Murder at Donwell Abbey, Vanessa Kelly
Murder at Donwell Abbey, Vanessa Kelly
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Murder at Donwell Abbey

Author: Vanessa Kelly

Narrator: Polly Lee

Unabridged: 13 hr 4 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Tantor Media

Published: 11/25/2025

Synopsis

Emma's spirits are elevated after she and husband George Knightley host a joyful holiday celebration at the Hartfield estate. But it's instantly a bitter January when her father makes an unexpected announcement—he and Miss Hetty Bates have decided to marry. Not only must Emma relinquish her role as mistress of the household, but also accept the reality that the excitable Miss Bates will become her stepmother . . .

More unwanted news arrives during an extravagant betrothal ball at Donwell Abbey, the grand Knightley estate where Emma and George will soon permanently reside. Nearly every villager in Highbury revels in the dazzling affair—except Emma's hardworking lady's maid, Prudence Parr. To Emma's horror, Prudence is found dead, sprawled across the stones of the library terrace . . .

The woman's tragic fall is quickly ruled a terrible accident and whispers circulate around personal troubles leading up to her untimely demise. But Emma's instincts tell her that something far more sinister is at play. Now, Highbury's matchmaker-turned-sleuth vows to outwit a cunning criminal before an innocent man loses his freedom—or Donwell Abbey plunges into a darker mystery . . .

About Vanessa Kelly

Vanessa Kelly is a bestselling author of historical mystery and historical romance. She has won multiple awards, including the prestigious Maggie Medallion for best historical romance. She is a USA Today, Barnes & Noble, BookScan, and Amazon bestseller several times over. To date, her books have been published in eleven languages. After receiving her MA in English literature from Rutgers University, Vanessa spent several years in the PhD program at the University of Toronto, studying women authors of the eighteenth century. She worked as a researcher for many years, and currently resides in Ottawa, Canada, with her husband.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Amanda (BookLoverAmanda) on December 04, 2025

Murder at Donwell Abbey by Vanessa Kelly 4 Stars Book 2 in the Emma Knightley Mystery Series Read this series if you enjoy: ✨ Regency settings ✨ Jane Austen continuations done right ✨ Cozy mysteries with heart and humor ✨ Smart, observant heroines ✨ Mysteries centered on family secrets This was another deli......more

Goodreads review by Jennifer on December 28, 2025

I've finally finished Book #2, Murder at Donwell Abbey, of the Emma Knightley historical mystery series by Vanessa Kelly, and unfortunately, this was a difficult read for me. The story as a whole did not capture my attention, as evidenced by the fact that it has taken me a month to finish reading it......more

Goodreads review by Susan on October 26, 2025

1816 Emma Knightley is shocked by the announcement by her father, that he is to marry Miss Bates. But even more so when at the engagement party held at Donwell Abbey a maid dies. But is it murder. What are the strange lights in the area. Emma decides to investigate with the help of Miss Bates. But m......more

Goodreads review by Katie on December 16, 2025

I seriously did not want to put this book down! Though I’m not totally sure if I feel right about reading murder mysteries for entertainment, this book is well-done. I enjoyed both the canon and original characters, and the writing was excellent: faithful to Austen’s style. Emma and Knightley’s bant......more

Goodreads review by Beth on August 31, 2025

I’m always thrilled to be along for the ride of another Emma Knightley mystery in the charming village of Highbury. This time we have the joyous news of an upcoming wedding between Mr. Woodhouse and Miss Bates. What fun! In true murder mystery fashion, the happy engagement celebration comes to a scr......more

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