Just So Stories

Harper Collins Australia

November 2023

Book #2 Jane Austen Murder Mysteries

• ISBN: 9780062889850
• ISBN 10: 0062889850
• Imprint: HarperTeen
• $19.99

Now that I’ve read this one, I’d really like to get hold of #1 because this is a really top-notch, fresh take on detective stories. Of course, young ladies in Regency England did not pursue business, nor study chemistry and so on, but a little manipulation of fact is always justified in the pursuit of a great story. And this is a great story indeed!

 We all know that crime/detection/mystery/murder stories have been a really strong trend in both kids’ and YA lit for a few years now, and when that happens, it can easily occur that there will be a certain sameness about narratives. That’s where something different is so welcome.

Fans of Enola, in particular, will enjoy dipping even further back in historical periods with this cleverly written and executed murder-mystery. Author Tirzah Price has created a perfect balance between the tone and style of Jane Austen with an increasingly dangerous murder investigation, and some skilful teamwork between the Dashwood sisters.

18 year old Elinor yearns to study chemistry and dabbles in experimenting. When she makes the shocking discovery of her father’s dead body in his study, the diagnosis is heart attack. But younger sister, Marianne, realises that something is amiss and the discovery of a substance encrusted in their father’s teacup points directly to poisoning. Marianne has been virtually their father’s apprentice in his investigation practice, and is determined to carry on his work.

When the girls, with youngest sister Margaret and their mother, are forced out of their family home, by their half-brother and his odious wife and set up in a small Cheapside apartment, the older girls determine to fully investigate their father’s suspicious death, earn a living and pursue their respective studies and passions.

As the investigation goes on, they begin to uncover a nefarious, undercover drug trade among the upper classes (some vices are eternal it seems), and as they get closer to unravelling the truth, so too they get closer to being in mortal danger. And certainly, there is a lesson to be learned in not taking people at face value as the least likely can suddenly become the most dangerous.  

It’s a fast-paced, highly enjoyable romp through a slice of life in Regency London, albeit with a few embellishments, which readers from around 12/13 will thoroughly enjoy. Aside from the glorious fun of the plot, what about that gorgeous cover art? The embroidery is such a cute and clever representation of both the girls and an echo of the historical period – well played!