So excited to read everything Jessica Bull writes! I am really excited for more book in the series as this one was a delight.

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for an arc. All opinions expressed are my own.

Can’t express this feeling of excitement when the author combines both Jane Austen and a murder mystery together; it’s the perfect marriage if you asked me! This is the second installment in the 𝘔𝘪𝘴𝘴 𝘈𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘐𝘯𝘷𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘨𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴 series and it is refreshing and twisty with a highly addictive set of mysteries to uncover. This delightful Austen-infused armchair cozy is one-of-its-kind and undoubtedly my cup of tea.

If you are a fan of murder mysteries then this is a must read, especially if you love Jane Austen. This is the second in the Miss Austen investigates series, and it was just as cozy and exciting as the first.

Jessica Bull did a fantastic job bringing the characters to life. Each one was so clever and witty, the dialogue was superb. I absolutely adored Jane and her amateur sleuthing skills. The mystery kept me guessing. It was fun trying to solve it right along with Jane.

If you are a fan of historical fiction, mysteries, all things Jane Austen or even the Regency era, then I highly recommend this novel.

*I received an e-arc via the publisher and Netgalley for review. Thank you for the opportunity. Thank you also to @austenprose for having me on the tour. All thoughts are my own*

After reading and enjoying the first book in the series, I was thrilled to be able to read the second book. It did not disappoint and has endeared this author to me even more. I love how much research and thought were put into the story. I really hope there are more books coming!

In book two, Jane travels to her brother Edward “Neddy” Austen’s home to look after his children as his wife is expecting their next child. Her sister-in-law hopes to find Jane a husband while she is there. Jane however hopes to further her writing whilst visiting. She soon realizes that she must help her brother’s adoptive mother discover the identity of her houseguest claiming to be a princess, before she is swindled out of her fortune. The Austen’s have come to rely upon this much-anticipated inheritance, so it is imperative that Jane solves this mystery.

All in all, a compelling historical mystery that fans of Jane Austen will enjoy! I definitely recommend.

An intriguing mystery unfolds when Jane is in Kent at the home of her brother Edward Austen (soon to be Knight) and his family. This is the second book of the Miss Austen Investigates series, but can easily be read as a standalone story. Jane has quite the imagination in this one, forming all sorts of wild theories, she’s alone in her efforts for most of the story but her persistence pays off in the end. I am enjoying this series. 4.5 stars rounded up.

An enticing mystery which combines the grit of Anne Perry with the well-researched historical details of Jane Austen’s life. I’ve loved reading mysteries involving Jane Austen’s characters, but never before read a mystery involving the famous author herself. Jessica Bull does a fantastic job bringing Jane & her world to life with an intricate whodunnit that kept me on my toes.

Jane travels to Kent to look after her brother Neddy’s children while his wife prepares to have another baby. While there reacquainting herself with her family, a young woman arrives claiming to be a princess & the survivor of a shipwreck. Neddy’s adoptive mother & benefactor seems to be taken with the princess & Neddy’s wife Elizabeth fears Mrs. Knight may favor this new interloper over Neddy. As Jane investigates the suspicious young woman, she begins to suspect there’s a deeper, more sinister story afoot.

I enjoyed this intriguing mystery. The historical detail is amazing & I loved the way the author wove Jane’s characters & history into the story. Much like her characters, Jane has a complicated personality. She often jumps to conclusions, & her vivid imagination causes her to leap to sometimes wild conclusions, especially where it concerns her brother Neddy. Even though I liked her portrayal, I honestly think she gets an easy pass from some characters whom she wrongly accuses.

The mystery itself is complicated at first, mainly because there are a lot of characters to process. The second half of the story definitely becomes more intense as each clue is revealed. Sensitive readers should know that the subject of Jane’s investigation involves child abuse & the effects of this horrific crime. There’re also a few instances of swearing, including taking the Lord’s name in vain.

All in all a compelling mystery with a hint of romance. Though part of a series, it’s easily read as a standalone. Looking forward to reading more from this author. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own & voluntarily provided.

This is my first book from this author and I was intrigued by the description. I hold cozies close to my heart, and Jane Austen investigating, yes please! I appreciated the author’s take on the beloved Austen and how Bull showed her strengths. Not only in writing but problem solving. This is the second book in the series and I must read the first soon. There is a nod to my favorite Austen book, Sense and Sensibility, and I was thrilled.

A mysterious princess arrives under the care of Mrs Knight. Jane tries to unravel what happened to her. But could Jane’s brother, Neddy, have secrets of his own?

I enjoyed the story. The mystery was exciting and well done. I enjoy historical cozies with a strong female lead, like Jane, who are sharp and fantastic heroines. Of course, there is the inevitable sister in law trying to make a match for Jane. There is the elusive Eleanor, with her strange behavior and the mysterious circumstances that surround her are engrossing and the mystery depends with unpostmarked letters and unexplained happenings. The story takes a surprising turn, one I haven’t read often, and I felt the author handled it well.

CW: rape is mentioned, but no details. Childhood trauma.

I received an NetGalley link and a paperback from the publisher. All views are my own.

What real life person would you like to see as an investigator? I love seeing Jane Austen as a sleuth, but I also like stories where Agatha Christie is an investigator.

Jane Austen is visiting her brother Edward to help with his children as his wife Elizabeth will be delivering another child soon. The year is 1797. Jane has recently had a romance with Tom Lefroy, and Cassandra’s fiancé, Thomas Fowle, has just died from yellow fever while in the Caribbean on a military expedition. Jane has taken Cassandra’s place visiting Edward so that Cassandra can have time to grieve. Edward’s adopted mother, Mrs. Catherine Knight, has taken in a woman who proclaims that she is a foreign princess. As Jane realizes that Edward’s future fortune may be settled upon this “princess,” she decides she must discover who she really is before it is too late.

My thoughts on this novel:
• I loved reading a book with Jane Austen as a main character living in her world. She is at a hopeful period of life, still young enough to hope for love and marriage, and working on her novels.

• I loved when Jane Austen was reading her novel (the first draft of Sense and Sensibility) to Mrs. Knight and she falls asleep. It made me laugh. I wish I could have been around to listen to Austen reading her own work and providing voices!

• Edward “Neddy” and Elizabeth were interesting. Elizabeth annoyed me at times, but I can see why you would be upset about your inheritance that you are counting on to support your family potentially being ripped away. She also thought she was being helpful with trying to find Jane a husband.

• I enjoyed the mystery within this book and it kept me riveted all of the way through. I don’t want to ruin it for someone else – but I did enjoy it and its resolution.

• Jane at times reminded me of Catherine Morland in this novel with all sorts of interesting theories.

• This is the second book in the series. I have the first book, The Hapless Milliner, and I need to read it soon!

• There is a great author’s note at the end of the novel on changes to history made for this historical fiction novel as well as real life inspirations.

• The elephant in the room is that this is the second series with Jane Austen as the sleuth that I have read. I loved the Jane Austen mysteries by Stephanie Barron. That series has ended with Jane’s death. This new series is telling different stories in a different way. The real-life characters have different personalities, which is interesting.

Overall, Miss Austen Investigates: A Fortune Most Fatal by Jessica Bull is a wonderful historical mystery that puts you firmly into the Regency world of Jane Austen. It was an interesting mystery and I loved the historical time period and characters.

Book Source: Review copy from Union Square & Co as part of the Austenprose PR Book Tour. Thank-you! Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was a clever and delightful mystery that portrays Jane Austen as an amateur sleuth. The author did a great job of blending an intriguing mystery with period details, well drawn characters, sharp dialogue, and authentic details about the Austen Family.

The mystery was skillfully layered, with some twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end.

What I loved most about the book was Jane’s character! She’s witty, intelligent, and independent—just as I imagine the real Jane Austen to have been. As a fan of her works, I especially enjoyed the mentions of Jane’s drafting of Sense and Sensibility.

Recommend for anyone who enjoys historical fiction and clever detective stories, and especially for fans of Jane Austen.

Union Square & Co. and Austenprose PR provided this complimentary copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

I’m so happy to be today’s book tour stop for Jessica Bull’s newest release in her “Miss Austen Investigates” series: A Fortune Most Fatal. This is the second novel in the series and spoilers, but I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Huge thanks to Austen Prose, Union Square & Co., and Jessica Bull for the free digital copy AND physical copy in exchange for an honest review!

It shouldn’t come as any surprise that I am a fan of all things Jane Austen. I’m a complete sucker for Austen rereads, retellings, continuation stories…all of them. This year is especially exciting as December will mark the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth. Be prepared to hear a lot more about Austen’s works and retellings from me as the year goes on.


Okay, back to A Fortune Most Fatal. Reminiscent of Stephanie Barron’s “Being A Jane Austen Mystery” series, here we have our beloved Jane herself as the sleuth, and I absolutely love this. Bull clearly knows Austen and has done her research, but I also love how transparent she is about tweaking history and adding things to fit her story.

While I love reviewing mysteries, sometimes I find it difficult because I don’t want to give anything away. In this novel, Jane travels to Kent to stay with her brother Ned, sister-in-law Elizabeth, and their children. Ned has not yet received the fortune he expects from his adoptive mother Mrs. Knight…and here is where our mystery comes in.

I won’t say too much more plot-wise, but I will say that this was a great mystery read and I am looking forward to more in this series! Jessica Bull has done a marvelous job with Jane, and this series is a great entry in the long list of Austen-inspired novels. I think as readers of classic Austen now, we revere Jane as a witty, wise, and astute commentator of society in her time. Which, yes, she is all of those things. What Bull has done well though, is making our 20-21 year old Jane human. Throughout the first book in this series (The Hapless Milliner) and this one, Jane makes mistakes, works through trials and triumphs, and yes, solves some mysteries. This all helps bridge the 250 years between the modern reader and our beloved Jane.

1797 Jane is sent to Rowling Manor, home of brother Edward Austen Knight to look after the children. At Godmersham Park, home of Mrs Catherine Knight, Jane meets 'Princess Eleanor', supposedly a survivor of a shipwreck. Mrs Edward Knight believes she is after their inheritance and wants Jane to investigate, though it seems she is not as intelligent as she believes.
An enjoyable historical cozy mystery with its varied characters, a good second story to this series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
(A pity it is written in the present tense)

Jessica Bull dives yet again into the mystery-solving world of Jane Austen with “Miss Austen Investigates: A Fortune Most Fatal.”

When Jane Austen’s sister Cassandra loses her fiance, Jane is tasked with attending to the upcoming birth of her brother Neddy and sister-in-law Elizabeth’s fourth child. While there, she learns Neddy’s adoptive mother, Mrs. Knight, has taken in a strange young woman with an even stranger story.

Eleanor claims to be a Spanish princess who was kidnapped by pirates at a young age, and was recently able to escape and is seeking refuge. But as Jane visits with Eleanor, she quickly learns there is more to the woman’s story. And with family concern that Mrs. Knight may choose to leave her estate to this woman instead of Neddy, Jane knows she needs to quickly figure out what is truly going on.

Bull does a great job of drawing out the world of Jane Austen, creating a delightful cast of characters, including some truly unique characters. She also creates a plot filled with twists and turns, and many misdirections that will keep the reader guessing until the very end. She also bases several characters and situations from real-life scenarios.

For those who may be triggered, there is a plot line surrounding a delicate subject matter dealing with abuse.

Fans of Austen’s novels and authors like Stephanie Barron, Julie Klassen, Sarah E. Ladd and Claudia Gray will love this story.

Five stars out of five.

Union Square & Co. provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.

Straightaway this book appealed to me as a lover of Jane Austen, regency novels and detective skills. I was not disappointed!
Poor relatives, big houses, bickering families, keeping up appearances, misjudging others, balls, suitors, making the right match, tea, sisterly love, headstrong girls - this book has it all.
I look forward to reading more about Jane's adventures.

A historical mystery with Jane Austen as the main character, yes please! Jane Austen is visiting her brother Neddy to help with the birth of his next child. His wife Elizabeth wants Jane to help discover who the girl staying with Mrs. Knight (Neddy’s mother) claiming to be a Princess really is and what her scheme is in order to protect Neddy’s inheritance. Elizabeth is also trying to find a groom for Jane and has in her sights some truly horrible prospects. Jane is determined and unstoppable in her pursuit to avoid marriage and to discover the truth. Along the way she overhears conversations and makes choices based on what she thinks she heard. This is a delight! It is the second book in the series but can be read and enjoyed as a standalone. The mystery is interesting, the characters are engaging and I want more mysteries with Jane. The book is well researched and the author’s Note shares the information if you want to explore further. I highly recommend this to fans of Jane Austen or readers that enjoy a historical mystery

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.

If you love historical fiction, mystery, and/or Jane Austen, then you must read this book! I found myself constantly wanting to read the next chapter to see what would happen. Agnes, Neddy, Jane, Elizabeth, Brooks....all the characters took a special place in my heart, and I look forward to the next book. I must say that the identity of the Captain took me by surprise, but I won't reveal that secret.

At 384 pages, this was a longer cozy mystery than I am used to. I often read cozies as a palate cleanser in between heavy books because they are nice and quick reads.

There was a lot of detail in this story. It made the mystery slower paced. Just an observation, it didn't take away my enjoyment of the story. It just made it more of a longer, more unhurried mystery.

As well, this cozy was a bit darker than most cozies. But, it made it absolutely heart-pounding and unputdownable by the end.

It's always interesting to get a glimpse into the lives of women in the past. A good marriage for society ladies, being so important so as the ladies not be a burden on their families. And, any behaviour that would seem to make a lady undesirable is very much frowned upon. Such as, Jane's insistence on sleuthing and trying to figure out the mystery behind the mysterious young women being offered refuge with her brothers adopted mother, potentially supplanting herself as heir to the estate instead of Jane's brother. But also, bringing with her danger to Jane and her family from somebody who wishing to harm the young woman.

And how Jane's brother came to have an adopted mother is a whole other story. What an interesting time in history.

Knowing the little I do about Jane Austen and her life, it does seem like the authour has taken care to incorporate accurate details of Jane into this story. And I definitely see Jane as someone who could have been an amateur sleuther.

A Fortune Most Fatal is the second in the Miss Austen Investigates series. I hadn't read the first and absolutely followed along, so this story can be read as a stand-alone.

As I mentioned, this one is a little darker, so check content warnings. The mystery behind the guest at Mrs. Knights' estate is incredibly sad, infuriating, and very heavy. As well, this book does also tackle mental health in this time period, especially around the impacts of trauma.

If you're a fan of Jane Austen mysteries, you will undoubtedly fall in love with Jessica Bull's delightful cozy mystery series, Miss Austen Investigates. In this highly anticipated second installment, A Fortune Most Fatal, Bull expertly combines fiction with fascinating historical facts, immersing readers into Jane Austen's world with charm and intrigue.

In A Fortune Most Fatal, our beloved Jane Austen finds herself reluctantly journeying to Kent to support her brother Edward ("Neddy") and his wife as they prepare to welcome a new addition to their family. Soon enough, Jane becomes entangled in a curious case involving her brother's adoptive mother, Mrs. Knight, and a suspicious houseguest claiming royal lineage. Inspired by the real-life mystery of Princess Caraboo, this premise sets the stage for a delightful blend of historical mystery, thriller-like tension, and witty Austenesque banter.

Jessica Bull strikes the perfect balance, incorporating well-researched historical insights and authentic Austen family details, enriching the story beautifully. The mystery itself is delightfully layered, filled with clever twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the very end. Although slightly darker in tone compared to its predecessor, The Hapless Milliner, Bull gracefully weaves moments of humor and levity into the narrative, capturing Austen's spirit impeccably.

One of the greatest pleasures of this book is Jane herself. Readers will appreciate watching her growth both as an investigator and as a budding author. With relatable struggles, genuine humor, and a few endearing blunders reminiscent of Austen's iconic heroines, Bull's portrayal of Jane feels vivid and refreshingly human. Fans of Austen’s classics will especially enjoy Jane’s early attempts at drafting Sense and Sensibility, providing insightful glimpses into her creative mind.

What I especially love about Jessica Bull’s writing is her attention to detail and careful consideration of historical accuracy. Her thoughtful Author’s Note at the end clarifies the liberties taken with certain timelines and real-life events. As a bonus, Bull thoughtfully handles sensitive topics from the era, portraying them with remarkable empathy and understanding.

Can you read A Fortune Most Fatal without reading the first book? Absolutely. However, be aware of a few spoilers for The Hapless Milliner. That said, I highly recommend enjoying both mysteries sequentially for maximum enjoyment and to fully appreciate Jane Austen's journey as an investigator.

If you love Jane Austen, historical mysteries, or cozy thrillers with a literary twist, don't miss out on Miss Austen Investigates: A Fortune Most Fatal. Jessica Bull once again delivers an engrossing, witty, and satisfying read. Personally, I can't wait to see what's next for Jane Austen and her adventures!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.5/5)

Special thanks to NetGalley and the author for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.

Thank you so much to Austen Prose and Union Square Co. for the ARC of this book!

4.5 rounded down to 4.

A Fortune Most Fatal is the second book in the Miss Austen Investigates series. I have to say that I'm so happy I was introduced to this series by Austen Prose. They are the most fun cozy mysteries. I've said this before, but I didn't know a whole lot about Jane Austen's life. Of course I know who she is and all about her books, but not much beyond that. While these books are entirely fiction, Jessica Bull does an OUTSTANDING job incorporating actual facts about Jane Austen and her family into these books. I fact checked a lot of information and come to find out, I'm learning quite a bit about her! How much extra umph does that add to a fiction book with a real life literary icon as the main character? To me, it adds so much! Not only was the mystery fun and exciting to try to figure out, but I'm learning a few things along the way! To me, this is just a novel jackpot!

I am a huge fan of mysteries featuring Jane Austen's characters, but I had not yet read a series involving the author herself. Though I found the writing style in 'The Hapless Milliner' entertaining and easier to follow than Jane Austen's own (just my modern-day preference; Austen is, of course, a masterful writer), I was disappointed with how the character of Austen herself was portrayed. It feels strange when authors take creative liberties with a real person in their stories, making decisions that I believe the person would not have been proud of. However, I was already approved for the sequel on NetGalley, so I pressed on to see if these issues had been remedied.

'A Fortune Most Fatal' is harder for me to follow since I chose not to complete the first book. I recommend this to those who aren't concerned about Jane Austen's representation in this fictional work, and who are looking for witty yet serious historical mysteries.

Special thanks to the publisher, Union Square & Co., and NetGalley for providing a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.