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In the latest Mr. Darcy and Miss Tilney mystery, the characters of Mansfield Park are catapulted into the Rushworth Family Plot.
The Rushworth Family Plot by Claudia Gray. Vintage, 2025. 336 pages.
- Reading Level: Adults
- Recommended For: Mature Teens and adults, ages 16 and up
Jonathan Darcy is not pleased with his parents. Yes, he is a young man in possession of a large fortune. But no, he is not interested in London society. The only young woman he can imagine spending his life with is currently not approved of by his father.
When his parents conveniently leave him in London to experience the season, Jonathan’s gloom turns to excitement when he encounters his particular friend, Miss Tillney, also in Town for the season.
Drawn together through mutual acquaintances (the characters of Mansfield Park), the two young people enjoy a continuing friendship. However, something sinister seems to be afoot, and soon a murder has Jonathan and Juliet again collaborating as amateur sleuths. Meanwhile, in a subplot, Fanny Betram grieves a recent miscarriage and struggles with the idea of a future not blessed by children. Gray’s ability to engage thoughtfully with themes like infant loss deepen the story and provide moments for thoughtful reflection.
Considerations:
- Language: Some profanity and British cursing, written in Jane Austen’s style with letters removed.
- Sexuality: Part of the plot involves a question of legitimacy/illegitimate birth, as well as sexual slander. In this series, sex is implied to be enjoyed between married couples. The two protagonists experience growing chemistry as their friendship matures.
Bottom Line: As has become usual for this series, something occurs to separate the two young detectives, but the characters have matured satisfyingly and readers can only look forward to the next time these two intrepid young people are thrown together.
Related Reading From Redeemed Reader
- Reviews: Missed the earlier books the series? Read our reviews of the first two here and the third book here.
- Reviews: More regency fun: Newt’s Emerald by Garth Nix. A School for Brides by Patrice Kindl.
- Reviews: When we think of Jane Austen, we think of Pride and Prejudice. We’ve reviewed quite a few spinoffs: Awesomely Austen version for younger readers, Pride and Prejudice: The Original and Others (a round-up), Pride and Premeditation, Prom and Prejudice.
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