In this "sequel" to Jane Austen's "Northanger Abbey," now-married Catherine and Henry Tilney return to Bath for a holiday and find themselves again in the middle of an awkward romance, this time between General Tilney and a titled, obnoxious widow.

I picked up this book free during an Amazon giveaway. For some reason, otherwise sensible authors feel compelled to add on to Austen's stories. This isn't nearly as bad as most of them; Sullivan mimics Austen's style well and keeps her story in line with their characters. But it lacks focus, and whatever it is, it is certainly not a mystery. The characters themselves are interesting enough that I finished the book, but the only reason I can see to read it at all is if you want to see Sullivan's take on what happened to Catherine and Henry after "Northanger Abbey" ended.

This book drew me in right away and it was well written and even has cute illustrations. However, it seemed to end rather abruptly leaving loads of questions unanswered. As another reviewer said, there wasn't murder. If the author spiced it up a bit and worked on a more satisfying ending, this would be a five star book.

This book was purchased as a gift and I have never had any problems ordering anything from Amazon. This is my go
To store for everything.

Very nice continuation of Henry and Catherine's story. In the style of Jane Austen, a pleasant afternoon read with lovely illustrations.

there is nothing as good as the original.however,this books stands alone as a good read.ms. sullivan has taken familiar characters and created an interesting story.as a freebie, the price is right.

Although reviewed as Jane-esque, Jane is not boring or fails to accomplish the mystery or suspense. I'm glad this book was short. I could not have taken much more description about dogs walking, cats teasing, mundane gossip wonderings, and silly social trivia (such as what to say when the local Casanova hits on you and you are happily married). How boring.

A perfect tonic for the mid-winter blahs, There Must Be Murder includes all of my favorite parts of Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey--namely, the wit and charm of Henry Tilney, the interesting and picturesque setting of Bath, the innocence of Catherine as she continues to learn life's lessons, and the joys of immersing oneself in a good novel.

The novel picks up the NA story three months after Henry and Catherine are married and the premise is that they return to Bath to celebrate the first anniversary of their meeting there. I am happy to report that the couple is blissfully satisfied with married life--Henry reads The Mysteries of Udolpho to Catherine, continues to make her laugh with his arch commentary, and is more than happy to let her adore him.

Despite the ominous title, the plot is gently satirical, soft-boiled, and entirely enjoyable. Catherine discovers a rival for Henry's affections, Catherine is pursued by a rake, General Tilney is courting a likely murderess (aka The Merry Widow), and Catherine and Henry are revealed to be potty about dogs and indifferent, if not hostile, to cats. Who knew?!

Finally, the illustrations by Cassandra Chouinard are absolutely charming.

A quick read, There Must Be Murder, is a treat for Janeites and a must for those of us who are consider themselves players on Team Tilney.

NORTHANGER ABBEY sequels are as scarce as a comely heiress. I can count them on one hand. THERE MUST BE MURDER, by Margaret C. Sullivan is a welcome addition to the slim collection. At 118 pages and twelve chapters it qualifies as a novella. I am not complaining. At all. I will take a Jane Austen sequel continuing the story after the wedding of our heroine in the making Catherine Morland and Austen's most underrated hero Henry Tilney without hesitation, but with a wary eye. The story has a promising beginning. The tone is pleasing and the reverence to canon characters a relief.

We find Catherine and Henry comfortably settled as newlyweds at Woodston parsonage in Gloucestershire. Ever the thoughtful romantic, Henry proposes that they celebrate the anniversary of their first meeting in Bath with a visit to the city. Once there they are reunited with Henry's sister Eleanor and introduced to her new husband Lord Whiting. Also in attendance at the Lower Rooms is Henry's father the dour autocrat General Tilney, his recently widowed wealthy neighbor Lady Beauclerk, her twenty-seven year-old unmarried daughter Judith, and her husband's nephew and heir Sir Philip Beauclerk. Catherine is happy to dance the night away, while family differences bubble and stew.

As Henry and Catherine continue to enjoy the delights of Bath attractions, they begin to learn that there are suspicious circumstances involving the death of General Tilney's neighbor Sir Arthur Beauclerk brought forward by his widowed sister Fanny Findlay. She believes his death had not been natural - and it appears that many in this unhappy family would benefit from his early demise. The suspects stack up like winter cord-wood ready for the fire. Is it the wife, Lady Beauclerk, eager to be free of his miserly pocketbook? The daughter, Miss Judith, squashed by parental oppression? The dissipated nephew, Sir Philip, prohibiting his uncle from changing the will? Or the sister, Mrs. Findlay, ready to bump off all the heirs in line before her to regain the family fortune? Catherine's Gothic inspired imagination may serve her well as a detective, if Henry can temper her impulses and guide them to a logical conclusion.

THERE MUST BE MURDER had me hooked at Henry reading UDOLPHO, Anne Radcliffe's classic Gothic novel, to his young bride in bed. Brilliant. It is exactly how I envisioned their marriage would continue: Henry romantically feeding his wife's passion for a horrid novel and Catherine finding new insights from the text from his patient and humorous explanations. The story cleverly builds, slowly layering in new characters, revealing family conflicts, planting evidence. Along the way we revisit Milsom-street, Beechen Cliff, the Pump-room, Laura Place and all the highlights of Catherine's first adventure in the beautiful Georgian-era city. Sullivan has captured the charm and endearing delight of Austen's characters beautifully, added new ones rich in folly and nonsense, and a Newfoundland dog named MacGuffin who steals every scene. The numerous illustrations by Cassandra Chouinard are enchanting. My only disappointment was in the length. It was over much too quickly. Austen's Henry Tilney would have been annoyed, claiming this shortcoming was "nice." We will agree.

Laurel Ann, Austenprose