Published By: Michael Joseph
Pages: 250
Released On: 13/11/2025
The festive season is fast approaching.
Jane Austen fears that without her siblings at home, there won’t be much Christmas cheer in the Austen household this year. But when she uncovers a skeleton in the cellar of Deane Rectory, Jane soon forgets her woes. Who needs merriment, when there’s a mystery to solve?
Her investigation leads her to the legend of a young bride who’s long been thought to haunt the woods nearby. After fleeing her wedding breakfast, the bride was never seen again. Has Jane found her at last? Or is there more to this mystery than meets the eye?
Tis the season for Jane to embark upon festive delights, making merry, and solving murders…
*****
Thanks to NetGalley and Michael Joseph for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I looooooooove this series – which so far includes Miss Austen Investigates, and A Fortune Most Fatal – I love Jane Austen, and I love Christmas so this was definitely a win-win.
This is shorter than the others. Not quite novella short, but definitely shorter – like there is book 1 and book 2, and this felt like book 2.5 rather than book 3, but that’s fine, I still loved it.
Jessica’s creation of Jane Austen is second to none. Now obviously, I did not know Jane, and I only know what everyone else does through letters and whatnot. But the Jane that Jessica has created is so familiar and recognisable that she has almost become a friend.
Returning to Jessica’s world is like returning to a friend. It’s familiar and comforting and cosy. Yes, there’s always a crime or murder or two, but it still manages to have that warming nostalgic feeling.
It’s a bit simpler than the others – in no way is that a negative. The other books in the series have got a lot going on, crimes and murders and secrets and whatnot. Whereas in this one, maybe because it’s shorter, but there’s only really the one big plot point. And yet it never feels like it’s lacking in substance.
It is so addictive. I finished it in a matter of hours. I hope she continues to write this series for a long time.
Whilst artistic licence has been used in terms of Jane Austen’s life, it is obvious the love and passion Jessica has for her. It comes through so clearly, and even if you’re not necessarily an Austen superfan, you end up being swept up in that passion. You could even read this as a standalone, although I recommend you read the others first to get more out of it. This is the perfect book to read for Jane Austen’s upcoming 250th birthday.
Books By Your Bedside 