Introduction
In today's "Author Spotlight", I'm excited to introduce you to Julia L. Miller, an author who's putting a delightfully mischievous spin on classic literature. Her debut book, Crime and Prejudice, reimagines Jane Austen's beloved Pride and Prejudice with a wickedly fun twist: all the characters are involved in some form of criminal activity! From petty theft to daring heists, Julia's stories offer a fresh and humorous perspective on the world of Regency England.
From Academia to Austen: Julia L. Miller's Journey
Julia L. Miller's path to becoming a published author is a testament to her lifelong love of language. Her academic journey took her from studying Modern and Mediaeval Languages at Cambridge University, to teaching English in Portugal, and finally to a career as a lecturer in academic writing in Australia, where she also earned an MA and a PhD. She even created the free English for Uni website, known for its humorous videos featuring the fictional grammar detective, Ms. Parrot—a clear indication of her playful approach to language. This playful approach isn't new. She's been writing since she was a child, and had a poem about potatoes published in the Blackpool Gazette at the age of ten! All these experiences have fueled her passion and unique voice.
Crime and Prejudice: A playful peek behind the scenes of Jane Austen's world:
What if the seemingly respectable characters of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice were, in fact, leading double lives filled with criminal activity? That's the wickedly fun premise behind Julia L. Miller's debut book, Crime and Prejudice: A playful peek behind the scenes of Jane Austen's world. This collection of twelve interconnected stories reimagines Austen's world with a generous dose of humour, intrigue, and a surprising amount of lawlessness.
As the blurb playfully suggests, readers will discover a Regency England where arson, highway robbery, petty crime, and even murder are interwoven with the familiar social rituals of balls, betrothals, and afternoon tea. You'll learn the real reason behind Mr. Bennet's unexpected interest in pug ownership (and poison!), witness Elizabeth Darcy stirring up trouble in Cambridge, and discover the secrets behind Caroline Bingley's forbidden desires. And, of course, the mystery of Mr. Darcy's infamous wet shirt is finally revealed – with a criminal twist.
Bonus Treats: Free Crime and Prejudice Short Stories
For readers who can't get enough of Julia L. Miller's criminal take on Austen, she offers three free bonus stories available for download on her website:
- Georgiana Darcy: Pistols at Dawn
- Mr Bingley: In Good Spirits
- Finders Keepers: A Ms Maple Mystery
These additional stories provide even more glimpses into the mischievous and surprisingly illegal lives of Austen's beloved characters.
What Readers Are Saying About Crime and Prejudice:
Julia L. Miller's unique blend of Austen homage and criminal comedy has resonated with readers. Here's what they're saying:
- "This book was absolutely hilarious, and if you are a fan of Jane Austen's characters, this is definitely something you should read. The book reads like a series of confession letters, and Miller did an excellent job of sticking to the already established personalities and tendencies of Austen's characters. The scandal and ignorance of some of the characters truly had me laughing out loud, and by the end of the book I still wanted more. I was able to read a copy of this book through NetGalley, and I hope other readers find it as enjoyable and hilarious as I did." - Amanda, 5 Stars, Goodreads
- "It's a very easy read that deepened my forgotten appreciation for Jane Austen. It gave me a whole new twist on the story I read in my teens and had long left on a shelf collecting dust. Seeing characters that are familiar but in different situations was really something special. I look forward to seeing what Julia writes next and if she will possibly make this into a series of reimagined/behind the scenes classics. I know this book is obviously going to draw in Austen fans, but I believe this book would be great for fans of many other genres. If you are a fan of history, crime or culture this book would also be great for you!" - Samantha Cosgrove, 5 Stars, Goodreads
- "If you’re a Jane Austen fan, this book is an absolute treat! Presented as a series of confession letters, it perfectly captures the wit, charm, and eccentricities of Austen’s characters. The humor is both clever and uproarious, with the characters’ scandals and misunderstandings making for plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. Miller does an excellent job of staying true to Austen’s world while adding a fresh, comedic twist. I found myself hooked from start to finish, and by the end, I was hoping for more. A delightful read that will leave you smiling!" - hus, 4 Stars, Goodreads
- "It's beautifully done and extremely well-researched. Miller captures the Austen style immaculately and populates her stories with all kinds of sly references and subtle jokes. The effect is truly comic without in any way undermining or coarsening Austen - Miller is, after all, a self-confessed Austen fan. Excellent stuff that deserves a wide readership." - Reader, 5 Stars, Goodreads
A Call to Connection
I encourage you to step into the mischievously reimagined world of Jane Austen created by Julia L. Miller. You can connect with her on her website and on Facebook.
You can purchase her book through the Amazon affiliate link below:
- Crime and Prejudice: A playful peek behind the scenes of Jane Austen's world
This book is also free to read with a Kindle Unlimited subscription!
Don't forget to download the three free bonus stories from her website.
Crime and Prejudice is also available as an audiobook, beautifully narrated by Melanie Crawley.
Conclusion
Julia L. Miller's Crime and Prejudice: A playful peek behind the scenes of Jane Austen's world offers a delightful and refreshing take on a beloved classic. Her clever plotting, humorous writing, and obvious affection for Austen's characters make this collection a must-read for both die-hard Janeites and anyone who enjoys a good laugh and a bit of criminal mischief. From Cambridge to Australia, and now to the world of Regency-era rogues, Julia L. Miller is an author to watch, and I highly recommend diving into her wickedly entertaining stories.
Thanks for reading!
*This post contains affiliate links. For more information about my affiliate relationships, please see my Affiliate Disclosure.