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oatmealbars's review against another edition
2.0
Not nearly as amusing as I had hoped, mostly just tedious.
bunrab's review against another edition
3.0
Amusing enough, but far too many of the characters are stereotypes with no real personality.
lifeand100books's review against another edition
4.0
Everyone loves a good murder mystery. The classic scene where a butler is found dead after the lights suddenly flicker is one that everyone can picture. The thrill of the hunt for the killer is just as exciting as the disappearance of the characters in the plot. As a big fan of Agatha Christie’s mysteries it is no surprise, then, that I was thrilled to read the fourth novel in Tracy Kiely’s Elizabeth Parker mystery series, Murder Most Austen.
Set in present day, Murder Most Austen introduces us to a Miss Elizabeth Parker, an Austen fanatic (aren’t we all!) that is traveling with her Aunt Winnie to an annual Jane Austen conference in Bath, England. On the way to the conference, they meet Professor Richard Baines, a pretentious man who is under the impression that he is the world’s utmost authority on anything Austen related. Spouting rather odd “facts” about Austen and her work, especially a crazy theory as to the actual cause of her death, Baines manages to irritate and annoy not only Elizabeth and her aunt, but almost everyone at the conference as well. Therefore, it is surprising, although not entirely unwelcome, that Mr. Baines is found murdered during the middle of the convention!
Rumors abound as to who is to blame for this murder most foul, and the actual list of suspects is quite large, until poor Aunt Winnie’s friend becomes one of the prime suspects by unfortunate coincidence. Aunt Winnie begs Elizabeth to help her find the actual killer before her friend is framed. Elizabeth, who was hoping to get away from personal problems of her own by attending this trip, finds herself with a whole new set as she tries to find out who really killed odd Professor Baines.
From page one it was evident that I was in for a real treat, as Kiely’s tongue-in-cheek humor made me laugh. The characters that she created were so numerous and full of life that it was easy to picture myself amongst them. I loved Elizabeth’s character, as her strong will and determination in the face of certain adversity (sound like another Elizabeth we know?) made her a joy to read. Additionally, Kiely’s development of the murder plot itself and subsequent hunt for the real killer was executed perfectly, with multiple layers unfolding at a quick pace that left me wanting to turn the pages as fast as possible.
Finally, I think one of the best things about this novel is the fact that although this is the fourth novel in Kiely’s series, it wasn’t imperative that I read the other three prior to this one. This allowed me to jump into the series and get a feel for her writing all the while not being tied to a larger work. I can definitely say that this has made me want to read the rest of series anyway though! Filled with fun, mischief, and mayhem, Murder Most Austen is definitely one to read!
Kimberly (Reflections of a Book Addict)
Originally Posted: http://wp.me/p18lIL-1cg
Set in present day, Murder Most Austen introduces us to a Miss Elizabeth Parker, an Austen fanatic (aren’t we all!) that is traveling with her Aunt Winnie to an annual Jane Austen conference in Bath, England. On the way to the conference, they meet Professor Richard Baines, a pretentious man who is under the impression that he is the world’s utmost authority on anything Austen related. Spouting rather odd “facts” about Austen and her work, especially a crazy theory as to the actual cause of her death, Baines manages to irritate and annoy not only Elizabeth and her aunt, but almost everyone at the conference as well. Therefore, it is surprising, although not entirely unwelcome, that Mr. Baines is found murdered during the middle of the convention!
Rumors abound as to who is to blame for this murder most foul, and the actual list of suspects is quite large, until poor Aunt Winnie’s friend becomes one of the prime suspects by unfortunate coincidence. Aunt Winnie begs Elizabeth to help her find the actual killer before her friend is framed. Elizabeth, who was hoping to get away from personal problems of her own by attending this trip, finds herself with a whole new set as she tries to find out who really killed odd Professor Baines.
From page one it was evident that I was in for a real treat, as Kiely’s tongue-in-cheek humor made me laugh. The characters that she created were so numerous and full of life that it was easy to picture myself amongst them. I loved Elizabeth’s character, as her strong will and determination in the face of certain adversity (sound like another Elizabeth we know?) made her a joy to read. Additionally, Kiely’s development of the murder plot itself and subsequent hunt for the real killer was executed perfectly, with multiple layers unfolding at a quick pace that left me wanting to turn the pages as fast as possible.
Finally, I think one of the best things about this novel is the fact that although this is the fourth novel in Kiely’s series, it wasn’t imperative that I read the other three prior to this one. This allowed me to jump into the series and get a feel for her writing all the while not being tied to a larger work. I can definitely say that this has made me want to read the rest of series anyway though! Filled with fun, mischief, and mayhem, Murder Most Austen is definitely one to read!
Kimberly (Reflections of a Book Addict)
Originally Posted: http://wp.me/p18lIL-1cg
jennael1zabeth's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Honestly, I was not expecting the ending in the slightest! I had called a few plot twists, but overall, a good read!
sarahfett's review against another edition
5.0
I enjoyed this smart, light book. The whole series of cozy mysteries is witty and engaging. I love that the characters quote Jane Austen's dialogue to each other. Given their personalities, it is believable! I hope the author writes more books in this series.
lberestecki's review against another edition
4.0
Not the best mystery I've read, but entertaining. It keeps you guessing, which is always good in a mystery!
A little heavy on the pop culture references - there are so many Jane Austen references that the more modern pop culture comments seem out of place/unnecessary.
Received through goodreads giveaway.
A little heavy on the pop culture references - there are so many Jane Austen references that the more modern pop culture comments seem out of place/unnecessary.
Received through goodreads giveaway.
litjrzygrl's review against another edition
3.0
I received a copy of the book from a representitve from St. Martin Press to read for the Central NJ region of JASNA. The orginial review of this book can be found here.
I normally don't read mysteries and those that I do read are not cozys, so this book was way out of my comfort reading zone. That being said, I enjoyed reading this book. This is the fourth book in the series, but I didn't feel like I was missing really important background information. Any of that was included in a way that didn't feel like forced dialogue (you know like radio commercials).
Like any good mystery there is a murder and a nice handful of suspects. I couldn't figure out who did it at first but then I slowly started to have my suspicions. The characters were a little bit over the top, but they worked for the story. I did like how Elizabeth does get in trouble for investigating, but like any good heroine that doesn't stop her. The desciption is right, this book does have some great witty moments.
If you are a cozy fan, I really think you should check out this series!
I normally don't read mysteries and those that I do read are not cozys, so this book was way out of my comfort reading zone. That being said, I enjoyed reading this book. This is the fourth book in the series, but I didn't feel like I was missing really important background information. Any of that was included in a way that didn't feel like forced dialogue (you know like radio commercials).
Like any good mystery there is a murder and a nice handful of suspects. I couldn't figure out who did it at first but then I slowly started to have my suspicions. The characters were a little bit over the top, but they worked for the story. I did like how Elizabeth does get in trouble for investigating, but like any good heroine that doesn't stop her. The desciption is right, this book does have some great witty moments.
If you are a cozy fan, I really think you should check out this series!
sarahpottenger's review against another edition
1.0
I don't often give negative reviews. Like, really negative. But this book. Well, it deserves one from me. As a mystery, it's okay, I guess. Rather heavy-handed and unrealistic.
As an homage to Austen, I have to say, it sucks. The characters' (ALL the characters) habit of tossing Austen quotes into EVERY conversation was obnoxious and unrealistic. There were typos and downright errors, i.e. it said "Edward Ferris" instead of "Edward Ferrars," a common mistake if you've only seen Sense & Sensibility and heard the name spoken in a British accents--but if you've ever cracked open the book, it's right there and very obvious.
It is SO hard to find homages to Austen that are good and not overdone or done badly. This is not one of the good ones. My fellow Austen fans, don't waste your time.
As an homage to Austen, I have to say, it sucks. The characters' (ALL the characters) habit of tossing Austen quotes into EVERY conversation was obnoxious and unrealistic. There were typos and downright errors, i.e. it said "Edward Ferris" instead of "Edward Ferrars," a common mistake if you've only seen Sense & Sensibility and heard the name spoken in a British accents--but if you've ever cracked open the book, it's right there and very obvious.
It is SO hard to find homages to Austen that are good and not overdone or done badly. This is not one of the good ones. My fellow Austen fans, don't waste your time.
holtfan's review against another edition
3.0
I love Austen. I love Bath. I love mysteries. A winning combination?
Yes...and no. My determined love of Austen and Bath and enjoyment of characters similar to Austen's herself had to suffice for what turned into a less than interesting mystery. I didn't care about any of the characters. The man who died was repulsive but the suspects surrounding him left me unmoved. I valued them for their counterparts in books like Mansfield Park or Northanger Abbey but not in their own right.
The mystery tied together well but I wasn't shocked by the conclusion. However, the very very ending made me quite happy. About time!
Yes...and no. My determined love of Austen and Bath and enjoyment of characters similar to Austen's herself had to suffice for what turned into a less than interesting mystery. I didn't care about any of the characters. The man who died was repulsive but the suspects surrounding him left me unmoved. I valued them for their counterparts in books like Mansfield Park or Northanger Abbey but not in their own right.
Spoiler
Plus....Valerie's actual job? Eww, ugh, not needed and not really in character. There are certainly other ways to make moneyThe mystery tied together well but I wasn't shocked by the conclusion. However, the very very ending made me quite happy. About time!