The Rushworth Family Plot by Claudia Gray Series: A Mr Darcy and Miss Tilney Mystery #4
Published by Vintage on 06/17/2025
Genres: Historical Romance, Mystery
Format: ARC
Pages: 336
Source: NetGalley
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The Rushworth Family Plot returns the reader to the bustling world of Jane Austen’s London in the fast-paced fourth installment of The Mr Darcy and Miss Tilney series. Their time in London takes an unexpected turn when Edmund Bertram’s brother-in-law is savagely murdered, thrusting Juliet and Jonathan into another high-stakes investigation. This allows the pair even more opportunities to spend time together, solidifying their budding romantic relationship as they work to uncover the truth behind the shocking crime.
Table of Contents
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Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Previously on A Mr Darcy and Miss Tilney Mystery
The Murder of Mr Wickham: A Mr Darcy and Miss Tilney Mystery #1
In The Murder of Mr. Wickham, readers are reintroduced to the beloved characters of Jane Austen’s literary world through their children. Juliet Tilney, the daughter of Catherine and Henry Tilney, inherits her mother’s inquisitive nature and charm. Meanwhile, Jonathan Darcy, the son of Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy, embodies his father’s reserved demeanor as the heir to the Pemberley estate.
Our young protagonists are thrown together when Jonathan’s uncle, the infamous Mr. Wickham, is murdered during a house party hosted by the Knightleys. As the investigation unfolds, Juliet and Jonathan are forced to put aside their differences and work together to uncover the truth behind the shocking crime.
The author skillfully weaves the recognizable Austen characters and settings into a compelling murder mystery that will delight fans of the original novels. Readers will relish the opportunity to see how these cherished figures’ offspring navigate the unexpected twists and turns of the plot. Overall, The Murder of Mr. Wickham offers an entertaining and well-executed homage to Jane Austen’s enduring literary legacy.
The Late Mrs Willoughby: A Mr Darcy and Miss Tilney Mystery #2
In the sequel, The Late Mrs. Willoughby, Juliet Tilney and Jonathan Darcy are reunited under unexpected circumstances. Juliet has been invited to stay at Delaford with the Brandons as a token of gratitude for her assistance during the investigation into Mr. Wickham’s death. Unbeknownst to Juliet, Jonathan Darcy has also been compelled to accept an invitation from his school adversary, John Willoughby, at the urging of his own parents.
They meet again when Willoughby’s wife is tragically poisoned, and Juliet and Jonathan are drawn into yet another murder investigation. As they work together to uncover the truth, a friendship begins to form between the two that could blossom into something more.
The author skillfully weaves the connections between the younger generation and their parents’ pasts, creating an intriguing narrative that will delight fans of the previous book and Jane Austen’s original works. Readers are sure to be captivated as Juliet and Jonathan navigate both the mystery and the growing bond between them.
The Perils of Lady Catherine de Bourgh: A Mr Darcy and Miss Tilney Mystery #3
In the third installment of The Mr Darcy and Miss Tilney series, The Perils of Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Juliet Tilney and Jonathan Darcy meet once again, but this time to prevent a murder. Someone has been targeting the formidable Lady Catherine de Bourgh, and she recruits Jonathan and Juliet to solve the mystery before her would-be murderer succeeds.
Drawn together by Lady Catherine’s demand for help, Juliet and Jonathan must combine their skills to uncover the identity of the would-be killer. As they delve deeper into the investigation, they are confronted with the fact that their fathers, Mr. Darcy and Mr. Tilney, do not get along, which greatly dampens their hopes of a future courtship.
The author continues to masterfully weave together the characters and storylines from Jane Austen’s beloved novels, creating an engaging mystery that will captivate both fans of the previous books and newcomers to the series. Juliet and Jonathan’s partnership is tested as they navigate the dangerous waters of this new case, while also grappling with the growing feelings that threaten to complicate their relationship due to the growing animosity between their fathers.
About The Rushworth Family Plot: A Mr Darcy and Miss Tilney Mystery #4
In The Rushworth Family Plot, Juliet Tilney and Jonathan Darcy are transported from the quiet countryside to the bustling streets of London. Jonathan is staying as a guest of the Bertrams after an accident forces his parents to return to Pemberley. Meanwhile, Juliet’s stern grandfather insists that she and her mother go to London for the social season and Juliet’s debut.
Jonathan knows he must work to mend the strained relationship between the Darcys and the Tilneys if he hopes to properly court Juliet, for whom he has developed tender feelings. Juliet is dreading her debut, as she has harbors strong affections for Mr. Darcy, believing they may be reciprocated.
Their time in London takes an unexpected turn when Edmund Bertram’s brother-in-law is savagely murdered, thrusting Juliet and Jonathan into another high-stakes investigation. This allows the pair even more opportunities to spend time together, solidifying their budding romantic relationship as they work to uncover the truth behind the shocking crime.
Tropes in The Rushworth Family Plot
- 🎩❤️ Jane Austen Regency Romance
- 🧣🔎 Cozy Mystery
- ⬅️❤️➡️ Opposites Attract
- ♿ Disability Rep
My Review
- Plot & Pacing
- The Rushworth Family Plot returns the reader to the bustling world of Jane Austen’s London in the fast-paced fourth installment of The Mr Darcy and Miss Tilney series. The action picks up at a brisk pace, heightening the excitement and drawing the reader immediately into the story.
- Characters
- Juliet Tilney
- FMC
- Daughter of Henry and Catherine Tilney
- Juliet Tilney has led a sheltered life within the loving confines of her family’s estate at Northanger Abbey. Unprepared for the whirlwind of London society, Juliet finds herself overwhelmed by the dazzling jewels and lavish gowns that surround her during the social season. However, amidst the dizzying distractions, her gaze remains fixed solely on Jonathan Darcy.
- Throughout the series, Juliet Tilney blossoms from a sheltered young miss into a sensitive and caring young woman. Her affection for Jonathan Darcy is both tender and all-encompassing, as she offers him the unconditional acceptance he has long sought.
- Jonathan Darcy
- MMC
- Son of Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth Darcy
- Jonathan has long felt like an outsider, struggling to navigate the social expectations and nuances of his peers. He has often found himself unable to pick up on the unspoken cues that come so naturally to others. However, in Juliet, Jonathan has found a kindred spirit – a companion who truly understands and accepts him, flaws and all. Though they are still young, Jonathan is certain that Juliet is his perfect match.
- The character arc of Mr. Darcy has been a true highlight throughout the series. Over the course of the novels, he has undergone a remarkable transformation, showcasing growth and increasing maturity. In a grand, romantic gesture that is sure to thrill fans, Mr. Darcy makes a choice that demonstrates the depth of his feelings for Juliet.
- Juliet Tilney
Final Thoughts
The author seamlessly transports readers from the country estates to the bustle of the city, weaving a compelling mystery that pushes Juliet and Jonathan’s connection to new depths. Fans of the series will delight in seeing the protagonists navigate both the investigation and the social complexities of Regency London, as they strive to overcome the obstacles standing in the way of their blossoming love.
The Rushworth Family Plot promises to be another captivating addition to The Mr Darcy and Miss Tilney series, blending the charm of Jane Austen’s beloved world with a gripping new mystery that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next chapter in Juliet and Jonathan’s story.
Free Printable
As a special thank you for reading, I am sharing a free printable of the bookmarks I created for this series. Please feel free to drop me a note if you have any questions or issues. Happy Reading!
One response to “Murder, Manners, and Matters of the Heart in Claudia Gray’s The Rushworth Family Plot”
Nice share!