Last Impressions (Jane Austen Investigations #2) by Laura Martin: A Book Review

Last Impressions (Jane Austen Investigations #2)

Author: Laura Martin

Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery & Suspense

Publisher: Sapere Books

Book Release Date: 2023

Pages: 274

Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis: Can solving a mystery mend a broken heart…?

1796, Hampshire, England

After having her heart broken by the man she thought she was going to marry, Jane Austen is in desperate need of a distraction. So her sister, Cassandra, accepts every social invitation going, and one of them is to stay with a family friend at Melmont Hall.

Mrs Paulson welcomes them to her home and introduces them to the other guests who have arrived for a dinner party. But when they sit down to eat, Mr Paulson is nowhere to be found.

After discovering his study is locked, the guests break in and find a shocking scene. Mr Paulson is dead – and not of natural causes. Someone has stabbed him.

Jane has already helped solve one murder mystery and she is determined to put her skills to use to help her hostess get justice for her husband.

Everyone at the dinner party must be questioned as a suspect, as well as the servants at Melmont Hall.

But what had Mr Paulson done to provoke such anger? Why would someone want to kill him?

Can Jane Austen use her quick wit to unmask the killer?

LAST IMPRESSIONS is the second book in the Jane Austen Investigation series: thrilling Regency-era murder mysteries with a tenacious literary heroine working as a female sleuth.

My Review: Last Impressions is the second novel in the Jane Austen Investigations series. Jane Austen is heartbroken about her failed relationship with Tom Lefroy. She and her sister, Cassandra, have decided to stay with a friend at Melmont Hall. As soon as they arrive, a murder occurs within just minutes after their arrival. Could Jane use all her skills to solve the murder?

After reading Death of a Lady, I was interested to see how Jane Austen’s detective skills have improved. In this novel, Jane Austen is clearly more observant. She is also good at controlling situations. I found that I admired how she capably solved the mystery. Jane Austen is very determined and doesn’t want this case to be unresolved. Even though she wants to go back home, she firmly resolves to stay until she solves it. Therefore, I could not help but root for Jane Austen!

Overall, this book is about secrets, sisterhood, and justice. I liked all of the characters, and I found all of them to be suspicious. There are a few plot holes that are left unresolved. Also, the murder was very predictable. As soon as the murder occurs, the reader automatically knows who it is and how the person did it. However, I did find the book to be very fast-paced and it kept me engrossed in reading! I also like how Mrs. Martin made Regency England come alive! I am excited to read the sequel, A Poisoned Fortune! Last Impressions was an enjoyable and cozy read that is perfect for a cold winter afternoon! I recommend this for fans of Irina Shapiro, Cara Devlin, and Darcy Burke!

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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Interview with Melanie Dickerson

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History from a Woman's Perspective- A Book Blog

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