New historical fiction books to read in 2025

Reading lists

The Austen Christmas Murders

TIS THE SEASON FOR MERRIMENT AND MYSTERIES…MISS AUSTEN INVESTIGATES A MURDER AT CHRISTMAS! 
 
A witty, heartwarming Christmas mystery – perfect for fans of Jane Austen and classic whodunnits 
 
‘So sharply observed, yet fresh, funny and a joy to read’ Jennie Godfrey 
 
'Comforting and cosy... the perfect book to read for Jane Austen's upcoming 250th birthday' 5***** reader review 
 
----- 
 
I sincerely hope your Christmas may abound in the mysteries which the season generally brings… 
 
The festive season is fast approaching. 
 
Jane Austen fears that without her lively siblings at home, there won’t be much Christmas cheer in the Austen household this year. 
 
But when she uncovers a skeleton in the cellar of Deane Parsonage, Jane soon forgets her woes. For who needs merriment, when there’s a mystery to solve? 
 
Jane quickly learns of a missing young bride, who after fleeing her wedding breakfast, was never seen again. Locals have long believed she haunts the woods nearby. Could Jane have found her at last? 
 
Or does the truth of this mystery lie closer to home? 
 
Over the twelve days of Christmas, Jane will embark upon festive delights, making merry, and solving murders… 
 
----- 
 
Praise for Jessica Bull: 
 
‘Witty, clever and with exquisite detail. Miss Austen is a terrific sleuth’ Ian Moore 
 
‘A fun, clever mystery’ Good Housekeeping 
 
‘A note-perfect crime caper’ Red

What an utterly delightful and cosy read! The Austen Christmas Murders is the perfect novella for any devoted Janeite to curl up with beside the fire. It was such a thrill to follow our beloved Miss Austen as she turned detective, and deeply satisfying to see the story brought to life with just the right touch of historical detail to make every page sing

Jessica Bull has struck gold again with this seasonal novella in which Jane Austen tries to identify human remains found in a cellar. Filled with Christmas cheer and shivers

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

Witty, clever and with exquisite detail. Miss Austen is a terrific sleuth

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

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!

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

I sincerely hope your Christmas may abound in the mysteries which the season generally brings… 
 
The festive season is fast approaching. 
 
Jane Austen fears that without her lively siblings at home, there won’t be much Christmas cheer in the Austen household this year. 
 
But when she uncovers a skeleton in the cellar of Deane Parsonage, Jane soon forgets her woes. For who needs merriment, when there’s a mystery to solve? 
 
Jane quickly learns of a missing young bride, who after fleeing her wedding breakfast, was never seen again. Locals have long believed she haunts the woods nearby. Could Jane have found her at last? 
 
Or does the truth of this mystery lie closer to home? 
 
Over the twelve days of Christmas, Jane will embark upon festive delights, making merry, and solving murders…

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. A Fortune Most Fatal is the highly-anticipated second book in the series.

The festive season is fast approaching. 
 
Jane Austen fears that without her siblings at home, there won’t be much Christmas cheer in the Austen household this year. 
 
But when she uncovers a skeleton in the cellar of Deane Rectory, Jane soon forgets her woes. Who needs merriment, when there’s a mystery to solve? 
 
Her investigation leads her to the legend of a young bride who’s long been thought to haunt the woods nearby. After fleeing her wedding breakfast, the bride was never seen again. 
 
Has Jane found her at last? Or is there more to this mystery than meets the eye? 
 
Tis the season for Jane to embark upon festive delights, making merry, and solving murders…

Miss Austen Investigates

THE MURDER MYSTERY OF THE SEASON, INTRODUCING A NEW LITERARY SLEUTH – MISS JANE AUSTEN, PERFECT FOR FANS OF TOM HINDLE AND JANICE HALLETT 
 Lavish balls, fetching bonnets, and dead bodies . . . It's time for Jane Austen to put down her pen – and find a killer 
 'The cosy crime mystery we've all been waiting for' 5***** reader review 
 
 'A note-perfect crime caper' Red 
 
 ---- 
‘You must look beyond the obvious, interrogate all possibilities, to reach the truth’ 
 
 Though young in years, Jane Austen has long had the sharp wit and shrewd insight to observe what others do not. 
 
 So when the body of a milliner is shockingly discovered during a lavish ball at Sir John Harcourt’s estate, she sees how blind polite society can be to the truth. 
 
 With the death pronounced a murder and Jane’s brother Georgy swiftly accused of the deed, the injustice of it strikes close to home. 
 
 Jane writes stories filled with secrets exposed, motives questioned, and manners deceiving. Now, she must turn her powers of observation to detection, to unmask the true murderer. 
 
 For if she fails, her beloved brother will face the ultimate punishment – the hangman’s noose . . . 
---- 
 
 Why readers love Miss Austen Investigates 
'Fresh and witty' 5***** reader review 
 'Miss Austen Investigates could not be a more perfect formula for success' 5***** reader review 
 'A fantastic blending of cosy crime with classic fiction...such a fun and unique concept' 5***** reader review 
 'There is warmth and humour in every page' 5***** reader review 
 'Delightful and entertaining with a lively witty voice and perfect pacing' 5***** reader review 
 'This book offers a unique and delightful experience that readers won't forget' 5***** reader review 
 
 Praise for Miss Austen Investigates 
 'Richly imagined and wonderfully plotted - a great read' S.J. Bennett 
 
 'This super-fun read is a total breath of fresh air!' Sun 
 
 'Sparkling...A brilliant debut that does Jane justice' Woman's Weekly 
 
 'Exceptional - the Austen whodunnit I feel like I've been waiting my whole life for! All the twists and turns you want from a murder mystery and an incredibly striking Austen voice' Sophie Irwin 
 
 'Delicious' Crime Monthly 
 
 'So clever and well done' Good Housekeeping 
 
 'Sharp and energetic whilst simultaneously warm and heartfelt. This is a delicious treat for fans of Austen's novels and delightfully compelling mysteries' B.P. Walter

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

I adored it. Miss Austen Investigates is fresh, fiendish and funny. Much like Jane herself

Richly imagined and wonderfully plotted - a great read

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

This super-fun read is a total breath of fresh air!

A note-perfect crime caper that has much of the wit and empathy of an Austen novel

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!

Sparkling...A brilliant debut that does Jane justice

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. Bravo, Jessica Bull -- you are a genius!

Such a clever idea, pulled off with considerable deftness. The result is a sparkling treat of a read

I absolutely adored Miss Austen Investigates! It perfectly captures the world of Jane Austen, and the character of Jane is everything you'd want her to be. Also a wonderfully twisty plot!

Such a delight! Highly recommend

Jessica Bull has managed to perfectly entwine a classic golden era whodunnit with the life and society of one of our greatest ever writers.

From the first page it sparkles with wit and warmth

Funny, charming, clever and utterly absorbing. I am enchanted

Hugely entertaining, this breathlessly paced mystery is given ballast by careful, thorough research, and intriguing insights into Jane Austen’s character. A gripping read

Miss Austen Investigates is an absolute joy of a novel that captures the era and Jane Austen herself with such heart, wit and an exquisite amount of detail. Beautifully written and completely immersive, it will keep you guessing until the very end

This book was a joy to read. I felt immersed in Jane Austen's world, and Jessica Bull's witty herione is so much fun to spend time with! Properly twisty, atmospheric, and delightful all at once. When I turned the last page I already missed Jane and can't wait for more

A cosy mystery cloaked in Jane Austen's sparkling powers of observation and wit, Miss Austen Investigates brings a young Jane to life as she tries to solve a village murder that has struck far too close to home. With evocative detail and stunning historical accuracy, author Jessica Bull places the reader firmly within the Steventon terrain of Austen family lore in this remarkably assured and engaging debut. Blending the boisterous energy of Becoming Jane with the intricate plot puzzles of P.D. James, Miss Austen Investigates gives Austenites a wonderful new way to appreciate their favourite author

Jessica Bull's debut novel is a sheer delight: a gripping murder mystery...it is also an intriguing and deeply moving love story. And it is very, very funny

Jessica Bull's writing is flawless, with a lyrical, subtle wit. It's like being swept along on a glorious wave. Can't wait to see what Jane gets up to next

Sheer delight. A gripping murder mystery. A hugely accomplished storyteller and Bull's writing style pays homage to Austen’s acerbic wit and elegant turn of phrase. I cannot wait for the next volume in the series

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. A Fortune Most Fatal is the highly-anticipated second book in the series.

Jane Austen is just starting out in society. 
 
The perils of being a woman in this environment fill the pages of her writing. Yet little does she know just how dangerous things truly are… 
 
When the body of a milliner is discovered during a ball, the murder causes uproar. 
 
For Jane, however, it becomes personal when her beloved brother Georgy is accused of the murder. 
To clear his name, she must find the real killer. 
 
Her writing is full of tales of questioning motives, and unmasking secrets. 
 
Might her powers of observation help her solve this mystery, and save her brother from the hangman’s noose?

Pride, Prejudice and Peril

*PRE-ORDER NOW! THE LATEST INSTALMENT IN THE DEVILISH AND DELIGHTFUL MISS AUSTEN INVESTIGATES SERIES* 
 
'Exceptional - the Austen whodunnit I feel like I've been waiting my whole life for! I loved it' SOPHIE IRWIN 
 
***** 
 
Jane Austen is preparing for the summer season. 
 
As guests of their wealthy relatives Mr and Mrs Leigh-Perrot, Jane and her sister Cassandra will be holidaying in Bath Spa – the world-famous health resort, and more importantly, the epicentre of the marriage mart. 
 
For many, the summer will be spent hunting husbands. But for Jane, when a series of murders breaks out across the city, she must chase down a killer instead. 
 
With her beloved sister by her side, Jane is determined to bring the murderer to justice. Can she stop this villain from taking any more victims, before the summer ends? Or will her only dance of the season be with death… 
 
***** 
 
Why readers LOVE the Miss Austen Investigates series! 
'Delightful and entertaining' 5***** reader review'Jane Austen makes a perfect detective!' 5***** reader review'This book is such a joy!' 5***** reader review'A very clever whodunnit!' 5***** reader review'Kept me entertained throughout' 5***** reader review

I adored it...fresh, fiendish and funny. Much like Jane herself

A note-perfect crime caper that has much of the wit and empathy of an Austen novel

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

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

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!

Jane Austen is preparing for the summer season. 
 
As guests of their wealthy relatives Mr and Mrs Leigh-Perrot, Jane and her sister Cassandra will be holidaying in Bath Spa – the world-famous health resort, and more importantly, the epicentre of the marriage mart. 
 
For many, the summer will be spent hunting husbands. But for Jane, when a series of murders take place across the city, she must chase down a killer instead. 
 
With her beloved sister by her side, Jane is determined to bring the murderer to justice. Can she stop this villain from taking any more victims, before the summer ends? Or will her only dance of the season be with death…

Jessica Bull

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

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!

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!

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!

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

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

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!

author of the Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder

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!

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

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

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!

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!

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!

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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!

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?

Jessica Bull

Praise for Sense, Sensibility and Scandal

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Books by Jessica Bull

Articles featuring Jessica Bull

New historical fiction books to read in 2025

Follow penguin

Follow ladybird

Follow puffin

Sign up to the Penguin newsletter