Who committed: Murder in Westminster (by Vanessa Riley)

This historical mystery set during England’s Regency period is the start of what appears to be a promising series. Of course, there is a murder; in this case the vicim is the wife of Stapleton Henderson.

Protagonist, Lady Abigail is unable to reveal her whereabouts at the time of the crime. She was secretly at an abolitionist meeting. Lady Abigail, who is of mixed race and had a mother with a racy past, will perhaps be looked at askance. Furthermore, Lady Abigail’s marriage was not a happy one. When her neighbor, Henderson, offers her an alibi who is it meant to benefit?

This is a good read. Pages turn while waiting to see what happened and why.

Reviewers have noted that readers who enjoyed Bridgerton may well like this title. I imagine that could be so. It was enjoyable and I look forward to book number two.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this title. All opinions are own.

#MurderinWestminster #NetGalley

This title was published in August 2022.

From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Riley’s inclusive, keenly drawn cast shines a light on the role of people of color in the Regency era…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

“Riley offers a vibrant picture of the roles Black and mixed-race people played in Regency life. Fans of Bridgerton will enjoy this one.” –Publishers Weekly
 
“Fans of Regency-era historical mysteries featuring intelligent heroines (such as Andrea Penrose’s Lady Arianna or Tasha Alexander’s Lady Emily) will find this series a welcome addition to the genre.” – Library Journal
 
“Riley’s storytelling gift is strong and her prose is lovely and evocative.  She made me see 1806 London in an entirely new way – I’m a fan of Jane Austen as well as Dianne Freeman and many others – but she gave me the gift of an expanded perspective, along with a really well told mystery.  The denouement is particularly clever and includes both grim irony and a dandy twist.  I’m hoping this will be a long-lived series and I can visit with Lady Abigail again soon.” – Mystery Scene Magazine