Austen favorites reunite in a clever murder mystery

The beloved characters of Jane Austen cross paths, for good and ill, in the delightful series of historical mysteries, "The Murder of Mr. Wickham" by Claudia Gray. A house party gathers couples from "Emma," "Sense and Sensibility," "Mansfield Park," "Persuasion," and "Pride and Prejudice" under one roof, with all the usual foibles and clashes of personality that invigorate Austen's work. Interrupting this pleasant affair, George Wickham appears for a mysterious purpose and soon meets a violent demise. The next generation — Juliet, daughter of Catherine and Henry from "Northanger Abbey," and Jonathan, son of Elizabeth and Darcy from "Pride and Prejudice"— resolve to investigate the titular murder. Wickham, unsurprisingly, had many enemies. Juliet and Jonathan can be sure only that the two of them are innocent. They set out to uncover the secrets and motives of their fellow guests, dodging the bounds of propriety and the disapproval of nearly everyone else to ensure justice is done. Don't be intimidated by the list of novels referenced; I only knew "Pride and Prejudice" and "Northanger Abbey" on my first read. Gray deftly sketches each character's personality and situation to help the unfamiliar fully enjoy this new story. Austen devotees may find their experience enriched by Gray's interpretations of favorite couples in later stages of their relationships. Fans of murder mysteries or historical fiction will find much to appreciate. With a highly unsympathetic victim, Gray raises the stakes of the investigation with fears that a servant could take the blame while more likely suspects are protected by their wealth and privilege. She touches on concerns familiar to historical readers: the dangers, expectations, and suppressed desires of those living under rigid hierarchical structures. For my fellow historical romance aficionados, as the initially contentious relationship between Juliet and Jonathan deepens into friendship, hints of a slow-burning romance emerge, following our budding investigators into future books. One interesting facet of Gray's invention that reflects on Austen's work and world is the portrayal of Jonathan Darcy as neurodivergent. While autism went unnamed until the 20th century, certainly the traits used to diagnose it are not new. Neurodivergent readings of the original Mr. Darcy have gained prevalence over the years. It is fascinating to see Gray purposefully explore the experiences of an autistic gentleman in an era with little understanding or support for neurodiversity. In Juliet, Jonathan finds a partner who appreciates his strengths and accepts his eccentricities. Jonathan, in return, respects her intelligence and independence. Both characters are set against the confines of proper society in their own ways, heightened by their turn to amateur sleuthing. If you're looking for intriguing mystery, want more of Austen's rich characterization and language, or simply would like to see the last of George Wickham, give this a try. Just be ready to chase down the next four books, with at least one more on the way!