle of the novel where the investigation seems to meander. Some readers might find the multiple red herrings and false leads slightly frustrating, though they do serve to build tension and complexity.

Character Focus

A few supporting characters, particularly Mr. Woodhouse and Mrs. Weston, could have been given more substantial roles in the investigation. Their limited involvement feels somewhat at odds with their importance in Emma’s life, though this is a minor quibble.

Thematic Elements

Social Commentary

Like Austen’s original work, “Murder in Highbury” offers sharp observations about class, gender, and social expectations in Regency society. The murder investigation provides an effective lens through which to examine these themes, particularly as Emma must navigate the constraints placed on women of her class while pursuing justice.

Marriage and Partnership

The novel presents a refreshing portrayal of Emma and George’s marriage as a true partnership, with mutual respect and support. Their relationship provides a strong foundation for the story while offering a satisfying continuation of their romance from Austen’s original work.

Technical Elements

Mystery Construction

The mystery plot is well-constructed, with clues and red herrings carefully distributed throughout the narrative. The final revelation feels both surprising and inevitable—a difficult balance to achieve in any mystery novel. Kelly does an excellent job of making the solution complex enough to be interesting while ensuring it remains believable within the story’s context.

World-Building

The author’s depiction of Highbury feels authentic and lived-in, building upon Austen’s foundation while adding new layers that serve the mystery plot. The integration of period-appropriate investigative methods and legal procedures adds credibility to the story.

Final Thoughts

“Murder in Highbury” succeeds admirably in its ambitious goal of transforming a beloved literary character into an amateur sleuth while maintaining the essence of what makes Emma such an enduring character. Kelly demonstrates a deep understanding of both the mystery genre and Austen’s work, creating a novel that should satisfy fans of both.

Recommended for:

• Jane Austen fans looking for a fresh take on a familiar character
• Historical mystery enthusiasts
• Readers who enjoy strong female protagonists
• Those interested in Regency-era social history

Similar Works:

• “Pride and Premeditation” by Tirzah Price
• “Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor” by Stephanie Barron
• “A Useful Woman” by Darcie Wilde

The Verdict

Vanessa Kelly’s debut in the historical mystery genre marks a promising start to what could become a captivating series. While there are occasional pacing issues and some characters could be more fully utilized, these minor flaws do little to detract from the overall enjoyment of the novel. The author has successfully created something both familiar and fresh—no small feat when working with such beloved source material.

The book’s greatest strength lies in its ability to honor Austen’s original creation while building something new and engaging. Emma’s transformation from matchmaker to detective feels natural and compelling, while the mystery itself is both intriguing and period-appropriate. Kelly has laid a solid foundation for future installments, leaving readers eager to see what other mysteries await Emma Knightley in the villages and drawing rooms of Regency England.