Murder on the Bride's Side

Inspired by Sense and Sensibility, a mystery with an Austen-quoting sleuth who “armchair detectives will enjoy following . . . to the surprising dénouement” (Publishers Weekly).

Elizabeth Parker suspected that fulfilling her duties as maid-of-honor for her best friend, Bridget, was going to be murder. And no sooner is the last grain of rice thrown than she finds herself staring into the dead eyes of Bridget's Aunt Roni, a woman whose death is almost as universally celebrated as Bridget's nuptials. The horror only increases when Harry, Bridget's cousin, becomes the chief suspect. The idea is ludicrous to the family, because Harry is one of the kindest, most compassionate people imaginable. To complicate matters, Elizabeth's boyfriend, Peter, appears to be falling for an old flame, a gorgeous wedding planner. Determined to clear Harry of the crime, reign in Bridget's impulsive brand of sleuthing, and figure out where Peter's heart lies, Elizabeth sets her mind to work.

Tracy Kiely has again brilliantly combined the wit and spunk of Austen's protagonists with a contemporary, traditional mystery. With a vibrant cast of characters, the lush setting of a Virginia estate, and irresistible humor, she delivers on all counts.

“Kiely's characters are instantly appealing, plucky Elizabeth chief among them. . . . Fun throughout, and ultimately moving, Murder on the Bride's Side places Kiely in the first rank of cozy-mystery writers.” —Richmond Times-Dispatch

“A delicious cocktail of death, deceit and romance, all wrapped up in a big bouquet of laugh-out-loud dialogue.” —Jane Austen Regency World