Miss Austen Investigates: A Fortune Most Fatal
by Jessica Bull
Pub Date: Mar 25 2025

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.

Miss Austen Investigates: A Fortune Most Fatal is a wonderful follow up to Jessica Bull's first Miss Austen Investigates: The Hapless Milliner. Jessica Bull keeps the action going throughout the whole novel, while showing that she has extensive knowledge of Jane Austen and her family, without it being pedantic. Jessica Bull's Jane Austen is very much what one would expect of a spirited teenager with a keen mind. This Jane isn't perfect either, which is also relatable. While The Hapless Milliner involved Austen's relationship with her favorite brother, Henry (understandable), A Fortune Most Fatal focuses more on Austen's relationship with her brother Edward (Neddy) who was adopted by the wealthy Knights and became their her.
This novel is a must read for any Austen fan, casual or not.

A Fortune Most Fatal brings together two of my favorites- Jane Austen and historical mystery. In this second installment in the mystery series it was fun to see Jane in the process of finishing Sense and Sensibility. I also loved the subtle nods to Austen’s characters seen in the dialogue and actions of the characters in this book.

The mystery took a dark turn that I wasn’t expecting and there are some disturbing and sad elements to the story.

Overall, if you love Jane Austen and enjoy mysteries this is a series to check out. Thank you to the publisher and Austenprose for a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Good to Know:
A few instances of profanity and God’s name in vain, a character speculates that another character is possessed by a demon, references to prostitution and child abuse, and a character has a serious mental health condition.

what a delight! I love the mix of fact and fiction, it makes you feel like you're part of the Austen family. Fun and clever writing, a great mystery and investigation story.

This was a strong sequel in the Miss Austen Investigates series, it had that element that I enjoyed from the first book. The characters were everything that worked in this universe and was engaged with what was going on and enjoyed the mystery of this and how it uses the historical element. Jessica Bull has a strong writing style and was glad I was able to read this.

I received a free copy of, Miss Austen Investigates: A Fortune Most Fatal, by Jessica Bull, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Jane Austen is visiting her brother Neddy, who has secrets of his own. Can Jane help her brother or will she end up hurting him? This was a real good read.

Sharp and witty, this murder mystery is perfect for Jane Austen fans who want to try something new. It’s very well researched and incredible work down for characterization and setting. The mystery is intriguing and satisfying. Thanks to @austenprose for the advance copy!

An absolutely glorious novel. Sensitively written and bursting with Jane's personality and precociousness. A joy to read, and although it was totally different to book one in the series, it's the perfect sequel. I'm already desperate for book three.
I loved the exploration of class and Jane's place within society. Mr Bridges was a particular hero and a worthy heart throb. Gorgeous to spend time with Neddy and Elizabeth too.

This is a really great second book in the ‘Miss Austen Investigates’ series. Once again Jessica has managed to skillfully weave fact and fiction into a thoroughly entertaining mystery which keeps you guessing until the end.
Set against the backdrop of her beloved sister’s grief due the death of her fiancé, Jane is called upon by her brother’s family, and reluctantly leaves Cassandra for Kent in order to help Edward/Neddy Austen Knight’s wife as she prepares for childbirth.
Whilst also helping Neddy’s ‘mother’, (Mrs Knight), with various errands, Jane overhears a conversation which sets her mind racing as to what can be done; and just who is the mysterious house guest that Mrs Knight has taken in and are they really capable of destroying all of one’s hopes for the future? One thing is sure, danger lies ahead, and Jane must work out who she can trust.
A Fortune Most Fatal is ‘darker’ in its storyline than ‘The Hapless Milliner, and doesn’t have as many light-hearted moments as its predecessor, which I am sure is purposely reflective of the fact that the story opens after the Austen family has experienced the grief of Mr Fowle’s death (Cassandra’s fiancé)..
Despite the more serious nature of the plot, ‘A Fortune Most Fatal’ is another triumph of good research, and Jessica is careful to explain at the end of the novel not only where her inspiration came from, but also where timelines and events have been adjusted to fit with the narrative.
As an avid reader and collector of books relating to Jane Austen, I can thoroughly recommend this one as another enjoyable read. I very much hope Jessica will continue the series with a third book and I’d like to thank her and Netgalley for the opportunity to read it in advance of its general release.

Book 2 in this fab series is everything I hoped for and more. The characterization of the Austen clan is masterfully done. And the mystery kept me rapt through to the end. A must-read for Janeites and fans of fine histfic mysteries. Book 3, please come soon!

I absolutely loved this brilliant second installment in the "Miss Austen Investigates" series. Jessica Bull has somehow mananged to keep all the appeal of the first book while giving readers a mystery that's really quite different and unique, and kept me guessing until the end. I love the new setting (Kent), I love the way Jessica Bull brings the Austen family to life so delightfully (so very much like a "real" family -- and so funny!!), and I adore the character of Brook. There's just so much to love here. I am thoroughly hooked on this series, and cannot wait for the third booik!!

Enjoyed reading this book and will seek out others in the series. The author does not shy away from the cruel situations in life and their consequences.