A Fortune Most Fatal

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What to expect

Brought to you by Penguin.

“Who are you, Miss Austen, but a young lady of little experience and no consequence?”

Welcome to Kent, 1797. Following many years apart, Jane Austen is set to spend the summer with her estranged brother, Neddy. As heir to wealthy widow Mrs Knight’s fortune, it is imperative that Neddy stays in his benefactor’s good graces. The financial security of Jane’s entire family depend on him.

But upon arrival at Godmersham Park, Jane quickly realises Neddy is in dire need of her help. For a mysterious young woman currently resides with Mrs Knight – a stranger who threatens to swindle the inheritance for herself.

Jane must uncover who this imposter is, to protect the fortunes – and fate – of her family. But when her investigation takes a dark and dangerous turn, can she solve the mystery – and save herself?

'Exceptional - the Austen whodunnit I feel like I've been waiting my whole life for! I loved it' SOPHIE IRWIN

© Jessica Bull 2025 (P) Penguin Audio 2025

Critics Review

BRILLIANT. So sharply observed, yet fresh, funny and a joy to read

Jennie Godfrey

This wonderful book feels almost like an immersive experience. Witty, clever and with exquisite detail. Miss Austen is a terrific sleuth

Ian Moore

Sharp, searching and perfectly constructed, A Fortune Most Fatal is glorious – filled with wit, wrong turns and pitch-perfect characters, and a mystery that pulls expertly on the darker threads of 1797 society too. Jessica Bull is the real deal – a storyteller of such skill and empathy and verve, whose prose sings on every page. Jane Austen would adore this series – and so do I!

author of The Housekeepers

What a virtuoso blend of historical detail, colourful characters and plot. Charming from the first page to the last, this mystery captivates with dashing characters and arch wit. Miss Austen would most heartily approve!

author of Knife Skills for Beginners

A delightful return to the world of Jane Austen’s sleuthing! Jessica Bull delicately balances the details of Jane’s life alongside a richly developed set of mysteries. Rendered in Jane’s signature wit and equal parts light and dark, I enjoyed every moment I got to spend with Jane in this brilliant follow-up

author of How To Solve Your Own Murder

Jessica Bull’s sleuth, Jane Austen, is once again set in a pitch perfect Regency society with a wonderful murder mystery at its core – it’s everything a Janeite could want!

author of The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder

A delight from the very first page – fun, clever and gritty, with fantastic characterisation and a wonderful look into the darkness hidden beneath the glimmering facade of Regency society. Jessica Bull masterfully brings to life Jane Austen and those around her, doing justice to the glimpses we get from letters. Her Jane Austen is my Jane Austen

author of The Secrets of Hartwood Hall

A Fortune Most Fatal is the perfect treat for anyone who has ever wanted to don a Regency gown and step inside the pages of a Jane Austen novel…Jessica Bull spins the most perfect mystery, laying down clues with a masterful sleight of hand, then revealing them to the reader one by one, making for a hugely satisfying and deeply moving read. I could not have loved it more!

author of A Deadly Discovery

Jessica Bull deftly weaves real historical events and characters with a thrilling storyline, and wields her extensive research with expert precision. She conjures Jane’s Regency world with as much realism as if she were describing our world today, and I was utterly immersed from the first page. Jane Austen is a plucky, sharp-witted, lovable heroine, and I can’t wait for her next adventure!

Louise Morrish

Praise for Jessica Bull

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