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I Am Now Going to Murder My Sister: Jane Austen's Untold Story. Inspired by Real Documents.
Win a free print copy of this book!
25 days and 17:59:12
1 copies available
U.S. and Canada only
"I am now going to murder my Sister."
Jane Austen wrote these chilling words over two centuries ago.
History recorded it as a piece of harmless fiction.
But LAPD Detective Ann knows a cover-up when she sees one.
When her sister Samantha ropes her into a seemingly playful Regency book club investigation, Ann begins dissecting the accepted history like an active crime scene, flipping everything we know about Jane Austen's family upside down. She spots what no literary scholar was trained to look for: motive, means, and opportunity.
Using real historical documents, medical reports, Austen’s writings, and modern forensic techniques, Ann uncovers a shocking trail of blackmail, forged wills, suppressed manuscripts, and symptoms that point toward arsenic poisoning. Cassandra did not burn Jane’s letters to protect her reputation. She burned them to protect someone else.
But exposing the greatest literary secret in history comes with a price. When Ann gets closer to the truth, she realizes someone in the present day is willing to do whatever it takes to keep it buried.
Two sisters. Two timelines. One deadly secret.
I Am Now Going to Murder My Sister is a gripping mystery that will change the way you read Jane Austen forever.
Jane Austen wrote these chilling words over two centuries ago.
History recorded it as a piece of harmless fiction.
But LAPD Detective Ann knows a cover-up when she sees one.
When her sister Samantha ropes her into a seemingly playful Regency book club investigation, Ann begins dissecting the accepted history like an active crime scene, flipping everything we know about Jane Austen's family upside down. She spots what no literary scholar was trained to look for: motive, means, and opportunity.
Using real historical documents, medical reports, Austen’s writings, and modern forensic techniques, Ann uncovers a shocking trail of blackmail, forged wills, suppressed manuscripts, and symptoms that point toward arsenic poisoning. Cassandra did not burn Jane’s letters to protect her reputation. She burned them to protect someone else.
But exposing the greatest literary secret in history comes with a price. When Ann gets closer to the truth, she realizes someone in the present day is willing to do whatever it takes to keep it buried.
Two sisters. Two timelines. One deadly secret.
I Am Now Going to Murder My Sister is a gripping mystery that will change the way you read Jane Austen forever.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 15, 2026
I Am Now Going To Murder My Sister by Lara Dmitrieva, Ana and Samantha are sisters, and being the older sister is stern and more like a parent than a sibling while younger sister Samantha is outgoing and never meets a stranger she’s impulsive fun and very lovable. Samantha is now married to a very rich very good looking Ryan and in the beginning Ana resents this about Sam, but tries not to let it show. When Samantha shows up asking her detective older sister Ana to join her book club The Ladies Society For Scandalous Theories to help solve the murder of Jane Austin. Ana has not only not read the books but has no interest in being in a book club but Ana has always had a problem saying no to Sam and so she gives in. Ana also has a very new budding relationship with Will who she hasn’t told Sam about so one night right after one of their dates they’re at Ana‘s house just talking and drinking wine when Sam and all the ladies show up not only do they stay but break out the Whodunnit board and after it’s all said and done they have a whole meeting about Jane Austin and her potential murder. it isn’t until all the ladies leave that Will defends Samantha something that totally rubs Ana the wrong way and this is the precipice because after a long cry and pity party that Ana, after saying ugly things to her sister over text that she’s going to not only solve the murder but resolve the issues within herself. this is when Ana by herself goes to England and investigates the crime in the places they happened. This is also when we start getting glimpses into Jane‘s life in the relationship with her sister Cassandra. I really enjoyed the ones from Jane’s life and whether they’re true or not the story was entertaining I think it’s brilliant that she only invented one false document to tell such a tantalizing story that’s everything in this book from a true Gothic scandal to so much more it really is a great story I thought we could’ve done without the whole guy in the raincoat scenario but it is what it is I also wish we could’ve got the ladies thoughtss on Ana‘s final conclusions but either way I would definitely recommend this to those who love real mysteries with a real conclusion because that is definitely what this is I do want to say I don’t think any of the characters except maybe Ana or that analyzed in where we got to the nitty-gritty of who they were but having said that Ana was enough I was rooting for her the whole time and really as I said found this book so entertaining. #NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview,
July 21, 2026
4 stars ( maybe 4.5)
I Am Now Going to Murder My Sister is a dual timeline story for lovers of Jane Austen. The first timeline is present day, taking place between two sisters, Samantha and Ann, who are searching for answers to a possible mystery surrounding Jane Austen's life and death. The second is a reconstruction of Jane Austen and her sister Cassandra's lives based on existing documents with an added fictional spin.
The modern day sisters Samantha and Ann are meant to parallel the historical sisters Jane and Cassandra. I would have loved more fleshing out of their characters as they felt too vague. The relationship between Ann and Will was too unclear as well and while the last few chapters tightened things up, I spent most of the book wishing to be more connected to the modern day characters. I was also left confused about the person following Ann in the UK. That part felt unresolved.
The historical retelling of Jane and Cassandra was quite diabolical in a great way. They were humanized and flawed in a way that was only hinted at in Jane Austen's characters from her novels and whether or not any of it reflects actual historical events is irrelevant to the story Lara Dmitrieva was spinning. I was already aware of Jane Austen's background and used Google to look a few things up but the story told was so crisp and clean, yet realistically messy, that I bow down to the Queen of Spin. So well done!
The writing, the plot, and general layout was all solidly done and overall, this was a terrific job. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this novel.
I Am Now Going to Murder My Sister is a dual timeline story for lovers of Jane Austen. The first timeline is present day, taking place between two sisters, Samantha and Ann, who are searching for answers to a possible mystery surrounding Jane Austen's life and death. The second is a reconstruction of Jane Austen and her sister Cassandra's lives based on existing documents with an added fictional spin.
The modern day sisters Samantha and Ann are meant to parallel the historical sisters Jane and Cassandra. I would have loved more fleshing out of their characters as they felt too vague. The relationship between Ann and Will was too unclear as well and while the last few chapters tightened things up, I spent most of the book wishing to be more connected to the modern day characters. I was also left confused about the person following Ann in the UK. That part felt unresolved.
The historical retelling of Jane and Cassandra was quite diabolical in a great way. They were humanized and flawed in a way that was only hinted at in Jane Austen's characters from her novels and whether or not any of it reflects actual historical events is irrelevant to the story Lara Dmitrieva was spinning. I was already aware of Jane Austen's background and used Google to look a few things up but the story told was so crisp and clean, yet realistically messy, that I bow down to the Queen of Spin. So well done!
The writing, the plot, and general layout was all solidly done and overall, this was a terrific job. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this novel.
August 2, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I love historical fiction that makes me curious enough to Google the subject for more background information. That is exactly what I Am Going the Murder My Sister by Lara Dmitrieva did! For lovers of Jane Austen, and those who just like a good mystery, this is a worthwhile read.
The novel presents an intriguing glimpse at an alternate explanation for the mystery surrounding Jane Austen’s sister, Cassandra, burning of over 2,000 letters she received from Jane over her lifetime. It is a mystery historians cannot 100% claim to understand. Dmitrieva turns the popular theory that Cassandra did so out of love and to protect Jane’s reputation, and those of her family, and turns it on its head. Instead, she portrays a relationship filled with distrust, jealousy, and vindictiveness.
The story is built around a dual timeline. The first timeline, set in the present, examines the lives of two sisters, Ann and Samantha, as they come to understand one another better through researching the mystery surrounding Jane Austen’s death. The second timeline delves into the possibility that sisters Jane and Cassandra were not the close companions as per the present conjecture.
Dmitrieva uses authentic historical documents to spin the mystery of Jane’s death as a possible murder executed by Cassandra. She twists the interpretation of these documents to create a scenario where the sisters are not close companions, but instead rivals. The novel is well researched, and the unique fictional view and intrigue of a possible murder by Jane’s sister kept me tuned in.
Though Jane and Cassandra’s relationship is well developed, I would have liked the same treatment of Ann and Samantha. I do not get much of a sense of what their relationship is built upon; therefore, I am not as invested on how their relationship evolves… they are two dimensional. Two other characters that I would have liked to know better are Will, Ann’s love interest, and a mysterious stalker following Ann in England. I can only think the stalker was added as a device to add suspense, but for me he was just a distraction. Both characters are left open-ended and feel contrived.
Overall, I really enjoyed exploring this creative slant at the relationship of two well known historical figures. I would recommend this to not only lovers of Jane Austen, but to anyone who likes a psychological mystery.
I love historical fiction that makes me curious enough to Google the subject for more background information. That is exactly what I Am Going the Murder My Sister by Lara Dmitrieva did! For lovers of Jane Austen, and those who just like a good mystery, this is a worthwhile read.
The novel presents an intriguing glimpse at an alternate explanation for the mystery surrounding Jane Austen’s sister, Cassandra, burning of over 2,000 letters she received from Jane over her lifetime. It is a mystery historians cannot 100% claim to understand. Dmitrieva turns the popular theory that Cassandra did so out of love and to protect Jane’s reputation, and those of her family, and turns it on its head. Instead, she portrays a relationship filled with distrust, jealousy, and vindictiveness.
The story is built around a dual timeline. The first timeline, set in the present, examines the lives of two sisters, Ann and Samantha, as they come to understand one another better through researching the mystery surrounding Jane Austen’s death. The second timeline delves into the possibility that sisters Jane and Cassandra were not the close companions as per the present conjecture.
Dmitrieva uses authentic historical documents to spin the mystery of Jane’s death as a possible murder executed by Cassandra. She twists the interpretation of these documents to create a scenario where the sisters are not close companions, but instead rivals. The novel is well researched, and the unique fictional view and intrigue of a possible murder by Jane’s sister kept me tuned in.
Though Jane and Cassandra’s relationship is well developed, I would have liked the same treatment of Ann and Samantha. I do not get much of a sense of what their relationship is built upon; therefore, I am not as invested on how their relationship evolves… they are two dimensional. Two other characters that I would have liked to know better are Will, Ann’s love interest, and a mysterious stalker following Ann in England. I can only think the stalker was added as a device to add suspense, but for me he was just a distraction. Both characters are left open-ended and feel contrived.
Overall, I really enjoyed exploring this creative slant at the relationship of two well known historical figures. I would recommend this to not only lovers of Jane Austen, but to anyone who likes a psychological mystery.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I Am Now Going to Murder My Sister is a wonderfully inventive blend of historical intrigue and modern‑day detective work—clever, absorbing, and far more suspenseful than you expect a Jane Austen–inspired mystery to be. Lara Dmitrieva takes one chilling line from Austen’s writing and spins it into a dual‑timeline puzzle that feels fresh, daring, and irresistibly readable.
Ann, an LAPD detective dragged into her sister’s Regency book‑club investigation, is a fantastic anchor for the story. Her sharp, forensic eye brings a crime‑scene intensity to Austen’s world, flipping accepted literary history on its head. The way she dissects real documents, medical reports, and Austen’s own writings gives the narrative a fascinating “true‑crime meets classic literature” energy that kept me hooked.
The historical revelations—blackmail, forged wills, suppressed manuscripts, and hints of arsenic poisoning—are woven with just the right amount of drama. Dmitrieva balances fact and fiction beautifully, making the past feel alive while keeping the mystery taut in the present day. The stakes rise steadily as Ann realizes someone now is willing to go to dangerous lengths to keep the truth buried, and that modern threat adds a compelling urgency.
What really shines is the sister dynamic across both timelines. Ann and Samantha’s playful‑turned‑perilous investigation mirrors the darker, more secretive relationship between Jane and Cassandra, creating an emotional thread that ties the whole story together.
Smart, atmospheric, and delightfully twisty, this is a mystery that will make Austen fans rethink everything they thought they knew. A gripping, imaginative read that blends genres in the best possible way.
With thanks to Lara Dmitrieva, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Ann, an LAPD detective dragged into her sister’s Regency book‑club investigation, is a fantastic anchor for the story. Her sharp, forensic eye brings a crime‑scene intensity to Austen’s world, flipping accepted literary history on its head. The way she dissects real documents, medical reports, and Austen’s own writings gives the narrative a fascinating “true‑crime meets classic literature” energy that kept me hooked.
The historical revelations—blackmail, forged wills, suppressed manuscripts, and hints of arsenic poisoning—are woven with just the right amount of drama. Dmitrieva balances fact and fiction beautifully, making the past feel alive while keeping the mystery taut in the present day. The stakes rise steadily as Ann realizes someone now is willing to go to dangerous lengths to keep the truth buried, and that modern threat adds a compelling urgency.
What really shines is the sister dynamic across both timelines. Ann and Samantha’s playful‑turned‑perilous investigation mirrors the darker, more secretive relationship between Jane and Cassandra, creating an emotional thread that ties the whole story together.
Smart, atmospheric, and delightfully twisty, this is a mystery that will make Austen fans rethink everything they thought they knew. A gripping, imaginative read that blends genres in the best possible way.
With thanks to Lara Dmitrieva, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
August 13, 2026
ARC Reader, thank you Netgalley.
Full disclosure before I begin my review. I was completely attracted to pick up this book because of the title. I Am Now Going to Murder My Sister. I've recently been attracted to murder mystery type books. Then came the Jane Austen untold story aspect of it. I did plenty of study when it came to English Lit. I've analyzed plenty of texts myself, so this was a very interesting concept for me.
It did feel like a slower read to me, at least at first. I found myself liking the modern timeline more so then the aspect showing Jane's timeline and story. This is especially true until about the middle of the book. It felt almost like a struggle to read some of the Jane and Cassandra moments, and I much prefer the story of Ann and Samantha.
When it got to the middle point of the book, A.K.A where the title comes from. I found myself interested in both halves of the story. This is where the story begins to pick up and gets really good.
I much enjoyed the analysis of real documents to involve them into this story. Giving us the untold story of Jane Austen.
Though I'm really interested to know what role the raincoat guy played as well as the women in the library.
The rating I give it is a 4 to a 4.5. I do want more even if the story is "over". Though there are still unanswered questions at play with Ann's investigation. Will there be more involvement in Ann and Samantha's story?
Full disclosure before I begin my review. I was completely attracted to pick up this book because of the title. I Am Now Going to Murder My Sister. I've recently been attracted to murder mystery type books. Then came the Jane Austen untold story aspect of it. I did plenty of study when it came to English Lit. I've analyzed plenty of texts myself, so this was a very interesting concept for me.
It did feel like a slower read to me, at least at first. I found myself liking the modern timeline more so then the aspect showing Jane's timeline and story. This is especially true until about the middle of the book. It felt almost like a struggle to read some of the Jane and Cassandra moments, and I much prefer the story of Ann and Samantha.
When it got to the middle point of the book, A.K.A where the title comes from. I found myself interested in both halves of the story. This is where the story begins to pick up and gets really good.
I much enjoyed the analysis of real documents to involve them into this story. Giving us the untold story of Jane Austen.
Though I'm really interested to know what role the raincoat guy played as well as the women in the library.
The rating I give it is a 4 to a 4.5. I do want more even if the story is "over". Though there are still unanswered questions at play with Ann's investigation. Will there be more involvement in Ann and Samantha's story?
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Let's be honest... I requested this book because of the title. I Am Now Going to Murder My Sister is one of the most attention-grabbing titles I've seen in a long time, and I couldn't resist. Thankfully, the story ended up being just as entertaining as the title.
I really enjoyed how the author blended historical fiction with mystery. I don't know enough about Jane Austen's life to know what's fact and what's fiction, but that honestly made it even more fun. I found myself Googling a few things after I finished because I wanted to know more.
Using real historical documents as the foundation for the story was such a creative idea. It gave the mystery an extra layer that kept me turning the pages.
I did wish there had been a little more of the present-day investigation because I really liked Ann's perspective. Still, I was invested in both timelines and wanted to see how everything would come together.
If you enjoy historical fiction with a mystery woven in—or you simply can't resist an unforgettable title like I couldn't—I'd definitely recommend picking this one up. The title made me request it, but the story is what made it worth reading.
I really enjoyed how the author blended historical fiction with mystery. I don't know enough about Jane Austen's life to know what's fact and what's fiction, but that honestly made it even more fun. I found myself Googling a few things after I finished because I wanted to know more.
Using real historical documents as the foundation for the story was such a creative idea. It gave the mystery an extra layer that kept me turning the pages.
I did wish there had been a little more of the present-day investigation because I really liked Ann's perspective. Still, I was invested in both timelines and wanted to see how everything would come together.
If you enjoy historical fiction with a mystery woven in—or you simply can't resist an unforgettable title like I couldn't—I'd definitely recommend picking this one up. The title made me request it, but the story is what made it worth reading.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley and author Dmitrieva for this free copy of "I Am Now Going to Murder My Sister."
With meticulous research, this compelling and thrilling speculative novel of Jane Austen's relationship with her sister Cassandra brings a brand new (to me) perspective on that facts.
For years it has been thought that Jane had symptoms of arsenic poisoning. And it was suspicious that Cassandra burned Jane's letters, but scholars assumed it was to protect Jane.
But what if it wasn't?
The book starts in a whirlwind with present day detective Ann getting caught up in her sister Samantha's book club. They start throwing around all these important details, dates, and people in Jane's life and I thought, "Am I supposed to know this already?"
But NO, it all makes sense when Ann decides to investigate. THEN Jane's story is told chronologically while all the people are introduced and events all make sense.
Believe me, I'm never going to think about Jane and Cassandra the same way after reading this !
With meticulous research, this compelling and thrilling speculative novel of Jane Austen's relationship with her sister Cassandra brings a brand new (to me) perspective on that facts.
For years it has been thought that Jane had symptoms of arsenic poisoning. And it was suspicious that Cassandra burned Jane's letters, but scholars assumed it was to protect Jane.
But what if it wasn't?
The book starts in a whirlwind with present day detective Ann getting caught up in her sister Samantha's book club. They start throwing around all these important details, dates, and people in Jane's life and I thought, "Am I supposed to know this already?"
But NO, it all makes sense when Ann decides to investigate. THEN Jane's story is told chronologically while all the people are introduced and events all make sense.
Believe me, I'm never going to think about Jane and Cassandra the same way after reading this !
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews