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  • Published: 14 April 2026
  • ISBN: 9781405956703
  • Imprint: Michael Joseph
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 368
  • RRP: $24.99
Categories:

Sense, Sensibility and Scandal



Jane Austen returns to solve another devilish mystery, in the compelling follow-up to Miss Austen Investigates

Welcome to Godmersham Park, 1797.

Jane Austen is spending the summer with her estranged brother, Neddy. As heir to wealthy widow Mrs Knight’s fortune, it is imperative that Neddy stays in his benefactor’s good graces.

But upon arrival in Kent, Jane realises Neddy is in dire need of her help. For a mysterious young woman currently resides with Mrs Knight – a stranger named Eleanor, who threatens to swindle the inheritance for herself.

Jane must uncover who Eleanor is, to protect the fortunes – and fate – of her entire family. But when her investigation takes a dangerous turn, can she solve the mystery – and save them all?

  • Published: 14 April 2026
  • ISBN: 9781405956703
  • Imprint: Michael Joseph
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 368
  • RRP: $24.99
Categories:

About the author

Jessica Bull

Jessica Bull grew up in South East London, where she still lives with her husband, two daughters, and far too many pets. She’s addicted to stories and studied English Literature at Bristol University, and Information Science at City University, London. She began work as a librarian (under the false impression she could sit and read all day), before becoming a communications consultant.

Her debut novel, Miss Austen Investigates, has sold in eighteen territories and counting. Sense, Sensibility and Scandal (previously published as A Fortune Most Fatal) is the second book in the series.

Also by Jessica Bull

See all

Praise for Sense, Sensibility and Scandal

Praise for Jessica Bull

A fun, clever mystery...a must-read for historical crime fiction fans

Good Housekeeping

BRILLIANT. So sharply observed, yet fresh, funny and a joy to read

Jennie Godfrey

Jessica Bull combines genteel Georgian country living with the lively intrigue of a whodunnit to create a very satisfying read

Sunday Express

Sharp and energetic whilst simultaneously warm and heartfelt. This is a delicious treat for fans of Austen's novels and delightfully compelling mysteries

BP Walter

This wonderful book feels almost like an immersive experience. Witty, clever and with exquisite detail. Miss Austen is a terrific sleuth

Ian Moore

Sharp, searching and perfectly constructed...filled with wit, wrong turns and pitch-perfect characters, and a mystery that pulls expertly on the threads of 1797 society too. Jessica Bull is the real deal - a storyteller of such skill and empathy and verve, whose prose sings on every page. Jane Austen would adore this series - and so do I!

Alex Hay, author of The Housekeepers

Richly imagined and wonderfully plotted - a great read

S.J. Bennett

Exceptional - the Austen whodunnit I feel like I've been waiting my whole life for! The historical detail was rich and impeccable with gorgeously drawn characters, all the twists and turns you want from a murder mystery and an incredibly striking Austen voice. I loved it!

Sophie Irwin

What a virtuoso blend of historical detail, colourful characters and plot. Charming from the first page to the last, this mystery captivates with dashing characters and arch wit. Miss Austen would most heartily approve!

Orlando Murrin, author of Knife Skills for Beginners

A delightful return to the world of Jane Austen's sleuthing! Jessica Bull delicately balances the details of Jane's life alongside a richly developed set of mysteries. Rendered in Jane's signature wit and equal parts light and dark, I enjoyed every moment I got to spend with Jane in this briliant follow-up

Kristen Perrin, author of How To Solve Your Own Murder

Sparkling...Woven through with fascinating insights into our heroine's real life and loves, this is a brilliant debut that does Jane justice

Woman's Weekly

I adored this so much. Jane brims with life and wit, the story is packed with delicious details to delight every Austen fan, and the puzzle is constructed as neatly as Emma

Alex Hay

Jessica Bull's sleuth, Jane Austen, is once again set in a pitch perfect Regency society with a wonderful murder mystery at its core - it's everything a Janeite could want!

C.L. Miller, author of the Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder

A delight from the very first page - fun, clever and gritty, with fantastic characterisation and a wonderful look into the darkness hidden beneath the glimmering facade of Regency society. Jessica Bull masterfully brings to life Jane Austen and those around her, doing justice to the glimpses we get from letters. Her Jane Austen is my Jane Austen

Katie Lumsden, author of The Secrets of Hartwood Hall

So clever and so well done

Good Housekeeping

A Fortune Most Fatal is the perfect treat for anyone who has ever wanted to don a Regency gown and step inside the pages of a Jane Austen novel...Jessica Bull spins the most perfect mystery, laying down clues with a masterful sleight of hand, then revealing them to the reader one by one, making for a hugely satisfying and deeply moving read. I could not have loved it more!

Ciar Byrne, author of A Deadly Discovery

The perfect treat for anyone who has ever wantd to don a Regency gown and step inside the pages of a Jane Austen novel...Jessica Bull spins the most perfect myster, laying down clues with a masterful sleight of hand, then revealing them to the reader one by one, making for a hugely satisfying and deeply moving read. I could not have loved it more!

Ciar Byrne, author of A Deadly Discovery

Jessica Bull defly weaves real historical events and characters with a thrilling storyline, and wields her extensive research with expert precision. She conjures Jane's Regency world with as much realism as if she were describing our world today, and I was utterly immerside from the first page. Jane Austen is a plucky, sharp-witted, lovable heroine, and I can't wait for her next adventure!

Louise Morrish

What a virtuoso blend of historical detail, colourful characters and plot. Charming from the first page to the last, this mystery captivates with dashing characters and arch wit. Miss Austen would most heartily approve!

Orlando Murrin, author of Knife Skills for Beginners

This wonderful book feels almost like an immersive experience. Witty, clever and with exquisite detail. Miss Austen is a terrific sleuth

Ian Moore

Praise for Jessica Bull

Sparkling...Woven through with fascinating insights into our heroine's real life and loves, this is a brililant debut that does Jane justice

Woman's Weekly

BRILLIANT. So sharply observed, yet fresh, funny and a joy to read

Jennie Godfrey

A delightful return to the world of Jane Austen’s sleuthing! Jessica Bull delicately balances the details of Jane’s life alongside a richly developed set of mysteries. Rendered in Jane’s signature wit and equal parts light and dark, I enjoyed every moment I got to spend with Jane in this brilliant follow-up

Kristen Perrin, author of How To Solve Your Own Murder

Jessica Bull combines genteel Georgian country living with the lively intrigue of a whodunnit to create a very satisfying read

Sunday Express

Sharp and energetic whilst simultaneously warm and heartfelt. This is a delicious treat for fans of Austen novels and delightfully compelling mysteries

BP Walter

A delight from the very first page – fun, clever and gritty, with fantastic characterisation and a wonderful look into the darkness hidden beneath the glimmering facade of Regency society. Jessica Bull masterfully brings to life Jane Austen and those around her, doing justice to the glimpses we get from letters. Her Jane Austen is my Jane Austen

Katie Lumsden, author of The Secrets of Hartwood Hall

Jessica Bull’s sleuth, Jane Austen, is once again set in a pitch perfect Regency society with a wonderful murder mystery at its core - it’s everything a Janeite could want!

C.L. Miller, author of The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder

Richly imagined and wonderfully plotted - a great read

S.J. Bennett

Exceptional - the Austen whodunnit I feel like I've been waiting my whole life for! The historical detail was rich and impeccable with gorgeously drawn characters, all the twists and turns you want from a murder mystery and an incredibly striking Austen voice. I love it!

Sophie Irwin

Sharp, searching and perfectly constructed, A Fortune Most Fatal is glorious - filled with wit, wrong turns and pitch-perfect characters, and a mystery that pulls expertly on the darker threads of 1797 society too. Jessica Bull is the real deal - a storyteller of such skill and empathy and verve, whose prose sings on every page. Jane Austen would adore this series - and so do I!

Alex Hay, author of The Housekeepers

Jessica Bull deftly weaves real historical events and characters with a thrilling storyline, and wields her extensive research with expert precision. She conjures Jane’s Regency world with as much realism as if she were describing our world today, and I was utterly immersed from the first page. Jane Austen is a plucky, sharp-witted, lovable heroine, and I can’t wait for her next adventure!

Louise Morrish

So clever and so well done

Good Housekeeping

A fun, clever mystery...a must-read for historical crime fiction fans

Good Housekeeping
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