Lady Abigail Worthing is a young woman of color in 1800s London. Behind the scenes, she works to bring the abolition of slavery within the British Empire to an end. And in public, she doesn’t let prejudice or possible harassment deter her from doing what she does best – investigating crimes and bringing wrongdoers to justice. But someone vandalized her home while she was away visiting her traveling husband. Which compromises her sense of safety and security. And when a murder occurs at her beloved Drury Lane theater, she realizes that the danger spreads to all facets of London life. Murder in Drury Lane by Vanessa Riley is the second installment in the Lady Worthing Mystery Series. Abigail works to solve the murder – but also risks her own well-being and of those around her. 

The first book in the series is Murder in Westminster. I haven’t read this one prior to reading Murder in Drury Lane. But I was able to easily follow along with the characters and their existing dynamics. Readers can understand that Abigail experiences strange visions and has PTSD from the events of the first book. I would have liked more context and background as to her complicated family history. So I’d likely recommend Murder in Westminster for readers who feel the same way. 

When the book begins, readers meet a newly reformed Anthony Danielson in the middle of writing his play. He had meant for the script to assist actress Barbara Banyan reach the peaks of stardom. He also reflects on how he has turned his life around for the better. From former conman and partner to notorious Lucas Watson, to ambitious playwright that will save the Drury Lane theater from closing its doors forever. And he has his new wife, Joanna Mathews Danielson, to thank for wanting to be a better man. Unfortunately, he doesn’t get to see the fruits of his labor due to a prop spear piercing him in the heart before the end of the prologue. 

So in comes Lady Worthing, who helps Magistrate Lord Duncan solve the murder. And this time around she has her neighbor Stapleton Henderson to assist her. Not only does he help her investigate the clues, but they begin to become friends and learn to trust each other. Add in her outspoken number crusher cousin Florentina, and Abigail is making her way towards solving another crime.  

However, Abigail knows she’s missing something regarding the Murder in Drury Lane. Somehow the Duke of Culver is involved, but she can’t quite figure out how. Worse yet, he’s the face of the abolition movement. Any accusation or scandal would garner public scrutiny to him, in addition to the bill that he fights for. She also suspects that some of the theater’s actors and crew members have secrets of their own. But as Abigail follows her nose and gets closer to the truth, she finds herself in the midst of danger that no amount of audacity can protect. 

Riley wonderfully creates interesting characters and includes thoughtful commentary on the status of women, especially women of color, in this historical fiction murder mystery. Some in the ton expect her to “learn her place.” Even so, she and her cousin ruminate about being allowed to not only live their lives freely, but also make mistakes like their white male counterparts do. Additionally, Riley cleverly weaves in the complications of politics and public criticism that often comes with the progress they work towards.

I had to get used to the pace and the particular style of speech that comes with the time period and region. But I found that I still enjoyed the mystery part, as well as most of the characters. Readers who enjoy murder mysteries set in this time period should definitely add Murder in Drury Lane to their list. But they should probably read Murder in Westminster first to avoid any confusion from missing background. 

Vanessa Riley joins us for a Cantina Conversation to talk about what draws her to this genre and the kind of research involved. Keep an ear out for an upcoming episode of The Nerd Cantina Show podcast and preorder Murder in Drury Lane, available October 24.