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I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
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MY REVIEW:
Genre | Tropes: Historical Fiction, Jane Austen, Mystery
Rating: 5 out of 5 ⭐
Jessica Bull’s Miss Austen Investigates: A Fortune Most Fatal is a clever and engaging historical mystery that reimagines Jane Austen as an amateur sleuth. Set in 1797, this novel follows Jane as she travels to Kent, expecting to care for her brother Neddy’s children and focus on her writing. However, her plans quickly unravel when she encounters a mysterious woman claiming to be a shipwrecked foreign princess—one who seems intent on deceiving Neddy’s adoptive mother out of her fortune. With her family’s financial stability at risk, Jane must use her sharp intellect and keen observational skills to uncover the truth before it’s too late.
Bull crafts a rich and immersive historical setting, seamlessly blending real-life details from Austen’s era with an intriguing mystery. Jane’s wit and intelligence shine throughout the novel, making her a compelling protagonist whose deductive reasoning and determination drive the plot forward. The relationships between Jane, her family, and the supposed princess add layers of tension and intrigue, ensuring that readers remain captivated until the final reveal.
As the second book in the Miss Austen Investigates series, this novel builds upon the foundation set in The Hapless Milliner, further establishing Jane’s role as an insightful investigator. The mystery unfolds at a well-paced rhythm, allowing for both character development and the gradual unraveling of clues. Bull’s writing balances historical authenticity with a lively, engaging tone, making the story accessible to both Austen enthusiasts and fans of historical mysteries.
Miss Austen Investigates: A Fortune Most Fatal is a delightful read that offers an inventive twist on one of literature’s most beloved figures. With its blend of period detail, sharp dialogue, and an intriguing whodunit, this novel is sure to appeal to those who love both Regency-era fiction and detective stories. Jessica Bull continues to impress with this series, and readers will eagerly anticipate Jane’s next case.
GET IT HERE:
A witty, engaging murder mystery featuring Jane Austen as an intrepid sleuth—the second installment in the Miss Austen Investigates series.
1797: A broken-hearted Jane Austen travels to Kent to look after her brother Neddy’s children and further her writing. She soon realizes it’s imperative she uncovers the true identity of a mysterious young woman claiming to be a shipwrecked foreign princess before the interloper can swindle Neddy’s adoptive mother out of her fortune and steal the much-anticipated inheritance all the Austens rely on.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jessica Bull
Jessica Bull lives in South East London with her husband and two daughters. A former librarian and communications consultant, she studied English literature at Bristol University and information science at City, University of London. Miss Austen Investigates, The Hapless Milliner is her debut novel.
You can find her on…
X, formerly Twitter: @NovelistJessica
Instagram: @jessicabullnovelist
Looking for book recs…
Adventures in Literature 
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