1812 London

Up-and-coming novelist Jane Austen joins forces with London's most esteemed investigative duo – the infamous Dora Fitz-Pennington and disgraced son of a Viscount, Jacob Sandys – to solve the brutal murder of a French count and his opera singer wife. The killer took his own life immediately after the crime – but who sent him and why?

As they find themselves swept up in London's shadowy underworld, can Dora and Jacob uncover the truth without jeopardising national security, and with the promises they made to each other still intact? And will their unique love story end up in the pages of one of Austen’s novels?

'One of the best historical mysteries of the year. I loved it!' Vanessa Kelly, bestselling author of The Emma Knightley Mysteries

'A rip-roaring, helter-skelter adventure careening breathlessly through Regency society … an uproarious delight' Historical Novel Society

'Golding’s deft touch and clear affection for Austen’s voice make this a genuinely clever, witty piece of historical fiction' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This series has just been such a delight to read … I'll be clamoring for the next book!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Golding’s prose has just the right amount of Austen charm … The dialogue sparkles, the setting feels spot-on … I didn’t want to put it down.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'A delightful, gripping and intense mystery that I absolutely loved' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'The perfect cozy mystery to curl up with on a rainy Sunday afternoon. It’s charming, clever, and just twisty enough to keep you turning the pages' ⭐⭐⭐⭐

'A clever and engaging historical mystery that keeps readers guessing. I thought this was so quaint and cosy. I loved this!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Wonderfully entertaining just like every book in this series has been! Such great characters and wonderful writing' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐