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An Austen in Boston

A Novel

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Pub Date 16 Mar 2027 | Archive Date 30 Mar 2027


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Description

In this lyrical coming-of-age novel, a lonely college freshman finds her footing via a literary mystery marked by rebellion, self-discovery, and the secret society that's spent years piecing it together.

Coded messages. Hidden tunnels. Fiery secrets. For generations, a women-led secret society has guarded them all.

When Birdie de Witt arrives at Whilton College to study poetry, she's still reeling from her parents' divorce. Alone and adrift in the mysterious old Victorian they've rented for her, she seeks refuge with her scholarly godparents, both professors at Whilton. They are a balm to her poet's soul. So are unexpected sparks with the captivating Irish musician who becomes her new roommate.

Yet nothing soothes Birdie's loneliness like her initiation into the secret Pemberley Society for Accomplished Women. Devoted to sisterhood and all things Jane Austen, the Pems whisper of a lost manuscript hidden at Whilton. Birdie and her new sisters follow the clues and embark upon a literary scavenger hunt for the ages.

But when false accusations threaten her newfound place among the Pems, Birdie must find her voice—and discover what it takes to become the Austenite heroine of her own story.

In this lyrical coming-of-age novel, a lonely college freshman finds her footing via a literary mystery marked by rebellion, self-discovery, and the secret society that's spent years piecing it...


A Note From the Publisher

<p>Claire Aimée Gulliver is a writer based in Atlantic Canada. Born in Saskatchewan and raised in Minnesota, she is a graduate of Wellesley College in Massachusetts, where she studied literature, film, and photography. She studied performance art at the Slade School of Fine Art in London and played the violin for over ten years.</p><p>As a little girl, Claire discovered the 1995 film adaptation of <i>Sense and Sensibility</i> and, through it, developed a deep love of Jane Austen. She is passionate about literature, art, research, music, and food, and she is the proud mama of two babies and two ginger cats.</p>

<p>Claire Aimée Gulliver is a writer based in Atlantic Canada. Born in Saskatchewan and raised in Minnesota, she is a graduate of Wellesley College in Massachusetts, where she studied...


Advance Praise

<p>“Gulliver’s debut is a breathless, heartfelt romp—a scavenger hunt across Boston in search of a missing Austen manuscript that, if found, would change literary history forever. Add a (possibly) haunted house, a secret sisterhood, a tender love story, and a generous helping of literary easter eggs…Austen lovers, rejoice! This one’s for you.” <b>—Elizabeth DeLozier, author of <i>The Whitechapel Full Moon Society</i></b></p><p>“Claire Aimée Gulliver’s literary debut, <i>An Austen in Boston</i>, is a feminist, light academia adventure about a lost Jane Austen manuscript and the centuries of women who have guarded its secrets. Readers will wish they could get an invitation, just like Birdie, to the Pemberley Society for Accomplished Women, and raise their cups of tea to Austen. It’s a celebration of one of literature’s most remarkable women.” <b>—Jackie McMahon, author of <i>The Cloak and Dagger Club</i></b></p><p>“Secret societies, hidden clues, and Jane Austen—this is a book lover’s dream bundled up into one incredible novel. <i>An Austen in Boston</i> is a love letter to the way books offer not only comfort and self-discovery, but also empowerment. This is a beautifully written bookish mystery that is perfect for readers who love books about books!” <b>—Madeline Martin, <i>New York Times</i> bestselling author of <i>A Time of Witches</i></b></p><p>“Lovers of Jane Austen and mysteries alike will delight in this fun, twisty tale of lost manuscripts, secret societies, and the power of literature.” <b>—Kyleigh Leddy, author of <i>Worse Than Strangers</i></b></p><p>“A charmingly offbeat mystery featuring a whip-smart heroine and a clandestine society that is perhaps the most exclusive book club of all time. This book is sure to mesmerize those of us who adore a delicious slow-burn romance, anything Jane Austen, or just a good old-fashioned plot twist.” <b>—Madeline Bell, author of <i>The Austen Affair</i></b></p><p>“In her first year of college, Birdie de Witt never expected to share a ghostly Victorian manor with a handsome musician or join a secret sisterhood while searching for a priceless, mysterious manuscript. Jane Austen fans will absolutely love cracking the clever easter eggs of clues and references in this fascinating, original gothic rom-com. The Pemberley Society for Accomplished Women is a club that will have every Austenite knocking down its door to try and become a member. I adored every minute of this utterly delightful, pitch-perfect tribute to Austen.” <b>—Audrey Bellezza, coauthor of the For the Love of Austen series</b></p><p>“An old Victorian mansion. A secret society. A literary puzzle. A legacy that must come to light. At the center of it all is a fierce heroine determined to uncover her destiny, fall in love, and solve a murder. Set in Boston, this coming-of-age story will keep you flying through the pages, cheering on, and laughing out loud along the way. Unputdownable debut.” <b>—Marina Scott, author of <i>The Night Guests</i></b></p><p>“Claire Aimée Gulliver’s <i>An Austen in Boston</i> is bone-meltingly brilliant. To appreciate this description, the pleasure of reading this part mystery, part love story, and completely whole homage to Jane Austen awaits. Gulliver introduces Birdie—Bernadette—a thoroughly modern Janeite whom we follow with gleeful suspense on a quest rooted in the past. I heartily echo Austen: <i>But for my own part, if a book is well written, I always find it too short.</i>”

<b>—Katherine Hall Page, Mystery Writers of America Grand Master 2024</b></p><p>“Austen aficionados pay heed: <i>An Austen in Boston</i> skillfully blends the deepest appreciation of the great author’s life and work with a captivating contemporary mystery. Erudite, engaging, and enchanting, the book is a must-read for fans of secret societies and classical literature.”

<b>—Lindz McLeod, bestselling author of the Austentatious series</b></p>

<p>“Gulliver’s debut is a breathless, heartfelt romp—a scavenger hunt across Boston in search of a missing Austen manuscript that, if found, would change literary history forever. Add a...


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EDITION Hardcover
ISBN 9781662548758
PRICE $28.99 (USD)

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