The Best Jane Austen Inspired Cozy Mysteries
“No one can withstand the charm of such a mystery.”
― Jane Austen, Persuasion
The Regency-era romance of a classic Jane Austen novel can be quite appealing to cozy lovers, and some cozy mystery writers took this inspiration to heart!
From the genteel manners of the landed gentry to the hidden secrets of country estates, these novels offer a delightful blend of intrigue, romance, and clever sleuthing.
Whether you're a devoted Austen aficionado or simply intrigued by the allure of cozy mysteries, we've curated a list of the top cozy mysteries inspired by Jane Austen’s timeless works. Get ready to immerse yourself in a world where tea is served with gossip, and the quest for truth is as enthralling as a courtship dance at a grand ball.
The Murder of Mr. Wickham by Claudia Gray
Description:
Happily married Emma and Mr. Knighley’s house party at their estate grows larger than originally intended. However, amongst all the invited guests (that include the Darcys, Fanny and Edmund Bertram, Marianne and Colonel Brandon, Anne and Captain Wentworth, and Juliet Tilney) is one decidedly unwelcome guest: Mr. Wickham.
Having wronged so many in the past, there is no shortage of suspects when he is murdered. When it seems like the magistrate is looking for a quick answer instead of true justice, young Johnathon Darcy and Juliet Tilney decide they must uncover the killer on their own.
Why we love it:
It was enchanting to see so many Jane Austen heroines brought together in one story! Claudia Gray truly captured those characters while imagining them at different points in their lives (setting the novel in 1820 and basing the timelines of the characters’ lives around when it is believed the original novels were published.) It was fascinating to see how they each reacted when a murder occurred in their midst, even if it was someone as wicked as Mr. Wickham.
The writing style is similar to Austen’s prose, but is crafted like a Christie.
It was delightful to see Juliet Tilney (the daughter of Catherine and Henry from Northhanger Abbey) and Johnathon Darcy (the son of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice) become friends (with the possibility of romance!) through the course of a private murder investigation.
The setting of Mr. Knightley and Emma’s regency manor during storm provided the perfect backdrop. The mystery made perfect sense when explained, but did keep us guessing until the end.
The Murder of Mr. Wickham is perfect for cozy mystery lovers and Jane Austen fans alike. We can’t wait to read more in the series and are excited for the release of book three this summer.
Other books in the Mr. Darcy and Miss Tilney Mystery series:
The Murder of Mr. Wickham
The Late Mrs. Willoughby
The Perils of Lady Cahterine de Bourgh (coming in June 2024)
2. Pride, Prejudice, and Peril by Katie Oliver
Description:
Phaedra Brighton is an English college professor who specializes in Jane Austen’s works and teaches in full Regency era garb. She orchestrates Austen Festivals for the college, works as a historical consultant, cares for her cat Wickham, and solves crimes - all while searching for her own Mr. Darcy.
In this first installment of the series, Phaedra is hired as a Austenian consultant on the reality TV show Who Wants to Marry Mr. Darcy? which is being filmed at her best friend’s estate. However, when this friend is accused of murdering her husband on the first day of filming, Phaedra vows to find the real killer.
Why we love it:
It was so much fun to read a story set in the present-day (what screams modernity more than reality TV?) that is so dedicated to Jane Austen!
We love this professor’s quirky style and dedication to the Regency era for her students. The college setting and her family's bookshop are extremely cozy, and we wish we could visit the Jane Austen Festival described in the book.
The backdrops for murder are unique and exciting and we wonder whether Phaedra will eventually find romance like the heroines in her favorite author’s books.
We also loved the bad-boy kitty, Wickham!
Other books in the A Jane Austen Tea Society Mystery series:
Pride, Prejudice, and Peril
A Murderous Persuasion
Cyanide and Sensibility
3. Jane and the Twelve Days of Christmas by Stephanie Barron
Description:
This historical fiction series follows Jane Austen herself in adventures that are somewhat different from the books the author will write about. Here Jane Austen must get to the bottom of fiendish crimes that she encounters!
In Jane and the Twelve Days of Christmas, it is Christmas Even in 1814. Jane Austen is excited to enjoy the Yuletide festivities at the gorgeous ancestral home of the Chute family. When a reveler dies in a tragic accident, Jane wonders if it was actually murder. She begins sleuthing to uncover which of the snowbound guests is a killer.
Why we love it:
While we’ve mostly been selecting the first book in a series, we loved seeing the Regency Christmas preparations amid a murder investigation and had to select this book in the series. In all the books, we love seeing Jane Austen as a sleuth and the clever way the historical fiction series makes the tales seem realistic.
You can learn insights on Austen’s family and the time period while being delighted by extra adventures and mysteries that must be solved.
Other books in the Jane Austen Mysteries series:
Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor: Being the First Jane Austen Mystery
Jane and the Man of the Cloth
Jane and the Wandering Eye: Being the Third Jane Austen Mystery
Jane and the Genius of the Place: Being the Fourth Jane Austen Mystery
Jane and the Stillroom Maid: Being the Fifth Jane Austen Mystery
Jane and the Prisoner of Wool House: Being the Sixth Jane Austen Mystery
Jane and the Ghosts of Netley
Jane and His Lordship's Legacy
Jane and the Barque of Frailty
Jane and the Madness of Lord Byron: Being A Jane Austen Mystery
Jane and the Canterbury Tale: Being A Jane Austen Mystery
Jane and the Twelve Days of Christmas
Jane and the Waterloo Map
Jane and the Year Without a Summer
Jane and the Final Mystery
4. Death Comes to Pemberley by P.D. James
Description:
Six years after the events of Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth and Darcy are still very much in love and their family has grown. However, their idyllic existence is thrown into disarray when Lizzie’s disgraced sister Lydia arrives on the eve of their annual ball crying of murder.
Why we love it:
This is a darker tale than some of the other adaptations on this list, but it is expertly crafted and written in the style of Austen.
It’s fascinating to see how trials and justice took place during this era, and we root for Darcy and Elizabeth to make sense of the clues to ensure only the guilty party is properly blamed.
The movie adaptation of "Death Comes to Pemberley" made our 2022 list of "Best Cozy Mystery Episode for Christmas"!5. Pride and Premeditation by Tizrah Price
Description:
“It is a truth universally acknowledged that if Mr. Bingley is accused of murder, rivals Lizzie Bennet and Mr. Darcy must find the real killer!”
In this murder-mystery adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, sixteen-year-old Elizabeth Bennet works to prove to her father and the world that she is a capable litigator, despite the fact that women are not currently allowed to practice law.
Taking on the first available high-profile case to prove her worth, she attempts to prove Mr. Bingley innocent of the murder of his brother-in-law. While Bingley is impressed by her efforts, he still retains his friend, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, as his lawyer. With opposite views on the best approach to the case, can these two find common ground to save Bingley?
Why we love it:
This fast-paced and thrilling YA novel reinterprets the classic Pride and Prejudice story in a fun and compelling way. The murder mystery combined with the legal defense narrative is an enjoyable way to watch Darcy and Elizabeth spar.
It’s entertaining to see how the original characters are adapted to fit into the law office setting of Longbourn & Sons and Pemberley & Associates.
As Elizabeth gets closer to answers, she finds herself in more danger, but we enjoy seeing the budding romance at the same time.
Other standalone books in the Jane Austen Murder Mysteries series:
Pride and Premeditation
Manslaughter Park
Sense and Second-Degree Murder
6. Pride and Prescience by Carrie Bebris
Description:
Newlyweds Mr. And Mrs. Darcy are eager to begin their honeymoon and then their lives at Pemberley. However, when trouble haunts the Bingley family, they must delay their travels to help their closest friends unravel the strange events that are plaguing them and threatening their lives.
Why we love it:
This mashup of mystery and supernatural tale that follows two of our favorite Austen characters, Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, after they’ve tied the knot is a charming read.
Later books in the series has the couple encounter other beloved Austen characters as well.
We enjoy seeing what married life has in store for the Darcys and how they react to mysterious and mystic circumstances.
Other books in the Mr. & Mrs. Darcy Mystery series:
Pride and Prescience
Suspense and Sensibility
North by Northanger
The Matters at Mansfield
The Intrigue at Highbury
The Deception at Lyme
The Suspicion at Sanditon
7. The Jane Austen Escape Room Book by Marjolein Bastin
Puzzle Book
Description:
This game within a book captures an escape room experience with puzzles and riddles to solve. As the reader/player, you must unravel the clues to discover how Elizabeth Bennet wound up in a stagecoach with no memory of how she got there. You must solve the mystery to save her reputation and repair her relationship with Mr. Darcy.
Why we love it:
If you’re looking for a more active way to enjoy an Austen-inspired mystery, this is the way to do it! We loved playing the (sometimes tricky) puzzles and felt so satisfied when we found an answer.
However, what we loved best about this book is the beautiful artwork it contains!