It is a truth universally acknowledged that a young women in possession of a fine mind must be in pursuit of a murderer. Or words to that effect.
16 December 2025 marks Jane Austen’s 250th birthday and what better way to celebrate than with a little murder and mayhem? These Austen-inspired mysteries put Regency charm (1795-1837) to the test, swapping polite parlour gossip for hidden motives, dark secrets and canny amateur sleuths. From characters like Darcy and Elizabeth uncovering crimes, to a Bingley sister showing surprising gumption, to Jane Austen herself donning a deerstalker, these novels offer wit, intrigue and suspense.
Whether a die-hard Austen fan or a mystery lover curious about Regency-era intrigue, there is something for everyone. From clever reinventions of beloved characters to original sleuths navigating the perils of polite society, each book brings its own twist to Austen’s world. Read on for our curated selection of Jane Austen-inspired crime fiction that explores the peril lurking in the most unlikely drawing rooms.
Miss Caroline Bingley, Private Detective by Kelly Gardiner and Sharmini Kumar
Miss Caroline Bingley, Private Detective transforms one of Jane Austen’s least-loved characters into an unlikely Regency sleuth. Two years after the events of Pride and Prejudice (1813), Caroline Bingley follows Georgiana Darcy to London after Georgiana’s maid disappears. What begins as a search quickly draws Caroline into a murder mystery that moves from grand houses to London’s grittier corners. Her sharp tongue and social ambition are reframed as intelligence and tenacity, making her a compelling amateur detective. The mystery is pacy and atmospheric, filled with vivid Regency detail and underpinned by thoughtful explorations of empire, class and gender. Caroline’s story blends wit, social insight and suspense, making it an inventive and entertaining read for Austen fans and mystery lovers alike.
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The Austen Intrigue by Julia Golding
The Austen Intrigue casts Jane Austen herself as a participant in a puzzle mystery. When a Russian count and his opera-singer wife meet a suspicious end, Jane teams up with investigators Dora Fitz-Pennington and Dr Jacob Sandys. Their search for the truth takes them on a whistle-stop tour of London society, blending espionage, political tension and subtle romance with a light, adventurous touch. Julia Golding’s writing captures Regency elegance while keeping the pace sharp and the suspense engaging. The interplay between Jane and her investigative partners adds charm and depth, making it an inventive story that honours Austen’s era while delivering a clever mystery.
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In Want of a Suspect by Tirzah Price
In Want of a Suspect reimagines Elizabeth Bennet as a solicitor in Regency London. When a warehouse fire leads to a suspicious death, Lizzie and Mr Darcy uncover hidden motives and secrets that endanger both their professional and personal lives. Lizzie’s intelligence and resourcefulness shine, revealing her to be a capable detective in a society that seldom allows women such authority. The novel balances a tricky conundrum with sharp character work and period detail. Lizzie and Darcy’s evolving partnership adds emotional weight, while the fast-moving plot maintains interest. It’s a fresh and engaging take on Austen’s world, seamlessly blending suspense and charm.
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Death Comes to Jane Austen Town by Rosemary Stevens
Death Comes to Jane Austen Town by Rosemary Stevens is a witty start to a cosy mystery series that mixes small-town Americana with Austen-inspired flair. Set in Boring, Virginia – a community desperate to revive its fortunes – the novel introduces Kay Starling, a resourceful heroine whose devotion to Jane Austen sparks a delightful transformation of her hometown into ‘Jane Austen Town’. The story combines humour, local politics and literary homage, as Boring’s revival plans collide with scandal and murder at the heart of the new Jane Austen Festival. Stevens’ deft character development and dialogue lends the story warmth and energy, while the Austen references add a clever meta-layer for fans of classic literature. With its blend of civic pride, sharp wit and genteel sleuthing, it makes for a promising start to a planned series that’s as smart as it is comforting – a mystery with both heart and manners.
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The Austen Christmas Murders by Jessica Bull
The Austen Christmas Murders by Jessica Bull is a treat for fans of Regency England with a keen eye for mystery. As Christmas looms, Jane Austen is feeling blue about her siblings’ absence, and her mood (and festive spirit) is further dampened when a skeleton is discovered in the cellar of Deane Rectory. A local legend about a runaway bride, who fled her wedding breakfast and was never seen again, adds a spooky aspect to the case. Bull weaves atmospheric chills (both ghostly and mortal), charmingly drawn period detail and Austen’s characteristic wit, providing a satisfying puzzle without sacrificing heart or decorum. The warm family relationships, Jane’s inquisitive intelligence and the seasonal backdrop make it a cosy, comforting read – perfect for curling up with by the fire when snow begins to fall.
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Also see our feature on Josephine Tey, the crime author who also appears as a protagonist in Nicola Upson’s crime fiction series.
