Miss Austen Investigates (#2): A Fortune Most Fatal: Review

About the Book:

Title: A Fortune Most Fatal

Author: Jessical Bull

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Release Date: March 25, 2025

Pages: 384

Genre: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Cozy Mystery

Synopsis:

A witty, engaging murder mystery featuring Jane Austen as an intrepid sleuth—the second installment in the Miss Austen Investigates series.

When Jane Austen arrives at Rowling House to visit her wealthy brother, Neddy, she hopes that some time away will distract her from her broken heart and the dashing Tom Lefroy’s lackluster proposal. Little does she know that her sister-in-law Elizabeth has other plans to help Jane come out to society and find a respectable husband of good status and wealth.

Meanwhile, when a mysterious foreign princess is taken in by Mrs. Knight, Neddy’s adoptive mother, Jane and her family fear that Neddy’s inheritance could be at risk, jeopardizing them all. Jane is determined to unmask the beleaguered princess as a con artist and reveal her true identity. But when Jane’s sleuthing leads her to believe that Neddy is involved in an unspeakable crime, she must try to save a traumatized young woman. And she must do it without destroying her wealthy brother, whom all the Austens rely on.

Review:

*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.

About the Author:

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.