Jane Austen Investigates: The Abbey Mystery (Paperback out 23 April 2021)

Jane Austen Investigates – The Abbey Mystery 

This was one of those books where half of me was thinking “I love this book!” and the other half was thinking “I want to be in this book!”. The book had an amazing mystery which surprised me at every turn.

Jane, a writer and adventurer, is staying with a wealthy family in a luxurious manor. However, everything is not as it seems… The villainous Mr and Mrs Cromwell (not to mention her pampered and certainly evil Persian cat) have secrets that could change everything. Their charming and proud son, Cromwell, is not living up to everyone’s expectations yet may have plans of his own. As if that wasn’t enough, there is also a supposed haunting on the grounds that our daring narrator Jane is determined to disprove.

The story was wonderfully written and the Georgian time period was perfectly executed and completely transported me! I loved how it included the drama, luscious parties, balls and the rebellious women who had to overcome so much hardship. All the side characters were incredibly engaging and complex. From Luke, an animal-loving stable boy who has some hidden talents, to Deepti, a mysterious Indian girl who can hold her own in a fight and Fitz William, the nephew of Mr Cromwell, who may not be as privileged and loyal as you may think…

From the engaging plot, to the loveable characters and the intriguing mystery, this was an amazing read!

Stella Odysseos (aged 12)

The Abbey Mystery is a historical fiction and mystery about a young Jane Austen. 

Jane has been sent to Southmoor Abbey to replace her sister and to be a companion to Lady Cromwell, the owner of the house, as the household prepares for the eldest son’s coming-of-age party. Meanwhile, Jane has an ongoing bet with her brother as to whether the Mad Monk’s ghost really exists. However, Sir Charles’ prize horses have been stolen and there’s been a library fire. Who is behind all this?

I loved the characters and found their stories wonderful. My favourite character is either Deepti, Jane or Luke. Deepti because she is a strong-willed girl who is extremely good in combat, Jane because she shows that being booksmart doesn’t mean you’re weak and Luke because he knows and cares for animals. Jane reminds me a lot of another character from another series called Enola Holmes.

My favourite parts were probably the bit where they solve the mystery and end when Jane’s friends come to visit her to bring good news and to ask her how she’s been doing.

I find the setting a brilliant place to hold a mystery because the building and grounds have a lot of hidden areas and a long history.

The book taught me about detective skills and also about the period Jane was from (Regency period) as well as India during that time.

This book is a brilliant read and I’m hoping it will be a part of a series as on the top, it says ‘Jane Austen Investigates’ which feels a bit like a series title. 

 P.S. There is a spelling mistake on Page 99. Instead of ‘quite’, it says ‘quiet’.

Florence Su aged 9