The Secret Life of Mary Bennet series is a trilogy by Katherine Cowley featuring Mary Bennet of Pride and Prejudice acting as a spy for the British government, published by Tule Publishing.
Book 1: The Secret Life of Miss Mary Bennet
Winner of the Praiseworthy Award for Best Suspense/Mystery Novel
Nominated for the Mary Higgins Clark Award
Finalist for the Whitney Awards for Best Mystery/Suspense Novel and Best Debut Novel
In Jane Austen’s revered Pride and Prejudice, Mary, the middle sister, is often passed over. Until now…
Upon the death of her father, Mary Bennet’s life is thrown into turmoil. With no fortune or marriage prospects, Mary must rely on the kindness of her relatives. When a mysterious late-night visit by an unknown relative—a Lady Trafford from Castle Durrington—leads to an extended stay and the chance for an education, Mary gratefully accepts the opportunity.
But even as she arrives at the castle, she’s faced with one mystery after another. Who is Lady Trafford really and what is she hiding? Do her secrets and manipulations place the small seaside community at risk of an invasion by Napoleon Bonaparte? Always curious, Mary sets out to discover the truth. But when she discovers the dead body of a would-be thief she outed prior to her father’s funeral, Mary jeopardizes her position at the castle and her family’s good name in her quest for the truth.
Never underestimate the observation skills of a woman who hides in the background.
Book 2: The True Confessions of a London Spy
No one said being a spy for the British government would be easy.
When Miss Mary Bennet is assigned to London for the Season, extravagant balls and eligible men are the least of her worries. A government messenger has been murdered and suspicion falls on the Radicals, who may be destabilizing the government in order to compel England down the bloody path of the French Revolution.
Working with her fellow spies, Mr. William Stanley and Miss Fanny Cramer, Mary must investigate without raising the suspicions of her family, rescue her friend Miss Georgiana Darcy from a suitor scandal, and solve the mystery before anyone else is harmed—all without being discovered, lest she be exiled back to the countryside.
This is the perfect job for a woman who exists in the background. Can Mary prove herself, or will this assignment be her last?
Book 3: The Lady’s Guide to Death and Deception
What is a spy willing to do when both her heart and her country are at risk?
Life changes once again for British spy Miss Mary Bennet when Napoleon Bonaparte escapes from the Isle of Elba. Mary quickly departs England for Brussels, the city where the Allied forces prepare for war against the French. But shortly after her arrival, one of the Duke of Wellington’s best officers is murdered, an event which threatens to break the delicate alliance between the Allies.
Investigating the murder forces Mary into precarious levels of espionage, role-playing, and deception with her new partner, Mr. Withrow—the nephew and heir of her prominent sponsor, and the spy with whom she’s often at odds. Together, they court danger and discovery as they play dual roles gathering intelligence for the British. But soon Mary realizes that her growing feelings towards Mr. Withrow put her heart in as much danger as her life. And then there’s another murder.
Mary will need to unmask the murderer before more people are killed, but can she do so and remain hidden in the background?
Bonus Information on the Series
Book 1 Tidbits:
- Letterlocking
- The inspiration for the series
- Castle Durrington and the real Castle Goring
- The many interpretations of Mary Bennet
- The Scarlet Pimpernel and Mary Bennet
- Book Review and Author Q&A
Book 2 Tidbits:
- Newspapers in the Mary Bennet Series
- The Stock Exchange Scandal
- Author Q&A about the book
- Revising the book for tone
- Epic snowfalls in 1814
Book 3 Tidbits:
- Coming soon!