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A Jane Austen Town Mystery #1
Death Comes to Jane Austen Town
First in a new cozy mystery series with a Jane Austen twist from Agatha Award winning author Rosemary Stevens!
When the local bottling plant closes, employment in Boring, Virginia dries up. The mayor is under pressure to accept an offer from Dale Casino Resorts to build a massive gambling complex. The prospect would bring jobs, but it would destroy the traditional, small-town life the community loves.
All seems lost until Kay Starling is inspired by her love of iconic author Jane Austen to reinvent Boring into Jane Austen Town! Together with her family, friends, and neighbors, Kay launches a Jane Austen Festival culminating in a grand Birthday Ball to honor the author’s 250th birthday and #PartyLikeIts1811.
But will the murder of the devious dancing master spoil their plans to save the town? With Detective Gordon focusing on shy Betsy Bell Ward, Kay vows to find the killer herself. Because it’s a truth universally acknowledged that every murder needs a determined sleuth.
Includes mouthwatering recipes including one from the Regency Era!
Publisher's This is a clean, wholesome, humorous mystery. Readers do not have to be familiar with all of Jane Austen's work to enjoy the story. For Janeites, there are Easter eggs included.
Human written.
When the local bottling plant closes, employment in Boring, Virginia dries up. The mayor is under pressure to accept an offer from Dale Casino Resorts to build a massive gambling complex. The prospect would bring jobs, but it would destroy the traditional, small-town life the community loves.
All seems lost until Kay Starling is inspired by her love of iconic author Jane Austen to reinvent Boring into Jane Austen Town! Together with her family, friends, and neighbors, Kay launches a Jane Austen Festival culminating in a grand Birthday Ball to honor the author’s 250th birthday and #PartyLikeIts1811.
But will the murder of the devious dancing master spoil their plans to save the town? With Detective Gordon focusing on shy Betsy Bell Ward, Kay vows to find the killer herself. Because it’s a truth universally acknowledged that every murder needs a determined sleuth.
Includes mouthwatering recipes including one from the Regency Era!
Publisher's This is a clean, wholesome, humorous mystery. Readers do not have to be familiar with all of Jane Austen's work to enjoy the story. For Janeites, there are Easter eggs included.
Human written.
271 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 5, 2025
6 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
Rosemary Stevens
16 books32 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Rosemary Stevens has won the Agatha Award and the Romantic Times Award for Best First Mystery. She has appeared on the IMBA bestseller list several times for her Beau Brummell Mystery Series published in North America by the Penguin Group and in France by EDITIONS DU MASQUE.
Other Regency-set books include four Regency Romances. The Cats of Mayfair series includes A CRIME OF MANNERS, MISS PYMBROKES RULES, LORD & MASTER, AND HOW THE ROGUE STOLE CHRISTMAS.
Under the name Rosemary Martin, Rosemary is the author of the Murder-A-Go-Go mystery series also published by Penguin in the United States and listed as "Required Reading" by the New York Post.
Rosemary also wrote PASTA MORTEM (2018) which is part of Ellery Adams's Supper Club series.
Her current project is the Jane Austen Town Mysteries. Death Comes to Jane Austen Town is a November 2025 release.
Rosemary lives in Central Virginia with her family including two Siamese cats.
Rosemary Stevens has won the Agatha Award and the Romantic Times Award for Best First Mystery. She has appeared on the IMBA bestseller list several times for her Beau Brummell Mystery Series published in North America by the Penguin Group and in France by EDITIONS DU MASQUE.
Other Regency-set books include four Regency Romances. The Cats of Mayfair series includes A CRIME OF MANNERS, MISS PYMBROKES RULES, LORD & MASTER, AND HOW THE ROGUE STOLE CHRISTMAS.
Under the name Rosemary Martin, Rosemary is the author of the Murder-A-Go-Go mystery series also published by Penguin in the United States and listed as "Required Reading" by the New York Post.
Rosemary also wrote PASTA MORTEM (2018) which is part of Ellery Adams's Supper Club series.
Her current project is the Jane Austen Town Mysteries. Death Comes to Jane Austen Town is a November 2025 release.
Rosemary lives in Central Virginia with her family including two Siamese cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
December 14, 2025
When the going gets tough, the tough turn to Jane Austen- for everything from tourism trade to solving murders! Rosemary Stevens’ sparkling new cozy mystery series had me all sorts of excited since I can’t think of anything on the tea tray more delicious than a fun blend of Jane Austen and murder.
Desperation leads Kay Starling and a band of locals to adopt a new scheme to save their Boring, Virginia home town after the bottling company moves out taking solid jobs with it and a glaring casino is angling to move in. Kay is inspired by her love of Austen and this shared fandom with many of the local small business owners, family, and friends. Boring will become Jane Austen Town in time for Austen’s 250th birthday.
New arrival whose Darcy-like ill-advised first words in Kay’s presence turns her into a prejudiced Lizzy Bennet has Kay wondering if Flynn Holden truly wishes to help or reps the casino group and plans to sabotage her efforts. Unfortunately, Flynn proposed hiring the smarmy dancing master whose death might bring the tea parties, gowns, top hats, and ball to a screeching halt. Kay needs to both sketch out Flynn’s character while solving the murder to make Jane Austen Town happen.
Death Comes to Jane Austen Town appealed to my Janeite sensibilities from cover to cover. I loved being right in the middle of all those preparations for the whole town to get into all things Jane. Kay was an appealing central figure even when she was being dense about Flynn. As promised, there were many Austen ‘easter eggs’ for fans to find throughout the book from quotes, scenes, and to Stevens’ characters acting like familiar Austen novel characters. The mystery didn’t completely stump me, but I had fun being along for the detecting. All in all, one for cozy mystery fans and Austen lovers’ alike.
I rec'd an eARC and print copy from the author to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post on my Instagram pages, @sophiarose1816, on 12.10.25
Desperation leads Kay Starling and a band of locals to adopt a new scheme to save their Boring, Virginia home town after the bottling company moves out taking solid jobs with it and a glaring casino is angling to move in. Kay is inspired by her love of Austen and this shared fandom with many of the local small business owners, family, and friends. Boring will become Jane Austen Town in time for Austen’s 250th birthday.
New arrival whose Darcy-like ill-advised first words in Kay’s presence turns her into a prejudiced Lizzy Bennet has Kay wondering if Flynn Holden truly wishes to help or reps the casino group and plans to sabotage her efforts. Unfortunately, Flynn proposed hiring the smarmy dancing master whose death might bring the tea parties, gowns, top hats, and ball to a screeching halt. Kay needs to both sketch out Flynn’s character while solving the murder to make Jane Austen Town happen.
Death Comes to Jane Austen Town appealed to my Janeite sensibilities from cover to cover. I loved being right in the middle of all those preparations for the whole town to get into all things Jane. Kay was an appealing central figure even when she was being dense about Flynn. As promised, there were many Austen ‘easter eggs’ for fans to find throughout the book from quotes, scenes, and to Stevens’ characters acting like familiar Austen novel characters. The mystery didn’t completely stump me, but I had fun being along for the detecting. All in all, one for cozy mystery fans and Austen lovers’ alike.
I rec'd an eARC and print copy from the author to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post on my Instagram pages, @sophiarose1816, on 12.10.25
October 22, 2025
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a review. All opinions expressed in my review are my own and not affected by the giveaway.
When the local bottling plant in Boring, Virginia closes, Kay Sterling is the one who has to break the bad news to the employees. Feeling guilty, Kay wants to come up with a plan to save Boring from an invasion by a wealthy developer who wants to build a casino, against the wishes of the townspeople. With the help of her family, Kay is inspired to start a Jane Austen festival to honor everyone's favorite author for her 250th birthday in December. Almost everyone in town is a Janeite thanks to Kay and family hosting a Jane Austen readathon and anything is preferable to a casino. Unfortunately Kay must work with the wealthy (handsome) but ill tempered, sugar-hating Flynn Holdenwho has recently inherited property in town and has experience working at Colonial Williamsburg. Flynn hires dancing master Nathaniel Plyford who stirs up trouble in town courting all the ladies. He's a love 'em and leave 'em type and Kay doesn't want anyone upset and ruining the festival. She's so angry she could kill him! Flynn promises to deal with him but by the time Flynn arrives on the scene, is lying dead with a pair of custom made sewing scissors in his chest and sweet Betsy Bell standing over him. The police are certain Betsy is the killer and perhaps Kay colluded with her. It's up to Kay to find out who killed the dancing master before her festival and Boring are ruined.
Let me start by saying this book is for the dedicated Janeites, especially those of us who have attended a 250th birthday event like the one in the book. I am and I have so I really enjoyed all the Jane Austen festival details and want to #PartyLikeIts 1811! Woohoo! Happy Birthday dear Jane! This story is NOT for casual readers/movie lovers or just regular cozy mystery fans. If I had NOT recently been to an event similar to the one in the book, I probably would have found the story corny and hokey. The plot parallels one of Austen's novels and Kay, who has them memorized, should have known who the killer was right away. She doesn't realize she's in the middle of everyone's favorite book in spite of the fact EVERYONE else DOES recognize the similarities! That normally makes me roll my eyes but I appreciated that everyone else seemed to know even if Kay didn't. At least in terms of the romance anyway. I was taken in too and never guessed who the murderer was. I thought it was someone else entirely.
Boring is an old-fashioned town. They're stuck 50 years ago and haven't moved on. This is sometimes charming, like when it comes to their folksy sayings and the tight-knit community, but it's also annoying and could hold them back. The locals love to gossip and the diner is the neighborhood hot-spot where everyone goes for breakfast and gossip. The townspeople are totally resistant to the idea of a casino coming in. It will change the character of the town and they don't want that.
There are a TON of characters in this story. We're introduced to a lot of townspeople because Kay truly loves her town and feels responsible for helping out those who are less fortunate than she is. She has savings, a family and lives on her family estate/horse farm and has the time and space to figure out what her next move will be. Others are not so luck. One couple recently bought a house and are expecting baby #4 soon. (One guess as to when the baby is born and what they name the baby!) This town really has nothing. Kay's uncle once had a thoroughbred horse breeding business but since he died, the family hasn't really been able to keep it going. Kay's brother wants to try though.
I really like Kay. I can relate to her devotion to Jane Austen and how much of a Janeite she is. She loves her town and her family and truly wants to make a difference. She can be stubborn and refuses to listen to better judgement sometimes but that's because she's too nice and trusting. She's not a pushover or a Mary Sue. She can take care of herself and hold her own like any modern woman. Kay is aware of the advantages of modern society but it's fun to go back and live in a simpler time and pretend your favorite book hero is proposing to you. (I suspect hers will for real eventually). Kay's clash with Flynn is based on prejudice. She's embarrassed when he sees her with cupcake shoved in her mouth and hurt when he insults her BFF's cupcakes. Yes that was uncalled for but I think he couldn't resist the temptation to quote Mr. Darcy. Kay also sees his well cut suit and knows he has money. She thinks he's from the casino group at first. Flynn may hate sugar but maybe he has a reason. When he did eventually explain it was kind of a no brainer and I didn't understand why he felt the need to keep it private. Flynn is a genuinely good guy. He likes Boring and wants to help. Or so he says anyway. He works well with Kay most of the time and he doesn't seem to be prejudiced against HER in any way or proud and disagreeable like Mr. Darcy. Flynn is not a well fleshed out character though and I don't feel like I really know him. There's no "last man in the world I could be prevailed upon to marry" moment because he doesn't need it. However, he could be a murderer. He doesn't have an alibi and did have a motive!
I especially love Kay's Aunt Adelaide. Kay obviously admires her aunt very much and her aunt is a great role model. Confident and secure in who she is, Aunt Adelaide dresses in Regency style dresses every day (oh my!) to express herself and show her appreciation for her favorite author. Clearly this woman is my kind of person! Not only does she have great taste in literature and fashion, not only is she confident, she's also compassionate and a mover and shaker. Aunt Adelaide knows how to get things done in town and she doesn't quit until it's settled. I want to be her as much as Kay wants to be her! Kay's niece, Sarah Beth, is a Junior Janeite. She is adamant that you can't be a true Janeite unless you've read ALL the books and seen ALL the adaptations. Hold it there girlie! Even I haven't seen them ALL! I just learned about some old adaptations I haven't seen before and then there were radio plays in the 1940s before TV! Also I haven't seen Zombies yet. (I will in the next year or two when my zombie obsessed nephew is old enough to want to impress girls.)
Kay's best friend Hayley is fun. She owns a bakery and her dessert decorator extraordinaire makes the most incredible treats! Hayley likes to tease Kay about her love life but can't sort out her own love life. She was seeing Detective Derek Gordon, but I suspect she's truly in love with Kay's brother Hugo. They tease each other like brother and sister or like kids with a crush but I think that's because they've fallen into the pattern, having known each other forever. It will take some soul searching and bravery for one of them to make a move. Hayley seems like she wouldn't be unafraid to make the first move. Hugo has bad taste in women so Hayley truly needs to ask him out before he falls for another Mary Crawford type.
The not so fun characters include Silas Dale, the wealthy developer. He doesn't take no for an answer and is prone to pitching fits when he doesn't get his own way. He never loses a deal and he's determined to put a casino resort in Boring with or without community support. He can just BUY people's land. Mayor Buckalew. How on earth did he get elected? The man does not have two functioning brain cells and all he cares about is gossip, getting reelected, courting Aunt Adelaide (she's not interested) and his Buster's Big Size Pies business. Mayor Buckalew is all for the casino because he was promised his pies would be in vending machines in the casino. The power behind the mayor is Coralie Bouchard, town manager. A millionaire, she now wants to be the mayor's wife, the power behind the throne so to speak. She can buy anything she wants except that. So far anyway. Coralie is a nasty witch who won't let anything stand in her way of bringing a casino to Boring. No one knows what she's getting out of it. I thought for sure one of these people was the murder victim but when they weren't, I thought/hoped one was the murderer. Coraline sure seems like the type who would stop at nothing to get what she wants and we know Silas Dale sure is.
Jonathan Warren is vice-president of of Dale Casino Resorts. He seems like a typical sleazy businessman at first but the longer he stays in Boring, the more it seems to get under his skin. He's kind to Kay and helps with the investigation. He seems attracted to her and she's flattered by the attention but not super interested in dating anyone. Jonathan is very sweet and attentive but others in town don't trust him.
The victim, dancing master Nathaniel Plyford, is a Mr. Wickham type. He's a sleazy womanizer, makes crude comments and is a total creep. Kay is worried his shenanigans will ruin the festival but she would never kill anyone!
Detective Derek Gordon is portrayed as the enemy here but he's just doing his job. He's doing his job by the book and that won't get him fired! If he is objective and treats Kay like the friend she is and Betsy like the beloved community member she is, he can't solve the case and he could be removed. Do they really want non-local law enforcement to come in and do this the hard way? I feel bad for him because Kay and Hayley judge him so harshly and no one considers his dilemma. He does seem to be working on the case and looking at other suspects.
Suspects include Kay, who is obviously not the murderer and Flynn, who is probably not the murderer either. The police suspect Betsy Bell. She's the sweetest lady! A grandmotherly type but still young enough to have parents living, Betsy has never had any soda other than Hurdee Gurdee, she doesn't drink spirits or caffeine. Betsy is just way too timid and unsure of herself. She's lovely but needs a lot of gentle guidance. Betsy has an amazing sounding fabric shop and dressmaking business. She makes beautiful Regency style clothing to sell at the festival and I absolutely agree with her argument with Alexandra! NO zippers or tacky modern synthetic fabrics and the dresses are probably already marked up and made by people who aren't being paid what they're worth. (However, some of them are actually very pretty and not all one color or identical so if that's your budget, go for it and give your money to Amazon.)
Alexandra Bartholomew is a *itch from Massachusetts. She owns a B&B business and holds Jane Austen themed weekends yet thinks the main character of Sense & Sensibility is... a matchmaker? Who? Mrs. Jennings? Or is she confused and thinks Emma is the main character in Sense & Sensibility? Alexandra is snippy and rude to everyone and doesn't try to hide it. She even gets into a fight with Betsy and doesn't understand how genuine Betsy is. Betsy is way too innocent to want to sleep with creepy sleazy Nathaniel. Alexandra is high on my list of suspects. Sharon Calhoun is also near the top of my suspect list. She's had a hard life. A middle-aged single mother of a grown son, she struggled to raise her son on her own and has now lost her job at the bottling plant. She seems to have let her burdens weigh her down. She never smiles and is very quiet. Sharon seems very intense to me. She's hiding something from Josie and I think she had motive, means and opportunity. Nathaniel probably seemed like a dream come true until she learned of his sleazy nature. There are any number of women and probably husbands who wanted Nathaniel gone. There's also an ex-wife and who knows how many women from Colonial Williamsburg and other places he's worked!
I could have done without Cho the cat subplot. That gave the story a slight fantasy/paranormal feel which didn't fit the rest of the story.
I don't see this story working as a series but as a one off, to celebrate Jane's 250th birthday, it was a lot of fun and I enjoyed it very much.
Typo: The name of the dance is Mr. Beveridge's Maggot not Mr. Beverage
When the local bottling plant in Boring, Virginia closes, Kay Sterling is the one who has to break the bad news to the employees. Feeling guilty, Kay wants to come up with a plan to save Boring from an invasion by a wealthy developer who wants to build a casino, against the wishes of the townspeople. With the help of her family, Kay is inspired to start a Jane Austen festival to honor everyone's favorite author for her 250th birthday in December. Almost everyone in town is a Janeite thanks to Kay and family hosting a Jane Austen readathon and anything is preferable to a casino. Unfortunately Kay must work with the wealthy (handsome) but ill tempered, sugar-hating Flynn Holdenwho has recently inherited property in town and has experience working at Colonial Williamsburg. Flynn hires dancing master Nathaniel Plyford who stirs up trouble in town courting all the ladies. He's a love 'em and leave 'em type and Kay doesn't want anyone upset and ruining the festival. She's so angry she could kill him! Flynn promises to deal with him but by the time Flynn arrives on the scene, is lying dead with a pair of custom made sewing scissors in his chest and sweet Betsy Bell standing over him. The police are certain Betsy is the killer and perhaps Kay colluded with her. It's up to Kay to find out who killed the dancing master before her festival and Boring are ruined.
Let me start by saying this book is for the dedicated Janeites, especially those of us who have attended a 250th birthday event like the one in the book. I am and I have so I really enjoyed all the Jane Austen festival details and want to #PartyLikeIts 1811! Woohoo! Happy Birthday dear Jane! This story is NOT for casual readers/movie lovers or just regular cozy mystery fans. If I had NOT recently been to an event similar to the one in the book, I probably would have found the story corny and hokey. The plot parallels one of Austen's novels and Kay, who has them memorized, should have known who the killer was right away. She doesn't realize she's in the middle of everyone's favorite book in spite of the fact EVERYONE else DOES recognize the similarities! That normally makes me roll my eyes but I appreciated that everyone else seemed to know even if Kay didn't. At least in terms of the romance anyway. I was taken in too and never guessed who the murderer was. I thought it was someone else entirely.
Boring is an old-fashioned town. They're stuck 50 years ago and haven't moved on. This is sometimes charming, like when it comes to their folksy sayings and the tight-knit community, but it's also annoying and could hold them back. The locals love to gossip and the diner is the neighborhood hot-spot where everyone goes for breakfast and gossip. The townspeople are totally resistant to the idea of a casino coming in. It will change the character of the town and they don't want that.
There are a TON of characters in this story. We're introduced to a lot of townspeople because Kay truly loves her town and feels responsible for helping out those who are less fortunate than she is. She has savings, a family and lives on her family estate/horse farm and has the time and space to figure out what her next move will be. Others are not so luck. One couple recently bought a house and are expecting baby #4 soon. (One guess as to when the baby is born and what they name the baby!) This town really has nothing. Kay's uncle once had a thoroughbred horse breeding business but since he died, the family hasn't really been able to keep it going. Kay's brother wants to try though.
I really like Kay. I can relate to her devotion to Jane Austen and how much of a Janeite she is. She loves her town and her family and truly wants to make a difference. She can be stubborn and refuses to listen to better judgement sometimes but that's because she's too nice and trusting. She's not a pushover or a Mary Sue. She can take care of herself and hold her own like any modern woman. Kay is aware of the advantages of modern society but it's fun to go back and live in a simpler time and pretend your favorite book hero is proposing to you. (I suspect hers will for real eventually). Kay's clash with Flynn is based on prejudice. She's embarrassed when he sees her with cupcake shoved in her mouth and hurt when he insults her BFF's cupcakes. Yes that was uncalled for but I think he couldn't resist the temptation to quote Mr. Darcy. Kay also sees his well cut suit and knows he has money. She thinks he's from the casino group at first. Flynn may hate sugar but maybe he has a reason. When he did eventually explain it was kind of a no brainer and I didn't understand why he felt the need to keep it private. Flynn is a genuinely good guy. He likes Boring and wants to help. Or so he says anyway. He works well with Kay most of the time and he doesn't seem to be prejudiced against HER in any way or proud and disagreeable like Mr. Darcy. Flynn is not a well fleshed out character though and I don't feel like I really know him. There's no "last man in the world I could be prevailed upon to marry" moment because he doesn't need it. However, he could be a murderer. He doesn't have an alibi and did have a motive!
I especially love Kay's Aunt Adelaide. Kay obviously admires her aunt very much and her aunt is a great role model. Confident and secure in who she is, Aunt Adelaide dresses in Regency style dresses every day (oh my!) to express herself and show her appreciation for her favorite author. Clearly this woman is my kind of person! Not only does she have great taste in literature and fashion, not only is she confident, she's also compassionate and a mover and shaker. Aunt Adelaide knows how to get things done in town and she doesn't quit until it's settled. I want to be her as much as Kay wants to be her! Kay's niece, Sarah Beth, is a Junior Janeite. She is adamant that you can't be a true Janeite unless you've read ALL the books and seen ALL the adaptations. Hold it there girlie! Even I haven't seen them ALL! I just learned about some old adaptations I haven't seen before and then there were radio plays in the 1940s before TV! Also I haven't seen Zombies yet. (I will in the next year or two when my zombie obsessed nephew is old enough to want to impress girls.)
Kay's best friend Hayley is fun. She owns a bakery and her dessert decorator extraordinaire makes the most incredible treats! Hayley likes to tease Kay about her love life but can't sort out her own love life. She was seeing Detective Derek Gordon, but I suspect she's truly in love with Kay's brother Hugo. They tease each other like brother and sister or like kids with a crush but I think that's because they've fallen into the pattern, having known each other forever. It will take some soul searching and bravery for one of them to make a move. Hayley seems like she wouldn't be unafraid to make the first move. Hugo has bad taste in women so Hayley truly needs to ask him out before he falls for another Mary Crawford type.
The not so fun characters include Silas Dale, the wealthy developer. He doesn't take no for an answer and is prone to pitching fits when he doesn't get his own way. He never loses a deal and he's determined to put a casino resort in Boring with or without community support. He can just BUY people's land. Mayor Buckalew. How on earth did he get elected? The man does not have two functioning brain cells and all he cares about is gossip, getting reelected, courting Aunt Adelaide (she's not interested) and his Buster's Big Size Pies business. Mayor Buckalew is all for the casino because he was promised his pies would be in vending machines in the casino. The power behind the mayor is Coralie Bouchard, town manager. A millionaire, she now wants to be the mayor's wife, the power behind the throne so to speak. She can buy anything she wants except that. So far anyway. Coralie is a nasty witch who won't let anything stand in her way of bringing a casino to Boring. No one knows what she's getting out of it. I thought for sure one of these people was the murder victim but when they weren't, I thought/hoped one was the murderer. Coraline sure seems like the type who would stop at nothing to get what she wants and we know Silas Dale sure is.
Jonathan Warren is vice-president of of Dale Casino Resorts. He seems like a typical sleazy businessman at first but the longer he stays in Boring, the more it seems to get under his skin. He's kind to Kay and helps with the investigation. He seems attracted to her and she's flattered by the attention but not super interested in dating anyone. Jonathan is very sweet and attentive but others in town don't trust him.
The victim, dancing master Nathaniel Plyford, is a Mr. Wickham type. He's a sleazy womanizer, makes crude comments and is a total creep. Kay is worried his shenanigans will ruin the festival but she would never kill anyone!
Detective Derek Gordon is portrayed as the enemy here but he's just doing his job. He's doing his job by the book and that won't get him fired! If he is objective and treats Kay like the friend she is and Betsy like the beloved community member she is, he can't solve the case and he could be removed. Do they really want non-local law enforcement to come in and do this the hard way? I feel bad for him because Kay and Hayley judge him so harshly and no one considers his dilemma. He does seem to be working on the case and looking at other suspects.
Suspects include Kay, who is obviously not the murderer and Flynn, who is probably not the murderer either. The police suspect Betsy Bell. She's the sweetest lady! A grandmotherly type but still young enough to have parents living, Betsy has never had any soda other than Hurdee Gurdee, she doesn't drink spirits or caffeine. Betsy is just way too timid and unsure of herself. She's lovely but needs a lot of gentle guidance. Betsy has an amazing sounding fabric shop and dressmaking business. She makes beautiful Regency style clothing to sell at the festival and I absolutely agree with her argument with Alexandra! NO zippers or tacky modern synthetic fabrics and the dresses are probably already marked up and made by people who aren't being paid what they're worth. (However, some of them are actually very pretty and not all one color or identical so if that's your budget, go for it and give your money to Amazon.)
Alexandra Bartholomew is a *itch from Massachusetts. She owns a B&B business and holds Jane Austen themed weekends yet thinks the main character of Sense & Sensibility is... a matchmaker? Who? Mrs. Jennings? Or is she confused and thinks Emma is the main character in Sense & Sensibility? Alexandra is snippy and rude to everyone and doesn't try to hide it. She even gets into a fight with Betsy and doesn't understand how genuine Betsy is. Betsy is way too innocent to want to sleep with creepy sleazy Nathaniel. Alexandra is high on my list of suspects. Sharon Calhoun is also near the top of my suspect list. She's had a hard life. A middle-aged single mother of a grown son, she struggled to raise her son on her own and has now lost her job at the bottling plant. She seems to have let her burdens weigh her down. She never smiles and is very quiet. Sharon seems very intense to me. She's hiding something from Josie and I think she had motive, means and opportunity. Nathaniel probably seemed like a dream come true until she learned of his sleazy nature. There are any number of women and probably husbands who wanted Nathaniel gone. There's also an ex-wife and who knows how many women from Colonial Williamsburg and other places he's worked!
I could have done without Cho the cat subplot. That gave the story a slight fantasy/paranormal feel which didn't fit the rest of the story.
I don't see this story working as a series but as a one off, to celebrate Jane's 250th birthday, it was a lot of fun and I enjoyed it very much.
Typo: The name of the dance is Mr. Beveridge's Maggot not Mr. Beverage
January 8, 2026
Definitely a book for Jane Austen fans. I think people who aren’t would find this too corny. I thought it was cute.
December 7, 2025
Rosemary Stevens delivers a charming cozy mystery set in a small Virginia town celebrating Jane Austen's 250th birthday. Kay Starling is a devoted Austen enthusiast who chairs the Jane Austen Festival in her hometown, and when a visiting dance instructor is murdered during opening week, the festival becomes the backdrop for murder, suspicion, and shocking betrayal. The book captures the warmth of community-driven events while weaving a complex murder mystery that keeps readers guessing until the final ball. It is engaging and fun, with a satisfying resolution that reveals the killer in this first book, not a cliffhanger for the next.
The Setup: Jane Austen Festival and Murder Most Foul
⟡ Kay Starling lives at Starling Farm with her Aunt Adeline, a Jane Austen devotee. She has organized a Jane Austen Festival and 250th Birthday Celebration scheduled for December 12-16 in Jane Austen Town, a small, economically struggling Virginia community. The festival features Regency gowns, English country dancing, archery lessons, romantic letter writing contests, and various Austen-themed events meant to attract tourists and save the dying town from economic collapse.
⟡ Nathaniel Playford, a dance instructor in his late forties, arrives to teach English country dancing as part of the festival. However, Playford proves to be a cad and philanderer. He flirts shamelessly with female festival attendees and locals, makes vulgar comments to Hayley (who runs the bakery), and generally behaves with disrespect toward women. Kay confronts him about his inappropriate behavior, but he refuses to change, claiming he lives life like "La Boulanger," a rowdy dance with many partners.
⟡ Kay is determined, principled, and willing to stand up to unpleasant people, though she has poor judgment about others' intentions.
⟡ Nathaniel is charming but utterly selfish and morally bankrupt.
⟡ The festival setting provides both economic hope and murder opportunity.
The First Murder: Betsy Bell Found with Scissors
⟡ Betsy Bell is the obvious but completely innocent suspect.
⟡ Kay's detective instincts kick in despite having no official authority.
⟡ Flynn Holden becomes Kay's unofficial partner in investigating the murder.
Alexandra Bartholomew: The Woman from Massachusetts
⟡ Alexandra is superficial, lying, and threatening.
⟡ Her ignorance about Jane Austen's works exposes her phoniness.
Sharon Grant: Nathaniel's Ex-Wife and Hidden Victim
⟡ Sharon's maternal love for Palmer is genuine and honorable.
⟡ Nathaniel's abandonment of his son is unforgivable.
⟡ Sharon's presence at the Assembly Rooms initially makes her look guilty.
Jonathan Warren: The Charming Villain Revealed
⟡ Jonathan Warren is a smooth-talking Texan who works for casino mogul Silas Dale. He appears to be helping Kay investigate the murders while secretly being the killer all along. He manipulates Kay's trust and feelings throughout the story, creating a dangerous false sense of security.
⟡ He represents the "enemy from outside" that threatens the town, but his true threat is far more personal and murderous.
The Second Murder: Alexandra Found Dead and Attack on Kay
⟡ Someone wants Kay dead, but fails because of a mischievous crow.
⟡ The murder weapon shifts from scissors to a knitting needle.
⟡ Betsy Bell is finding bodies, which looks very incriminating but she is innocent.
The Investigation: Multiple Suspects and Growing Clues
⟡ Life insurance policy initially gives Sharon a potential financial motive.
⟡ Sharon was seen at the murder scene but claims innocence.
⟡ Multiple women had connections to Nathaniel and potential motives.
The Jane Austen Birthday Ball: Jonathan Warren Revealed as the Killer
⟡ Jonathan Warren is the killer, not a romantic interest.
⟡ He manipulated Kay and everyone else throughout the story.
⟡ His dimpled smile and Texas charm concealed a ruthless criminal mind.
⟡ He faked evidence and carefully planned multiple murders.
The Confrontation and Arrest
⟡ The killer is revealed and arrested before the end of the book.
⟡ Justice is served definitively in this first book.
⟡ Kay's bravery and intelligence ultimately save her life.
What Works Beautifully
The book captures the charm of small-town life in Virginia perfectly. The Regency setting provides whimsical details without overwhelming the modern murder mystery. Stevens clearly loves Jane Austen's work and weaves references naturally throughout the narrative. The dialogue is witty and the banter between Kay and her friends feels genuine. Kay is a protagonist who acts according to her values, even when it inconveniences her or puts her at risk.
The mystery itself is complex enough to be interesting without becoming convoluted. Multiple suspects have plausible motives, and the clues (the scissors, the perfume, the arrow, the knitting needle, the insurance policy, the fake security footage) are laid out fairly for readers to piece together.
The final Jane Austen Birthday Ball serves as the perfect setting for the climactic reveal. The contrast between the beauty of the celebration and the horror of Jonathan's violence is striking. The ball continues after Jonathan's arrest, allowing the townspeople to celebrate Jane Austen's birthday despite the trauma, which feels right.
Weaknesses
The romantic subplot with Flynn Holden feels underdeveloped. While Flynn is attractive and kind, his feelings for Kay are not clearly established until near the end, and readers may feel confused about the relationship dynamics. Some readers may want more clarity about whether Kay and Flynn have romantic potential or are simply friends.
The motive for Jonathan's murders, while revealed, could have been explored more deeply. The blackmail scheme against Silas Dale feels slightly separate from the murders themselves, and Jonathan's psychological profile as a sociopath could have been developed more thoroughly.
Some supporting characters like Mayor Buckalew and town manager Coralie Bouchard feel more like caricatures than fully realized people. However, this is appropriate for a cozy mystery where secondary characters often serve specific story functions.
Who Should Read This
Fans of Agatha Christie style cozy mysteries will enjoy this book tremendously. Readers who love Jane Austen references and historical detail will appreciate the festival setting and character names. Anyone who enjoys small-town mysteries with quirky characters, gentle humor, and ultimately satisfying justice will find this highly enjoyable. The book is appropriate for young adults and adult readers alike, with no graphic violence or explicit content.
The Setup: Jane Austen Festival and Murder Most Foul
⟡ Kay Starling lives at Starling Farm with her Aunt Adeline, a Jane Austen devotee. She has organized a Jane Austen Festival and 250th Birthday Celebration scheduled for December 12-16 in Jane Austen Town, a small, economically struggling Virginia community. The festival features Regency gowns, English country dancing, archery lessons, romantic letter writing contests, and various Austen-themed events meant to attract tourists and save the dying town from economic collapse.
⟡ Nathaniel Playford, a dance instructor in his late forties, arrives to teach English country dancing as part of the festival. However, Playford proves to be a cad and philanderer. He flirts shamelessly with female festival attendees and locals, makes vulgar comments to Hayley (who runs the bakery), and generally behaves with disrespect toward women. Kay confronts him about his inappropriate behavior, but he refuses to change, claiming he lives life like "La Boulanger," a rowdy dance with many partners.
⟡ Kay is determined, principled, and willing to stand up to unpleasant people, though she has poor judgment about others' intentions.
⟡ Nathaniel is charming but utterly selfish and morally bankrupt.
⟡ The festival setting provides both economic hope and murder opportunity.
The First Murder: Betsy Bell Found with Scissors
⟡ Betsy Bell is the obvious but completely innocent suspect.
⟡ Kay's detective instincts kick in despite having no official authority.
⟡ Flynn Holden becomes Kay's unofficial partner in investigating the murder.
Alexandra Bartholomew: The Woman from Massachusetts
⟡ Alexandra is superficial, lying, and threatening.
⟡ Her ignorance about Jane Austen's works exposes her phoniness.
Sharon Grant: Nathaniel's Ex-Wife and Hidden Victim
⟡ Sharon's maternal love for Palmer is genuine and honorable.
⟡ Nathaniel's abandonment of his son is unforgivable.
⟡ Sharon's presence at the Assembly Rooms initially makes her look guilty.
Jonathan Warren: The Charming Villain Revealed
⟡ Jonathan Warren is a smooth-talking Texan who works for casino mogul Silas Dale. He appears to be helping Kay investigate the murders while secretly being the killer all along. He manipulates Kay's trust and feelings throughout the story, creating a dangerous false sense of security.
⟡ He represents the "enemy from outside" that threatens the town, but his true threat is far more personal and murderous.
The Second Murder: Alexandra Found Dead and Attack on Kay
⟡ Someone wants Kay dead, but fails because of a mischievous crow.
⟡ The murder weapon shifts from scissors to a knitting needle.
⟡ Betsy Bell is finding bodies, which looks very incriminating but she is innocent.
The Investigation: Multiple Suspects and Growing Clues
⟡ Life insurance policy initially gives Sharon a potential financial motive.
⟡ Sharon was seen at the murder scene but claims innocence.
⟡ Multiple women had connections to Nathaniel and potential motives.
The Jane Austen Birthday Ball: Jonathan Warren Revealed as the Killer
⟡ Jonathan Warren is the killer, not a romantic interest.
⟡ He manipulated Kay and everyone else throughout the story.
⟡ His dimpled smile and Texas charm concealed a ruthless criminal mind.
⟡ He faked evidence and carefully planned multiple murders.
The Confrontation and Arrest
⟡ The killer is revealed and arrested before the end of the book.
⟡ Justice is served definitively in this first book.
⟡ Kay's bravery and intelligence ultimately save her life.
What Works Beautifully
The book captures the charm of small-town life in Virginia perfectly. The Regency setting provides whimsical details without overwhelming the modern murder mystery. Stevens clearly loves Jane Austen's work and weaves references naturally throughout the narrative. The dialogue is witty and the banter between Kay and her friends feels genuine. Kay is a protagonist who acts according to her values, even when it inconveniences her or puts her at risk.
The mystery itself is complex enough to be interesting without becoming convoluted. Multiple suspects have plausible motives, and the clues (the scissors, the perfume, the arrow, the knitting needle, the insurance policy, the fake security footage) are laid out fairly for readers to piece together.
The final Jane Austen Birthday Ball serves as the perfect setting for the climactic reveal. The contrast between the beauty of the celebration and the horror of Jonathan's violence is striking. The ball continues after Jonathan's arrest, allowing the townspeople to celebrate Jane Austen's birthday despite the trauma, which feels right.
Weaknesses
The romantic subplot with Flynn Holden feels underdeveloped. While Flynn is attractive and kind, his feelings for Kay are not clearly established until near the end, and readers may feel confused about the relationship dynamics. Some readers may want more clarity about whether Kay and Flynn have romantic potential or are simply friends.
The motive for Jonathan's murders, while revealed, could have been explored more deeply. The blackmail scheme against Silas Dale feels slightly separate from the murders themselves, and Jonathan's psychological profile as a sociopath could have been developed more thoroughly.
Some supporting characters like Mayor Buckalew and town manager Coralie Bouchard feel more like caricatures than fully realized people. However, this is appropriate for a cozy mystery where secondary characters often serve specific story functions.
Who Should Read This
Fans of Agatha Christie style cozy mysteries will enjoy this book tremendously. Readers who love Jane Austen references and historical detail will appreciate the festival setting and character names. Anyone who enjoys small-town mysteries with quirky characters, gentle humor, and ultimately satisfying justice will find this highly enjoyable. The book is appropriate for young adults and adult readers alike, with no graphic violence or explicit content.
December 19, 2025
I just learned of Rosemary Stevens from a Facebook group. I read Death Comes to Jane Austen Town with a couple of hours. I think it’s a well written book. I now want to attend a Jane Austen Festival and live in a quaint town that has a love for Austen. I recommend this book for a good cozy read with a hot cup of tea!
October 14, 2025
"Death Comes to Jane Austen Town (A Jane Austen Town Mystery #1)" by Rosemary Stevens has one family basically taking over a slowly dying small Virginia, USA town by turning it from a town called Boring to Jane Austen Town. Everything then focuses on making the town as Regency period accurate. Clothing and mannerisms wise at least. Just to have one festival around Jane Austen's birthday. I know my town gets a bit focused on the whole Jesse James connection but we have other festivals and focuses too throughout the year. One festival will not save a town.
However, I get it. Regency festivals are big right now. Jane Austen has a big following as well. Gotta have a theme for the stories too. Though, unless each following book is going to most focus on references or similarities to one specific Jane Austen book then theme could get used up quickly with how much this one connected to Jane Austen.it's not a hint of Jane, it's full on cosplay.
The aunt/matriarch of the family is always dressed and acting as if it's the regency period. She's still a true Southern matriarch though. She seems to also except every entering or staying in her home to be in period accurate Regency clothing while in her home, even to bed. Plus, not sure she's mentally all there beyond that too. She believes a she sees a white stag whenever there's been a death and that her newly adopted cat is the King of Siamese Cats, who has to be kept safe from kidnappers. We get info on why the white stag but the cat thing is a quick drop and no background info given. The other characters are expected to just accept the cat has been around for 40+ years and is legit royalty.
The mystery part was fairly interesting. A casino land developer is trying to take over a big part of the town but the townsfolk initially chase him out in favor of the Jane Austen rebranding. During the first days of the festival a skeeze of dance instructor is found dead with a local girl's sewing scissors in him and her the one to find him. Kay, the main character, is second on scene and doesn't like that the girl is being railroaded by investigators. She starts investigating and at the last minute gets an important clue that leads to her having to defend herself with one of her love interests delayed but timely assistance.
I did enjoy this book. I'm not a big Jane Austen fan myself. Just not my particular taste in books. So, if it scaled back a bit on the over the top Jane Austen-ness (can keep it tastefully but this was a bit overdone) I would more regularly keep up with this series. If you love Jane Austen as much as the characters in this book do, then this is a book for sure for you.
However, I get it. Regency festivals are big right now. Jane Austen has a big following as well. Gotta have a theme for the stories too. Though, unless each following book is going to most focus on references or similarities to one specific Jane Austen book then theme could get used up quickly with how much this one connected to Jane Austen.it's not a hint of Jane, it's full on cosplay.
The aunt/matriarch of the family is always dressed and acting as if it's the regency period. She's still a true Southern matriarch though. She seems to also except every entering or staying in her home to be in period accurate Regency clothing while in her home, even to bed. Plus, not sure she's mentally all there beyond that too. She believes a she sees a white stag whenever there's been a death and that her newly adopted cat is the King of Siamese Cats, who has to be kept safe from kidnappers. We get info on why the white stag but the cat thing is a quick drop and no background info given. The other characters are expected to just accept the cat has been around for 40+ years and is legit royalty.
The mystery part was fairly interesting. A casino land developer is trying to take over a big part of the town but the townsfolk initially chase him out in favor of the Jane Austen rebranding. During the first days of the festival a skeeze of dance instructor is found dead with a local girl's sewing scissors in him and her the one to find him. Kay, the main character, is second on scene and doesn't like that the girl is being railroaded by investigators. She starts investigating and at the last minute gets an important clue that leads to her having to defend herself with one of her love interests delayed but timely assistance.
I did enjoy this book. I'm not a big Jane Austen fan myself. Just not my particular taste in books. So, if it scaled back a bit on the over the top Jane Austen-ness (can keep it tastefully but this was a bit overdone) I would more regularly keep up with this series. If you love Jane Austen as much as the characters in this book do, then this is a book for sure for you.
November 12, 2025
A classic cozy mystery set in a small town, with a wacky group of characters and a budding romance all with a large focus on Jane Austen. I enjoyed the setting, the who-done-it, the plot and pacing, and the characters. All in all, a great read for cozy mystery fans looking for a quick and fun read, particularly those who also consider themselves Janeites.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
December 23, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, for giving me the opportunity to read this book!
⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was so so so excited to read this book as a lover of Pride and Prejudice, and reading this around Jane Austen’s 250th birthday felt even more special!
I enjoyed the start of this book but found that it felt too rushed. There was a lot more potential for character development in the story in my opinion.
But one thing I really enjoyed about this book, was the plot twists, how you never knew who the murderer was,,, but towards the end I had my suspicions.
A good, cosy, small town murder mystery, for fans of A Cinnamon Falls Mystery and Dream Harbour. Andddd all things murder mystery and small town romance!
⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was so so so excited to read this book as a lover of Pride and Prejudice, and reading this around Jane Austen’s 250th birthday felt even more special!
I enjoyed the start of this book but found that it felt too rushed. There was a lot more potential for character development in the story in my opinion.
But one thing I really enjoyed about this book, was the plot twists, how you never knew who the murderer was,,, but towards the end I had my suspicions.
A good, cosy, small town murder mystery, for fans of A Cinnamon Falls Mystery and Dream Harbour. Andddd all things murder mystery and small town romance!
October 13, 2025
#DeathComestoJaneAustenTown #NetGalley is a new series that puts a different spin on a traditional cozy mystery. Kay Starling is a Janeite, someone who lives and breathes Jane Austen.
When the local bottling plant shuts down, the mayor of Boring, Virginia decides to entertain an offer from Dale Casino resorts.
The whole town is against this and Kay comes up with a Jane Austen Festival ending with a grand birthday ball to honor the author’s 250th birthday. Everyone is excited about the festival but when the dance master is murdered, this may be the end of this festival.
I really liked this story, all the characters are quirky and colorful, and I enjoyed it from beginning to end.
When the local bottling plant shuts down, the mayor of Boring, Virginia decides to entertain an offer from Dale Casino resorts.
The whole town is against this and Kay comes up with a Jane Austen Festival ending with a grand birthday ball to honor the author’s 250th birthday. Everyone is excited about the festival but when the dance master is murdered, this may be the end of this festival.
I really liked this story, all the characters are quirky and colorful, and I enjoyed it from beginning to end.
December 18, 2025
Gut rating: ⭐⭐
CAWPILE rating: 2.29
Spice: Light flirting
Publication date: November 5th 2025
Tropes:
- small town vs big corporation
- Jane Austen quotes and plot
- grumpy meets sunshine romance
Trigger warnings: Murder, death, blood, injury, abandonment, misogyny, grief, medical content, pregnancy, police brutality
Quote: He wore a bottle-green Regency coat and tan colored breeches tucked into boots. His cravat was a work of art. I felt lightheaded.
Synopsis: In the small town of Boring, Virginia, the sudden closure of the local bottle factory and loss of half the town's work tips the odds towards Boring's Mayor approving construction of a sprawling Casino. Determined to retain Boring's old fashioned character, Jane Austen obsessed Kay Starling suggests the town instead draw tourists by hosting a week long festival celebrating Jane Austen's 250th birthday in just two days time. Forced to host the festival with the insufferable yet handsome Englishman Flynn Holden, and with a murder to solve too, can Kay save Boring's future?
Review: Unfortunately, I did not enjoy this book. The book didn't know what to be, struggling between a small town contemporary fiction, a murder mystery, a magical fantasy, and a regency inspired romance, and ending up feeling confusing and rushed.
The plot centres around a one week festival that is such a short term narrow minded solution for a major factory closing down, and was accepted far too quickly for it to feel natural. For such a major event I would expect a few months of preparation would be needed at least, and to overcome this the book had either huge time jumps in the story or huge jumps in the background plot, with the whole town set up for the festival overnight meaning we missed most of the preparation montages and potential relationships built during this stressful period.
Timings remained inconsistent, with a laid-back approach verging on ignorance, with Kay (the one running the whole festival) turning up to events after they had started rather than helping setup and, you know, running things.
The romance seemed to suggest a love triangle but there was no real chemistry or even flirting between the characters.
The mystery conclusion and motive were so disappointing, too, and didn't support or further the story.
With thanks to the Publishers and NetGalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
CAWPILE rating: 2.29
Spice: Light flirting
Publication date: November 5th 2025
Tropes:
- small town vs big corporation
- Jane Austen quotes and plot
- grumpy meets sunshine romance
Trigger warnings: Murder, death, blood, injury, abandonment, misogyny, grief, medical content, pregnancy, police brutality
Quote: He wore a bottle-green Regency coat and tan colored breeches tucked into boots. His cravat was a work of art. I felt lightheaded.
Synopsis: In the small town of Boring, Virginia, the sudden closure of the local bottle factory and loss of half the town's work tips the odds towards Boring's Mayor approving construction of a sprawling Casino. Determined to retain Boring's old fashioned character, Jane Austen obsessed Kay Starling suggests the town instead draw tourists by hosting a week long festival celebrating Jane Austen's 250th birthday in just two days time. Forced to host the festival with the insufferable yet handsome Englishman Flynn Holden, and with a murder to solve too, can Kay save Boring's future?
Review: Unfortunately, I did not enjoy this book. The book didn't know what to be, struggling between a small town contemporary fiction, a murder mystery, a magical fantasy, and a regency inspired romance, and ending up feeling confusing and rushed.
The plot centres around a one week festival that is such a short term narrow minded solution for a major factory closing down, and was accepted far too quickly for it to feel natural. For such a major event I would expect a few months of preparation would be needed at least, and to overcome this the book had either huge time jumps in the story or huge jumps in the background plot, with the whole town set up for the festival overnight meaning we missed most of the preparation montages and potential relationships built during this stressful period.
Timings remained inconsistent, with a laid-back approach verging on ignorance, with Kay (the one running the whole festival) turning up to events after they had started rather than helping setup and, you know, running things.
The romance seemed to suggest a love triangle but there was no real chemistry or even flirting between the characters.
The mystery conclusion and motive were so disappointing, too, and didn't support or further the story.
With thanks to the Publishers and NetGalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 19, 2025
When I picked up "Death Comes to Jane Austen Town" by Rosemary Stevens, I was instantly drawn into the charming world of Boring, Virginia, a town on the brink of reinvention. The book, the first in the Jane Austen Town Mystery series, weaves together elements of an amateur sleuth cozy mystery with delightful historical nuances. As I delved deeper into the story, I found myself captivated by the protagonist, Kay Starling, who, after being laid off from the Hurdee Gurdee manufacturing plant, as well as many folks in the community, takes on the monumental task of saving her town from the clutches of a casino development plan proposed by Silas Dale. Her solution? Transforming Boring into the enchanting Jane Austen Town. This concept alone is enough to pique anyone's curiosity, but the plot thickens when a murder occurs, and Kay's instincts lead her to suspect that Detective Gordon might be on the wrong track. Her determination to clear Betsy Bell Ward's name and rescue her community is both inspiring and engaging.
What truly brought this book to life for me were the vivid scenic descriptions that transported me straight to the heart of the community. Rosemary Stevens’s ability to craft detailed, lively character descriptions made it easy to visualize and connect with the quirky yet endearing cast. Kay, in particular, is a relatable heroine whose perseverance makes her easy to root for. The dialogue is sharp and authentic, adding to the overall experience as I could almost hear the characters' voices in my head. The secondary characters fit seamlessly into the narrative, each adding their own flavor to the story.
Humor is another delightful aspect of this book, with plenty of gigglesome moments that had me smiling and chuckling throughout. The clever use of humor made the reading experience fun and light-hearted, despite the darker themes of murder and mystery. (Well, as dark as a cozy mystery should get). Rosemary Stevens skillfully balances these elements with a brisk pace that kept me turning pages eagerly. The plot is filled with intriguing twists and turns, and just the right amount of suspects and red herrings to keep any mystery lover guessing. To my delight, the ending was both intriguing and memorable, delivering a satisfying conclusion to a well-crafted whodunnit.
What I particularly appreciate about this book is that it can be enjoyed by readers with little to no knowledge of Jane Austen's work. However, for those familiar with Jane Austen, there are plenty of delightful connections and references to savor. The book even includes some mouth-watering recipes, like Hailey’s Apple Fritters and Aunt Adeline’s Homemade Chicken and Dumplings, which I am eager to try out.
Overall, "Death Comes to Jane Austen Town" is a charming and delightful read that blends mystery, humor, and historical elements into a beautifully crafted story. Whether you're a fan of cozy mysteries, a Janeite, or simply looking for an engaging book to curl up with, this novel promises to entertain and captivate. With its memorable characters, intriguing plot, and a sprinkle of humor, it’s a book that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series. I wholeheartedly recommend giving this delightful mystery a try!
What truly brought this book to life for me were the vivid scenic descriptions that transported me straight to the heart of the community. Rosemary Stevens’s ability to craft detailed, lively character descriptions made it easy to visualize and connect with the quirky yet endearing cast. Kay, in particular, is a relatable heroine whose perseverance makes her easy to root for. The dialogue is sharp and authentic, adding to the overall experience as I could almost hear the characters' voices in my head. The secondary characters fit seamlessly into the narrative, each adding their own flavor to the story.
Humor is another delightful aspect of this book, with plenty of gigglesome moments that had me smiling and chuckling throughout. The clever use of humor made the reading experience fun and light-hearted, despite the darker themes of murder and mystery. (Well, as dark as a cozy mystery should get). Rosemary Stevens skillfully balances these elements with a brisk pace that kept me turning pages eagerly. The plot is filled with intriguing twists and turns, and just the right amount of suspects and red herrings to keep any mystery lover guessing. To my delight, the ending was both intriguing and memorable, delivering a satisfying conclusion to a well-crafted whodunnit.
What I particularly appreciate about this book is that it can be enjoyed by readers with little to no knowledge of Jane Austen's work. However, for those familiar with Jane Austen, there are plenty of delightful connections and references to savor. The book even includes some mouth-watering recipes, like Hailey’s Apple Fritters and Aunt Adeline’s Homemade Chicken and Dumplings, which I am eager to try out.
Overall, "Death Comes to Jane Austen Town" is a charming and delightful read that blends mystery, humor, and historical elements into a beautifully crafted story. Whether you're a fan of cozy mysteries, a Janeite, or simply looking for an engaging book to curl up with, this novel promises to entertain and captivate. With its memorable characters, intriguing plot, and a sprinkle of humor, it’s a book that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series. I wholeheartedly recommend giving this delightful mystery a try!
October 17, 2025
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a cozy mystery town by the name of Boring, will be anything but.
When devoted Janeite Kay Starling comes up with the idea of hosting a Jane Austen festival to bring some much needed influx of capital into the small town of Boring, she has no idea that she is about to have a murder case on her hands. But when the disreputable dancing master Nathaniel Playford is found dead and the sheriff suspects the timid Betsy Bell, Kay refuses to believe it and vows to uncover the truth.
Nathaniel was conceited and unfaithful, and there is a surprising number of people who may have had a motive for killing him. With the festival in full swing, Kay has to keep her sleuthing from the sheriff and try not to let herself get distracted by the cute, dimpled Jonathan who seems to have a crush on her, or the handsome but distant Flynn who always seems to show up whenever Kay is investigating.
A cute, fun story for any cozy mystery lover, and an extra special treat for Jane Austen fans with many, loving references to Jane and her works. Fast-paced enough to never get dull, slow-paced enough to allow the reader to savour the many cozy moments of spirited family dinners, dangerously delicious sweet treats and heartwarming small town community spirit. Death Comes to Austen Town ticks all the boxes when it comes to delightful cozy mystery content. A wonderfully quaint town, colourful characters, wholesome families and friendships, a very symphathetic main character, endearing cats and dogs, descriptions of delicious foods, recipes, a hint of romance, dangerous sleuthing and a satisfying conclusion to the mystery.
Many thanks to Rosemary Stevens for the ARC of this book. Death Comes to Jane Austen Town will be released on November 5th, 2025.
When devoted Janeite Kay Starling comes up with the idea of hosting a Jane Austen festival to bring some much needed influx of capital into the small town of Boring, she has no idea that she is about to have a murder case on her hands. But when the disreputable dancing master Nathaniel Playford is found dead and the sheriff suspects the timid Betsy Bell, Kay refuses to believe it and vows to uncover the truth.
Nathaniel was conceited and unfaithful, and there is a surprising number of people who may have had a motive for killing him. With the festival in full swing, Kay has to keep her sleuthing from the sheriff and try not to let herself get distracted by the cute, dimpled Jonathan who seems to have a crush on her, or the handsome but distant Flynn who always seems to show up whenever Kay is investigating.
A cute, fun story for any cozy mystery lover, and an extra special treat for Jane Austen fans with many, loving references to Jane and her works. Fast-paced enough to never get dull, slow-paced enough to allow the reader to savour the many cozy moments of spirited family dinners, dangerously delicious sweet treats and heartwarming small town community spirit. Death Comes to Austen Town ticks all the boxes when it comes to delightful cozy mystery content. A wonderfully quaint town, colourful characters, wholesome families and friendships, a very symphathetic main character, endearing cats and dogs, descriptions of delicious foods, recipes, a hint of romance, dangerous sleuthing and a satisfying conclusion to the mystery.
Many thanks to Rosemary Stevens for the ARC of this book. Death Comes to Jane Austen Town will be released on November 5th, 2025.
October 15, 2025
Rosemary Stevens invites readers into a delightfully inventive world where cozy mystery meets literary homage. Death Comes to Jane Austen Town is the first in a promising new series, and it’s as charming as it is clever.
Set in the quaint town of Boring, Virginia—soon to be reimagined as “Jane Austen Town”—the story follows Kay Starling, a spirited heroine determined to save her community through the power of Austen-inspired festivities. But when a murder disrupts the grand plans for the author’s 250th birthday celebration, Kay finds herself donning the mantle of amateur sleuth with wit and resolve.
Stevens blends small-town warmth with a sharp mystery, peppered with nods to Austen’s legacy and a cast of endearing, eccentric characters. The writing is crisp, the pacing brisk, and the atmosphere delightfully bookish. It’s a truth universally acknowledged that every good mystery needs a determined sleuth—and Kay Starling fits the bill perfectly.
A cozy treat for fans of classic whodunnits, literary references, and community spirit, this is one festival you won’t want to miss.
Thank you to Rosemary Stevens, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
Set in the quaint town of Boring, Virginia—soon to be reimagined as “Jane Austen Town”—the story follows Kay Starling, a spirited heroine determined to save her community through the power of Austen-inspired festivities. But when a murder disrupts the grand plans for the author’s 250th birthday celebration, Kay finds herself donning the mantle of amateur sleuth with wit and resolve.
Stevens blends small-town warmth with a sharp mystery, peppered with nods to Austen’s legacy and a cast of endearing, eccentric characters. The writing is crisp, the pacing brisk, and the atmosphere delightfully bookish. It’s a truth universally acknowledged that every good mystery needs a determined sleuth—and Kay Starling fits the bill perfectly.
A cozy treat for fans of classic whodunnits, literary references, and community spirit, this is one festival you won’t want to miss.
Thank you to Rosemary Stevens, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
December 9, 2025
Death Comes to Jane Austen Town is a wonderfully cosy mystery that balances charm, suspense, and everything Jane Austen. The story follows Kay Starling, who is an absolutely delightful main character—warm, witty, and easy to root for. Spending time with her feels like settling into a comfortable armchair with a cup of tea. She will do the dirty work and solve the murder on the dance master for you.
One of the things I appreciated most is that the mystery wasn’t predictable. I just didn't want it to be that person I guess.
As for the Austen references: yes, there are plenty of easter eggs for dedicated Janeites, and many of them are fun. But I’ll admit that at times it felt a bit heavy-handed for my taste. Still, this didn’t detract too much from the overall experience.
The author does a great job creating atmosphere—both the cosy village vibes and the underlying tension of a murder investigation feel vivid and engaging. Overall, a charming, warm-hearted read for fans of cosy mysteries, especially those who enjoy a literary wink to Austen’s world.
One of the things I appreciated most is that the mystery wasn’t predictable. I just didn't want it to be that person I guess.
As for the Austen references: yes, there are plenty of easter eggs for dedicated Janeites, and many of them are fun. But I’ll admit that at times it felt a bit heavy-handed for my taste. Still, this didn’t detract too much from the overall experience.
The author does a great job creating atmosphere—both the cosy village vibes and the underlying tension of a murder investigation feel vivid and engaging. Overall, a charming, warm-hearted read for fans of cosy mysteries, especially those who enjoy a literary wink to Austen’s world.
November 19, 2025
What a Charming story! Kay Starling is She is determined to save her town of Boring, VA from casino developers. The town is full of Jane Austin Devotees so why not have a Jane Austen Festival. She needs to pull this festival off while working with grumpy Flynn Holden who has brought a dance instructor to teach the locals dances of the period. While he may know dance, he is also a lothario and breaker of hearts who is found murdered.
I loved the characters; they are quirky and fun. Kay is dedicated and loyal and her best friend and local baker Hayley is one of my favorites. I did not guess the culprit and really enjoyed the story and mystery. I want to suddenly go to a Jane Austen festival!
Can Kay find the culprit, pull off this festival and save the town? Well enjoy the ride finding out!
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for allowing me to read this story and give my opinion.
I loved the characters; they are quirky and fun. Kay is dedicated and loyal and her best friend and local baker Hayley is one of my favorites. I did not guess the culprit and really enjoyed the story and mystery. I want to suddenly go to a Jane Austen festival!
Can Kay find the culprit, pull off this festival and save the town? Well enjoy the ride finding out!
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for allowing me to read this story and give my opinion.
October 27, 2025
I enjoyed the basic premise -- in order to survive without being turned into a giant casino after its one major employer shuts down, a small town hosts a Jane Austen Festival to commemorate the author's 250th birthday.
The protagonist, Kay, is likeable, and truly loves Jane Austen. She immediately makes some very judgy remarks about newcomer Darcy - er, uh, Flynn - with his supercilious attitude and his refusal to enjoy anything with sugar in it. She cozies up to Jonathan when nobody else trusts or likes him, not even the cat. All pretty predictable.
Other characters are interesting and mostly well sketched.
The murders provide a good number of clues and red herrings, enough to keep the whodunnit interesting. I'm glad I had a chance to receive an advance review copy, and I'll be interested in reading more about Jane Austen Town when the series continues.
The protagonist, Kay, is likeable, and truly loves Jane Austen. She immediately makes some very judgy remarks about newcomer Darcy - er, uh, Flynn - with his supercilious attitude and his refusal to enjoy anything with sugar in it. She cozies up to Jonathan when nobody else trusts or likes him, not even the cat. All pretty predictable.
Other characters are interesting and mostly well sketched.
The murders provide a good number of clues and red herrings, enough to keep the whodunnit interesting. I'm glad I had a chance to receive an advance review copy, and I'll be interested in reading more about Jane Austen Town when the series continues.
November 2, 2025
Death Comes to Jane Austen Town by Rosemary Stevens is the debut of A Jane Austen Town Mysteries. Jane Austen fans will enjoy this story. There are references to Jane Austen and her works throughout the book. Kay Starling is a determined and spirited Jane Austen fan who aims to save her town of Boring, Virginia. The story features a group of quirky characters who are each developed to some extent. Kay begins solving the mystery, navigating several clues and a few red herrings. I enjoyed the sense of community, the cozy atmosphere, and the hint of romance. The story moved along at a good clip and there was satisfying ending. Death Comes to Jane Austen Town is a heartwarming tale with a declining community, colorful characters, a dead developer, a Jane Austen anniversary, adorable animals, a fun festival, and mouthwatering morsels.
November 3, 2025
A new series that is a cozy mystery with a Jane Austen spin. The main employer in the town of Boring shuts down and a big casino wants to build and take over the town changing it forever. However the town of Jane Austen enthusiasts has a different idea and they hatch a plan to through a festival for her 250th Birthday. Just before and during the festival there are two murders and Kay and Flynn investigate who the murderer is there are a few in the frame. It is a well written cozy mystery. It will be interesting to see how the characters develop through the series.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a review. All opinions expressed in my review are my own and not affected by the giveaway
Rosemary Stevens
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a review. All opinions expressed in my review are my own and not affected by the giveaway
Rosemary Stevens
October 11, 2025
I'm always up for reading a book that has anything to do with Jane Austen. Kay Starling's hometown of Boring rebrands itself as Jane Austen Town to prevent a casino from taking over. The Mayor is caught in the middle, trying to decide if the rebrand and Jane Austen Festival are going to raise enough money and allow for future business to save the town. It was fun to try to match all the Austen quotes sprinkled throughout to the books they are from. Not everyone is what they seem in the cast of characters, and there are 2 murders to be solved. Kay has to decide who to trust to help keep her safe, solve the mysteries, and save Jane Austen Town.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy.
October 16, 2025
Death Comes to Jane Austin Town is Book 1 in A Jane Austin Town Mystery by Rosemary Stevens. I believe that the author has touched on a contemporary problem; the bottling plant us closing and many in the town are out of work. I think that most readers can identify with this problem. In this small town, the Mayor is being pressured to build a large gambling compkex. Th ed town is trying to earn money by having a Jane Austin Festival. The town was working hard to change the town's focus. However murder was not in the agenda. This author has written great characters and I thought this mystery could be picked right out if today's newspapers. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
October 24, 2025
Captivating read
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Even if one is not a Janeite the reader will be transported back to the Regency Era in large part owing to the vivid and accurate descriptions in the text. The plot is well written and the characters are splendidly relatable ~ elegant yet formidable Aunt Adeline, dashing Flynn, stubborn Kay! There are more twists and turns with the suspects than kids off and on a merry go round! True to real life is the lifeblood of the town's one factory that up and abandons them without a second thought propelling the townspeople into creating a new source of revenue! More than one surprise at the conclusion .......and the only spoiler I'll give you is you'll need a tissue several times! Excellent read! This would make a lovely gift for a reader in your life!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Even if one is not a Janeite the reader will be transported back to the Regency Era in large part owing to the vivid and accurate descriptions in the text. The plot is well written and the characters are splendidly relatable ~ elegant yet formidable Aunt Adeline, dashing Flynn, stubborn Kay! There are more twists and turns with the suspects than kids off and on a merry go round! True to real life is the lifeblood of the town's one factory that up and abandons them without a second thought propelling the townspeople into creating a new source of revenue! More than one surprise at the conclusion .......and the only spoiler I'll give you is you'll need a tissue several times! Excellent read! This would make a lovely gift for a reader in your life!
December 9, 2025
This clean, cozy mystery - even though the mystery involves murder - has tons of light-hearted, humorous scenes with a terrific and quirky cast of characters who live in Boring, VA - A.K.A: Jane Austen Town. Clues and red herrings kept me on my toes trying to figure out whodunnit!
I love that the whole mystery happens while the townspeople are trying to raise enough interest in their newly Jane Austen themed town, coinciding with a Festival in honor of Austen’s 250th birthday (December 16, 2025), in order to keep a casino development out, which raises the stakes. If you like fun, cozy mysteries, cats, amateur sleuths, and Jane Austen references, you should really check this one out!! It’s a lot of fun!
I love that the whole mystery happens while the townspeople are trying to raise enough interest in their newly Jane Austen themed town, coinciding with a Festival in honor of Austen’s 250th birthday (December 16, 2025), in order to keep a casino development out, which raises the stakes. If you like fun, cozy mysteries, cats, amateur sleuths, and Jane Austen references, you should really check this one out!! It’s a lot of fun!
November 8, 2025
I loved this book! I’m a huge fan of Jane Austen and murder mysteries and this was a perfect blend. I loved every Austen reference and the setting being a Jane Austen festival was something I really enjoyed. I found myself getting connected to all of the characters and loved their interactions. Kay was a great lead and I totally understood her love of the 1995 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. I would definitely read more of this series and more of this author!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 12, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review Death comes to Jane Austen Town, well the book had me at the title! Who wouldn’t want to live in a town called Jane AustenTown. In order to help her town, Kay came up with the idea of renaming their town Jane Austen town, and bring in tourists from all over the world. Which it did, it also brought a murder. Being a Janeite, I really wanted to love this book. For some reason, I couldn’t warm to the main characters. It is book 1, I will give the next offering a go.
October 26, 2025
Five out of five! Such a cute story, and kept me interested from page one. I've always loved Jane Austen since I was a kid and it was so cool to read a cozy mystery with so many of her Easter Eggs. I especially loved the shocking turn of events at the end and I would recommend this book to any fan of Miss Austen. I'm definitely trying out those recipes in the back of the book too!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 3, 2025
‘We are in Jane Austen Town where every story ends happily.’
If you’re a fan of Jane Austen, this is the cozy mystery written just for you. If you’re not a Janeite, you’ll still find this a fascinating read full of interesting characters, an intriguing mystery and delicious recipes set in a small, but definitely not Boring, town in Virginia. Prepare to be swept away to a quirky little town that I’d love to visit!
If you’re a fan of Jane Austen, this is the cozy mystery written just for you. If you’re not a Janeite, you’ll still find this a fascinating read full of interesting characters, an intriguing mystery and delicious recipes set in a small, but definitely not Boring, town in Virginia. Prepare to be swept away to a quirky little town that I’d love to visit!
November 5, 2025
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Rosemary Stevens for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Death Comes to Jane Austen Town coming out November 5, 2025. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I really love all kinds of Jane Austen books. I was excited to check out this cozy mystery. I really enjoyed it. I would definitely check out more books by this author.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I really love all kinds of Jane Austen books. I was excited to check out this cozy mystery. I really enjoyed it. I would definitely check out more books by this author.
November 3, 2025
This is a solid start to a new cozy mystery series set in Virginia. With a Jane Austen theme, there is nothing that wasn’t cozy about this series. I love the concept of the town trying to reinvent themselves without selling out to corporate greed. But most of all, I loved the mystery and will definitely be back for more in this series.
October 7, 2025
I loved this book. It was exactly the cozy read I've been needing (if you can call murder cozy!). The characters were fun, and it was a fast and satisfying read! Also, I mean turning your town into a "Jane Austen Town" with an Austen festival? In Virginia? Sign me up lol!
November 9, 2025
(3.5/5)
This was a cute cozy read and I hope Book 1 of many to come.
I liked the overall plot and the small town charm, but somehow there were too many characters to keep track of.
Looking forward to Book 2.
This was a cute cozy read and I hope Book 1 of many to come.
I liked the overall plot and the small town charm, but somehow there were too many characters to keep track of.
Looking forward to Book 2.
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