Published November 13th, 2025 by Michael Joseph
Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical Mystery, Crime Fiction, Book Series, Holiday Fiction, Festive Fiction, Regency Romance
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ABOUT THE BOOK:
TIS THE SEASON FOR MERRIMENT AND MYSTERIES…MISS AUSTEN INVESTIGATES A MURDER AT CHRISTMAS!
A witty, heartwarming Christmas mystery – perfect for fans of Jane Austen and classic whodunnits
‘So sharply observed, yet fresh, funny and a joy to read’ Jennie Godfrey
‘Comforting and cosy… the perfect book to read for Jane Austen’s upcoming 250th birthday’ 5***** reader review
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I sincerely hope your Christmas may abound in the mysteries which the season generally brings…
The festive season is fast approaching.
Jane Austen fears that without her lively 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 Parsonage, Jane soon forgets her woes. For who needs merriment, when there’s a mystery to solve?
Jane quickly learns of a missing young bride, who after fleeing her wedding breakfast, was never seen again. Locals have long believed she haunts the woods nearby. Could Jane have found her at last?
Or does the truth of this mystery lie closer to home?
Over the twelve days of Christmas, Jane will embark upon festive delights, making merry, and solving murders…
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MY REVIEW:
Today marks the 250th birthday of arguably one of England’s greatest authors: Jane Austen. I’ve long been a fan of Jane’s books, so, to celebrate her momentous birthday, I’m sharing my review of The Austen Christmas Murders, the Christmas Novella in the Miss Austen Investigates series.
Hampshire, 1798. Jane is worried how jolly this Christmas will be without most of her siblings at home for the festivities this year. But her worries about Christmas are pushed aside when a partially mummified body is found in the cellar of Deane Parsonage. Jane sets out to uncover their identity, believing it could be the body of Mary Ellen Portal, known locally as ‘the runaway bride’ after she vanished shortly after her wedding sixteen years earlier. But others, including Mary Ellen’s own family, aren’t convinced. And Jane knows she will need real evidence to prove the body’s identity one and for all.
I’m loving the recent trend of re-imagining famous authors of the past as amateur sleuths, and this year I’ve loved discovering the Miss Austen Investigates series. Jane is one of my favourite amateur sleuths, and I have a hard time believing that these books are anything but an accurate representation of Jane’s life. It just has to be true! All jokes aside, Jessica Bull has crafted a series and a heroine that is richly imagined, expertly written, skillfully choreographed and perfectly paced. The research is detailed and the stories are sharply observed. Meanwhile, Jane is a witty, intelligent, determined feminist icon who is now one of my favourite characters to read.
Comforting, cosy, mysterious and full of heart, this festive whodunnit is the perfect addition to your Christmas TBR.
Rating: 🎄🎄🎄🎄
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jessica Bull lives in South East London with her husband, two daughters, and far too many pets. She’s addicted to stories and studied English Literature at Bristol University, and Information Science at City University, London. She began her career as a librarian (under the false impression she could sit and read all day), before becoming a communications consultant.
Her debut novel, MISS AUSTEN INVESTIGATES, sold to Penguin Michael Joseph at auction for six figures, is published in 18 territories worldwide and was shortlisted for the Crime Writer’s Association ILP John Creasey First Novel Dagger. The second book in her Jane Austen murder mystery series, second A FORTUNE MOST FATAL, was published in March 2025 and the third, THE AUSTEN CHRISTMAS MURDERS, will be published in November 2025.
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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx
Emma's Biblio Treasures 