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Jane Austen’s Lost Letters

Jane Austen’s Lost Letters

Could Josie's father have really accidentally found two previously unknown letters by one of the world’s most beloved authors―Jane Austen?

As Josie draws close to the truth, she finds herself in danger, and learns that some people will do anything to keep a secret—even kill.

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About the Book

Named a “Best Cozy of 2021” by Aunt Agatha’s!

Chosen as a “Book Not to Miss” by USA Today!

“This Week’s Best New Books” Pick in Woman’s World!

 

On a crisp October Monday afternoon, Josie returns to her business, Prescott’s Antiques & Auctions, after a lunch hour walk taking in New Hampshire’s autumn foliage to find an elegant older woman waiting to see her.

Veronica Sutton introduces herself as an old friend of Josie’s father, who had died twenty years earlier. Veronica seems fidgety, and after only a few minutes, hands Josie a brown paper-wrapped package, about the size of a shoebox, and leaves.

Mystified, Josie opens the package, and gasps when she sees what’s inside: a notecard bearing her name—in her father’s handwriting—and a green leather box. Inside the box are two letters in transparent plastic sleeves. The first bears the salutation, “My dear Cassandra,” the latter, “Dearest Fanny.” Both are signed “Jane Austen.” Could her father have really accidentally found two previously unknown letters by one of the world’s most beloved authors—Jane Austen? Reeling, Josie tries to track down Veronica, but the woman has vanished without a trace.

Josie sets off on the quest of a lifetime to learn what Veronica knows about her father and to discover whether the Jane Austen letters are real. As she draws close to the truth, she finds herself in danger, and learns that some people will do anything to keep a secret—even kill.

Reviews
"I’m always happy to see a female character who takes charge of her life and prospers, with a thriving business, devoted friends and employees, a good, strong personal relationship, and a couple of contented cats. Josie ... is a feminist role model."
"Cleland's (Hidden Treasure; Glow of Death) knowledge of and admiration for Jane Austen shine through this well-plotted, suspenseful narrative where long-term fans--and new ones--will eagerly invest in this exciting series full of surprises."
"Jane K. Cleland is at her best with Jane Austen’s Lost Letters. In addition to a compelling premise based on literary lore, she serves up a multitude of mysteries that are both clever and cleverly connected. Further, members of the large ensemble cast have moments to shine and strut (subtly, of course) even as Josie remains the series’ grounding force. Insider details about the making of a TV show keep things fresh, proving that the familiar can continue to fascinate even after all these years (and books)."
"... in Cleland’s beguiling 14th Josie Prescott Antiques mystery (after 2020’s Hidden Treasures),  [the] ... characters all ring true. Cleland maintains tension from the opening pages right up to the surprise conclusion. Miss Austen would approve."
"Both mystery fans and antiques lovers will enjoy the erudite heroine’s informative, entertaining new adventure."
"Published in the year marking the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy, Cleland’s storyline is especially relevant and culminates with a bombshell of an ending. Readers will find Jane Austen’s Lost Letters Hard to put down. It is a tightly plotted, sophisticated story ripe with secrets and lies. This 14th entry in the series is as fresh as the first.”
"... [A] solid cozy mystery... Give this series a try if you are a cozy mystery fan who loves historical artifacts and antiques."
"Another meticulously plotted blast of a read from the talented Jane K. Cleland!"
"This is the first book in the Josie Prescott Antiques Mysteries that I've read. To tell the truth, when I saw 'Jane Austen' in the title, I had to read it. A story about long-lost letters written by Austen had to be interesting, didn't it? Well, I wasn't disappointed and I learned a lot about provenance. I'd heard the term before but not much about the sleuthing it takes to track an item back through its various owners to its origin point. I found it fascinating... interesting, informative, the mystery was tightly plotted, and the ending satisfying."
– Gayle Surrette at Gumshoe Review
"With a tightly woven plot, gorgeous prose, and an ending to make even Miss Austen gasp, JANE AUSTEN’S  LOST LETTERS is a must-read for died-in-the-wool Jane Cleland fans as well as those new to the series. This may be my favorite Josie Prescott so far!"
"JANE AUSTEN’S LOST LETTERS is the best Josie Prescott Antiques Mystery yet!  With this heart-wrenching and heart-warming super-surprising twisty-turny tale, Cleland has reached new heights in storytelling. It's as smart and engaging as it is charming. A surefire winner!"
“Absolutely charming and completely entertaining! Jane Cleland is a brilliant storyteller—and her expertise shines though in this sophisticated and smart mystery, full of tantalizing secrets. With seamless plotting, perfect characterizations and Cleland’s signature authenticity—plus twisty motives, heartbreaking emotions and a raft of red herrings—JANE AUSTEN’S LOST LETTERS will have her legions of fans cheering and have new fans turning the pages as fast as they can. I loved every word!” 
"... another fun addition to the series."
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Details
Author:
Series: Josie Prescott Mysteries
Genre: Mystery
Tag: Recommended Books
Publisher: Minotaur
Publication Year: 2021
ASIN: B08R2K6XV9
ISBN: 9781250779380
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the page above are "affiliate links." This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

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