Murder in Westminster is a well written and engaging historical cozy series starter by Vanessa Riley. Released 30th Aug 2022 by Kensington Books, it's 336 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback format due out in 3rd quarter 2023 from the same publisher. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The second book in the series, Murder in Drury Lane, is due out in 4th quarter 2023.
Set in regency London, the main protagonist is an extremely intelligent but socially precarious woman of mixed heritage who is in a marriage of advantageous convenience to a baron and as such, with entry to the ton. She soon finds herself mixed up in the violent murder of her neighbour's estranged wife and seeks to solve the crime to keep herself from scandal and prosecution.
There is a moderate subplot revolving around Lady Worthing's precognition and other paranormal aspects, so readers who prefer more realism will want to be aware going in. It's also somewhat more graphic than a light cozy series, with on page descriptions of violence/murder. It wasn't off-putting or egregious, but it was there. As a person of color, especially given the time period, there are also fairly realistic themes of racism, racist violence, and a large subplot about abolitionist movements in Great Britain (and to a lesser degree the colonies) which are interesting and informative. The author has done a superlative job with research and background.
The author skillfully weaves the fiction around a framework of actual historical occurrences and persons. The resolution and denouement for the mystery is self contained in this volume, but there are also background developments between Lady Worthing and her family and associates which promise to be developed in future.
Four stars. Quite a strong series starter. Recommended for readers who enjoy historical mystery such as Anna Lee Huber, C. S. Harris, etc.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
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