Murder in St. James’s Park
by Vanessa Riley

Perfect for readers who love Bridgerton with a dark twista vibrant historical mystery series that embraces the true diversity of the Regency era.

Confessions from beyond the grave throw Lady Worthing into turmoil . . .

London, 1807. Lady Abigail Worthing’s marriage of convenience to James Monroe, the Lord Worthing, is over. But James is out of her life quicker than Abigail anticipated when she finds his body in St. James’s Park.

Shocked by her husband’s brutal murder, Abigail is determined to catch his killer. But when she discovers that James’s transgressions ran far deeper and darker than she thought possible, Abigail questions her own judgment. Did she make a terrible mistake when solving a past crime, and does the key to James’s death lie in the letters he was writing shortly before his demise?

With her neighbor and good friend Stapleton Henderson by her side, Abigail confronts jealousy, resentment, and stunning betrayal that will shake her to her core . . .

This sharply observed, captivating Regency mystery series featuring a smart and fearless mixed-race aristocrat heroine with a notorious family history is a must-read for historical mystery fans.

Reviews

“Impeccable attention to period details, a vividly evoked setting, a cast of richly nuanced characters, and a captivating plot that fully embraces the challenges and oft-overlooked diversity of the Regency era . . . stunning . . . a delight”

Booklist on Murder at Drury Lane

“Riley sets her sights on a pivotal, fascinating period in British history”

Publishers Weekly on Murder at Drury Lane

“In a time when Black and mixed-race people were marginalized and overlooked, the author brings these voices to the forefront through vibrant and well-developed characters. Readers will enjoy the Bridgerton-esque setting and dialogue and will keep working to uncover the clues. [Combines] of an Agatha Christie-style whodunit with the vivid portrayal of a more encompassing view of Regency-era England”

Library Journal on Murder at Drury Lane

“The heroine's first-person narrative is brisk and economical, and the whodunit plot is woven into Abigail's story of survival in a judgmental society. Not your grandma's period mystery”

Kirkus Reviews on Murder at Drury Lane

“Fans of Regency-era historical mysteries featuring intelligent heroines (such as Andrea Penrose's Lady Arianna or Tasha Alexander's Lady Emily) will find this series a welcome addition to the genre”

Library Journal on Murder in Westminster

“Riley offers a vibrant picture of the roles Black and mixed-race people played in Regency life. Fans of Bridgerton will enjoy this one”

Publishers Weekly on Murder in Westminster

“A fresh, unique take on the Regency, deftly weaving historical fact with dastardly intrigue. Lady Worthing is an intrepid and unforgettable heroine and I can't wait for the next adventure! Clever and engaging”

Deanna Raybourn, New York Times bestselling author of the Veronica Speedwell Mysteries, on Murder in Westminster

“You don't want to miss this invigorating take on the Regency lady sleuth. Vanessa Riley breathes new life into the genre and offers a unique perspective in Murder in Westminster”

Sherry Thomas, USA Today bestselling author of the Lady Sherlock series, on Murder in Westminster

“Snappy dialogue, abundant intrigue, and Abbie and Stapleton’s increasingly flirtatious antagonism keep the tension high and the narrative drive strong. Smart, fun, and full of moxie”

Kirkus Reviews on Murder in Westminster

“Lovers of Agatha Christie will find this puzzle both disturbing and delightful”

Kirkus Reviews on Murder in Berkeley Square

Vanessa Riley

Vanessa Riley is an acclaimed author known for captivating novels such as Island Queen, a Good Morning America Buzz Pick, and Queen of Exiles, an ABC View Lit Pick. She was honored as the 2024 Georgia Mystery/Detective Author of the year for Murder in Drury Lane and the 2023 Georgia Literary Fiction Author of the Year for Sister Mother Warrior. Her craft highlights hidden narratives of power, love, and sisterhoods of Black women and women of color in historical fiction, romance, and mystery genres. Her works have received praise from publications like the Washington Post, Entertainment Weekly, NPR, Publisher Weekly, and the New York Times. In addition to penning over twenty-five novels, Vanessa holds a doctorate in mechanical engineering from Stanford University and STEM degrees from Penn State, adding a research-oriented approach to her writing while emphasizing inclusive storytelling about the Caribbean, Georgian, and Regency eras. As a member of Regency Fiction Writers, Crime Writers of Color, Mystery Writers of America, Women’s Fiction Writers Association, Christian Book Lovers Retreat, and the Historical Novel Society, Vanessa advocates for diverse voices. She’s also working to increase Sickle Cell Anemia awareness. When she’s not writing, she can be found baking, crafting her Trinidadian grandma’s recipes, or relaxing on her southern porch sipping caffeine.

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Editions

Murder in St. James’s Park by Vanessa Riley is available in the following formats

Hardback97814483176461st September 2026144 X 222mm272$29.99
Hardback97814483176461st September 2026144 X 222mm272£21.99
Ebook97814483176531st September 2026N/A272£12.99
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