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Miss Austen Investigates #2,5
The Austen Christmas Murders: A sparkling Regency Christmas whodunnit for fans of cosy crime – Celebrating 250 years of Jane Austen
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…
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…
178 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 13, 2025
74 people are currently reading
297 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Bull
4 books94 followersJessica 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 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, A FORTUNE MOST FATAL, was published in March 2025 and the third, THE AUSTEN CHRISTMAS MURDERS, in November 2025.
You can find her on...
Instagram: @jessicabullnovelist
Her debut novel, MISS AUSTEN INVESTIGATES 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, A FORTUNE MOST FATAL, was published in March 2025 and the third, THE AUSTEN CHRISTMAS MURDERS, in November 2025.
You can find her on...
Instagram: @jessicabullnovelist
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
December 18, 2025
Marvellous festive fun.
November 21, 2025
Loved, loved, loved this Austen Christmas novella by one of my favorite authors, whose Miss Jane Austen Investigates mystery series has been such fun!
The Regency setting, the intriguing cosy crime tale, the clever wit, Jane as an intelligent and inventive sleuth -- all festooned in glorious Christmas wrapping done up with a velvet bow.
Every Janeite will want to take a big cuppa hot chocolate, scrumptious cookies, and this holiday treasure to read before a roaring fire. Merry Christmas!
The Regency setting, the intriguing cosy crime tale, the clever wit, Jane as an intelligent and inventive sleuth -- all festooned in glorious Christmas wrapping done up with a velvet bow.
Every Janeite will want to take a big cuppa hot chocolate, scrumptious cookies, and this holiday treasure to read before a roaring fire. Merry Christmas!
November 26, 2025
Delizioso romanzo breve con cold case ambientato nel Natale 1798 a Steventon/Deane. James Edward, il nipote biografo di Jane è appena nato e nel corso di una capatina in cantina, James - il maggiore dei fratelli Austen, che è curato a Deane - scopre le ossa di un cadavere, che viene attribuito a un soldato, dal momento che le ossa sono coperte da una giubba rossa. Ma Jane quando vede le ossa pensa che siano quelle di una donna, in particolare di Mary Ellen, una giovane scomparsa il giorno stesso delle sue nozze con Mr. Chute, un vicino di casa degli Austen, su cui si vociferano diverse storie macabre (Mr. Austen, che non crede ai fantasmi, ma intanto alza il passo per raggiungere casa quanto prima, lasciando addirittura Jane indietro mi ha stesa).
Naturalmente, Mary approfitta del ritrovamento per trasferirsi con tutta la famiglia nella canonica dei suoceri a Steventon, per cui le feste saranno piuttosto popolate, malgrado la mancanza di Cassandra, che è a Godmersham con la famiglia del fratello Edward.
Jane inizia la sua indagine personale per cercare di capire cosa ne è stato di Mary Ellen, recandosi dalla madre - che l'ha diseredata non appena la ragazza è scomparsa, credendo che sia viva da qualche parte - dal marito - che l'ha fatta dichiarare morta e si è risposato - e dalla migliore amica della giovane. Quindi va a parlare con la sua tata, la donna che tiene in cura il fratello Georgie, a cui sono state affidate le ossa, che conferma a Jane il fatto che si tratti di una donna e altri particolari che portano Jane sulla giusta strada per scoprire cosa sia accaduto.
Ci sono sicuramente alcune piccole imprecisioni storiche di minore importanza, ma ho notato che, quando viene raccontata la storia dell'epidemia di tifo nella scuola di Southampton, al ritorno è Jane Cooper figlia a morire e non la madre, la sorella di Mrs. Austen. Si tratta di un errore della traduttrice, che ha pensato bene di tradurre:
But soon after they reached Steventon, a stark reminder of how great the danger had been to Jane in a letter to Mrs. Austen from her brother-in-law notifying that although Mrs. Cooper had succeeded in restoring her daughter to health, she had succumbed to the disease herself and was to be buried the following day.
con
Ma subito dopo l’arrivo a Steventon, giunse loro un crudo promemoria di quel che aveva rischiato Jane: in una lettera, il cognato della signora Austen le informava che, nonostante sembrasse in salute, in realtà sua figlia aveva ceduto al tifo ed era morta. L’avrebbero sepolta il giorno dopo.
Avrà saltato un rigo? Certo, io, non avendo sottomano il romanzo di Bull, ho pensato male di lei, invece...
Naturalmente, Mary approfitta del ritrovamento per trasferirsi con tutta la famiglia nella canonica dei suoceri a Steventon, per cui le feste saranno piuttosto popolate, malgrado la mancanza di Cassandra, che è a Godmersham con la famiglia del fratello Edward.
Jane inizia la sua indagine personale per cercare di capire cosa ne è stato di Mary Ellen, recandosi dalla madre - che l'ha diseredata non appena la ragazza è scomparsa, credendo che sia viva da qualche parte - dal marito - che l'ha fatta dichiarare morta e si è risposato - e dalla migliore amica della giovane. Quindi va a parlare con la sua tata, la donna che tiene in cura il fratello Georgie, a cui sono state affidate le ossa, che conferma a Jane il fatto che si tratti di una donna e altri particolari che portano Jane sulla giusta strada per scoprire cosa sia accaduto.
Ci sono sicuramente alcune piccole imprecisioni storiche di minore importanza, ma ho notato che, quando viene raccontata la storia dell'epidemia di tifo nella scuola di Southampton, al ritorno è Jane Cooper figlia a morire e non la madre, la sorella di Mrs. Austen. Si tratta di un errore della traduttrice, che ha pensato bene di tradurre:
But soon after they reached Steventon, a stark reminder of how great the danger had been to Jane in a letter to Mrs. Austen from her brother-in-law notifying that although Mrs. Cooper had succeeded in restoring her daughter to health, she had succumbed to the disease herself and was to be buried the following day.
con
Ma subito dopo l’arrivo a Steventon, giunse loro un crudo promemoria di quel che aveva rischiato Jane: in una lettera, il cognato della signora Austen le informava che, nonostante sembrasse in salute, in realtà sua figlia aveva ceduto al tifo ed era morta. L’avrebbero sepolta il giorno dopo.
Avrà saltato un rigo? Certo, io, non avendo sottomano il romanzo di Bull, ho pensato male di lei, invece...
November 11, 2025
I struggled at the beginning of this book as the style of writing is very different than I am used to. In fact, I nearly gave up but persevered and enjoyed the story in the end. A good mystery, solved by Jane but there were a lot of characters and I sometimes got a bit confused! Still, a good book, just maybe not my era of writing.
December 24, 2025
Het blijft een geweldig concept dat de geweldige Jane Austen ook nog eens detectiveskills zou hebben gehad... In dit mysterie tijdens de kersttijd gaat het om de vondst van overblijfselen van een mens en de vraag om wie het gaat in een tijd zonder forensisch onderzoek.
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December 3, 2025The Austen Christmas Murders by Jessica Bull
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨️3.75/5
There was a lot to warm to in my first festive read of the year. An appealing and cosy murder mystery with a very clever and neat twist in its tail.
This is part 2.5 in a series of books where Jane Austen is the mystery solving heroine.
I read the first in the series and loved it (the author had cleverly included similarities to Austens well known characters and storylines).
I've missed the 2nd book in the series and I did feel a little lost at times with this story, a bit like I'd been invited to a party full of the authors friends but she'd forgotten to introduce me to anyone and just presumed I knew everyone already 🤣.
If you're not into rom coms but fancy a lighthearted festive read then this would be a fine choice, although I think the author could have gone even heavier on the the Christmassy feels.
I wish I'd read the "authors note" first! I was fascinated to read where some of the ideas of the storyline originated. Apparently The Austen Christmas Murders pays homage to Jane Austen's novella Lady Susan, but I'm not familiar with that novels storyline so maybe thats why I felt a little lost with this book compared to book one in the series.
But on the whole a comforting, clever read and a spiffing choice for this time of year.
Ho ho ho
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨️3.75/5
There was a lot to warm to in my first festive read of the year. An appealing and cosy murder mystery with a very clever and neat twist in its tail.
This is part 2.5 in a series of books where Jane Austen is the mystery solving heroine.
I read the first in the series and loved it (the author had cleverly included similarities to Austens well known characters and storylines).
I've missed the 2nd book in the series and I did feel a little lost at times with this story, a bit like I'd been invited to a party full of the authors friends but she'd forgotten to introduce me to anyone and just presumed I knew everyone already 🤣.
If you're not into rom coms but fancy a lighthearted festive read then this would be a fine choice, although I think the author could have gone even heavier on the the Christmassy feels.
I wish I'd read the "authors note" first! I was fascinated to read where some of the ideas of the storyline originated. Apparently The Austen Christmas Murders pays homage to Jane Austen's novella Lady Susan, but I'm not familiar with that novels storyline so maybe thats why I felt a little lost with this book compared to book one in the series.
But on the whole a comforting, clever read and a spiffing choice for this time of year.
Ho ho ho
November 11, 2025
When human remains are discovered in the cellar at Deane Parsonage, Jane Austen is unable to accept the flawed conclusions that have been briskly drawn by the local magistrate regarding the victim’s identity and cause of death. Jane asks a series of perspicacious questions which quickly make it apparent to the reader that Mr Craven’s conclusions are based on unfounded assumptions and circumstantial evidence. Undeterred by her father’s instruction to remain out of the magistrate’s investigation, Jane begins to form her own theories but what she really needs is evidence.
Allusions to Regency era Christmas traditions, such as the yuletide log, evoked the spirit of the Christmas season and letters from Jane’s brothers at sea broadened the novel’s perspective, allowing exploration of a wider social landscape. The historical position presented in relation to Mrs Lefroy’s efforts to eradicate smallpox in Hampshire through immunisation and the associated resistance from the local population added an interesting dimension to the story.
This novel was an enjoyable addition to the Miss Austen Investigates series. Thank you to Michael Joseph and NetGalley for sharing this eARC with me in exchange for an honest review.
Allusions to Regency era Christmas traditions, such as the yuletide log, evoked the spirit of the Christmas season and letters from Jane’s brothers at sea broadened the novel’s perspective, allowing exploration of a wider social landscape. The historical position presented in relation to Mrs Lefroy’s efforts to eradicate smallpox in Hampshire through immunisation and the associated resistance from the local population added an interesting dimension to the story.
This novel was an enjoyable addition to the Miss Austen Investigates series. Thank you to Michael Joseph and NetGalley for sharing this eARC with me in exchange for an honest review.
December 19, 2025
Having not read any of Bull's books before, the idea of having Jane Austen as our amateur sleuth here was brilliant, and though being a bit dubious as to how it would work, I thoroughly enjoyed the concept and the book as a whole!
This short, cosy crime novela will have you in the Christmas spirit! The book itself is written amazingly and full of characterful wit, as well as the elegance of the Austen era, and though the Regency setting is new to me in my reading journey, I thought it was a pleasant change!
I thought the addition of letters written to and from characters was a great idea that really split up the story! However, I did find myself getting a bit confused about who was who, as there seemed to be loads of characters for quite a short story! (Perhaps if I had read the previous books, this may not have been the case?)
The author's note as to the ideas behind the book was fascinating and a further brilliant addition!
It is definitely one to check out this festive season!
Rating: 7/10 (rounded up!)
This short, cosy crime novela will have you in the Christmas spirit! The book itself is written amazingly and full of characterful wit, as well as the elegance of the Austen era, and though the Regency setting is new to me in my reading journey, I thought it was a pleasant change!
I thought the addition of letters written to and from characters was a great idea that really split up the story! However, I did find myself getting a bit confused about who was who, as there seemed to be loads of characters for quite a short story! (Perhaps if I had read the previous books, this may not have been the case?)
The author's note as to the ideas behind the book was fascinating and a further brilliant addition!
It is definitely one to check out this festive season!
Rating: 7/10 (rounded up!)
November 3, 2025
This is another entertaining read from Jessica Bull and a great addition to the series. She really captures the essence of Jane Austen in her writing in this the 250th anniversary.
The mystery in The Austen Christmas Murders is a compelling on and I could certainly understand why Jane was so irresistibly drawn to investigating.
I love the scenes around the family table in the Austen household and the conversations between the family members. The love and affection between them all is so clear to see despite the silly squabbles. The letters between Jane and her siblings add a nice touch again and I found the charades sent between them were fun and interesting.
The mystery in The Austen Christmas Murders is a compelling on and I could certainly understand why Jane was so irresistibly drawn to investigating.
I love the scenes around the family table in the Austen household and the conversations between the family members. The love and affection between them all is so clear to see despite the silly squabbles. The letters between Jane and her siblings add a nice touch again and I found the charades sent between them were fun and interesting.
December 25, 2025
This seems to get such good reviews, and yet, it fell flat for me, much like Book 1 in the series.
I just find Jane annoying and even though this was a novella (2.5 in the series), there was no character development and the murder mystery was not really engaging to me. A body found in a cellar over Christmas was really the only Christmas link.
I just find Jane annoying and even though this was a novella (2.5 in the series), there was no character development and the murder mystery was not really engaging to me. A body found in a cellar over Christmas was really the only Christmas link.
December 6, 2025
didn't really see the point of the Austen connection. A simple cosy crime novella with a vague christmas connection.
December 1, 2025
Recensione presente nel blog www.ragazzainrosso.wordpress.com
Hampshire, 1798. Il Natale è alle porte e nella canonica di Steventon Jane Austen teme che queste festività, a causa della lontananza dei fratelli, saranno un susseguirsi di giornate noiose. A smentirla sarà il casuale ritrovamento di uno scheletro in cantina. Ben presto si diffonde la voce che possa trattarsi di Mary Ellen, una giovane donna scomparsa misteriosamente subito dopo il matrimonio. Jane vuole saperne di più e inizia a indagare ritrovandosi immischiata in un intrigo degno dei suoi romanzi.
“La sua famiglia potrà anche discutere e battibeccare e farla arrabbiare, ma è unita. Non solo dall’amore e dalla fede, ma anche dalla determinazione di comprendersi e accettarsi, nonostante le manie e le debolezze.”
Il primo elemento che cattura l’attenzione del lettore è l’ambientazione natalizia regency curata perfettamente nei dettagli tra camini scoppiettanti, festività che incombono, balli invernali e giornate gelide.
Jane Austen appare un’arguta osservatrice e ottima personalità empatica in grado di comprendere gli sguardi, gli atteggiamenti di chi ha attorno per arrivare alla verità che non si riduce a una semplice conferma o smentita dell’ipotesi iniziale ma si addentra in tematiche importanti quali le doti matrimoniali, l’epidemia di vaiolo con le sue tante vittime, le dinamiche familiari.
Il giallo è ben costruito. In ogni luogo visitato durante le indagini dalla sala da ballo, al giardino ghiacciato fino alla chiesa della canonica si svela un segreto, si scopre uno dei tasselli che andranno a formare il puzzle finale.
La prosa è curata nella sua semplicità, il ritmo è lento ma non annoia, anzi dà l’impronta del giallo classico che pian piano conduce verso la risoluzione del caso e riesce ad accompagnare il lettore in un piccolo viaggio in un’epoca che ha sempre il suo fascino.
Inutile dire che recupererò quanto prima gli altri due volumi della serie, della quale questo romanzo breve costituisce una piacevole parentesi natalizia.
Hampshire, 1798. Il Natale è alle porte e nella canonica di Steventon Jane Austen teme che queste festività, a causa della lontananza dei fratelli, saranno un susseguirsi di giornate noiose. A smentirla sarà il casuale ritrovamento di uno scheletro in cantina. Ben presto si diffonde la voce che possa trattarsi di Mary Ellen, una giovane donna scomparsa misteriosamente subito dopo il matrimonio. Jane vuole saperne di più e inizia a indagare ritrovandosi immischiata in un intrigo degno dei suoi romanzi.
“La sua famiglia potrà anche discutere e battibeccare e farla arrabbiare, ma è unita. Non solo dall’amore e dalla fede, ma anche dalla determinazione di comprendersi e accettarsi, nonostante le manie e le debolezze.”
Il primo elemento che cattura l’attenzione del lettore è l’ambientazione natalizia regency curata perfettamente nei dettagli tra camini scoppiettanti, festività che incombono, balli invernali e giornate gelide.
Jane Austen appare un’arguta osservatrice e ottima personalità empatica in grado di comprendere gli sguardi, gli atteggiamenti di chi ha attorno per arrivare alla verità che non si riduce a una semplice conferma o smentita dell’ipotesi iniziale ma si addentra in tematiche importanti quali le doti matrimoniali, l’epidemia di vaiolo con le sue tante vittime, le dinamiche familiari.
Il giallo è ben costruito. In ogni luogo visitato durante le indagini dalla sala da ballo, al giardino ghiacciato fino alla chiesa della canonica si svela un segreto, si scopre uno dei tasselli che andranno a formare il puzzle finale.
La prosa è curata nella sua semplicità, il ritmo è lento ma non annoia, anzi dà l’impronta del giallo classico che pian piano conduce verso la risoluzione del caso e riesce ad accompagnare il lettore in un piccolo viaggio in un’epoca che ha sempre il suo fascino.
Inutile dire che recupererò quanto prima gli altri due volumi della serie, della quale questo romanzo breve costituisce una piacevole parentesi natalizia.
October 3, 2025
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.
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.
November 3, 2025
I am obsessed with all thinks Austen and when the opportunity to spend a little time with my favourite people presented itself I leapt at the chance and what a glorious time I had.
My thoughts...
Chaos arrives early in the Austen household when a skeleton is found in the cellar of Deane Rectory and Jane decides that Christmas boredom is no longer a looming threat. I mean nothing screams holiday festivities quite like the possibility of a long lost bride turning into a ghost story (👀). However, I absolutely delighted in the way Jane skillfully approached this mystery with the perfect combination of clever observation and all out nosiness (what a girl).
Now Jessica Bull doesn't portray Jane as a perfect genius....because she is not. She leaps to conclusions gets carried away by her own theories and occasionally flusters herself into awkward social moments. But what an absolute treat she is. The supporting characters add layers of suspicion and every conversation feels like a polite duel where someone might slip and reveal they know far too much and I was here for every single detail.
As the clues accumulate I kept deciding I knew exactly who did it. Then I was wrong.....again. The final big reveal ties all the loose threads neatly together in a way that made me both satisfied and yet mildly annoyed that I never once guessed correctly. Jane handles it far better than I did of course because she is dignified even when knee deep in other peoples scandals.
This book is perfect if you want your cosy Christmas tales served with a side order of the macabre. It offers charm, a determined heroine and a Christmas season that somehow survives murder and mayhem. What's not to love about that!
My thoughts...
Chaos arrives early in the Austen household when a skeleton is found in the cellar of Deane Rectory and Jane decides that Christmas boredom is no longer a looming threat. I mean nothing screams holiday festivities quite like the possibility of a long lost bride turning into a ghost story (👀). However, I absolutely delighted in the way Jane skillfully approached this mystery with the perfect combination of clever observation and all out nosiness (what a girl).
Now Jessica Bull doesn't portray Jane as a perfect genius....because she is not. She leaps to conclusions gets carried away by her own theories and occasionally flusters herself into awkward social moments. But what an absolute treat she is. The supporting characters add layers of suspicion and every conversation feels like a polite duel where someone might slip and reveal they know far too much and I was here for every single detail.
As the clues accumulate I kept deciding I knew exactly who did it. Then I was wrong.....again. The final big reveal ties all the loose threads neatly together in a way that made me both satisfied and yet mildly annoyed that I never once guessed correctly. Jane handles it far better than I did of course because she is dignified even when knee deep in other peoples scandals.
This book is perfect if you want your cosy Christmas tales served with a side order of the macabre. It offers charm, a determined heroine and a Christmas season that somehow survives murder and mayhem. What's not to love about that!
November 17, 2025
BOOK REVIEW
I've read Book One of the "Miss Austen Investigates" series so was delighted to get to read an ARC from Netgalley of "The Austen Christmas Murders" by Jessica Bell. This book is a delightful tribute to Jane Austen in this the 250th Anniversary of her birth. With just Jane at home for Christmas with her parents and not the huge family gathering with her siblings as in past years she throws herself into the role of amateur detective to find the truth about the identification of a skeleton and reason why it has been hidden for years in the cellar of Deane Rectory where her brother James in now Rector.
Armed with her dogged determination, powers of deduction and a liberal amount of gossip, hearsay and truth gleaned from her nosiness I felt I was by Jane's side as Jessica's writing was so vividly descriptive that Jane and the Hampshire locations came alive. This mystery with echoes of "The Mistletoe Bride" is very cleverly plotted and I wasn't expecting the twist at the end with 'Lady Isabella's' real identity. The use of letters between Jane and her siblings gave an interesting insight into their location, lives and events in the world beyond the small bubble of Steventon in Hampshire.
I liked how author has taken authentic historical events and discoveries and woven them to form the plot especially about small pox and the early development and thoughts about immunisation. It was good to see Georgy Austen brought back into the story again although not in a worrying major plot focus and I loved the references to the Christmas traditions in 1798 England especially the charades puzzles which are different to how we know them today.
This cosy Christmas Crime would make the perfect Jólabókaflóðið gift as it is a short story of only 176 pages long.
I've read Book One of the "Miss Austen Investigates" series so was delighted to get to read an ARC from Netgalley of "The Austen Christmas Murders" by Jessica Bell. This book is a delightful tribute to Jane Austen in this the 250th Anniversary of her birth. With just Jane at home for Christmas with her parents and not the huge family gathering with her siblings as in past years she throws herself into the role of amateur detective to find the truth about the identification of a skeleton and reason why it has been hidden for years in the cellar of Deane Rectory where her brother James in now Rector.
Armed with her dogged determination, powers of deduction and a liberal amount of gossip, hearsay and truth gleaned from her nosiness I felt I was by Jane's side as Jessica's writing was so vividly descriptive that Jane and the Hampshire locations came alive. This mystery with echoes of "The Mistletoe Bride" is very cleverly plotted and I wasn't expecting the twist at the end with 'Lady Isabella's' real identity. The use of letters between Jane and her siblings gave an interesting insight into their location, lives and events in the world beyond the small bubble of Steventon in Hampshire.
I liked how author has taken authentic historical events and discoveries and woven them to form the plot especially about small pox and the early development and thoughts about immunisation. It was good to see Georgy Austen brought back into the story again although not in a worrying major plot focus and I loved the references to the Christmas traditions in 1798 England especially the charades puzzles which are different to how we know them today.
This cosy Christmas Crime would make the perfect Jólabókaflóðið gift as it is a short story of only 176 pages long.
December 24, 2025
This book is cosy, clever, and perfect for the Christmas season.
The story follows Jane Austen during a winter when she expects a quiet and slightly disappointing Christmas because her siblings are away. Instead, everything changes when she discovers a skeleton hidden in the cellar of Deane Rectory. From that moment on, Christmas cheer takes a back seat to mystery.
Jane becomes curious about a long-standing local legend involving a young bride who disappeared after running away from her wedding breakfast. Many people believe the bride’s ghost still haunts the nearby woods. Jane begins to wonder if the skeleton she found could finally explain what happened all those years ago, or if there is something much more complicated hiding beneath the story.
What I really enjoyed about this book is how Jane Austen is portrayed. She’s observant, thoughtful, and quietly determined. She notices details other people overlook, and she asks questions even when others would rather leave the past alone. She feels very human, not exaggerated or unrealistic.
The book is short and easy to read, but it still manages to mix mystery, history, and festive atmosphere very well. The Christmas setting adds warmth, while the mystery keeps you turning the pages. It never feels too dark or scary, which makes it ideal for fans of cosy crime.
There’s also a gentle lesson running through the story: just because something happened a long time ago doesn’t mean it no longer matters. Truth has a way of waiting to be found, even if it takes years.
Overall, The Austen Christmas Murders is a charming and enjoyable historical mystery. It’s a great choice for readers who love cosy crime, festive reads, and clever stories that don’t rush but still keep you curious until the end.
The story follows Jane Austen during a winter when she expects a quiet and slightly disappointing Christmas because her siblings are away. Instead, everything changes when she discovers a skeleton hidden in the cellar of Deane Rectory. From that moment on, Christmas cheer takes a back seat to mystery.
Jane becomes curious about a long-standing local legend involving a young bride who disappeared after running away from her wedding breakfast. Many people believe the bride’s ghost still haunts the nearby woods. Jane begins to wonder if the skeleton she found could finally explain what happened all those years ago, or if there is something much more complicated hiding beneath the story.
What I really enjoyed about this book is how Jane Austen is portrayed. She’s observant, thoughtful, and quietly determined. She notices details other people overlook, and she asks questions even when others would rather leave the past alone. She feels very human, not exaggerated or unrealistic.
The book is short and easy to read, but it still manages to mix mystery, history, and festive atmosphere very well. The Christmas setting adds warmth, while the mystery keeps you turning the pages. It never feels too dark or scary, which makes it ideal for fans of cosy crime.
There’s also a gentle lesson running through the story: just because something happened a long time ago doesn’t mean it no longer matters. Truth has a way of waiting to be found, even if it takes years.
Overall, The Austen Christmas Murders is a charming and enjoyable historical mystery. It’s a great choice for readers who love cosy crime, festive reads, and clever stories that don’t rush but still keep you curious until the end.
December 24, 2025
This December 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.
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.
December 9, 2025
Thank you to Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House, the author and NetGalley for a DRC in return for an honest review. I also listened to the audiobook expertly narrated by Eleanor Yates.
Jessica Bull has captured the essence of Jane Austen perfectly with this short Christmas offering. I have not read either of the first two Miss Austen Investigates books but after reading this delightful festive novella I will definitely be adding them to my TBR list, along with any future adventures.
I was fascinated to learn that the body in the cellar was inspired by the real-life story of an unknown female found in a Bolton (UK) cellar in 1982, who remains unidentified to this day.
The inclusion of some examples of literary Charades actually taken from correspondence between Jane and other family members was a nice touch, I was somewhat surprised to learn that Charades in Jane Austen's day referred to a literary game which involved guessing a word by way of a riddle (in letters, the answers were written backwards at the end of the page) and not the type of acted Charades we know today.
******
As any Janeite will know, this year marks 250 years since Jane Austen's birth in 1775. The author's actual Birthday falls on 16 December 2025 and what better way to celebrate than to read one of her novels - The Austen Christmas Murders has whet my appetite! I'm off to re-read YEBBA REGNAHTRON and NOISAUSREP ◠‿◠
#TheAustenChristmasMurders #NetGalley
Jessica Bull has captured the essence of Jane Austen perfectly with this short Christmas offering. I have not read either of the first two Miss Austen Investigates books but after reading this delightful festive novella I will definitely be adding them to my TBR list, along with any future adventures.
I was fascinated to learn that the body in the cellar was inspired by the real-life story of an unknown female found in a Bolton (UK) cellar in 1982, who remains unidentified to this day.
The inclusion of some examples of literary Charades actually taken from correspondence between Jane and other family members was a nice touch, I was somewhat surprised to learn that Charades in Jane Austen's day referred to a literary game which involved guessing a word by way of a riddle (in letters, the answers were written backwards at the end of the page) and not the type of acted Charades we know today.
******
As any Janeite will know, this year marks 250 years since Jane Austen's birth in 1775. The author's actual Birthday falls on 16 December 2025 and what better way to celebrate than to read one of her novels - The Austen Christmas Murders has whet my appetite! I'm off to re-read YEBBA REGNAHTRON and NOISAUSREP ◠‿◠
#TheAustenChristmasMurders #NetGalley
December 3, 2025
📕📗BOOK REVIEW📗📕
The Austen Christmas Murders by Jessica Bull
I loved this novella in the Miss Austen Investigates Series, written to celebrate 250 years of Jane Austen. It is December 1798 and Jane is expecting a quiet Christmas until a skeleton is found in the cellar of Deane Rectory. The narrative is interspersed with letters between Jane and her siblings Cassandra, Edward, Francis and Charles and her sister in law Eliza and I enjoyed the Regency charades contained within; albeit I only solved two of them!
Briefly, Jane is not happy with the magistrates conclusion that the body was that of an unknown soldier and no further investigation is warranted. Jane believes the body was that of a young boy or a woman, most likely the latter and the white silk led her to a brave conclusion. That this may be the body of a woman who went missing on the eve of her wedding day. Of course Jane is going to investigate!
I love the Jane this author brings us, inquiring, kind, caring and at times a little naive she is a woman who always needs answers. I was also very interested in Mrs Lefroy’s attempt to spread the word of Edward Jenner regarding the efficacy of a new vaccine for smallpox; I don’t live far from the Jenner house and museum which I have visited a number of times. As for the mystery of the body I didn’t even have an inkling as to the truth behind it! Complete shock. an enjoyable and entertaining seasonal novel.
The Austen Christmas Murders by Jessica Bull
I loved this novella in the Miss Austen Investigates Series, written to celebrate 250 years of Jane Austen. It is December 1798 and Jane is expecting a quiet Christmas until a skeleton is found in the cellar of Deane Rectory. The narrative is interspersed with letters between Jane and her siblings Cassandra, Edward, Francis and Charles and her sister in law Eliza and I enjoyed the Regency charades contained within; albeit I only solved two of them!
Briefly, Jane is not happy with the magistrates conclusion that the body was that of an unknown soldier and no further investigation is warranted. Jane believes the body was that of a young boy or a woman, most likely the latter and the white silk led her to a brave conclusion. That this may be the body of a woman who went missing on the eve of her wedding day. Of course Jane is going to investigate!
I love the Jane this author brings us, inquiring, kind, caring and at times a little naive she is a woman who always needs answers. I was also very interested in Mrs Lefroy’s attempt to spread the word of Edward Jenner regarding the efficacy of a new vaccine for smallpox; I don’t live far from the Jenner house and museum which I have visited a number of times. As for the mystery of the body I didn’t even have an inkling as to the truth behind it! Complete shock. an enjoyable and entertaining seasonal novel.
December 14, 2025
This is a great festive mystery.
I am a newcomer to this author and series so while this will have felt super familiar to some readers it was all new to me - that's both a point for the book and against it; I think I would have enjoyed it more if I'd read the previous two books in the series however it was very enjoyable nonetheless. It can be a little tricky to get into as the writing style is very different to most modern cozy murder mysteries however it does work perfectly for this book - it's also a brave decision on the part of the author and a completely lovely touch. I loved that there were references to the literary works of the real Jane Austen throughout the book too, that was beautiful.
This is a short book - and I do feel like it could have been maybe 30 pages longer - but the pacing doesn't feel rushed. It's very compelling and draws you in, and I definitely found I wanted to read more every time I put the book down. The discovery of a mummified body is unusual in this type of book and I really enjoyed that, I was also really pleased to see that the reader themselves has a few puzzles to solve in the course of the story.
Really enjoyable, and I think this will appeal to fans of Jane Austen and her work as well as fans of the cozy murder mystery genre as a whole.
I am a newcomer to this author and series so while this will have felt super familiar to some readers it was all new to me - that's both a point for the book and against it; I think I would have enjoyed it more if I'd read the previous two books in the series however it was very enjoyable nonetheless. It can be a little tricky to get into as the writing style is very different to most modern cozy murder mysteries however it does work perfectly for this book - it's also a brave decision on the part of the author and a completely lovely touch. I loved that there were references to the literary works of the real Jane Austen throughout the book too, that was beautiful.
This is a short book - and I do feel like it could have been maybe 30 pages longer - but the pacing doesn't feel rushed. It's very compelling and draws you in, and I definitely found I wanted to read more every time I put the book down. The discovery of a mummified body is unusual in this type of book and I really enjoyed that, I was also really pleased to see that the reader themselves has a few puzzles to solve in the course of the story.
Really enjoyable, and I think this will appeal to fans of Jane Austen and her work as well as fans of the cozy murder mystery genre as a whole.
November 12, 2025
My only regret with reading this eARC from NetGalley is that I have read it in November, rather than in the approach to the festive season!
We encounter Jane in the run-up to Christmas, and Jane encounters a mummified body in the cellar of her brother's home. Naturally curious and tenacious, Jane will not rest until she finds out (or confirms) who the person was in life, and how their death came about.
What I loved about this short novel were the frequent nods to (actual) Jane Austen's life and works, and how the author interwove this into the narrative.
The characters too seemed to jump off the page and it felt that Jane Austen had lent a little of her wit and character analysis to Jessica Bull in the light humour and deft touches that had me feeling like I was in the room with them.
The ending was excellent. I was reading the last few pages just before I had to leave for work, but had to stop just as Jane had had her 'aha!' moment. Never has a morning dragged so slowly, and never have I been as eager to get to lunch so I could enjoy the sustenance of a mystery solved.
Overall a most enjoyable book and, now I've realised the author has written others, I'll be getting my hands on these too.
We encounter Jane in the run-up to Christmas, and Jane encounters a mummified body in the cellar of her brother's home. Naturally curious and tenacious, Jane will not rest until she finds out (or confirms) who the person was in life, and how their death came about.
What I loved about this short novel were the frequent nods to (actual) Jane Austen's life and works, and how the author interwove this into the narrative.
The characters too seemed to jump off the page and it felt that Jane Austen had lent a little of her wit and character analysis to Jessica Bull in the light humour and deft touches that had me feeling like I was in the room with them.
The ending was excellent. I was reading the last few pages just before I had to leave for work, but had to stop just as Jane had had her 'aha!' moment. Never has a morning dragged so slowly, and never have I been as eager to get to lunch so I could enjoy the sustenance of a mystery solved.
Overall a most enjoyable book and, now I've realised the author has written others, I'll be getting my hands on these too.
December 5, 2025
This was an entertaining read.
I felt transported to Regency times, as the author did a fantastic job in setting the scene, and how lovely to read a book that isn't about 'the Season' for once! (although I adore those too.) It's so refreshing to have a regency era book set outside of London.
Jane comes across as a brilliant MFC and although I have only read Pride & Prejudice so I can't pretend to be a perfect judge of her character. All I know is that I enjoyed her, the family and her attempts to bring the dead to peace. I also had to giggle at the letters from her brothers and the stockings. A tiny touch, but a very realistic one with siblings, which only added to the fun.
The mystery was good, full of twists and turns, social norms. Jane acquitted herself well, and even managed to get a visit to a Ball, with all the delight that brings. I also really appreciated how there was no romance in this, no man to save the day. Just her family and her wits.
It was very short however and just as the book was starting to get good, it was over. I would have liked more. I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
I felt transported to Regency times, as the author did a fantastic job in setting the scene, and how lovely to read a book that isn't about 'the Season' for once! (although I adore those too.) It's so refreshing to have a regency era book set outside of London.
Jane comes across as a brilliant MFC and although I have only read Pride & Prejudice so I can't pretend to be a perfect judge of her character. All I know is that I enjoyed her, the family and her attempts to bring the dead to peace. I also had to giggle at the letters from her brothers and the stockings. A tiny touch, but a very realistic one with siblings, which only added to the fun.
The mystery was good, full of twists and turns, social norms. Jane acquitted herself well, and even managed to get a visit to a Ball, with all the delight that brings. I also really appreciated how there was no romance in this, no man to save the day. Just her family and her wits.
It was very short however and just as the book was starting to get good, it was over. I would have liked more. I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
November 26, 2025
A really nice Christmas novella, I enjoyed spending my time with Jane Austen the sleuth even if I know hardly anything about her real life in reality.
This can be read as a standalone, like I did, but I do feel, after reading it, knowing the previous stories would have helped me to enjoy the story more, I really rather confused about most of the characters in the story so I had to go back to listen to it again after finishing to full grasp the mystery of it.
That said, I really enjoyed the mystery, and I think it is a well constructed one and the twist near the end was very surprising, I didn’t see it coming at all.
Jane’s brother James discover a decomposed corpse in their cellar, the magistrate believes that it belongs to a soldier since a part of its body is wrapped around by parts of the red coat, but Jane has her own theory. She believes that the body is to light and slim to be of a soldiers, so she turns her attention to a missing lady who escapes from her wedding day a few decades ago. So she starts to look for people who might have know the lady and can help to identify her body.
This can be read as a standalone, like I did, but I do feel, after reading it, knowing the previous stories would have helped me to enjoy the story more, I really rather confused about most of the characters in the story so I had to go back to listen to it again after finishing to full grasp the mystery of it.
That said, I really enjoyed the mystery, and I think it is a well constructed one and the twist near the end was very surprising, I didn’t see it coming at all.
Jane’s brother James discover a decomposed corpse in their cellar, the magistrate believes that it belongs to a soldier since a part of its body is wrapped around by parts of the red coat, but Jane has her own theory. She believes that the body is to light and slim to be of a soldiers, so she turns her attention to a missing lady who escapes from her wedding day a few decades ago. So she starts to look for people who might have know the lady and can help to identify her body.
December 16, 2025
Happy 250th birthday Jane! I’ve absolutely indulged all things Austen this year in honour of Jane’s birthday - so why not add a festive murder mystery to the stack?
Jessica Bull continues her ‘Austen Investigates’ series with this Christmas-set tale, where Jane herself uncovers a skeleton in the cellar of Deane Rectory. Jane feels sure that the grisly discovery is linked to the legend of a young bride who’s long been thought to haunt the woods nearby.
Fans of Austen may also notice that the story has more than one nod to her novella Lady Susan.
There was lots of world building and historical context that surrounded the plot (often through letters back and forth with Jane’s brothers and sisters) which added interest in addition to the story’s central mystery, which had a pleasing twist.
Thanks to @michaeljbooks and the author for a #gifted copy of The Austen Christmas Murders to review - it’s out now!
Have you read any Austen retellings or imaginings this year, or do you prefer to keep Jane strictly on the page?
Jessica Bull continues her ‘Austen Investigates’ series with this Christmas-set tale, where Jane herself uncovers a skeleton in the cellar of Deane Rectory. Jane feels sure that the grisly discovery is linked to the legend of a young bride who’s long been thought to haunt the woods nearby.
Fans of Austen may also notice that the story has more than one nod to her novella Lady Susan.
There was lots of world building and historical context that surrounded the plot (often through letters back and forth with Jane’s brothers and sisters) which added interest in addition to the story’s central mystery, which had a pleasing twist.
Thanks to @michaeljbooks and the author for a #gifted copy of The Austen Christmas Murders to review - it’s out now!
Have you read any Austen retellings or imaginings this year, or do you prefer to keep Jane strictly on the page?
December 21, 2025
Pochi giorni al Natale del 1798, e Jane si trova nella casa paterna con i genitori, gli altri fratelli e la sorella Cassandra sono lontani. Aspettandosi delle festività noiose, si imbatte invece in un cadavere mummificato che si trova nella cantina della canonica del fratello James. Ovviamente la sua mente brillante deve cercare di identificare il cadavere, che inizialmente viene definito maschile, ma lei pensa invece sia il cadavere di una fanciulla, Mary Ellen, scappata diversi anni prima il giorno stesso del suo matrimonio. La madre non vuole saperne di riconoscerla, quindi Jane segue le tracce che la portano ad interrogare le persone che avevano conosciuto Mary Ellen e arriverà come sempre alla soluzione.
Grande fantasia ha la scrittrice Jessica Bull ad immaginare una Jane Austen investigatrice: questo è il terzo libro e devo dire che mi piace molto.
Grande fantasia ha la scrittrice Jessica Bull ad immaginare una Jane Austen investigatrice: questo è il terzo libro e devo dire che mi piace molto.
November 16, 2025
I’m a huge Jane Austen admirer so I was interested but wary of a book featuring Jane as the main character. I’ve read many non-fiction books about Jane’s life and I was expecting some errors about her family and life in Hampshire. However, Jane as investigator was believable due to the skill of the author. I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed this book and appreciate the details in the novel that are historically accurate and allow the reader to suspend disbelief. On the other hand, there was an storyline featuring the Chute family that I questioned, but fortunately, the author explains how this fits into the story. There was a twist at the end I wasn’t expecting and I liked that all the threads in the story were tied up nicely by the end of the excellent short story.
December 7, 2025
Gripping Christmas novella from Jessica Bull, about Jane Austen looking into the discovery of some bones under the Deane Vicarage. Everyone thinks they're from a vagrant soldier, frozen to death in the root cellar, but Jane suspects differently and is on a mission to find out more... Excellent story, seamlessly weaving historical facts and intriguing fiction, as Austen's enquiring and astute mind delves into the mystery of the unidentified bones. Alone in her belief that it's not a vagrant soldier she tirelessly unpicks the tangled truth, in this festive foray into Steventon. The action plays out interspersed with letters from Jane to Cassandra, and from her brothers to Jane, including some fun riddles for the reader to wrestle with! An enjoyable Christmas read.
December 23, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up to 4. A festive whodunit loosely inspired by the life and works of Jane Austen and her family. A very quick read, I think in total it took me maybe 3 hours, and interesting from the get go. This is apparently, from a series that I have not read but did not find that to be confusing or distracting, except for one part where Mrs Austen comments that Jane is not to ruin ANOTHER christmas by involving herself in murder investigations. So I assume that is the plot to an earlier book.
The only thing that confuses me is why not write your own pre to early regency characters inspired by the Austen family dynamics, surely that would be easier and afford the author more liberties if needed? Otherwise a festive little murder mystery.
The only thing that confuses me is why not write your own pre to early regency characters inspired by the Austen family dynamics, surely that would be easier and afford the author more liberties if needed? Otherwise a festive little murder mystery.
December 23, 2025
The premise of the book was interesting, which is the reason for the three star rating. But....I did not enjoy this book at all. I think the description as "sparkling" is misleading. This book felt flat: from the characters, the plot and the jarring writing style.
It's as though the author has gone out of her way to make every character as unlikeable as possible. I don't think I care for her snarky and superior Jane Austen.
The way in which the mystery is solved was very rushed and asks the reader to suspend all logical thinking. We're given zero insight into Jane's musings.
I struggled my way through this book and almost didn't finish it.
I think PD James's attempts at writing Austen mysteries were better.
It's as though the author has gone out of her way to make every character as unlikeable as possible. I don't think I care for her snarky and superior Jane Austen.
The way in which the mystery is solved was very rushed and asks the reader to suspend all logical thinking. We're given zero insight into Jane's musings.
I struggled my way through this book and almost didn't finish it.
I think PD James's attempts at writing Austen mysteries were better.
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