This is a really great second book in the ‘Miss Austen Investigates’ series. Once again Jessica has managed to skillfully weave fact and fiction into a thoroughly entertaining mystery which keeps you guessing until the end.
Set against the backdrop of her beloved sister’s grief due the death of her fiancé, Jane is called upon by her brother’s family, and reluctantly leaves Cassandra for Kent in order to help Edward/Neddy Austen Knight’s wife as she prepares for childbirth.
Whilst also helping Neddy’s ‘mother’, (Mrs Knight), with various errands, Jane overhears a conversation which sets her mind racing as to what can be done; and just who is the mysterious house guest that Mrs Knight has taken in and are they really capable of destroying all of one’s hopes for the future? One thing is sure, danger lies ahead, and Jane must work out who she can trust.
A Fortune Most Fatal is ‘darker’ in its storyline than ‘The Hapless Milliner, and doesn’t have as many light-hearted moments as its predecessor, which I am sure is purposely reflective of the fact that the story opens after the Austen family has experienced the grief of Mr Fowle’s death (Cassandra’s fiancé)..
Despite the more serious nature of the plot, ‘A Fortune Most Fatal’ is another triumph of good research, and Jessica is careful to explain at the end of the novel not only where her inspiration came from, but also where timelines and events have been adjusted to fit with the narrative.
As an avid reader and collector of books relating to Jane Austen, I can thoroughly recommend this one as another enjoyable read. I very much hope Jessica will continue the series with a third book and I’d like to thank her and Netgalley for the opportunity to read it in advance of its general release.

Book 2 in this fab series is everything I hoped for and more. The characterization of the Austen clan is masterfully done. And the mystery kept me rapt through to the end. A must-read for Janeites and fans of fine histfic mysteries. Book 3, please come soon!

I absolutely loved this brilliant second installment in the "Miss Austen Investigates" series. Jessica Bull has somehow mananged to keep all the appeal of the first book while giving readers a mystery that's really quite different and unique, and kept me guessing until the end. I love the new setting (Kent), I love the way Jessica Bull brings the Austen family to life so delightfully (so very much like a "real" family -- and so funny!!), and I adore the character of Brook. There's just so much to love here. I am thoroughly hooked on this series, and cannot wait for the third booik!!

Enjoyed reading this book and will seek out others in the series. The author does not shy away from the cruel situations in life and their consequences.