Author: Laura Martin
Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery & Suspense
Publisher: Sapere Books
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 290
Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review
Synopsis: Can Jane use her observational skills to solve a horrific murder…?
1795, Hampshire, England
Jane Austen and her family are delighted to be attending Lord Westworth’s ball. The event has been at the centre of village gossip after it was announced Westworth was holding a ball to celebrate the return of his brother, who went missing in India many years earlier and had been declared dead.
At the ball an old friend, Emma Roscoe, bumps into Jane and tells her she saw something she shouldn’t have. She asks Jane to meet her at ten o’clock in the library to discuss it.
Delayed by dancing with the charming Mr Tom Lefroy, Jane is late to meet to her friend.
But when she arrives, she finds the body of Emma Roscoe lying on the floor with a dagger sticking out of her chest.
Distraught and feeling horribly guilty, Jane is determined to help with the investigation into Emma’s murder.
Was it a coincidence that the murder happened on the night of Lord Westworth’s brother being reintroduced to society? What did Emma see that was worth killing her over?
And could more people be in danger?
With the help of her sister Cassandra, Jane must use her wit and intelligence to get to the heart of the mystery.
DEATH OF A LADY is the first book in the Jane Austen Investigation series: thrilling Regency-era murder mysteries with a tenacious literary heroine working as a female sleuth.
My Review: Death of a Lady is a historical mystery which featured Jane Austen as an amateur sleuth. One night, Jane Austen attended a ball at Lord Wentworth’s house. During the ball, she met with her friend named Emma Roscoe who had overheard a scandalous conversation and wanted to meet with Jane in the library to discuss it. However, Jane was held up at the ball. When she finally arrives at the library, she discovers that her friend is dead. Feeling guilty that she did not help her friend in time, Jane is determined to find the killer and get justice for her friend.
I found the premise of Jane Austen to be investigating crimes to be a very cool idea! I loved Jane Austen and wanted to see how she would be as an amateur sleuth. I have to say that this novel did not disappoint! Jane was a very likable character! She was very astute and had a good judge of character. She was able to deduce the clues and was very observant. Therefore, she was very capable at solving mysteries! I rooted for her to find the killer!
Overall, this novel is about sisterhood, first love, and secrets! I loved all of the characters in the novel, especially her sister, Cassandra. Cassandra was very supportive of her sister and helped her whenever there was need. I also liked Lord Hinchbrooke whom Jane Austen worked under. He was like a mentor to Jane. The mystery was very predictable. I could see who the murderer was early in the novel. I also thought the romance aspect was undeveloped. Nevertheless, this was a very fun Regency novel! I was so enthralled by the story that I found it hard to put down the book! I read it in one sitting! I like the author’s writing style, and she did an excellent job in bringing the Regency era to life! Death of a Lady is a light, cozy mystery that is perfect for a breezy Sunday afternoon! I can’t wait to read the sequel, Last Impressions, to see what future adventures lie waiting for Jane Austen! I recommend this book for fans of Stephanie Barron, Darcie Wilde, and Tirzah Price!
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
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