On a visit to the estate of her friend, the young and beautiful Isobel Payne, Countess of Scargrave, Jane bears witness to a tragedy. Isobel's husband--agentleman of mature years--is felled by a mysterious and agonizing ailment. TheEarl's death seems a cruel blow of fate for the newly married Isobel. Yet thebereaved widow soon finds that it's only the beginning of her misfortune...asshe receives a sinister missive accusing her and the Earl's nephew ofadultery--and murder. Desperately afraid that the letter will expose her to theworst sort of scandal, Isobel begs Jane for help. And Jane finds herselfembroiled in a perilous investigation that will soon have her following a trailof clues that leads all the way to Newgate Prison and the House of Lords--atrail that may well place Jane's own person in the gravest jeopardy.

Being the First Jane Austen Mystery

"There's plenty to enjoy in this crime-solving side of Jane....[She] is asworthy a detective as Columbo".
-- "USA Today"

"Happily succeeds on all levels: a robust tale of manners and mayhemthat faithfully reproduces the Austen style--and engrosses to the finish".
-- "Kirkus Reviews"

"Splendid fun!"
-- "Star Tribune", Minneapolis