The Austen Intrigue

Regency Secrets #4

by Julia Golding

Up and coming novelist Jane Austen joins forces with London's most esteemed investigative duo – actress Dora Fitz-Pennington and Dr Jacob Sandys – to solve the brutal murder of a Russian count and his opera singer wife. The killer took his own life immediately after the crime – but who sent him and why?

Packed with political espionage, beautiful nods to Austen's most celebrated works, and bubbling with romantic tension between our hero and heroine, this will be the most rewarding Regency read of the season….

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical, Cozy, Fiction, Romance

345 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 28, 2025

About the author

My journey to becoming an author has been a roundabout one, taking in many other careers. I grew up on the edge of Epping Forest and was that dreamy kind of child who was always writing stories. After reading English at Cambridge, I decided to find out as much as I could about the wider world so joined the Foreign Office and served in Poland. My work as a diplomat took me from the high point of town twinning in the Tatra Mountains to the low of inspecting the bottom of a Silesian coal mine.

On leaving Poland, I exchanged diplomacy for academia and took a doctorate in the literature of the English Romantic Period at Oxford. I then joined Oxfam as a lobbyist on conflict issues, campaigning at the UN and with governments to lessen the impact of conflict on civilians living in war zones - a cause about which I still feel very passionate.

Married with three children, I now live in Oxford between two rivers, surrounded by gargoyles, beautiful sandstone buildings and ancient trees.

My first novel, 'The Diamond of Drury Lane', won the Waterstone's Children's Book Prize 2006 and the Nestle Children's Book Prize 2006 (formerly known as the Smarties Prize). I was also chosen by Waterstone's in 2007 as one of their 'Twenty-five authors for the future'. In the US, 'Secret of the Sirens' won the honor book medal of the Green Earth Book Award.

My latest series, which starts with Mel Foster and the Demon Butler, about an intrepid Victorian orphan who lives in a household of monsters, won Bronze in the Primary Teacher awards in 2015. The next part, Mel Foster and the Time Machine, has set the time-dial to arrive in 2016.

Reviews

[Vanessa Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Austen Intrigue features a compelling pair of private investigators who team up with Jane Austen to solve a scandalous murder that could destroy the reputation and business of one of Jane’s brothers. Golding’s characters are wittily and vibrantly portrayed, and the depictions of London—from the back alleys of Convent Garden to the drawing rooms of the wealthy—are vivid and authentic. Adding in the great Jane herself to help solve a dastardly crime makes for one of the best historical mysteries of the year. I loved it!

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.

This was a great cozy mystery featuring Jane Austen, her family and her friends. Although you don't have to be a fan of her books or know anything about her life to read this books, those readers who do will get added enjoyment from the book, seeing these historical figures featured in one of their favorite genres.

[Heather Moll · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve enjoyed this series and how well real events and people are woven into a compelling mystery with likable characters. I was worried how Jane (yes, we’re on a first name basis) would be depicted and how much liberty would be given to her life events and family, but Janeites need not fear. This is a juicy tidbit of Austen family history and it was entertaining to see Dora and Jacob tackle it. Regency London in the summer of 1812 came alive in a way historical accuracy loving me could appreciate.

The intrigue and investigation moves at a good pace. You could read this as a standalone, but like any historical mystery series with a romance in the background, you care more about the sleuths if you’ve been along for the ride.

I already want Dora and Jacob’s next adventure.

I received an arc from NetGalley

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous book 4 in the author's beloved Regency Series, with author Jane Austen helping two famed investigators look into the murder of a French Comte and his wife. I could scarcely put this down and did so only for meals, all the while ignoring my darling husband so I could race through to the end. A treat, especially for Janeites and Regency histficmysteryrom fans!

[Jeannine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The books in this series are an absolute delight! For any historical mystery fan who loves a heavy romantic subplot, this belongs on your must-read list. The added bonus is that each book includes prominent people from the regency era. In this book, it's the Austen family!

French aristocrats who fled unrest in Paris are murdered and their friendship with Henry Austen's wife has him worried that his bank's reputation will be negatively impacted. Though a servant, dead of a gunshot wound on the scene, is deemed the guilty party, Henry askes Jacob and Dora to investigate. He asks that his sister, Jane, be their primary contact to further insulate him from being associated with the crime.

The scenes in which Dora and Jane work together are delightful! Jane doesn't share that she's the author of Pride & Prejudice at first, but she confides in Dora eventually. There's even a lovely bit where Jane shares her next book with Dora, what we all know as Sense & Sensibility.

Jacob and Dora are still navigating their class mismatch. With Dora's good friend becoming the mistress of Jacob's brother, things are even more difficult. Jacob's point-of-view during the "at home" scenes is especially wonderful. He loves Dora passionately and you can't help but root for them to make things work!

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Austen Intrigue is a fun cozy Regency mystery featuring a former actress and her partner, a doctor and second son of a viscount. This is the fourth book in the series, so it took me a bit to get into it as I caught up with references to previous books. I haven’t read them but now I want to! Each book features a historical or literary hook to add interest to the novel. This one features Jane Austen, working on her second novel and contributing to the investigation.

Dora and Jacob are lovers and partners in a detective agency. Although perhaps not entirely in keeping with the Regency era, on the whole I didn’t think the story bent believability. Jacob has issues with his brother, who does not want Jacob to wed Dora because of her former profession, even though the brother keeps mistresses himself. Dora is spirited and independent.

Jacob was saved in the war by Jane Austen’s brother, and her brother Henry hires them to investigate two murders that don’t seem straightforward. The war, the French, Napoleon, and whose loyalties lie where all come into play. Jane is asked to keep abreast of the investigation. Dora thinks Jane is a dull spinster, but soon learns that she is entirely wrong.

I enjoyed the relationship between Dora and Jacob, the historical London setting, and Jane’s intelligent and observant behavior. I hope to track down the previous books to read.

I read an advance reader copy of The Austen Intrigue from Netgalley.

[Nicki Markus · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Austen Intrigue was another delightful installment in the adventures of Dora and Jacob. The inclusion of Jane Austen as a character added some fun to the mix, and the story of the investigation into the murder was generally well paced and enjoyable to follow, with a wonderful collection of side characters, both old and new, aiding or hindering things along the way. As with the other books in the series, there is enough information available on the backstory if you wanted to read it as a standalone, but you would get more from the series in terms of the romantic aspects if you read them in order. I am giving this volume 4 stars.

I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

1812 Henry Austen employs Dora and Jacob to investigate the murder of associates the D'Antraigues by his valet, and his subsequent suicide. As he is concerned the connection may affect his Bank's financial performance. But he wants his sister Jane to be involved, but events become dangerous as it seems to concern national security.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its cast of likeable and interesting characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Up and coming novelist Jane Austen joins forces with London's most esteemed investigative duo – actress Dora Fitz-Pennington and Dr Jacob Sandys, to solve the brutal murder of a count and his opera singer wife. The killer took his own life immediately after the crime
Another well written cosy mystery with very good characters & a well paced story. I liked how fact & fiction are woven together. I really like Jacob & Dora & how they work together. I also liked how Dora’s opinion of Jane changed as the book progressed. I thoroughly enjoyed it & look forward to more
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Emily Pankhurst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Netgalley Review

The writing felt authentic and kept me on my toes. There were lots of different things happening that kept my interest. You never knew what was going to happen next, but when it did happen it was exciting and I wanted to know how it was all going to come together. It was a wonderful blend of fact and fiction that all tied up nicely at the end.

The chapters were quite long and sometimes split, which meant that you got a good chunk of the story before moving on. There was quite a bit of information to take in, but it was all interesting and added to the story well.

Each chapter had a title of where you were about to read. A couple of chapters at the beginning also included dates, which altogether meant that you could accurately place the story.

There was an interesting flow between the chapters. You jumped around different places, first being with one character, before being taken somewhere else with another. It was, however, easy to read and all jumps connected well together.

There was a good pace to the book. Whilst you jumped around to different places, you always kept moving forward with the investigation, all the while exploring the different avenues.

The characters were excellent. Whilst there are other books in the series, I didn't feel like I suffered for not having read them. Instead I would like to keep an eye out for the other books and see what else I can learn about the main characters.

I loved the inclusion of Jane Austen and some of her family. As I said above, I have been looking out for Jane Austen inspired books this year in celebration of her 250th birthday.

There were a lot of other characters that all added something to the story. There were a couple of options as to why the crime took place and it was interesting to work through the different lines of inquiry. You did have to keep your wits about you to remember who was who and what was going on in general.

Lastly the settings. Whilst it was a character based story there were some nice little descriptions of places and food which grounded the story well. The settings helped to create that feeling of being in the 19th Century.

Overall an exciting historical fiction mystery that I recommend to any Jane Austen fan looking for something a bit different to read.

[Mariahmmm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gut rating: ⭐⭐⭐
CAWPILE rating: TBD
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ (Closing door and innuendos)
Publication date:

Tropes:
- private detective agency
- international political intrigue
- government secrets
- Jane Austen character and quotes
- multiple POVs

Trigger warnings: Murder, death, blood, gun violence, suicide, classism, racism, infidelity, pregnancy, injury, sexual content, child death, fire, misogyny, war, car accident, death of parent, homophobia, addiction, drug abuse, alcohol, grief, medical content, cursing, stalking

Quote: She thought of her writing as miniatures painted on ivory with a fine brush, depicting the world she knew best.

Synopsis: When Henry Austen's friendship with two murdered French nobles threatens to cast a shadow over his investment firm, Henry secures the help of private detectives Dr Jacob Sandys and West Indies Dora Fitz-Pennington to solve the case. Joined by Henry's sister, the quiet unassuming Jane Austen, to lend a hand and report on their progress, they dive into the political world along with Jane, who proves more of an asset than they first thought.

Review: This was a well written political mystery and featured realistic relationship and friendship conflicts. The setting felt accurate with real life events tied in and antiquated language that fit the time, although the crudeness felt at odds with the period. Political mysteries always fall victim to a dry and plodding plot with complex alliances and connections to sort through.


While I understand the story somewhat reflects real events in Jane Austen and her family's lives and attempts to fill the mysterious gap between her first two books, I was disappointed to find that she was just a side character and her presence didn't matter to the story or its outcome.

Each book in the series focuses on a different famous historical figure. As this is the fourth book, there's a lot of relationship and background information I missed reading this as a standalone, so I'd recommend reading them in order.

With thanks to the Publishers and NetGalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Daphne Sharpe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book four in this rather marvellous series that combines a love of nineteenth century authors and private enquiry agents, former actress Dora Fitz- Pennington and war surgeon Dr Jacob Sandys.
Dora and Jacob have both a working relationship and are lovers, rather enthusiastic and ardent lovers, they can barely keep their hands off each other. They freely concentrate upon their own happiness rather than the social expectations of the snobbish ton.
Jacob’s father died recently and his elder brother is the new Viscount. He has made it clear that Dora is only mistress material, she will not be welcomed into the family name. This is rather unfortunate as Jacob has already proposed to Dora, she is considering her answer.
The year is 1812, and the novelist this time is Jane Austen, she has recently published her first novel. Her brother, Henry is a Banker, and friends of his wife, Eliza, have been murdered. The police have closed the case, but there are rumours that are beginning to reflect badly upon Henry and his wife, and they need answers to protect their reputation in society.
Jacob and Dora have been requested to make discreet enquiries into the murders, on condition that Jane helps with the investigation.
This case involves meetings with Russians, death threats to Jacob, a night to remember in Vauxhall Gardens, and the growing realisation that a quiet country mouse like Jane has both a keen eye and valuable insights about human nature.
A lovely blend of fact and fiction. I love the frisson between Dora and Jacob, each knows and respects each other’s contributions to the case in progress.
Already looking forward to see who will be the next chosen wordsmith in this series, I can’t wait to start reading these novels and dread finishing them, they are full of historical detail and so enjoyable.
Already preordered copies for my local book group.

[Gill · Rating 3 out of 5]

It seems a bit unfair of me to review a book that isn't really the kind of genre I like. I'm not a great fan of whodunnits or detective fiction on the whole and don't normally choose to read them. However I've read all the books in this Regency Secrets series. I loved the first one, not so much the second and also very much enjoyed The Wordsworth Key, so as I was hooked into the story of Jacob and Dora, I had to read this one too. I enjoy the authors writing and the dialogue between characters so even though sleuthing and looking for clues isn't for me, I've still found the books have offered plenty to enjoy.

Unfortunately I wasn't too keen on this one mainly because my historical knowledge isn't good. I hold my hands up, I'm not a fan of classical literature and Jane Austen means little to me. Yep, shock, horror, but we read Pride and Prejudice at school, it put me off for life. I know absolutely nothing about the Napoleonic wars so the whole plot left me a little confused at times, scratching my head at where the Russians came into this, which meant I plodded through this one a bit. There were some parts that I found compelling and I did manage to follow what had happened in the end and the why's and the wherefore's but on the whole I was glad to reach the end.

The acknowledgements by the author at the end are really interesting where she tells us how she came to write this book, where the ideas came from and her great enthusiasm shines through for Jane Austen but also the time period and the enjoyment she got from researching some of the detail in the book. We're all different and whilst this book wasn't really my cup of tea, I am sure it will be very much enjoyed by anyone who loves mystery and intrigue, along with a little romance as well as a feature character insertion of Jane Austen.

Will there be a book 5 in this series? It would be nice to see where Jacob and Dora go from here, and would I read it? I think I probably would.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thank NetGalley and One More Chapter for an advance reader copy of The Austen Intrigue. All opinions and comments are my own.

Private investigators Dr. Jacob Sandys and Dora Fitz-Pennington, partners in life as well as in business, find themselves tasked with a problem brought to them by banker Henry Austen. Seems he doesn’t want to be “guilty by association” in the recent double murder case of a French comte and comtesse in London -- it’s not quite the done thing to be linked with anything French while Napoleon Bonaparte is fighting English forces on the European continent. So, to make sure that he (and his bank) is free from any scandal, Henry’s come to ask them to look into the circumstances of the murder. There’s a catch, though -- his sister, a Miss Jane Austen, must come along to assist. This does not make Jacob and Dora happy; after all, what help can a “country mouse” be? Well, quite a lot, as readers of The Austen Intrigue, the fourth book in Julia Golding’s vivid and exciting Regency-based series will find out.

The characters in The Austen Intrigue are vividly drawn, which is good, since there are a lot of ‘em. And quite a lot of them have something to hide, and, as Jacob and Dora discover, there are ties to something far beyond a “simple” case of murder. Can we say “that war in Europe,” dear reader?

All is resolved, of course. And while Miss Austen gets fodder for future books, Jacob and Dora embark on a very big step in their relationship, which has been discussed throughout the book. Author Julia Golding examines the English society of 1812 in The Austen Intrigue, and the lives of Dr. Sandys and Miss-Fitz-Pennnington are, and will continue to be, of great interest.

[Veerle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had such a good time with this book! The Austen Intrigue is actually the fourth in the series, but I never felt like I was missing anything – it worked perfectly well as a standalone as the author gives you enough context when it's needed.

The setup instantly grabbed me: Jane Austen herself joins forces with actress Dora Fitz-Pennington and Dr. Jacob Sandys to investigate the brutal murder of a Russian count and his opera-singer wife because her brother wants to save his bank that could go down when false rumours would start spreading. I mean: I could so imagine Jane Austen do this, even though it is highly unlikely.

The supposed killer of de D'Antraigues takes his own life right after the crime, which makes the whole thing even more intriguing – who sent him, and why? The mix of political espionage set in the time of Bonaparte, Regency glamour, and little winks to Austen’s novels made it such a fun read.

Normally, I’m not really into stories that re-imagine Jane Austen’s life. But here it works beautifully, because the author imagines what the missing letters of August 1812 that Cassandra burned were about.

The writing flows really well – it’s easy to read, cosy, and full of atmosphere. And I loved the world of the main characters. You feel Golding did do her research thoroughly. It all comes together into exactly the kind of Regency mystery I enjoy: clever, light, and thoroughly entertaining.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for this wonderful book.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the Regency Secrets series and having read them all I can honestly say this was my favourite. It’s now 1812 and in London former actress Dora Fitz-Pennington and Dr. Jacob Sandys, second son of a viscount, have a new case for their detective agency. Jacob’s father has recently died and his elder brother Arthur is now Vicount Sandys and Arthur has installed Dora’s best friend Ruby in a London apartment as his mistress.

Briefly, following the murder of French émigrés Comte D’Antraigues and his wife, with the killer committing suicide, Dora and Jacob have been asked by Henry Austen, who owns a private bank, to look into the murders. He only has one stipulation and that is that his sister, one Jane Austen, is to help them with the case. Although not happy they agree and soon realise that mousey inoffensive Miss Austen is a lot more help than they expected.

This is a twisted story and I loved all the factual historical content around Napoleon’s reign and the ongoing wars, alongside that of the Austen family, much of which I was already aware as an Austen fan. The smouldering romance between Ruby and Jacob is still going strong but Ruby is still dithering over making their relationship legal. What’s not to like, historical fiction, cosy mystery, romance and factual elements. An entertaining and very enjoyable read.

[Noemi Proietti · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the year we are celebrating the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth, there are more book adaptations of her novels than ever and I can’t get enough. However, the reason I picked up The Austen Intrigue by Julia Golding is not because it features my favourite author in the role of an amateur detective, but because, having read the author’s previous novel, The Wordsworth Key, I couldn’t wait to see what new adventures were waiting for Dora and Jacob.

The Austen Intrigue is the fourth book in the fantastic Regency Secrets series featuring former actress Dora Fitz-Pennington and Dr. Jacob Sandys. Partners both in life and work, Dora and Jacob have many challenges to face in this new gripping novel.

On the personal side, Jacob’s aristocratic family is still trying to interfere in his relationship with Dora, but he is determined to marry her, despite even her reluctance. On the professional side, their investigative agency is thrown into the investigation of a double murder which could have diplomatic and international repercussions. Dora and Jacob are hired by Henry Austen and his bank to investigate the murder of a French comte and his wife. They know who the killer is, but they want to know the reason behind the murders and to help them find it, Henry’s favourite sister, Jane, joins them in the investigation.

The Austen Intrigue features engaging characters, witty dialogue, a suspenseful mystery, and political espionage and I loved how the author blended historical facts in the story (the Napoleonic wars are an important part of the plot) as well as themes of class differences and the role of women. I read this novel in two days and I can’t wait for the next one!

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who has long admired Jane Austen’s wit and insight, I was instantly drawn to The Austen Intrigue. Julia Golding offers a fresh and imaginative take on Regency fiction, casting Austen herself as a perceptive and daring heroine caught in a web of espionage and murder.

Set in 1812, the novel introduces a compelling trio—Jane Austen, the charismatic actress Dora Fitz-Pennington, and the thoughtful Dr Jacob Sandys—who find themselves investigating the mysterious deaths of a French count and his wife. What unfolds is a richly layered mystery, full of political intrigue, theatrical glamour, and the quiet courage of women navigating a world that often underestimates them.

Golding’s prose is elegant and evocative, with just the right touch of Austenian charm. I especially appreciated how she captured the social nuances of the period while allowing her characters to challenge its constraints. Dora and Jacob’s romance adds warmth and depth, and the suggestion that their story might inspire Austen’s future novels is a lovely nod to literary legacy.

For readers who love Austen’s sharp observations and crave a twist of mystery, The Austen Intrigue is a captivating read. It’s both a tribute and a reinvention—thoughtful, thrilling, and thoroughly enjoyable.

My thanks to Julia Golding, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cozy mystery based on real historical events!

Private investigators Dora and Sandys are engaged to look into the mysterious murder of a French nobleman and his wife in London. They uncover a web of shifting alliances and intrigue in which all is not as it seems - including the client's spinster sister, Jane.

The murders at the center of the story actually did occur, and Jane actually did know the victims. Of course much of the rest is fictional, and the author goes into more detail in the Acknowledgments section. I enjoyed the historical elements of the story, especially the description of Vauxhall Gardens, where an important scene is set. This novel is the fourth in a series, and while there were a number of references to events earlier in the series, I had no trouble connecting the dots despite having read none of them.

Unfortunately, I probably won't read them in the future either, because I didn't connect with either of the detectives or any of their numerous assistants, and found the characterization in general a bit thin, leading to an abundant cast of nearly-interchangeable characters.

4 stars - worth reading for the history and the mystery.

[I received a complimentary ARC from NetGally and the publisher. Opinions are my own.]

[Pat Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a deliciously different tale of Dora (an actress/investigator) and Jacob( a 2nd brother to an Earl/investigator) who find themselves in a plot of murder and political mayhem. I adored how the author weaved Miss Jane Austen and her family into the story. It was rather refreshing to see the story from an author’s point of view IN the story. With all the political intrigue, it was hard to tell who the real villain is and though I had a correct guess, the reason behind the treachery was very different. I truly enjoyed this story until I got to the f-bombs…WHY??? It was a beautifully written story and then the author has to throw such crass language that, in my opinion, was not necessary to the story and ruined it for me- thus the 4 star rating. All the ins and outs with who shouldn’t marry who and why were very interesting as well as frustrating. Ruby needs to stop thinking of herself so very much! And don’t get me started on Jacob’s brother! I loved the characters and the storyline was well paced. Leave out the f-bombs and it would have gotten a 5 star from me.

I received this story for free and these are my own opinions.

[Colin Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this Regency mystery Dora and Jacob are hired to look into the murder of a French count and his wife, they are joined in the investigation by Jane Austin as there is a risk that her brother, who owns a bank, might be adversely affected.
This is the fourth book in the series and, although it can be read as a standalone, I would recommend reading the others first. I do enjoy books set in the Regency period, especially those with a mystery in them, plus there is the ongoing romance between Dora and Jacob. The story is based around a real murder, which adds to the interest, and Jane Austin had really known the couple so congratulations to the author for doing her homework to add realism to the story. There are plenty of twists and turns which lead up to the conclusion at the end, there is also the will they /won't they romance which is frowned upon at the time due to the difference in their social statuses. Definitely recommended if you enjoy cozy mysteries.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

[Michelle (Bamamele.reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to One More Chapter and NetGalley for the preview. All opinions are my own.

4.5 stars

This might be my fav of the series so far! I was a little wary to see how my favorite author would be incorporated into the plot and murder mystery with Dora and Jacob, but it was fabulous! Golding really does a great job of weaving together real events and characters with our fictional investigators. She also wove a ton of allusions to Austen's novels into the book, which absolutely delighted me.

We don't have a TON of progress on the Jacob and Dora relationship part of the series. But! I'm so happy they are really on the same page by the end, and I cannot wait to see what happens next.
This series has just been such a delight to read; murder mysteries, high stakes, international espionage, romance, and real life characters all converge to make a truly entertaining read. I'll be clamoring for the next book!
Highly recommended!

[A Bookworm Crafts · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Austen Intrigue sees up-and-coming novelist Jane Austen drawn into a dangerous investigation alongside private Detectives Dora Fitz-Pennington and Jacob Sandys, as they try to untangle the brutal murder of a French count and his opera-singer wife.

This is the fourth book in this series and, while the mystery is self contained, I would not recommend reading this as a standalone as it really builds on the relationships established in the previous books.

I really enjoyed seeing Jane Austen brought to life in this book.. Her scenes with Dora are especially fun, and there are some lovely nods to her writing and family. The mystery is intriguing, with layers of political tension and plenty of suspects to keep track of.

A recommended read for fans Julia Golding, Jane Austen and Regency mysteries.

Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins One More Chapter for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was sooo excited to see that the next book in the series focused on Jane Austen, who is my favorite author. Jane blended in well with Dora & Jacob, solving their mysteries and involving themselves in society. Dora & Jacob really found their groove in this book, with some tension around their relationship, but not letting it slow them down, and doing what they want. I really enjoyed the part that their numerous actor/actress friends played in this book, helping them elicit answers from suspects. I also always love the dynamic between Dora & Alex and am appreciative that the author kept him in the stories after her brother's death. Can't wait to see what unfolds next for Dora & Jacob and their relationship.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book

[Denice Langley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book #4 in The Regency Secrets series. The series is unique for bringing celebrity characters/authors into a mystery set during their era. This lends a twist to the story from the start. In The Austen Intrigue, an investigative team is joined by Jane Austen as they work to solve a crime in which Jane's brother is the main suspect. Julia Golding maintains the characters and community in which Jane Austen lived, while building a very good mystery novel around them. She manages to weave the Austen characters into a realistic joining with a new set of circumstances. The book was entertaining, as I kept looking for apparent errors; I didn't find any, and tried to solve the puzzle before the reveal. I failed miserably. I'd recommend the book to any Austen groupies and anyone who loves a unique mystery.

[Reviewer Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this was like spending time with someone I understood. Watching a young Jane Austen caught between duty, curiosity, and her growing confidence as a writer really resonated with me — that sense of quietly figuring yourself out while the world expects something else. There were moments where I found myself smiling at her wit and others where I just felt for her, because I’ve known that same mix of excitement and self-doubt when you’re trying to do something that feels true to you. The mystery itself was fun and full of little surprises, but what stayed with me was Jane’s determination to stay curious and brave, even when no one quite saw her yet. It reminded me why I love stories about women finding their own voice — it felt both inspiring and strangely personal.

[Millicent Moon · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF @ 58%

I tried, I really did, but this book just wasn’t for me.
The writing was actually really good, but the story felt super slow and the whole murder of a count and countess thing didn’t really grab me.
There were a lot of characters and I had a hard time keeping track of who’s who.
It’s kinda like a Jane Austen story, and I did like those parts, but the rest was just... okay.
Some of the characters really got on my nerves and I... let's just say I'm not a huge fan of this book.

Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, NetGalley and Harper Collins Publishers, for allowing access to a free eARC in exchange for my honest review.
I loved joining the world of Dora and Jacob once more to dive into their tumultuous reality that is solving mysteries. I enjoyed every aspect of the book, the banter, the action, and the sweet romance between Dora and Jacob. Dora and her companion's quick wit gets them out of many sticky situations, and despite the tension across the pages, I found myself smiling at the dialogue. I give this a five out of five stars!

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to @netgalley @harpercollinsuk and the author for the ARC.

This is the 4th book in the Regency series & I've never read any of the others so it can be read as a standalone but it does give you some background on characters and other stories..
It is a nice cosy easy read with a bit of mystery and intrigue. I can't say it particularly blew me away but it was ok. The characters were likeable but there wasn't much depth to them. The story had good pacing and there were a couple of unexpected twists.
On the whole, it was a good read.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of "The Austin Intrigue" By Julia Golding who is a new to me author. This is book 4 in the Regency Secrets series but it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the novel as there isn't a huge number of characters and their backstories to get acquainted with.
I loved the characters of Dora and Jacob and their relationship both private and as investigators. The added bonus is that Jane Austen is part of this murder mystey and I enjoyed the interplay between Jane and Dora as well. The book kept me engaged with its intriguing plot which had pace and an entertaining nature.